bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Candrive—Development of a Risk Stratification Tool for Older Drivers
Authors: Marshall Shawn , Bédard Michel , Vrkljan Brenda , Tuokko Holly , Porter Michelle M , Naglie Gary , Rapoport Mark J , Mazer Barbara , Gélinas Isabelle , Gagnon Sylvain , Charlton Judith L , Koppel Sjaan , MacLeay Lynn , Myers Anita , Mallick Ranjeeta , Ramsay Tim , Stiell Ian , Wells George , Man-Son-Hing Malcolm
Published: February 2023

Background

Assessing an older adult’s fitness-to-drive is an important part of clinical decision making. However, most existing risk prediction tools only have a dichotomous design, which does not account for subtle differences in risk status for patients with complex medical conditions or changes over time. Our objective was to develop an older driver risk stratification tool (RST) to screen for medical fitness-to-drive in older adults.

Methods

Participants were active drivers aged 70 and older from 7 sites across 4 Canadian provinces. They underwent in-person assessments every 4 months with an annual comprehensive assessment. Participant vehicles were instrumented to provide vehicle and passive Global Positioning System (GPS) data. The primary outcome measure was police-reported, expert-validated, at-fault collision adjusted per annual kilometers driven. Predictor variables included physical, cognitive, and health assessment measures.

Results

A total of 928 older drivers were recruited for this study beginning in 2009. The average age at enrollment was 76.2 (standard deviation [SD] = 4.8) with 62.1% male participants. The mean duration for participation was 4.9 (SD = 1.6) years. The derived Candrive RST included 4 predictors. Out of 4 483 person-years of driving, 74.8% fell within the lowest risk category. Only 2.9% of person-years were in the highest risk category where the relative risk for at-fault collisions was 5.26 (95% confidence interval = 2.81–9.84) compared to the lowest risk group.

Conclusions

For older drivers whose medical conditions create uncertainty regarding their fitness-to-drive, the Candrive RST may assist primary health care providers when initiating a conversation about driving and to guide further evaluation.
The potential role of nondigestible Raffinose family oligosaccharides as prebiotics
Authors: Kanwal Freeha , Ren Dingxin , Kanwal Wajiha , Ding Mengying , Su Junqing , Shang Xiaoya
Published: February 2023

Based on factual scientific health claims, prebiotics have gained significant importance in ever-growing food and pharmaceutical industries. The diverse nature of distinct prebiotics influences the host differently in distinguishable patterns. Functional oligosaccharides are either plant-derived or commercially prepared. Raffinose, stachyose, and verbascose are the 3 types of raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) that have been extensively used as medicine, cosmetic, and food additives. These dietary fiber fractions avert the adhesion and colonization by enteric pathogens and add nutrition metabolites for a healthy immune system. Enrichment of RFOs in healthy foods should be promoted as these oligosaccharides augment gut microecology by enhancing the health conferring microbes i.e. bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. RFOs influence the host’s multiorgan systems due to their physiological and physicochemical properties. For example, the fermented microbial products of such carbohydrates affect neurological processes, including memory, mood, and behavior in humans. Raffinose-type sugar uptake is thought to be a ubiquitous property of bifidobacteria. This review paper summarizes the source of RFOs and their metabolizing entities, highlighting bifidobacterial carbohydrate utilization and health benefits.
Exploring experiences with stressors and coping resources among Dutch socioeconomic groups during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: van der Kamp Dani , Torensma Marieke , Vader Sarah , Pijpker Roald , den Broeder Lea , Fransen Mirjam P , Wagemakers Annemarie
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 crisis impacts populations globally. This impact seems to differ for groups with low- and high-socioeconomic status (SES). We conducted a qualitative study in the Netherlands using a salutogenic perspective to examine experiences with stressors and coping resources during the pandemic among both SES groups to gain insight on how to promote the health and well-being of these groups. We conducted 10 focus group discussions and 20 interviews to explore the experiences, including resources and stressors, of respondents from low- (N = 37) and high-SES (N = 38) groups (25–55 years, Dutch speaking). We analyzed the findings at individual, community, and national levels. The results show that coping depends on government-imposed measures and the way individuals handle these measures; restriction to the home context with positive and negative consequences for work and leisure; psychological negative consequences and resourcefulness; and social effects related to unity (e.g. social cohesion or support) and division (including polarization). Respondents with lower SES expressed more problems with COVID-19 measures and experienced more social impact in their neighborhood than those with higher SES. Where low-SES groups especially mentioned the effects of staying at home on family life, high-SES groups mentioned effects on work life. At last, psychological consequences seem to differ somewhat across SES groups. Recommendations include consistent government-imposed measures and government communication, support for home schooling children, and strengthening the social fabric of neighborhoods.
Evidence of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) spawning in the Slope Sea region of the Northwest Atlantic from electronic tags
Authors: Aalto Emilius A , Dedman Simon , Stokesbury Michael J W , Schallert Robert J , Castleton Michael , Block Barbara A
Published: February 2023

Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABT) are large, wide-ranging pelagic predators, which typically migrate between foraging regions in the North Atlantic and two principal spawning regions, the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean Sea. A new spawning area has been described in the Slope Sea (SS) region off New England; however, the relationship between ABT that spawn in the SS and ABT using the principal spawning regions remains poorly understood. We used electronic tags to examine the location, temperature, and diving behaviour of ABT in the SS, and identified 24 individuals that were present during the spawning season (June–August) with tag data showing temperatures and behaviour consistent with spawning ABT. In general, the SS spawners had similar spatial ranges to Mediterranean-spawning ABT; however, some individuals displayed distinct behaviours that were identified first in the Gulf of Mexico spawners. Using monthly spatial distributions, we estimated that the SS spawners have high exposure to fishing pressure relative to other ABT and may represent a disproportionate share of the West Atlantic catch. This analysis provides the first description of the behaviour of ABT frequenting this spawning ground, creating a foundation for integrating this region into multi-stock management and, potentially, conserving an important source of genetic diversity.
Hollow-fibre system model of tuberculosis reproducibility and performance specifications for best practice in drug and combination therapy development
Authors: Gumbo Tawanda , Srivastava Shashikant , Deshpande Devyani , Pasipanodya Jotam G , Berg Alexander , Romero Klaus , Hermann David , Hanna Debra
Published: February 2023

Background

The hollow-fibre system model of tuberculosis (HFS-TB) has been endorsed by regulators; however, application of HFS-TB requires a thorough understanding of intra- and inter-team variability, statistical power and quality controls.

Methods

Three teams evaluated regimens matching those in the Rapid Evaluation of Moxifloxacin in Tuberculosis (REMoxTB) study, plus two high-dose rifampicin/pyrazinamide/moxifloxacin regimens, administered daily for up to 28 or 56 days against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) under log-phase growth, intracellular growth or semidormant growth under acidic conditions. Target inoculum and pharmacokinetic parameters were pre-specified, and the accuracy and bias at achieving these calculated using percent coefficient of variation (%CV) at each sampling point and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

A total of 10 530 individual drug concentrations, and 1026 individual cfu counts were measured. The accuracy in achieving intended inoculum was >98%, and >88% for pharmacokinetic exposures. The 95% CI for the bias crossed zero in all cases. ANOVA revealed that the team effect accounted for <1% of variation in log10 cfu/mL at each timepoint. The %CV in kill slopes for each regimen and different Mtb metabolic populations was 5.10% (95% CI: 3.36%–6.85%). All REMoxTB arms exhibited nearly identical kill slopes whereas high dose regimens were 33% faster. Sample size analysis revealed that at least three replicate HFS-TB units are needed to identify >20% difference in slope, with a power of >99%.

Conclusions

HFS-TB is a highly tractable tool for choosing combination regimens with little variability between teams, and between replicates.
The role of gut microbiota and metabolites in regulating the immune response in drug-induced enteritis
Authors: Chen Yuxuan , Wang Zhaojun , Chen Xinli , Chao Guanqun , Zhang Shuo
Published: February 2023

Drug-induced enteritis is an inflammatory disease changing in the morphology and function of the intestine as a result of medicine damage. With the increase in drug abuse in recent years, the incidence of drug-associated enteritis accordingly rises and becomes an important disease affecting the health and life quality of patients. Hence, elucidating the pathogenesis of drug-induced enteritis and finding cost-effective diagnostic and therapeutic tools have become current research focuses. The gut microbiota and metabolites regulate the immune response, playing a key role in the maintenance of homeostasis in the intestine. Numerous studies have found that many medicines can induce intestinal flora disorders, which are closely related to the development of drug-induced enteritis. Therefore, this paper analyses the role of gut microbiota and metabolites in regulating the immune response, and provides basic research direction and clinical reference strategies for drug-induced enteritis, taking into account the existing applications and perspectives.
Digital healthcare equity in primary care: implementing an integrated digital health navigator
Authors: Rodriguez Jorge Alberto , Charles Jean-Pierre , Bates David W , Lyles Courtney , Southworth Bonnie , Samal Lipika
Published: February 2023

The 21st Century Cures Act and the rise of telemedicine led to renewed focus on patient portals. However, portal use disparities persist and are in part driven by limited digital literacy. To address digital disparities in primary care, we implemented an integrated digital health navigator program supporting portal use among patients with type II diabetes. During our pilot, we were able to enroll 121 (30.9%) patients onto the portal. Of newly enrolled or trained patients, 75 (62.0%) were Black, 13 (10.7%) were White, 23 (19.0%) were Hispanic/Latinx, 4 (3.3%) were Asian, 3 (2.5%) were of another race or ethnicity, and 3 (2.5%) had missing data. Our overall portal enrollment for clinic patients with type II diabetes increased for Hispanic/Latinx patients from 30% to 42% and Black patients from 49% to 61%. We used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to understand key implementation components. Using our approach, other clinics can implement an integrated digital health navigator to support patient portal use.
Clinical utility gains from incorporating comorbidity and geographic location information into risk estimation equations for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Authors: Xu Yizhe , Foryciarz Agata , Steinberg Ethan , Shah Nigam H
Published: February 2023

Objective

There are over 363 customized risk models of the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) pooled cohort equations (PCE) in the literature, but their gains in clinical utility are rarely evaluated. We build new risk models for patients with specific comorbidities and geographic locations and evaluate whether performance improvements translate to gains in clinical utility.

Materials and Methods

We retrain a baseline PCE using the ACC/AHA PCE variables and revise it to incorporate subject-level information of geographic location and 2 comorbidity conditions. We apply fixed effects, random effects, and extreme gradient boosting (XGB) models to handle the correlation and heterogeneity induced by locations. Models are trained using 2 464 522 claims records from Optum©’s Clinformatics® Data Mart and validated in the hold-out set (N = 1 056 224). We evaluate models’ performance overall and across subgroups defined by the presence or absence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and geographic locations. We evaluate models’ expected utility using net benefit and models’ statistical properties using several discrimination and calibration metrics.

Results

The revised fixed effects and XGB models yielded improved discrimination, compared to baseline PCE, overall and in all comorbidity subgroups. XGB improved calibration for the subgroups with CKD or RA. However, the gains in net benefit are negligible, especially under low exchange rates.

Conclusions

Common approaches to revising risk calculators incorporating extra information or applying flexible models may enhance statistical performance; however, such improvement does not necessarily translate to higher clinical utility. Thus, we recommend future works to quantify the consequences of using risk calculators to guide clinical decisions.
Understanding Neural Factors in Burn-related Pruritus and Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Gunawardena Dulan A , Stanley Edward , Issler-Fisher Andrea C
Published: February 2023

Post-burn pruritus and neuropathic pain significantly affect the quality of life of affected individuals in several domains including psychosocial well-being, sleep and general impairment in activities of daily living. Whilst neural mediators involved in itch in the non-burns setting have been well investigated, there remains a lacuna of literature examining the pathophysiological and histological changes unique to burn-related pruritus and neuropathic pain. The aim of our study was to conduct a scoping review into the neural factors that contribute to burn-related pruritus and neuropathic pain. A scoping review was conducted to provide an overview of the available evidence. The PubMed, EMBASE and Medline databases were searched for publications. Data regarding neural mediators implicated, population demographics, total body surface area (TBSA) affected and sex was extracted. In total, 11 studies were included in this review with a total of 881 patients. The most frequently investigated neurotransmitter was the Substance P (SP) neuropeptide which appeared in 36% of studies (n = 4), followed by calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in 27% of studies (n = 3). Post-burn pruritus and neuropathic pain are symptomatic experiences that are predicated upon a heterogeneous group of underlying mechanisms. What is clear from the literature, however, is that itch and pain may occur secondary to the influence of both neuropeptides, such as SP, and other neural mediators including Transient receptor protein channels. Of the articles included for review, they were characterized by small sample sizes and large differences in statistical methodology and reporting.
Medicaid expansion, chemotherapy delays, and racial disparities among women with early-stage breast cancer
Authors: Chavez-MacGregor Mariana , Lei Xiudong , Malinowski Catalina , Zhao Hui , Shih Ya-Chen , Giordano Sharon H
Published: February 2023

Background

 Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act extends eligibility for participating states and has been associated with improved outcomes by facilitating access to care. Delayed initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy is associated with worse outcomes among patients with early-stage breast cancer (BC). The impact of Medicaid expansion in narrowing delays by race and ethnicity has not been studied, to our knowledge.

Methods

 This was a population-based study using the National Cancer Database. Patients diagnosed with primary early-stage BC between 2007 and 2017 residing in states that underwent Medicaid expansion in January 2014 were included. Time to chemotherapy initiation and proportion of patients experiencing chemotherapy delays (>60 days) were evaluated using difference-in-difference and Cox proportional hazards models in preexpansion and postexpansion periods according to race and ethnicity.

Results

 A total 100 643 patients were included (63 313 preexpansion and 37 330 postexpansion). After Medicaid expansion, the proportion of patients experiencing chemotherapy initiation delay decreased from 23.4% to 19.4%. The absolute decrease was 3.2, 5.3, 6.4, and 4.8 percentage points (ppt) for Black, Hispanic, White, and Other patients. Compared with White patients, statistically significant adjusted difference-in-differences were observed for Black (−2.1 ppt, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −3.7% to −0.5%) and Hispanic patients (−3.2 ppt, 95% CI = −5.6% to −0.9%). Statistically significant reductions in time to chemotherapy between expansion periods were observed among White patients (adjusted hazard ratio = .11, 95% CI = 1.09 to 1.12) and those belonging to racialized groups (adjusted hazard ratio  = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.11 to 1.17).

Conclusions

 Among patients with early-stage BC, Medicaid expansion was associated with a reduction in racial disparities by decreasing the gap in the proportion of Black and Hispanic patients experiencing delays in adjuvant chemotherapy initiation.
A systematic review on pharmacist-led pharmaceutical care optimization through virtual platforms
Authors: Karattuthodi Mohammed Salim , Krishnan Gopika , Aiswarya A V , Sarath Chandran C , Nair Sujith S , Thorakkatil Shabeer Ali , Arain Savera
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To display virtual pharmaceutical care programs implemented by pharmacists across the world. Accordingly, a search in PubMed, Scopus and Embase with keywords such as ‘'Pharmacist', ‘Pharmaceutical care’, ‘Virtual platform’ and its associated medical subject headings retrieved appropriate articles. The quality of each filtered article were assessed with the Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist.

Key findings

A total of 2 14 841 articles were identified through database screening and 16 articles were extracted and finalized. Twelve papers presented different forms of electronic medical record-based virtual pharmacy systems that had significantly contributed to patient care; minimizing medication errors, rectifying adverse events, modifying drug administration patterns to reduce the fatality of drug–drug interaction and further promoting medication counselling. Nevertheless, few studies had social media platforms for providing clinical pharmacy services that depicted good patient satisfaction. Additionally, we were also able to portray community pharmacies that transformed themselves to provide better and easily accessible pharmaceutical care to their society.

There are limited numbers of peer-reviewed articles on pharmacist-operated virtual systems. However, owing to the benefits imparted to patient safety and care by the virtual pharmacy in the era of pandemic, it is highly recommended that more pharmacy professionals contribute and implement such programs in their settings.

Prospero Registration ID

CRD42022307175.
Estimating means of bounded random variables by betting
Authors: Waudby-Smith Ian , Ramdas Aaditya
Published: February 2023

We derive confidence intervals (CIs) and confidence sequences (CSs) for the classical problem of estimating a bounded mean. Our approach generalizes and improves on the celebrated Chernoff method, yielding the best closed-form "empirical-Bernstein" CSs and CIs (converging exactly to the oracle Bernstein width) as well as non-closed-form "betting" CSs and CIs. Our method combines new composite nonnegative (super)martingales with Ville's maximal inequality, with strong connections to testing by betting and the method of mixtures. We also show how these ideas can be extended to sampling without replacement. In all cases, our bounds are adaptive to the unknown variance, and empirically vastly outperform prior approaches, establishing a new state-of-the-art for four fundamental problems: CSs and CIs for bounded means, when sampling with and without replacement.
Redox-mediated responses to high temperature in plants
Authors: Hendrix Sophie , Dard Avilien , Meyer Andreas J , Reichheld Jean-Philippe
Published: February 2023

As sessile organisms, plants are particularly affected by climate change and will face more frequent and extreme temperature variations in the future. Plants have developed a diverse range of mechanisms allowing them to perceive and respond to these environmental constraints, which requires sophisticated signalling mechanisms. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated in plants exposed to various stress conditions including high temperatures and are presumed to be involved in stress response reactions. The diversity of ROS-generating pathways and the ability of ROS to propagate from cell to cell and to diffuse through cellular compartments and even across membranes between subcellular compartments put them at the centre of signalling pathways. In addition, their capacity to modify the cellular redox status and to modulate functions of target proteins, notably through cysteine oxidation, show their involvement in major stress response transduction pathways. ROS scavenging and thiol reductase systems also participate in the transmission of oxidation-dependent stress signals. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the functions of ROS and oxidoreductase systems in integrating high temperature signals, towards the activation of stress responses and developmental acclimation mechanisms.
Asexual reproduction through seeds: the complex case of diplosporous apomixis
Authors: Cornaro Letizia , Banfi Camilla , Cucinotta Mara , Colombo Lucia , van Dijk Peter J
Published: February 2023

Apomixis is considered a potentially revolutionary tool to generate high-quality food at a lower cost and shorter developmental time due to clonal seed production through apomeiosis and parthenogenesis. In the diplosporous type of apomixis, meiotic recombination and reduction are circumvented either by avoiding or failing meiosis or by a mitotic-like division. Here, we review the literature on diplospory, from early cytological studies dating back to the late 19th century to recent genetic findings. We discuss diplosporous developmental mechanisms, including their inheritance. Furthermore, we compare the strategies adopted to isolate the genes controlling diplospory with those to produce mutants forming unreduced gametes. Nowadays, the dramatically improved technologies of long-read sequencing and targeted CRISPR/Cas mutagenesis justify the expectation that natural diplospory genes will soon be identified. Their identification will answer questions such as how the apomictic phenotype can be superimposed upon the sexual pathway and how diplospory genes have evolved. This knowledge will contribute to the application of apomixis in agriculture.
General relativistic stream crossing in tidal disruption events
Authors: Batra Gauri , Lu Wenbin , Bonnerot Clément , Phinney E Sterl
Published: February 2023

A star is tidally stretched into an elongated stream after being disrupted by a supermassive black hole (BH). Using an approximate tidal equation, we calculate the stream’s thickness evolution along its geodesic, during which we treat the effect of nozzle shocks as a perfect bounce. Self-intersection occurs when the closest approach separation is smaller than the stream thickness. We explore a wide parameter space of orbital angular momenta, inclinations, and BH spins to obtain the properties of stream intersection. Two collision modes are identified: in ∼half of the cases, the collision occurs near the pericentre at an angle close to 0o (‘rear-end’ mode) and the other half have collisions far from the pericentre with collision angles close to 180o (‘head-on’ mode). The intersection typically occurs between consecutive half-orbits with a delay time that spans a wide range (from months up to a decade). The intersection radius generally increases with the orbital angular momentum and depends less strongly on the inclination and BH spin. The thickness ratio of the two colliding ends is of order unity and the transverse separation is a small fraction of the sum of the two thicknesses, so a large fraction of the stream’s mass is shock heated in an offset collision. Many of the numerical results can be analytically understood in a post-Newtonian picture, where we find the reason for stream collision to be a geometric one. Future hydrodynamic simulations including recombination are needed to understand the long-term effects of pressure forces which are neglected here.
What if youngz> 9JWSTgalaxies hosted massive black holes?
Authors: Volonteri Marta , Habouzit Mélanie , Colpi Monica
Published: February 2023

JWST is discovering star-forming ‘candidate’ galaxies with photometric redshifts z > 9 and little attenuation. We model presumptive massive black holes (MBHs) in such galaxies and find that their unobscured emission is fainter than the galaxy starlight in JWST filters, and difficult to be detected via colour–colour selection, and X-ray and radio observations. Only MBHs overmassive relative to expected galaxy scaling relations, accreting at high Eddington rates, would be detectable. Their discovery would point to the presence of heavy MBH seeds, but care is needed to exclude the existence of lighter seeds as only overmassive MBHs are detectable in this type of galaxies. Conversely, if no overmassive MBHs are hosted in these galaxies, either there are no heavy seeds or they are rare. The most massive/highest redshift candidate galaxies can attain stellar masses in excess of $5\times 10^{10}\, {\rm M_\odot }$ by z ∼ 6 if they grow along the star formation rate–mass sequence, and can nurse an MBH growing from ${\sim}10^5 \, {\rm M_\odot }$ up to ${\gt}3\times 10^7\, {\rm M_\odot }$ by z ∼ 6, to become hosts of some z > 6 quasars. Candidate galaxies of $\log (M_{\rm gal}/\, {\rm M_\odot })\sim 8$ cannot grow their putative seeds fast, unless seeds are ${\gtrsim}10^6\, {\rm M_\odot }$. The number density of the JWST candidate galaxies far outnumbers that of the highest z quasar hosts and this allows for about only one bright z ∼ 6–7 quasar every 1000 of these galaxies.
Hidden Cooling Flows in clusters of Galaxies II: a wider sample
Authors: Fabian A C , Sanders J S , Ferland G J , McNamara B R , Pinto C , Walker S A
Published: February 2023

We have recently uncovered Hidden Cooling Flows (HCFs) in the XMM Reflection Grating Spectrometer spectra of three clusters of galaxies; Centaurus, Perseus, and A1835. Here, we search for them in a wider sample of objects: the X-ray brightest group NGC 5044; four moderate X-ray luminosity clusters Sersic 159, A262, A2052, and RX J0821; and three high X-ray luminosity clusters RX J1532, MACS 1931, and the Phoenix cluster. Finally, we examine two Virgo elliptical galaxies, M49 and M84. All statistically allow the addition of an HCF. We find a significant detection of an HCF in six clusters and two elliptical galaxies. The hidden mass cooling rates are $5{\!-\!}40\hbox{$\hbox{$\rm \, {\rm M}_{\odot }$}{\rm \, yr}^{-1}\, $}$ for the normal clusters, $1000\hbox{$\hbox{$\rm \, {\rm M}_{\odot }$}{\rm \, yr}^{-1}\, $}$ or more for the extreme clusters, and $1{\!-\!}2\hbox{$\hbox{$\rm \, {\rm M}_{\odot }$}{\rm \, yr}^{-1}\, $}$ for the elliptical galaxies. We discuss the implications of the results for the composition of the innermost parts of the massive host galaxies and look forward to future observations.
Probing the baryon mass fraction in IGM and its redshift evolution with fast radio bursts using Bayesian inference method
Authors: Lin Hai-Nan , Zou Rui
Published: February 2023

We investigate the fraction of baryon mass in intergalactic medium (fIGM), using 18 well-localized fast radio bursts (FRBs) in the redshift range z ∈ (0.0039, 0.66). We construct a five-parameter Bayesian inference model, with the probability distributions of dispersion measures (DMs) of IGM and host galaxy properly taken into account. To check the possible redshift evolution, we parametrize fIGM as a mildly evolving function of redshift, fIGM = fIGM,0[1 + αz/(1 + z)]. By simultaneously constraining five parameters, we get $f_\mathrm{IGM,0} = 0.92^{+0.06}_{-0.12}$ and $\alpha = 0.49^{+0.59}_{-0.47}$, and the median value of DM of host galaxy is $\exp (\mu)=72.49^{+33.31}_{-25.62}~{\rm pc ~ cm ^ {-3}}$. By fixing two parameters that can be constrained independently with other observations, we obtain $\alpha =0.11^{+0.24}_{-0.27}$ in the three-parameter fit, which is consistent with zero within 1σ uncertainty. Monte Carlo simulations show that even 300 FRBs are not enough to tightly constrain five parameters simultaneously. This is mainly caused by the correlation between parameters. Only if two parameters are fixed, 100 FRBs are necessary to achieve unbiased constraints on the remaining parameters.
Measuring line-of-sight shear with Einstein rings: a proof of concept
Authors: Hogg Natalie B , Fleury Pierre , Larena Julien , Martinelli Matteo
Published: February 2023

Line-of-sight effects in strong gravitational lensing have long been treated as a nuisance. However, it was recently proposed that the line-of-sight shear could be a cosmological observable in its own right, if it is not degenerate with lens model parameters. We first demonstrate that the line-of-sight shear can be accurately measured from a simple simulated strong lensing image with per cent precision. We then extend our analysis to more complex simulated images and stress test the recovery of the line-of-sight shear when using deficient fitting models, finding that it escapes from degeneracies with lens model parameters, albeit at the expense of the precision. Lastly, we check the validity of the tidal approximation by simulating and fitting an image generated in the presence of many line-of-sight dark matter haloes, finding that an explicit violation of the tidal approximation does not necessarily prevent one from measuring the line-of-sight shear.
A new versatile code for gamma-ray Monte-Carlo radiative transfer
Authors: Leung Shing-Chi
Published: February 2023

Ongoing MeV telescopes such as INTEGRAL/SPI and Fermi/GBM, and proposed telescopes including the recently accepted COSI and the e-ASTROGAM and AMEGO missions, provide another window in understanding transients. Their signals contain information about the stellar explosion mechanisms and their corresponding nucleosynthesis of short-lived radioactive isotopes. This raises the need of a radiative transfer code which may efficiently explore different types of astrophysical γ-ray sources and their dependence on model parameters and input physics. In view of this, we present our new Monte-Carlo Radiative Transfer code in python. The code synthesizes the γ-ray spectra and light curves suitable for modelling supernova ejecta, including C+O novae, O+Ne novae, Type Ia and core-collapse supernovae. We test the code extensively for reproducing results consistent with analytic models. We also compare our results with similar models in the literature and discuss how our code depends on selected input physics and setting.
Revising the properties of low mass eclipsing binary stars using TESS light curves
Authors: Jennings Z , Southworth J , Maxted P F L , Mancini L
Published: February 2023

Precise measurements of stellar parameters are required in order to develop our theoretical understanding of stellar structure. These measurements enable errors and uncertainties to be quantified in theoretical models and constrain the physical interpretation of observed phenomena, such as the inflated radii of low-mass stars.

We use newly-available TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Satellite Survey) light curves combined with published radial velocity measurements to improve the characterization of 12 low mass eclipsing binaries composed of an M dwarf accompanied by a brighter F/G star. We present and analyse ground-based simultaneous four-colour photometry for two targets. Our results include the first measurements of the fundamental properties of two of the systems. Light curve and radial velocity information were converted into the physical parameters of each component of the systems using an isochrone fitting method. We also derive the effective temperatures of the M dwarfs, almost tripling the number of such measurements.

The results are discussed in the context of radius inflation. We find that exquisite precision in the age estimation of young objects is required to determine their inflation status. However, all but three of the objects are securely located among the main sequence, demonstrating radius inflation and the necessity to develop our understanding of the complex physical processes governing the evolution of low-mass stars. We investigated the hypothesis that luminosity is unaffected by the inflation problem but the findings were not conclusive.
Lagrangian statistics of a shock-driven turbulent dynamo in decaying turbulence
Authors: Hew Justin Kin Jun , Federrath Christoph
Published: February 2023

Small-scale fluctuating magnetic fields of order nG are observed in supernova shocks and galaxy clusters, where its amplification is likely caused by the Biermann battery mechanism. However, these fields cannot be amplified further without the turbulent dynamo, which generates magnetic energy through the stretch-twist-fold (STF) mechanism. Thus, we present here novel 3D magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of a laser-driven shock propagating into a stratified, multiphase medium, to investigate the post-shock turbulent magnetic field amplification via the turbulent dynamo. The configuration used here is currently being tested in the shock tunnel at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). In order to probe the statistical properties of the post-shock turbulent region, we use 384 × 512 × 384 tracers to track its evolution through the Lagrangian framework, thus providing a high-fidelity analysis of the shocked medium. Our simulations indicate that the growth of the magnetic field, which accompanies the near-Saffman kinetic energy decay (Ekin ∝ t−1.15) without turbulence driving, exhibits slightly different characteristics as compared to periodic box simulations. Seemingly no distinct phases exist in its evolution because the shock passage and time to observe the magnetic field amplification during the turbulence decay are very short (∼0.3 of a turbulent turnover time). Yet, the growth rate is still consistent with those expected for compressive (curl-free) turbulence driving in subsonic, compressible turbulence. Phenomenological understanding of the dynamics of the magnetic and velocity fields are also elucidated via Lagrangian frequency spectra, which are consistent with the expected inertial range scalings in the Eulerian–Lagrangian bridge.
Bioinformatics Analysis of Mutations Sheds Light on the Evolution of Dengue NS1 Protein With Implications in the Identification of Potential Functional and Druggable Sites
Authors: Sharma Abhishek , Krishna Sudhir , Sowdhamini Ramanathan
Published: February 2023

Non-structural protein (NS1) is a 350 amino acid long conserved protein in the dengue virus. Conservation of NS1 is expected due to its importance in dengue pathogenesis. The protein is known to exist in dimeric and hexameric states. The dimeric state is involved in its interaction with host proteins and viral replication, and the hexameric state is involved in viral invasion. In this work, we performed extensive structure and sequence analysis of NS1 protein, and uncovered the role of NS1 quaternary states in its evolution. A three-dimensional modeling of unresolved loop regions in NS1 structure is performed. “Conserved” and “Variable” regions within NS1 protein were identified from sequences obtained from patient samples and the role of compensatory mutations in selecting destabilizing mutations were identified. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to extensively study the effect of a few mutations on NS1 structure stability and compensatory mutations. Virtual saturation mutagenesis, predicting the effect of every individual amino acid substitution on NS1 stability sequentially, revealed virtual-conserved and variable sites. The increase in number of observed and virtual-conserved regions across NS1 quaternary states suggest the role of higher order structure formation in its evolutionary conservation. Our sequence and structure analysis could enable in identifying possible protein–protein interfaces and druggable sites. Virtual screening of nearly 10,000 small molecules, including FDA-approved drugs, permitted us to recognize six drug-like molecules targeting the dimeric sites. These molecules could be promising due to their stable interactions with NS1 throughout the simulation.
Genes Vary Greatly in Their Propensity for Collateral Fitness Effects of Mutations
Authors: Mehlhoff Jacob D , Ostermeier Marc
Published: February 2023

Mutations can have deleterious fitness effects when they decrease protein specific activity or decrease active protein abundance. Mutations will also be deleterious when they cause misfolding or misinteractions that are toxic to the cell (i.e., independent of whether the mutations affect specific activity and abundance). The extent to which protein evolution is shaped by these and other collateral fitness effects is unclear in part because little is known of their frequency and magnitude. Using deep mutational scanning (DMS), we previously found at least 42% of missense mutations in the TEM-1 β-lactamase antibiotic resistance gene cause deleterious collateral fitness effects. Here, we used DMS to comprehensively determine the collateral fitness effects of missense mutations in three genes encoding the antibiotic resistance proteins New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM-1), chloramphenicol acetyltransferase I (CAT-I), and 2″-aminoglycoside nucleotidyltransferase (AadB). AadB (20%), CAT-I (0.9%), and NDM-1 (0.2%) were less susceptible to deleterious collateral fitness effects than TEM-1 (42%) indicating that genes have different propensities for these effects. As was observed with TEM-1, all the studied deleterious aadB mutants increased aggregation. However, aggregation did not correlate with collateral fitness effects for many of the deleterious mutants of CAT-I and NDM-1. Select deleterious mutants caused unexpected phenotypes to emerge. The introduction of internal start codons in CAT-1 caused loss of the episome and a mutation in aadB made its cognate antibiotic essential for growth. Our study illustrates how the complexity of the cell provides a rich environment for collateral fitness effects and new phenotypes to emerge.
Deep learning automation of MEST-C classification in IgA nephropathy
Authors: Jaugey Adrien , Maréchal Elise , Tarris Georges , Paindavoine Michel , Martin Laurent , Chabannes Melchior , Funes de la Vega Mathilde , Chaintreuil Mélanie , Robier Coline , Ducloux Didier , Crépin Thomas , Felix Sophie , Jacq Amélie , Calmo Doris , Tinel Claire , Zanetta Gilbert , Rebibou Jean-Michel , Legendre Mathieu
Published: February 2023

Background

Although the MEST-C classification is among the best prognostic tools in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), it has a wide interobserver variability between specialized pathologists and others. Therefore we trained and evaluated a tool using a neural network to automate the MEST-C grading.

Methods

Biopsies of patients with IgAN were divided into three independent groups: the Training cohort (n = 42) to train the network, the Test cohort (n = 66) to compare its pixel segmentation to that made by pathologists and the Application cohort (n = 88) to compare the MEST-C scores computed by the network or by pathologists.

Results

In the Test cohort, >73% of pixels were correctly identified by the network as M, E, S or C. In the Application cohort, the neural network area under the receiver operating characteristics curves were 0.88, 0.91, 0.88, 0.94, 0.96, 0.96 and 0.92 to predict M1, E1, S1, T1, T2, C1 and C2, respectively. The kappa coefficients between pathologists and the network assessments were substantial for E, S, T and C scores (kappa scores of 0.68, 0.79, 0.73 and 0.70, respectively) and moderate for M score (kappa score of 0.52). Network S and T scores were associated with the occurrence of the composite survival endpoint (death, dialysis, transplantation or doubling of serum creatinine) [hazard ratios 9.67 (P = .006) and 7.67 (P < .001), respectively].

Conclusions

This work highlights the possibility of automated recognition and quantification of each element of the MEST-C classification using deep learning methods.
Reducing Back Exertion and Improving Confidence of Individuals with Low Back Pain with a Back Exosuit: A Feasibility Study for Use in BACPAC
Authors: Quirk D Adam , Chung Jinwon , Schiller Gregory , Cherin Jason M , Arens Philipp , Sherman David A , Zeligson Emma R , Dalton Diane M , Awad Lou N , Walsh Conor J
Published: February 2023

Objective

Low back pain (LBP) is hallmarked by activity limitations, especially for tasks involving bending. Back exosuit technology reduces low back discomfort and improves self-efficacy of individuals with LBP during bending and lifting tasks. However, the biomechanical efficacy of these devices in individuals with LBP is unknown. This study sought to determine biomechanical and perceptual effects of a soft active back exosuit designed to assist individuals with LBP sagittal plane bending. To understand patient-reported usability and use cases for this device.

Methods

Fifteen individuals with LBP performed two experimental lifting blocks once with and without an exosuit. Trunk biomechanics were measured by muscle activation amplitudes, and whole-body kinematics and kinetics. To evaluate device perception, participants rated task effort, low back discomfort, and their level of concern completing daily activities.

Results

The back exosuit reduced peak back extensor: moments by 9%, and muscle amplitudes by 16% when lifting. There were no changes in abdominal co-activation and small reductions maximum trunk flexion compared to lifting without an exosuit. Participants reported lower task effort, back discomfort, and concern about bending and lifting with an exosuit compared to without.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a back exosuit not only imparts perceptual benefits of reduced task effort, discomfort, and increased confidence in individuals with LBP but that it achieves these benefits through measurable biomechanical reductions in back extensor effort. The combined effect of these benefits implies back exosuits might be a potential therapeutic aid to augment physical therapy, exercises, or daily activities.
LE2Pol: the Leicester dual-beam imaging polarimeter
Authors: Wiersema K , Starling R L C , Campagnolo J C N , Thanki D , McErlean R
Published: February 2023

We describe the development, construction, data analysis, initial calibration, and first results of the Leicester dual-beam imaging polarimeter (LE2Pol), an inexpensive dual-beam optical imaging polarimeter. LE2Pol is designed for a 20-inch telescope at the observatory of the University of Leicester, but can also be used as a visiting instrument on a wide range of small telescopes (≲1 m). We show how simple imaging polarimeters on small telescopes can be used to provide useful scientific and educational data at low cost.
A Theory of Falling Growth and Rising Rents
Authors: Aghion Philippe , Bergeaud Antonin , Boppart Timo , Klenow Peter J , Li Huiyu
Published: February 2023

Growth has fallen in the U.S. amid a rise in firm concentration. Market share has shifted to low labour share firms, while within-firm labour shares have actually risen. We propose a theory linking these trends in which the driving force is falling overhead costs of spanning multiple products or a rising efficiency advantage of large firms. In response, the most efficient firms (with higher markups) spread into new product lines, thereby increasing concentration and generating a temporary burst of growth. Eventually, due to greater competition from efficient firms, within-firm markups and incentives to innovate fall. Thus our simple model can generate qualitative patterns in line with the observed trends.
Self-monitoring combined with patient-initiated care in RA patients with low disease activity: cost-effectiveness analysis of an RCT
Authors: Seppen Bart F , Greuter Marjolein J E , Wiegel Jimmy , ter Wee Marieke M , Boers Maarten , Nurmohamed Michael T , Bos Wouter H
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Self-monitoring and patient-initiated care (PIC) leads to fewer outpatient clinic visits in patients with established RA with low disease activity (LDA) while healthcare outcomes are similar. This study assesses the cost-effectiveness of PIC with self-monitoring.

Methods

A 12-month randomized controlled trial was performed with 49 patients in the PIC with self-monitoring group (app-group) and 53 in usual care. The usual care group continued with preplanned visits. The app group had one planned follow-up visit after 12 months and monitored their RA disease activity in a smartphone app. Both groups could make additional appointments at liberty. We included adult RA patients with a disease duration of over 2 years, a disease activity score 28 (DAS28) below 3.2 that were stable on medication for at least 6 months. The effect measure, the DAS28, was measured at 12 months and healthcare resource usage and productivity losses were measured at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.

Results

There was no significant difference in mean change of DAS28 (-0.04 mean difference, 95% CI: -0.39, 0.30), nor a statistically significant difference in total costs (mean difference €514, 95% CI:-€266, €3690) in the app group compared with the usual care group. The probability that the app was cost-effective was 0.37 and 0.57 at a willingness-to-pay threshold of 0 and 50 000 €/point improvement DAS28, respectively.

Conclusion

Although rheumatic care costs were significantly lower in the app group, total costs and effects of PIC with self-monitoring were not different from usual care in RA patients with LDA.
Football Casuals, Fanzines, and Acid House: Working Class Subcultures, Emotional Communities, and Popular Individualism in 1980s and 1990s England
Authors: Jones Ben
Published: February 2023

This article illuminates the dynamics of two of the most significant yet neglected youth subcultures of the late twentieth century: football’s casual culture and the acid house scene. Through the lens of two influential fanzines, Liverpool’s The End and London’s Boy’s Own I make a series of arguments about the relationship between ‘popular individualism’, emotion, and working-class communities. I argue that while conceptualizing the fanzines as ‘emotional communities’ can yield important insights about the role of feelings such as nostalgia in bonding people together, gendered sensibilities and satirical frameworks need to be taken into account in order to fully understand the subcultural affinities that the fanzines engendered. The framework of ‘popular individualism’ on the other hand can help to illuminate the tensions between individualism and collective belonging at a number of levels which the article discusses. The article concludes by noting that the analysis of these neglected subcultures offers fruitful ways of reconceptualizing community and belonging in a period when traditional forms of working-class organization were in decline.