bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repetitive schistosoma exposure causes perivascular lung fibrosis and persistent pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Lee Michael H. , Kassa Biruk , Fonseca Balladares Dara C. , Mickael Claudia , Sanders Linda , Andruska Adam , Kumar Maya , Spiekerkoetter Edda , Bandeira Angela , Stenmark Kurt R. , Tuder Rubin M. , Graham Brian B
Published: April 2023

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) can occur as a complication of schistosomiasis. In humans, schistosomiasis-PH persists despite antihelminthic therapy and parasite eradication. We hypothesized that persistent disease arises as a consequence of exposure repetition.

Methods: Following intraperitoneal sensitization, mice were experimentally exposed to Schistosoma eggs by intravenous injection, either once or three times repeatedly. The phenotype was characterized by right heart catheterization and tissue analysis.

Results: Following intraperitoneal sensitization, a single intravenous Schistosoma egg exposure resulted in a PH phenotype that peaked at 7–14 days, followed by spontaneous resolution. Three sequential exposures resulted in a persistent PH phenotype. Inflammatory cytokines were not significantly different between mice exposed to one or three egg doses, but there was an increase in perivascular fibrosis in those who received three egg doses. Significant perivascular fibrosis was also observed in autopsy specimens from patients who died of this condition.

Conclusions: Repeatedly exposing mice to schistosomiasis causes a persistent PH phenotype, accompanied by perivascular fibrosis. Perivascular fibrosis may contribute to the persistent schistosomiasis-PH observed in humans with this disease.
The role of the Mediator complex in fungal pathogenesis and response to antifungal agents
Authors: O'Connor-Moneley James , Alaalm Leenah , Moran Gary P. , Sullivan Derek J.
Published: April 2023

Mediator is a complex of polypeptides that plays a central role in the recruitment of RNA polymerase II to promoters and subsequent transcriptional activation in eukaryotic organisms. Studies have now shown that Mediator has a role in regulating expression of genes implicated in virulence and antifungal drug resistance in pathogenic fungi. The roles of specific Mediator subunits have been investigated in several species of pathogenic fungi, particularly in the most pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. Uniquely, pathogenic yeast also present several interesting examples of divergence in Mediator structure and function, most notably in C. glabrata, which possesses two orthologues of Med15, and in C. albicans, which has a massively expanded family of Med2 orthologues known as the TLO gene family. This review highlights specific examples of recent progress in characterizing the role of Mediator in pathogenic fungi.
Die Rechtsfragen: Unsicherheiten rund um die Therapiedokumentation
Authors: Schlegel Prof. Dr. Thomas
Published: April 2023

Therapeut*innen sind dazu verpflichtet, die Therapie zu dokumentieren. Im Rahmen dieser Dokumentationspflicht tauchen verschiedene Fragen auf: Wie ausführlich muss die Dokumentation sein? Wie lange muss sie aufbewahrt werden? Und haben Klient*innen eigentlich das Recht, die Dokumentation einzusehen? Auch in Bezug auf die Aufbewahrung der Daten besteht Unsicherheit.
Auswirkungen von Lärm auf Frühgeborene und präventive Maßnahmen zur Lärmreduktion
Authors: Oelrich Linda
Published: April 2023

Ein Großteil der Entwicklung eines Frühgeborenen findet erst nach der Geburt statt. In dieser sensiblen Phase kann Lärm folgenschwere Auswirkungen auf die Entwicklung haben. Die verschiedenen Auswirkungen von Lärm auf das Frühgeborene werden im Folgenden dargestellt, um gezielte präventive Maßnahmen für die Praxis aufzuzeigen.
Kinder als besuchende Angehörige auf der Erwachsenenintensivstation – Go oder No-Go?
Authors: Brauchle Maria , Nydahl Peter , Pregartner Gudrun , Hoffmann Magdalena , Jeitziner Marie-Madlen , Deffner Teresa
Published: April 2023

Kaum ein Thema wird so kontrovers diskutiert wie der Besuch von Kindern und Jugendlichen unter 18 Jahren auf einer Erwachsenenintensivstation. Beim medizinischen Fachpersonal werden oft Alter, potenzielle Traumatisierung beim Anblick der Patienten, hygienische Aspekte, Unerfahrenheit in Bezug auf kognitive und emotionale Entwicklung des Kindes, zusätzliche Arbeitsbelastung sowie Störungen in persönlicher Aufmerksamkeit und Arbeitsorganisation als Barrieren genannt. Im Dezember 2019 hat sich unter dem Dach der DIVI ein internationales Forschungsteam gegründet, das Barrieren, Fakten und Mythen zum Thema „Kinder als besuchende Angehörige auf der Erwachsenenintensivstation“ auf den Grund gehen will.
The Effects of Long-term Growth Hormone Treatment on Ocular Findings
Authors: Eski Mehmet Tahir , Teberik Kuddusi , Bolu Semih , Ankarali Handan , Kaya Murat , Arslanoglu Ilknur
Published: April 2023

Purpose This study aimed to examine the long-term changes in anterior chamber depth (ACD), central corneal thickness (CCT), axial length (AxL), peripapillary retinal nerve fibre
layer thickness (RNFLT), peripapillary ganglion cell layer – inner plexiform layer (GCL-IPL) thickness, and peripapillary choroidal thickness (ChT) after rhGH replacement treatment in
paediatric patients with IGHD, compared to healthy controls.

Methods Twenty-two children with IGHD including 12 girls and 10 boys were enrolled in the study group, and 30 (16 girls, 14 boys) healthy children composed the control group. A
detailed ophthalmological examination was performed for each participant. ACD, CCT, AxL, peripapillary RNFLT, GCL-IPL thickness and ChT measurements were performed before the rhGH
replacement treatment and in the 12th month of the post-treatment period, as well as the corresponding visits in the control group. AxL ultrasound pachymetry (CCT), peripapillary RNFL
thickness, peripapillary RNFLT, GCL-IPL thickness, and peripapillary ChT parameters were measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

Results The mean age of the groups were similar (p = 0.143). 12-month CCT, ACD, and AxL measurements of the study group showed significantly higher results than the pre-treatment
measurements (p = 0.005, p = 0.024, and p = 0.002, respectively). Similarly, the mean RNFLT and ChT measurements of the study group obtained from all sectors were significantly higher in the
12th-month visit (p < 0.001 for both) other than the RNFLT, and GCL-IPL thickness measurements (p > 0.05 for all). However, all these parameters were similar at pre- and post-treatment
visits in the control group (p > 0.05 for all). The mean pre-treatment values of all these parameters were significantly lower in the study group compared to the control group
(p < 0.05 for all), other than the RNFLT, GCL-IPL thickness measurements (p > 0.05 for all), while the mean post-treatment values of all these parameters in both groups were similar at
month 12 (p > 0.05 for all).

Conclusion GH replacement treatment in childhood may play an important role in the development of the neural retina and can be effective on the anterior segment, RNFLT and ChT
measurements.
Combination of Primary Hemostatic Disorders and Atrial Fibrillation Increases Bleeding Events Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Matsushita Kensuke , Marchandot Benjamin , Kibler Marion , Carmona Adrien , Phi Truong Dinh , Heger Joe , Trimaille Antonin , Hess Sébastien , Sattler Laurent , Ohana Mickael , Reydel Antje , Jesel Laurence , Ohlmann Patrick , Morel Olivier
Published: April 2023

Background Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are likely to have a poor prognosis including bleedings following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Closure time of adenosine diphosphate (CT-ADP) is a primary hemostasis point-of-care test and is a predictor of bleeding events following TAVR. We aimed to evaluate the impact of ongoing primary hemostatic disorders on bleeding events in TAVR patients with AF.

Methods We enrolled 878 patients from our prospective registry. The primary endpoint was VARC-2 major/life-threatening bleeding complications (MLBCs) at 1 year after TAVR and secondary endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) at 1 year, defined as a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure hospitalization. Ongoing primary hemostatic disorder was defined by a postprocedural CT-ADP >180 seconds.

Results Patients with AF had a higher incidence of MLBCs (20 vs. 12%, p = 0.002), MACCE (29 vs. 20%, p = 0.002), and all-cause mortality (15 vs. 8%, p = 0.002) within 1 year compared to non-AF patients. When the cohort was split into four subgroups according to AF and CT-ADP >180 seconds, patients with AF and CT-ADP >180 seconds had the highest risk of MLBCs and MACCE. Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that the patients with AF and CT-ADP >180 seconds had 3.9-fold higher risk of MLBCs, whereas those patients were no longer associated with MACCE after the adjustment.

Conclusion In TAVR patients, AF with postprocedural CT-ADP >180 seconds was strongly associated with MLBCs following TAVR. Our study suggests that persistent primary hemostatic disorders contribute to a higher risk of bleeding events particularly in AF patients.
Atraumatic Isolated Bilateral Fibular Shaft Fragility Fracture: A Rare Case
Authors: Kalluraya Suryakanth , Hosangadi A.A. , Munavalli Prabhu , Kumar Akash
Published: April 2023

Fragility fractures, a form of stress fracture brought on by physiological stress on weak bones, are not common. It might be challenging to diagnose a fragility fracture since a standard radiograph shows signs of fracture repair rather than the actual fracture. We present a case of a 32-year-old woman who has been complaining of both leg pain for the last 4 months and has been unable to stand for the last 1 week. Further analysis revealed that her vitamin D levels were insufficient.
Test–Retest Reliability and the Role of Task Instructions when Measuring Listening Effort Using a Verbal Response Time Paradigm
Authors: Gustafson Samantha J. , Ortiz Crystal , Nelson Loren
Published: April 2023

Listening amidst competing noise taxes one's limited cognitive resources, leading to increased listening effort. As such, there is interest in incorporating a reliable test of listening effort into the clinical test battery. One clinically promising method for measuring listening effort is verbal response time (VRT) because it can be obtained using already-established clinical tasks. In order for widespread implementation of the VRT paradigm, a better understanding of the psychometric properties is needed. The purpose of this work was to improve the understanding of the reliability and sensitivity of the VRT listening task. Using within-subject study designs, we completed a pilot study to evaluate the test–retest reliability (Study 1) and the effects of task instructions and listening condition (Study 2). Preliminary results show that the VRT paradigm enjoys good to excellent test–retest reliability and that neither task instructions nor listening condition meaningfully influence VRT once measurement error is accounted for. Future studies should account for measurement error when considering statistically significant versus meaningful effects of experimental parameters when using listening effort tasks.
Causal models, creativity, and diversity
Authors: Baciu Dan C.
Published: April 2023

Causal models find application in almost all areas of science, and they often support the development of theories that are straightforward and testable. Yet scientists also observe things that surprise them. Fascinated by such observations, they learn to admire the playful aspects of life, as well as its creativity and diversity. Under these circumstances, a compelling question arises: Can causal models explain life’s creativity and diversity? Some life scientists say yes. However, other humanities scholars cast doubt, positing that they reached the end of theory. Here, I build on common empirical observations as well as long-accumulated modeling experience, and I develop a unified framework for causal modeling. The framework gives special attention to life’s creativity and diversity, and it applies to all sciences including physics, biology, the sciences of the city, and the humanities.
Exploring the role of institutional investors in voting, monitoring and dialogue engagement in mitigating agency conflict in Malaysia’s public listed companies
Authors: Maznorbalia Anisa Safiah , Awalluddin Muhammad Aiman , Ayob Ardzlyn Hawatul Yuhanis
Published: April 2023

Institutional investors are very important for keeping shareholder value high by reducing agency conflict and promoting good governance. Recent governance scandals have placed Malaysia on the global stage, jeopardising the publicly listed companies (PLCs) reputation and calling into question the effectiveness of the country’s corporate governance mechanism. The study aimed to examine the level of agency conflict in Malaysian PLCs and the roles of institutional investors in mitigating agency issues. At the same time, we are exploring unclear institutional investors level of activism in Malaysia and evaluating which roles are considered powerful among institutional investors. The findings demonstrated that institutional investors significantly mitigate agency conflict, with monitoring and dialogue engagement as the most influential roles. Conclusively, the discovery reinstated Type 1 agency conflict (principal-agent) among important issues for corporate governance in Malaysia. The study meets the gaps of prior research in the Malaysian context of agency conflict. It offers a novelty on agency conflict examination in Malaysia as well as exploring institutional investors’ roles and recommending an approach that can be taken to strengthen the governance mechanism among PLCs in Malaysia. The present study advises institutional investors to play aggressive roles in managing agency issues, and relevant bodies need to enhance awareness of agency issues.
Optical implementation and robustness validation for multi-scale masked autoencoder
Authors: Xue Yizheng , Su Xiongfei , Zhang Shiyu , Yuan Xin
Published: April 2023

Masked Autoencoders (MAEs), the state-of-the-art self-supervised neural network architecture in miscellaneous vision tasks, show surprisingly effective potential in reconstructing images distorted by random masking. This paper first introduces an optical implementation of MAEs, employing digital micromirror devices in the optical path to capture partially blocked images. MAEs with multi-scale patches are deployed in the reconstruction procedure. By using an optical-specialized version of the reconstruction network, the system can reconstruct original scenes of high quality. Simulations and experimental measurements showed a significant performance, achieving 24.41 dB average peak-signal-to-noise on Davis2017 datasets and 29.92 dB (masked areas) on authentic captured images under 70% of pixels being blocked. This paves the way for the application of low-bandwidth sampling of high-throughput high-resolution images.
Health-related outcomes of a facility-based transition care program for older adults: a prospective cohort study†
Authors: Hang Jo-Aine , Francis-Coad Jacqueline , Jacques Angela , Waldron Nicholas , Purslowe Kate , Hill Anne-Marie
Published: April 2023

Objectives There is limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of transition care programs (TCP) in improving health-related outcomes and discharge destination for older adults. This study aimed to (i) identify changes in health-related outcomes in older adults undergoing a facility-based TCP between admission and discharge; and (ii) compare health-related outcomes between participants discharged home and those discharged to permanent residential care. Method A prospective, observational study was conducted with older adults aged ≥60 years who participated in a facility-based TCP that provided short-term rehabilitation including mobility training, group exercise and cognitive activities. Physical, cognitive and social outcomes were measured at admission and discharge. Data were analysed using linear mixed modelling. Results Of the 41 participants (mean age 80.1 (±8.9) years), 26 (63.4%) were discharged home compared with 14 (34.2%) to residential care. Participants showed statistically significantly improvement in performance of activities of daily living (ADL), mobility and health-related quality of life, with a statistically and clinically significant decline in performance of instrumental ADL. Participants discharged home had statistically and clinically significant greater improvement in mobility compared with those discharged to residential care (de Morton mobility index: home, 13.6 (95% CI: 9.8, 17.4) vs residential, 6.9 (95% CI: 1.7, 12.0), Pinteraction = 0.04) and statistically and clinically significant less decline in instrumental ADL (Lawton’s scale: home, −0.8 (95% CI: −1.3, −0.2) vs residential, −2.1 (95% CI: −2.9, −1.4), Pinteraction = 0.002). Conclusion Older adults participating in a facility-based TCP had improvements in physical, cognitive and social functional abilities. However, those who returned home still had residual mobility deficits and decreased performance of instrumental ADL when compared with normative community level recommendations, which could impact on longer term community living. Further research investigating which program service components could be modified to further improve rehabilitation outcomes could benefit older adults in returning and remaining at home.
Recruitment of Melaleuca quinquenervia (Myrtaceae) in the fringing forests of the Myall Lakes, NSW, Australia
Authors: Baumann Anne , Hewitt Alison
Published: April 2023

Context Melaleuca quinquenervia is a widespread, keystone species of eastern Australian coastal forested wetlands. Populations of M. quinquenervia in the fringes of Myall Lakes, New South Wales, Australia exhibit low numbers of juveniles, infrequent recruitment and a dominance of mature individuals, raising concerns about stand replacement from conservation managers. In contrast, M. quinquenervia often recruits in large numbers and is highly invasive in wetlands around the world. Aims To explore factors that limit recruitment of M. quinquenervia within its native range. Methods Field deployed seed traps; soil-core sampling; a burial longevity trial and depth of emergence experiment; laboratory temperature, salinity and light germination experiments; a transplantation experiment; monitoring of field germination; and a litter/leachate experiment. Key results Low seed viability (5–26%) is offset by high canopy seed loads (250 000 to 120 million seeds per tree) released continuously throughout the year with a peak fall in summer (2000 to 5000 viable seeds per m2 per month), coinciding with optimal germination temperatures. Seedling emergence is reduced below 5 mm soil depth, there is a very low soil seedbank reserve, and germination is light-dependant. M. quinquenervia exhibited reduced germination percentage and rate as well as reduced survival of seedlings at salinities higher than 15 dS m−1 EC (electrical conductivity). The most favourable sites for seedling establishment are permanently moist with low salinity, protected from wave action via sedge vegetation, and sheltered from prevailing winds. There is an inhibitory effect of Casuarina leachate on germination. Conclusions Germination in the field is episodic, and tied to specific environmental conditions. Highest losses occur at the seedling establishment phase. Implications Future research avenues and management recommendations are provided.
Online platforms for prescription and supply of hormonal contraception in Australia: a mapping review
Authors: Stevenson Tahlee B. , Rumbold Alice , Callander Emily , Buckingham Pip , Assifi Anisa , Mazza Danielle , Grzeskowiak Luke E.
Published: April 2023

Online platforms have emerged as a convenient way for individuals to access contraception. However, the extent to which such services exist in Australia and how they operate is currently unknown. We aimed to identify Australian online contraception platforms and evaluate the services they provide to determine the degree to which they may facilitate equitable access to contraception. We conducted an internet search to identify online contraception platforms operating in Australia. Data were extracted from each of the platforms relating to operating policies, services provided and associated payment processes, as well as prescribing and screening processes for assessing user suitability. As of July 2022, eight online contraception platforms operating within Australia were identified. All platforms offered oral contraception, with two also offering the vaginal ring, and one emergency oral contraception. None of the platforms provided access to long-acting reversible contraception. Significant variability existed in product and membership costs across platforms, with only one platform providing access to subsidised medicines. Five platforms restricted services to those already using oral contraception. Overall, online questionnaires were deemed to be adequately screening for important contraindications to using oral contraception. While online contraception platforms may be a valuable option for some individuals who face access barriers and are willing to pay out-of-pocket for to have their contraception sent straight to their home, they do not necessarily ensure that individuals can access their contraceptive method of choice or address recognised financial and structural barriers to contraceptive care.
The dingo (Canis familiaris) as a secondary disperser of mycorrhizal fungal spores
Authors: Elliott Todd F. , Paine C. E. Timothy , Ballard Guy-Anthony , Milne Heath , Van der Eyk Josh , Elliott Kelsey , Meek Paul , Bruhl Jeremy J. , Vernes Karl
Published: April 2023

Context Many mycorrhizal fungi are vital to nutrient acquisition in plant communities, and some taxa are reliant on animal-mediated dispersal. The majority of animals that disperse spores are relatively small and have short-distance movement patterns, but carnivores – and especially apex predators – eat many of these small mycophagists and then move greater distances. No studies to date have assessed the ecosystem services carnivores provide through long-distance spore dispersal. Aims In this study, we aimed to investigate whether Australia’s free-ranging dogs (Canis familiaris), including dingoes, act as long-distance spore dispersers by predating smaller mycophagous animals and then secondarily dispersing the fungi consumed by these prey species. Methods To answer this question, we collected dingo scats along 40 km of transects in eastern Australia and analysed the scats to determine the presence of fungal spores and prey animals. Using telemetry and passage rate data, we then developed a movement model to predict the spore dispersal potential of dingoes. Key results We found 16 species of mammalian prey to be eaten by dingoes, and those dingo scats contained spores of 14 genera of mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi were more likely to appear in the scats of dingoes if primary mycophagist prey mammals had been consumed. Our model predicted dingo median spore dispersal distance to be 2050 m and maximum dispersal potential to be 10 700 m. Conclusions Our study indicates that dingoes are providing a previously overlooked ecosystem service through the long-distance dispersal of mycorrhizal fungi. Many of the fungi found in this study form hypogeous (underground) fruiting bodies that are unable to independently spread spores via wind. Because dingoes move over larger areas than their prey, they are especially important to these ecosystem functions. Implications Our novel approach to studying an overlooked aspect of predator ecology is applicable in most terrestrial ecosystems. Similar modelling approaches could also be employed to understand the dispersal potential of both primary and secondary spore dispersers globally. Because this study highlights an unrecognised ecosystem service provided by dingoes, we hope that it will stimulate research to develop a more comprehensive understanding of other apex predators’ ecosystem functions.
Effect of local chemical order on the irradiation-induced defect evolution in CrCoNi medium-entropy alloy
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Su Zhengxiong , Zhang Bozhao , Yu Qin , Ding Jun , Shi Tan , Lu Chenyang , Ritchie Robert O. , Ma Evan
Published: April 2023

High- (and medium-) entropy alloys have emerged as potentially suitable structural materials for nuclear applications, particularly as they appear to show promising irradiation resistance. Recent studies have provided evidence of the presence of local chemical order (LCO) as a salient feature of these complex concentrated solid-solution alloys. However, the influence of such LCO on their irradiation response has remained uncertain thus far. In this work, we combine ion irradiation experiments with large-scale atomistic simulations to reveal that the presence of chemical short-range order, developed as an early stage of LCO, slows down the formation and evolution of point defects in the equiatomic medium-entropy alloy CrCoNi during irradiation. In particular, the irradiation-induced vacancies and interstitials exhibit a smaller difference in their mobility, arising from a stronger effect of LCO in localizing interstitial diffusion. This effect promotes their recombination as the LCO serves to tune the migration energy barriers of these point defects, thereby delaying the initiation of damage. These findings imply that local chemical ordering may provide a variable in the design space to enhance the resistance of multi-principal element alloys to irradiation damage.
La traducción económico-financiera vista por los profesionales
Authors: Gallego Hernández Daniel
Published: April 2023

This article presents a mapping of economic translation based on the content of book chapters and articles
published by translation professionals, excluding academic publications. Using quantitative and qualitative bibliometric
techniques, we analyze a corpus of 115 publications signed by translators, clients, and other specialists and compare their topics
with those of academics. First, there is a downward trend in the number of publications by professionals, with the 1995–2005
period being the most productive. The results also show that some of the content discussed is not described in depth or ends up
stagnating and differs from that of academics, suggesting that the interests of professionals and academics rarely converge.
Suggestions for future improvement measures related to teaching and research are provided to reduce the gap between the two groups
of authors.
Estonian and Swedish color idioms – shared and unshared
Authors: Oguz Merle , Uusküla Mari
Published: April 2023

Previous research on color idioms has shown that they are often culture-specific, and translating them requires shifting between cognitive frames of reference. However, little research has been carried out on the translation process of such idioms. We investigated how Swedish color idioms were translated into Estonian by professional translators and novices, tracking the components of the translation process, such as time spent on the tasks, resources used, and the importance of context provided. Finally, we detected eight translation strategies used for idiom translation. The strategies used depended on the idiom’s transparency between the source and target language. The conventionality of the idiom seemed to have little impact on the difficulty experienced. Professionals and novices used different approaches to translation which once again confirms the importance of acquired skills and experience. Color idioms can turn out to be false friends. Focusing first and foremost on the idiomaticity of the target language helps. Professionals searched for the target language idiom and used various monolingual resources in the target language while novices searched mainly for source-language idioms and used no monolingual target language web dictionaries.
Pseudo random number generator based on memristive Helmholtz snap oscillator with two lines of equilibria embedded in microcontroller
Authors: Chamgoué André Chéagé , Sriram Sridevi , Kuate Paul Didier Kamdem , Kingni Sifeu Takougang , Rajagopal Karthikeyan
Published: April 2023

This paper explores the dynamics and electronic validations of a memristive Helmholtz snap oscillator (MHSO), employing it to model a process of pseudo-random number generator (PRNG). The MHSO depicts two lines of Hopf bifurcation is associated with one of the equilibrium domains while the other region of equilibrium points is always unstable. Extreme multistability features, hidden complex attractors, antimonotonicity equilibrium points. Characterizing the stability of the equilibrium domains, period-3-oscillations and chaotic hidden attractors coexisting, chaotic bubbles, and hidden attractors are generated in MHSO for particular values of parameters. Electronic validations of MHSO based on OrCAD-PSpice software and microcontroller reveal that OrCAD-PSpice and microcontroller dynamics agree well with the dynamics achieved by numerical simulations. Lastly, the chaotic characteristics depicted by the MHSO are used to design a process of PRNG. The generated random bits are validated successfully by a standard statistical tool set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST-800-22).
Superradiant axion clouds around asteroid-mass primordial black holes
Authors: Branco Nuno P. , Ferreira Ricardo Z. , Rosa João G.
Published: April 2023

We analyze the dynamics and observational signatures of axion clouds formed via the superradiant instability around primordial black holes, focusing on the mass range 1014 - 1018 kg where the latter may account for all the dark matter.
We take into account the leading effects of axion self-interactions, showing that, even though these limit the number of axions produced within each cloud,
a large number of superradiant axions become free of the black hole's gravitational potential and accumulate in the intergalactic medium or even in the host galaxy, depending on their escape velocity. This means that primordial black hole dark matter may lead to a sizeable astrophysical population of non-relativistic axions, with masses ranging from 0.1 eV to 1 MeV, depending on the primordial black hole mass and spin.
We then show that if such axions couple to photons their contribution to the galactic and extragalactic background flux, mainly in the X-ray and gamma-ray band of the spectrum, is already beyond current observational limits for a large range of parameters that are, therefore, excluded. We finish by showing the prospects of the Athena X-ray telescope to further probe this co-existence of primordial black holes and axions.
Initial-state dependence of phase behaviors in a dense active system
Authors: Chen Lu , Zhang Bokai , Tu Z. C.
Published: April 2023

There are rich emergent phase behaviors in non-equilibrium active systems. Flocking and clustering are two representative dynamic phases. The relationship between both the phases is still unclear. Herein, we numerically investigate the evolution of flocking and clustering in a system consisting of self-propelled particles with active reorientation. We consider the interplay between flocking and clustering phases with different initial configurations, and observe a domain in steady state order parameter phase diagrams sensitive to the choice of initial configurations. Specifically, by tuning the initial degree of polar ordering, either a more ordered flocking or a disordered clustering state can be observed in the steady state. These results enlighten us to manipulate emergent behaviors and collective motions of an active system, and are qualitatively different from the emergence of a new bi-stable regime observed in aligned active particles due to an explicit attraction [New J. Phys.
14 073033 (2012)].
Multiple surface states, nontrivial band topology, and antiferromagnetism in GdAuAl4Ge2
Authors: Zhang Chengcheng , Wang Yuan , Zhang Fayuan , Rong Hongtao , Cai Yongqing , Wang Le , Ma Xiao-Ming , Guo Shu , Chen Zhongjia , Wang Yanan , Jiang Zhicheng , Yang Yichen , Liu Zhengtai , Ye Mao , Lin Junhao , Mei Jiawei , Hao Zhanyang , Xie Zijuan , Chen Chaoyu
Published: April 2023

Magnetic topological states of matter provide a fertile playground for emerging topological physics and phenomena. The current main focus is on materials whose magnetism stems from 3d magnetic transition elements, e.g., MnBi2Te4, Fe3Sn2, and Co3Sn2S2. In contrast, topological materials with the magnetism from rare earth elements remain largely unexplored. Here we report rare earth antiferromagnet GdAuAl4Ge2 as a candidate magnetic topological metal. Angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and first-principles calculations have revealed multiple bulk bands crossing the Fermi level and pairs of low energy surface states. According to the parity and Wannier charge center analyses, these bulk bands possess nontrivial Z
2 topology, establishing a strong topological insulator state in the nonmagnetic phase. Furthermore, the surface band pairs exhibit strong termination dependence which provides insight into their origin. Our results suggest GdAuAl4Ge2 as a rare earth platform to explore the interplay between band topology, magnetism and f electron correlation, calling for further study targeting on its magnetic structure, magnetic topology state, transport behavior, and microscopic properties.
Social competence improves the performance of biomimetic robots leading live fish
Authors: Maxeiner Moritz , Hocke Mathis , Moenck Hauke J , Gebhardt Gregor H W , Weimar Nils , Musiolek Lea , Krause Jens , Bierbach David , Landgraf Tim
Published: April 2023

Collective motion is commonly modeled with static interaction rules between agents. Substantial empirical evidence indicates, however, that animals may adapt their interaction rules depending on a variety of factors and social contexts. Here, we hypothesized that leadership performance is linked to the leader’s responsiveness to the follower’s actions and we predicted that a leader is followed longer if it adapts to the follower’s avoidance movements. We tested this prediction with live guppies that interacted with a biomimetic robotic fish programmed to act as a ‘socially competent’ leader. Fish that were avoiding the robot were approached more carefully in future approaches. In two separate experiments we then asked how the leadership performance of the socially competent robot leader differed to that of a robot leader that either approached all fish in the same, non-responsive, way or one that did change its approach behavior randomly, irrespective of the fish’s actions. We found that (1) behavioral variability itself appears attractive and that socially competent robots are better leaders which (2) require fewer approach attempts to (3) elicit longer average following behavior than non-competent agents. This work provides evidence that social responsiveness to avoidance reactions plays a role in the social dynamics of guppies. We showcase how social responsiveness can be modeled and tested directly embedded in a living animal model using adaptive, interactive robots.
Evaluating the hourly emissions intensity of the US electricity system
Authors: Miller Gregory J , Pease Gailin , Shi Wenbo , Jenn Alan
Published: April 2023

High-quality data for the greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions associated with electricity generation and consumption are increasingly important to enable effective and targeted action to decarbonize the electric grid and to inform research in a range of academic disciplines including environmental economics, lifecycle assessment, and environmental health. To inform the broadest range of use cases, such data should ideally have a high temporal and spatial resolution, be available in as close to real-time as possible, represent the complete power sector, use the highest-quality measured data, have complete historical coverage, and represent both generated and consumed emissions. To date, no published datasets have achieved all of these characteristics. This work is the first to publish a comprehensive, plant-level dataset of hourly-resolution generation, fuel consumption, and direct CO2, NOx, and SO2 emissions for the entire U.S. power sector. This data is published as part of the public and open-source Open Grid Emissions Initiative, which also includes hourly, consumption-based emissions intensities for every grid balancing area in the country. Using insights generated by this new dataset, this paper also interrogates how several of the assumptions implicit in the use of existing power sector emissions datasets may under-count or misrepresent the climate and health impacts of air emissions from the U.S. power sector. We envision the Initiative becoming a central repository of, and hub of activity for addressing open research questions related to power sector emissions data, and the go-to source for high-quality, high-resolution data for future research on grid emissions.
Integrated multi-modal brain signatures predict sex-specific obesity status
Authors: Bhatt Ravi R , Todorov Svetoslav , Sood Riya , Ravichandran Soumya , Kilpatrick Lisa A , Peng Newton , Liu Cathy , Vora Priten P , Jahanshad Neda , Gupta Arpana
Published: April 2023

Investigating sex as a biological variable is key to determine obesity manifestation and treatment response. Individual neuroimaging modalities have uncovered mechanisms related to obesity and altered ingestive behaviours. However, few, if any, studies have integrated data from multi-modal brain imaging to predict sex-specific brain signatures related to obesity. We used a data-driven approach to investigate how multi-modal MRI and clinical features predict a sex-specific signature of participants with high body mass index (overweight/obese) compared to non-obese body mass index in a sex-specific manner. A total of 78 high body mass index (55 female) and 105 non-obese body mass index (63 female) participants were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. All participants classified as high body mass index had a body mass index greater than 25 kg/m2 and non-obese body mass index had a body mass index between 19 and 20 kg/m2. Multi-modal neuroimaging (morphometry, functional resting-state MRI and diffusion-weighted scan), along with a battery of behavioural and clinical questionnaires were acquired, including measures of mood, early life adversity and altered ingestive behaviours. A Data Integration Analysis for Biomarker discovery using Latent Components was conducted to determine whether clinical features, brain morphometry, functional connectivity and anatomical connectivity could accurately differentiate participants stratified by obesity and sex. The derived models differentiated high body mass index against non-obese body mass index participants, and males with high body mass index against females with high body mass index obtaining balanced accuracies of 77 and 75%, respectively. Sex-specific differences within the cortico-basal-ganglia-thalamic-cortico loop, the choroid plexus-CSF system, salience, sensorimotor and default-mode networks were identified, and were associated with early life adversity, mental health quality and greater somatosensation. Results showed multi-modal brain signatures suggesting sex-specific cortical mechanisms underlying obesity, which fosters clinical implications for tailored obesity interventions based on sex.
How Does Political Tolerance Moderate the Effects of Social Media Use on Political Polarization: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Xia Chuanli , Shen Fei
Published: April 2023

This study proposes a moderated mediation model to understand how social media use influences political polarization through two competing mechanisms and how such mechanisms are conditioned by political tolerance. The model was tested with a survey of 1,200 Hong Kong residents after the prolonged Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill movement. We found that social media use was positively correlated with attitudinal and affective polarization. Such polarizing effects were channeled through politically motivated selective avoidance, but there were noticeable depolarizing effects induced by increased network heterogeneity. More importantly, political tolerance could further amplify the depolarizing effects of social media use. In contrast, political tolerance cannot counteract the polarizing effect of social media use channeled through selective avoidance.
In Situ Sputtering From the Micromanipulator to Enable Cryogenic Preparation of Specimens for Atom Probe Tomography by Focused-Ion Beam
Authors: Douglas James O , Conroy Michele , Giuliani Finn , Gault Baptiste
Published: April 2023

Workflows have been developed in the past decade to enable atom probe tomography analysis at cryogenic temperatures. The inability to control the local deposition of the metallic precursor from the gas-injection system (GIS) at cryogenic temperatures makes the preparation of site-specific specimens by using lift-out extremely challenging in the focused-ion beam. Schreiber et al. exploited redeposition to weld the lifted-out sample to a support. Here, we build on their approach to attach the region-of-interest and additionally strengthen the interface with locally sputtered metal from the micromanipulator. Following standard focused-ion beam annular milling, we demonstrate atom probe analysis of Si in both laser pulsing and voltage mode, with comparable analytical performance as a presharpened microtip coupon. Our welding approach is versatile, as various metals could be used for sputtering, and allows similar flexibility as the GIS in principle.
Acetaminophen versus indomethacin for patent ductus arteriosus management in premature infants: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Bitar Eyad , Hyderi Abbas , Campbell Sandra M , Kumar Manoj
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Acetaminophen has gained interest in the neonatal community for its use in the management of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (HsPDA) in preterm infants. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy and safety of acetaminophen with indomethacin for the management of HsPDA in preterm infants.

Methods

We searched PROSPERO, OVID Medline, OVID EMBASE, Wiley Cochrane Library (CDSR and Central), EBSCO CINAHL, and SCOPUS from inception to June 15, 2021. Bibliographies of identified studies were searched for additional references. Data were analyzed with Review Manager (RevMan) Version 5.3.

Results

Four RCTs were identified, enrolling a total of 380 subjects. There was no difference between the interventions for the outcome of PDA closure after one course (RR 1.04 [95% CIs: 0.84, 1.29], P-value 0.70) or after two courses of treatment (RR 1.01 [95% CIs: 0.92, 1.12], P-value 0.77); and for the outcome of PDA ligation (RR 1.56 [95% CIs: 0.48, 5.12], P-value 0.46). However, patients who received acetaminophen had lower rates of necrotizing enterocolitis (RR 0.37 [95% CIs: 0.14, 0.95], P-value 0.04). There were no significant differences noted in the other clinical outcomes, that is, intraventricular hemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity requiring treatment, and death. Two studies noted significant post-treatment elevation of serum creatinine and blood urea with indomethacin, as compared to none with acetaminophen use.

Conclusions

Acetaminophen has comparable efficacy to indomethacin for the outcome of HsPDA closure, with a better safety profile, that is, lesser rates of necrotizing enterocolitis and post-treatment azotemia noted with its use.
LP342, a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor, decreases nitro-oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and hepatic ischaemia/reperfusion injury in mice
Authors: Samuvel Devadoss J , Krishnasamy Yasodha , Li Li , Lemasters John J , Chou C James , Zhong Zhi
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Some histone deacetylase (HDAC) isoforms contribute to ischaemia/reperfusion (IR) injury (IRI). Here, we examined whether LP342, the lead candidate of a new generation of hydrazide-based HDAC inhibitors (HDACi), decreases hepatic IRI.

Methods

IR was induced by clamping blood vessels to ~70% of the livers of mice for 1 h.

Key findings

At 6 h after reperfusion, ALT markedly increased, and wide-spread necrosis, leukocyte infiltration, and apoptosis occurred. LP342 treatment (1 mg/kg, ip) at 20 h or 1 h before ischaemia markedly decreased IRI whereas LP342 treatment upon reperfusion was marginally protective. Nitro-oxidative stress, c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation, and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to IRI. 4-Hydroxynonenal, 3-nitrotyrosine, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), JNK activation and Sab binding increased markedly after IR, which LP342 blunted. LP342 also induced thioredoxin-1 expression before and after IR. LP342 also decreased mitochondrial depolarisation as detected by intravital microscopy at 2 h after IR. Lastly, LP342 increased acetylation of both histone-3 (class I HDAC substrate) and NFκB p65 but not tubulin (class II HDAC substrate) before and after IR.

Conclusions

This novel HDACi protects against IRI most likely by epigenetic upregulation of antioxidant proteins and post-translational modifications of NFκB thus inhibiting iNOS expression and inflammatory responses.
Targeting Disease Susceptibility Genes in Wheat Through wide Hybridization with Maize Expressing Cas9 and Guide RNA
Authors: Karmacharya Anil , Li Dandan , Leng Yueqiang , Shi Gongjun , Liu Zhaohui , Yang Shengming , Du Yang , Dai Wenhao , Zhong Shaobin
Published: April 2023

Two genes ( TaHRC and Tsn1) conferring susceptibility to Fusarium head blight and tan spot, Septoria nodorum blotch, and spot blotch in wheat were targeted through wide hybridization with maize expressing Cas9 and guide RNA (gRNA). For each gene, two target sites were selected and corresponding gRNA expression cassettes were synthesized and cloned into a binary vector carrying the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing machinery. The constructed binary vectors were used to transform the hybrid maize Hi-II through an Agrobacterium-mediated approach to generate T0 and T1 plants, which were used to cross with wheat variety Dayn for targeting Tsn1 or the susceptible allele ( TaHRC-S) of TaHRC as well as with the near-isogenic line (Day- Fhb1) of Dayn for targeting the resistant allele ( TaHRC-R) of TaHRC. Haploid embryos were rescued in vitro from the wide crosses to generate haploid plants. PCR amplification and sequencing indicated that 15 to 33% of the haploid plants contained the target gene with mutations at the target sites. This wheat × maize hybridization combined with genome editing approach provides a useful alternative tool, not only for targeting susceptibility genes to improve disease resistance without regulatory issues, but also for understanding gene function in wheat.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .