bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound computed tomography image reconstruction with multi-mode aperture matching of ring array
Authors: Shi Lifan , Wang Hongliang , Huang Xiao , Yuan Xuting , Ding Qi , Zhang Wendong
Published: December 2023

Ultrasound computed tomography (USCT) imaging with a ring array holds significant potential for the inspection of small animals, breast tissue, and industrial components. Despite its promise, current techniques face challenges in terms of image quality. This paper presents a multi-mode aperture matching method for USCT image reconstruction with a ring array, aiming to enhance imaging performance. The proposed method utilizes a full ring transducer to transmit signals with a designated sub-aperture, while the receiving sub-aperture is adjusted based on the reference center element. By altering the transmitting and receiving sub-apertures under different conditions, specific imaging effects can be achieved. Experimental validation was conducted using a hair strand of 0.03 mm diameter placed at both center and eccentric positions within the ring array, in conjunction a breast phantom. Image resolution and contrast were assessed using full width at half maximum and contrast-to-noise ratio metrics. The results identified optimal transmitting and receiving sub-aperture matching modes for imaging the hair strand at various positions, and demonstrated the impact of this method on imaging targets at different positions within the breast phantom. These findings and experimental validations provide significant implications for enhancing imaging performance in USCT with a ring array.
Bragg grating-based all-optical continuous two-dimensional force perceptron
Authors: Li Hanyang , Wu Zhiyuan , Dai Jichun , Yang Xulong , Zhou Gaoqian , Sun Jiapeng
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we propose a novel structure of a photonic two-dimensional force perceptron based on fiber Bragg gratings for the first time to demonstrate microforce detection and direction recognition in an all-optical transmission sensing platform. Silicone gel was used to encapsulate the Bragg gratings arranged in equilateral triangles with specific side lengths in a hollow cylindrical structure. The force stimulation is sensed by stress transfer ball located on top of the perceptron, and the force is transmitted to three Bragg gratings arranged in equilateral triangles through the encapsulation material. The perceptron can achieve force detection with a sensitivity of

0.06

mN

and a force stimulation resolution of

0.1

mN

. The reset operation mainly relies on the high elastic modulus of the material itself. The results demonstrate continuous optical sensing of microforce stimulation ranging from

0

mN

to

2

mN

, In addition, we presented the results of large-scale directional force stimulus recognition, successfully achieving directional recognition of force stimuli. Furthermore, we achieved angle recognition with an error rate of

1
%

, prove the practical potential of constructing a precise positioning continuous all-optical force sensing platform.
Reliable synaptic plasticity of InGaZnO transistor with TiO2 interlayer
Authors: Jeong Soo-Hong , Oh Seyoung , Kwon Ojun , Kim Do Hyeong , Seo Hyun Young , Park Woojin , Cho Byungjin
Published: December 2023

We demonstrate an InGaZnO (IGZO)-based synaptic transistor with a TiO2 buffer layer. The structure of the synaptic transistor with TiO2 inserted between the Ti metal electrode and an IGZO semiconductor channel O2 trapping layer produces a large hysteresis window, which is crucial for achieving synaptic functionality. The Ti/TiO2/IGZO synaptic transistor exhibits reliable synaptic plasticity features such as excitatory post-synaptic current, paired-pulse facilitation, and potentiation and depression, originating from the reversible charge trapping and detrapping in the TiO2 layer. Finally, the pattern recognition accuracy of Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology handwritten digit images was modeled using CrossSim simulation software. The simulation results present a high image recognition accuracy of ∼89%. Therefore, this simple approach using an oxide buffer layer can aid the implementation of high-performance synaptic devices for neuromorphic computing systems.
MM-SFENet: multi-scale multi-task localization and classification of bladder cancer in MRI with spatial feature encoder network
Authors: Ren Yu , Wang Guoli , Wang Pingping , Liu Kunmeng , Liu Quanjin , Sun Hongfu , Li Xiang , Wei Bengzheng
Published: December 2023

Objective. Bladder cancer is a common malignant urinary carcinoma, with muscle-invasive and non-muscle-invasive as its two major subtypes. This paper aims to achieve automated bladder cancer invasiveness localization and classification based on MRI. Approach. Different from previous efforts that segment bladder wall and tumor, we propose a novel end-to-end multi-scale multi-task spatial feature encoder network (MM-SFENet) for locating and classifying bladder cancer, according to the classification criteria of the spatial relationship between the tumor and bladder wall. First, we built a backbone with residual blocks to distinguish bladder wall and tumor; then, a spatial feature encoder is designed to encode the multi-level features of the backbone to learn the criteria. Main Results. We substitute Smooth-L1 Loss with IoU Loss for multi-task learning, to improve the accuracy of the classification task. By learning two datasets collected from bladder cancer patients at the hospital, the mAP, IoU, Acc, Sen and Spec are used as the evaluation metrics. The experimental result could reach 93.34%, 83.16%, 85.65%, 81.51%, 89.23% on test set1 and 80.21%, 75.43%, 79.52%, 71.87%, 77.86% on test set2. Significance. The experimental result demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed MM-SFENet on the localization and classification of bladder cancer. It may provide an effective supplementary diagnosis method for bladder cancer staging.
Real-time nonstandard-shaped gold fiducial marker tracking on x-ray fluoroscopic images for prostate radiotherapy
Authors: Sakata Yukinobu , Umene Kenta , Asaka Saori , Hirai Ryusuke , Ishikawa Hitoshi , Mori Shinichiro
Published: December 2023

Objective. The prostate moves in accordance with the movement of surrounding organs. Tumor position can change by ≥3 mm during radiotherapy. Given the difficulties of visualizing the prostate fluoroscopically, fiducial markers are generally implanted into the prostate to monitor its motion during treatment. Recently, internally motion guidance methods of the prostate using a 99.5% gold/0.5% iron flexible notched wire fiducial marker (Gold Anchor® , Naslund Medical AB, Huddinge, Sweden), which requires a 22 gauge needle, has been used. However, because the notched wire can retain its linear shape, acquire a spiral shape, or roll into an irregular ball, detecting it on fluoroscopic images in real-time incurs higher computation costs. Approach. We developed a fiducial tracking algorithm to achieve real-time computation. The marker is detected on the first image frame using a shape filter that employs inter-class variance for the marker likelihood calculated by the filter, focusing on the large difference in densities between the marker and its surroundings. After the second frame, the marker is tracked by adding to the shape filter the similarity to the template cropped from the area around the marker position detected in the first frame. We retrospectively evaluated the algorithm’s marker tracking accuracy for ten prostate cases, analyzing two fractions in each case. Main results. Tracking positional accuracy averaged over all patients was 0.13 ± 0.04 mm (mean ± standard deviation, Euclidean distance) and 0.25 ± 0.09 mm (95th percentile). Computation time was 2.82 ± 0.20 ms/frame averaged over all frames. Significance. Our algorithm successfully and stably tracked irregularly-shaped markers in real time.
Deep learning-based synthetic dose-weighted LET map generation for intensity modulated proton therapy
Authors: Gao Yuan , Chang Chih-Wei , Pan Shaoyan , Peng Junbo , Ma Chaoqiong , Patel Pretesh , Roper Justin , Zhou Jun , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: December 2023

The advantage of proton therapy as compared to photon therapy stems from the Bragg peak effect, which allows protons to deposit most of their energy directly at the tumor while sparing healthy tissue. However, even with such benefits, proton therapy does present certain challenges. The biological effectiveness differences between protons and photons are not fully incorporated into clinical treatment planning processes. In current clinical practice, the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) between protons and photons is set as constant 1.1. Numerous studies have suggested that the RBE of protons can exhibit significant variability. Given these findings, there is a substantial interest in refining proton therapy treatment planning to better account for the variable RBE. Dose-average linear energy transfer (LETd) is a key physical parameter for evaluating the RBE of proton therapy and aids in optimizing proton treatment plans. Calculating precise LETd distributions necessitates the use of intricate physical models and the execution of specialized Monte-Carlo simulation software, which is a computationally intensive and time-consuming progress. In response to these challenges, we propose a deep learning based framework designed to predict the LETd distribution map using the dose distribution map. This approach aims to simplify the process and increase the speed of LETd map generation in clinical settings. The proposed CycleGAN model has demonstrated superior performance over other GAN-based models. The mean absolute error (MAE), peak signal-to-noise ratio and normalized cross correlation of the LETd maps generated by the proposed method are 0.096 ± 0.019 keV μm−1, 24.203 ± 2.683 dB, and 0.997 ± 0.002, respectively. The MAE of the proposed method in the clinical target volume, bladder, and rectum are 0.193 ± 0.103, 0.277 ± 0.112, and 0.211 ± 0.086 keV μm−1, respectively. The proposed framework has demonstrated the feasibility of generating synthetic LETd maps from dose maps and has the potential to improve proton therapy planning by providing accurate LETd information.
Possible origin for the similar phase transitions in k-core and interdependent networks
Authors: Gao Shengling , Xue Leyang , Gross Bnaya , She Zhikun , Li Daqing , Havlin Shlomo
Published: December 2023

The models of k-core percolation and interdependent networks (IN) have been extensively studied in their respective fields. A recent study has revealed that they share several common critical exponents. However, several newly discovered exponents in IN have not been explored in k-core percolation, and the origin of the similarity still remains unclear. Thus, in this paper, by considering k-core percolation on random networks, we first verify that the two newly discovered exponents (fractal fluctuation dimension,

d

f

′

, and correlation length exponent,

ν

′

) observed in d-dimensional IN spatial networks also exist with the same values in k-core percolation. That is, the fractality of the k-core giant component fluctuations is manifested by a fractal fluctuation dimension,

d
˜

f

=
3

/

4

, within a correlation size
Nʹ that scales as

N

′

∝
(
p
−

p
c

)

−

ν
˜

, with

ν
˜

=
2

. Here we define,

ν
˜

≡
d
⋅

ν

′

and

d
˜

f

≡

d

f

′

/

d

. This implies that both models, IN and k-core, feature the same scaling behaviors with the same critical exponents, further reinforcing the similarity between the two models. Furthermore, we suggest that these two models are similar since both have two types of interactions: short-range (SR) connectivity links and long-range (LR) influences. In IN the LR are the influences of dependency links while in k-core we find here that for k = 1 and k = 2 the influences are SR and in contrast for

k
⩾
3

the influence is LR. In addition, analytical arguments for a universal hyper-scaling relation for the fractal fluctuation dimension of the k-core giant component and for IN as well as for any mixed-order transition are established. Our analysis enhances the comprehension of k-core percolation and supports the generalization of the concept of fractal fluctuations in mixed-order phase transitions.
Coherent anharmonicity transfer from matter to light in the THz regime
Authors: Arias Mauricio , Triana Johan F , Delgado Aldo , Herrera Felipe
Published: December 2023

Optical nonlinearities are fundamental in several types of optical information processing protocols. However, the high laser intensities needed for implementing phase nonlinearities using conventional optical materials represent a challenge for nonlinear optics in the few-photon regime. We introduce an infrared cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) approach for imprinting nonlinear phase shifts on individual THz pulses in reflection setups, conditional on the input power. Power-dependent phase shifts on the order of

0.1
π

can be achieved with femtosecond pulses of only a few µW input power. The proposed scheme involves a small number of intersubband quantum well transition dipoles evanescently coupled to the near field of an infrared resonator. The field evolution is nonlinear due to the dynamical transfer of spectral anharmonicity from material dipoles to the infrared vacuum, through an effective dipolar chirping mechanism that transiently detunes the quantum well transitions from the vacuum field, leading to photon blockade. We develop analytical theory that describes the dependence of the imprinted nonlinear phase shift on relevant physical parameters. For a pair of quantum well dipoles, the phase control scheme is shown to be robust with respect to inhomogeneities in the dipole transition frequencies and relaxation rates. Numerical results based on the Lindblad quantum master equation validate the theory in the regime where the material dipoles are populated up to the second excitation manifold. In contrast with conventional QED schemes for phase control that require strong light–matter interaction, the proposed phase nonlinearity works best in weak coupling, increasing the prospects for its experimental realization using current nanophotonic technology.
Galectin-1 correlates with inflammatory markers and T regulatory cells in children with type 1 diabetes and/or celiac disease
Authors: Fryk Emanuel , Wilsson Åsa , Tompa Andrea , Jansson Per-Anders , Faresjö Maria
Published: December 2023

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and celiac disease (CeD) are common autoimmune diseases in children where the pathophysiology is not fully characterized. The autoimmune process involves a complex scenario of both inflammatory and regulatory features. Galectin-1 (GAL-1) has a wide range of biological activities e.g. interaction with immune cells. We examined the relationship between GAL-1 and soluble immune markers and T-cell subsets in a cohort of children with T1D and/or CeD relative to healthy children. GAL-1, together with several soluble immune markers [e.g. interleukins (IL)], tumor necrosis factor (TNF), acute phase proteins, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) were measured in sera from children with T1D and/or CeD by fluorochrome (Luminex) technique using children without these diseases as a reference. Subgroups of T cells, including T-regulatory (Treg) cells, were analysed by flow cytometry. Association between GAL-1, pro-inflammatory markers, and Treg cells differed depending on which illness combination was present. In children with both T1D and CeD, GAL-1 correlated positively with pro-inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). Composite scores increased the strength of correlation between GAL-1 and pro-inflammatory markers, Th1-associated interferon (IFN)-γ, and T1D-associated visfatin. Contrary, in children diagnosed with exclusively T1D, GAL-1 was positively correlated to CD25hi and CD25hiCD101+ Treg cells. For children with only CeD, no association between GAL-1 and other immune markers was observed. In conclusion, the association observed between GAL-1, soluble immune markers, and Treg cells may indicate a role for GAL-1 in the pathophysiology of T1D and, to some extent, also in CeD.
Residual leaks following percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion and outcomes: a meta-analysis
Authors: Samaras Athanasios , Papazoglou Andreas S , Balomenakis Charalampos , Bekiaridou Alexandra , Moysidis Dimitrios V , Patsiou Vasiliki , Orfanidis Antonios , Giannakoulas George , Kassimis George , Fragakis Nikolaos , Saw Jacqueline , Landmesser Ulf , Alkhouli Mohamad Adnan , Tzikas Apostolos
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims

Residual leaks are not infrequent after left atrial appendage occlusion. However, there is still uncertainty regarding their prognostic implications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of residual leaks after left atrial appendage occlusion.

Methods

A literature search was conducted until 19 February 2023. Residual leaks comprised peri-device leaks (PDLs) on transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) or computed tomography (CT), as well as left atrial appendage patency on CT. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to assess the clinical impact of residual leaks.

Results

Overall 48 eligible studies (44 non-randomized/observational and 4 randomized studies) including 61 666 patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent left atrial appendage occlusion were analysed. Peri-device leak by TEE was present in 26.1% of patients. Computed tomography-based left atrial appendage patency and PDL were present in 54.9% and 57.3% of patients, respectively. Transoesophageal echocardiography-based PDL (i.e. any reported PDL regardless of its size) was significantly associated with a higher risk of thromboembolism [pooled odds ratio (pOR) 2.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.52–2.74], all-cause mortality (pOR 1.16, 95% CI: 1.08–1.24), and major bleeding (pOR 1.12, 95% CI: 1.03–1.22), compared with no reported PDL. A positive graded association between PDL size and risk of thromboembolism was noted across TEE cut-offs. For any PDL of >0, >1, >3, and >5 mm, the pORs for thromboembolism were 1.82 (95% CI: 1.35–2.47), 2.13 (95% CI: 1.04–4.35), 4.14 (95% CI: 2.07–8.27), and 4.44 (95% CI: 2.09–9.43), respectively, compared with either no PDL or PDL smaller than each cut-off. Neither left atrial appendage patency, nor PDL by CT was associated with thromboembolism (pOR 1.45 and 1.04, 95% CI: 0.84–2.50 and 0.52–2.07, respectively).

Conclusions

Peri-device leak detected by TEE was associated with adverse events, primarily thromboembolism. Residual leaks detected by CT were more frequent but lacked prognostic significance.
Exploring diagnostic events and first referrals in cancer patient pathways in primary care. A questionnaire survey
Authors: Lauridsen Gitte B , Jarbøl Dorte E , Thye-Rønn Peter , Rasmussen Sanne , Balasubramaniam Kirubakaran , Lykkegaard Jesper
Published: December 2023

Background

Cancer diagnostic pathways in general practice are often nonlinear, and several events can delay timely diagnosis.

Objectives

To explore cancer diagnostic processes in general practice, examining how patients’ symptom presentations, sex, and age are associated with the occurrence of predefined potentially delaying events and the first referrals.

Method

General practices in 3 Danish Regions were invited to participate in a questionnaire survey, addressing patient’s symptom presentation, diagnostic process events, and first referral. The general practitioners (GPs) received a list of their incident cancer patients from the preceding 2 years.

Results

In total 187 general practices participated, including 5,908 patients with the cancer diagnostic pathways initiated in general practice. Presenting with nonspecific symptoms was associated with potentially delaying events, even when the patient also had specific symptoms. Almost half of the patients were referred to a cancer patient pathway (CPP) first, men more often than women, and 10% were referred for acute hospitalization. In 23% of the diagnostic processes, GPs initially treated or referred patients on suspicion of another disease rather than cancer and waited due to normal examinations in 1 out of 20 patients. Excluding sex-specific cancers, these 2 events were more prevalent in women. Men less often complied to the follow-up agreement. Younger patients were less often first referred to a CPP and together with older patients more often first acutely hospitalized.

Conclusion

In cancer diagnostic processes in general practice, first referrals and the occurrence of potentially delaying events are associated with the patient’s age, sex, and specificity of symptoms.
Delivering health promotion during school closures in public health emergencies: building consensus among Canadian experts
Authors: Dabravolskaj Julia , Veugelers Paul J , Mandour Boshra A , Flynn Jenn , Maximova Katerina
Published: December 2023

School-based health promotion is drastically disrupted by school closures during public health emergencies or natural disasters. Climate change will likely accelerate the frequency of these events and hence school closures. We identified innovative health promotion practices delivered during COVID-19 school closures and sought consensus among education experts on their future utility. Fifteen health promotion practices delivered in 87 schools across Alberta, Canada during COVID-19 school closures in Spring 2020, were grouped into: ‘awareness of healthy lifestyle behaviours and mental wellness’, ‘virtual events’, ‘tangible supports’ and ‘school-student-family connectedness’. Two expert panels (23 school-level practitioners and 20 decision-makers at the school board and provincial levels) rated practices on feasibility, acceptability, reach, effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and other criteria in three rounds of online Delphi surveys. Consensus was reached if 70% or more participants (strongly) agreed with a statement, (strongly) disagreed or neither. Participants agreed all practices require planning, preparation and training before implementation and additional staff time and most require external support or partnerships. Participants rated ‘awareness of healthy lifestyle behaviours and mental wellness’ and ‘virtual events’ as easy and quick to implement, effective and cost-effective, sustainable, easy to integrate into curriculum, well received by students and teachers, benefit school culture and require no additional funding/resources. ‘Tangible supports’ (equipment, food) and ‘school-student-family connectedness’ were rated as most likely to reach vulnerable students and families. Health promotion practices presented herein can inform emergency preparedness plans and are critical to ensuring health remains a priority during public health emergencies and natural disasters.
Group C*-Algebras of Locally Compact Groups Acting on Trees
Authors: Heinig Dennis , de Laat Tim , Siebenand Timo
Published: December 2023

It was proved by Samei and Wiersma that for every non-compact, closed subgroup $G$ of the automorphism group $\textrm {Aut}(T)$ of a (semi-)homogeneous tree $T$ acting transitively on the boundary $\partial T$ and every $2 \leq q < p \leq \infty $, the quotient map $C^{\ast }_{L^{p+}}(G) \twoheadrightarrow C^{\ast }_{L^{q+}}(G)$ is not injective. We prove that whenever $G$, moreover, acts transitively on the vertices of $T$ and has Tits’s independence property, the group $C^{\ast }$-algebras $C^{\ast }_{L^{p+}}(G)$ are the only group $C^{\ast }$-algebras of $G$ coming from ideals of the Fourier–Stieltjes algebra. We also show that given such a group $G$, every group $C^{\ast }$-algebra $C^{\ast }_{\mu }(G)$ that is distinguishable from $C^{\ast }(G)$ and whose dual space $C^{\ast }_{\mu }(G)^{\ast }$ is an ideal in $B(G)$ is abstractly $^{\ast}$-isomorphic to $C^{\ast }_{r}(G)$.
Temporal trends and transmission dynamics of pre-treatment HIV-1 drug resistance within and between risk groups in Kenya, 1986–2020
Authors: Nduva George M , Otieno Frederick , Kimani Joshua , Sein Yiakon , Arimide Dawit A , Mckinnon Lyle R , Cholette Francois , Lawrence Morris K , Majiwa Maxwell , Masika Moses , Mutua Gaudensia , Anzala Omu , Graham Susan M , Gelmon Larry , Price Matt A , Smith Adrian D , Bailey Robert C , Medstrand Patrik , Sanders Eduard J , Esbjörnsson Joakim , Hassan Amin S
Published: December 2023

Background

Evidence on the distribution of pre-treatment HIV-1 drug resistance (HIVDR) among risk groups is limited in Africa. We assessed the prevalence, trends and transmission dynamics of pre-treatment HIVDR within and between MSM, people who inject drugs (PWID), female sex workers (FSWs), heterosexuals (HETs) and perinatally infected children in Kenya.

Methods

HIV-1 partial pol sequences from antiretroviral-naive individuals collected from multiple sources between 1986 and 2020 were used. Pre-treatment reverse transcriptase inhibitor (RTI), PI and integrase inhibitor (INSTI) mutations were assessed using the Stanford HIVDR database. Phylogenetic methods were used to determine and date transmission clusters.

Results

Of 3567 sequences analysed, 550 (15.4%, 95% CI: 14.2–16.6) had at least one pre-treatment HIVDR mutation, which was most prevalent amongst children (41.3%), followed by PWID (31.0%), MSM (19.9%), FSWs (15.1%) and HETs (13.9%). Overall, pre-treatment HIVDR increased consistently, from 6.9% (before 2005) to 24.2% (2016–20). Among HETs, pre-treatment HIVDR increased from 6.6% (before 2005) to 20.2% (2011–15), but dropped to 6.5% (2016–20). Additionally, 32 clusters with shared pre-treatment HIVDR mutations were identified. The majority of clusters had R0 ≥ 1.0, indicating ongoing transmissions. The largest was a K103N cluster involving 16 MSM sequences sampled between 2010 and 2017, with an estimated time to the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) of 2005 [95% higher posterior density (HPD), 2000–08], indicating propagation over 12 years.

Conclusions

Compared to HETs, children and key populations had higher levels of pre-treatment HIVDR. Introduction of INSTIs after 2017 may have abrogated the increase in pre-treatment RTI mutations, albeit in the HET population only. Taken together, our findings underscore the need for targeted efforts towards equitable access to ART for children and key populations in Kenya.
200 000 candidate very metal-poor stars in Gaia DR3 XP spectra
Authors: Yao Yupeng , Ji Alexander P , Koposov Sergey E , Limberg Guilherme
Published: December 2023

Very metal-poor stars ($\rm [Fe/H] \lt -2$) in the Milky Way are fossil records of early chemical evolution and the assembly and structure of the Galaxy. However, they are rare and hard to find. Gaia DR3 has provided over 200 million low-resolution (R ≈ 50) XP spectra, which provides an opportunity to greatly increase the number of candidate metal-poor stars. In this work, we utilize the XGBoost classification algorithm to identify ∼200 000 very metal-poor star candidates. Compared to past work, we increase the candidate metal-poor sample by about an order of magnitude, with comparable or better purity than past studies. First, we develop three classifiers for bright stars (BP < 16). They are Classifier-T (for Turn-off stars), Classifier-GC (for Giant stars with high completeness), and Classifier-GP (for Giant stars with high purity) with expected purity of 52 per cent/45 per cent/76 per cent and completeness of 32 per cent/93 per cent/66 per cent, respectively. These three classifiers obtained a total of 11 000/111 000/44 000 bright metal-poor candidates. We apply model-T and model-GP on faint stars (BP > 16) and obtain 38 000/41 000 additional metal-poor candidates with purity 29 per cent/52 per cent, respectively. We make our metal-poor star catalogues publicly available, for further exploration of the metal-poor Milky Way.
Enhanced star formation and metallicity deficit in the USS 1558−003 forming protocluster at z = 2.53
Authors: Pérez-Martínez J M , Kodama T , Koyama Y , Shimakawa R , Suzuki T L , Daikuhara K , Adachi K , Onodera M , Tanaka I
Published: December 2023

We use K-band multi-object near-infrared spectroscopy with Keck/MOSFIRE to search for environmental imprints on the gas properties of 27 narrow-band selected H α emitters (HAEs) across the three major clumps of the assembling USS1558−003 protocluster at z = 2.53. We target the H α and [N ii]λ6584 emission lines to obtain star formation rates (SFR) and gas-phase oxygen abundances for our sources, confirming the membership of 23 objects. HAEs belonging to this protocluster display enhanced SFRs with respect to the main sequence of star formation at the same cosmic epoch. This effect is more prominent for low-mass galaxies ($\mathrm{\log \mathit{ M}_*/M_\odot \lt 10.0}$), which may be experiencing a vigorous phase of mass assembly shortly after they were formed. We compute the individual and stacked gas-phase metallicities for our sources finding a metallicity deficit for low-mass objects when compared against the field mass–metallicity relation and the massive Spiderweb protocluster at z = 2.16. These results suggest that HAEs within USS1558−003 may be less evolved than those in the Spiderweb protocluster. Finally, we explore the gas metallicity–gas fraction relation for a small sample of five galaxies with CO(3–2) molecular gas information. Assuming our objects are in equilibrium, we obtain a relatively wide range of mass loading factors (λ = 0.5–2) matching field samples at the cosmic noon but in contrast with our previous results in the Spiderweb protocluster. We speculate that these discrepancies between protoclusters may be (partly) driven by differences in their current dynamical and mass assembly stages, hinting at the co-evolution of protoclusters and their galaxy populations at 2 < z < 3.
The missing radial velocities of Gaia: a catalogue of Bayesian estimates for DR3
Authors: Naik Aneesh P , Widmark Axel
Published: December 2023

In an earlier work, we demonstrated the effectiveness of Bayesian neural networks in estimating the missing line-of-sight velocities of Gaia stars, and published an accompanying catalogue of blind predictions for the line-of-sight velocities of stars in Gaia DR3. These were not merely point predictions, but probability distributions reflecting our state of knowledge about each star. Here, we verify that these predictions were highly accurate: the DR3 measurements were statistically consistent with our prediction distributions, with an approximate error rate of 1.5  per cent. We use this same technique to produce a publicly available catalogue of predictive probability distributions for the 185 million stars up to a G-band magnitude of 17.5 still missing line-of-sight velocities in Gaia DR3. Validation tests demonstrate that the predictions are reliable for stars within approximately 7 kpc from the Sun and with distance precisions better than around 20 per cent. For such stars, the typical prediction uncertainty is 25–30 km s−1. We invite the community to use these radial velocities in analyses of stellar kinematics and dynamics, and give an example of such an application.
X-ray detection of the most extreme star-forming galaxies at the cosmic noon via strong lensing
Authors: Wang Q Daniel , Diaz Carlos Garcia , Kamieneski Patrick S , Harrington Kevin C , Yun Min S , Foo Nicholas , Frye Brenda L , Jimenez-Andrade Eric F , Liu Daizhong , Lowenthal James D , Pampliega Belén Alcalde , Pascale Massimo , Vishwas Amit , Gurwell Mark A
Published: December 2023

Hyperluminous infrared galaxies (HyLIRGs) are the most extreme star-forming systems observed in the early Universe, and their properties still elude comprehensive understanding. We have undertaken a large XMM–Newton observing programme to probe the total accreting black hole population in three HyLIRGs at z = 2.12, 3.25, and 3.55, gravitationally lensed by foreground galaxies. Selected from the Planck All-Sky Survey to Analyse Gravitationally lensed Extreme Starbursts (PASSAGES), these HyLIRGs have apparent infrared luminosities >1014 L⊙. Our observations revealed X-ray emission in each of them. PJ1336+49 appears to be dominated by high-mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs). Remarkably, the luminosity of this non-AGN X-ray emission exceeds by a factor of about 3 the value obtained by calibration with local galaxies with much lower star formation rates. This enhanced X-ray emission most likely highlights the efficacy of dynamical HMXB production within compact clusters, which is an important mode of star formation in HyLIRGs. The remaining two (PJ0116−24 and PJ1053+60) morphologically and spectrally exhibit a compact X-ray component in addition to the extended non-AGN X-ray emission, indicating the presence of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs). The AGN appears to be centrally located in the reconstructed source plane images of PJ0116−24, which manifests its star-forming activity predominantly within an extended galactic disc. In contrast, the AGN in the field of PJ1053+60 is projected 60 kpc away from the extreme star-forming galaxy and could be ejected from it. These results underline the synergistic potential of deep X-ray observations with strong lensing for the study of high-energy astrophysical phenomena in HyLIRGs.
The proto-galaxy of Milky Way-mass haloes in the FIRE simulations
Authors: Horta Danny , Cunningham Emily C , Sanderson Robyn , Johnston Kathryn V , Deason Alis , Wetzel Andrew , McCluskey Fiona , Garavito-Camargo Nicolás , Necib Lina , Faucher-Giguère Claude-André , Arora Arpit , Gandhi Pratik J
Published: December 2023

Observational studies are finding stars believed to be relics of the earliest stages of hierarchical mass assembly of the Milky Way (i.e. proto-galaxy). In this work, we contextualize these findings by studying the masses, ages, spatial distributions, morphology, kinematics, and chemical compositions of proto-galaxy populations from the 13 Milky Way (MW)-mass galaxies from the FIRE-2 cosmological zoom-in simulations. Our findings indicate that proto-Milky Way populations: (i) can have a stellar mass range between 1 × 108 < M⋆ < 2 × 1010 [M⊙], a virial mass range between 3 × 1010 < M⋆ < 6 × 1011 [M⊙], and be as young as 8 ≲ Age ≲ 12.8 [Gyr] (1 ≲ z ≲ 6); (ii) are pre-dominantly centrally concentrated, with $\sim 50~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the stars contained within 5–10 kpc; (iii) on average show weak but systematic net rotation in the plane of the host’s disc at z = 0 (i.e. 0.25 ≲ 〈κ/κdisc〉 ≲ 0.8); (iv) present [α/Fe]-[Fe/H] compositions that overlap with the metal-poor tail of the host’s old disc; and (v) tend to assemble slightly earlier in Local Group-like environments than in systems in isolation. Interestingly, we find that $\sim 60~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the proto-Milky Way galaxies are comprised by 1 dominant system (1/5 ≲M⋆/M⋆, proto-MilkyWay≲ 4/5) and 4–5 lower mass systems (M⋆/M⋆, proto-MilkyWay≲ 1/10); the other $\sim 40~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ are comprised by 2 dominant systems and 3–4 lower mass systems. These massive/dominant proto-Milky Way fragments can be distinguished from the lower mass ones in chemical-kinematic samples, but appear (qualitatively) indistinguishable from one another. Our results could help observational studies disentangle if the Milky Way formed from one or two dominant systems.
From particles to orbits: precise dark matter density profiles using dynamical information
Authors: Muni Claudia , Pontzen Andrew , Sanders Jason L , Rey Martin P , Read Justin I , Agertz Oscar
Published: December 2023

We introduce a new method to calculate dark matter halo density profiles from simulations. Each particle is ‘smeared’ over its orbit to obtain a dynamical profile that is averaged over a dynamical time, in contrast to the traditional approach of binning particles based on their instantaneous positions. The dynamical and binned profiles are in good agreement, with the dynamical approach showing a significant reduction in Poisson noise in the innermost regions. We find that the inner cusps of the new dynamical profiles continue inward all the way to the softening radius, reproducing the central density profile of higher resolution simulations within the 95 per cent confidence intervals, for haloes in virial equilibrium. Folding in dynamical information thus provides a new approach to improve the precision of dark matter density profiles at small radii, for minimal computational cost. Our technique makes two key assumptions that the halo is in equilibrium (phase mixed) and the potential is spherically symmetric. We discuss why the method is successful despite strong violations of spherical symmetry in the centres of haloes, and explore how substructures disturb equilibrium at large radii.
H2 molecular gas in the old planetary nebula NGC 3587
Authors: Ramos-Larios G , Guerrero M A , Toalá J A , Akras S , Fang X
Published: December 2023

The acquisition of high-quality deep images of planetary nebulae (PNe) has allowed the detection of a wealth of small-scale features, which highlight the complexity of the formation history and physical processes shaping PNe. Here we present the discovery of three groups of clumps embedded within the nebular shell of the evolved PN NGC 3587, the Owl Nebula, that had escaped previous detections. The analysis of multi-wavelength GEMINI GMOS, NOT ALFOSC, Aristarchos Andor optical, Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope WIRCam, and Spitzer IRAC and MIPS infrared images indicates that these clumps are formed by material denser and colder than the surrounding nebula, with a notable content of molecular H2, but negligible or null amounts of dust. The presence of H2-rich pockets embedded within the ionized shell of this evolved PN is suggestive of the survival of high-density condensations of material created at the onset of the PN stage.
Persisting Anxiety: The Duration of Emotions during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Henderson Michael , Oden Ayla
Published: December 2023

Events and leaders can generate feelings of anxiety that shape political attitudes and behavior in the short run. Yet, threats are often ephemeral, and existing literature does not show whether anxiety or its effects fade as easily as they rise. We address this gap by examining the persistence of anxiety toward the health and economic risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, we examine the duration of anxiety’s role in information gathering as well as the role of information search on continued experiences of anxiety. To address these questions, we use a five-wave panel survey of a representative sample of adult residents of Louisiana, a state where the COVID-19 pandemic hit particularly hard but with uneven health and economic impacts. We find evidence confirming reinforcement of anxiety, in which feeling anxious at one point in time is associated with anxiety at subsequent points independent of continued threat exposure and individual heterogeneity in the propensity to feel anxious. We also find modest evidence that biased information seeking behavior accounts for some of this reinforcement. Additionally, we find mixed evidence for the persistence of anxiety’s effects on political attitudes even after threat exposure subsides.
A potential role for chlamydial infection in rheumatoid arthritis development
Authors: Lamacchia Celine , Aymon Romain , Hattel Brian C , Aeby Sebastien , Kebbi-Beghdadi Carole , Gilbert Benoit , Studer Olivia , Norris Jill M , Nolers V Michael , Demoruelle M Kristen , Feser Marie L , Moss Laura Kay , Courvoisier Delphine S , Lauper Kim , Deane Kevin D , Greub Gilbert , Finckh Axel
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To assess the relationship between self-reported and serological evidence of prior chlamydial infection, rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-related autoantibodies and risk of RA development.

Methods

This is a nested study within a prospective Swiss-based cohort including all first-degree relatives of RA patients (RA-FDR) who answered a questionnaire on past chlamydial infections. Primary outcome was systemic autoimmunity associated with RA (RA autoimmunity) defined as positivity for anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA) and/or rheumatoid factor (RF). Secondary outcomes were high levels of RA autoimmunity, RA-associated symptoms and RA autoimmunity, and subsequent seropositive RA diagnosis. We conducted a nested case–control analysis by measuring the serological status against the major outer membrane protein of Chlamydia trachomatis. We replicated our analysis in an independent USA-based RA-FDR cohort.

Results

Among 1231 RA-FDRs, 168 (13.6%) developed RA autoimmunity. Prevalence of self-reported chlamydial infection was significantly higher in individuals with RA autoimmunity compared with controls (17.9% vs 9.8%, odds ratio [OR] = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.27, 3.09; P < 0.01). This association remained significant after adjustments (OR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.20, 2.95). Stronger effect sizes were observed in later stages of RA development. There was a similar trend between a positive C. trachomatis serology and high levels of RA autoimmunity (OR = 3.05; 95% CI: 1.10, 8.46; P = 0.032). In the replication cohort, there were significant associations between chlamydial infection and RF positivity and incident RA, but not anti-CCP positivity.

Conclusion

Self-reported chlamydial infections are associated with elevated RA autoimmunity in at-risk individuals. The differing association of chlamydial infections and ACPA/RF between cohorts will need to be explored in future studies, but is consistent with a role of mucosal origin of RA-related autoimmunity.
Modified Pedicled Internal Mammary Osteomyocutaneous Chimeric Flap for Salvage of Mandibular Reconstruction
Authors: Morin Samantha D. , Gowda Arvind U. , Chaiyasate Kongkrit
Published: December 2023

The modified pedicled internal mammary osteomyocutaneous chimeric flap is a powerful option for head and neck reconstruction in patients not suitable for free tissue transfer. In this article, the senior author’s (K.C.) technique for flap elevation is described in the context of a patient with mandibular osteoradionecrosis resulting in severe crossbite and trismus after multiple failed attempts at reconstruction with free tissue transfer. The modified pedicled internal mammary osteomyocutaneous chimeric flap was chosen as it offered intraoral lining, extraoral soft tissue, and vascularized bone for mandibular reconstruction without requiring free tissue transfer. The flap dissection as well as the risks, benefits, and indications for this flap are described herein. The modified pedicled internal mammary osteomyocutaneous chimeric flap is a technically complex reconstructive option reserved for situations in which conventional methods have been exhausted. It offers an eloquent solution for patients who otherwise may have no options.
Simultaneous 24-h ambulatory blood pressure measurement on both arms: a consideration for improving hypertension management
Authors: Bothe Tomas L. , Kreutz Reinhold , Glos Martin , Patzak Andreas , Pilz Niklas
Published: December 2023

Objective:

Arterial hypertension is one of the common treatment goals in today's medicine. 24-h ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) performed by oscillometric cuff-based devices is considered as the gold standard in hypertension diagnostics. This study aims at examining the measurement accuracy of a widely used, ABPM device.

Methods:

Fifty-two young and healthy participants underwent simultaneous 24-h ABPM on the left and the right upper arm using two Boso/A&D TM-2430 oscillometric cuff-based devices. Pressure curves of the cuffs, as well as hydrostatic pressure difference between the cuffs were recorded.

Results:

The mean differences between both simultaneous measurements were 1.16 mmHg with limits of agreement of 36.23 mmHg for SBP and 1.32 mmHg with limits of agreement of 32.65 mmHg for DBP. Excluding measurements where the pressure curves were disturbed and correcting for hydrostatic pressure difference between the cuffs, reduced the measurement error. However, limits of agreement remained around 20 mmHg. There were large differences in hypertension grading and dipping pattern classification between simultaneous measurements on the left and right arm.

Conclusion:

The cuff-based ABPM device reveals notable measurement uncertainties, influencing hypertension grading, dipping pattern classification and blood pressure variability. These effects are attributed in part to disturbances during cuff deflation and hydrostatic influences. Nonetheless, ABPM has shown its clinical values in several studies, while this study underscores its still unlocked potential to improve hypertension management.
Chemokine expression profiles predict overall survival and immune infiltration in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Peng Xinyu , Lv Shengnan , Fan Yuxiang , Zhang Jian , Liu Huan , Liu Yan , Wei Feng
Published: December 2023

Background:

Human chemokines are linked to tumour survival and perform a critical role in the pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) microenvironment. It is not known if abnormal expression of chemokines contributes to the prognostic features of PAAD. Therefore, this study explored gene alteration profiles of chemokines in PAAD and constructed a chemokine family-based prognosis signature (CPS).

Methods:

RNA-Seq and clinical data from 176 PAAD patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Bioinformatics analysis tools were used to assess the expression and prognostic value of chemokines. A profile affecting patient survival was obtained using unsupervised hierarchical clustering and a prognostic model of chemokine-related genes was constructed to explore the immune landscape.

Findings:

29 chemokines were highly expressed in PAAD tissues, and 10 were significantly associated with poor prognosis. Hierarchical clustering resulted in the classification of the PAAD cohort into 2 clusters. High levels of chemokines indicated a worse prognosis (for HR=5.4, CI=1.7-17, P=0.004). A CPS containing 7 hub genes was constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and stepwise multivariable Cox analysis. This signature separated PAAD patients into high and low risk groups and was confirmed as an independent prognostic factor. An ESTIMATE score and TIMER2.0 analysis further reflected the immune profile of PAAD, which had a higher percentage of localized immune cell infiltration with predominantly suppressive cells.

Interpretation:

This is the first chemokine family-based model for predicting outcomes in PAAD patients. Our work highlights the need to understand the mechanism of chemokine contributions to PAAD occurrence.