bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the brightest gamma-ray burst (GRB 221009A) on low energy gamma-ray counts at sea level
Authors: Thakur Pranali , Datar Gauri , Vichare Geeta , Chelliah Selvaraj
Published: April 2024

A gamma-ray burst, named GRB 221009A, occurred on 9 October 2022 and is the brightest ever observed GRB, whose frequency is now estimated as once in 10,000 years. This GRB was reported to be observed from many space missions, VLF receivers, and ground observations in optical and radio data. Additionally, a strikingly large number of very high energy (VHE) photons associated with this GRB were observed by the gamma-ray and cosmic ray observatory LHAASO. Though gamma-rays of cosmic origin usually tend to be absorbed by the atmosphere, the high fluence of this GRB, along with the observation of more than 5000 VHE photons (0.5 to 18 TeV) by LHAASO from the ground, emphasises the need to explore other possible ground observations of this GRB.

With RA = 288.3° and Dec = 19.8°, the exceptionally bright fluence of this GRB was geographically centred on India. The present paper examines the effect of this GRB using gamma-ray data in a low energy range (0.2–6) MeV obtained using NaI (Tl) detectors located at Tirunelveli (Geographic coordinates: 8.71°N, 77.76°E), India. We report no significant change in the observations associated with GRB 221009A. We discuss the extent of attenuation of gamma-rays in the atmosphere that could explain the reported observations. Further, we investigate the likelihood of ground observation of gamma-rays (< 10 MeV) for a much more intense hypothetical GRB and estimate the parameters, such as distance, fluence, and isotropic energy of such a GRB.
Probing the vector charge of Sagittarius A* with pulsar timing
Authors: Hu Zexin , Shao Lijing , Xu Rui , Liang Dicong , Mai Zhan-Feng
Published: April 2024

Timing a pulsar orbiting around Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) can provide us
with a unique opportunity of testing gravity theories. We investigate the
detectability of a vector charge carried by the Sgr A* black hole (BH) in the
bumblebee gravity model with simulated future pulsar timing observations. The
spacetime of a bumblebee BH introduces characteristic changes to the orbital
dynamics of the pulsar and the light propagation of radio signals. Assuming a
timing precision of 1 ms, our simulation shows that a 5-yr observation of a
pulsar with an orbital period Pb
∼ 0.5 yr and an orbital
eccentricity e ∼ 0.8 can probe a vector charge-to-mass ratio as small as
Q/M ∼ 10-3, which is much more stringent than the current constraint from
the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) observations, and comparable to the
prospective constraint from extreme mass-ratio inspirals with the Laser
Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA).
Biased motility-induced phase separation: from chemotaxis to traffic jams
Authors: Bertin Eric , Solon Alexandre
Published: April 2024

We propose a one-dimensional model of active particles interpolating between quorum sensing models used in the study of motility-induced phase separation (MIPS) and models of congestion of traffic flow on a single-lane highway. Particles have a target velocity with a density-dependent magnitude and a direction that flips with a finite rate that is biased toward moving right. Two key parameters are the bias and the speed relaxation time. MIPS is known to occur in such models at zero bias and zero relaxation time (overdamped dynamics), while a fully biased motion with no velocity reversal models traffic flow on a highway. Using both numerical simulations and continuum equations derived from the microscopic dynamics, we show that a single phase-separated state extends from the usual MIPS to congested traffic flow in the phase diagram defined by the bias and the speed relaxation time. However, in the fully biased case, inertia is essential to observe phase separation, making MIPS and congested traffic flow seemingly different phenomena if not simultaneously considering inertia and tumbling. We characterize the velocity of the dense phase, which is static for usual MIPS and moves backward in traffic congestion. We also find that in presence of bias, the phase diagram becomes richer, with an additional transition between phase separation and a microphase separation that is seen above a threshold bias or relaxation rate.
Real-time data processing method for CO2 dispersion interferometer on EAST
Authors: ZHANG 张 Jiamin 家敏 , YAO 姚 Yuan 远 , LIU 刘 Yuyang 郁阳 , CHU 储 Yuqi 宇奇 , RUAN 阮 Tianyi 天翼 , ZHANG 张 Yao 耀 , LIU 刘 Haiqing 海庆 , JIE 揭 Yinxian 银先 , LING 凌 Bili 必利
Published: April 2024

A real-time data processing system is designed for the carbon dioxide dispersion interferometer (CO2-DI) on EAST. The system utilizes the parallel and pipelining capabilities of an field-programmable gate array (FPGA) to digitize and process the intensity of signals from the detector. Finally, the real-time electron density signals are exported through a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) module in the form of analog signals. The system has been successfully applied in the CO2-DI system to provide low-latency electron density input to the plasma control system on EAST. Experimental results of the latest campaign with long-pulse discharges on EAST (2022–2023) demonstrate that the system can respond effectively in the case of rapid density changes, proving its reliability and accuracy for future electron density calculation.
Descriptive Strength and the Adequacy of Implementation Claims
Authors: Anderson Neal G , Piccinini Gualtiero
Published: April 2024

This chapter introduces three classes of computational descriptions of physical systems (CDPSs) of increasing strength, defined by which of four strength criteria they satisfy. Two of these criteria—the criteria S (for state) and P (for process) introduced in Chapter 3—are defining criteria for any CDPS. The two remaining criteria—criteria PCE (for physical-computational equivalence) and U (for usability) introduced in this chapter—go further. CDPSs are classified as weak if they satisfy S and P but not PCE or U, robust if they satisfy S, P, and PCE but not U, and strong if they satisfy all four criteria. The chapter then outlines a framework for evaluating claims about implementation based on this strength classification, which helps to reveal what one must accept about the nature of physical implementation if one is to accept that claim as adequate.
The Robust Mapping Account of Implementation
Authors: Anderson Neal G , Piccinini Gualtiero
Published: April 2024

This chapter presents and defends the robust mapping account of implementation, which regards a physical system as implementing a computing system if and only if that physical system satisfies a robust computational description as defined in Chapter 4. When a physical system satisfies a robust computational description, it bears the physical signature of the computing system it is taken to implement. The chapter then considers whether the account satisfies the desiderata for a good account of physical computation discussed in Chapter 1, connects it to previous work in physical information theory that formalizes key ideas in the account, characterizes computational errors (i.e., miscomputation) and partial implementation as deviations from robust implementation, and quantifies these deviations from robustness and their physical (e.g., dissipative) consequences. These physical-information-theoretic results provide physically grounded theoretical support for the robust mapping account.
Finding a Way Together
Authors: Fraser Chris
Published: April 2024

This chapter inquires into the attitudes and conduct towards others that complement the admirable individual life as depicted in the Zhuāngzǐ. It proposes that, on a broadly Zhuangist understanding, interpersonal ethics is simply a special case of competence in applying dé and following dào, one application of a general ideal of exemplary activity in which we employ our dé to find a fitting, free-flowing dào by which to navigate contingent, changing circumstances. A Zhuangist account of how to treat others is simply an account of how to apply dé to find dào in cases where other agents and our relations with them are signal features of our situation. Interactions with others present contexts in which, instead of wandering the way on our own, we must find our way together. Rather than framing our conduct in terms of doing what is morally right or permissible, a Zhuangist approach evaluates the quality of our activity as a performance of dào and manifestation of dé, examining whether it is adept or clumsy, free-flowing or obstructed, in harmony with the situation or at odds with it. Our interactions with others are guided by a deeply contextual responsiveness that seeks to find provisional points of convergence between their dào and ours. ‘Good fit’ between their dào and ours is indicated by an absence of conflict and by smooth, free-flowing, mutually acceptable interaction. The chapter sketches how such indicators may reflect a distinctively Zhuangist understanding of the sources of normativity.
Introduction
Authors: Bengson John , Cuneo Terence , Shafer-Landau Russ
Published: April 2024

This Introduction sets out four key features of this book’s approach to metaethical inquiry. The first concerns its unique methodology, which emphasizes handling data and grounding theoretical claims. The second concerns its non-minimalist formulation of moral realism, whose constituent theses capture the idea that morality enjoys objective authority. The third is its extensive use of the ideology of post-modal metaphysics, such as grounding and essence. The fourth is its commitment to the integrity of moral philosophy, which has it that answering key questions in metaethics involves making substantive commitments in normative ethics. After presenting and discussing these four features of the book, the Introduction comments on how the various chapters are intertwined.
Nonnaturalism and Enchantment
Authors: Bengson John , Cuneo Terence , Shafer-Landau Russ
Published: April 2024

Moral nonnaturalism’s animating idea is that moral reality has its own distinctive character, being autonomous vis-à-vis stretches of the natural world. Following G. E. Moore, many metaethicists have explicated this idea by reference to the province of natural science. Seeking to improve upon that Moorean approach, this chapter fleshes out nonnaturalism’s animating idea in essentialist terms: according to nonnaturalism, normativity figures ineliminably in the essence of at least some elements of moral reality. Otherwise put, moral reality is “deeply normative.” This nonnaturalist thesis can be paired with the distinct claim that normativity also figures ineliminably in the essence of at least some elements of non-moral reality—a view this chapter calls ‘Enchantment.’ The aim of this chapter is to present and elucidate both moral nonnaturalism and enchantment, defending its formulation of the former view: the formulation properly classifies paradigm naturalist and nonnaturalist positions, makes sense of various disputes between them, and distinguishes them in a way that is neither arbitrary nor stipulative, but philosophically substantive.
Tethering Moral Reality
Authors: Bengson John , Cuneo Terence , Shafer-Landau Russ
Published: April 2024

Various correlations obtain between moral and non-normative reality. This chapter seeks to present, defend, and explain the claims needed to make sense of these correlations. Correlations between particular moral and non-normative facts, as well as general correlations expressed in moral principles, are substantiated via fundamental moral facts. Other correlations are accounted for via Strong Supervenience. The chapter offers a novel approach to explaining Strong Supervenience, one that cites a grounding relation between moral properties and their complete non-normative supervenience base. This grounding relation, in turn, is explained by the essences of moral properties—they are, by their very nature, the sorts of things whose instantiations are explained by the non-normative properties that ground (and thus entail) them. This is followed by responses to two objections to the idea that nonnaturalism can properly handle the various correlations between moral and non-normative reality. The chapter concludes by providing a strategy for answering the Arché Question, which asks for the identity of morality’s source: the non-normative facts that fully explain fundamental moral facts. The proposed strategy appeals to essence facts regarding the moral properties in fundamental moral facts. Those essence facts, which are themselves non-normative, do the needed explanatory work.
Strong Moral Reasons
Authors: Bengson John , Cuneo Terence , Shafer-Landau Russ
Published: April 2024

Moral realism is committed to the existence of strong moral reasons; this chapter defends their existence. After first elucidating the notions of a practical reason, a moral reason, a categorical reason (one that does not depend on an agent’s contingent commitments), and an excellent reason (one that is comparatively weighty vis-à-vis rivals), the chapter proceeds to offer three arguments. The first is for the existence of moral reasons. These are not merely reasons to do what morality demands—after all, there can be prudential or instrumental reasons to do our duty, where such reasons needn’t be moral ones. The argument for moral reasons finds leverage in the connection between reasons and such attitudes as blame and regret. That connection also undergirds the chapter’s second argument, for the existence of moral reasons that are categorical. This is followed by the third, a novel argument for the existence of categorical moral reasons that are also excellent.
Invited commentary: is the polysocial score approach valuable for advancing social determinants of health research?
Authors: Wu Chenkai
Published: April 2024

Social determinants of health encompass the social environmental factors and lived experiences that collectively shape an individual’s health. Recently, the polysocial score approach has been introduced as an innovative method for capturing the cumulative impact of a broad spectrum of social factors. This approach offers a promising opportunity to complement and enhance conventional methodologies in the advancement of research on social determinants of health. In this issue of the Journal, Jawadekar et al (Am J Epidemiol. 2024;XXX(XX):XXX–XXX) evaluate the value of the polysocial score for predicting cognitive performance and mortality among middle-aged and older adults. Models built on a smaller set of social determinants, including race/ethnicity, sex, and education, performed comparably to the polysocial score models in which a more complex set of social factors was included. In this invited commentary, I evaluate the predictive ability of the polysocial score and discuss its merits and limitations. I also summarize the practical utility of the polysocial score in predicting health outcomes and its mechanistic significance in unveiling the relationship between genetics, social environment, and lifestyles in shaping an individual’s health and elucidate health disparities. Lastly, I propose several avenues for future research.
A confirmatory factor analysis of a revised motives for playing drinking games (MPDG-33) scale among university students in the United States
Authors: Zamboanga Byron L , Newins Amie R , Olthuis Janine V , Merrill Jennifer E , Blumenthal Heidemarie , Kim Su Yeong , Grigsby Timothy J , McClain Patrick , McChargue Dennis , Cano Miguel Ángel
Published: April 2024

Aim

Participating in a drinking game (DG) is common practice among university students and can increase students’ risk for heavy drinking. Given the theoretical link between motivations to drink and alcohol use, careful consideration should be given to students’ motivations to play DGs. In this study, we examined the factor structure, internal consistency, and concurrent validity of a revised version of the motives for playing drinking games (MPDG) scale, the MPDG-33.

Methods

University students (n = 3345, Mage = 19.77 years, SDage = 1.53; 68.8% = women; 59.6% = White) from 12 U.S. universities completed a confidential online self-report survey that included the MPDG-33 and questions regarding their frequency of DG participation and typical drink consumption while playing DGs.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis indicated the 7-factor model fit the data adequately, and all items had statistically significant factor loadings on their predicted factor. All subscales had adequate to excellent internal consistency and were positively correlated with the frequency of DG participation and the typical number of drinks consumed while playing DGs (though the correlations were small).

Conclusion

Findings suggest that the MPDG-33 can be reliably used in research and clinical settings to assess U.S. university students’ motives for playing DGs.
Machine learning in time-lapse imaging to differentiate embryos from young vs old mice
Authors: Yang Liubin , Leynes Carolina , Pawelka Ashley , Lorenzo Isabel , Chou Andrew , Lee Brendan , Heaney Jason D
Published: April 2024

Time-lapse microscopy for embryos is a non-invasive technology used to characterize early embryo development. This study employs time-lapse microscopy and machine learning to elucidate changes in embryonic growth kinetics with maternal aging. We analyzed morphokinetic parameters of embryos from young and aged C57BL6/NJ mice via continuous imaging. Our findings show that aged embryos accelerated through cleavage stages (from 5-cells) to morula compared to younger counterparts, with no significant differences observed in later stages of blastulation. Unsupervised machine learning identified two distinct clusters comprising of embryos from aged or young donors. Moreover, in supervised learning, the extreme gradient boosting algorithm successfully predicted the age-related phenotype with 0.78 accuracy, 0.81 precision, and 0.83 recall following hyperparameter tuning. These results highlight two main scientific insights: maternal aging affects embryonic development pace, and artificial intelligence can differentiate between embryos from aged and young maternal mice by a non-invasive approach. Thus, machine learning can be used to identify morphokinetics phenotypes for further studies. This study has potential for future applications in selecting human embryos for embryo transfer, without or in complement with preimplantation genetic testing.
Earlier or Later? A Survival Analysis of Criminal Career and Contextual Factors Associated With Intimate Partner Homicide in Canada
Authors: Chopin Julien , Guay Jean-Pierre , Fortin Francis , Paquette Sarah , Péloquin Olivier , Chartrand Eric
Published: April 2024

Intimate partner homicide (IPH) can be viewed as the ultimate result of a potential spectrum of violence that can occur between intimate or former partners. The goal of this study is to identify the criminal career and contextual indicators that precede IPH. This study utilized a database encompassing all criminal events documented by the police in the province of Quebec from 1990 to 2022. Cox regression models indicate that the violent assault in a non-IPV context, variety of criminal offenses and general lambda of crimes influence the likelihood of IPH offender criminal career survival. The results indicate a linear distribution of risk, highlighting the complexity of predicting IPH. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Killing Time: The Role of Boredom in Glasgow Gangs
Authors: Miller Johanne
Published: April 2024

Boredom may be one of the largest maladies of the modern world. A phenomenon which has increasingly become embedded in our social structures. Yet, as a concept within criminology there is a dearth of knowledge concerning it, despite the influence it has on offending and offending behaviours. Through a constructivist grounded theory (CGT) methodology with gangs in Glasgow, insights are shared, exploring how and in what ways boredom affects gang members and the strategies employed to alleviate it. This paper applies Svendsen’s (2005) existential definition of boredom and explores the concepts of temporality, meaning-making and agency as occurring at the nexus of boredom and excitement-seeking behaviours for Glasgow gang members.
Prevalence of ichthyoses in Denmark: a nationwide registry-based study
Authors: Thein David , Maul Julia-Tatjana , Schmid-Grendelmeier Peter , Thyssen Jacob P , Egeberg Alexander
Published: April 2024

The results demonstrate a prevalence of 1.6 per 10 000 for all types of ichthyoses, based on large Danish national patient registries, including all patients with relevant diagnoses alive on 31 December 2021. A study of this size and depth has not been completed before but may still underestimate the prevalence and potential burden of the diseases.
Tumour budding as a risk factor for lymph node metastases in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gil-Pallares Pedro , Gil-Pallares Maria Eugenia , Navarro-Bielsa Alba , Figueroa-Silva Olalla , Taboada-Paz Laura , Suárez-Peñaranda José Manuel
Published: April 2024

Background

Current staging systems have limitations in stratifying high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Tumour budding (TB) has emerged as a potential prognostic factor in various cancers.

Objectives

To evaluate the prognostic significance of TB in predicting lymph node metastases (NM) in cSCC.

Methods

A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane databases was conducted. Studies investigating the association of TB using a 5-bud cutoff and NM in cSCC were included. A meta-analysis was performed using odds ratios (OR) to evaluate the association between TB and NM.

Results

Six retrospective studies comprising 793 patients with cSCC were included. The random-effects analysis showed a significant association between high TB (≥ 5 buds) and NM (OR = 13.29, 95% confidence interval 5.55–31.86).

Discussion

TB is a promising histopathological feature for predicting NM in cSCC. The results show a strong association between high TB and NM, supporting its utility as a risk factor for NM in cSCC. Its inclusion in clinical practice and cSCC staging might be helpful in the stratification of patients with high-risk cases and to guide optimal management strategies for each patient. However, further investigation is needed to determine standardized reporting guidelines for TB in cSCC.
Linguistic modulation of the neural encoding of phonemes
Authors: Kim Seung-Goo , De Martino Federico , Overath Tobias
Published: April 2024

Speech comprehension entails the neural mapping of the acoustic speech signal onto learned linguistic units. This acousto-linguistic transformation is bi-directional, whereby higher-level linguistic processes (e.g. semantics) modulate the acoustic analysis of individual linguistic units. Here, we investigated the cortical topography and linguistic modulation of the most fundamental linguistic unit, the phoneme. We presented natural speech and “phoneme quilts” (pseudo-randomly shuffled phonemes) in either a familiar (English) or unfamiliar (Korean) language to native English speakers while recording functional magnetic resonance imaging. This allowed us to dissociate the contribution of acoustic vs. linguistic processes toward phoneme analysis. We show that (i) the acoustic analysis of phonemes is modulated by linguistic analysis and (ii) that for this modulation, both of acoustic and phonetic information need to be incorporated. These results suggest that the linguistic modulation of cortical sensitivity to phoneme classes minimizes prediction error during natural speech perception, thereby aiding speech comprehension in challenging listening situations.
Learning from the best: how regional knowledge stimulates circular economy transition at company level
Authors: Meili Rahel , Stucki Tobias , Kissling-Näf Ingrid
Published: April 2024

This paper investigates whether, and what kind of, regional knowledge has a stimulating effect on circular economy (CE) innovation by companies. We thus add to the literature on regional knowledge spillovers, which has rarely focussed explicitly on the CE. For the empirical study, we create econometric regressions based on a representative dataset with extensive information on the CE activities of about 1400 Swiss firms. The results confirm that regional knowledge is important for the implementation of CE innovations. However, geographical distance and the quality of the knowledge must be taken into account, that is, companies primarily learn from the best.
The predictive performance of the ANCA renal risk score in patients over 65 years of age with renal ANCA-associated vasculitis
Authors: de Berny Quentin , Diouf Momar , Mesbah Rafik , Quemeneur Thomas , Lebas Céline , Guerrot Dominique , Hachulla Eric , Gibier Jean-Baptiste , Cordonnier Carole , Francois Arnaud , Gueutin Victor , Choukroun Gabriel , Titeca-Beauport Dimitri
Published: April 2024

Background

The anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) renal risk score (ARRS) for predicting renal survival in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) had not previously been validated in adults over 65 years of age and presenting impairments associated with an aging kidney, a high cardiovascular comorbidity burden, and prevalent microscopic polyangiitis.

Methods

We retrospectively studied a cohort of 192 patients over 65 years of age (median [interquartile range] age: 73 [68; 78]), including 17.2% with renal-limited vasculitis, 49.5% with microscopic polyangiitis and 33.3% with granulomatosis with polyangiitis, at six centres of northern France. The primary study endpoint was the cumulative incidence of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD, maintenance of dialysis for at least 3 months) at 12 months, with death considered as a competing event.

Results

The median serum creatinine concentration at diagnosis was 300 [202; 502] µmol/L, and 48 (25.0%) patients required dialysis at presentation. The ARRS was high in 43 (22.4%) patients, medium in 106 (55.2%), and low in 43 (22.4%). The cumulative incidence of ESKD at 12 months was 0% in the low-risk group, 13.0% [7.6–20.0] in the medium-risk group, and 44.0% [29.0–58.0] in the high-risk group (p < 0.001). In the subgroup of 149 patients presenting a medium or high score, the ARRS had a C-index of 0.66 [0.58–0.74] for the prediction of ESKD at 12 months; this rose to 0.86 [0.80–0.90] when dialysis status at diagnosis was included.

Conclusion

The ARRS was a poor predictor of kidney survival at 12 months among patients over 65 years of age with renal AAV involvement—especially in the high ARRS group. The addition of dialysis status at diagnosis as an additional clinical parameter might improve the ARRS's predictive performance.
Chromosome-level genome assembly of the yeast Lodderomyces beijingensis reveals the genetic nature of metabolic adaptations and identifies subtelomeres as hotspots for amplification of mating type loci
Authors: Brejová Broňa , Hodorová Viktória , Mutalová Sofia , Cillingová Andrea , Tomáška Ľubomír , Vinař Tomáš , Nosek Jozef
Published: April 2024

Lodderomyces beijingensis is an ascosporic ascomycetous yeast. In contrast to related species Lodderomyces elongisporus, which is a recently emerging human pathogen, L. beijingensis is associated with insects. To provide an insight into its genetic makeup, we investigated the genome of its type strain, CBS 14171. We demonstrate that this yeast is diploid and describe the high contiguity nuclear genome assembly consisting of eight chromosome-sized contigs with a total size of about 15.1 Mbp. We find that the genome sequence contains multiple copies of the mating type loci and codes for essential components of the mating pheromone response pathway, however, the missing orthologs of several genes involved in the meiotic program raise questions about the mode of sexual reproduction. We also show that L. beijingensis genome codes for the 3-oxoadipate pathway enzymes, which allow the assimilation of protocatechuate. In contrast, the GAL gene cluster underwent a decay resulting in an inability of L. beijingensis to utilize galactose. Moreover, we find that the 56.5 kbp long mitochondrial DNA is structurally similar to known linear mitochondrial genomes terminating on both sides with covalently closed single-stranded hairpins. Finally, we discovered a new double-stranded RNA mycovirus from the Totiviridae family and characterized its genome sequence.
Interventricular septal thickness on cardiac computed tomography as a novel risk factor for conduction disturbances in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Schamroth Pravda Nili , Shaleve Yonatan , Plakht Ygal , Shafir Gideon , Grinberg Tzil , Wiessman Maya , Aviv Yaron , Vaknin Assa Hana , Codner Pablo , Golovchiner Gregory , Barsheshet Alon , Kornowski Ran , Shiyovich Arthur , Hamdan Ashraf
Published: April 2024

Aims

We examined whether thickness of the basal muscular interventricular septum (IVS), as measured by pre-procedural computed tomography (CT), could be used to identify the risk of conduction disturbances following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The IVS is a pivotal region of the electrical conduction system of the heart where the atrioventricular conduction axis is located.

Methods and results

Included were 78 patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent CT imaging prior to TAVR. The thickness of muscular IVS was measured in the coronal view, in systolic phases, at 1, 2, 5, and 10 mm below the membranous septum (MS). The primary endpoint was a composite of conduction disturbance following TAVR. Conduction disturbances occurred in 24 out of 78 patients (30.8%). Those with conduction disturbances were significantly more likely to have a thinner IVS than those without conduction disturbances at every measured IVS level (2.98 ± 0.52 mm vs. 3.38 ± 0.52 mm, 4.10 ± 1.02 mm vs. 4.65 ± 0.78 mm, 6.11 ± 1.12 mm vs. 6.88 ± 1.03 mm, and 9.72 ± 1.95 mm vs. 10.70 ± 1.55 mm for 1, 2, 5 and 10 mm below MS, respectively, P < 0.05 for all). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that pre-procedural IVS thickness (<4 mm at 2 mm below the MS) was a significant independent predictor of post-procedural conduction disturbance (adjOR 7.387, 95% CI: 2.003–27.244, P = 0.003).

Conclusion

Pre-procedural CT assessment of basal IVS thickness is a novel predictive marker for the risk of conduction disturbances following TAVR. The IVS thickness potentially acts as an anatomical barrier protecting the underlying conduction system from mechanical compression during TAVR.
Unbalanced predatory communities and a lack of microbial degraders characterize the microbiota of a highly sewage-polluted Eastern-Mediterranean stream
Authors: Cohen Yossi , Johnke Julia , Abed-Rabbo Alfred , Pasternak Zohar , Chatzinotas Antonis , Jurkevitch Edouard
Published: April 2024

Wastewater pollution of water resources takes a heavy toll on humans and on the environment. In highly polluted water bodies, self-purification is impaired, as the capacity of the riverine microbes to regenerate the ecosystem is overwhelmed. To date, information on the composition, dynamics and functions of the microbial communities in highly sewage-impacted rivers is limited, in particular in arid and semi-arid environments. In this year-long study of the highly sewage-impacted Al-Nar/Kidron stream in the Barr al-Khalil/Judean Desert east of Jerusalem, we show, using 16S and 18S rRNA gene-based community analysis and targeted qPCR, that both the bacterial and micro-eukaryotic communities, while abundant, exhibited low stability and diversity. Hydrolyzers of organics compounds, as well as nitrogen and phosphorus recyclers were lacking, pointing at reduced potential for regeneration. Furthermore, facultative bacterial predators were almost absent, and the obligate predators Bdellovibrio and like organisms were found at very low abundance. Finally, the micro-eukaryotic predatory community differed from those of other freshwater environments. The lack of essential biochemical functions may explain the stream's inability to self-purify, while the very low levels of bacterial predators and the disturbed assemblages of micro-eukaryote predators present in Al-Nar/Kidron may contribute to community instability and disfunction.
Comparison of PetrifilmTM AC and pour plate techniques used for the heterotrophic aerobic bacterial count in water
Authors: Mkhwanazi Faith , Mazibuko Tshilidzi , Mosoma Olivia , Rathebe Malefaso , Patel Mrudula
Published: April 2024

Heterotrophic bacteria are commonly found in water samples. While these Heterotrophic Bacterial/Plate Counts (HPC) do not necessarily indicate a health hazard, high counts provide a good indication of the efficiency of water disinfection and integrity of distribution systems. The aim of this study was to compare the PetrifimTM AC method to the pour plate technique for the testing of HPC in water samples. Artificially contaminated (192 samples) and natural water samples (25) were processed using two methods. Both methods accurately detected high, medium and low counts of HPC, producing average Z scores between −2 and +2. Paired-wise student t-test and correlation coefficient showed nonsignificant differences between the results of two methods. Acceptable repeatability and reproducibility was obtained using both the methods. Uncertainty of measurement for PetrifilmTM AC and pour plate method was found to be 2.9% and 5.4%, respectively. PetrifilmTM AC proved to be robust at 33°C and 37°C. In conclusion, PetrifimTM AC, which is easy to process, read, and less time consuming, proved to be comparable to the conventional pour plate method in establishing HPC in water. In addition, PetrifimTM AC requires less space for the processing and incubation, generate small volume of waste for disposal, and requires no equipment, except for the incubator.
Midwife-led psycho-education intervention to reduce childbirth fear: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Abadi Marzoni Zahra , Bakouei Fatemeh , Aghajani Delavar Molood , Hamidia Angela , Sepidarkish Mahdi
Published: April 2024

This quasi-experimental study aimed to assess the impact of a midwife-led psycho-education intervention on reducing fear of childbirth (FOC) and perceived stress (PS) in pregnant women. The present study involved 96 pregnant women. The intervention group received three 30–45 min telephone sessions using ‘BELIEF’ (Birth Emotion-Looking to Improve Expectant Fear) psycho-education approach. The outcomes were assessed using questionnaires on childbirth attitudes and PS. Data analysis was performed using Stata version 17. In the intervention group, the mean score for FOC decreased from 39.41 ± 7.02 to 29.91 ± 5.60 (9.5; 24.1%). The mean difference (MD) of 28.22% was statistically significant (adjusted MD: −10.51, 95% CI: −11.60, −9.41, P < 0.001). In the intervention group, mean scores for PS decreased from 22.77 ± 6.94 to 18.23 ± 5.69 (4.54; 19.93%). In the control group, scores increased from 22.68 ± 6.76 to 24.82 ± 6.58 (2.14; 9.43%). The 29.36% MD was statistically significant (aMD: −6.95, 95% CI: −8.73, −5.18, P < 0.001). The findings of this study indicate that the midwife-led psycho-education intervention, utilizing the ‘BELIEF’ protocol over the telephone, has a significant effect on reducing FOC and PS, as well as increasing the preference for vaginal birth.
Medication reuse programs: a narrative review of the literature
Authors: Watts Samuel , Coutsouvelis John , Wickens Joanne , Poole Susan , Percival Mia , Zalcberg John R
Published: April 2024

A proportion of returned medications may potentially meet quality standards to be reused safely. In Australia, there is no regulatory guidance available to facilitate such medication reuse. This narrative review aimed to identify and review international literature describing medication reuse programs to provide insight into their implementation and potential barriers. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) -based guidelines, a literature search was conducted in Medline, Scopus, and Embase using key words such as ‘medication’ and ‘reuse’ to identify relevant articles. Two reviewers ascertained eligibility for inclusion. Inclusion criteria included English language and publication after 2010. From the articles selected, identified international medication reuse programs and relevant regulatory aspects were summarized. Details, both regulatory and operational, for the specific medication reuse programs, described in the selected articles was further explored via a grey literature search. Of the 1973 identified articles, 84 were assessed for eligibility and 17 were included in this review. Of these, 14 described scenarios where medication reuse is prohibited, 2 studies described programs allowing the reuse of medication and 1 study did not discuss whether reuse was prohibited or not. From these primary articles, secondary citations were identified, with eight from gray literature. Barriers to medication reuse included exposure to environmental extremes during storage, physical appearance, evidence of tampering, safety, and efficacy concerns for the returned medication. Programs that exist globally have overcome these barriers. Several programs that provide safe and effective reuse of medications were identified and described. The findings described in this review should be used to inform frameworks for legislative, regulatory, and professional practice change for medication reuse. Measures implemented in the UK’s pandemic response to safely reuse medications in the nursing home and hospice settings and European medication donation programs should be further investigated. The concept of medication reuse is not novel and should be considered for the Australian setting.
Skeletal stem and progenitor cells in bone development and repair
Authors: Trompet Dana , Melis Seppe , Chagin Andrei S , Maes Christa
Published: April 2024

Bone development, growth, and repair are complex processes involving various cell types and interactions, with central roles played by skeletal stem and progenitor cells. Recent research brought new insights into the skeletal precursor populations that mediate intramembranous and endochondral bone development. Later in life, many of the cellular and molecular mechanisms determining development are reactivated upon fracture, with powerful trauma-induced signaling cues triggering a variety of postnatal skeletal stem/progenitor cells (SSPCs) residing near the bone defect. Interestingly, in this injury context, the current evidence suggests that the fates of both SSPCs and differentiated skeletal cells can be considerably flexible and dynamic, and that multiple cell sources can be activated to operate as functional progenitors generating chondrocytes and/or osteoblasts. The combined implementation of in vivo lineage tracing, cell surface marker-based cell selection, single-cell molecular analyses, and high-resolution in situ imaging has strongly improved our insights into the diversity and roles of developmental and reparative stem/progenitor subsets, while also unveiling the complexity of their dynamics, hierarchies, and relationships. Albeit incompletely understood at present, findings supporting lineage flexibility and possibly plasticity among sources of osteogenic cells challenge the classical dogma of a single primitive, self-renewing, multipotent stem cell driving bone tissue formation and regeneration from the apex of a hierarchical and strictly unidirectional differentiation tree. We here review the state of the field and the newest discoveries in the origin, identity, and fates of skeletal progenitor cells during bone development and growth, discuss the contributions of adult SSPC populations to fracture repair, and reflect on the dynamism and relationships among skeletal precursors and differentiated cell lineages. Further research directed at unraveling the heterogeneity and capacities of SSPCs, as well as the regulatory cues determining their fate and functioning, will offer vital new options for clinical translation toward compromised fracture healing and bone regenerative medicine.
Divergences in the recent case-law of the General Court of the European Union in the field of IP
Authors: Dimitrakopoulos Ioannis
Published: April 2024

The purpose of the present article is to identify certain important issues in relation to which there have been divergences in the recent case-law of the General Court of the EU in the field of IP law and to examine the way the EU judicature has dealt with them. It is structured as follows. Its introductory part presents succinctly the main reasons for inconsistencies in the case-law of the General Court in the field of IP law and the existing mechanisms aimed at preventing, eliminating or minimizing them. Its main part examines the following four questions of EU IP procedural and substantive law, reflecting diverging opinions of the General Court: (i) admissibility of an intervention before the General Court submitted by the other party to the proceedings before the Board of Appeal of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO); (ii) admissibility of evidence presented for the first time before the General Court in proceedings concerning EU trade marks; (iii) effect of the termination of protection of earlier rights while proceedings are pending before EUIPO; and (iv) likelihood of confusion in the context of the comparison of goods in cases involving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The article concludes by stressing that, while the occurrence of divergences in the case-law of the General Court may be unavoidable, swift detection of the existence and the exact content of such issues is an important step towards resolving them effectively, in the interest of legal certainty and equality in the application of law.
Statewide surveillance of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) for the presence of the human pathogen Borrelia miyamotoi (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae), a relapsing fever spirochete in Pennsylvania, USA, 2019–2020
Authors: Coder Brooke L , Price Keith J , Tewari Deepanker , Witmier Bryn J , Chapman Holly A , Chroscinski Michael S , Long Jason , Livengood Julia L , Boyer Christian N
Published: April 2024

Borrelia miyamotoi disease is an emerging tick-borne human illness in the United States caused by Borrelia miyamotoi (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) bacterium. With Pennsylvania reporting thousands of tick-borne disease cases annually, determining the minimum infection rate (MIR) of B. miyamotoi in Ixodes scapularis (Say, Acari: Ixodidae) adults within Pennsylvania is of utmost importance. Active surveillance was performed from October 2019 to April 2020 to collect a minimum of 50 I. scapularis ticks from every county within Pennsylvania and then screened for B. miyamotoi via qPCR. Ticks were collected from all 67 counties with the majority of those being adult I. scapularis. Additional ticks collected were Dermacentor albipictus (Packard, Acari: Ixodidae), Haemaphysalis longicornis (Neumann, Acari: Ixodidae), and immature I. scapularis. Adult I. scapularis were pooled and tested for B. miyamotoi. MIR for positive B. miyamotoi pools and density of infected adult I. scapularis varied by county, with positive pools from 38 Pennsylvania counties. This is the first statewide evaluation of B. miyamotoi in Pennsylvania in questing adult I. scapularis. These prevalence and distribution data will aid health care practitioners within the state of Pennsylvania and the northeast United States to understand potential risk and bring awareness to the lesser known human Borrelia illness, Borrelia miyamotoi disease.
A Rare Case of Metastatic Poorly Differentiated Neuroendocrine Tumor Arising From the Sigmoid Colon in an Active Duty Service Member
Authors: Arnold Casey , Hourigan Erin K , Shudee Wu , Jilinksi Sherry , Bush Allison , Feinman Amber , Harvey Amie
Published: April 2024

Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are rare malignancies that contain neural and endocrine cells with a median age of diagnosis of 63 years. NETs are typically located in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the pancreas, or the lungs. Within the GI tract, the most common locations for NETs are the small bowel, appendix, or rectum. They are often asymptomatic and found incidentally on imaging or during procedures. NETs arising from the left side of the colon are very uncommon. While most NETs are well-differentiated by histology and are slow growing, 7% are poorly differentiated and usually progress rapidly. While rare, it is vital to be vigilant for this reason We present such a case of poorly differentiated metastatic NET of the sigmoid colon in a young active duty service member.
Simulating biosignatures from pre-oxygen photosynthesizing life on TRAPPIST-1e
Authors: Eager-Nash Jake K , Daines Stuart J , McDermott James W , Andrews Peter , Grain Lucy A , Bishop James , Rogers Aaron A , Smith Jack W G , Khalek Chadiga , Boxer Thomas J , Mak Mei Ting , Ridgway Robert J , Hébrard Eric , Lambert F Hugo , Lenton Timothy M , Mayne Nathan J
Published: April 2024

In order to assess observational evidence for potential atmospheric biosignatures on exoplanets, it will be essential to test whether spectral fingerprints from multiple gases can be explained by abiotic or biotic-only processes. Here, we develop and apply a coupled 1D atmosphere-ocean-ecosystem model to understand how primitive biospheres, which exploit abiotic sources of H$_2$, CO, and O$_2$, could influence the atmospheric composition of rocky terrestrial exoplanets. We apply this to the Earth at 3.8 Ga and to TRAPPIST-1e. We focus on metabolisms that evolved before the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis, which consume H$_2$ and CO and produce potentially detectable levels of CH$_4$. O$_2$-consuming metabolisms are also considered for TRAPPIST-1e, as abiotic O$_2$ production is predicted on M-dwarf orbiting planets. We show that these biospheres can lead to high levels of surface O$_2$ (approximately 1–5 per cent) as a result of CO consumption, which could allow high O$_2$ scenarios, by removing the main loss mechanisms of atomic oxygen. Increasing stratospheric temperatures, which increases atmospheric OH can reduce the likelihood of such a state forming. O$_2$-consuming metabolisms could also lower O$_2$ levels to around 10 ppm and support a productive biosphere at low reductant inputs. Using predicted transmission spectral features from CH$_4$, CO, O$_2$/O$_3$, and CO$_2$ across the hypothesis space for tectonic reductant input, we show that biotically produced CH$_4$ may only be detectable at high reductant inputs. CO is also likely to be a dominant feature in transmission spectra for planets orbiting M-dwarfs, which could reduce the confidence in any potential biosignature observations linked to these biospheres.