bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of radiative shocks using 2D interferometry and XUV spectroscopy
Authors: Singh R. L. , Stehlé C. , Kozlova M. , Cotelo M. , Dostal J. , Dudzák R. , Rodriguez R. , Velarde P. , Barroso P. , Suzuki-Vidal F. , Pisarczyk T.
Published: March 2024

We report new experimental results on radiative shocks obtained in Xenon and Argon in gas cells at two different pressures below 1 bar. These shock waves are generated by the interaction of the PALS iodine laser on a CH–Au foil with a typical velocity in the range of 50–100 km/s depending on the variable laser intensity, pressure, and gas. Attention is paid to the morphology and the dynamics of the radiative precursor over large time scales up to 30 ns, using 2D sub-picosecond visible interferometry, illustrating the complex interplay of hydrodynamic and radiation absorption for different initial conditions. The comparison between 1D and 2D simulations confirms the role played by lateral radiative losses in the ionization wave and the necessity of state-of-the-art integrated opacities. This study is complemented by the first XUV analysis of the shock emission between 5 and 20 nm obtained with a grating spectrometer, with line identification, which is compatible with the ionization stages deduced from interferometry and simulations.
Interfacial polarization-driven relaxation in CuO epitaxial thin films
Authors: Kumar Rishow , Priyadershini Sony , Brajesh Kumar , Gupta Shashikant , Dixit Ambesh , Garg Ashish
Published: March 2024

In this manuscript, we examine the electrical behavior of pulse laser deposition grown epitaxial (111) oriented CuO thin films using impedance spectroscopy to understand the microscopic origin of their relaxor-like characteristics. Temperature (T) dependent variation of the real part of dielectric permittivity (ε′) shows a relaxor ferroelectric-like anomaly with Vogel–Fulcher relation fitting well with the observed dielectric behavior, and thus, pointing toward a relaxor ferroelectric nature of the CuO thin film. However, the loss tangent and frequency-dependent dielectric spectroscopy measurements suggest the need to further explore the different mechanisms to understand the origin of observed relaxor behavior. Deconvolution of the impedance spectra reveals that interfacial contributions dominate in the dielectric response. Moreover, deconvoluted capacitances are temperature-independent within the specified temperature range, thereby excluding the possibility of a ferroelectric transition suggested by ε′ vs T data. The DC bias measurement of dielectric permittivity and I–V measurements reveal the MW (Maxwell–Wagner) nature of the observed dielectric anomaly. The measurements also suggest interface-limited Schottky conduction as the predominant conduction mechanism in the CuO thin films. This work demonstrates that the apparent relaxor behavior observed in the CuO thin film is related to extrinsic, i.e., interfacial polarization effect, instead of the intrinsic ferroelectric nature of the material.
Optimization design of configurable standard-type coils based on singular value decomposition for transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Wei Lianyong , Zou Jun
Published: March 2024

Objective: This study aims to introduce a configurable standard-type (CST) coil design methodology that can accommodate different stimulation needs through the overlapping of standard coil components, while ensuring the performance of CST coil approaches the existing optimal physical limit as closely as possible. Approach: The study utilizes planar, spherical, and hemispherical stream function to represent the spatial geometry of the coils. Singular value decomposition is employed to design the standard coil components while minimizing the number of coil components. Initially, this study delineates the relationship between singular vectors and coil geometry, defining a multi-objective optimization problem for the research. By contrasting the decay characteristics of singular values in the inductance and electric field matrices of the stream functions, the singular vectors of the electric field matrix are utilized as the foundation for CST coil optimization. Subsequently, the relationships between the number of singular vectors and the coil’s Pareto fronts are determined through the optimization algorithms, and the geometric patterns of the singular vectors, i.e., the standard coil components, are analyzed. Main results: By constructing the CST coil components using seven singular vectors and comparing with the Pareto front of the performance of over 50 existing coil types, the stimulation depth range of the CST coil based on the planar stream function decreased by only 7.7%; the focality performance of the CST coil based on the spherical stream function improved by 22.4%; the focality performance of the CST coil based on the hemispherical stream function decreased by only 1.6%. Significance: The construction of CST coils with a minimal number of components is explored to approximate the performance at any discrete point on the physical limit curve. This approach overcomes the limitation of one coil associating with one performance point in traditional designs, presenting a novel perspective on coil design.
Temperature anomalies undermine the health of reproductive-age women in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Gray Clark , Thiede Brian C.
Published: March 2024

Climate change is expected to undermine population health and well-being in low- and middle-income countries, but relatively few analyses have directly examined these effects using individual-level data at global scales, particularly for reproductive-age women. To address this lacuna, we harmonize nationally representative data from the Demographic and Health Surveys on reproductive health, body mass index (BMI), and temporary migration from 2.5 million adult women (ages 15 to 49) in approximately 109,000 sites across 59 low- and middle-income countries, which we link to high-resolution climate data. We use this linked dataset to estimate fixed-effect logistic regression models of demographic and health outcomes as a function of climate exposures, woman-level and site-level characteristics, seasonality, and regional time trends, allowing us to plausibly isolate climate effects from other influences on health and migration. Specifically, we measure the effects of recent exposures to temperature and precipitation anomalies on the likelihood of having a live birth in the past year, desire for another child, use of modern contraception, underweight (BMI < 18.5), and temporary migration, and subsequently allow for nonlinearity as well as heterogeneity across education, rural/urban residence, and baseline climate. This analysis reveals that exposures to high temperatures increase live births, reduce desire for another child, increase underweight, and increase temporary migration, particularly in rural areas. The findings represent clear evidence that anthropogenic temperature increases contribute to temporary migration and are a significant threat to women’s health and reproductive autonomy in low- and middle-income countries.
Ambient sound stimulation tunes axonal conduction velocity by regulating radial growth of myelin on an individual, axon-by-axon basis
Authors: Stancu Mihai , Wohlfrom Hilde , Heß Martin , Grothe Benedikt , Leibold Christian , Kopp-Scheinpflug Conny
Published: March 2024

Adaptive myelination is the emerging concept of tuning axonal conduction velocity to the activity within specific neural circuits over time. Sound processing circuits exhibit structural and functional specifications to process signals with microsecond precision: a time scale that is amenable to adjustment in length and thickness of myelin. Increasing activity of auditory axons by introducing sound-evoked responses during postnatal development enhances myelin thickness, while sensory deprivation prevents such radial growth during development. When deprivation occurs during adulthood, myelin thickness was reduced. However, it is unclear whether sensory stimulation adjusts myelination in a global fashion (whole fiber bundles) or whether such adaptation occurs at the level of individual fibers. Using temporary monaural deprivation in mice provided an internal control for a) differentially tracing structural changes in active and deprived fibers and b) for monitoring neural activity in response to acoustic stimulation of the control and the deprived ear within the same animal. The data show that sound-evoked activity increased the number of myelin layers around individual active axons, even when located in mixed bundles of active and deprived fibers. Thicker myelination correlated with faster axonal conduction velocity and caused shorter auditory brainstem response wave VI-I delays, providing a physiologically relevant readout. The lack of global compensation emphasizes the importance of balanced sensory experience in both ears throughout the lifespan of an individual.
Cancer-on-a-chip model shows that the adenomatous polyposis coli mutation impairs T cell engagement and killing of cancer spheroids
Authors: Bonnet Valentin , Maikranz Erik , Madec Marianne , Vertti-Quintero Nadia , Cuche Céline , Mastrogiovanni Marta , Alcover Andrés , Di Bartolo Vincenzo , Baroud Charles N.
Published: March 2024

Evaluating the ability of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to eliminate tumor cells is crucial, for instance, to predict the efficiency of cell therapy in personalized medicine. However, the destruction of a tumor by CTLs involves CTL migration in the extra-tumoral environment, accumulation on the tumor, antigen recognition, and cooperation in killing the cancer cells. Therefore, identifying the limiting steps in this complex process requires spatio-temporal measurements of different cellular events over long periods. Here, we use a cancer-on-a-chip platform to evaluate the impact of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mutation on CTL migration and cytotoxicity against 3D tumor spheroids. The APC mutated CTLs are found to have a reduced ability to destroy tumor spheroids compared with control cells, even though APC mutants migrate in the extra-tumoral space and accumulate on the spheroids as efficiently as control cells. Once in contact with the tumor however, mutated CTLs display reduced engagement with the cancer cells, as measured by a metric that distinguishes different modes of CTL migration. Realigning the CTL trajectories around localized killing cascades reveals that all CTLs transition to high engagement in the 2 h preceding the cascades, which confirms that the low engagement is the cause of reduced cytotoxicity. Beyond the study of APC mutations, this platform offers a robust way to compare cytotoxic cell efficiency of even closely related cell types, by relying on a multiscale cytometry approach to disentangle complex interactions and to identify the steps that limit the tumor destruction.
DNA corona on nanoparticles leads to an enhanced immunostimulatory effect with implications for autoimmune diseases
Authors: Anees Faisal , Montoya Diego A. , Pisetsky David S. , Payne Christine K.
Published: March 2024

Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases are highly complex, limiting treatment and the development of new therapies. Recent work has shown that cell-free DNA bound to biological microparticles is linked to systemic lupus erythematosus, a prototypic autoimmune disease. However, the heterogeneity and technical challenges associated with the study of biological particles have hindered a mechanistic understanding of their role. Our goal was to develop a well-controlled DNA–particle model system to understand how DNA–particle complexes affect cells. We first characterized the adsorption of DNA on the surface of polystyrene nanoparticles (200 nm and 2 µm) using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and colorimetric DNA concentration assays. We found that DNA adsorbed on the surface of nanoparticles was resistant to degradation by DNase 1. Macrophage cells incubated with the DNA–nanoparticle complexes had increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). We probed two intracellular DNA sensing pathways, toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) and cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING), to determine how cells sense the DNA–nanoparticle complexes. We found that the cGAS-STING pathway is the primary route for the interaction between DNA–nanoparticles and macrophages. These studies provide a molecular and cellular-level understanding of DNA–nanoparticle–macrophage interactions. In addition, this work provides the mechanistic information necessary for future in vivo experiments to elucidate the role of DNA–particle interactions in autoimmune diseases, providing a unique experimental framework to develop novel therapeutic approaches.
A torsion balance as a weak-force testbed for novel optical inertial sensors
Authors: Bergmann Gerald , Cordes Carolin , Gentemann Christoph , Händchen Vitus , Qinglan Wang , Yan Hao , Danzmann Karsten , Heinzel Gerhard , Mehmet Moritz
Published: March 2024

Torsion balances (TBs) are versatile instruments known for their ability to measure tiny forces and accelerations with high precision. We are currently commissioning a new TB facility to support the development and testing of novel optical inertial sensor units for future gravity-related space missions. Here, we report on the status of our apparatus and present first sensitivity curves that demonstrate acceleration and torque sensitivities of

5
⋅

10

−
11

m

s

−
2

and

1
⋅

10

−
12

N
m

H
z

−
1

at frequencies around

4

m
H
z

, respectively. Capacitive sensors and optical levers measure the dynamics of the system with a displacement sensitivity of down to

9
⋅

10

−
10

m

H
z

−
1

for the former and

2
⋅

10

−
11

m

H
z

−
1

for the latter. Combining the readout of the suspended inertial member (IM) with environmental sensor signals, the system is characterized, and limiting noise sources are identified. We find that, in particular, the coupling of ambient seismic motion is limiting over a broad frequency range and show that due to its high susceptibility to ground motion, our TB is also a promising platform for exploring ground motion sensing in multiple degrees of freedom. Future upgrades will focus on mitigating seismic noise by controlling the torsion fiber suspension point using piezoelectric actuators and the integration of precision interferometric readout of the IM. These improvements will further increase the sensitivity towards the thermal noise limit which constrains the performance to

1
⋅

10

−
13

m

s

−
2

H
z

−
1

at

4

m
H
z

.
Gravitational wave oscillations in bimetric cosmology
Authors: Brizuela David , de Cesare Marco , Soler Oficial Araceli
Published: March 2024

Unlike general relativity, in bimetric gravity linear gravitational waves do not evolve as
free fields. In this theory there are two types of tensor perturbations, whose interactions are
inherited from non-trivial couplings between two dynamical metric tensor fields in the
Hassan-Rosen action, and are responsible for the phenomenon of bigravity oscillations. In
this work, we analyze the dynamics of cosmological tensor modes in bimetric gravity on sub-horizon
scales and close to the general relativity limit. In this limit, the system has a
characteristic length scale L that is strictly contained within the comoving Hubble radius.
Thus, depending on the magnitude of the comoving wavelength λ relative to L, we identify
two regimes of interest where the system can be studied analytically: (i) deep sub-horizon modes
with λ ≪ L, whose dynamics can be studied using multiple scale analysis and are
characterized by small and slowly evolving super-imposed perturbations; (ii) sub-horizon modes
with λ ≫ L, where the dynamics is characterized by fast super-imposed oscillations that
can be studied using asymptotic techniques for highly oscillatory problems. Furthermore, our
analysis represents a substantial improvement compared to previous analyses based on a
generalization of the WKB method, which, as we show, is ill-suited to study the system at hand.
Inflation, superheavy metastable strings and gravitational waves in non-supersymmetric flipped SU(5)
Authors: Lazarides George , Maji Rinku , Moursy Ahmad , Shafi Qaisar
Published: March 2024

Motivated by the NANOGrav 15 year data and other recent investigations of stochastic gravitational background radiation based on pulsar timing arrays, we show how superheavy strings survive inflation but the slightly heavier monopoles do not in a non-supersymmetric hybrid inflation model based on flipped SU(5). With the dimensionless string tension parameter Gμ ∼ 10-6, the gravitational wave spectrum emitted by the strings, which are metastable due to breaking caused by monopole-antimonopole quantum mechanical tunneling, is compatible with the latest NANOGrav measurement as well as the advanced LIGO-VIRGO third run data. The string network undergoes about 30 e-foldings of inflation which suppresses the spectrum in the LIGO-VIRGO frequency range.
With the symmetry breaking chain SU(5)×U(1)
X
→ SU(3)
c
×SU(2)
L
×U(1)
Z
×U(1)
X
→ SU(3)
c
×SU(2)
L
×U(1)
Y
, the estimated proton lifetime is of order 1036-1037 yrs.
Four Late-type Galaxies with Double Radio Lobes and Properties of Such Galaxies
Authors: Yuan Z. S. , Gao X. Y. , Wen Z. L. , Han J. L.
Published: March 2024

The triggering mechanism for radio lobes from late-type galaxies is not fully understood. More samples are desired for a thorough investigation and statistics. By utilizing the optical data from the newly released Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument imaging surveys and the radio sources from the NRAO VLA Sky Survey and the Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty-centimeter, we identify four Late-type Galaxies with double Radio Lobes (LaGRLs): J0217−3645, J0947+6220, J1412+3723 and J1736+5108. Including previously known LaGRLs, we confirm the correlation between radio power P
1.4 GHz and stellar mass M
* of host galaxies. Most (25/35) LaGRLs belong to the blue cloud galaxies, while the newly identified cases in this work are located within the region of the red sequence. We find a clear correlation between the differential radio power, i.e., the offset from the P
1.4 GHz − M
* relation, and the galaxy color, indicating that bluer galaxies at a fixed M
* tend to host more powerful radio lobes. Furthermore, the majority (31/36) of LaGRLs are either located in a galaxy group or displaying a disturbed morphology. We suggest that all of the galaxy mass, color and surrounding environment could play important roles in triggering radio lobes in late-type galaxies.
Reliability run and data analysis of the accelerated aging of present and future electrolytic capacitors installed in the protection systems of superconducting magnets of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN
Authors: Guasch-Martínez J. , Carrillo D. , de Nicolás E. , Bjorkhaug E. , Nowak E. , Pojer M. , Rodríguez-Mateos F.
Published: March 2024

This study evaluates the lifetime and aging process of the aluminium electrolytic
capacitors to be used in the new protection systems of the High Luminosity LHC superconducting
magnets. The accelerated testing and analysis of several groups of capacitors aged for more than
one year provided insights into their expected lifespan and aging process. The results obtained
have practical implications for maintenance and replacement schedules, as well as for selection
and acceptance of capacitors for new Heater Discharge Power Supplies (HDS) equipment. The
knowledge gained from this study ensures the safety and reliability of the LHC and its electronic
components.
Test and characterization of SiPMs for the upgrade of MEGII high resolution Timing Counter
Authors: Rossella M. , Cattaneo P.W. , de Bari A. , Boca G. , Prata M.C. , de Vecchi C. , Boffelli F. , Nardò R. , Barnabà O.
Published: March 2024

The MEG II experiment based at PSI (Zuerich, Switzerland) has been committed and is taking data since 2021 to improve sensitivity on the decay μ+ → e+
γ. The pixelated Timing Counter (pTC), consisting of two arrays of 512 5 mm thick scintillator pixel each, read out by 6 3×3 mm2, 50 μm cell, Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) from AdvanSiD, for a total of 6144 SiPM, achieves an overall resolution in the positron impact time of ∼43 ps when exploiting multiple measurements. To additionally improve this resolution, 4×4 mm2, 40 μm cell SiPMs have been selected to substitute a fraction of the old ones (about 1000 of them overall). By means of an automated test system, a first group of them has been characterized (measuring their breakdown voltage and their I-V curves), to match as much as possible SiPMs with the same gains in each pixel, in order to maximize the pixel time resolution. Such automated test system will be presented, together with some preliminary results on single pixel time resolution and the expectations of the average time resolution of the pTC in the coming years.
Design validation of the CMS Phase-2 Triple-GEM detectors
Authors: Simone F.M. , Pellecchia A. , Verwilligen P. ,   the CMS Muon group
Published: March 2024

The High-Luminosity LHC will deliver
proton-proton collisions at 5.0–7.5 times the nominal LHC luminosity, with an
expected number of 140–200 pp-interactions per bunch crossing. To maintain the performance of muon triggering and reconstruction under
high background, the forward part of the Muon spectrometer of the CMS
experiment will be upgraded with Gas Electron Multipliers (GEM) and improved
Resistive Plate Chambers detectors. Particularly challenging is
the extension of the pseudorapidity of the muon system up to |η| < 2.8
with a 6-layer station, named ME0, that will be installed behind the new
high granularity calorimeter and that will see particle rates up to
150 kHz/cm2 and integrate a dose of 250 krad by the end of the High Luminosity phase of the LHC.
In this contribution we will present the major design changes of the Triple-GEM
detectors to adapt them for the harsh radiation environment and the high
particle rate. We shall summarize the performance of prototype Triple-GEM
detectors measured with X-rays and gamma at the
CERN GIF++ irradiation facility.
Compact silicon photonic Mach-Zehnder modulators for high-energy physics
Authors: Cammarata S. , Palla F. , Saponara S. , Di Pasquale F. , Velha P. , Faralli S.
Published: March 2024

The characterization of compact non-traveling-wave Mach-Zehnder modulators for optical readout in high-energy physics experiments is reported to provide power-efficient alternatives to conventional traveling-wave devices and a more resilient operation compared to ring modulators. Electro-optical small-signal and large-signal measurements showcase the performances of custom NTW-MZMs designed and fabricated in iSiPP50G IMEC's technology in the framework of INFN's FALAPHEL project. Bit-error-rate results demonstrate their potential suitability for optical links up to 25 Gb/s when equipped with either conventional deep-etched or radiation-hardened shallow-etched free-carrier-based phase shifters.
Suppression of multipacting growth in a superconducting spoke resonator by the use of higher order modes
Authors: Ghosh Alok Kumar , Sista Vyaghri LS Rao
Published: March 2024

Multipacting is a vacuum discharge phenomenon that
constrains the performance of accelerator structures and various
microwave devices significantly. The different ways to mitigate
multipacting discharge have been a central research goal in
Accelerator Physics & Technologies for a prolonged period. In this
work, both Monte-Carlo and particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations show
that the multipactor avalanche can be mitigated, by the use of
Higher Order Modes (HOMs). The intuition behind the approach of
using HOMs to suppress multipacting has been explained first. Then,
the multipacting suppression has been demonstrated in a simple 1-D
metallic gap, when it is exposed to a second carrier frequency in
addition to fundamental rf mode, with the help of a Monte-Carlo
simulation code. Finally, a detailed PIC simulation has been carried
out using CST Microwave studio, to investigate the effect of various
HOMs on the multipactor growth in a superconducting spoke cavity. It
is observed that a slight excitation of some particular modes can
drastically diminish the multipactor growth. Simulation has been
done first without any HOMs, to calculate the growth rate and also
to spot the discharge location. Next, among various HOMs (more
specifically, quadrupole modes), only those have been selected,
whose magnetic field locations coincide with the multipacting prone
zone of the cavity. In a simulation study, the presence of these
preselected quadrupole modes has been found to exhibit a substantial
suppression effect on the multipacting growth of the cavity.
Multiplicity-free Representations of Algebraic Groups
Authors: Liebeck Martin , Seitz Gary , Testerman Donna
Published: March 2024

Let

K
K

be an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero, and let

G
G

be a connected reductive algebraic group over

K
K

. We address the problem of classifying triples

(
G
,
H
,
V
)

(G,H,V)

, where

H
H

is a proper connected subgroup of

G
G

, and

V
V

is a finite-dimensional irreducible

G
G

-module such that the restriction of

V
V

to

H
H

is multiplicity-free – that is, each of its composition factors appears with multiplicity 1. A great deal of classical work, going back to Dynkin, Howe, Kac, Stembridge, Weyl and others, and also more recent work of the authors, can be set in this context. In this paper we determine all such triples in the case where

H
H

and

G
G

are both simple algebraic groups of type

A
A

, and

H
H

is embedded irreducibly in

G
G

. While there are a number of interesting familes of such triples

(
G
,
H
,
V
)

(G,H,V)

, the possibilities for the highest weights of the representations defining the embeddings

H
>
G

H>G

and

G
>
G
L
(
V
)

G>GL(V)

are very restricted. For example, apart from two exceptional cases, both weights can only have support on at most two fundamental weights; and in many of the examples, one or other of the weights corresponds to the alternating or symmetric square of the natural module for either

G
G

or

H
H

.
A Managed Approach to On-Street Sex Working: Messages for Social Work Practice
Authors: Wood Kate
Published: March 2024

Presently, there is limited research examining sex work and social work in the UK; however, the needs of sex workers often intersect with various areas of practice. This article sets out to enhance social work practice by drawing upon empirical findings from an Independent Review of the Managed Approach to On-Street Sex Working (2020) commissioned by the Safer Leeds Partnership. The Review evaluated the implementation of an approach to on-street sex work introduced in 2014, which established the parameters of on-street sex working in the city, including geographical boundaries and hours. Furthermore, it implemented a multi-agency response to managing problems or needs associated with its presence in the community. The Review of the Managed Approach employed a mixed-method approach that included sex workers, residents, businesses and professionals. However, this article will focus on thematically analysed qualitative data from semi-structured interviews conducted with sex workers and specialist agencies and focus groups with professionals working across a range of related fields. It will explore examples of good practice relevant to social work, whilst highlighting broader structural impediments that increase marginalisation for sex workers. In order to do so, it will draw upon the work of Butler (2006, 2009, 2020) to examine the data.
Immigration and The Short- and Long-Term Impact of Improved Prenatal Conditions
Authors: Lavy Victor , Schlosser Analia , Shany Adi
Published: March 2024

This paper investigates the effects of immigration from a developing country to a developed country during pregnancy on offspring outcomes. We focus on intermediate- and long-term outcomes, using quasi-experimental variation created by the immigration of Ethiopian Jews to Israel in May 1991. Individuals conceived before immigration experienced dramatic changes in their environmental conditions at different stages of prenatal development depending on their gestational age at migration. We find that females whose mothers immigrated at an earlier gestational age have better educational outcomes. They also tend to work more as adults. In contrast, we do not find any effect among males.
Determinants of ethnic harassment among first- and second-generation immigrants in Europe
Authors: van Tubergen Frank , Kros Mathijs
Published: March 2024

The topic of this study is the experiences of ethnic harassment (EH) among first- and second-generation immigrants in Europe. EH is defined as unwanted conduct related to racial or ethnic origin that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Previous research has shown that EH has a negative impact on the health, well-being, and integration of immigrants. However, little is known about which immigrants are more likely to experience EH. This study aims to fill this gap. We develop a theoretical framework for understanding EH and use it to generate hypotheses about individual-level characteristics. We test these hypotheses using data from the Second European Union Minorities and Discrimination Survey and analyze the experiences of EH among 12,596 immigrants in 17 European countries. Largely in line with theoretical expectations, results from logistic regression models reveal that immigrants are more likely to experience EH if they are Muslim, wear religious clothing, are from the second generation, are higher educated, are proficient in the host-country language, and perceive themselves to be overqualified for their job and face more economic hardship.
Male song structure predicts offspring recruitment to the breeding population in a migratory bird
Authors: DiSciullo Rachael A , Forsman Anna M , Fitak Robert R , Hunt John , Nietlisbach Pirmin , Thompson Charles F , Sakaluk Scott K
Published: March 2024

Bird song is a classic example of a sexually selected trait, but much of the work relating individual song components to fitness has not accounted for song typically being composed of multiple, often-correlated components, necessitating a multivariate approach. We explored the role of sexual selection in shaping the complex male song of house wrens (Troglodytes aedon) by simultaneously relating its multiple components to fitness using multivariate selection analysis, which is widely used in insect and anuran studies but not in birds. The analysis revealed significant variation in the form and strength of selection acting on song across different selection episodes, from nest-site defense to recruitment of offspring to the breeding population. Males that sang more song typically employed in close communication sired more offspring that were subsequently recruited to the breeding population than those that sang more far-communication song. However, this relationship was not consistent across earlier selection episodes, as evidenced by non-linear selection acting on these song components in other contexts. Collectively, our results present a complex picture of multivariate selection on male song structure that would not be evident using univariate approaches and suggest possible trade-offs within and among song components at different points of the breeding season.
Translating evidence into practice in primary care management of adolescents and women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Cowan Stephanie , Moran Lisa , Garad Rhonda , Sturgiss Elizabeth , Lim Siew , Ee Carolyn
Published: March 2024

Background

The international guideline on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) provides evidence-based recommendations on the management of PCOS. Guideline implementation tools (GItools) were developed for general practitioner (GP) use to aid rapid translation of guidelines into practice. This mixed-methods study aimed to evaluate barriers and enablers of the uptake of PCOS GItools in general practice.

Design and setting

A cross-sectional survey was distributed through professional networks and social media to GPs and GPs in training in Australia. Survey respondents were invited to contribute to semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative data were thematically analysed and mapped deductively to the Theoretical Domains Framework and Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour model.

Results

The study engaged 146 GPs through surveys, supplemented by interviews with 14 participants. A key enabler to capability was reflective practice. Barriers relating to opportunity included limited awareness and difficulty locating and using GItools due to length and lack of integration into practice software, while enablers included ensuring recommendations were relevant to GP scope of practice. Enablers relevant to motivation included co-use with patients, and evidence of improved outcomes with the use of GItools.

Discussion

This study highlights inherent barriers within the Australian healthcare system that hinder GPs from integrating evidence for PCOS. Findings will underpin behaviour change interventions to assist GPs in effectively utilising guidelines in clinical practice, therefore minimising variations in care. While our findings will have a direct influence on guideline translation initiatives, changes at organisational and policy levels are also needed to address identified barriers.
Tree belowground biomass in Congo Basin forests: allometric equations and scaling with aboveground biomass
Authors: Kossi Ditsouga Alain Franck , Moundounga Mavouroulou Quentin , Moundounga Cynel Gwenael , Fayolle Adeline , Picard Nicolas , Sato Akinobu , Ngomanda Alfred
Published: March 2024

Many allometric models to predict tree aboveground biomass have been developed in tropical moist forests, but few models are available for tree belowground biomass. Theory predicts that belowground biomass scales in an isometric way with aboveground biomass. Estimates of belowground biomass could then be derived from aboveground biomass using the root:shoot ratio. Using a dataset of 118 tropical trees for which both aboveground and belowground biomass and other tree and species characteristics were measured in Gabon and Cameroon, we found a near isometric, yet significantly allometric, relationship between belowground biomass (B, in kilograms) and aboveground biomass (A, in kilograms): B = 0.324 A0.939. The root:shoot ratio was 0.20–0.22, regardless of tree size. An efficient model to predict belowground biomass from tree diameter (D, in centimeters), height (H, in meters) and wood density (ρ, in grams per cubic centimeter) was B = 0.0188 (ρD2H)0.977. A significant residual effect of species and leaf habit was found in this model, indicating that further tree and species characteristics are likely to explain additional variation in belowground biomass. Yet, the future development of belowground allometric models can benefit from the many models already developed for aboveground biomass. On the basis of this unprecedented sampling effort on tree belowground biomass in the dense tropical forests of the Congo Basin, we conclude that the scaling of belowground biomass with aboveground biomass should be the relationship to focus on.
The significant role of glycosaminoglycans in tooth development
Authors: Inubushi Toshihiro , Nag Priyanka , Sasaki Jun-Ichi , Shiraishi Yuki , Yamashiro Takashi
Published: March 2024

This review delves into the roles of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), integral components of proteoglycans, in tooth development. Proteoglycans consist of a core protein linked to GAG chains, comprised of repeating disaccharide units. GAGs are classified into several types, such as hyaluronic acid, heparan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, and keratan sulfate. Functioning as critical macromolecular components within the dental basement membrane, these GAGs facilitate cell adhesion and aggregation, and play key roles in regulating cell proliferation and differentiation, thereby significantly influencing tooth morphogenesis. Notably, our recent research has identified the hyaluronan-degrading enzyme Transmembrane protein 2 (Tmem2) and we have conducted functional analyses using mouse models. These studies have unveiled the essential role of Tmem2-mediated hyaluronan degradation and its involvement in hyaluronan-mediated cell adhesion during tooth formation. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of GAG functions in tooth development, integrating insights from recent research, and discusses future directions in this field.
Heavy is the crown: CEOs’ social interactions and layoff decisions
Authors: Bassanini Andrea , Caroli Eve , Geay Kevin , Reberioux Antoine
Published: March 2024

We develop a theory of non-monetary costs incurred by chief executive officers (CEOs) when deciding about layoffs and test its predictions on French data. Our results support the idea that, being embedded in their social environment, CEOs find it more difficult to fire employees closer to their own workplace. This effect is stronger whenever social interactions are less anonymous in the CEOs’ local environment. It is weaker when CEOs live further away from where they work, because of limited exposure to local discontent.
Media Exposure, Political Predispositions, and Conspiracy Theories: Explaining Chinese Beliefs in COVID Origins
Authors: Ma Deyong , Lu Ming
Published: March 2024

This article examines the underpinning mechanisms of the Chinese public’s belief in two opposing conspiracy theories on the origins of coronavirus disease 2019. Utilizing survey data from 4,251 Chinese internet users, our study reveals both the universality and distinctiveness of mechanisms involved in conspiracy theory beliefs. The distinctiveness primarily emanates from the political system and its media environment, while universality is mainly attributed to the cognitive style of intuitive thinking. In China’s political system, exposure to either domestic or foreign media sources exerts substantial influence on public conspiracy beliefs. Notably, we emphasize the mediating role of political ideologies in domestic media exposure. Exposure to domestic media is more likely to lead conservative individuals to reject the conspiracy asserting COVID-19 originated in a lab in China. Concurrently, nationalism mediates foreign media exposure, reinforcing convictions of U.S.-centered conspiracies. This research shows how media narratives, molded by the political context, generate divergent perspectives on conspiracy theories in China. Furthermore, given the role of intuitive thinking in conspiracy beliefs, our findings highlight the potential for cultivating a more rational society through the promotion of analytical thinking, which requires the public to employ a deliberative and conscious cognitive process when exposed to highly politicized media content.
A Novel Anti-nucleocapsid Antibody Avidity Method for Identifying SARS-CoV-2 Reinfections
Authors: Golding Liam , Watts Allison W , Shew Jacob , Viñeta Paramo Marina , Mâsse Louise C , Goldfarb David M , Abu-Raya Bahaa , Lavoie Pascal M
Published: March 2024

Detecting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reinfections is challenging with current serology assays and is further complicated by the marked decrease in routine viral testing practices as viral transmission increased during Omicron. Here, we provide proof-of-principle that high-avidity anti-nucleocapsid (N) antibodies detects reinfections after a single infection with higher specificity (85%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 80%–90%) compared to anti-N antibody levels (72%; 95% CI, 66%–79%) in a vaccinated cohort. This method could be used to retroactively investigate the epidemiology and incremental long-term health consequences of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections.
An inhibitory immunoreceptor Allergin-1 regulates the intestinal dysbiosis and barrier function in mice
Authors: Lin Yu-Hsien , Tahara-Hanaoka Satoko , Obana Nozomu , Fukuda Shinji , Shibuya Akira
Published: March 2024

The intestinal barrier consists of mucosal, epithelial, and immunological barriers and serves as a dynamic interface between the host and its environment. Disruption of the intestinal barrier integrity is a leading cause of various gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease. The homeostasis of the intestinal barrier is tightly regulated by crosstalk between gut microbes and the immune system; however, the implication of the immune system on the imbalance of gut microbes that disrupts barrier integrity remains to be fully elucidated. An inhibitory immunoglobulin-like receptor, Allergin-1, is expressed on mast cells and dendritic cells and inhibits Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 and TLR-4 signaling in these cells. Since TLRs are major sensors of microbiota and are involved in local epithelial homeostasis, we investigated the role of Allergin-1 in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Allergin-1-deficient (Milr1−/−) mice exhibited more severe dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis than did wild-type (WT) mice. Milr1−/− mice showed an enhanced intestinal permeability compared with WT mice even before DSS administration. Treatment of Milr1−/− mice with neomycin, but not ampicillin, restored intestinal barrier integrity. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis demonstrated that Bifidobacterium pseudolongum was the dominant bacterium in Milr1−/− mice after treatment with ampicillin. Although the transfer of B. pseudolongum to germ-free WT mice had no effect on intestinal permeability, its transfer into ampicillin-treated WT mice enhanced intestinal permeability. These results demonstrated that Allergin-1 deficiency enhanced intestinal dysbiosis with expanded B. pseudolongum, which contributes to intestinal barrier dysfunction in collaboration with neomycin-sensitive and ampicillin-resistant microbiota.
Antibiotic prescribing patterns and carriage of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli and Enterococcus species in healthy individuals from selected communities in Lusaka and Ndola districts, Zambia
Authors: Yamba Kaunda , Mudenda Steward , Mpabalwani Evans , Mainda Geoffrey , Mukuma Mercy , Samutela Mulemba Tillika , Lukwesa Chileshe , Chizimu Joseph , Kaluba Ciluvya Kavimba , Mutalange Matenge , Chilengi Roma , Muma John Bwalya
Published: March 2024

Objectives

This study assessed antibiotic prescribing patterns in primary healthcare facilities and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of commensal Escherichia coli and enterococci isolated from pregnant women and children under 5 years of age.

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Lusaka and Ndola districts of Zambia. Prescription pattern data were obtained from hospital pharmacies. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of E. coli and enterococci were determined by conventional methods, while confirmation of both pathogens and AMR genes were determined by PCR. Data were analysed using WHONET and SPSS version 25.0.

Results

Most prescribed antibiotics at the primary healthcare facilities belonged to the Access group of the WHO Access, Watch and Reserve (AWaRe) classification. All the primary healthcare facilities adhered to the AWaRe framework of ≥60% prescribed antibiotics belonging to the Access group. However, resistance was highest in the Access group of antibiotics. E. coli resistance to ampicillin ranged from 71% to 77% and to co-trimoxazole from 74% to 80%, while enterococcal resistance to tetracycline was 59%–64%. MDR was highest in E. coli (75%) isolates, while XDR was highest in enterococcal isolates (97%). The identified AMR genes in E. coli included blaCTX-M, sul2 and qnrA, while those of enterococci included erm(B), erm(C) and erm(A).

Conclusions

Resistance was highest in the prescribed WHO Access group of antibiotics. These findings highlight the need to use local susceptibility data to formulate country-specific treatment guidelines in line with WHO AWaRe classification and enforce regulations that prohibit easy access to antibiotics.
Effect of continuous or intermittent feeding of ergot contaminated grain in a mash or pelleted form on the performance and health of feedlot beef steers
Authors: Reynolds Matthew R , Stanford Kim , Meléndez Daniela M , Schwartzkopf-Genswein Karen S , McAllister Tim A , Blakley Barry R , McKinnon John J , Ribeiro Gabriel O
Published: March 2024

This study evaluated the effect of feeding ergot contaminated grain continuously or intermittently through backgrounding (BG) and finishing (FN) in a mash or pelleted supplement on the growth performance, health and welfare parameters, and carcass characteristics of feedlot beef steers. Sixty black Angus steers (300 ± 29.4 kg BW) were used in a complete randomized 238-d study. Steers were stratified by weight and randomly assigned to four different diets (15 steers/treatment) and individually housed. Treatments included: (1) control [CON; no added ergot alkaloids (EA)], (2) continuous ergot mash (CEM; fed continuously at 2 mg total EA/kg of DM), (3) intermittent ergot mash (IEM; fed at 2 mg total EA/kg of DM, during the first week of each 21-d period and CON for the remaining 2 wk, this feeding pattern was repeated in each period), and (4) intermittent ergot pellet (IEP; fed at 2 mg of total EA/kg of DM as a pellet during the first week of each 21-d period and CON for the remaining 2 wk as described for IEM). Steers were fed barley based BG diets containing 40% concentrate:60% silage (DM basis) for 84 d (four 21-d periods), transitioned over 28 d (no ergot fed) to an FN diet (90% concentrate:10% silage DM basis) and fed for 126 d (six 21-d periods) before slaughter. In the BG phase, steer DMI (P < 0.01, 7.45 vs. 8.05 kg/d) and ADG (P < 0.01) were reduced for all EA diets compared to CON. The CEM fed steers had lower ADG (P < 0.01, 0.735 vs. 0.980 kg) and shrunk final BW (P < 0.01, 350 vs. 366 kg) than CON. CEM had lower gain:feed (P < 0.07, 0.130 vs. 0.142) than CON. In the FN phase, steer DMI (P < 0.01, 9.95 vs. 11.05 kg/d) and ADG (P = 0.04) were also decreased for all EA fed steers compared to CON. Total shrunk BW gain (P = 0.03, 202.5 vs. 225.2 kg), final BW (P = 0.03, 617.9 vs. 662.2 kg), and carcass weight (P = 0.06) decreased for all EA fed steers compared to CON. The percentage of AAA carcasses decreased for all EA fed steers (P < 0.01, 46.7 vs. 93.3%) compared to CON. EA fed steers had increased rectal temperatures (P < 0.01, 39.8 vs. 39.4 °C) compared to CON. Pelleting ergot contaminated grain did not reduce the impact of ergot alkaloids on any of the measured parameters during BG or FN. Continuously or intermittently feeding ergot contaminated diets (2 mg total EA/kg of DM) significantly reduced intake, growth performance, and carcass weight, with minimal impact on blood parameters in feedlot steers. Pelleting was not an effective method of reducing ergot toxicity.