bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grow up, be persistent, and stay focused: keys for solving foraging problems by free-ranging possums
Authors: Harris Hannah , Wat Katie K Y , Banks Peter B , Greenville Aaron , McArthur Clare
Published: June 2023

Individuals within a species often vary in both their problem-solving approach and ability, affecting their capacity to access novel food resources. Testing problem-solving in free-ranging individuals is crucial for understanding the fundamental ecological implications of problem-solving capacity. To examine the factors affecting problem-solving in free-ranging animals, we presented three food-extraction tasks of increasing difficulty to urban common brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula). We quantified two measures of problem-solving performance: trial outcome (success/failure) and time to solve and tested the influence of a range of potential drivers, including individual traits (personality, body weight, sex, and age), mechanistic behaviors that quantify problem-solving approach (work time, functional behavior time, behavioral diversity, and flexibility), and prior experience with the puzzles. We found that mechanistic behaviors were key drivers of performance. Individuals displaying greater persistence (higher work and functional behavior time) were more likely to solve a food-extraction task on their first attempt. Individuals also solved problems faster if they were more persistent and had lower behavioral flexibility. Personality indirectly affected time to solve one of the three problems by influencing time allocated to functional behaviors. Finally, adults solved the most difficult problem faster than juveniles. Overall, our study provides rare insight into the drivers underlying the problem-solving performance of wild animals. Such insight could be used to improve management strategies and conservation efforts, such as food or bait deployment, tailored to suit the innovative foraging abilities of target individuals in new and changing environments.
Sarcomatoid transformation of a basal cell carcinoma following treatment with hedgehog inhibitors
Authors: Barrabés-Torrella Cristina , Arandes-Marcocci Jorge , Armillas-Lliteras Lucia , Posada-Caez Rodolfo A , Koptseva Inessa , Fumagalli Caterina , Piñol-Ballús David , Salleras-Redonnet Montse
Published: June 2023

Vismodegib and sonidegib are sonic hedgehog inhibitors (SHHIs) available for the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Cases of sarcomatoid differentiation during treatment of BCC with SHHIs have not been previously reported. We present a unique case of a locally advanced BCC that underwent sarcomatoid transformation, manifesting as a large mass complicated by local invasion and lung metastases, following treatment with sonidegib.
No evidence of isotretinoin sensitization in peanut-allergic children: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ruth Emma , Heraghty Fionnuala , Flynn Niamh , McGlynn Triona , Turner Paul J , Kelleher Maeve , Byrne Aideen , O’B. Hourihane Jonathan
Published: June 2023

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) advises that all medicines containing soya-derived excipients should be labelled as contraindicated in peanut-allergic individuals. This is despite evidence of very little cross-reactivity between soya and peanut allergies. It is highly unlikely that patients with peanut allergy are at risk of a cross-reactive soya oil-based allergic reaction to soya protein in isotretinoin. This cross-sectional study has demonstrated the absence of IgE-sensitization to isotretinoin in peanut-allergic children and adolescents. Isotretinoin does not need to be avoided by peanut-allergic patients and we would encourage the EMA to alter their advice regarding soybean oil-containing medications to reflect this.
Two decades of surgical randomized controlled trials: worldwide trends in volume and methodological quality
Authors: Pronk Aagje J M , Roelofs Anne , Flum David R , Bonjer H Jaap , Abu Hilal Mohammed , Dijkgraaf Marcel G W , Besselink Marc G , Ahmed Ali Usama
Published: June 2023

Background

RCTs are essential in guiding clinical decision-making but are difficult to perform, especially in surgery. This review assessed the trend in volume and methodological quality of published surgical RCTs over two decades.

Methods

PubMed was searched systematically for surgical RCTs published in 1999, 2009, and 2019. The primary outcomes were volume of trials and RCTs with a low risk of bias. Secondary outcomes were clinical, geographical, and funding characteristics.

Results

Some 1188 surgical RCTs were identified, of which 300 were published in 1999, 450 in 2009, and 438 in 2019. The most common subspecialty in 2019 was gastrointestinal surgery (50.7 per cent). The volume of surgical RCTs increased mostly in Asia (61, 159, and 199 trials), especially in China (7, 40, and 81). In 2019, countries with the highest relative volume of published surgical RCTs were Finland and the Netherlands. Between 2009 and 2019, the proportion of RCTs with a low risk of bias increased from 14.7 to 22.1 per cent (P = 0.004). In 2019, the proportion of trials with a low risk of bias was highest in Europe (30.5 per cent), with the UK and the Netherlands as leaders in this respect.

Conclusion

The volume of published surgical RCTs worldwide remained stable in the past decade but their methodological quality improved. Considerable geographical shifts were observed, with Asia and especially China leading in terms of volume. Individual European countries are leading in their relative volume and methodological quality of surgical RCTs.
Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation alters the individual functional dynamical landscape
Authors: Fan Liming , Li Youjun , Huang Zi-Gang , Zhang Wenlong , Wu Xiaofeng , Liu Tian , Wang Jue
Published: June 2023

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive approach to modulate brain activity and behavior in humans. Still, how individual resting-state brain dynamics after rTMS evolves across different functional configurations is rarely studied. Here, using resting state fMRI data from healthy subjects, we aimed to examine the effects of rTMS to individual large-scale brain dynamics. Using Topological Data Analysis based Mapper approach, we construct the precise dynamic mapping (PDM) for each participant. To reveal the relationship between PDM and canonical functional representation of the resting brain, we annotated the graph using relative activation proportion of a set of large-scale resting-state networks (RSNs) and assigned the single brain volume to corresponding RSN-dominant or a hub state (not any RSN was dominant). Our results show that (i) low-frequency rTMS could induce changed temporal evolution of brain states; (ii) rTMS didn’t alter the hub-periphery configurations underlined resting-state brain dynamics; and (iii) the rTMS effects on brain dynamics differ across the left frontal and occipital lobe. In conclusion, low-frequency rTMS significantly alters the individual temporo-spatial dynamics, and our finding further suggested a potential target-dependent alteration of brain dynamics. This work provides a new perspective to comprehend the heterogeneous effect of rTMS.
Spatial-Aware Multi-Directional Autoencoder For Pre-Training
Authors: Yang Weiwei , Liang Shangsong , Yin Jian
Published: June 2023

Vision Transformers for pre-trained models explore semantic context and spatial relationships for images, which heavily depend on how you select image patches. In this paper, we propose a novel Spatial-aware Multi-directional Patches Multi-cycle Autoencoder (SMPMA) for a pre-trained model that brings the following benefits: (1) Spatial-aware Multi-directional (SM) patches are created with multi-directional spatial locations, transforming a whole image autoencoder problem into a short-span image patches autoencoder problem; (2) SM patches admit a self-cycle autoencoder alignment learning for the first stage and a cross-cycle interaction learning for the second stage, which makes patches align and interact for optimization; (3) SM patches enable to explore local object features and correlation distribution of adjacent pixels by taking arbitrary sampled patches as inputs. Experimental results on four downstream tasks show that our model can achieve state-of-the-art performance over the tasks of image generation, image classification and semantic segmentation.
Successful defibrillation testing in patients undergoing elective subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator generator replacement
Authors: de Veld Jolien A , Pepplinkhuizen Shari , van der Stuijt Willeke , Quast Anne-Floor B E , Olde Nordkamp Louise R A , Kooiman Kirsten M , Wilde Arthur A M , Smeding Lonneke , Knops Reinoud E
Published: June 2023

Aims

After implantation of a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD), a defibrillation test (DFT) is performed to ensure that the device can effectively detect and terminate the induced ventricular arrhythmia. Data on DFT efficacy at generator replacement are scarce with a limited number of patients and conflicting results. This study evaluates conversion efficacy during DFT at elective S-ICD generator replacement in a large cohort from our tertiary centre.

Methods and results

Retrospective data of patients who underwent an S-ICD generator replacement for battery depletion with subsequent DFT between February 2015 and June 2022 were collected. Defibrillation test data were collected from both implant and replacement procedures. PRAETORIAN scores at implant were calculated. Defibrillation test was defined unsuccessful when two conversions at 65 J failed. A total of 121 patients were included. The defibrillation test was successful in 95% after the first and 98% after two consecutive tests. This was comparable with success rates at implant, despite a significant rise in shock impedance (73 ± 23 vs. 83 ± 24 Ω, P < 0.001). Both patients with an unsuccessful DFT at 65 J successfully converted with 80 J.

Conclusion

This study shows a high DFT conversion rate at elective S-ICD generator replacement, which is comparable to conversion rates at implant, despite a rise in shock impedance. Evaluating device position before generator replacement may be recommended to optimize defibrillation success at generator replacement.
Moment magnitude for earthquakes in the Etna volcano area
Authors: Saraò Angela , Moratto Luca , Giampiccolo Elisabetta , Cocina Ornella
Published: June 2023

Accurate quantification of seismic activity in volcanic regions is an important asset for improving hazard and risk assessment. This is especially true for densely populated areas, as in the case of Etna volcano (Southern Italy). There, the volcanic hazard is amplified by the seismic risk of active faults, especially on the eastern flank of the volcano. In such a context, it is common to rely on moment magnitude (MW) to characterize seismicity and monitor the energy released during an eruption. In this study, we calculate the moment-based magnitude (MW) for selected seismic data sets, using different approaches in distinct magnitude ranges to cover the widest possible range of magnitude that characterizes Etna's seismicity. Specifically, we computed the MW from a data set of moment tensor solutions of earthquakes that occurred in the magnitude range 3.4 ≤ ML ≤ 4.8 during 2005–2020; we created a data set of seismic moment and associated MW for earthquakes 1.0 ≤ ML < 3.4 obtained by analysing source spectra; we fine-tuned two relationships, for shallow and deep earthquakes, to obtain MW from response spectra. Finally, we calibrated a specific relationship between MW and ML for the Etna area earthquakes in the range 1.0 ≤ ML ≤ 4.8. All the empirical relationships obtained in this study can be applied in real-time analysis of the seismicity to provide fast and robust information on the released seismic energy.
Moment tensor event identification for collapses
Authors: Pasyanos Michael E , Ichinose Gene A , Ford Sean R
Published: June 2023

We introduce a seismic identification method for collapse events using moment tensors (MTs). We start by computing full (six-element) MT solutions for 43 identified collapse events from around the world, and statistically characterizing the population on the MT hypersphere. We then test a large data set of over 1000 full MTs for the western U.S. against the distribution of collapses using a MT-based identification method similarly as used for testing explosions. Known collapses and explosions are readily identified, along with other anomalous events in the Geysers and central California coast. Misidentification rates are determined for various screening angles with optimal misidentification rates between earthquakes and collapses on the order of 3 per cent. The method is demonstrated to be very effective at identifying non-earthquake sources with a 97–98 per cent accuracy. It is likely to be transportable to other regions, and can be used for event identification anywhere full MT solutions are routinely calculated.
Factors associated with blue-collar workers’ participation in Worksite Health Promotion Programs: a scoping literature review
Authors: Damen Marc A W , Detaille Sarah I , Robroek Suzan J W , Engels Josephine A , de Lange Annet H
Published: June 2023

A growing number of employers implement worksite health promotion programs (WHPPs). In particular, blue-collar workers may benefit from these WHPPs. However, they are less likely than other workers to participate and little is known about which factors affect their participation. The aim of this scoping literature review is to produce an overview of studies on factors associated with blue-collar workers’ participation in WHPPs. Five databases were searched: BSU, PsycINFO, Medline, Web of Science and CINAHL. The review included peer-reviewed empirical studies on determinants associated with blue-collar workers’ participation in WHPPs. Factors were extracted and categorized. Similar determinants were clustered and the direction of the associations was further examined. Nineteen papers describing 11 qualitative and 4 quantitative studies met the eligibility criteria. Seventy-seven determinants were analyzed (in quantitative studies) or reported (in qualitative studies). In most studies, only participant characteristics were investigated. Participation may be enhanced by addressing needs, tailoring from a broad range of activities, offering group activities, requiring little effort and commitment at the start, using incentives, leading by example and combining WHPPs with occupational safety interventions. WHPPs seem to be able to reach blue-collar workers, but it remains particularly challenging to reach shift workers and those who do not yet experience health complaints.
NGLY1 deficiency: a prospective natural history study
Authors: Tong Sandra , Ventola Pamela , Frater Christina H , Klotz Jenna , Phillips Jennifer M , Muppidi Srikanth , Dwight Selina S , Mueller William F , Beahm Brendan J , Wilsey Matt , Lee Kevin J
Published: June 2023

N-glycanase 1 (NGLY1) deficiency is a debilitating, ultra-rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by loss of function of NGLY1, a cytosolic enzyme that deglycosylates other proteins. It is characterized by severe global developmental delay and/or intellectual disability, hyperkinetic movement disorder, transient elevation of transaminases, (hypo)alacrima and progressive, diffuse, length-dependent sensorimotor polyneuropathy. A prospective natural history study (NHS) was conducted to elucidate clinical features and disease course. Twenty-nine participants were enrolled (15 onsite, 14 remotely) and followed for up to 32 months, representing ~29% of the ~100 patients identified worldwide. Participants exhibited profound developmental delays, with almost all developmental quotients below 20 on the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, well below the normative score of 100. Increased difficulties with sitting and standing suggested decline in motor function over time. Most patients presented with (hypo)alacrima and reduced sweat response. Pediatric quality of life was poor except for emotional function. Language/communication and motor skill problems including hand use were reported by caregivers as the most bothersome symptoms. Levels of the substrate biomarker, GlcNAc-Asn (aspartylglucosamine; GNA), were consistently elevated in all participants over time, independent of age. Liver enzymes were elevated for some participants but improved especially in younger patients and did not reach levels indicating severe liver disease. Three participants died during the study period. Data from this NHS informs selection of endpoints and assessments for future clinical trials for NGLY1 deficiency interventions. Potential endpoints include GNA biomarker levels, neurocognitive assessments, autonomic and motor function (particularly hand use), (hypo)alacrima and quality of life.
Archetypes of product launch by insiders, outsiders, and visionaries
Authors: Greenstein Shane
Published: June 2023

What archetypes emerge from prominent episodes of product launches? This essay examines a set of episodes in information technology history that led to significant changes in industry leadership. It highlights that, in all of these instances, there is an example of a “visionary” archetype—an individual or a set of leaders who promulgate a unique view for addressing a business opportunity, which they use as they launch a new product. These archetypes are couched as insiders or outsiders depending on the firm’s status before the new product launch, and incumbent market leaders are insiders. The narrative arc is similar, as the visionary first encounters resistance and crises, must overcome challenges, and usually has to overcome skeptics via a product launch that gains market acceptance. However, the narratives of insiders and outsiders differ systematically based on their market position, leading to asymmetric approaches to market competition. This review stresses the importance of visionaries in industrial change brought about by product entry. It raises questions about integrating such narratives into the analysis of significant changes in market structure.
The Regulation of Pre-election Polls: A Citizen’s Perspective
Authors: Daoust Jean-François , Mongrain Philippe
Published: June 2023

The number of legislations around the world restricting the use and publication of pre-election polls during election campaigns is on the rise. However, we do not have a good sense of the extent to which citizens are against the publication of pre-election polls and what factors drive support or opposition for their regulation. In this research note, we tackle these issues using data from the 2019 Canadian Election Study. Our findings show that citizens are quite divided on whether polls should be banned during the last week of the campaign. Moreover, contrary to our expectations, we find almost no evidence of partisan effects in citizens’ opinions about the regulation of polls. We interpret these findings as good news for democracy as citizens, at least in some contexts, do not seem to rely on partisan considerations when it comes to the regulation of political information.
Technological diversification of U.S. cities during the great historical crises
Authors: Steijn Mathieu P A , Balland Pierre-Alexandre , Boschma Ron , Rigby David L
Published: June 2023

Regional resilience is high on the scientific and policy agenda. An essential feature of resilience is diversifying into new activities but little is known about whether major economic crises accelerate or decelerate regional diversification. This article shows how crises impact the development of new technological capabilities within U.S. metropolitan areas by examining three of the largest downturns in U.S. history, the Long Depression (1873–1879), the Great Depression (1929–1934) and the 1970s recession (1973–1975). We find that crises (i) reduce the pace of diversification in cities and (ii) narrow the scope of diversification to more closely related activities. This pattern seems general as it also holds for smaller, local crises. Evidence is presented that this general pattern of technological diversification strongly hampers employment growth. Additionally, we find that diverse cities generally diversify more strongly during times of crisis.
Risk factors for the development of second primary esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma after endoscopic resection for esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma according to genetic polymorphisms related to alcohol and nicotine metabolism
Authors: Katada Chikatoshi , Yokoyama Tetsuji , Mure Kanae , Doyama Hisashi , Nakanishi Hiroyoshi , Shimizu Yuichi , Yamamoto Keiko , Furue Yasuaki , Tamaoki Masashi , Koike Tomoyuki , Kawahara Yoshiro , Kiyokawa Hirofumi , Konno Maki , Yokoyama Akira , Ohashi Shinya , Ishikawa Hideki , Yokoyama Akira , Muto Manabu
Published: June 2023

Background

Multiple development of esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma is explained by field cancerization and is associated with alcohol consumption and smoking. We investigated the association between the development of second primary esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma after endoscopic resection for esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma and genetic polymorphisms related to alcohol and nicotine metabolism.

Methods

The study group comprised 56 patients with esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma after endoscopic resection. The main variables were the following: (i) cumulative incidence and total number of second primary esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma according to genetic polymorphisms in alcohol dehydrogenase 1B, aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 and cytochrome P450 2A6; and (ii) risk factors of second primary esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma identified using a multivariate Cox proportional-hazards model. The frequencies of alcohol dehydrogenase 1B, aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 and cytochrome P450 2A6 genetic polymorphisms in the buccal mucosa were analyzed.

Results

The median follow-up was 92.8 months (range: 2.7–134.2). Slow-metabolizing alcohol dehydrogenase 1B was associated with a higher 7-year cumulative incidence of second primary esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (fast-metabolizing alcohol dehydrogenase 1B vs slow-metabolizing alcohol dehydrogenase 1B: 20.5% vs 71.4%, P = 0.006). Slow-metabolizing alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (relative risk [95% confidence interval]: 3.17 [1.49–6.73]), inactive aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (2.17 [1.01–4.63]) and poorly-metabolizing cytochrome P450 2A6 (4.63 [1.74–12.33]) had a significantly higher total number of second primary esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma per 100 person-years. In the multivariate Cox proportional-hazards model, slow-metabolizing alcohol dehydrogenase 1B was a significant risk factor of the development of second primary esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (hazard ratio 9.92, 95% confidence interval: 2.35–41.98, P = 0.0018).

Conclusions

Slow-metabolizing alcohol dehydrogenase 1B may be a significant risk factor for the development of second primary esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma. In addition, inactive aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 and poorly-metabolizing cytochrome P450 2A6 may be important factors.
A risk scoring system for early diagnosis of anastomotic leakage after subtotal esophagectomy for esophageal cancer
Authors: Sugita Shizuki , Miyata Kazushi , Shimizu Daisuke , Ebata Tomoki , Yokoyama Yukihiro
Published: June 2023

Background

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most critical postoperative complications after subtotal esophagectomy in patients with esophageal cancer. This study attempted to develop an optimal scoring system for stratifying the risk for AL.

Methods

The study included 171 patients who underwent subtotal esophagectomy for esophageal cancer followed by esophagogastrostomy in the cervical region from January 2011 to April 2021 at Nagoya University Hospital. AL was defined by radiologic or endoscopic evidence of anastomotic breakdown using some modalities. A risk scoring system for an early diagnosis of AL was established using factors determined in the multivariate analysis. A score was calculated for each patient, and the patients were classified into three categories according to the risk for AL: low-, intermediate- and high-risk. The trend of the risk for AL among the categories was evaluated.

Results

Twenty-nine patients (17%) developed AL. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that sinistrous gross features of drain fluid (P < 0.001; odds ratio (OR), 10.2), radiologic air bubble sign (P < 0.001; OR, 15.0) and the level of drain amylase ≥280 U/L on postoperative Day 7 (P < 0.001; OR, 9.0) were significantly associated with AL. According to the matching number of the above three risk factors and categorization into three risk groups, the incidence of AL was 6.1% (8/131) in the low-risk group, 45.5% (15/33) in the intermediate-risk group and 85.7% (6/7) in the high-risk group (area under curve, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.72–0.90).

Conclusions

The present AL-risk scoring system may be useful in postoperative patient care after subtotal esophagectomy.
Decreasing incidence of conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma in people with HIV in South Africa
Authors: Metekoua Carole , Ruffieux Yann , Olago Victor , Dhokotera Tafadzwa , Egger Matthias , Bohlius Julia , Rohner Eliane , Muchengeti Mazvita
Published: June 2023

Background

The main risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva (SCCC) are immunodeficiency and exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Little is known about SCCC epidemiology among people with HIV (PWH) in South Africa.

Methods

We used data from the South African HIV Cancer Match study, a nation-wide cohort of PWH in South Africa, created through a privacy-preserving probabilistic record linkage of HIV-related laboratory records from the National Health Laboratory Service and cancer records from the National Cancer Registry from 2004 to 2014. We calculated crude incidence rates, analyzed trends using joinpoint models, and estimated hazard ratios for different risk factors using Royston-Parmar flexible parametric survival models.

Results

Among 5 247 968 PWH, 1059 cases of incident SCCC were diagnosed, for a crude overall SCCC incidence rate of 6.8 per 100 000 person-years. The SCCC incidence rate decreased between 2004 and 2014, with an annual percentage change of ‒10.9% (95% confidence interval: ‒13.3 to ‒8.3). PWH residing within latitudes 30°S to 34°S had a 49% lower SCCC risk than those residing at less than 25°S latitude (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.67; 95% confidence interval: 0.55 to 0.82). Other risk factors for SCCC were lower CD4 counts and middle age. There was no evidence for an association of sex or settlement type with SCCC risk.

Conclusions

An increased risk of developing SCCC was associated with lower CD4 counts and residence closer to the equator, indicative of higher ultraviolet radiation exposure. Clinicians and PWH should be educated on known SCCC preventive measures, such as maintaining high CD4 counts and protection from ultraviolet radiation through sunglasses and sunhats when outdoors.
Parental Communication About Body Weight and Adolescent Health: The Role of Positive and Negative Weight-Related Comments
Authors: Lessard Leah M , Puhl Rebecca M , Foster Gary D , Cardel Michelle I
Published: June 2023

Objective

Research has consistently documented adverse effects of parent weight-related comments on adolescent health. However, little empirical attention has focused on isolating the impact of weight-related comments from mothers versus fathers, and the valence of their comments. The present study examined the extent to which positive and negative weight-related comments from mothers and fathers are related to adolescent health and wellbeing, and whether these associations differ according to adolescent sociodemographic characteristics.

Methods

Data were collected from a diverse sample of 2032 U.S.-based adolescents aged 10–17 years (59% female; 40% White, 25% Black or African American, 23% Latinx). Online questionnaires assessed perceived frequency of negative and positive weight-related comments from mothers and fathers, as well as four indicators of adolescent health and wellbeing: depression, unhealthy weight control behaviors, weight bias internalization (WBI), and body appreciation.

Results

More frequent negative weight-related comments from parents were associated with poorer adolescent health and wellbeing, while positive comments contributed to lower levels of WBI and body appreciation; these associations were documented regardless of whether mothers or fathers were the source of such comments, and considerable consistency was demonstrated across adolescent sociodemographic characteristics.

Conclusion

Findings highlight differences in adolescent health based on how parents discuss their body weight (i.e., negatively or positively), and similarity in associations regardless of whether mothers or fathers are the source of weight communication. These findings reiterate the importance of efforts to educate parents on ways to engage in supportive communication about weight-related health with their children.
Energy planning for integrating renewable energy: A dilemma of utilizing ultra-high voltage transmission systems in China
Authors: Dai Anni
Published: June 2023

To enable the transition to clean energy and mitigate climate change, China has developed an extensive ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission network for renewable energy integration. Nevertheless, this network is not being utilized to its full potential, indicating the importance of coordinated energy planning. This article examines the disputes over the Yazhong-to-Jiangxi UHV projects and identifies institutional constraints rooted in the regulatory structure, which hinder the effective utilization of the UHV networks under China’s Electricity Law. These constraints include deficiencies in the energy planning framework, inconsistencies in transmission planning authority, non-binding approval system and gaps in relevant laws. This article concludes with recommendations for reforming the transmission planning and approval system, improving regulatory capacity and amending energy laws to optimize the role of UHV transmission systems in renewable energy integration.
From the lab to the field: CRISPR/Cas addressing challenges in agriculture
Authors: Giordano Andrea
Published: June 2023

This article comments on:

Tang Y, Zhang Z, Yang Z, Wu J. 2023. CRISPR/Cas9 and Agrobacterium tumefaciens virulence proteins synergistically increase efficiency of precise genome editing via homology-directed repair in plants. Journal of Experimental Botany 74, 3518–3530.
First light and reionization epoch simulations (Flares) X: environmental galaxy bias and survey variance at high redshift
Authors: Thomas Peter A , Lovell Christopher C , Maltz Maxwell G A , Vijayan Aswin P , Wilkins Stephen M , Irodotou Dimitrios , Roper William J , Seeyave Louise
Published: June 2023

Upcoming deep galaxy surveys with JWST will probe galaxy evolution during the epoch of reionization (EoR, 5 ≤ z ≤ 10) over relatively compact areas (e.g. ∼300 arcmin2 for the JADES GTO survey). It is therefore imperative that we understand the degree of survey variance to evaluate how representative the galaxy populations in these studies will be. We use the First Light And Reionization Epoch Simulations (Flares) to measure the galaxy bias of various tracers over an unprecedentedly large range in overdensity for a hydrodynamic simulation, and use these relations to assess the impact of bias and clustering on survey variance in the EoR. Star formation is highly biased relative to the underlying dark matter distribution, with the mean ratio of the stellar to dark matter density varying by a factor of 100 between regions of low and high matter overdensity (smoothed on a scale of 14 h−1 cMpc). This is reflected in the galaxy distribution – the most massive galaxies are found solely in regions of high overdensity. As a consequence of the above, galaxies in the EoR are highly clustered, which can lead to a large variance in survey number counts. For mean number counts N ≲ 100 (1000), in a unit redshift slice of angular area 300 arcmin2 (1.4 deg2), the 2σ range in N is roughly a factor of four (two). We present relations between the expected variance and survey area for different survey geometries; these relations will be of use to observers wishing to understand the impact of survey variance on their results.
A local universe model for constrained simulations
Authors: Pfeifer Simon , Valade Aurélien , Gottlöber Stefan , Hoffman Yehuda , Libeskind Noam I , Hellwing Wojciech A
Published: June 2023

The aim of cosmological simulations is to reproduce the properties of the observed Universe, serving as tools to test structure and galaxy formation models. Constrained simulations of our local cosmological region up to a few hundred $h^{-1}\, \mbox{Mpc}$ , the Local Universe, are designed to reproduce the actual cosmic web of structures as observed. A question that often arises is how to judge the quality of constrained simulations against the observations of the Local Universe. Here we introduce the Local Universe model (LUM), a new methodology, whereby many constrained simulations can be judged and the ‘best’ initial conditions can be identified. By characterizing the Local Universe as a set of rich clusters, the model identifies haloes that serve as simulated counterparts to the observed clusters. Their merit is determined against a null hypothesis, the probability that such a counterpart could be identified in a random, unconstrained simulation. This model is applied to 100 constrained simulations using the Cosmicflows-3 data. Cluster counterparts are found for all constrained simulations, their distribution of separation from the true observed cluster position and their mass distribution are investigated. Lastly, the ‘best’ constrained simulation is selected using the LUM and discussed in more detail.
Mapping non-axisymmetric velocity fields of external galaxies
Authors: Sylos Labini Francesco , Straccamore Matteo , De Marzo Giordano , Comerón Sébastien
Published: June 2023

Disc galaxies are typically in a stable configuration where matter moves in almost closed circular orbits. However, non-circular motions caused by distortions, warps, lopsidedness, or satellite interactions are common and leave distinct signatures on galaxy velocity maps. We develop an algorithm that uses an ordinary least squares method for fitting a non-axisymmetric model to the observed two-dimensional line-of-sight velocity map of an external galaxy, which allows for anisotropic non-circular motions. The method approximates a galaxy as a flat disc, which is an appropriate assumption for spiral galaxies within the optical radius where warps are rare. In the outer parts of H i distributions, which may extend well into the warp region, we use this method in combination with a standard rotating tilted ring model to constrain the range of radii where the flat disc assumption can be conservatively considered valid. Within this range, the transversal and radial velocity profiles, averaged in rings, can be directly reconstructed from the velocity map. The novelty of the algorithm consists in using arc segments in addition to rings; in this way, spatial velocity anisotropies can be measured in both components, allowing for the reconstruction of angularly resolved coarse-grained two-dimensional velocity maps. We applied this algorithm to 25 disc galaxies from the THINGS sample, for which we can provide 2D maps of both velocity components.
Planting a Lyman alpha forest on AbacusSummit
Authors: Hadzhiyska Boryana , Font-Ribera A , Cuceu A , Chabanier S , Aguilar J , Brooks D , de la Macorra A , Doel P , Eisenstein D J , Forero-Romero J E , Gontcho A Gontcho S , Honscheid K , Kehoe R , Landriau M , Miquel R , Nie Jundan , Percival W J , Rossi G , Tarlé Gregory , Zhou Zhimin
Published: June 2023

The full-shape correlations of the Lyman alpha (Ly α) forest contain a wealth of cosmological information through the Alcock–Paczyński effect. However, these measurements are challenging to model without robustly testing and verifying the theoretical framework used for analysing them. Here, we leverage the accuracy and volume of the N-body simulation suite AbacusSummit to generate high-resolution Ly α skewers and quasi-stellar object (QSO) catalogues. One of the main goals of our mocks is to aid in the full-shape Ly α analysis planned by the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) team. We provide optical depth skewers for six of the fiducial cosmology base-resolution simulations ($L_{\rm box} = 2\, h^{-1}\, {\rm Gpc}$, N = 69123) at z = 2.5. We adopt a simple recipe based on the Fluctuating Gunn–Peterson Approximation (FGPA) for constructing these skewers from the matter density in an N-body simulation and calibrate it against the 1D and 3D Ly α power spectra extracted from the hydrodynamical simulation IllustrisTNG (TNG; $L_{\rm box} = 205\, h^{-1}\, {\rm Mpc}$, N = 25003). As an important application, we study the non-linear broadening of the baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) peak and show the cross-correlation between DESI-like QSOs and our Ly α forest skewers. We find differences on small scales between the Kaiser approximation prediction and our mock measurements of the Ly α × QSO cross-correlation, which would be important to account for in upcoming analyses. The AbacusSummit Ly α forest mocks open up the possibility for improved modelling of cross-correlations between Ly α and cosmic microwave background (CMB) lensing and Ly α and QSOs, and for forecasts of the 3-point Ly α correlation function. Our catalogues and skewers are publicly available on Globus via the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC) (full link under the section ‘Data Availability’).
Electron-scale current sheets and energy dissipation in 3D kinetic-scale plasma turbulence with low electron beta
Authors: Vega Cristian , Roytershteyn Vadim , Delzanno Gian Luca , Boldyrev Stanislav
Published: June 2023

Three-dimensional kinetic-scale turbulence is studied numerically in the regime where electrons are strongly magnetized (the ratio of plasma species pressure to magnetic pressure is βe = 0.1 for electrons and βi = 1 for ions). Such a regime is relevant in the vicinity of the solar corona, the Earth’s magnetosheath, and other astrophysical systems. The simulations, performed using the fluid-kinetic spectral plasma solver (sps) code, demonstrate that the turbulent cascade in such regimes can reach scales smaller than the electron inertial scale, and results in the formation of electron-scale current sheets (ESCS). Statistical analysis of the geometrical properties of the detected ESCS is performed using an algorithm based on the medial axis transform. A typical half-thickness of the current sheets is found to be on the order of electron inertial length or below, while their half-length falls between the electron and ion inertial length. The pressure–strain interaction, used as a measure of energy dissipation, exhibits high intermittency, with the majority of the total energy exchange occurring in current structures occupying approximately 20 per cent of the total volume. Some of the current sheets corresponding to the largest pressure–strain interaction are found to be associated with Alfvénic electron jets and magnetic configurations typical of reconnection. These reconnection candidates represent about 1 per cent of all the current sheets identified.
Consistency tests for comparing astrophysical models and observations
Authors: Stoppa Fiorenzo , Cator Eric , Nelemans Gijs
Published: June 2023

In astronomy, there is an opportunity to enhance the practice of validating models through statistical techniques, specifically to account for measurement error uncertainties. While models are commonly used to describe observations, there are instances where there is a lack of agreement between the two. This can occur when models are derived from incomplete theories, when a better-fitting model is not available or when measurement uncertainties are not correctly considered. However, with the application of specific tests that assess the consistency between observations and astrophysical models in a model-independent way, it is possible to address this issue. The consistency tests (ConTESTs) developed in this paper use a combination of non-parametric methods and distance measures to obtain a test statistic that evaluates the closeness of the astrophysical model to the observations. To draw conclusions on the consistency hypothesis, a simulation-based methodology is performed. In particular, we built two tests for density models and two for regression models to be used depending on the case at hand and the power of the test needed. We used ConTEST to examine synthetic examples in order to determine the effectiveness of the tests and provide guidance on using them while building a model. We also applied ConTEST to various astronomy cases, identifying which models were consistent and, if not, identifying the probable causes of rejection.
Using the motion of S2 to constrain scalar clouds around Sgr A*
Authors: Foschi A , Abuter R , Aimar N , Amaro Seoane P , Amorim A , Bauböck M , Berger J P , Bonnet H , Bourdarot G , Brandner W , Cardoso V , Clénet Y , Dallilar Y , Davies R , de Zeeuw P T , Defrère D , Dexter J , Drescher A , Eckart A , Eisenhauer F , Ferreira M C , Förster Schreiber N M , Garcia P J V , Gao F , Gendron E , Genzel R , Gillessen S , Gomes T , Habibi M , Haubois X , Heißel G , Henning T , Hippler S , Hönig S F , Horrobin M , Jochum L , Jocou L , Kaufer A , Kervella P , Kreidberg L , Lacour S , Lapeyrère V , Le Bouquin J -B , Léna P , Lutz D , Millour F , Ott T , Paumard T , Perraut K , Perrin G , Pfuhl O , Rabien S , Ribeiro D C , Sadun Bordoni M , Scheithauer S , Shangguan J , Shimizu T , Stadler J , Straub O , Straubmeier C , Sturm E , Sykes C , Tacconi L J , Vincent F , von Fellenberg S , Widmann F , Wieprecht E , Wiezorrek E , Woillez J ,   GRAVITY Collaboration
Published: June 2023

The motion of S2, one of the stars closest to the Galactic Centre, has been measured accurately and used to study the compact object at the centre of the Milky Way. It is commonly accepted that this object is a supermassive black hole, but the nature of its environment is open to discussion. Here, we investigate the possibility that dark matter in the form of an ultralight scalar field ‘cloud’ clusters around Sgr A*. We use the available data for S2 to perform a Markov Chain Monte Carlo analysis and find the best-fit estimates for a scalar cloud structure. Our results show no substantial evidence for such structures. When the cloud size is on the order of the size of the orbit of S2, we are able to constrain its mass to be smaller than 0.1 % of the central mass, setting a strong bound on the presence of new fields in the galactic centre.
Light and colour of cirrus, translucent, and opaque dust in the high-latitude area of LDN 1642
Authors: Mattila K , Väisänen P , Lehtinen K , Haikala L , Haas M
Published: June 2023

We have performed a 5-colour surface photometric study of the high-galactic-latitude area of dark nebula LDN 1642. Scattered light properties are presented of diffuse, translucent, and opaque dust over the range of 3500–5500 Å . Far infrared absolute photometry at 200 µm improves the precision of and provides a zero point to the extinction. The intensity of the scattered light depends on dust column density in a characteristic way: for optically thin dust the intensity first increases linearly, then turns to a saturation value; at still larger extinctions the intensity turns down to a slow decrease. The AV value of the saturated intensity maximum shifts in a systematic way, from AV ≈ 1.5 mag at 3500 Å to ∼3 mag at 5500 Å . The intensity curves offer a straight-forward explanation for the behaviour of the scattered-light colours. At the intensity peak the colour agrees with the integrated starlight colour, while it is bluer at the low- and redder at the high-column-density side of the peak, respectively. These colour changes are a direct consequence of the wavelength dependence of the extinction. We have compared the colours of the LDN 1642 area with other relevant observational studies: high-latitude diffuse/translucent clouds, wide-field cirrus dust; and externally illuminated AGB-star envelopes. For extragalactic low-surface-brightness sources cirrus is an unwanted foreground contaminant. Our results for cirrus colours can help to distinguish cases where a diffuse plume or stream, apparently associated with a galaxy or a group or cluster, is more likely a local cirrus structure.
Close encounters of black hole—star binaries with stellar-mass black holes
Authors: Ryu Taeho , Valli Ruggero , Pakmor Rüdiger , Perna Rosalba , de Mink Selma E , Springel Volker
Published: June 2023

Dynamical interactions involving binaries play a crucial role in the evolution of star clusters and galaxies. We continue our investigation of the hydrodynamics of three-body encounters, focusing on binary black hole (BBH) formation, stellar disruption, and electromagnetic (EM) emission in dynamical interactions between a BH-star binary and a stellar-mass BH, using the moving-mesh hydrodynamics code AREPO. This type of encounters can be divided into two classes depending on whether the final outcome includes BBHs. This outcome is primarily determined by which two objects meet at the first closest approach. BBHs are more likely to form when the star and the incoming BH encounter first with an impact parameter smaller than the binary’s semimajor axis. In this case, the star is frequently disrupted. On the other hand, when the two BHs encounter first, frequent consequences are an orbit perturbation of the original binary or a binary member exchange. For the parameters chosen in this study, BBH formation, accompanied by stellar disruption, happens in roughly one out of four encounters. The close correlation between BBH formation and stellar disruption has possible implications for EM counterparts at the binary’s merger. The BH that disrupts the star is promptly surrounded by an optically and geometrically thick disc with accretion rates exceeding the Eddington limit. If the debris disc cools fast enough to become long-lived, EM counterparts can be produced at the time of the BBH merger.
Photometric variability of blue straggler stars in M67 with TESS and K2
Authors: Vernekar Nagaraj , Subramaniam Annapurni , Jadhav Vikrant V , Bowman Dominic M
Published: June 2023

Blue straggler stars (BSSs) are formed through mass transfers or mergers in binaries. The recent detections of white dwarf (WD) companions to BSSs in M67 suggested a mass transfer pathway of formation. In search of a close companion to five BSSs in M67 that are known to be spectroscopic binaries, we study the light curves from K2 and TESS data. We use PHOEBE to analyse the light curves and estimate the properties of the companions. We detect variability in WOCS 1007, and the light curve is dominated by ellipsoidal variation. Using the light curve and radial velocity measurements, we estimate its orbital period to be 4.212 ± 0.041 d and e = 0.206 ± 002. The mass of the companion is estimated to be 0.22 ± 0.05 M⊙ with a radius of 0.078 ± 0.027 R⊙, confirming it to be an LM WD with Teff = 14300 ± 1100 K. The estimated mass of the BSS, 1.95 ± 0.26 M⊙, is similar to that estimated from isochrones. The BSS in WOCS 1007 shows δ Scuti pulsations, although it is slightly deformed and likely to be formed through an efficient mass transfer. Though we detect a light curve for WOCS 4003 showing grazing eclipse with ellipsoidal variation, the estimated parameters are inconclusive. Apart from the 0.44 d period, we found smaller eclipses with a period of 1.1 d, suggesting a compact triple system. In the cases of WOCS 4003, WOCS 5005, and WOCS 1025, no eclipses or pulsations are detected, confirming the absence of any short-period inner binary with high inclination in these BSSs.