bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geography shapes the genomics and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis isolated from humans
Authors: Cao Guojie , Zhao Shaohua , Kuang Dai , Hsu Chih-Hao , Yin Lanlan , Luo Yan , Chen Zhao , Xu Xuebin , Strain Errol , McDermott Patrick , Allard Marc , Brown Eric , Meng Jianghong , Zheng Jie
Published: January 2023

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella has been a long-standing challenge in public health and food safety. The prevalence of MDR S. Enteritidis, especially isolated from humans, in China is significantly higher than those from the U.S. and other countries. A dataset of 197 S. Enteritidis genomes, including 16 sequenced clinical isolates from China and 181 downloaded genomes of human isolates from the U.S., Europe, and Africa, was analyzed for genomic diversity, virulence potential, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Phylogenomic analyses identified four major well-supported clades (I–IV). While AMR genotype in the majority of isolates in clades I and IV displayed as pan-susceptible, 81.8% (9/11) and 22.4% (13/58) of isolates in clades III and II were MDR, respectively. It is noted that 77% (10/13) of MDR isolates in clade II were from China. The most common antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) carried by the Chinese isolates were aph(3′)-IIa, blaCTX-M-55, and blaTEM-1B, whereas blaTEM-1B, sul1, sul2, drfA7, aph(3")-Ib/strA, and aph(6)-Id/strB were most often identified in those from Africa (clade III). Among the 14 plasmid types identified, IncX1 and IncFII(pHN7A8) were found exclusively in the Chinese MDR isolates, while IncQ1 was highly associated with the African MDR isolates. The spvRABCD virulence operon was present in 94.9% (187/197) of isolates tested and was highly associated with both the IncF (IncFII and IncFIB) plasmids. In addition, phylogenetic differences in distribution of Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPIs), prophages and other accessory genes were also noted. Taken together, these findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underpinning diversification of MDR S. Enteritidis.
Stream instabilities in optical-field ionization of a monatomic dilute neutral gas in fully relativistic regime
Authors: Ghorbanalilu M.
Published: January 2023

Stream instabilities arising from anisotropic electron velocity distribution function (EVDF) are discussed in the optical-field ionization mechanism of a monatomic dilute gas by a circularly polarized laser beam in a fully relativistic regime. It is shown that a relativistically rotating electron beam is derived by a circularly polarized laser field with ($$p_z>p_\perp$$

p
z

>

p
⊥

). We show that the following ionization and before collisions thermalize the electrons, the plasma undergoes Buneman and Weibel instabilities. The Weibel and Buneman modes are co-propagating with k normal to the streaming direction. The theoretical results reveal that for the threshold of the relativistic regime ($$a_0\approx 1$$

a
0

≈
1

), instabilities are aperiodic and grow independently. However, by increasing the laser intensity for $$a_0>1$$

a
0

>
1

, two instabilities are coupled. The coupling process increased the growth rate of Weibel instability, while the Buneman instability experienced a decrement in its growth rate. For more intense laser radiation, both instabilities are broken into different oscillatory and aperiodic modes.
An energy-aware routing method using firefly algorithm for flying ad hoc networks
Authors: Lansky Jan , Rahmani Amir Masoud , Malik Mazhar Hussain , Yousefpoor Efat , Yousefpoor Mohammad Sadegh , Khan Muhammad Umair , Hosseinzadeh Mehdi
Published: January 2023

Flying ad-hoc networks (FANETs) include a large number of drones, which communicate with each other based on an ad hoc model. These networks provide new opportunities for various applications such as military, industrial, and civilian applications. However, FANETs have faced with many challenges like high-speed nodes, low density, and rapid changes in the topology. As a result, routing is a challenging issue in these networks. In this paper, we propose an energy-aware routing scheme in FANETs. This scheme is inspired by the optimized link state routing (OLSR). In the proposed routing scheme, we estimate the connection quality between two flying nodes using a new technique, which utilizes two parameters, including ratio of sent/received of hello packets and connection time. Also, our proposed method selects multipoint relays (MPRs) using the firefly algorithm. It chooses a node with high residual energy, high connection quality, more neighborhood degree, and higher willingness as MPR. Finally, our proposed scheme creates routes between different nodes based on energy and connection quality. Our proposed routing scheme is simulated using the network simulator version 3 (NS3). We compare its simulation results with the greedy optimized link state routing (G-OLSR) and the optimized link state routing (OLSR). These results show that our method outperforms G-OLSR and OLSR in terms of delay, packet delivery rate, throughput, and energy consumption. However, our proposed routing scheme increases slightly routing overhead compared to G-OLSR.
Intrinsic fluctuations of reinforcement learning promote cooperation
Authors: Barfuss Wolfram , Meylahn Janusz M.
Published: January 2023

In this work, we ask for and answer what makes classical temporal-difference reinforcement learning with $$\epsilon$$
ϵ
-greedy strategies cooperative. Cooperating in social dilemma situations is vital for animals, humans, and machines. While evolutionary theory revealed a range of mechanisms promoting cooperation, the conditions under which agents learn to cooperate are contested. Here, we demonstrate which and how individual elements of the multi-agent learning setting lead to cooperation. We use the iterated Prisoner’s dilemma with one-period memory as a testbed. Each of the two learning agents learns a strategy that conditions the following action choices on both agents’ action choices of the last round. We find that next to a high caring for future rewards, a low exploration rate, and a small learning rate, it is primarily intrinsic stochastic fluctuations of the reinforcement learning process which double the final rate of cooperation to up to 80%. Thus, inherent noise is not a necessary evil of the iterative learning process. It is a critical asset for the learning of cooperation. However, we also point out the trade-off between a high likelihood of cooperative behavior and achieving this in a reasonable amount of time. Our findings are relevant for purposefully designing cooperative algorithms and regulating undesired collusive effects.
A denoising framework for 3D and 2D imaging techniques based on photon detection statistics
Authors: Dodda Vineela Chandra , Kuruguntla Lakshmi , Elumalai Karthikeyan , Chinnadurai Sunil , Sheridan John T , Muniraj Inbarasan
Published: January 2023

A method to capture three-dimensional (3D) objects image data under extremely low light level conditions, also known as Photon Counting Imaging (PCI), was reported. It is demonstrated that by combining a PCI system with computational integral imaging algorithms, a 3D scene reconstruction and recognition is possible. The resulting reconstructed 3D images often look degraded (due to the limited number of photons detected in a scene) and they, therefore, require the application of superior image restoration techniques to improve object recognition. Recently, Deep Learning (DL) frameworks have been shown to perform well when used for denoising processes. In this paper, for the first time, a fully unsupervised network (i.e., U-Net) is proposed to denoise the photon counted 3D sectional images. In conjunction with classical U-Net architecture, a skip block is used to extract meaningful patterns from the photons counted 3D images. The encoder and decoder blocks in the U-Net are connected with skip blocks in a symmetric manner. It is demonstrated that the proposed DL network performs better, in terms of peak signal-to-noise ratio, in comparison with the classical TV denoising algorithm.
Hepatitis C and HIV detection by blood RNA-sequencing in cohort of smokers
Authors: Morrow Jarrett D. , Castaldi Peter J. , Chase Robert P. , Yun Jeong H. , Kinney Gregory L. , Silverman Edwin K. , Hersh Craig P.
Published: January 2023

Detection of viruses by RNA and DNA sequencing has improved the understanding of the human virome. We sought to identify blood viral signatures through secondary use of RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data in a large study cohort. The ability to reveal undiagnosed infections with public health implications among study subjects with available sequencing data could enable epidemiologic surveys and may lead to diagnosis and therapeutic interventions, leveraging existing research data in a clinical context. We detected viral RNA in peripheral blood RNA-seq data from a COPD-enriched population of current and former smokers. Correlation between viral detection and both reported infections and relevant disease outcomes was evaluated. We identified Hepatitis C virus RNA in 228 subjects and HIV RNA in 30 subjects. Overall, we observed 31 viral species, including Epstein-Barr virus and Cytomegalovirus. We observed an enrichment of Hepatitis C and HIV infections among subjects reporting liver disease and HIV infections, respectively. Higher interferon expression scores were observed in the subjects with Hepatitis C and HIV infections. Through secondary use of RNA-seq from a cohort of current and former smokers, we detected peripheral blood viral signatures. We identified HIV and Hepatitis C virus (HCV), highlighting potential public health implications for the approach described this study. We observed correlations with reported infections, chronic infection outcomes and the host transcriptomic response, providing evidence to support the validity of the approach.
Efficient light transfer in coupled nonlinear triple waveguides using shortcuts to adiabaticity
Authors: Evangelakos Vasileios , Paspalakis Emmanuel , Stefanatos Dionisis
Published: January 2023

We use the method of shortcuts to adiabaticity to design the variable couplings in a three-waveguide directional coupler which may contain nonlinear elements, in order to accomplish efficient light transfer between the outer waveguides for shorter device lengths, despite the presence of nonlinearity. The shortcut couplings are obtained for the ideal case where all the waveguides are linear, for which a perfect transfer is guaranteed in theory, but are tested for various combinations of linear and nonlinear waveguides in the device. We show with numerical simulations that, in most configurations, high levels of transfer efficiency can be maintained even for large values of the input power, and for shorter lengths than those of conventional adiabatic devices. We also find that efficiency is improved for shortcut couplings with less spatial extent, since in this case the nonlinearity acts during a shorter range. The present work is expected to find application in research fields like optoelectronic computing and ultrafast light switching, where the fast and controlled light transmission inside a set of waveguides is a crucial task. Additionally, the reduction in the device size may be exploited for incorporating them in integrated optical systems, where a high density of waveguides is required.
Altered white matter connectivity in children with congenital heart disease with single ventricle physiology
Authors: Williamson Brady J. , Barnes-Davis Maria E. , Vannest Jennifer , Anixt Julia S. , Heydarian Haleh C. , Kuan Lisa , Laue Cameron S. , Pratap Jayant , Schapiro Mark , Tseng Stephanie Y. , Kadis Darren S.
Published: January 2023

Children born with congenital heart disease (CHD) have seen a dramatic decrease in mortality thanks to surgical innovations. However, there are numerous risk factors associated with CHD that can disrupt neurodevelopment. Recent studies have found that psychological deficits and structural brain abnormalities persist into adulthood. The goal of the current study was to investigate white matter connectivity in early school-age children (6–11 years), born with complex cyanotic CHD (single ventricle physiology), who have undergone Fontan palliation, compared to a group of heart-healthy, typically developing controls (TPC). Additionally, we investigated associations between white matter tract connectivity and measures on a comprehensive neuropsychological battery within each group. Our results suggest CHD patients exhibit widespread decreases in white matter connectivity, and the extent of these decreases is related to performance in several cognitive domains. Analysis of network topology showed that hub distribution was more extensive and bilateral in the TPC group. Our results are consistent with previous studies suggesting perinatal ischemia leads to white matter lesions and delayed maturation.
Composite modification of carbon fiber cathode with tree-like branched polypyrrole-microwires and polyaniline-nanorods for enhancing hexavalent chromium reduction
Authors: Wang Yang , Liang Cao , Fan Cunlin , Chen Jiehong , Zhang Zhixuan , Liu Hai
Published: January 2023

Cr(vi) reduction to Cr(iii) with electrochemical technique has been regarded as an effective method for the treatment of toxic Cr(vi) contaminated wastewater.
Mechanism of calcium hydroxide-reinforced magnesium-loaded clinoptilolite/phosphoric acid-modified biochar for NH3-N removal from rare earth element tailing wastewater
Authors: Wang Yurong , Ding Changfeng , Chen Jinyi , Han Fengxiang X. , Zhou Zhigao , Zhang Taolin , Wang Xingxiang
Published: January 2023

An efficient composite for NH3-N removal from REE wastewater was developed, removing NH3-N primarily by forming calcium magnesium ammonium phosphate precipitation along with volatilization, adsorption, and struvite precipitation.
Water-soluble conjugated polymers for bioelectronic systems
Authors: Wang Zenghao , Lin Hongrui , Zhang Miaomiao , Yu Wen , Zhu Chuanwei , Wang Pengcheng , Huang Yiming , Lv Fengting , Bai Haotian , Wang Shu
Published: January 2023

Bioelectronic processes is the basis of bioelectronic applications. We highlight some latest advances of water-soluble conjugated polymers (WSCPs) in bioelectronic applications and emphasize the regulation of bioelectronic processes by WSCPs.
Abnormal behavior of preferred formation of the cationic vacancies from the interior in a γ-GeSe monolayer with the stereo-chemical antibonding lone-pair state
Authors: Huan Changmeng , Cai Yongqing , Kripalani Devesh R. , Zhou Kun , Ke Qingqing
Published: January 2023

Abnormal behavior of the cationic vacancies in a γ-GeSe monolayer, originated from the stereo-chemical antibonding lone-pair state near the valence band maximum, is promising in the application of memristors.
Pd(ii)-catalyzed coupling of C–H bonds of carboxamides with iodoazobenzenes toward modified azobenzenes
Authors: Suwasia Sonam , Venkataramani Sugumar , Babu Srinivasarao Arulananda
Published: January 2023

A protocol for obtaining modified azobenzenes is reported via the Pd(II)-catalyzed C–H functionalization of carboxamides using iodoazobenzenes. It would serve as an ancillary route to the cross-coupling reaction used to obtain modified azobenzenes.
Photocatalyzed alkoxycarbonylmethylation of pyridines with α-diazoacetates
Authors: Xie Haisheng , Luo Zhongfeng , Chen Fengjuan , Jiang Huanfeng , Zeng Wei
Published: January 2023

A photocatalyzed regioselective alkoxycarbonylmethylation of 2-aminopyridines with α-diazoacetates has been developed.
Photochemical formation of water-soluble oxyPAHs, naphthenic acids, and other hydrocarbon oxidation products from Cook Inlet, Alaska crude oil and diesel in simulated seawater spills
Authors: Harsha Maxwell L. , Redman Zachary C. , Wesolowski Josh , Podgorski David C. , Tomco Patrick L.
Published: January 2023

Hydrocarbon oxidation products (HOPs) formed from crude oil and diesel were generated from laboratory simulated spills at four different periods (1, 4, 7, and 10 days) under environmental conditions that mimicked those in Cook Inlet, Alaska.
Mapping trasmembrane distribution of sphingomyelin
Authors: Kobayashi Toshihide
Published: January 2023

Our knowledge on the asymmetric distribution of sphingomyelin (SM) in the plasma membrane is largely based on the biochemical analysis of erythrocytes using sphingomyelinase (SMase). However, recent studies showed that the product of SMase, ceramide, disturbs transmembrane lipid distribution. This led to the development of the complimentary histochemical method, which combines electron microscopy and SM-binding proteins. This review discusses the advantages and caveats of published methods of measuring transbilayer distribution of SM. Recent finding of the proteins involved in the transbilayer movement of SM will also be summarized.
Clear Speech Variants: An Investigation of Intelligibility and Speaker Effort in Speakers With Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Stipancic Kaila L. , van Brenk Frits , Kain Alexander , Wilding Gregory , Tjaden Kris
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

This study investigated the effects of three clear speech variants on sentence intelligibility and speaking effort for speakers with Parkinson's disease (PD) and age- and sex-matched neurologically healthy controls.

Method:

Fourteen speakers with PD and 14 neurologically healthy speakers participated. Each speaker was recorded reading 18 sentences from the Speech Intelligibility Test in their habitual speaking style and for three clear speech variants: clear (SC; given instructions to speak clearly), hearing impaired (HI; given instructions to speak with someone with a hearing impairment), and overenunciate (OE; given instructions to overenunciate each word). Speakers rated the amount of physical and mental effort exerted during each speaking condition using visual analog scales (averaged to yield a metric of overall speaking effort). Sentence productions were orthographically transcribed by 50 naive listeners. Linear mixed-effects models were used to compare intelligibility and speaking effort across the clear speech variants.

Results:

Intelligibility was reduced for the PD group in comparison to the control group only in the habitual condition. All clear speech variants significantly improved intelligibility above habitual levels for the PD group, with OE maximizing intelligibility, followed by the SC and HI conditions. Both groups rated speaking effort to be significantly higher for both the OE and HI conditions versus the SC and habitual conditions.

Discussion:

For speakers with PD, all clear speech variants increased intelligibility to a level comparable to that of healthy controls. All clear speech variants were also associated with higher levels of speaking effort than habitual speech for the speakers with PD. Clinically, findings suggest that clear speech training programs consider using the instruction “overenunciate” for maximizing intelligibility. Future research is needed to identify if high levels of speaking effort elicited by the clear speech variants affect long-term sustainability of the intelligibility benefit.
Understanding Training Needs in Pediatric Feeding for Allied Health Professionals: An Australian Perspective
Authors: Raatz Madeline , Marshall Jeanne , Ward Elizabeth C. , Dickinson Corrine , Frederiksen Nadine , Reilly Claire , Fernando Shenali
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

Clinician experience and confidence can negatively impact pediatric feeding service availability, but limited research has investigated what training allied health professionals (AHPs) need to increase these factors. This study developed and distributed a survey investigating Australian AHPs' self-reported confidence and anxiousness, training needs, factors impacting training access, and training preferences.

Method:

This study was conducted over two phases. Phase 1 involved development and refinement of the survey, and Phase 2 involved distribution to Australian AHPs. Questions pertained to general demographics, feeding experience, feeding confidence and skills perception, and training needs. The questions were composed of multiple-choice, Likert scale, and short-response options.

Results:

Overall, 198 complete responses were received. Participants reported significantly lower confidence and higher anxiousness working with infants compared to older children (
p
< .01). Increased frequency of service provision predicted higher self-reported confidence and lower anxiousness (
p
< .01). Practical training opportunities including case discussion, videos, and clinical feedback were preferred. Access facilitators were online, on-demand training; however, respondents reported preferring hands-on training opportunities. Common barriers included cost, time, competing professional development priorities, and distance/travel.

Conclusions:

Findings have highlighted that recency and frequency of practice impact self-reported confidence and anxiousness, and that AHPs self-report lowest confidence and highest anxiety working with infants compared to older age groups. Overall, the findings highlight the need for flexible, practical, and remotely accessible training opportunities, as well as the need for access to regular clinical supervision and a pediatric feeding caseload.
Spiral arms in broad-line regions of active galactic nuclei
Authors: Du Pu , Wang Jian-Min
Published: January 2023

There is growing evidence that broad-line regions (BLRs) in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) have regular substructures, such as spiral arms. This is supported by the fact that the radii of BLRs measured by reverberation mapping (RM) observations are generally consistent with the self-gravitating regions of accretion disks. We showed in Paper I that the spiral arms excited by the gravitational instabilities in these regions may exist in some disk-like BLRs. Here, in the second paper of the series, we investigate the loosely wound spiral arms excited by gravitational instabilities in disk-like BLRs and present their observational characteristics. We solve the governing integro-differential equation by a matrix scheme. The emission-line profiles, velocity-delay maps, and velocity-resolved lags of the BLR spiral arms are calculated. We find that the spiral arms can explain some of the phenomena seen in observations: (1) different asymmetries in the emission-line profiles in the mean and rms spectra; (2) complex subfeatures (incomplete ellipse) in some velocity-delay maps, for example that of NGC 5548; and (3) the short timescales of the asymmetry changes in emission-line profiles (rms spectra). These features are attractive for modeling the observed line profiles and the properties of reverberation, and for revealing the details of the BLR geometry and kinematics.
TDCOSMO
Authors: Ertl S. , Schuldt S. , Suyu S. H. , Schmidt T. , Treu T. , Birrer S. , Shajib A. J. , Sluse D.
Published: January 2023

When strong gravitational lenses are to be used as an astrophysical or cosmological probe, models of their mass distributions are often needed. We present a new, time-efficient automation code for the uniform modeling of strongly lensed quasars withGLEE, a lens-modeling software for multiband data. By using the observed positions of the lensed quasars and the spatially extended surface brightness distribution of the host galaxy of the lensed quasar, we obtain a model of the mass distribution of the lens galaxy. We applied this uniform modeling pipeline to a sample of nine strongly lensed quasars for which images were obtained with the Wide Field Camera 3 of theHubbleSpace Telescope. The models show well-reconstructed light components and a good alignment between mass and light centroids in most cases. We find that the automated modeling code significantly reduces the input time during the modeling process for the user. The time for preparing the required input files is reduced by a factor of 3 from ~3 h to about one hour. The active input time during the modeling process for the user is reduced by a factor of 10 from ~ 10 h to about one hour per lens system. This automated uniform modeling pipeline can efficiently produce uniform models of extensive lens-system samples that can be used for further cosmological analysis. A blind test that compared our results with those of an independent automated modeling pipeline based on the modeling softwareLenstronomyrevealed important lessons. Quantities such as Einstein radius, astrometry, mass flattening, and position angle are generally robustly determined. Other quantities, such as the radial slope of the mass density profile and predicted time delays, depend crucially on the quality of the data and on the accuracy with which the point spread function is reconstructed. Better data and/or a more detailed analysis are necessary to elevate our automated models to cosmography grade. Nevertheless, our pipeline enables the quick selection of lenses for follow-up and further modeling, which significantly speeds up the construction of cosmography-grade models. This important step forward will help us to take advantage of the increase in the number of lenses that is expected in the coming decade, which is an increase of several orders of magnitude.
Observability of silicates in volatile atmospheres of super-Earths and sub-Neptunes
Authors: Zilinskas M. , Miguel Y. , van Buchem C. P. A. , Snellen I. A. G.
Published: January 2023

Many of the confirmed short-period super-Earths and smaller sub-Neptunes are sufficiently irradiated for the surface silicates to be sustained in a long-lasting molten state. While there is no direct evidence of magma ocean influence on exoplanets, theory suggests that, due to outgassing and diverse evolution paths, a wide range of resulting atmospheric compositions should be possible. Atmospheric contamination caused by the outgassing of the underlying magma ocean is potentially detectable using low-resolution spectroscopy. The James Webb Space Telescope provides the necessary spectral coverage and sensitivity to characterise smaller planets, including lava worlds. In light of this, we assess the observability of outgassed silicates submerged in volatile atmospheres on the edge of the evaporation valley. By placing a hypothetical 2 R⊕ planet around a Sun-like star, we self-consistently model in 1D a wide range of potential atmospheric compositions, including thermal structure and outgassing. We focus on atmospheres rich in H, C, and N. We assess the diverse chemistry of silicates and volatiles, and what features of outgassed species could be detected via emission spectroscopy using MIRI LRS. Results indicate that even for substantial volatile envelopes, strong in infrared opacity, the presence of silicates causes deep thermal inversions that affect emission. Similar to pure lava worlds, SiO remains the only outgassed species with major infrared bands at 5 and 9 µm. However, even a small amount of volatiles, especially of H2O and H−, may hinder its observability. We also find that the C/O ratio plays a large role in determining the abundance of SiO. Detecting SiO on a strongly irradiated planet could indicate an atmosphere with high metallicity and a low C/O ratio, which may be a result of efficient interaction between the atmosphere and the underlying melt.
Utilisation des pesticides en cultures maraîchères sur l’île d’Idjwi à l’est de la République démocratique du Congo : connaissances et pratiques des agriculteurs
Authors: Mushagalusa Balasha Arsène , Aganze Mulume Dominique , Weremubi Mwisha Sage , Nkulu Mwine Fyama Jules , Tshomba Kalumbu John
Published: January 2023

Une enquête a été réalisée sur l’île d’Idjwi, à l’est de la République démocratique du Congo, pour évaluer les pratiques phytosanitaires actuelles et les risques perçus par les agriculteurs. Les maraîchers, constitués en majorité de femmes (68 %) utilisent en cultures de tomate, de choux et d’aubergine, une diversité de fongicides, souvent en combinaison (43 %) avec des insecticides tels que la cyperméthrine. Le choix de ces pesticides est principalement déterminé par la perception de leur efficacité par les maraîchers et leur disponibilité sur les marchés locaux, où les revendeurs sont la principale source d’information des agriculteurs. L’incapacité des autorités compétentes (Office national de la protection des végétaux, Office congolais de contrôle) à limiter la distribution des pesticides non autorisés et très dangereux (e.g., profénofos), l’analphabétisme (39 % des agriculteurs) et l’absence de formation à l’usage des pesticides ne favorisent pas de bonnes pratiques phytosanitaires. De plus, le non port des équipements de protection (62 % des cas) et le non-respect des délais de sécurité ainsi que la négligence des pratiques d’hygiène après traitement (50 % de cas) exposent les maraîchers aux risques des pesticides, avec un impact potentiel direct sur leur santé. Enfin, les déchets de pesticides abandonnés sur les exploitations (60 %) et la mauvaise gestion de la bouillie restante après traitement contribuent à polluer l’environnement. Nous proposons donc une série d’actions pour favoriser une gestion rationnelle des pesticides et une amélioration des pratiques phytosanitaires des agriculteurs de l’île d’Idjwi.
Alcoolisation chez les jeunes
Authors: Deschamps Chloé , Debris Margot , Vilpoux Catherine , Naassila Mickael , Pierrefiche Olivier
Published: January 2023

La pratique du binge drinking (BD) se caractérise par l’alternance répétée d’épisodes d’alcoolisation rapide et massive, dans le but d’atteindre l’ivresse, et de périodes d’abstinence. Une telle modalité de consommation d’alcool est communément rencontrée chez les jeunes. Elle entraîne des déficits cognitifs en impliquant probablement des processus neuroinflammatoires et épigénétiques. Toutefois, le mode d’action de l’alcool au cours des expositions initiales de type BD, est peu connu. Il pourrait pourtant être à l’origine de ces déficits cognitifs à long terme. Des études récentes, réalisées chez le rat adolescent, révèlent que la perte de mémoire se produit dès les premiers BD, avec des mécanismes similaires à ceux d’une exposition plus longue. L’initiation au BD chez le jeune serait donc responsable de déficits qui seront probablement entretenus par la répétition de cette pratique. Ces données originales devraient permettre de renforcer les campagnes de prévention auprès de la jeune population qui pratique le BD.
Merkelzellkarzinom
Authors: Schultz Erwin
Published: January 2023

Das Merkelzellkarzinom ist ein aggressiver neuroendokriner Tumor, welcher durch schnelles Wachstum und frühzeitige Metastasierung charakterisiert ist. Das mediane Erkrankungsalter liegt zwischen 75–80 Jahren. Mit Zunahme des durchschnittlichen Bevölkerungsalters tritt der einstmals seltene Tumor immer häufiger auf. Neben den klassischen Therapiesäulen Chirurgie, Strahlentherapie und Chemotherapie spielt die Immunonkologie auch beim Merkelzellkarzinom eine zunehmend wichtige Rolle.
Auswirkungen der Covid-19-Pandemie auf die Nutzung der
Online-Videosprechstunde von Hausärzten in Deutschland – eine
Sekundärdatenanalyse von Krankenkassendaten
Authors: Petrick Nathalie , Kreuzenbeck Cordula Charlotte Josefine
Published: January 2023

Hintergrund Um die Covid-19-Pandemie in Deutschland im März 2020
in den Griff zu bekommen, hat die Regierung nicht-pharmazeutische Interventionen
wie Schulschließungen, fallbezogene Maßnahmen, soziale
Distanzierung und ein Verbot aller öffentlichen Veranstaltungen
eingeführt. Angesichts dieser Umstände empfahlen
Fachgesellschaften und Verbände des Gesundheitswesens den Einsatz von
Videosprechstunden. Ziel dieser Analyse war es, statistisch relevante
Erkenntnisse über den Einsatz von Videosprechstunden vor und
während der Covid-19-Pandemie zu gewinnen

Methoden Diese Studie basiert auf der Analyse eines umfassenden
Datensatzes, der anonymisierte Daten von 5,6 Millionen
Leistungsempfängern einer großen deutschen Krankenkasse
enthält. Der Datensatz umfasste Gesundheitsleistungen vom 1. Januar 2019
bis zum 30. Juni 2020 mit 29 464 913 Patientenkontakten. Die
Ansprüche wurden in Videosprechstunden und Face-to-Face-Konsultationen
unterteilt. In diesem Beitrag werden deskriptive Statistiken vorgestellt und
Zusammenhänge zwischen Variablen analysiert

Ergebnisse Bei 8 077 aller Kontakte hatte eine Videokonsultation
stattgefunden. Dies entspricht 3,12 von 10 000 Kontakten. Es gab keinen
signifikanten Unterschied in der Nutzung von Videosprechstunden nach Geschlecht.
Das Alter unterschied sich jedoch signifikant (Chi-Quadrat=2280,01, Sig.
0,000) zwischen den Kontakten mit und ohne Nutzung der Videosprechstunde. Es ist
ein signifikanter Anstieg von bis zur 27fachen Nutzung von Videosprechstunden im
ersten Lockdown im Vergleich zum Jahr 2019 zu verzeichnen.

Schlussfolgerungen Die offensichtlich höhere Nutzung der
Telemedizin in der Altersgruppe der 50- bis 64-Jährigen und die sehr
geringe Nutzung in den nachfolgenden Gruppen der 65- bis 74-Jährigen
zeigt, dass die Nutzung der Videokonsultation altersabhängig ist und
Gegenstand einer zielgerichteten Implementierung telemedizinischer Angebote sein
sollte. Es wird von vielen vermutet, dass die Videosprechstunde durch die
Covid-19-Pandemie dramatisch angestiegen ist. In diesem großen Datensatz
gibt es dafür aber bislang keine Belege, denn der Anstieg ist im
Verhältnis zu den Patientenkontakten zwar signifikant in absoluten
Zahlen aber verschwindend gering. Qualitative Forschung zur Ermittlung der
Faktoren für Patienten und Hausärzte, die zur Nutzung der
Videosprechstunde führen oder sie behindern, sollte helfen, die
scheinbar langsame Digitalisierung im ambulanten Sektor in Deutschland zu
verbessern.
Novel SYN1 Variant in Two Brothers with Focal Epilepsy and Their Prompt Response to Valproate
Authors: Leuschner Ursula Veronika , Kleinle Stephanie , Holzinger Andreas , Neef Jochen
Published: January 2023

Synapsins are neuron-specific phosphoproteins that modulate neurotransmitter release, synaptic plasticity, and molecular processes shaping higher brain functions. Pathogenic synapsin-1 (SYN1) variants are associated with epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral problems. We detected a novel SYN1 variant [c.477_479delTGG (p.Gly160del)] in brothers with focal epilepsy with secondary generalization. The deleted amino acid was found to be highly conserved among mammalian species. In electroencephalography, the older brother showed a bioelectrical status epilepticus and was also diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Behavioral abnormalities were seen before or after the seizures. Both patients responded quickly to treatment with valproate. Our case reports are consistent with the clinical heterogeneity of the pathogenic SYN1 variants described in the literature.
Incidence of Pregnancy-Associated Venous Thromboembolism: Second Nationwide Study
Authors: Hwang Hun-Gyu , Lee Ju Hyun , Bang Soo-Mee
Published: January 2023

Background Pregnancy is a transient risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). This second nationwide study aimed to inspect trend changes in the incidence rate of pregnancy-associated VTE (PA-VTE) during the study period (2014–2018) compared with that reported in a previous study (2006–2010).

Methods Using the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database, we retrospectively identified all PA-VTE events using both diagnostic and medication codes.

Results Of the 124,228 VTE events, 510 (0.4%) cases of PA-VTE were identified in 499 women (median age: 34 years; range: 20–49 years). The incidence rate of PA-VTE/10,000 deliveries (PA-VTE/104D) in this second study (2.62) was 3.2 times higher than that in the first study (0.82). In the second study, the PA-VTE/104D ratio of women in their 40s (5.46) was three times higher than that of women in their 20s (1.80) (relative risk: 3.03; 95% confidence interval: 2.04–4.51; p < 0.01). The incidence rate for women in their 40s in the second study was 2.3 times higher than that in the first study. PA-VTE/104D cases occurred more frequently in multiparous than in primiparous women, in cesarean section cases compared with vaginal delivery, and in multiple rather than single pregnancies. Most PA-VTE cases occurred during the postpartum period (321/510, 62.9%), of which pulmonary embolism was the most frequently occurring type (231/321, 72%).

Conclusion Advanced maternal age, cesarean section, multiparity, and multifetal pregnancies increased the risk of PA-VTE. Obstetricians need to be cautious of VTE, particularly during the postpartum period, in high-risk pregnant patients.
Imaging Recommendations for Diagnosis, Staging, and Management of Uterine Cancer
Authors: Manchanda Smita , Subashree Anthoni Bala , Renganathan Rupa , Popat Palak Bhavesh , Dhamija Ekta , Singhal Seema , Bhatla Neerja
Published: January 2023

Uterine cancers are classified into cancers of the corpus uteri (uterine carcinomas and carcinosarcoma) and corpus uteri (sarcomas) by the AJCC staging system (eighth edition). Endometrial carcinoma is the most common amongst these with prolonged estrogen exposure being a well-known risk factor. The FIGO staging system for endometrial carcinoma is primarily surgical and includes total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and lymphadenectomy. Imaging is useful in the preoperative evaluation of tumor stage, especially assessment of myometrial invasion and cervical stromal extension. Dynamic contrast enhanced MRI with DWI has a high staging accuracy and is the preferred imaging modality for primary evaluation with contrast-enhanced CT abdomen being indicated for recurrent disease. PET/CT is considered superior in evaluation of lymph nodes and extra pelvic metastases.
In situ uniaxial pressure cell for x-ray and neutron scattering experiments
Authors: Simutis G. , Bollhalder A. , Zolliker M. , Küspert J. , Wang Q. , Das D. , Van Leeuwen F. , Ivashko O. , Gutowski O. , Philippe J. , Kracht T. , Glaevecke P. , Adachi T. , v. Zimmermann M. , Van Petegem S. , Luetkens H. , Guguchia Z. , Chang J. , Sassa Y. , Bartkowiak M. , Janoschek M.
Published: January 2023

We present an in situ uniaxial pressure device optimized for small angle x-ray and neutron scattering experiments at low-temperatures and high magnetic fields. A stepper motor generates force, which is transmitted to the sample via a rod with an integrated transducer that continuously monitors the force. The device has been designed to generate forces up to 200 N in both compressive and tensile configurations, and a feedback control allows operating the system in a continuous-pressure mode as the temperature is changed. The uniaxial pressure device can be used for various instruments and multiple cryostats through simple and exchangeable adapters. It is compatible with multiple sample holders, which can be easily changed depending on the sample properties and the desired experiment and allow rapid sample changes.
The null distance encodes causality
Authors: Sakovich A. , Sormani C.
Published: January 2023

A Lorentzian manifold, N, endowed with a time function, τ, can be converted into a metric space using the null distance, d̂τ, defined by Sormani and Vega [Classical Quant. Grav. 33(8), 085001 (2016)]. We show that if the time function is a regular cosmological time function as studied by Andersson, Galloway, and Howard [Classical Quant. Grav. 15(2), 309–322 (1998)], and also by Wald and Yip [J. Math. Phys. 22, 2659–2665 (1981)], or if, more generally, it satisfies the anti-Lipschitz condition of Chruściel, Grant, and Minguzzi [Ann. Henri Poincare 17(10), 2801–2824 (2016)], then the causal structure is encoded by the null distance in the following sense: for any p ∈ N, there is an open neighborhood Up such that for any q ∈ Up, we have d̂τ(p,q)=τ(q)−τ(p) if and only if q lies in the causal future of p. The local encoding of causality can be applied to prove the global encoding of causality in a variety of settings, including spacetimes N where τ is a proper function. As a consequence, in dimension n + 1, n ≥ 2, we prove that if there is a bijective map between two such spacetimes, F : M1 → M2, which preserves the cosmological time function, τ2(F(p)) = τ1(p) for any p ∈ M1, and preserves the null distance, d̂τ2(F(p),F(q))=d̂τ1(p,q) for any p, q ∈ M1, then there is a Lorentzian isometry between them, F∗g1 = g2. This yields a canonical procedure allowing us to convert large classes of spacetimes into unique metric spaces with causal structures and time functions. This will be applied in our upcoming work to define spacetime intrinsic flat convergence.
A wide-range semiclassical self-consistent average atom model
Authors: Poliukhin A. S. , Dyachkov S. A. , Malyugin A. A. , Levashov P. R.
Published: January 2023

The discovery of material properties at extremes, which are essential for high energy density physics development, requires the most advanced experimental facilities, theories, and computations. Nowadays, it is possible to model properties of matter in such conditions using the state-of-the-art density functional theory (DFT) or path-integral Monte Carlo approaches with remarkable precision. However, fundamental and computational limitations of these methods impede their practical usage, while wide-range thermodynamic and transport models of plasma are required. As a consequence, an average atom (AA) framework is still relevant today and has been attracting more and more attention lately. The self-consistent field and electron density in an atomic cell is usually obtained using the Thomas–Fermi (TF), Hartree–Fock, Kohn–Sham approaches, or their extensions. In this study, we present the AA model, where semiclassical wave functions are used for bound states, while free electrons are approximated by the TF model with a thermodynamically consistent energy boundary. The model is compared in various regions of temperatures and pressures with the reference data: the Saha model for rarefied plasma, DFT for warm dense matter, and experimental shock Hugoniot data. It is demonstrated that a single AA model may provide a reasonable agreement with the established techniques at low computational cost and with stable convergence of the self-consistent field.
The dynamic feedback cycle of the two-dimensional Kármán vortex street
Authors: Hao Yanming , Lee Cunbiao , Cai Qingdong
Published: January 2023

This paper analyzes the complete process of the generation, development, and maintenance of the two-dimensional Kármán vortex street numerically. The vorticity-stream function equation is solved to simulate the flow field and analyze the temporal and spatial evolution of disturbances globally. By doing these, we have explored whether the disturbances are only generated from the upstream region initially or also include feedback processes from the downstream flow field. We find a new dynamic process of a feedback cycle, which could sustain the asymmetrical Kármán vortex street. Specifically, the small asymmetrical disturbances generate the asymmetrical vortex street initially and propagate to downstream regions. Importantly, these down-propagating disturbances also feed back to the upstream region with a larger amplitude and dominate later disturbances to sustain the pattern of the vortex street. Furthermore, we further verify that the upstream flow information does have an impact on the downstream flow field with two mixed flow fields simulated. In conclusion, the upstream and downstream disturbances coexist and influence each other, forming a stable dynamic cycle to sustain the pattern of the vortex street.
Rocks, Fossils and Formations
Authors: Woolrych Thomas , Raupach Anna Madeleine
Published: January 2023

Have you ever wondered about those rocks under your feet? How old they might be? How they got their colour and texture? Could they contain some unknown mineral or fossil treasure?

Rocks, Fossils and Formations: Discoveries Through Time is an introduction to geoscience, which uses clues in rocks and the landscape to tell the story of the Earth. It's a story so old and so fascinating that it's almost hard to believe – except that the evidence can be seen all around us!

Come on a 4.6-billion-year-long time travel adventure to explore rocks, minerals and fossils, meet ancient plants and animals, and discover how the continent of Australia was created!

Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 9 to 14.
Clinician views and experiences with reproductive coercion screening in a family planning service
Authors: Cheng Yan , Rogers Claire , Boerma Clare J. , Botfield Jessica R. , Estoesta Jane
Published: January 2023

Background Reproductive coercion refers to behaviour that interferes with a person’s reproductive autonomy, such as contraceptive sabotage, pregnancy coercion, controlling a pregnancy outcome or forced sterilisation. Routine screening for reproductive coercion, together with clinician education, was implemented at a family planning service in New South Wales, Australia, in December 2018. A study was undertaken to explore the views and experiences of clinicians in undertaking reproductive coercion screening at this service. Methods Clinicians were invited to complete an online survey and interview to discuss their understanding of reproductive coercion and their views and experiences of undertaking reproductive coercion screening. Descriptive and thematic content analysis was conducted. Results Clinicians deemed reproductive coercion screening to be relevant and important in family planning services. Key barriers to reproductive coercion screening and responding to disclosures included time constraints and limited appropriate referral pathways. Ongoing education and training with resources such as a decision-support tool on reproductive coercion screening and management, as well as effective multi-disciplinary collaboration, were identified as strategies to improve the screening program. Conclusions Findings from our study highlight that clinicians’ perceived reproductive coercion screening as a relevant and important component of sexual and reproductive healthcare. Ongoing reproductive coercion education, training and support would ensure the competency and confidence of clinicians undertaking screening. Identifying appropriate referral pathways with multi-disciplinary collaboration (involving clinicians, social workers, support workers and psychologists) would support clinicians in undertaking screening and responding to disclosures of reproductive coercion in Australian health care settings which provide family planning and sexual and reproductive health services.