bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New insights on the rare blind blister beetle genus Meloetyphlus (Coleoptera: Meloidae): occurrence in Colombia, SEM larval description, and molecular phylogenetic placement
Authors: Di Giulio Andrea , Kondo Takumasa , Bologna Marco A , Riccieri Alessandra
Published: July 2023

Meloetyphlus Waterhouse is a monotypic genus of Meloidae ascribed to the tribe Tetraonycini, subfamily Meloinae. As for most blister beetles, its first-instar larvae (or triungulins) are parasites of bees, but M. fuscatus Waterhouse is the only species known to parasitize members of the tribe Euglossini (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Apinae). Despite being widely distributed in Central and South America, its presence in Colombia has never been confirmed. In this article, we document the occurrence of this genus in Colombia providing the first certain record for this country. In addition, some aspects of its parasitization of Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier are reported and illustrated with macrophotographs and a video. By the means of drawings and SEM micrographs, we provide the most detailed description of the first-instar larva of M. fuscatus to date and a comparison with the triungulin of the closely related Tetraonyx fulvus (LeConte). Finally, we investigated the phylogenetic position of Meloetyphlus using molecular data, to support its attribution to the tribe Tetraonycini.
Inhalation and dermal exposure to biocidal products during foam and spray applications
Authors: Schäferhenrich Anja , Blümlein Katharina , Koch Wolfgang , Hahn Stefan , Schwarz Katharina , Poppek Ulrich , Hebisch Ralph , Schlüter Urs , Krug Monika , Göen Thomas
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Foaming and spraying are common application techniques for biocidal products. In the past, inhalation and dermal exposure during spraying have been investigated extensively. Currently, however, no exposure data are available for foaming, hindering a reliable risk assessment for foam applications of biocidal products. The focus of this project was the quantification of inhalation and potential dermal exposure to non-volatile active substances during the foam application of biocidal products in occupational settings. In some settings, exposure during spray application was measured for comparative purposes.

Methods

The inhalation and dermal exposure of operators were investigated during the application of benzalkonium chlorides and pyrethroids by foaming and spraying, considering both small- and large-scale application devices. Inhalation exposure was measured by personal air sampling; potential dermal exposure was measured using coveralls and gloves.

Results

Potential dermal exposure was substantially higher than inhalation exposure. Changing from spraying to foaming reduced inhalation exposure to airborne non-volatile active substances, but had no relevant effect on potential dermal exposure. However, for potential dermal exposure, considerable differences were observed between the application device categories.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this study presents the first comparative exposure data for the foam and spray application of biocidal products in occupational settings with detailed contextual information. The results indicate a reduction of inhalation exposure with foam application compared to spray application. However, special attention is necessary for dermal exposure, which is not reduced by this intervention.
How Palliative Care Social Workers across the Globe Overcame Practical Challenges to Engaging in Research
Authors: Oltmann Carina , Piccione Tania , Roulston Audrey
Published: July 2023

With the unique set of values underpinning the social work profession, evidence-based practice must be informed by practitioners well versed in the impact of cultural, political, geographical, economic and general social factors on clinical work. Within the speciality of Palliative Care Social Work (PCSW), these factors influence the level of integration and upskilling of Palliative Care Social Workers (PCSWs). This article describes the collaborative methods used by Palliative Care Social Work (PCSW) practitioners and research-active academics to conduct a global survey of PCSWs about their professional experiences during the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, with a view to better understand their respective roles and identities across regions. The authors of this study suggest that collaboration is key to drawing upon a diverse number of clinical, pedagogic and academic networks to optimise the survey response rate and raise the profile of PCSWs. The authors describe and reflect on the practical and cultural challenges encountered in conducting the survey.
Cognitive reserve and individual differences in brain tumour patients
Authors: Tomasino Barbara , De Fraja Gianni , Guarracino Ilaria , Ius Tamara , D’Agostini Serena , Skrap Miran , Ida Rumiati Raffaella
Published: July 2023

The aim of the paper is to determine the effects of the cognitive reserve on brain tumour patients’ cognitive functions and, specifically, if cognitive reserve helps patients cope with the negative effects of brain tumours on their cognitive functions.

We retrospectively studied a large sample of around 700 patients, diagnosed with a brain tumour. Each received an MRI brain examination and performed a battery of tests measuring their cognitive abilities before they underwent neurosurgery. To account for the complexity of cognitive reserve, we construct our cognitive reserve proxy by combining three predictors of patients’ cognitive performance, namely, patients’ education, occupation, and the environment where they live. Our statistical analysis controls for the type, side, site, and size of the lesion, for fluid intelligence quotient, and for age and gender, in order to tease out the effect of cognitive reserve on each of these tests. Clinical neurological variables have the expected effects on cognitive functions. We find a robust positive effect of cognitive reserve on patients’ cognitive performance. Moreover, we find that cognitive reserve modulates the effects of the volume of the lesion: the additional negative impact of an increase in the tumour size on patients’ performance is less severe for patients with higher cognitive reserve. We also find substantial differences in these effects depending on the cerebral hemisphere where the lesion occurred and on the cognitive function considered. For several of these functions, the positive effect of cognitive reserve is stronger for patients with lesions in the left hemisphere than for patients whose lesions are in the right hemisphere. The development of prevention strategies and personalized rehabilitation interventions will benefit from our contribution to understanding the role of cognitive reserve, in addition to that of neurological variables, as one of the factors determining the patients’ individual differences in cognitive performance caused by brain tumours.
In vivo ephaptic coupling allows memory network formation
Authors: Pinotsis Dimitris A , Miller Earl K
Published: July 2023

It is increasingly clear that memories are distributed across multiple brain areas. Such “engram complexes” are important features of memory formation and consolidation. Here, we test the hypothesis that engram complexes are formed in part by bioelectric fields that sculpt and guide the neural activity and tie together the areas that participate in engram complexes. Like the conductor of an orchestra, the fields influence each musician or neuron and orchestrate the output, the symphony. Our results use the theory of synergetics, machine learning, and data from a spatial delayed saccade task and provide evidence for in vivo ephaptic coupling in memory representations.
Rotational atherectomy of left main stem immediately after transcatheter aortic valve implantation in a patient with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis and an impaired left ventricular systolic function: a case report
Authors: Satti Zahir , Farag Mohamed , Egred Mohaned , Alkhalil Mohammad
Published: July 2023

Background

Severe aortic stenosis (AS) and coronary artery disease (CAD) often coexist since they both share the same risk factors and pathophysiology. Patients with severe AS with prohibitive surgical risk are often treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as a staged or concurrent procedure. Significant calcified CAD and left ventricular (LV) systolic impairment in such patients would add more challenges to the management. A clear consensus on the timing of revascularization of such patients in relation to the TAVI procedure is lacking.

Case summary

Herein, we present an 86-year-old male who presented to a local district hospital with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (N-STEMI) and decompensated heart failure. His transthoracic echocardiography showed moderate LV systolic impairment with low-flow severe AS. He was initially treated with dual anti-platelet and diuretic therapy and subsequently underwent coronary angiography that revealed severe calcified shelf-like left main stem (LMS) and moderate left anterior descending (LAD) disease. He was successfully treated with TAVI and rotational atherectomy (RA)-assisted PCI to LMS and LAD in the same setting.

Conclusion

There is limited evidence on effective strategies to tackle high-risk angioplasty with concurrent TAVI in patients with impaired LV function. We performed TAVI and RA to LMS and LAD in the same setting using no mechanical circulatory support (MCS). Management strategies should be individualized to highly selected patients taking into account LMS involvement, calcium modulation strategies, haemodynamic instability, or cardiogenic shock and whether MCS is needed.
A distaste for insecurity: job preferences of young people in the transition to adulthood
Authors: Rouvroye Lin , van Dalen Hendrik P , Henkens Kène , Schippers Joop J
Published: July 2023

Given the trend towards labour market flexibility in various European countries, this article examines whether the offered type of employment contract has an impact on young people’s ratings of the attractiveness of a job. It empirically assesses the notion that young people’s preference for secure employment increases as they transition into adulthood. We conducted a factorial survey among a representative sample of 1,025 people aged 18–35 years old in the Netherlands. Participants were asked to evaluate hypothetical job offers. Results show that, compared with a permanent contract, the offer of a temporary contract for 3 years has a small negative effect on young adults’ job ratings, whereas offers of an agency contract or an on-call contract have a large negative effect. In line with our predictions, this preference for job security is stronger for men and women who have left the parental home or who have entered parenthood. For men, we also find that their preference for job security is even stronger if they have entered a romantic relationship. These findings suggest that young adults regard insecure employment undesirable, but that, based on their overrepresentation in non-standard employment, their preferences are often not met.
Cardiac pacing and lead devices management: 25 years of research at EP Europace journal
Authors: Defaye Pascal , Biffi Mauro , El-Chami Mikhael , Boveda Serge , Glikson Michael , Piccini Jonathan , Vitolo Marco
Published: July 2023

Aims

Cardiac pacing represents a key element in the field of electrophysiology and the treatment of conduction diseases. Since the first issue published in 1999, EP Europace has significantly contributed to the development and dissemination of the research in this area.

Methods

In the last 25 years, there has been a continuous improvement of technologies and a great expansion of clinical indications making the field of cardiac pacing a fertile ground for research still today. Pacemaker technology has rapidly evolved, from the first external devices with limited longevity, passing through conventional transvenous pacemakers to leadless devices. Constant innovations in pacemaker size, longevity, pacing mode, algorithms, and remote monitoring highlight that the fascinating and exciting journey of cardiac pacing is not over yet.

Conclusion

The aim of the present review is to provide the current ‘state of the art’ on cardiac pacing highlighting the most important contributions from the Journal in the field.
Defining medical deserts—an international consensus-building exercise
Authors: Brînzac Monica G , Kuhlmann Ellen , Dussault Gilles , Ungureanu Marius I , Cherecheș Răzvan M , Baba Cătălin O
Published: July 2023

Background

Medical deserts represent a pressing public health and health systems challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the gap between people and health services, yet a commonly agreed definition of medical deserts was lacking. This study aims to define medical deserts through a consensus-building exercise, explaining the phenomenon to its full extent, in a manner that can apply to countries and health systems across the globe.

Methods

We used a standard Delphi exercise for the consensus-building process. The first phase consisted of one round of individual online meetings with selected key informants; the second phase comprised two rounds of surveys when a consensus was reached in January 2023. The first phase—the in-depth individual meetings—was organized online. The dimensions to include in the definition of medical deserts were identified, ranked and selected based on their recurrence and importance. The second phase—the surveys—was organized online. Finally, external validation was obtained from stakeholders via email.

Results

The agreed definition highlight five major dimensions: ‘Medical deserts are areas where population healthcare needs are unmet partially or totally due to lack of adequate access or improper quality of healthcare services caused by (i) insufficient human resources in health or (ii) facilities, (iii) long waiting times, (iv) disproportionate high costs of services or (v) other socio-cultural barriers’.

Conclusions

The five dimensions of access to healthcare: (i) insufficient human resources in health or (ii) facilities, (iii) long waiting times, (iv) disproportionate high costs of services and (v) other socio-cultural barriers—ought to be addressed to mitigate medical deserts.
Estimation of the Hurst exponents of irregularly sampled subsurface fault geometries by the lifting scheme
Authors: Takahashi Tsutomu , Nakanishi Ayako , Kodaira Shuichi , Kaneda Yoshiyuki
Published: July 2023

Seismic fault surfaces have complex geometries over a broad-scale range. The Hurst exponent (H) is an important parameter characterizing the complexity of fault geometries. This exponent of seismic faults has only been estimated at outcrops and from surface traces of large earthquakes. This is because geometry data of subsurface faults usually have large uncertainties and many gaps. This study examined the applicability of the lifting scheme, which is one of the wavelet transform methods, to estimate H of irregularly sampled geometry of subsurface faults. We analysed the surface geometry of the subducting oceanic plate at the Nankai trough, Japan, which is part of the fault plane of interplate earthquakes. The geometries of the subducting plate were estimated along six survey lines by integrating seismic refraction and reflection surveys. Two-way traveltimes of reflected waves from the plate surface, which were measured from the reflection survey data, were converted to depth using the velocity structure estimated by refraction survey. The intervals between sampled points were irregular because the reflected waves were obscured or invisible in some places. The Hurst exponents were estimated from the scale dependence of the wavelet coefficients that were derived by the lifting scheme without interpolation. Analyses of the synthetic data simulating the irregularly sampled plate geometries indicated that the lifting scheme yields stable but largely biased estimates of H, especially for small H (<0.5). We introduced the empirical bias correction to achieve an unbiased estimation of the exponent. The analysis of plate geometry at the Nankai trough was conducted at narrow-scale ranges with consideration for the accuracy of velocity structures. We may conclude that H of five survey lines across the trough axis is > 0.8, and that of a line along trough is > 0.7. These estimated exponents had large uncertainties due to analyses at narrow-scale ranges, but were close to the estimates in studies of the surface traces of large earthquakes.
Sleep: An Essential and Understudied Process in the Biology of Blood-Feeding Arthropods
Authors: Ajayi Oluwaseun M , Wynne Nicole E , Chen Shyh-Chi , Vinauger Clément , Benoit Joshua B
Published: July 2023

Synopsis

Understanding the biology of blood-feeding arthropods is critical to managing them as vectors of etiological agents. Circadian rhythms act in the regulation of behavioral and physiological aspects such as blood feeding, immunity, and reproduction. However, the impact of sleep on these processes has been largely ignored in blood-feeding arthropods, but recent studies in mosquitoes show that sleep-like states directly impact host landing and blood feeding. Our focus in this review is on discussing the relationship between sleep and circadian rhythms in blood-feeding arthropods along with how unique aspects such as blood gluttony and dormancy can impact sleep-like states. We highlight that sleep-like states are likely to have profound impacts on vector–host interactions but will vary between lineages even though few direct studies have been conducted. A myriad of factors, such as artificial light, could directly impact the time and levels of sleep in blood-feeding arthropods and their roles as vectors. Lastly, we discuss underlying factors that make sleep studies in blood-feeding arthropods difficult and how these can be bypassed. As sleep is a critical factor in the fitness of animal systems, a lack of focus on sleep in blood-feeding arthropods represents a significant oversight in understanding their behavior and its role in pathogen transmission.
Concomitant left atrial appendage closure during left ventricular assist device surgery can reduce ischaemic cerebrovascular accidents
Authors: Nishida Hidefumi , Jeevanandam Valluvan , Salerno Christopher , Nemoto Atsushi , Song Tae , Onsager David , Nguyen Ann , Grinstein Jonathan , Chung Bow , Sarswat Nitasha , Kim Gene , Pinney Sean , Ota Takeyoshi
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVES

It remains unknown if the left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) at the time of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgery can reduce ischaemic cerebrovascular accidents.

METHODS

Consecutive 310 patients who underwent LVAD surgery with HeartMate II or 3 between January 2012 and November 2021 were included in this study. The cohort was divided into 2 groups: patients with LAAC (group A) and without LAAC (group B). We compared the clinical outcomes including the incidence of cerebrovascular accident between 2 groups.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight patients were included in group A, and 212 patients in group B. There were no significant differences between 2 groups in age, preoperative CHADS2 score and history of atrial fibrillation. In-hospital mortality did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (group A: 7.1%, group B: 12.3%, P = 0.16). Thirty-seven patients (11.9%) experienced ischaemic cerebrovascular accident (5 patients in group A and 32 patients in group B). The cumulative incidence from ischaemic cerebrovascular accidents in group A (5.3% at 12 months and 5.3% at 36 months) was significantly lower than that in group B (8.2% at 12 months and 16.8% at 36 months; P = 0.017). In a multivariable competing risk analysis, LAAC was associated with reducing ischaemic cerebrovascular accidents (hazard ratio 0.38, 95% confidence interval 0.15–0.97, P = 0.043).

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant LAAC in LVAD surgery can reduce ischaemic cerebrovascular accidents without increasing perioperative mortality and complications.
Pilot testing of the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation Registry
Authors: Grace Sherry L , Elashie Sana , Sadeghi Masoumeh , Papasavvas Theodoros , Hashmi Farzana , de Melo Ghisi Gabriela , Vargas Jorge Lara , Al-Hashemi Mohammed , Turk-Adawi Karam
Published: July 2023

The International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation developed an International Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) Registry (ICRR) to support CR programs in low-resource settings to optimize care provision and patient outcomes. This study assessed implementation of the ICRR, site data steward experience with on-boarding and data entry, and patient acceptability. Multimethod observational pilot involves (I) analysis of ICRR data from three centers (Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar) from inception to May 2022, (II) focus group with on-boarded site data stewards (also from Mexico and India), and (III) semistructured interviews with participating patients. Five hundred sixty-seven patients were entered. Based on volumes at each program, 85.6% of patients were entered in ICRR. 99.3% patients approached consented to participate. The average time to enter data at pre- and follow-up assessments by source was 6.8–12.6 min. Of 22 variables preprogram, completion was 89.5%. Among patients with any follow-up data, of four program-reported variables, completion was 99.0% in program completers and 51.5% in none; of 10 patient-reported variables, completion was 97.0% in program completers and 84.8% in none. The proportion of patients with any follow-up data was 84.8% in program completers, with 43.6% of noncompleters having any data entered other than completion status. Twelve data stewards participated in the focus group. Main themes were valuable on-boarding process, data entry, process of engaging patients, and benefits of participation. Thirteen patients were interviewed. Themes were good understanding of the registry, positive experience providing data, and value of lay summary and eagerness for annual assessment. Feasibility and data quality of ICRR were demonstrated.
Phylogenomics of microleafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae): morphological evolution, divergence times, and biogeography
Authors: Cao Yanghui , Dietrich Christopher H , Kits Joel H , Dmitriev Dmitry A , Richter Robin , Eyres Jackson , Dettman Jeremy R , Xu Ye , Huang Min
Published: July 2023

Phylogenomic analyses of datasets comprising 665 anchored loci and 234 species representing all recognized tribes and regional faunas of the leafhopper subfamily Typhlocybinae yielded well-resolved phylogenies for this group, largely robust to differences in analytical approach. The results support the 5 currently recognized tribes as monophyletic: Alebrini, Empoascini, Typhlocybini, Dikraneurini, and Erythroneurini, but the previously recognized tribes Zyginellini and Eupterygini are polyphyletic. A new tribe Beameranini is described based on the morphologically aberrant Neotropical genus Beamerana Young. Morphological characters traditionally used to recognize tribes are mostly stable but nearly all exhibit some homoplasy, with similar reductions and consolidations of some hind wing veins having occurred in independent lineages. Divergence time estimates indicate that the currently recognized tribes all arose during the mid- to late Cretaceous with some early splits between New and Old World lineages occur during the late Cretaceous, but most modern genera arising during the Paleogene and multiple transcontinental dispersal events also occur in the Paleogene.
Women’s perspectives on the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-based technologies in mental healthcare
Authors: Reading Turchioe Meghan , Harkins Sarah , Desai Pooja , Kumar Shiveen , Kim Jessica , Hermann Alison , Joly Rochelle , Zhang Yiye , Pathak Jyotishman , Benda Natalie C
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to evaluate women’s attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI)-based technologies used in mental health care. We conducted a cross-sectional, online survey of U.S. adults reporting female sex at birth focused on bioethical considerations for AI-based technologies in mental healthcare, stratifying by previous pregnancy. Survey respondents (n = 258) were open to AI-based technologies in mental healthcare but concerned about medical harm and inappropriate data sharing. They held clinicians, developers, healthcare systems, and the government responsible for harm. Most reported it was “very important” for them to understand AI output. More previously pregnant respondents reported being told AI played a small role in mental healthcare was “very important” versus those not previously pregnant (P = .03). We conclude that protections against harm, transparency around data use, preservation of the patient-clinician relationship, and patient comprehension of AI predictions may facilitate trust in AI-based technologies for mental healthcare among women.
Characterization of K-binding factor involved in water-soluble complex of menaquinone-7 produced by Bacillus subtilis natto
Authors: Chatake Toshiyuki , Yanagisawa Yasuhide , Murakami Risa , Ohsugi Tadanori , Sumi Hiroyuki , Takata Takumi , Okuda Aya , Morishima Ken , Inoue Rintaro , Sugiyama Masaaki
Published: July 2023

Vitamin Ks are expected to contribute bone and cardiovascular health. Especially, menaquinone-7 has a higher bioavailability and a longer half-life than other vitamin Ks in the human body. However, their low water-solubility limits their application. On the other hand, Bacillus subtilis natto produces a water-soluble complex, which comprises menaquinone-7 and peptides. The peptide named K-binding factor (KBF) has been reported as the main component of the complex. In the present, the structural characteristics of KBF were studied. Mass spectrometry showed significant peaks at m/z = 1050, while the previous PAGE suggested that molecular weight of KBF was ~ 3k. Amino acid analysis revealed that the 1k peptides were the various combinations of nine amino acids, among which Asx, Glx, Val, Leu and Met were found to be the most abundant. The peptides could serve as detergent properties. The 1k peptides could be isolated by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. The bundle of three 1k detergent-like peptides would participate to the micelle structure containing menqauinone-7 inside. In conclusion, a basic unit of KBF would be the ~ 1k peptides, and the three basic unit assemble to the ~ 3k bundle, then the bundle form a water-soluble micelle including menqauinone-7 inside.
Perineal fibroadenoma masquerading as a soft-tissue sarcoma: a case report
Authors: Hannigan Amy , Wende Gabriella , Cohen Ryan , Chetrit Stephanie
Published: July 2023

We report a case of a perineal fibroadenoma initially diagnosed on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging as a soft tissue sarcoma in a 35-year-old female. Following wide local excision, histopathology revealed the lesion as a vulval fibroadenoma. We provide an overview of the literature and highlight the need to consider fibroadenoma, arising from ectopic breast tissue, as an important differential for general surgeons and gynaecologists caring for patients with perineal masses.
Assessment of revascularization impact on microvascular oxygenation and perfusion using spatial frequency domain imaging
Authors: Bolakale-Rufai Ikeoluwapo K , Thompson Mallory R , Concha-Moore Kirsten , Jett Samuel , Awasthi Shubhangi , Cuccia David J , Mazhar Amaan , Weinkauf Craig C
Published: July 2023

The microvasculature (with vessels <100 μm in diameter) plays a crucial role in tissue oxygenation, perfusion and wound healing in the lower limb. While this holds clinical significance, microvasculature evaluation in the limbs is not a standard practice. Surgical interventions focus on reestablishing blood flow in larger vessels affected by the peripheral artery disease (PAD). Nevertheless, the impact of revascularization on tissue oxygenation and perfusion in severe microvascular disease (MVD) is still unknown. We present the cases of two patients who underwent surgical revascularization for peripheral blood flow with different outcomes. Patient A had PAD, while B had PAD, severe MVD and a non-healing wound. Although both showed improvements in ankle-brachial index post-op, spatial frequency domain imaging metrics (which measure microvascular oxygenation and perfusion) remained unchanged in B, indicating a potential gap in assessing the surgical efficacy in MVD using ankle brachial index and emphasizing microcirculation evaluation in optimizing wound healing outcomes.
Renewable hydrogen and power-to-gas—regulatory framework and developments in light of the REPowerEU plan
Authors: Cellura Salvatore Luca , Ferraro Marco
Published: July 2023

Renewable hydrogen represents a promising technology, especially to meet climate goals and decarbonize several key sectors of the productive system. The number of possible applications is considerable, as it is its potential contribution to the climate goals. This technology is, however, still at an early stage, and so is the European Union (EU) legal framework that should uphold its development. This article tries to give an outlook on some key points of the applicable EU policy on hydrogen (especially renewable and low-carbon), as well as examine some specific Union legal frameworks that are applicable, and the critical issues that the current regime, still in its early stages, inevitably presents. The article also highlights the recent EU policy developments that, due to the actual geopolitical situation, are seemingly boosting up the European agenda on hydrogen.
Strange quasar candidates with abnormal astrometric characteristics from Gaia EDR3 and SDSS (SQUAB-II): optical identifications
Authors: Ji Xiang , Zheng Zhen-Ya , Wu Qiqi , Lin Ruqiu , Rahna P T , Zhang Yingkang , Zhu Shuairu , Liao Shilong , Qi Zhaoxiang , An Tao
Published: July 2023

There are some strange quasars with multiple Gaia detections or observed with abnormal astrometric characteristics, such as with large proper motions or significant astrometric noises. Those strange quasars could be potential candidates of quasar-star pairs, dual quasars (DQs), or lensed quasars (LQs). Searching for both DQs and LQs is of great importance in many fields of astrophysics. Here in this work, we select 143 SDSS spectroscopically confirmed quasars that have multiple Gaia EDR3 detections within 1 arcsec of the SDSS quasar’s position. We apply several optical identification methods to classify this sample. We firstly exclude 65 quasar-star pairs via their stellar features including their parallaxes and proper motions, stellar features in the SDSS spectra, or via the colour–colour diagram. Based on the spectral-fitting results, we find 2 DQ candidates, one of which presents a double-peaked [O III] emission line feature and the other shows a broad Hβ velocity offset (∼ 870 km s−1) relative to the [O III] λ5007 line. Via the colour difference method, we further find 56 LQ candidates with similar colours in their multiple images. We also cross-match 143 objects with the HST archive and find 19 targets with archival HST images. Our classification results of those 19 targets are mainly consistent with previous works.
Electromagnetic signatures of white dwarf collisions in AGN discs
Authors: Zhang Shu-Rui , Luo Yan , Wu Xiao-Jun , Wang Jian-Min , Ho Luis C , Yuan Ye-Fei
Published: July 2023

In the inner region of the disc of an active galactic nucleus (AGN), the collision of two white dwarfs (WDs) through Jacobi capture might be inevitable, leading to a Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) explosion. This transient event, influenced by the disc gas and the gravity of the supermassive black hole (SMBH), exhibits distinct characteristics compared with normal SNe Ia. The energy of the explosion is mainly stored in the ejecta in the form of kinetic energy. Typically, the ejecta is not decelerated effectively by the AGN disc and rushes rapidly out of the AGN disc. However, under the influence of the SMBH, most of the ejecta falls back toward the AGN disc. As the fallback ejecta becomes more dispersed, it interacts with the disc gas, converting its kinetic energy into thermal energy. This results in a high-energy transient characterized by a rapid initial rise followed by a decay with L∝t−2.8. The time-scale of the transient ranges from hours to weeks, depending on the mass of the SMBH. This process generates high-energy radiation spanning from hard X-rays to the soft γ range. Additionally, the subsequent damage to the disc may result in changing-look AGNs. Moreover, the falling back of SNe Ia ejecta on to the AGN disc significantly increases the metallicity of the AGN and can even generate heavy elements within AGN discs.
MUSEQuBES: the relation between Ly α emitters and C iv absorbers at z ≈ 3.3
Authors: Banerjee Eshita , Muzahid Sowgat , Schaye Joop , Johnson Sean D , Cantalupo Sebastiano
Published: July 2023

We present a detailed study of the column density and covering fraction profiles of C iv absorption around 86 redshift z ≈ 3.3 Ly α emitters (LAEs) detected in eight Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) fields of 1 arcmin × 1 arcmin centred on eight bright background quasars as part of the MUSE Quasar-field Blind Emitters Survey (MUSEQuBES). Using Voigt profile fitting of all the C iv absorbers detected along these eight sightlines, we generated a ‘blind’ absorber catalogue consisting of 489 C iv absorption components. We cross-matched this blind C iv catalogue with the MUSE-detected LAE catalogue and found a significant enhancement of C iv components within ≈±400 $\rm km\, s^{-1}$ of the systemic redshifts of the LAEs. Neither the C iv column density (N) nor the Doppler parameter (b) of individual C iv components shows any significant anticorrelation with impact parameter (ρ) of the LAEs in the 68 percentile range of 90 ≤ ρ ≤ 230 physical kpc (pkpc). We find a covering fraction of ≈60 per cent for a threshold $N(\rm{C{\small IV}})$ of 1012.5 cm−2, which is roughly twice as high as in random regions. The C iv covering fraction remains constant at $\approx\!{50}{{\ \rm per\, cent}}$ for impact parameters in the range of 150–250 pkpc (≈3–6R200). Using the covering fraction profile, we constrain the LAE–C iv absorber two-point correlation function, and obtain $r_0 = 3.4^{+1.1}_{-1.0}$ comoving Mpc and $\gamma = 1.2^{+0.2}_{-0.3}$ for a threshold $N(\rm{C{\small IV}})$ of 1013.0 cm−2. The C iv covering fraction is found to be enhanced for the LAEs that are part of a ‘pair/group’ compared to the isolated ones.
Optically informed searches of high-energy neutrinos from interaction-powered supernovae
Authors: Pitik Tetyana , Tamborra Irene , Lincetto Massimiliano , Franckowiak Anna
Published: July 2023

The interaction between the ejecta of supernovae (SNe) of Type IIn and a dense circumstellar medium can efficiently generate thermal ultraviolet/optical radiation and lead to the emission of neutrinos in the 1–103 TeV range. We investigate the connection between the neutrino signal detectable at the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the electromagnetic signal observable by optical wide-field, high-cadence surveys to outline the best strategy for upcoming follow-up searches. We outline a semi-analytical model that connects the optical light-curve properties to the SN parameters and find that a large peak luminosity (${L_{\rm {peak}}\gtrsim 10^{43}{-}10^{44}\, \mathrm{erg \, s^{-1}}}$) and an average rise time (trise ≳ 10−40 d) are necessary for copious neutrino emission. Nevertheless, the most promising Lpeak and trise can be obtained for SN configurations that are not optimal for neutrino emission. Such ambiguous correspondence between the optical light-curve properties and the number of IceCube neutrino events implies that relying on optical observations only, a range of expected neutrino events should be considered (e.g. the expected number of neutrino events can vary up to two orders of magnitude for some among the brightest SNe IIn observed by the Zwicky Transient Facility up to now, SN 2020usa and SN 2020in). In addition, the peak in the high-energy neutrino curve should be expected a few trise after the peak in the optical light curve. Our findings highlight that it is crucial to infer the SN properties from multiwavelength observations rather than focusing on the optical band only to enhance upcoming neutrino searches.
Temperature fluctuations in quasar accretion discs from spectroscopic monitoring data
Authors: Stone Zachary , Shen Yue
Published: July 2023

NK22 proposed a new method to reconstruct the temperature perturbation map (as functions of time and disc radius) of active galactic nuclei (AGN) accretion discs using multiwavelength photometric light curves. We apply their technique to 100 quasars at z = 0.5–2 from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Reverberation Mapping project, using multi-epoch spectroscopy that covers rest-frame UV-optical continuum emission from the quasar and probes days to months time-scales. Consistent with NK22 for low-redshift AGNs, we find that the dominant pattern of disc temperature perturbations is either slow inward/outward moving waves with typical amplitudes $\delta T/T_0\sim 10~{{\ \rm per \, cent}}$ traveling at ∼0.01–0.1c, with a typical radial frequency of ∼ 0.5 dex in log R, or incoherent perturbations. In nearly none of the cases do we find clear evidence for coherent, fast outgoing temperature perturbations at the speed of light, reminiscent of the lamppost model; but such lamppost signals may be present in some quasars for limited periods of the monitoring data. Using simulated data, we demonstrate that high-fidelity temperature perturbation maps can be recovered with high-quality monitoring spectroscopy, with limited impact from seasonal gaps in the data. On the other hand, reasonable temperature perturbation maps can be reconstructed with high-cadence photometric light curves from the Vera C Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time. Our findings, together with NK22, suggest that internal disc processes are the main driver for temperature fluctuations in AGN accretion discs over days to months time-scales.
Weibel-dominated quasi-perpendicular shock: hybrid simulations and in situ observations
Authors: Kropotina J A , Petrukovich A A , Chugunova O M , Bykov A M
Published: July 2023

We directly compare hybrid kinetic simulations and in situ observations of a high Mach number high-β shock in the Solar wind. We launch virtual probes to demonstrate that the model quantitatively reproduces the observations. The observed wave properties are caused by the ion Weibel instability in the shock foot. Parameters of reflected ions in the shock foot are extracted from simulations, and their coordinate dependencies are linearly approximated. These approximations could be used in analytical models. Due to strong magnetic variations at ramp the reflected ions density can be locally very high (nearly that of the incoming flow), which makes favourable conditions for the instability.
Measuring the hot ICM velocity structure function using XMM–Newton observations
Authors: Gatuzz Efrain , Mohapatra R , Federrath C , Sanders J S , Liu A , Walker S A , Pinto C
Published: July 2023

It has been shown that the gas velocities within the intracluster medium (ICM) can be measured by applying the novel XMM–Newton EPIC-pn energy scale calibration, which uses instrumental Cu Kα as reference for the line emission. Using this technique, we have measured the velocity distribution of the ICM for clusters involving AGN feedback and sloshing of the plasma within the gravitational well (Virgo and Centaurus) and a relaxed one (Ophiuchus). We present a detailed study of the kinematics of the hot ICM for these systems. First, we compute the velocity probability distribution functions (PDFs) from the velocity maps. We find that for all sources, the PDF follows a normal distribution, with a hint of a multimodal distribution in the case of Ophiuchus. Then, we compute the velocity structure function (VSF) for all sources in order to study the variation with scale as well as the nature of turbulence in the ICM. We measure a turbulence driving scale of ∼10–20 kpc for the Virgo cluster, while the Ophiuchus cluster VSF reflects the absence of strong interaction between the ICM and a powerful Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN) at such spatial scales. For the former, we compute a dissipation time larger than the jet activity cycle, thus indicating that a more efficient heating process than turbulence is required to reach equilibrium. This is the first time that the VSF of the hot ICM has been computed using direct velocity measurements from X-ray astronomical observations.
Restoration of T80-S telescope’s images using neural networks
Authors: Bernardi Rafael L , Berdja Amokrane , Guzmán Christian Dani , Torres-Torriti Miguel , Roth Martin M
Published: July 2023

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been used for a wide range of applications in astronomy, including for the restoration of degraded images using a spatially invariant point spread function (PSF) across the field of view. Most existing development techniques use a single PSF in the deconvolution process, which is unrealistic when spatially variable PSFs are present in real observation conditions. Such conditions are simulated in this work to yield more realistic data samples. We propose a method that uses a simulated spatially variable PSF for the T80-South (T80-S) telescope, an 80-cm survey imager at Cerro Tololo (Chile). The synthetic data use real parameters from the detector noise and atmospheric seeing to recreate the T80-S observational conditions for the CNN training. The method is tested on real astronomical data from the T80-S telescope. We present the simulation and training methods, the results from real T80-S image CNN prediction, and a comparison with space observatory Gaia. A CNN can fix optical aberrations, which include image distortion, PSF size and profile, and the field position variation while preserving the source’s flux. The proposed restoration approach can be applied to other optical systems and to post-process adaptive optics static residual aberrations in large-diameter telescopes.
Measurement of diet quality among First Nations peoples in Canada and associations with health: a scoping review
Authors: Sebai Ines , Deaconu Ana , Mobetty Fabrice , Nardocci Milena , Ing Amy , Batal Malek
Published: July 2023

Background

Given the increasing number and the diversity of dietary quality indices used for research, and the differences between settings, there is a need to identify valid indices of dietary quality in different contexts and populations and to identify their associations with health-related outcomes.

Objectives

The primary objective of this scoping review is to identify the tools used in determining dietary quality among First Nations and to describe the changes in diet. The second objective is to describe the associations identified in studies that have measured the relationship between health and dietary quality among First Nations; and the third objective is to identify factors associated with diet quality.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Global Health, and Web of Science were searched from inception to June 2021 and updated in February 2022. Articles were included if the research subjects were First Nations, or if articles reported disaggregated subset data for First Nations. Eligible studies focused on nutrition and diet and were published in English or French.

Results

A total of 151 articles were included in the analysis. Studies used several indicators to measure if individuals adhered to dietary guidelines. Traditional food consumption was frequently used as an indicator of diet quality (n = 96). The consumption of store-bought foods was used as an indicator in 28 studies. Some studies used other diet quality indicators such as the Healthy Eating Index (n = 5) and ultra-processed food “NOVA” classification (n = 6). A trend for decreasing traditional food intake over time was apparent, alongside an increase in store-bought food intake. This trend was accompanied with declining health status, including the increased prevalence of overweight and obesity, diabetes, metabolic diseases, and dental caries.

Conclusion

This scoping review showed that diet quality among First Nations is improved when traditional foods are consumed. Reduced diet quality was associated with increased risk of noncommunicable diseases.
Performance of serum biomarkers reflective of different pathogenic processes in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Györfi Andrea-Hermina , Filla Tim , Dickel Nicholas , Möller Florian , Li Yi-Nan , Bergmann Christina , Matei Alexandru-Emil , Harrer Thomas , Kunz Meik , Schett Georg , Distler Jörg H W
Published: July 2023

Objective

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the leading cause of mortality in SSc. Novel biomarkers are crucial to improve outcomes in SSc-ILD. We aimed to compare the performance of potential serum biomarkers of SSc-ILD that reflect different pathogenic processes: KL-6 and SP-D (epithelial injury), CCL18 (type 2 immune response), YKL-40 (endothelial injury and matrix remodelling) and MMP-7 (ECM remodelling).

Methods

Baseline and follow-up serum samples from 225 SSc patients were analysed by ELISA. Progressive ILD was defined according to the 2022-ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT guidelines. Linear mixed models and random forest models were used for statistical analyses.

Results

Serum levels of KL-6 [MD 35.67 (95% CI 22.44–48.89, P < 0.01)], SP-D [81.13 (28.46–133.79, P < 0.01)], CCL18 [17.07 (6.36–27.77, P < 0.01)], YKL-40 [22.81 (7.19–38.44, P < 0.01)] and MMP-7 [2.84 (0.88–4.80, P < 0.01)] were independently associated with the presence of SSc-ILD. A machine-learning model including all candidates classified patients with or without ILD with an accuracy of 85%. The combination of KL-6 and SP-D was associated with the presence [0.77 (0.53–1.00, P’ <0.01)] and previous progression of SSc-ILD [OR 1.28 (1.01–1.61, P’ =0.047)]. Higher baseline levels of KL-6 [OR 3.70 (1.52–9.03, P < 0.01)] or SP-D [OR 2.00 (1.06–3.78, P = 0.03)] increased the odds of future SSc-ILD progression, independent of other conventional risk factors, and the combination of KL-6 and SP-D [1.109 (0.665–1.554, P < 0.01)] showed improved performance compared with KL-6 and SP-D alone.

Conclusion

All candidates performed well as diagnostic biomarkers for SSc-ILD. The combination of KL-6 and SP-D might serve as biomarker for the identification of SSc patients at risk of ILD progression.
Using connectome-based models of working memory to predict emotion regulation in older adults
Authors: Fisher Megan E , Teng James , Gbadeyan Oyetunde , Prakash Ruchika S
Published: July 2023

Older adulthood is characterized by enhanced emotional well-being potentially resulting from greater reliance on adaptive emotion regulation strategies. However, not all older adults demonstrate an increase in emotional well-being and instead rely on maladaptive emotion regulation strategies. An important moderator of age-related shifts in strategy preferences is working memory (WM) and its underlying neural circuitry. As such, individual differences in the neural integrity underlying WM may predict older adults’ emotion regulation strategy preferences. Our study used whole-brain WM networks—derived from young adults using connectome-based predictive modeling—to predict WM performance and acceptance strategy use in healthy older adults. Older adults (N = 110) completed baseline assessments as part of a randomized controlled trial examining the impact of mind-body interventions on healthy aging. Our results revealed that the WM networks predicted WM accuracy but not acceptance use or difficulties in emotion regulation in older adults. Individual differences in WM performance, but not WM networks, moderated relationships between image intensity and acceptance use. These findings highlight that robust neural markers of WM generalize to an independent sample of healthy older adults but may not generalize beyond cognitive domains to predict emotion-based behaviors.