bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic DG placement and sizing in developing nations' power systems using ISNT and modified forward-backward sweep
Authors: Somefun Tobiloba , Abdulkareem Ademola , Popoola Olawale , Somefun Comfort , Ajewole Titus
Published: August 2024

The power sector in many developing nations faces challenges in meeting consumers’ demands for a reliable electricity supply due to increased load demand, primarily driven by population growth. Urban areas receive 24 h power, while extensive losses within the system limit coverage. Setting up centralised stations offers a temporary solution, but the capacity of the ageing transmission lines is uncertain. This study proposes integrating distributed generators (DG) into the power system, using Inherent Structural Network Topology (ISNT) for DG siting and a modified Forward-Backward Sweep model for sizing. Voltage Stability Index (VPI) assesses network stability. The model considers voltage profile and line losses, optimizing DG sites and sizes. Results demonstrate the model’s efficacy, offering insights for optimal DG planning to minimize losses and enhance voltage profiles. The study informs power system engineers for future planning, aiding decisions on DG location and size, potentially reducing line losses and improving voltage profiles, thus assisting in network upgrades or expansions.
Optimization of EDM input variables for machining of novel Al7010/B4C/BN hybrid metal matrix nanocomposite using multi objective grey relational analysis
Authors: Dirisenapu Gopichand , Salavaravu Laxmanaraju , Bandi Rajyalakshmi
Published: August 2024

In this research, the examination on the influence of EDM pulse variables during machining of Al7010/B4C/BN hybrid metal matrix nanocomposites (HMMNCs) manufactured by using ultrasonic assisted stir casting (UASC) route. The optimum input factors of die sinking EDM like pulse on time (Pon), discharge current (DC), gap voltage (GV) and pulse off time (Poff) on performance factors like tool wear rate (TWR), material removal rate (MRR), and surface roughness (SR) were studied. The Taguchi experimental design of L16 orthogonal array (OA) was selected for conducting experiments. The ANOVA route was utilized to obtain the % contribution of pulse parameters on response factors. The multi objective Grey relational analysis (GRA) was used for determining optimum machining condition. The results indicated that discharge current was more effects on output factors like SR, TWR and MRR followed by other parameters and that DC is the best substantial factor for multiple objective responses. The results exposed that the optimum EDM process factors condition is A1B1C1D3. The outcomes were further calculated by employing confirmatory experiment. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was conducted to observe the surface properties of a specimen that underwent EDM. In the EDMed surface a complex combination surrounded by tiny and big melt droplets, various-sized fissures, microcracks, and void markings were presented. Moreover, observed the effects on the surface, such as the formation of a recast layer.
Active causal learning for decoding chemical complexities with targeted interventions
Authors: R Fox Zachary , Ghosh Ayana
Published: August 2024

Predicting and enhancing inherent properties based on molecular structures is paramount to design tasks in medicine, materials science, and environmental management. Most of the current machine learning and deep learning approaches have become standard for predictions, but they face challenges when applied across different datasets due to reliance on correlations between molecular representation and target properties. These approaches typically depend on large datasets to capture the diversity within the chemical space, facilitating a more accurate approximation, interpolation, or extrapolation of the chemical behavior of molecules. In our research, we introduce an active learning approach that discerns underlying cause-effect relationships through strategic sampling with the use of a graph loss function. This method identifies the smallest subset of the dataset capable of encoding the most information representative of a much larger chemical space. The identified causal relations are then leveraged to conduct systematic interventions, optimizing the design task within a chemical space that the models have not encountered previously. While our implementation focused on the QM9 quantum-chemical dataset for a specific design task—finding molecules with a large dipole moment—our active causal learning approach, driven by intelligent sampling and interventions, holds potential for broader applications in molecular, materials design and discovery.
Explaining the sharp decline in birth rates in Canada and the United States in 2020
Authors: Sawant Amit N , Stensrud Mats J
Published: August 2024

Birth rates in Canada and the United States declined sharply in March 2020 and deviated from historical trends. This decline was absent in similarly developed European countries. We argue that the selective decline was driven by incoming individuals, who would have traveled from abroad and given birth in Canada and the United States had there been no travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, by leveraging data from periods before and during the COVID-19 travel restrictions, we quantified the extent of births by incoming individuals. In an interrupted time series analysis, the expected number of such births in Canada was 970 per month (95% CI, 710-1200), which is 3.2% of all births in the country. The corresponding estimate for the United States was 6700 per month (95% CI, 3400-10 000), which is 2.2% of all births. A secondary difference-in-differences analysis gave similar estimates, at 2.8% and 3.4% for Canada and the United States, respectively. Our study reveals the extent of births by recent international arrivals, which hitherto has been unknown and infeasible to study.
Generating CRISPR-edited clonal lines of cultured Drosophila S2 cells
Authors: Ryniawec John M , Amoiroglou Anastasia , Rogers Gregory C
Published: August 2024

CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing is a pervasive research tool due to its relative ease of use. However, some systems are not amenable to generating edited clones due to genomic complexity and/or difficulty in establishing clonal lines. For example, Drosophila Schneider 2 (S2) cells possess a segmental aneuploid genome and are challenging to single-cell select. Here, we describe a streamlined CRISPR/Cas9 methodology for knock-in and knock-out experiments in S2 cells, whereby an antibiotic resistance gene is inserted in-frame with the coding region of a gene-of-interest. By using selectable markers, we have improved the ease and efficiency for the positive selection of null cells using antibiotic selection in feeder layers followed by cell expansion to generate clonal lines. Using this method, we generated the first acentrosomal S2 cell lines by knocking-out centriole genes Polo-like Kinase 4/Plk4 or Ana2 as proof of concept. These strategies for generating gene-edited clonal lines will add to the collection of CRISPR tools available for cultured Drosophila cells by making CRISPR more practical and therefore improving gene function studies.
Association of Weather Variables With Pathogens Contributing to Conjunctivitis Worldwide
Authors: Yan Daisy , Prajna N Venkatesh , Lalitha Prajna , Sansanayudh Wiwan , Satitpitakul Vannarut , Laovirojjanakul Wipada , Chaudhary Meenu , Bountogo Mamadou , Sie Ali , Coulibaly Boubacar , Amza Abdou , Nassirou Beido , Almou Ibrahim , Tran Huy , Tran Yen , Tsui Edmund , Onclinx Tania , Sella Ruti , Goren Lee , McClean Esmeralda , Tham Vivien , Chen Cindi , Ouimette Kevin , Zhong Lina , Liu YuHeng , Yu Danny , Abraham Thomas , Lebas Elodie , Arnold Benjamin F , McLeod Stephen D , Deiner Michael S , Porco Travis C , Seitzman Gerami D , Lietman Thomas M , Shantha Jessica , Hinterwirth Armin , Doan Thuy
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To identify weather variables associated with pathogens contributing to infectious conjunctivitis globally.

Methods

Sample collection and pathogen identification from patients with acute infectious conjunctivitis was performed from 2017 to 2023. We linked pathogens identified from 13 sites across 8 countries with publicly available weather data by geographic coordinates. Mixed effects logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the associations between temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity exposures, and the prevalence of infection types (RNA virus, DNA virus, bacteria, and fungus).

Results

In total, 498 cases from the United States, India, Nepal, Thailand, Burkina Faso, Niger, Vietnam, and Israel were included in the analysis. The 8-day average precipitation (mm) was associated with increased odds of RNA virus infection (odds ratio [OR] = 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12 to 1.93, P = .01) and decreased odds of DNA infection (OR = 0.62, 95% CI: .46 to .82, P < .001). Relative humidity (%) was associated with increased odds of RNA virus infections (OR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.51 to 4.61, P < .001), and fungal infections (OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.19 to 4.66, P = .01), but decreased odds of DNA virus (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: .37 to .90, P = .02) and bacterial infections (OR = 0.42, 95% CI: .25 to .71, P < .001). Temperature (°C) was not associated with ocular infections for any pathogen type.

Conclusions

This study suggests that weather factors affect pathogens differently. Particularly, humidity and precipitation were predictors for pathogens contributing to conjunctivitis worldwide. Additional work is needed to clarify the effects of shifts in weather and environmental factors on ocular infectious diseases.
Prediction of presence and severity of metabolic syndrome using regional body volumes measured by a multisensor white-light 3D scanner and validation using a mobile technology
Authors: Medina Inojosa Betsy J , Somers Virend K , Lara-Breitinger Kyla , Johnson Lynne A , Medina-Inojosa Jose R , Lopez-Jimenez Francisco
Published: August 2024

Aims

To test whether an index based on the combination of demographics and body volumes obtained with a multisensor 3D body volume (3D-BV) scanner and biplane imaging using a mobile application (myBVI®) will reliably predict the severity and presence of metabolic syndrome (MS).

Methods and results

We enrolled 1280 consecutive subjects who completed study protocol measurements, including 3D-BV and myBVI®. Body volumes and demographics were screened using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator to select features associated with an MS severity score and prevalence. We randomly selected 80% of the subjects to train the models, and performance was assessed in 20% of the remaining observations and externally validated on 133 volunteers who prospectively underwent myBVI® measurements. The mean ± SD age was 43.7 ± 12.2 years, 63.7% were women, body mass index (BMI) was 28.2 ± 6.2 kg/m2, and 30.2% had MS and an MS severity z-score of −0.2 ± 0.9. Features β coefficients equal to zero were removed from the model, and 14 were included in the final model and used to calculate the body volume index (BVI), demonstrating an area under the receiving operating curve (AUC) of 0.83 in the validation set. The myBVI® cohort had a mean age of 33 ± 10.3 years, 61% of whom were women, 10.5% MS, an average MS severity z-score of −0.8, and an AUC of 0.88.

Conclusion

The described BVI model was associated with an increased severity and prevalence of MS compared with BMI and waist-to-hip ratio. Validation of the BVI had excellent performance when using myBVI®. This model could serve as a powerful screening tool for identifying MS.
Over- and underreporting of prices: most hospitals are not compliant with the Hospital Price Transparency Rule
Authors: Mead Mitchell , Ibrahim Andrew M
Published: August 2024

Concern has been raised about the effectiveness of the Hospital Price Transparency Rule to facilitate a clear understanding of health care prices due to poor reporting by hospitals. However, the relationship between what services the hospital provides and what prices they report is not clear. We assessed reported prices in the Turquoise Health database and compared them at the hospital level with the CMS Provider of Services File to identify if a shoppable service was provided at a hospital. We found significant mismatch between the hospital prices being reported and the services being provided. For example, 56% of hospitals providing at least 1 shoppable service that requires public price reporting did not report any prices. Of hospitals reporting prices, most hospitals (66%) reported prices for only a portion of the services they provide. In addition, 12% of hospitals reported prices for services they do not provide. Only 6% of hospitals had complete concordance with price reporting and services they actually provide. Current compliance enforcement and penalties do not appear to be adequate to achieve the goals of the Hospital Price Transparency Rule.
Dissociable Roles of the mPFC-to-VTA Pathway in the Control of Impulsive Action and Risk-Related Decision-Making in Roman High- and Low-Avoidance Rats
Authors: Urueña-Méndez Ginna , Arrondeau Chloé , Marchessaux Florian , Goutaudier Raphaël , Ginovart Nathalie
Published: August 2024

Background

Impulsive action and risk-related decision-making (RDM) are associated with various psychiatric disorders, including drug abuse. Both behavioral traits have also been linked to reduced frontocortical activity and alterations in dopamine function in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). However, despite direct projections from the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) to the VTA, the specific role of the mPFC-to-VTA pathway in controlling impulsive action and RDM remains unexplored.

Methods

We used positron emission tomography with [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose to evaluate brain metabolic activity in Roman high- (RHA) and low-avoidance (RLA) rats, which exhibit innate differences in impulsive action and RDM. Notably, we used a viral-based double dissociation chemogenetic strategy to isolate, for the first time to our knowledge, the role of the mPFC-to-VTA pathway in controlling these behaviors. We selectively activated the mPFC-to-VTA pathway in RHA rats and inhibited it in RLA rats, assessing the effects on impulsive action and RDM in the rat gambling task.

Results

Our results showed that RHA rats displayed higher impulsive action, less optimal decision-making, and lower cortical activity than RLA rats at baseline. Chemogenetic activation of the mPFC-to-VTA pathway reduced impulsive action in RHA rats, whereas chemogenetic inhibition had the opposite effect in RLA rats. However, these manipulations did not affect RDM. Thus, by specifically targeting the mPFC-to-VTA pathway in a phenotype-dependent way, we reverted innate patterns of impulsive action but not RDM.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest a dissociable role of the mPFC-to-VTA pathway in impulsive action and RDM, highlighting its potential as a target for investigating impulsivity-related disorders.
Mass, momentum and energy preserving FEEC and broken-FEEC schemes for the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Carlier Valentin , Campos Pinto Martin , Fambri Francesco
Published: August 2024

In this article we propose two finite-element schemes for the Navier–Stokes equations, based on a reformulation that involves differential operators from the de Rham sequence and an advection operator with explicit skew-symmetry in weak form. Our first scheme is obtained by discretizing this formulation with conforming FEEC (Finite Element Exterior Calculus) spaces: it preserves the point-wise divergence free constraint of the velocity, its total momentum and its energy, in addition to being pressure robust. Following the broken-FEEC approach, our second scheme uses fully discontinuous spaces and local conforming projections to define the discrete differential operators. It preserves the same invariants up to a dissipation of energy to stabilize numerical discontinuities. For both schemes we use a middle point time discretization that preserve these invariants at the fully discrete level and we analyze its well-posedness in terms of a CFL condition. While our theoretical results hold for general finite elements preserving the de Rham structure, we consider one application to tensor-product spline spaces. Specifically, we conduct several numerical test cases to verify the high order accuracy of the resulting numerical methods, as well as their ability to handle general boundary conditions.
Variable Craniofacial Shape and Development among Multiple Cave-Adapted Populations of Astyanax mexicanus
Authors: Holtz N , Albertson R C
Published: August 2024

Synopsis

Astyanax mexicanus is a freshwater fish species with blind cave morphs and sighted surface morphs. Like other troglodytic species, independently evolved cave-dwelling A. mexicanus populations share several stereotypic phenotypes, including the expansion of certain sensory systems, as well as the loss of eyes and pigmentation. Here, we assess the extent to which there is also parallelism in craniofacial development across cave populations. Since multiple forces may be acting upon variation in the A. mexicanus system, including phylogenetic history, selection, and developmental constraint, several outcomes are possible. For example, eye regression may have triggered a conserved series of compensatory developmental events, in which case we would expect to observe highly similar craniofacial phenotypes across cave populations. Selection for cave-specific foraging may also lead to the evolution of a conserved craniofacial phenotype, especially in regions of the head directly associated with feeding. Alternatively, in the absence of a common axis of selection or strong developmental constraints, craniofacial shape may evolve under neutral processes such as gene flow, drift, and bottlenecking, in which case patterns of variation should reflect the evolutionary history of A. mexicanus. Our results found that cave-adapted populations do share certain anatomical features; however, they generally did not support the hypothesis of a conserved craniofacial phenotype across caves, as nearly every pairwise comparison was statistically significant, with greater effect sizes noted between more distantly related cave populations with little gene flow. A similar pattern was observed for developmental trajectories. We also found that morphological disparity was lower among all three cave populations versus surface fish, suggesting eye loss is not associated with increased variation, which would be consistent with a release of developmental constraint. Instead, this pattern reflects the relatively low genetic diversity within cave populations. Finally, magnitudes of craniofacial integration were found to be similar among all groups, meaning that coordinated development among anatomical units is robust to eye loss in A. mexicanus. We conclude that, in contrast to many conserved phenotypes across cave populations, global craniofacial shape is more variable, and patterns of shape variation are more in line with population structure than developmental architecture or selection.
Comrades in arms, or comrades in angst? Interest convergence, regime security, and the Vietnam factor in Cambodia’s and Laos’ relations with China
Authors: Boon Hoo Tiang , To Minh Son
Published: August 2024

Cambodia and Laos are often perceived as the states most geo-politically aligned with China in Southeast Asia. By engaging indigenous sources, we dive deeper into this claim through a comparative approach in this article. Parsing two primary parameters for comparisons—the degree of interest convergence and sources of regime security in Cambodia and Laos—it is argued that even as Phnom Penh and Vientiane both maintain largely China-friendly policies and positions, they also differ in their degree of tilt toward Beijing, with Laos pursuing a relatively more careful and calibrated approach toward its neighboring giant. This distinction can be explained by the relative difference in both countries’ calculations on Vietnam, an intervening factor that affects their management of asymmetry with China.
Calendar versus Analysis Time: Reanalyzing the Relationship between Humanitarian Aid and Civil Conflict Duration
Authors: Metzger Shawna K
Published: August 2024

Previous work in International Studies Quarterly shows higher levels of humanitarian aid prolong civil conflicts. It also finds, among conflict–years in which aid is received, that this conflict-prolonging effect is more acute in insurgency-based civil conflicts, albeit with weaker supporting evidence. However, I show this work accidentally generated its conflict duration variable incorrectly, with the duration measuring time since January 1, 1960, not time since civil conflict onset. The duration values also exclude the first at-risk day for the first observation in each conflict, which drops true one-day durations from the estimation sample. I rerun the original analysis with the corrected duration coding and find evidence that supports the opposite of the author's main hypothesis: higher levels of humanitarian aid either have no effect on or shorten civil conflict duration. Additionally, the weak evidence for the author's second hypothesis mostly disappears, depending on the conflict's duration.
Enhanced bioremediation of soils contaminated with nicosulfuron using the bacterial complex A12
Authors: Wang Siya , Dong Meiqi , Xiao Yufeng , Yang Bingbing , Zhang Hao , Wu Xian
Published: August 2024

Aims

To construct an efficient bacterial complex to degrade nicosulfuron and clarify its degradative characteristics, promote the growth of maize (Zea mays), and provide a theoretical foundation for the efficient remediation of soil contaminated with nicosulfuron.

Methods and results

Biocompatibility was determined by the filter paper sheet method by mixing Serratia marcescens A1 and Bacillus cereus A2 in a 1:1 ratio, yielding A12. The optimum culture conditions for the bacterial composite were obtained based on a three-factor, three-level analysis using response surface methodology, with 29.25 g l−1 for maltodextrin, 10.04 g l−1 for yeast extract, and 19.93 g l−1 for NaCl, which resulted in 92.42% degradation at 4 d. The degradation characteristics of A12 were clarified as follows: temperature 30°C, pH 7, initial concentration of nicosulfuron 20 mg l−1, and 4% inoculum. The ability to promote growth was determined by measuring the ratio of the lysosphere diameter (D) to the colony diameter (d), and the ability of the complex A12 to promote growth was higher than that of the two single strains.

Conclusions

Nicosulfuron degradation in sterilized and unsterilized soils reached 85.4% and 91.2% within 28 d, respectively. The ability of the strains to colonize the soil was determined by extraction of total soil DNA, primer design, and gel electrophoresis. The bioremediation effect of A12 was confirmed by the maximum recovery of fresh weight (124.35%) of nicosulfuron-sensitive crop plants and the significant recovery of soil enzyme activities, as measured by the physiological indices in the sensitive plants.
Mitochondrial background can explain variable costs of immune deployment
Authors: Kutzer Megan A M , Cornish Beth , Jamieson Michael , Zawistowska Olga , Monteith Katy M , Vale Pedro F
Published: August 2024

Organismal health and survival depend on the ability to mount an effective immune response against infection. Yet immune defence may be energy-demanding, resulting in fitness costs if investment in immune function deprives other physiological processes of resources. While evidence of costly immunity resulting in reduced longevity and reproduction is common, the role of energy-producing mitochondria on the magnitude of these costs is unknown. Here, we employed Drosophila melanogaster cybrid lines, where several mitochondrial genotypes (mitotypes) were introgressed onto a single nuclear genetic background, to explicitly test the role of mitochondrial variation on the costs of immune stimulation. We exposed female flies carrying one of nine distinct mitotypes to either a benign, heat-killed bacterial pathogen (stimulating immune deployment while avoiding pathology) or to a sterile control and measured lifespan, fecundity, and locomotor activity. We observed mitotype-specific costs of immune stimulation and identified a positive genetic correlation in immune-stimulated flies between lifespan and the proportion of time cybrids spent moving while alive. Our results suggests that costs of immunity are highly variable depending on the mitochondrial genome, adding to a growing body of work highlighting the important role of mitochondrial variation in host–pathogen interactions.
Financial distress and medical financial hardship among young adult survivors of blood cancer
Authors: Parsons Susan K , Murphy-Banks Rachel , Rodday Angie Mae , Roth Michael E , Miller Kimberly , Linendoll Nadine , Chan Randall , Crosswell Howland E , Xiang Qingyan , Freyer David R
Published: August 2024

Background

The long-term financial impact of cancer care has not been adequately addressed in young adults. As part of a remote intervention study, we describe medical financial distress and hardship among young adult survivors of blood cancer at study entry.

Methods

Young adults were recruited from 6 US hospitals. Using a Research Electronic Data Capture link, young adults confirmed their eligibility—namely, currently 18 to 39 years of age, blood cancer diagnosis 3 or more years ago, off active treatment, and not on parent’s insurance. Following consent, the baseline assessment was sent. The primary outcome measure, the Personal Financial Wellness Scale, measured financial distress (scored as severe, 1-2; high, 3-4; average, 5-6; and low to no, 7-10). Medical financial hardship encompassed material hardship, psychological impact, and coping behaviors. Descriptive summary statistics and linear regression were used.

Results

Among the 126 participants, 54.5% came from minority racial or ethnic groups. Median time since diagnosis was 10 years (interquartile range = 6-16 years), with 56% having received a diagnosis when they were between 18 and 39 years of age. The overall mean (standard deviation) Personal Financial Wellness Scale score was 5.1 (2.4), but 49% reported severe or high distress. In multivariable analysis, female sex, Hispanic ethnicity, and lower income were strongly associated with worse Personal Financial Wellness Scale scores. Among participants with severe financial distress (n = 26), 72% reported 2 or more household material hardships, had worse scores across all psychological domains, and altered survivorship care because of cost (68%).

Conclusions

Nearly half of long-term young adult cancer survivors reported severe or high levels of financial distress. Individuals with severe or high distress also reported more medical financial hardship than other participants. This finding highlights the need for ongoing financial intervention in this vulnerable population.

ClinicalTrials.gov

NCT05620979
Revisiting the effects of baryon physics on small-scale redshift space distortions
Authors: Kwan Juliana , McCarthy Ian G , Salcido Jaime
Published: August 2024

Redshift space distortions are an important probe of the growth of large-scale structure and for constraining cosmological parameters in general. As galaxy redshift surveys approach per cent level precision in their observations of the two point clustering statistics, it is timely to review what effects baryons and associated processes such as feedback may have on small-scale clustering in redshift space. Contrary to previous studies in the literature, we show using the large-volume Bahamas hydrodynamic simulations that the effect of baryons can be as much as 1 per cent in the $k \sim 0.1\, h\,$Mpc$^{-1}$ range for the monopole and 5 per cent for quadrupole, and that this could rise to as much as 10 per cent at $k \sim 10 \, h\,$Mpc$^{-1}$ in both measurements. For the halo power spectra, this difference can be as much 3-4 per cent in the monopole on scales of $0.05 \lt k \lt 0.3 \, h\,$Mpc$^{-1}$ for 10$^{13}\, h^{-1}$ M$_{\odot }$ haloes. We find that these deviations can be mitigated to the sub- per cent level in the both the monopole and quadrupole up to $k\sim 0.3\, h$ Mpc$^{-1}$ if the baryon corrected halo masses are used to calculate the redshift space power spectra. Finally, we use the cosmo-OWLS simulation suite to explore the changes in the redshift space power spectra with different feedback prescriptions, finding that there is a maximum of 15–20 per cent difference between the redshift space monopole and quadrupole with and without baryons at $k \sim 1\!-\!2\, h\,$Mpc$^{-1}$ within these models.
Consistent extinction model for type Ia supernovae in Cepheid-based calibration galaxies and its impact on H0
Authors: Wojtak Radosław , Hjorth Jens
Published: August 2024

The most recent SH0ES measurement of the Hubble constant employs corrections of type Ia supernova magnitudes due to extinction in their host galaxies. These corrections are estimated using a probabilistic model which is trained on Hubble flow ($z\gt 0.03$) supernovae and extrapolated to the calibration galaxies (those with observed Cepheids), despite the fact that the latter are selected based on criteria favouring discy and dust-rich systems. We show that this standard approach underestimates the brightness of reddened supernovae in the high stellar-mass ($M_{\star }\gt 10^{10}\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$) calibration galaxies. This can be traced back to the fact that for these galaxies, a low total-to-selective extinction coefficient ($R_{\rm B}\sim 3$) is assumed, while for the low stellar-mass analogues a more standard $R_{\rm B}\sim 4$ is adopted. We propose a minimalistic modification of the extinction model in the calibration galaxies in order to alleviate this systematic effect. The modification is twofold and it involves: (i) the same, Milky Way-like distribution of $R_{\rm B}$ (with mean $R_{\rm B}$ of 4.3 – consistent with the extinction curve used for colour corrections of the Cepheids – and scatter 0.4) and (ii) a modified shape of the $E(B-V)$ reddening distribution while keeping the same effective slope of the supernova peak magnitude–colour relation and the same mean $E(B-V)$ reddening as measured for supernovae in the Hubble flow. We show that this new approach yields a significantly better fit ($\Delta \mathrm{ BIC}=-11$) to the calibration data and results in a lower value of $H_{0}$. Our result is $H_{0}=70.5\pm 1$ km s$^{-1}$ Mpc$^{-1}$ implying a reduction of the Hubble constant tension from $5.2\sigma$ to $2.8\sigma$.
Mitigating black carbon emissions: key drivers in residential usage and coke/brick production
Authors: Li Jin , Zhang Yuanzheng , Zheng Shuxiu , Wang Jinghang , Dai Rong , Zhang Wenxiao , Xu Haoran , Shen Huizhong , Shen Guofeng , Cheng Hefa , Ma Jianmin , Tao Shu
Published: August 2024

Black carbon (BC) is a crucial air pollutant that contributes to short-lived climate forcing and adverse health impacts. BC emissions have rapidly declined over the past three decades and it is important to uncover the major factors behind this decline. Herein, the temporal trends in BC emissions were compiled from 146 detailed sources from 1960 to 2019. Results revealed that the major emission sources were residential solid fuel usage, coke production and brick production. Furthermore, 96.9% of the emission reduction from 3.03 Tg in 1995 to 1.02 Tg in 2019 was attributed to these three sources. It was determined that the transition in residential energy/stove usage, phasing-out of beehive coke ovens and brick kiln upgrading were the most important drivers leading to this reduction and will continue to play a key role in future emission mitigation. In addition, this study identified the need to address emissions from coal used in vegetable greenhouses and the commercial sector, and diesel consumption in on/off-road vehicles.
Associations Among Cultivar Cropping Sequence, 2,4-Diacetlyphloroglucinol–Producing Pseudomonad Populations, and Take-All Disease of Winter Wheat in Oregon
Authors: Perkins Evan M. , Mundt Christopher C.
Published: August 2024

Take-all of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), caused by Gaeumannomyces tritici (syn. G. graminis var. tritici), is perhaps the most important soilborne disease of wheat globally and can cause substantial yield losses under several cropping scenarios in Oregon. Although resistance to take-all has not been identified in hexaploid wheat, continuous cropping of wheat for several years can reduce take-all severity through the development of suppressive soils, a process called “take-all decline” (TAD). Extensive work has shown that TAD is driven primarily by members of the Pseudomonas fluorescens complex that produce 2,4-diacetlyphloroglucinol (DAPG), an antibiotic that is associated with antagonism and induced host resistance against multiple pathogens. Field experiments were conducted to determine the influence of agronomically relevant first-year wheat cultivars on take-all levels and ability to accumulate DAPG-producing pseudomonads within their rhizospheres in second-year field trials and in greenhouse trials. One first-year wheat cultivar consistently resulted in less take-all in second-year wheat and accumulated significantly more DAPG-producing pseudomonads than other cultivars, suggesting a potential mechanism for take-all reduction associated with that cultivar. An intermediate level of take-all suppression in other cultivars was not clearly associated with population size of DAPG-producing pseudomonads, however. The first-year cultivar effect on take-all dominated in subsequent plantings, and its impact was not specific to the first-year cultivar. Our results confirm that wheat cultivars may be used to suppress take-all when deployed appropriately over cropping seasons, an approach that is cost-effective, sustainable, and currently being used by some wheat growers in Oregon to reduce take-all.
Effect of Plasma-Activated Water (PAW) Generated Using Non-Thermal Atmospheric Plasma on Phytopathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Ghimire Bhawana , Pendyala Brahmaiah , Patras Ankit , Baysal-Gurel Fulya
Published: August 2024

Plasma-activated water (PAW) exhibits potent antimicrobial properties attributed to the generation of diverse reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. This study assessed the effectiveness of PAW in vitro against phytopathogenic Xanthomonas arboricola and Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, which cause diseases on ornamental plants. Extending the plasma activation time of water and the incubation time of bacterial suspension in PAW increased the effectiveness of PAW. Treatments consisting of PAW activation using a power output of 200 W and a frequency of 50 Hz at different activation times and target population incubation times revealed significantly different effectiveness against P. syringae pv. syringae and X. arboricola. X. arboricola (reduction of 4.946 ± 0.20 log10 CFU/ml) was more sensitive to PAW inactivation than P. syringae pv. syringae (reduction of 3 ± 0.15 log10 CFU/ml). The plasma activation of water for 20 min followed by incubation of bacterial population for 180 min was proven to be the most effective treatment combination. The plasma activation time dose required to reduce the population by 90% was 7.47 ± 1.09 min for P. syringae pv. syringae and 4.45 ± 1.81 min for X. arboricola incubated for 180 min in PAW. The results of this study have the potential to further contribute to assessment of the effects of PAW on pathogen-infected plant tissues. In addition, the findings of this study could aid in further characterization of the reactive species formed during the plasma activation of water.
The alleviating effect of Phillygenin on the regulation of respiratory microbiota and its metabolites in IBV‐infected broilers by inhibiting the TLR7/MyD88/NF‐κB axis
Authors: Feng Haipeng , Zhang Kang , Zhang Jingyan , Wang Xuezhi , Guo Zhiting , Wang Lei , Chen Fubing , Han Songwei , Li Jianxi
Published: August 2024

Phillygenin (PHI) is an active ingredient derived from the leaf of Forsythia suspensa that has been found to alleviate inflammation and peroxidation response. Avian infectious bronchitis (IB) is a major threat to poultry industry viral respiratory tract disease that infected with infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). This study investigated the protection of PHI to CEK cell and broiler's tracheal injury triggered by avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). The results showed that IBV infection did not cause serious clinical symptoms and slowing‐body weight in PHI‐treated broilers. The expression of virus loads, pro‐inflammation factors (IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β) in CEK cell, and tracheas were decreased compared to the IBV group, exhibiting its potent anti‐inflammation. Mechanistically, the study demonstrated that the inhibition of TLR7/MyD88/NF‐κB pathway was mainly involved in the protection effect of PHI to inflammation injury. Interestingly, a higher abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus in respiratory tract was observed in PHI‐treated broilers than in the IBV group. Significant differences were observed between the IBV group and PHI‐treated group in the Ferroptosis, Tryptophan metabolism, and Glutathione metabolism pathways. PHI exhibited potent protection effect on IBV infection and alleviated inflammation injury, mainly through inhibiting TLR7/MyD88/NF‐κB pathway. The study encourages further development of PHI, paving the way to its clinical use as a new candidate drug to relieve IBV‐induced respiratory symptoms.
Term Planned Delivery Based on Fetal Growth Assessment With or Without the Cerebroplacental Ratio in Low-Risk Pregnancies (RATIO37): An International, Multicentre, Open-Label, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rial-Crestelo Marta , Lubusky Marek , Parra-Cordero Mauro , Krofta Ladislav , Kajdy Anna , Zohav Eyal , Ferriols-Perez Elena , Cruz-Martinez Rogelio , Kacerovsky Marian , Scazzocchio Elena , Roubalova Lucie , Socias Pamela , Hašlík Lubomir , Modzelewski Jan , Ashwal Eran , Castellá-Cesari Julia , Cruz-Lemini Monica , Gratacos Eduard , Figueras Francesc ,   on behalf of the RATIO37 Study Group
Published: August 2024

(Abstracted from Lancet 2024;403(10426):545–553

Up to 3% of term pregnancies result in adverse perinatal outcomes, often caused by placental insufficiency. Detecting placental insufficiency can facilitate the prevention of adverse perinatal outcomes.
Prescription Opioid Exposure During Pregnancy and Risk of Spontaneous Preterm Delivery
Authors: Bosworth Olivia M. , Padilla-Azain Maria C. , Adgent Margaret A. , Spieker Andrew J. , Wiese Andrew David , Pham Amelie , Leech Ashley A. , Grijalva Carlos G. , Osmundson Sarah S.
Published: August 2024

(Abstracted from JAMA Network Open 2024;7(2):e2355990

Up to 21% of pregnant people use opioids to treat acute pain at some point in their pregnancies. Several studies have examined the impact of medication-assisted therapy among women with opioid use disorders and their outcomes, including neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.
Natural Proliferative Phase Frozen Embryo Transfer—A New Approach Which May Facilitate Scheduling Without Hindering Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Godinho Catarina Mendes , Soares Sergio Reis , Nunes Sofia Gouveia , Mascaros Martınez Juan M. , Santos-Ribeiro Samuel
Published: August 2024

(Abstracted from Hum Reprod 2024;39(5):1089–1097

Frozen embryo transfer (FET) use is increasing worldwide due to continuous cryopreservation technique improvements, reassuring safety data, and a growing list of indications. Different FET protocols include artificial (AC) and natural cycle (NC), and further exploration of the efficacy and safety of these protocols is of utmost importance.
Current opinion: optimize radiofrequency ablation through electrophysiological principles, modeling, and clinical recommendations
Authors: Provenzano David A. , Heller Jared A.
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review

This article aims to empower the interventional pain physician to utilize RFA effectively by explaining the technical and electrophysiological features of monopolar, bipolar, and internally cooled RFA. Scientific data are used to provide advice on the effective, well tolerated, and rational application of these techniques. Moreover, physicians need to know how to analyze and generalize ex-vivo and in-vivo models to the clinical setting to optimize clinical outcomes.

Recent findings

Recent studies suggest that there are many ways to enhance the technical effectiveness of interventional pain medicine RFA through adjustments in the equipment selection and settings and the local tissue conditions specific to the targeted anatomical area. These modifications could assist in improving clinical and safety outcomes.

To optimize both the efficacy and safety of RFA, physicians must understand, conceptualize, interpret, and clinically translate the basic science of RFA. This knowledge is crucial for optimizing equipment selection and settings based on target location to enhance clinical outcomes and limit technical failures.
A Cadaveric Comparison of Discectomy Performance During Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Approach Using an Endoscopic Technique versus a Minimally Invasive Tubular Approach
Authors: Boddapati Venakat , Yuk Frank , Virk Sohrab
Published: August 2024

Study Design.

Cadaveric study.

Objective.

Compare discectomy performance between transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) done via an endoscopic versus a tubular technique.

Summary of background data.

Performance of an adequate discectomy is essential to lumbar fusion when performing a TLIF. Previous cadaveric studies comparing open and minimally invasive techniques have reported 36.6%-80% discectomy. There is controversy whether an endoscopic TLIF (E-TLIF) can allow for an adequate discectomy.

Materials/Methods.

An E-TLIF was performed on 14 discs (T12-L5) and a minimally invasive tubular TLIF (T-TLIF) was performed on 15 discs (T12-L4, L5-S1). Fellowship trained surgeons performed the TLIFs. Each disc was transected after discectomy and a digital image was analyzed using an imaging processing software to determine the percent of discectomy. Each quadrant of the discectomy was compared. Quadrant one was defined as the left posterior-ipsilateral quadrant of the disc, with each quadrant numbered 2-4 clockwise around the disc. The time to perform the discectomy was compared. Pedicle screws were placed contralaterally to the TLIF and the change in interpedicular distance was compared between techniques after expandable cage implantation as a marker for indirect decompression. A student’s t-test was used to determine statistical significance.

Results.

There was no difference in discectomy performance between techniques (48.86%+/−6.98% T-TLIF vs. 50.26%+/−7.38% E-TLIF, P=0.61). There was no statistical difference between T-TLIF vs E-TLIF at quadrants 1, 3 and 4. There was a difference in discectomy performance at quadrant 2 (39.02%+/−10.18% T-TLIF vs 50.13%+/−14.00% E-TLIF, P=0.02). There was no statistical difference between interpedicular distance created (2.20 mm+/−1.97 mm T-TLIF vs 1.36 mm+/−1.82 mm E-TLIF, P=0.24). E-TLIF took less time than MIS-TLIF (20.00 min+/−7.12 min vs 15.22 min+/−4.42 min, P=0.048).

Conclusion.

Our cadaveric study demonstrates that an adequately performed E-TLIF discectomy may be comparable to a T-TLIF discectomy. Further research is required to maximize the efficiency and instrumentation of this technique.
Challenges towards an AIDS-free generation in Africa and Asia
Authors: Songtaweesin Wipaporn Natalie , Ahimbisibwe Grace Miriam , Puthanakit Thanyawee , Musoke Philippa
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review

To review the latest data on prevention of HIV vertical transmission in Asia and Africa and discuss strategic directions to achieve an AIDS free generation by 2030.

Recent findings

Progress in vertical transmission elimination efforts in Africa and Asia have stalled in the last decade, with 130 000 new infections in 2022. Main causes of vertical transmissions vary; in Asia-Pacific due to its low-burden, thus low testing coverage, but high overall vertical transmission rates, in South and East Africa due to new HIV infections during pregnancy and breast/chestfeeding, whereas in Western and Central Africa due to low antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage. Long-acting injectable ART and neutralizing antibodies for treatment and prevention show promise in supporting efforts to further reduce vertical transmissions. Integrated and more accessible pre- and postnatal care is needed to achieve an AIDS-free generation.

Much can be implemented to address existing HIV service gaps; including strengthening of HIV prevention services for youth and women of childbearing age and pregnant people, early detection and treatment, and the delivery of integrated services that can reach and retain pregnant and postpartum people living with HIV in care.
Adolescents and young adults with HIV and unsuppressed viral load: where do we go from here?
Authors: Rakhmanina Natella , Foster Caroline , Agwu Allison
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review

Adolescents and youth living with HIV (AYLHIV) have worse outcomes at all stages of the care cascade when compared with adults, yet adolescents and youth with unsuppressed viral load are typically excluded from phase 3 studies of novel HIV therapeutic agents and emerging strategies. Long-acting agents have the potential to radically change outcomes for young people struggling with adherence to daily oral HIV medications.

Recent findings

1.5 million children aged less than 15 years live with HIV and more than 100 000 acquire HIV perinatally every year. Adolescents and youth aged 10–24 years comprise ∼40% of global incident HIV infections. Rates of viral suppression among AYLHIV vary markedly from 44 to 88%, resulting in morbidity and risks of transmission to partners and infants. Virological failure is mostly due to poor adherence, and AYLHIV express high levels of interest and acceptability of alternatives to oral daily medications, such as long-acting antiretroviral formulations. Emerging data regarding their use in populations with unsuppressed viral load are encouraging.

AYLHIV, including populations without virologic suppression, must be prioritized for the programmatic implementation and research of long-acting HIV drugs and other therapeutic strategies to prevent morbidity and mortality and to ultimately end the HIV epidemic.
Cardiac Manifestations of Hemochromatosis
Authors: Gera Priyanka , Oliveira Vitor De , Frishman William H. , Aronow Wilbert S.
Published: August 2024

Cardiac hemochromatosis, a consequence of primary or secondary iron-overload conditions, poses a threat to patient health, leading to cardiomyopathy and heart failure. This review aims to compile comprehensive information on cardiac hemochromatosis, elucidating its pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management strategies. Primary and secondary hemochromatosis, genetic and acquired forms, can result in cardiotoxicity by means of iron dysregulation. Diagnostic tools, including biochemical markers, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are utilized for early detection as well as long-term monitoring post-treatment. For treatment options, phlebotomy is the standard, but for some patients (such as those with anemia), chelation therapy is an alternative option. Other potential therapies include erythrocytapheresis, calcium channel blockers, and hepcidin-targeted approaches, for which more research is needed to understand cardiac function benefits. With the onset of cardiac symptoms, patient health rapidly deteriorates. Thus, timely intervention to mitigate associated morbidity and mortality by means of screening can promote and prolong patient survival.