bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of Body Mass Index with Self‐Rated Health and Weight Perceptions Among Rural Appalachian Adolescent Students
Authors: Kirkpatrick Brittany M. , Porter Kathleen J. , Reid Annie L. , Brock Donna , Markwalter Theresa H. , Zoellner Jamie M.
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Adolescents with overweight or obesity are at greater risk of having physical and psychosocial consequences. With increased disparities and inadequate literature on prevalence of adolescent weight status in rural Appalachia, there is potential for further complications. Unfortunately, adolescent obesity treatment options are often limited, especially in medically underserved regions.

METHODS

This cross‐sectional study of adolescents at eight rural Appalachian schools examined weight status among and associations between body mass index percentile (BMIp) categories and health‐related perceptions and weight‐control intentions. Previously validated instruments were utilized. Analyses included independent samples t‐tests, ANOVA tests, and chi‐squared tests.

RESULTS

Of 814 adolescents (ages 11‐13; 55.0% girls), BMIp revealed 20.8% overweight, 22.7% obese, and 10.6% severely obese. Adolescents with higher BMIp categories reported poorer self‐rated health, inaccurate weight perceptions, and greater weight loss intentions (all p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings, including high prevalence of adolescents with overweight and obesity, emphasize the need for more obesity prevention and treatment options. Schools may be an ideal setting to reach at‐risk adolescents and provide obesity prevention and treatment options, especially in medically underserved regions such as rural Appalachia. Opportunities and challenges to apply findings, including school‐based obesity programs, are discussed.
Chloroplast genome evolution and phylogeny of the early‐diverging charophycean green algae with a focus on the Klebsormidiophyceae and Streptofilum
Authors: Glass Sarah E. , McCourt Richard M. , Gottschalk Stephen D. , Lewis Louise A. , Karol Kenneth G.
Published: August 2023

The Klebsormidiophyceae are a class of green microalgae observed globally in both freshwater and terrestrial habitats. Morphology‐based classification schemes of this class have been shown to be inadequate due to the simple morphology of these algae, the tendency of morphology to vary in culture versus field conditions, and rampant morphological homoplasy. Molecular studies revealing cryptic diversity have renewed interest in this group. We sequenced the complete chloroplast genomes of a broad series of taxa spanning the known taxonomic breadth of this class. We also sequenced the chloroplast genomes of three strains of Streptofilum, a recently discovered green algal lineage with close affinity to the Klebsormidiophyceae. Our results affirm the previously hypothesized polyphyly of the genus Klebsormidium as well as the polyphyly of the nominal species in this genus, K. flaccidum. Furthermore, plastome sequences strongly support the status of Streptofilum as a distinct, early‐diverging lineage of charophytic algae sister to a clade comprising Klebsormidiophyceae plus Phragmoplastophyta. We also uncovered major structural alterations in the chloroplast genomes of species in Klebsormidium that have broad implications regarding the underlying mechanisms of chloroplast genome evolution.
Comparison of turbidometric immunoassay, refractometry, and gamma‐glutamyl transferase to radial immunodiffusion for assessment of transfer of passive immunity in high‐risk beef calves
Authors: Kreuder Amanda J. , Breuer Ryan M. , Wiley Caitlin , Dohlman Tyler , Smith Joseph S. , McKeen Lauren
Published: August 2023

Background

Attainment of adequate transfer of passive immunity (TPI) is critical to health of calves; however, studies comparing available tools for measurement of TPI in individual beef animals are limited.

Objectives

To report agreement between 4 tests evaluating individual TPI status in beef calves.

Animals

One hundred ninety‐six beef calves born to cows and heifers presenting for calving management or dystocia.

Methods

Retrospective study to assess serum immunoglobulin (IgG) concentrations via turbidimetric immunoassay (TI), gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT), serum total protein (TP), and single radial immunodiffusion (RID; reference standard). Test agreement was evaluated using Passing‐Bablok regression, Bland‐Altman analysis, Cohen's kappa, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves with and without covariate adjustment to determine optimal thresholds.

Results

Correlation between RID and test results varied: TI,ρ = 0.757; TP,ρ = 0.715; GGT:ρ = 0.413. For the TI compared to RID, regression analysis identified a constant (intercept = −0.51 [CI: −2.63, 3.05]) and proportional (slope = 1.87 [CI: 1.69, 2.08]) bias. Based on ROC, TI concentrations of ≤9.89 and ≤13.76 g/L, and TP concentrations of ≤5.5 and ≤6.0 g/dL, indicated IgG concentrations <18.0 and <25.0 g/L, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Within this cohort of calves, TI demonstrated the best correlation with RID; however, significant bias was identified which led to frequent underestimation of IgG concentration. Serum total protein demonstrated less correlation with RID but had less misclassification than TI. Both TI and TP demonstrated less correlation for calves that received colostrum replacement prompting clinical awareness of colostrum type when evaluating individual TPI in beef calves.
Dots in the dark: dorsal polychromatism in the endemic Xingu Freshwater Stingray
Authors: Torres Y. , Charvet M. , Faria V. V. , Charvet P.
Published: August 2023

Polychromatism refers to the presence of two or more color patterns within a species. Several species exhibit polychromatic patterns, including some elasmobranchs such as the Xingu Freshwater Stingray (Potamotrygon leopoldi), a threatened, endemic freshwater stingray species that is exploited in the international aquarium trade. Analysis of polychromatic patterns can provide insight into evolutionary mechanisms and be a useful tool for monitoring international trade. In this context, the present study analyzed intraspecific color variation in P. leopoldi. A total of 241 individuals collected in two areas along the Xingu River in Brazil were used for the study. Four dorsal color patterns of P. leopoldi were described. Size differences between color classes were statistically significant, suggesting that these color variations are associated with ontogenetic color changes. In addition, two color morphs specific to each locality were identified and described. Moreover, the occurrence of polychromatic forms in a Potamotrygoninae species may contribute to the understanding of diversification in this group, since some mechanisms of speciation are associated with polychromatism. Analysis of color variation in P. leopoldi is expected to help improve trade monitoring, especially given the existence of look‐alike species.
Rapid turnover and evolution of sex‐determining regions in Sebastes rockfishes
Authors: Sykes Nathan T. B. , Kolora Sree Rohit Raj , Sudmant Peter H. , Owens Gregory L.
Published: August 2023

Nature has evolved a wealth of sex determination (SD) mechanisms, driven by both genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies of SD in fishes have shown that not all taxa fit the classic paradigm of sex chromosome evolution and diverse SD methods can be found even among closely related species. Here, we apply a suite of genomic approaches to investigate sex‐biased genomic variation in eight species of Sebastes rockfish found in the northeast Pacific Ocean. Using recently assembled chromosome‐level rockfish genomes, we leverage published sequence data to identify disparate sex chromosomes and sex‐biased loci in five species. We identify two putative male sex chromosomes in S. diaconus, a single putative sex chromosome in the sibling species S. carnatus and S. chrysomelas, and an unplaced sex determining contig in the sibling species S. miniatus and S. crocotulus. Our study provides evidence for disparate means of sex determination within a recently diverged set of species and sheds light on the diverse origins of sex determination mechanisms present in the animal kingdom.
The Winner Does Not Take All: Lessons from the Israel‐Hamas Conflict
Authors: Hitman Gadi , Itskovich Alona
Published: August 2023

Despite countless studies on victory in armed conflict, scholars disagree about the exact meaning of this term. This article, using primary sources in Hebrew and Arabic, aims to define victory and to discern between types of successful outcomes in war. We analyze three case studies of military collision between Israel and Hamas through a model featuring four levels: tactical, operational, strategic, and systemic. The study shows that in all three clashes (2008, 2012, 2014), the outcomes are difficult to evaluate because the boundaries between the definitions are foggy. It also concludes that neither side has achieved a strategic victory that breaks the status quo that has held since June 2007—though Hamas's leaders have claimed strategic victory due to the group's survival. Israel, without advanced planning, has relied on tactical wins for its strategic policy.
Decadal soil warming decreased vascular plant above and belowground production in a subarctic grassland by inducing nitrogen limitation
Authors: Fang Chao , Verbrigghe Niel , Sigurdsson Bjarni D. , Ostonen Ivika , Leblans Niki I. W. , Marañón‐Jiménez Sara , Fuchslueger Lucia , Sigurðsson Páll , Meeran Kathiravan , Portillo‐Estrada Miguel , Verbruggen Erik , Richter Andreas , Sardans Jordi , Peñuelas Josep , Bahn Michael , Vicca Sara , Janssens Ivan A.
Published: August 2023

Below and aboveground vegetation dynamics are crucial in understanding how climate warming may affect terrestrial ecosystem carbon cycling. In contrast to aboveground biomass, the response of belowground biomass to long‐term warming has been poorly studied.

Here, we characterized the impacts of decadal geothermal warming at two levels (on average +3.3°C and +7.9°C) on below and aboveground plant biomass stocks and production in a subarctic grassland.

Soil warming did not change standing root biomass and even decreased fine root production and reduced aboveground biomass and production. Decadal soil warming also did not significantly alter the root–shoot ratio. The linear stepwise regression model suggested that following 10 yr of soil warming, temperature was no longer the direct driver of these responses, but losses of soil N were. Soil N losses, due to warming‐induced decreases in organic matter and water retention capacity, were identified as key driver of the decreased above and belowground production. The reduction in fine root production was accompanied by thinner roots with increased specific root area.

These results indicate that after a decade of soil warming, plant productivity in the studied subarctic grassland was affected by soil warming mainly by the reduction in soil N.
Impact of estrogens on resting energy expenditure: A systematic review
Authors: Weidlinger Susanna , Winterberger Katja , Pape Janna , Weidlinger Magdalena , Janka Heidrun , von Wolff Michael , Stute Petra
Published: August 2023

The fear of weight gain is one of the main reasons for women not to initiate or to early discontinue hormonal contraception or menopausal hormone therapy. Resting energy expenditure is by far the largest component and the most important determinant of total energy expenditure. Given that low resting energy expenditure is a confirmed predictive factor for weight gain and consecutively for the development of obesity, research into the influence of sex steroids on resting energy expenditure is a particularly exciting area. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of medication with natural and synthetic estrogens on resting energy expenditure in healthy normal weight and overweight women. Through complex systematic literature searches, a total of 10 studies were identified that investigated the effects of medication with estrogens on resting energy expenditure. Our results demonstrate that estrogen administration increases resting energy expenditure by up to +208 kcal per day in the context of contraception and by up to +222 kcal per day in the context of menopausal hormone therapy, suggesting a preventive effect of circulating estrogen levels and estrogen administration on weight gain and obesity development.
Correlates of physical activity and sedentary behavior in adults living with overweight and obesity: A systematic review
Authors: Curran Fiona , Davis Mary E. , Murphy Kaitlyn , Tersigni Natasha , King Adam , Ngo Nina , O'Donoghue Gráinne
Published: August 2023

Overweight and obesity are consistently associated with lower physical activity (PA) levels and greater sedentary behavior (SB) in population studies. To date, no review has evaluated the factors associated with these behaviors in the specific population who have developed obesity/overweight. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the correlates/determinants of SB and PA in adults with overweight and obesity. Five databases were searched for studies, which reported factors or outcomes relating to PA or SB in adults living with overweight/obesity, published from 1980 to 2021. The factors were categorized using a socioecological model, strength, and direction of association. Of 34,058 articles retrieved, 45 studies were included, and 155 factors were identified. Self‐efficacy, intrinsic motivation, exercise enjoyment, self‐perceived good health, and social support were consistently associated with higher levels of PA. Consistent negative correlations were married females, increased BMI, obesity severity, pain, number of comorbidities, lack of time, energy, and willpower, and hilly terrain. Few studies (n = 12) examined SB, and no evidence for consistent associations were found. This review identified several correlates specific to PA in this population. Further studies are required to identify directionality and distal correlates for PA and all correlate levels of SB.
Increases in functional diversity of mountain plant communities is mainly driven by species turnover under climate change
Authors: Schuchardt Max A. , Berauer Bernd J. , Duc Anh Le , Ingrisch Johannes , Niu Yujie , Bahn Michael , Jentsch Anke
Published: August 2023

Warming in mountain regions is projected to be three times faster than the global average. Pronounced climate change will likely lead to species reshuffling in mountain plant communities and consequently change ecosystem resilience and functioning. Yet, little is known about the role of inter‐ versus intraspecific changes of plant traits and their consequences for functional richness and evenness of mountain plant communities under climate change. We performed a downslope translocation experiment of intact plant‐soil mesocosms from an alpine pasture and a subalpine grassland in the Swiss and Austrian Alps to simulate an abrupt shift in climate and removal of dispersal barriers. Translocated plant communities experienced warmer and dryer climatic conditions. We found a considerable shift from resource conservative to resource acquisitive leaf‐economy in the two climate change scenarios. However, shifts in leaf‐economy were mainly attributable to species turnover, namely colonization by novel lowland species with trait expressions for a wider range of resource use. We also found an increase in vegetative height of the warmed and drought‐affected alpine plant community, while trait plasticity to warming and drought was limited to few graminoid species of the subalpine plant community. Our results highlight the contrast between the strong competitive potential of novel lowland species in quickly occupying available niche space and native species' lack of both the intraspecific trait variability and the plant functional trait expressions needed to increase functional richness under warming and drought. This is particularly important for the trailing range of many mountain species (i.e. subalpine zone) where upward moving lowland species are becoming more abundant and abiotic climate stressors are likely to become more frequent in the near future. Our study emphasizes mountain plant communities' vulnerability to novel climates and biotic interactions under climate change and highlights graminoid species as potential winners of a warmer and dryer future.

Keywords: alpine grassland, functional diversity, invasion, species turnover, traitspace, translocation
“The Curse of the Stillborn”: Margery Lawrence's Egyptian troubling of imperial eugenics
Authors: Darnbrough Leanne Rae
Published: August 2023

Despite the broad popularity of Britain's imperial project in the 1920s (among Britons), fears of native fecundity coupled with burgeoning support for the “science” of eugenics fomented a cultural discourse keen to bolster British claims to inherent superiority, and thus, to a legitimacy of their colonial aims. Egypt was a prime literary setting for teasing at various aspects of the concept of the colony: the early heights to which their civilization grew, the wave of Egyptmania sweeping Europe in the nneteenth and twentieth centuries, the contemporaneous political situation, and the local birthrate all contributed to Egypt as an apt setting from which to critique colonialism. Meanwhile, Egypt's enigmatic aura meant it lent itself well to the genre of the supernatural, prone to probing at the horrors of the colonizing project. Within this framework, Margery Lawrence's 1925/6 short story “The Curse of the Stillborn” offers a unique perspective on eugenic discourse and the imperial project. While maintaining certain elements of a eugenic discourse “The Curse of the Stillborn” warns of the scars awaiting those who would dare interfere in the instinctive, ancient burial rites of the colonized subjects.
Are public spaces welcoming to all? A conjoint experiment on cultural representation and inclusionary practices in museums
Authors: Mohr Zachary , Olivares Alexandra , Piatak Jaclyn
Published: August 2023

While art should be for everyone, public institutions like museums are not always inclusive to all members of society. Arts participation varies by sociodemographic characteristics despite the numerous benefits of the arts. To date, much of the research has focused on how visitor characteristics influence museums, but how do museum characteristics influence arts participation? We employ a conjoint experiment where respondents assess how they value different art museum attributes. In particular, we examine differences in cultural representation of artists and museum programming as well as accessibility in terms of object labels and cost. Our findings support the need for greater use of inclusionary practices and cultural representation in museums, particularly for more relatable language labels and more community‐based program events. We also find notable differences across subgroups, such as partisanship and race, emphasizing the need for more representative, accessible, and inclusive museums.
Deciphering the inheritance of fertility restoration and influence of environmental factors on maldandi source of male sterility in rabi sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]
Authors: Kariyannanavar Prashant , Wali Mruthunjaya C. , Biradar Basavaraj D. , Chattannavar Shivasharan N. , Kubsad Vijayanand S. , Verma Lokesh Kumar , S Venkatesh , N Pavan Kumar , Revanasiddayya
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to investigate the inheritance pattern of fertility restoration in hybrids resulting from crosses between a male sterile line (M31‐2A), a maldandi cytoplasm, and two promising restorers (DSMR‐4 and DSMR‐8). The evaluation of hybrids was conducted in two sets of experiments, including the F2, BC1F1 and F2, F3 generations. The segregation pattern was analysed in the F2 and BC1F1 generations, resulting in a 54:10 ratio of fertile to sterile plants and a 1:1 ratio of fertile to sterile plants, respectively. This indicated the involvement of three genes, at least two of which must be in a dominant condition for restoration to occur, acting in a duplicate complementary manner. In the F3 generation, both crosses were grown to confirm the stability of restorers, and they segregated in the ratio of 10 true‐breeding families and 44 segregating families, which was consistent with the F2 ratio. Additionally, this study observed the influence of rainfall on the partial restoration pattern over seasons, as restorer genes are up or down‐regulated depending on the availability of water.
MtESN2 is a subgroup II sulphate transporter required for symbiotic nitrogen fixation and prevention of nodule early senescence in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Ma Yanlin , Zhu Weike , Zhao Weichen , Zhang Beihong , He Juanxia , Zhang Chenyan , Li Peng , Hu Yibo , Zhou Zaicai , Yan Zezhang , Li Juanjuan , Cai Wenkai , Ren Guangpeng , Chen Rujin
Published: August 2023

Adequate distribution of mineral sulphur (S) nutrition to nodules mediated by sulphate transporters is crucial for nitrogen fixation in symbiosis establishment process. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain largely unknown. In this study, we characterized the function of Early Senescent Nodule 2 (MtESN2), a gene crucial to nitrogen fixation in Medicago truncatula. Mutations in MtESN2 resulted in severe developmental and functional defects including dwarf shoots, early senescent nodules, and lower nitrogenase activity under symbiotic conditions compared to wild‐type plants. MtESN2 encodes an M. truncatula sulphate transporter that is expressed only in roots and nodules, with the highest expression levels in the transition zone and nitrogen‐fixing zone of nodules. MtESN2 exhibited sulphate transport activity when expressed in yeast. Immunolocalization analysis showed that MtESN2‐yellow fluorescent protein fusion protein was localized to the plasma membranes of both uninfected and infected cells of nodules, where it might transport sulphate into both rhizobia‐infected and uninfected cells within the nodules. Our results reveal an unreported sulphate transporter that contributes to effective symbiosis and prevents nodule early senescence in M. truncatula.
Advertising grammars and dictionaries in the Venetian printing market: A linguistic analysis of title pages
Authors: Serra Eleonora
Published: August 2023

Title‐pages represent an interesting and under‐researched type of paratextual material in the context of the Italian early modern book market. Drawing on pragma‐linguistic approaches not yet applied in the Italian context, this paper offers an analysis of title‐pages of vernacular grammars and lexicographic works that were printed in Venice in the sixteenth and early seventeenth century (31 works).In Venice, which was the hub of vernacular codification, this new genre saw increasing attempts at popularization as more and more readers demanded straightforward tools that would help them learn literary Tuscan. My analysis focuses on the marketing strategies employed by publishers, printers, and authors – viewed together as a community of practice – on the title‐pages of these works. Focus is placed on the genre labels employed in primary titles, the presentation of the author's credentials, intended readership, printer and publisher, and dedication, as well as on the modifications applied by Venetian publishers when it came to re‐print and popularize non‐Venetian works. By exploring strategies used to guide and attract target audiences, this article aims to show that linguistic approaches are useful in the study of Italian paratexts and confirms the importance of including paratextual features in studies of historical sociolinguistics.
Locally adaptive Bayesian isotonic regression using half shrinkage priors
Authors: Okano Ryo , Hamura Yasuyuki , Irie Kaoru , Sugasawa Shonosuke
Published: August 2023

Isotonic regression or monotone function estimation is a problem of estimating function values under monotonicity constraints, which appears naturally in many scientific fields. This paper proposes a new Bayesian method with global–local shrinkage priors for estimating monotone function values. Specifically, we introduce half shrinkage priors for positive valued random variables and assign them for the first‐order differences of function values. We also develop fast and simple Gibbs sampling algorithms for full posterior analysis. By incorporating advanced shrinkage priors, the proposed method is adaptive to local abrupt changes or jumps in target functions. We show this adaptive property theoretically by proving that the posterior mean estimators are robust to large differences and that asymptotic risk for unchanged points can be improved. Finally, we demonstrate the proposed methods through simulations and applications to a real data set.
Goal disruption during COVID‐19: Reimagining goals during a global pandemic
Authors: Svensson Hayley , Shoots‐Reinhard Brittany , Cole Shana
Published: August 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic has been a major source of professional and personal disruption and has had both direct and downstream consequences on almost every aspect of peoples' lives, including their personal goal pursuits. In the face of unexpected hardships and obstacles, people have had to find new paths to goal achievement. In the present work, we examined whether difficulty adjusting goal pursuit during the global disruption of the COVID‐19 pandemic is related to negative affective, cognitive, and behavioral goal‐related outcomes. Across two studies, we found that people who had more difficulty adjusting their goal pursuit during the pandemic experienced more negative feelings toward their goals, were less satisfied with the status of their goals, and were less likely to actually achieve their goals. Moreover, individual differences in planning tendencies, need for predictability, general adaptability, and perceived pandemic disruption were related to more difficulty adjusting goal pursuit. This work demonstrates the importance of flexibility in the face of setbacks and obstacles, especially during times of disruption and uncertainty.
Evaluation of short‐term face rejuvenation effects of non‐ablative bipolar radiofrequency treatment performed by Med‐RF©device
Authors: Palmieri Beniamino , Vadala Maria , Rottigni Valentina , Aspiro Anna , Di Carmine Maria Stella , Scarano Antonio
Published: August 2023

Objective

Skin laxity and wrinkling are common signs of the aging process. This physiological condition of the skin is often accompanied by psychological and social concerns, especially for females, entailing considerable expenses for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to cease or slow down its advancement.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the short‐term impact of a new non‐ablative radiofrequency device available in the skin face cosmetic field.

Methods

A randomized study was run on 62 healthy subjects with normal‐age related–grade skin laxity, subdivided into two groups. Group 1 received one treatment with Modula RF device (Wavemed, San Cesareo RM, Italy) over the whole face surface. Group 2 received three monthly treatments.

Results

Clinical improvements of the exposed areas were detected by measuring skin parameters, such as total water content, elasticity, and sebum levels at baseline and 1 h after the treatment. Data showed significant effects of Med‐RF treatment on skin hydration (p< 0.001), skin elasticity (p< 0.0001), and sebum (p= 0.0009). Moreover, a negative linear correlation was obtained between women's age and hydration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that radiofrequency significantly improves the subjective and objective judgment of patients and doctors, supported by the positive results obtained on the skin quality parameters evaluated. These results confirm that Med‐RF technology represents an important tool to achieve face rejuvenation in the field of non‐invasive procedures.
Genomic sequence of the HLA‐B*08:01:71, HLA‐B*51:382, and HLA‐B*55:01:30 alleles
Authors: Loginova Maria , Smirnova Daria , Paramonov Igor
Published: August 2023

The full length sequence of the HLA‐B*08:01:71, HLA‐B*51:382 and HLA‐B*55:01:30 alleles are reported.
Green tech race? The US Inflation Reduction Act and the EU Net Zero Industry Act
Authors: Kleimann David , Poitiers Niclas , Sapir André , Tagliapietra Simone , Véron Nicolas , Veugelers Reinhilde , Zettelmeyer Jeromin
Published: August 2023

The 2022 United States Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is a significant and welcome climate law. It also includes trade‐distortive subsidies, including local‐content requirements prohibited under World Trade Organisation rules – the first time the US has done this and a blow to the international trading system that could trigger protectionism in other countries. The expected IRA green subsidies are of similar size to those available in the European Union, except in renewable energy production, where EU subsidies remain larger. However, there are important qualitative differences. In this article, we conduct a quantitative and qualitative comparison of the IRA with its preexisting European counterparts. We identify three main differences: European subsidies are less discriminatory, more focused on innovation rather than deployment and more fragmented than the IRA. Some IRA subsidies discriminate against foreign producers while EU subsidies do not. IRA clean‐tech subsidies are simpler, longer‐term and less fragmented, and they focus mainly on mass deployment of green technologies rather than innovation. We then examine the proposed EU reaction to IRA, the Net Zero Industry Act and discuss how it should be improved by the EU co‐legislators (the European Parliament and the EU Council) so as to become a useful building block towards a more comprehensive EU green industrial policy.
The Alt–Phillips functional for negative powers
Authors: De Silva D. , Savin O.
Published: August 2023

We develop the free boundary regularity for nonnegative minimizers of the Alt–Phillips functional for negative power potentials
and establish a ‐convergence result of the rescaled energies to the perimeter functional as .
Sequential minimum optimization algorithm with small sample size estimators
Authors: Roga Wojciech , Ono Takafumi , Takeoka Masahiro
Published: August 2023

Sequential minimum optimization is a machine learning global search training algorithm. It is applicable when the functional dependence of the cost function on a tunable parameter given the other parameters can be cheaply determined. This assumption is satisfied by quantum circuits built of known gates. We apply it to photonic circuits where the additional challenge appears: low frequency of coincidence events lowers the speed of the algorithm. We propose to modify the algorithm such that small sample size estimators are enough to successfully run the machine learning task. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the modified algorithm applying it to a photonic classifier with data reuploading.
Measuring and understanding the nanomechanical properties of halide perovskites and their correlation to structure—A perspective
Authors: Rosenhek-Goldian Irit , Cahen David , Cohen Sidney R.
Published: August 2023

The class of materials termed halide perovskites has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity due to their potential for photovoltaic and related applications, rivaling the well-established silicon devices within a few short years of development. These materials are characterized by several intriguing properties, among them their mechanical behavior. The study of their response to stress is essential for proper device development, while being of fundamental scientific interest in its own right. In this perspective, we highlight the key concerns surrounding this topic, critically analyzing the measurement techniques and considering the challenges in the current level of understanding.
The intestinal microbiota predicts COVID-19 severity and fatality regardless of hospital feeding method
Authors: Bucci Vanni , Ward Doyle V. , Bhattarai Shakti , Rojas-Correa Mayra , Purkayastha Ayan , Holler Devon , Qu Ming Da , Mitchell William G. , Yang Jason , Fountain Samuel , Zeamer Abigail , Forconi Catherine S. , Fujimori Gavin , Odwar Boaz , Cawley Caitlin , Moormann Ann M. , Wessolossky Mireya , Maldonado-Contreras Ana
Published: August 2023

SARS-CoV-2-positive patients exhibit gut and oral microbiome dysbiosis, which is associated with various aspects of COVID-19 disease (1–4). Here, we aim to identify gut and oral microbiome markers that predict COVID-19 severity in hospitalized patients, specifically severely ill patients compared to moderately ill ones. Moreover, we investigate whether hospital feeding (solid versus enteral), an important cofounder, influences the microbial composition of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We used random forest classification machine learning models with interpretable secondary analyses. The gut, but not the oral microbiota, was a robust predictor of both COVID-19-related fatality and severity of hospitalized patients, with a higher predictive value than most clinical variables. In addition, perturbations of the gut microbiota due to enteral feeding did not associate with species that were predictive of COVID-19 severity.

IMPORTANCE

SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to wide-ranging, systemic symptoms with sometimes unpredictable morbidity and mortality. It is increasingly clear that the human microbiome plays an important role in how individuals respond to viral infections. Our study adds to important literature about the associations of gut microbiota and severe COVID-19 illness during the early phase of the pandemic before the availability of vaccines. Increased understanding of the interplay between microbiota and SARS-CoV-2 may lead to innovations in diagnostics, therapies, and clinical predictions.
Supplemental Material: Neoarchean synkinematic metamorphic peak in the Isua supracrustal belt (West Greenland)
Authors: Eskesen Benjamin , al. et
Published: August 2023

Additional text, figures, and tables. 
Value of indomethacin suppository for preoperative analgesia and anti-inflammation in laparoscopic appendectomy: a protocol of prospective, double-blinded, single-centre, randomised controlled trial in China
Authors: Gao Jinhong , Hao Shaolong , Liu Yong , Han Wei , Weng Yibing , Zhao Xinyu
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Postoperative pain has always been a problem for patients and surgeons. Local inflammation, surgical trauma and pain in the body can cause a systemic stress response and immune imbalance, which can affect the patient’s rapid recovery. Currently, most of the perioperative pain management is focused on the postoperative phase. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin suppository has antipyretic and analgesic effects. This study will evaluate the value of indomethacin suppository for analgesia and anti-inflammation before laparoscopic appendectomy (LA).

Methods and analysis

A single-centre, double-blinded (clinician, assessor, data entry), randomised controlled trial will be conducted in 128 adult patients undergoing LA under emergency general anaesthesia with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) >2. The trial was divided into two groups (n=64) using a randomised number table: group A will be given 100 mg of indomethacin suppository rectally and group B will be given 8 mg of intravenous lornoxicam. The postoperative analgesic effect, inflammatory response and incidence of postoperative adverse effects will be compared.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and will be conducted in accordance with the principles of Good Clinical Practice. This trial was approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University (2021-LHKY-123-02). We will disseminate our study findings at national and international paediatric research conferences.

Trial registration number

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200062004).
UNITE Project: understanding neurocognitive impairment after trauma exposure–study protocol of an observational study in Christchurch, New Zealand
Authors: Douglas Katie , Bell Caroline , Tanveer Sandila , Eggleston Kate , Porter Richard , Boden Joseph
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Our previous research has demonstrated significant cognitive effects of earthquake exposure 2–3 years following the Canterbury earthquake sequence of 2011. Such impairment has major implications for a population trying to recover, and to rebuild, a devastated city. This study aims to examine psychological, cognitive and biological factors that may contribute to subjective cognitive difficulties in a large group of individuals exposed to the Canterbury earthquake sequence.

Methods and analysis

Two-hundred earthquake-exposed participants from an existing large cohort study (Christchurch Health and Development Study, CHDS) will be recruited. Inclusion is based on results of online screening of the CHDS cohort, using the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire. Individuals scoring the highest (n=100) and lowest (n=100), representing the highest and lowest levels of subjective cognitive impairment, are selected. Exclusions are: psychotic/bipolar disorders, serious substance/alcohol dependence, chronic medical conditions, pregnancy and previous serious head injury. Participants will undergo a half-day assessment including clinician-rated interviews, self-report measures, objective and subjective cognitive assessments, blood sample collection and physical measurements. The primary analysis will compare cognitive, psychological and biological measures in ‘high’ and ‘low’ subjective cognitive impairment groups. The study will have power (p<0.05, α=0.8) to show a difference between groups of 0.4 SD on any variable.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for this study was granted by the New Zealand Health and Disability Ethics Committee. The online screening component of the study received ethical approval on 1 April 2021 (16/STH/188, PAF 7), and the main study (subsequent to screening) received approval on 16 August 2021 (Northern A 21/NTA/68). All participants provide written informed consent. Findings will be disseminated initially to the CHDS cohort members, the wider Canterbury community, and then by publication in scientific journals and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT05090046).
Nomogram predicting overall prognosis for invasive micropapillary carcinoma of the breast: a SEER-based population study
Authors: Liu Jianpeng , Xi Wei , Zhou Jiahao , Gao Wei , Wu Qiaolin
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The prognosis of invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPC) of the breast is determined by many clinicopathological factors. This study aims to identify prognostic factors and develop reliable nomogram to predict the overall survival (OS) in patients with IMPC.

Design

Log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards analysis were used to identify variables and construct a nomogram based on the training cohort. C-index and calibration curves were performed to evaluate the performance of the model in the training cohort and validation cohorts.

Setting

We collected the patient data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. This database holds data related to the cancer incidence from 18 population-based cancer registries in the USA.

Participants

The SEER database was used to screen 754 eligible patients as the study cohort. The whole cohort was randomly divided into a training cohort (n=377) and a validation cohort (n=377).

Results

Age at diagnosis, hormone receptors, number of positive regional lymph nodes and clinical stage were independent prognostic factors for patients with IMPC. The calibration curves presented excellent consistency between the actual and nomogram-predict survival probabilities in the training and validation cohorts. The C-index values of the nomogram were 0.794 and 0.774 for OS in the training and validation cohorts, respectively.

Conclusions

The novel nomogram provides new insights of the risk of each prognostic factor and can assist doctors in predicting the 1-year, 3-year and 5-year OS in patients with IMPC.
Ongoing symptoms and functional impairment 12 weeks after testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 or influenza in Australia: an observational cohort study
Authors: Brown Matthew , Gerrard John , McKinlay Lynne , Marquess John , Sparrow Teneika , Andrews Ross
Published: August 2023

Objective

In a highly vaccinated Australian population, we aimed to compare ongoing symptoms and functional impairment 12 weeks after PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection with PCR-confirmed influenza infection.

Methods and analysis

The study commenced on a positive PCR test for either COVID-19 or influenza in June 2022 during concurrent waves of both viruses. Participants were followed up 12 weeks later in September 2022 and self-reported ongoing symptoms and functional impairment. We conducted a multivariate logistic regression analysis, controlling for age, sex, First Nations status, vaccination status and socioeconomic profile.

Results

There were 2195 and 951 participants in the COVID-19 and influenza-positive cohorts, respectively. After controlling for potential predictor variables, we found no evidence to suggest that adults with COVID-19 were more likely to have ongoing symptoms (21.4% vs 23.0%, aOR 1.18; 95% CI 0.92 to 1.50) or moderate-to-severe functional impairment (4.1% vs 4.4%, OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.55 to 1.20) at 12 weeks after their diagnosis than adults who had influenza.

Conclusions

In a highly vaccinated population exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, long COVID may manifest as a postviral syndrome of no greater severity than seasonal influenza but differing in terms of the volume of people affected and the potential impact on health systems. This study underscores the importance of long COVID research featuring an appropriate comparator group.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12623000041651.
Analogue gravity and the island prescription
Authors: Parvizi Shahrokh , Shahbazi Mojtaba
Published: August 2023

Analogue gravity succeeded to simulate Hawking radiation and test it in laboratories. In this setting, the black hole is simulated by an area in a fluid, say water, where no sound wave can escape the event horizon and phonon oscillations are detected as Hawking radiation. This means that the analogue simulations can provide an alternative description, and consequently, a new insight to the high energy physics problems. Now it would be interesting to see what information loss means and how island prescription is interpreted in water experiment. In this paper we show that the analogue of information loss is the loss of momentum per unit mass of the fluid over the horizon and maintaining the momentum loss leads to the island prescription.
Confront $$f(R,T)={\mathcal {R}}+\beta T$$ modified gravity with the massive pulsar $${\textit{PSR J0740+6620}}$$
Authors: Nashed G. G. L.
Published: August 2023

Many physically inspired general relativity (GR) modifications predict significant deviations in the properties of spacetime surrounding massive neutron stars. Among these modifications is $$f({\mathcal {R}}, {\mathbb {T}})$$

f
(
R
,
T
)

, where $${\mathcal {R}}$$
R
is the Ricci scalar, $$ {\mathbb {T}}$$
T
is the trace of the energy–momentum tensor, the gravitational theory that is thought to be a neutral extension of GR. Neutron stars with masses above 1.8 $$M_{\odot }$$

M
⊙

expressed as radio pulsars are precious tests of fundamental physics in extreme conditions unique in the observable universe and unavailable to terrestrial experiments. We obtained an exact analytical solution for anisotropic perfect-fluid spheres in hydrostatic equilibrium using the frame of the linear form of $$f({\mathcal {R}},{\mathbb {T}})={\mathcal {R}}+\beta {\mathbb {T}}$$

f
(
R
,
T
)
=
R
+
β
T

where $$\beta $$
β
is a dimensional parameter. We show that the dimensional parameter $$\beta $$
β
and the compactness, $$C=\frac{2GM}{Rc^2}$$

C
=

2
G
M

R

c
2

can be used to express all physical quantities within the star. We fix the dimensional parameter $$\beta $$
β
to be at most $$\beta _1=\frac{\beta }{\kappa ^2}= 0.1$$

β
1

=

β

κ
2

=
0.1

in positive values through the use of observational data from NICER and X-ray Multi-Mirror telescopes on the pulsar $${\textit{PSR J0740+6620}}$$

PSR J
0740
+
6620

, which provide information on its mass and radius. The mass and radius of the pulsar $${\textit{PSR J0740+6620}}$$

PSR J
0740
+
6620

were determined by analyzing data obtained from NICER and X-ray Multi-Mirror telescopes. It is important to mention that no assumptions about equations of state were made in this research. Nevertheless, the model demonstrates a good fit with linear patterns involving bag constants. Generally, when the dimensional parameter $$\beta $$
β
is positive, the theory predicts that a star of the same mass will have a slightly larger size than what is predicted by GR. It has been explained that the hydrodynamic equilibrium equation includes an additional force resulting from the coupling between matter and geometry. This force partially reduces the effect of gravitational force. As a result, we compute the maximum compactness allowed by the strong energy condition for $$f({\mathcal {R}}, {\mathbb {T}})={\mathcal {R}}+\beta {\mathbb {T}}$$

f
(
R
,
T
)
=
R
+
β
T

and for GR, which are $$C = 0.757$$

C
=
0.757

and 0.725, respectively. These values are approximately 3% higher than the prediction made by GR.. Furthermore, we estimate the maximum mass $$M\approx 4.26 M_{\odot }$$

M
≈
4.26

M
⊙

at a radius of $$R\approx 15.9$$

R
≈
15.9

km for the surface density at saturation nuclear density $$\rho _{\text {nuc}} = 2.7\times 10^{14}$$

ρ
nuc

=
2.7
×

10
14

 g/cm$$^3$$

3

.
THE EFFECT OF CARBON MARKET POLICY UNCERTAINTY ON THE SHARE PRICES OF COVERED FIRMS: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA
Authors: LIU WEI , HUANG XIAOQI , WANG YINING , TAN XIUJIE
Published: August 2023

With the development of the carbon market, extensive attention has been paid to the relationship between the carbon market and the stock market. In this paper, we employ the event study method and fixed-effects model to investigate the effect of carbon market policy adjustments (CMPAs) on the share prices of covered firms. The main findings are as follows: First, CMPA can trigger abnormal fluctuations in the share prices of covered firms, which is reinforced by a series of sensitivity tests. Second, heterogeneity checks suggest that this kind of positive effect is more significant for non-state-owned firms, firms on China’s Main Board (MB) and firms in active carbon pilots. Besides, there are two potential influence channels between carbon market policy and share price of covered firms, including affecting carbon prices (CPs) and releasing important signals. Our findings indicate that there is a joint effect between the carbon market and the stock market. Therefore, policymakers should fully consider the impact of CMPAs on covered firms’ share prices when formulating new carbon market policies.
Heat transfer of a Carreau fluid in a thin elastic film over an unsteady stretching sheet
Authors: Murad Muhammad Amin Sadiq , Hamasalh Faraidun Kadir , Ismael Hajar F.
Published: August 2023

An analysis is carried out to investigate the influence of the magnetic field over Carreau fluid flow and heat transfer in a liquid film on an unsteady stretching surface. The governing equations are converted to a system of boundary value problem (BVP) by using the similarity transforms. The differential equations are solved numerically using the modified Laplace decomposition method (MLDM) and the obtained results are compared with the existing schemes. An excellent agreement between them illustrates the accuracy of MLDM to the suggested model. The influence of the dimensionless governing parameters like magnetic field number, Prandtl number, unsteadiness parameter, Weissenberg parameter, and radiative number on velocity and temperature profiles is discussed in tabular form and shown through illustrative graphs.