bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From OIE standards to responsible and prudent use of antimicrobials: supporting stewardship for the use of antimicrobial agents in animals
Authors: Pinto Ferreira Jorge , Gochez Delfy , Jeannin Morgan , Magongo Mduduzi Welcome , Loi Camille , Bucher Karen , Moulin Gerard , Erlacher-Vindel Elisabeth
Published: March 2022

The global action plan (GAP) on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) advocated the development of national action plans on AMR and the implementation of plans aimed at preventing, combating and monitoring AMR. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)’s strategy on AMR and the prudent use of antimicrobials is aligned with the GAP and recognizes the importance of a One Health approach. This paper reviews the goals, tools and strategies that the OIE has in place to support its Members, envisioning an increased awareness of them and ultimately an increased implementation of the OIE standards. The OIE standards are endorsed by vote of all the 182 Members and are recognized by the World Trade Organization (WTO). The OIE List of Antimicrobial Agents of Veterinary Importance, which includes specific recommendations on the use of antimicrobial agents, is also of particular importance for antimicrobial stewardship. OIE’s antimicrobial use (AMU) data collection started in 2015 and has been developed in particular to measure trends in AMU. An annual report is published as an output of this data collection. An AMU IT database system is being developed. The OIE provides assistance to its 182 Members to strengthen the implementation of OIE standards via its support of good governance, the Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) Pathway, PVS Veterinary Legislation Support Program and training of veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals. In parallel, the OIE Observatory is a recent initiative, specifically targeting the monitoring of the implementation of the OIE standards. Cooperation agreements between the OIE and intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations are instrumental for the increase of the dissemination and implementation of the OIE standards and guidelines.
Novel Fluorescent Nano Carbon Quantum Dots Derived From Lactarius Hatsudake for High Selective Vitamin B12 Detection
Authors: Xiang Yingying , Song Fei , Jiang Lei , Liu Ze , Tu Yujiao
Published: March 2022

Background

VB12 is involved in the production of bone marrow red blood cells, preventing pernicious anemia and brain nerve damage.

Objective

A large edible fungus Lactarius hatsudake (Lh) was used as a carbon source to produce fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) with high quantum yield and high photostability by a one-step hydrothermal method.

Method

The structure and optical properties of Lh-CDs were characterized by XRD, XPS, FTIR, and UV-Vis, and the stability of Lh-CDs was studied. The maximum excitation wavelength and emission wavelength of Lh-CDs were 324 and 408 nm, respectively, and the average fluorescence lifetime was 2.29 ns.

Results

The linear range is 0∼20 μM (R2 = 0.9972) with a detection limit of 36.9 nM. At the same time, the mechanism of fluorescence quenching was internal filtration effect.

Conclusions

It showed that Lh-CDS had good selectivity, high sensitivity, and good anti-interference ability to VB12, which provided a new detection method for VB12.Highlights The fluorescence intensity of the LH-CDs could be effectively quenched by VB12.

Highlights

The fluorescence intensity of the LH-CDs could be effectively quenched by VB12.
Experiential and Analytical Price Evaluations: How Experiential Product Description Affects Prices
Authors: Monnier Arnaud , Thomas Manoj
Published: March 2022

Quantity can be described using perceptual units (e.g., bags, pieces) or standardized units (e.g., ounces, grams). Merely making perceptual units more salient in quantity description can increase perceived economic value. Even when the objective information and numerosity are kept constant, merely presenting the perceptual unit first (e.g., Lay’s Chips 14 snack bags, 14 oz. of chips in snack bags of 1 oz. each) increases willingness to pay compared to presenting the standardized unit first (e.g., Lay’s Chips 14 oz., 14 oz. of chips in snack bags of 1 oz. each). This occurs because perceptual units activate more experiential evaluations whereas standardized units activate more analytical evaluations. An archival study shows that retailers charge higher unit prices for products when perceptual units are salient in quantity description. Six preregistered experiments show that even when both units are available, merely increasing the attentional salience of perceptual units increases willingness to pay. The demonstration that the mere salience of experiential information can alter subjective value offers new insights into the psychology of market prices.
A “Serious Game” to Explore Alternative Forestry Futures
Authors: Bengston David N , Westphal Lynne M , Dockry Michael J , Crabtree Jason
Published: March 2022

Serious games are designed to achieve specific educational or other practical purposes beyond pure entertainment. These games take many different forms—from card decks to massive multiplayer online games—and have proliferated across diverse fields. This note introduces IMPACT: Forestry Edition, a serious board game designed to help forestry professionals and stakeholders think more broadly, critically, and creatively about the future of forestry. We describe the game and feedback from beta testing and discuss the advantages and potential drawbacks of gaming methods. A “print and play” version of the game is included as supplemental material. Serious games can make an important contribution to forestry by engaging and informing diverse stakeholders and generating insight that other methods cannot.
A case of sporadic Peutz-Jeghers syndrome presenting as multiple intussusceptions
Authors: Gorji Leva , Huish Grant , Morgan Joshua , Levy Paul
Published: March 2022

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominant mutation of the STK11/LKB1 gene on chromosome 19 often characterized by mucocutaneous pigmentation, hamartomatous polyps, anemia, gastrointestinal bleeding and intussusception. We present the case of a 21-year-old female with no pertinent family history who received the diagnosis of PJS after presenting to the hospital with two episodes intussusception. Patients with PJS have an increased lifetime risk of developing stomach, small bowel, colon, pancreatic, breast, cervical, uterus and testicular cancer requiring religious surveillance at an early age.
EUS-FNA Diagnosis of a Metastatic Adult Granulosa Cell Tumor in the Stomach
Authors: Nikas Ilias P , Sepsa Athanasia , Kleidaradaki Evangelia , Salla Charitini
Published: March 2022

Granulosa cell tumors are uncommon ovarian neoplasms, predominantly of the adult type (AGCT). In this report, we present a rare case of a patient with metastatic AGCT to the stomach diagnosed with endoscopic ultrasound–guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). A 61-year-old woman without a history of AGCT underwent both a vaginal and an abdominal ultrasound that showed a solid and cystic ovarian mass along with a solid mass in the gastric antral wall. Subsequently, an EUS-FNA was performed to assess the gastric lesion. Cytologic findings showed high cellularity, and the groups of neoplastic cells invaded the muscle layer of the stomach. Notably, these cells formed Call-Exner bodies, whereas some nuclei exhibited nuclear grooves. Immunohistochemistry was performed, revealing positivity for α-inhibin, calretinin, and CD56 in the neoplastic cells, whereas chromogranin, synaptophysin, CD117, and DOG1 were negative. The combination of clinical presentation, radiology, cytomorphology, and immunohistochemistry could facilitate the diagnosis of metastatic AGCT and the management of such patients.
Macroprolactinoma-Induced Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuresis and Its Reversal with Dopamine Agonist Therapy
Authors: Schlegel Amnon
Published: March 2022

Hyponatremia is an uncommon manifestation of pituitary adenomas. Herein, I report a case of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (SIAD) caused by a macroprolactinoma that rapidly resolved with dopamine agonist therapy. A 29-year-old White woman presented with euvolemic, hypotonic hyponatremia, normal thyroid and glucocorticoid axes, and inappropriately concentrated urine. She was found to have a 1.2-cm sellar mass. Investigation of additional pituitary axes revealed an elevated prolactin level of 193.7 ng/mL. The SIAD experienced by the patient corrected rapidly with initiation of cabergoline. The patient could not tolerate dopamine agonist therapy, and after 1 year, she underwent transsphenoidal resection of the mass after the prolactin began to increase. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of macroprolactinoma. There was no recurrence of the tumor, and the patient continued to have normonatremia and normoprolactinemia 7 years after her operation. To my knowledge, this is the first report in the literature of pathology-confirmed macroprolactinoma marked by SIAD that showed rapid normalization of water metabolism with dopamine agonist therapy.
In depth search of the Sequence Read Archive database reveals global distribution of the emerging pathogenic fungus Scedosporium aurantiacum
Authors: Irinyi Laszlo , Roper Michael , Meyer Wieland
Published: March 2022

Scedosporium species are emerging opportunistic fungal pathogens causing various infections mainly in immunocompromised patients, but also in immunocompetent individuals, following traumatic injuries. Clinical manifestations range from local infections, such as subcutaneous mycetoma or bone and joint infections, to pulmonary colonization and severe disseminated diseases. They are commonly found in soil and other environmental sources. To date S. aurantiacum has been reported only from a handful of countries. To identify the worldwide distribution of this species we screened publicly available sequencing data from fungal metabarcoding studies in the Sequence Read Archive (SRA) of The National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) by multiple BLAST searches. S. aurantiacum was found in 26 countries and two islands, throughout every climatic region. This distribution is like that of other Scedosporium species. Several new environmental sources of S. aurantiacum including human and bovine milk, chicken and canine gut, freshwater, and feces of the giant white-tailed rat (Uromys caudimaculatus) were identified. This study demonstrated that raw sequence data stored in the SRA database can be repurposed using a big data analysis approach to answer biological questions of interest.

Lay summary

To understand the distribution and natural habitat of S. aurantiacum, species-specific DNA sequences were searched in the SRA database. Our large-scale data analysis illustrates that S. aurantiacum is more widely distributed than previously thought and new environmental sources were identified.
The JCMT BISTRO Survey: multiwavelength polarimetry of bright regions in NGC 2071 in the far-infrared/submillimetre range, with POL-2 and HAWC+
Authors: Fanciullo Lapo , Kemper Francisca , Pattle Kate , Koch Patrick M , Sadavoy Sarah , Coudé Simon , Soam Archana , Hoang Thiem , Onaka Takashi , Le Gouellec Valentin J M , Arzoumanian Doris , Berry David , Eswaraiah Chakali , Chung Eun Jung , Furuya Ray , Hull Charles L H , Hwang Jihye , Johnstone Douglas , Kang Ji-hyun , Kim Kyoung Hee , Kirchschlager Florian , Könyves Vera , Kwon Jungmi , Kwon Woojin , Lai Shih-Ping , Lee Chang Won , Liu Tie , Lyo A-Ran , Stephens Ian , Tamura Motohide , Tang Xindi , Ward-Thompson Derek , Whitworth Anthony , Shinnaga Hiroko
Published: March 2022

Polarized dust emission is a key tracer in the study of interstellar medium and of star formation. The observed polarization, however, is a product of magnetic field structure, dust grain properties, and grain alignment efficiency, as well as their variations in the line of sight, making it difficult to interpret polarization unambiguously. The comparison of polarimetry at multiple wavelengths is a possible way of mitigating this problem. We use data from HAWC+ /SOFIA and from SCUBA-2/POL-2 (from the BISTRO survey) to analyse the NGC 2071 molecular cloud at 154, 214, and 850 $\mu$m. The polarization angle changes significantly with wavelength over part of NGC 2071, suggesting a change in magnetic field morphology on the line of sight as each wavelength best traces different dust populations. Other possible explanations are the existence of more than one polarization mechanism in the cloud or scattering from very large grains. The observed change of polarization fraction with wavelength, and the 214-to-154 $\mu$m polarization ratio in particular, are difficult to reproduce with current dust models under the assumption of uniform alignment efficiency. We also show that the standard procedure of using monochromatic intensity as a proxy for column density may produce spurious results at HAWC+wavelengths. Using both long-wavelength (POL-2, 850 $\mu$m) and short-wavelength (HAWC+, $\lesssim 200\, \mu$m) polarimetry is key in obtaining these results. This study clearly shows the importance of multi-wavelength polarimetry at submillimetre bands to understand the dust properties of molecular clouds and the relationship between magnetic field and star formation.
Sensitivity tests of cosmic velocity fields to massive neutrinos
Authors: Zhou Shuren , Liu Zhenjie , Ma Qinglin , Liu Yu , Zhang Le , Li Xiao-Dong , Wang Yang , Wang Xin , Yu Yu , Yu Hao-Ran , Zheng Yi
Published: March 2022

We investigate impacts of massive neutrinos on the cosmic velocity fields, employing high-resolution cosmological N-body simulations provided by the information-optimized CUBE code, where cosmic neutrinos are evolved using collisionless hydrodynamics and their perturbations can be accurately resolved. In this study, we focus, for the first time, on the analysis of massive-neutrino-induced suppression effects in various cosmic velocity field components of velocity magnitude, divergence, vorticity, and dispersion. By varying the neutrino mass sum Mν from 0 to 0.4 eV, the simulations show that the power spectra of vorticity – exclusively sourced by non-linear structure formation that is affected by massive neutrinos significantly – are very sensitive to the mass sum, which potentially provide novel signatures in detecting massive neutrinos. Furthermore, using the χ2 statistic, we quantitatively test the sensitivity of the density and velocity power spectra to the neutrino mass sum. Indeed, we find that the vorticity spectrum has the highest sensitivity, and the null hypothesis of massless neutrinos is incompatible with both vorticity and divergence spectra from Mν = 0.1 eV at high significance (P-value = 0.03 and 0.07, respectively). These results demonstrate clearly the importance of peculiar velocity field measurements, in particular of vorticity and divergence components, in determination of neutrino mass and mass hierarchy.
Numerical experiments to help understand cause and effect in massive star evolution
Authors: Farrell Eoin , Groh Jose H , Meynet Georges , Eldridge J J
Published: March 2022

The evolution of massive stars is affected by a variety of physical processes, including convection, rotation, mass-loss, and binary interaction. Because these processes modify the internal chemical abundance profiles in multiple ways simultaneously, it can be challenging to determine which properties of the stellar interior are primarily driving the overall evolution. Building on previous work, we develop a new modelling approach called snapshot that allows us to isolate the key features of the internal abundance profile that drive the evolution of massive stars. Using our approach, we compute numerical stellar structure models in thermal equilibrium covering key phases of stellar evolution. For the main sequence, we demonstrate that models with the same mass and very similar surface properties can have different internal distributions of hydrogen and convective core masses. We discuss why massive stars expand after the main sequence and the fundamental reasons for why they become red, blue or yellow supergiants. For the post-main sequence, we demonstrate that small changes in the abundance profile can cause very large effects on the surface properties. We also discuss the effects that produce blue supergiants and the cause of blue loops. Our models show that massive stars with lower metallicity tend to be more compact due to the combined effect of lower CNO abundances in the burning regions and lower opacity in the envelope.
H α morphologies of star clusters in 16 LEGUS galaxies: Constraints on H ii region evolution time-scales
Authors: Hannon Stephen , Lee Janice C , Whitmore B C , Mobasher B , Thilker D , Chandar R , Adamo A , Wofford A , Orozco-Duarte R , Calzetti D , Della Bruna L , Kreckel K , Groves B , Barnes A T , Boquien M , Belfiore F , Linden S
Published: March 2022

The analysis of star cluster ages in tandem with the morphology of their H ii regions can provide insight into the processes that clear a cluster’s natal gas, as well as the accuracy of cluster ages and dust reddening derived from Spectral Energy Distribution (SED) fitting. We classify 3757 star clusters in 16 nearby galaxies according to their H α morphology (concentrated, partially exposed, no emission), using Hubble Space Telescope (HST) imaging from the Legacy ExtraGalactic Ultraviolet Survey (LEGUS). We find: (1) The mean SED ages of clusters with concentrated (1–2 Myr) and partially exposed H ii region morphologies (2–3 Myr) indicate a relatively early onset of gas clearing and a short (1–2 Myr) clearing time-scale. (2) The reddening of clusters can be overestimated due to the presence of red supergiants, which is a result of stochastic sampling of the IMF in low mass clusters. (3) The age-reddening degeneracy impacts the results of the SED fitting – out of 1408 clusters with M* ≥ 5000 M⊙, we find that at least 46 (3 per cent) have SED ages which appear significantly underestimated or overestimated based on H α and their environment, while the total percentage of poor age estimates is expected to be several times larger. (4) Lastly, we examine the dependence of the morphological classifications on spatial resolution. At HST resolution, our conclusions are robust to the distance range spanned by the sample (3–10 Mpc). However, analysis of ground-based H α images shows that compact and partially exposed morphologies frequently cannot be distinguished from each other.
Constraining blazar heating with the 2 ≲z≲ 3 Lyman-α forest
Authors: Lamberts Astrid , Puchwein Ewald , Pfrommer Christoph , Chang Philip , Shalaby Mohamad , Broderick Avery , Tiede Paul , Rudie Gwen
Published: March 2022

The intergalactic medium (IGM) acts like a calorimeter recording energy injection by cosmic structure formation, shocks and photoheating from stars and active galactic nuclei. It was recently proposed that spatially inhomogeneous TeV-blazars could significantly heat up the underdense IGM, resulting in patches of both cold and warm IGM around z ≃ 2−3. The goal of this study is to compare predictions of different blazar heating models with recent observations of the IGM. We perform a set of cosmological simulations and carefully compute mock observables of the Lyman-α (Lyα) forest. We perform a detailed assessment of different systematic uncertainties which typically impact this type of observables and find that they are smaller than the differences between our models. We find that our inhomogeneous blazar heating model is in good agreement with the Lyα line properties and the rescaled flux probability distribution function at high redshift (2.5 < z < 3) but that our blazar heating models are challenged by lower redshift data (2 < z < 2.5). Our results could be explained by HeII reionization although state-of-the-art models fall short on providing enough heating to the low-density IGM, thus motivating further radiative transfer studies of inhomogeneous HeII reionization. If blazars are indeed hosted by group-mass haloes of $2\times 10^{13}\, \rm {M}_\odot$, a later onset of blazar heating in comparison with previous models would be favoured, which could bring our findings here in agreement with the evidence of blazar heating from local gamma-ray observations.
Spectroscopic confirmation of a gravitationally lensed Lyman-break galaxy at z[C ii] = 6.827 using NOEMA
Authors: Molyneux S J , Smit R , Schaerer D , Bouwens R J , Bradley L , Hodge J A , Longmore S N , Schouws S , van der Werf P , Zitrin A , Phillips S
Published: March 2022

We present the spectroscopic confirmation of the brightest known gravitationally lensed Lyman-break galaxy in the Epoch of Reionization (EoR), A1703-zD1, through the detection of [C ii] 158 $\mu$m at a redshift of z = 6.8269 ± 0.0004. This source was selected behind the strong lensing cluster Abell 1703, with an intrinsic luminosity and a very blue Spitzer/Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) [3.6]–[4.5] colour, implying high equivalent width line emission of [O iii] + Hβ. [C ii] is reliably detected at 6.1σ cospatial with the rest-frame ultraviolet (UV) counterpart, showing similar spatial extent. Correcting for the lensing magnification, the [C ii] luminosity in A1703-zD1 is broadly consistent with the local $L_{\rm [C\, {\small II}]}$–star formation rate (SFR) relation. We find a clear velocity gradient of 103 ± 22 km $\rm s^{-1}$ across the source that possibly indicates rotation or an ongoing merger. We furthermore present spectral scans with no detected [C ii] above 4.6σ in two unlensed Lyman-break galaxies in the Extended Groth Strip (EGS)-Cosmic Assembly Near-infrared Deep Extragalactic Legacy Survey (CANDELS) field at z ∼ 6.6–6.9. This is the first time that the Northern Extended Millimeter Array (NOEMA) has been successfully used to observe [C ii] in a ‘normal’ star-forming galaxy at z > 6, and our results demonstrate its capability to complement the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in confirming galaxies in the EoR.
On the orbital velocity of isolated galaxy pairs: II accurate MOND predictions
Authors: Scarpa Riccardo , Falomo Renato , Treves Aldo
Published: March 2022

Examining a catalogue of isolated galaxy pairs, a preferred orbital intervelocity of ∼ 150 km s−1 was recently reported. This discovery is difficult to reconcile with the expectations from Newtonian numerical simulations of cosmological structure formations. In a previous paper, we have shown that a preferred intervelocity for galaxy pairs is expected in Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND). Here a detailed analysis of the MOND predictions is presented, showing that a remarkable agreement with the observations can be achieved for a mass-to-light ratio M/L∼1 in solar units. This agrees with the expectations for a typical stellar population, without requiring non-baryonic dark matter for these systems.
The reach of next-to-leading-order perturbation theory for the matter bispectrum
Authors: Alkhanishvili Davit , Porciani Cristiano , Sefusatti Emiliano , Biagetti Matteo , Lazanu Andrei , Oddo Andrea , Yankelevich Victoria
Published: March 2022

We provide a comparison between the matter bispectrum derived with different flavours of perturbation theory at next-to-leading order and measurements from an unprecedentedly large suite of N-body simulations. We use the χ2 goodness-of-fit test to determine the range of accuracy of the models as a function of the volume covered by subsets of the simulations. We find that models based on the effective field theory (EFT) approach have the largest reach, standard perturbation theory has the shortest, and ‘classical’ resummed schemes lie in between. The gain from EFT, however, is less than in previous studies. We show that the estimated range of accuracy of the EFT predictions is heavily influenced by the procedure adopted to fit the amplitude of the counterterms. For the volumes probed by galaxy redshift surveys, our results indicate that it is advantageous to set three counterterms of the EFT bispectrum to zero and measure the fourth from the power spectrum. We also find that large fluctuations in the estimated reach occur between different realizations. We conclude that it is difficult to unequivocally define a range of accuracy for the models containing free parameters. Finally, we approximately account for systematic effects introduced by the N-body technique either in terms of a scale- and shape-dependent bias or by boosting the statistical error bars of the measurements (as routinely done in the literature). We find that the latter approach artificially inflates the reach of EFT models due to the presence of tunable parameters.
Discovery of non-equilibrium ionization plasma associated with the North Polar Spur and Loop I
Authors: Yamamoto Marino , Kataoka Jun , Sofue Yoshiaki
Published: March 2022

We investigated the detailed plasma condition of the North Polar Spur (NPS)/Loop I using archival Suzaku data. In previous research, collisional ionization equilibrium (CIE) have been assumed for X-ray plasma state, but we also assume non-equilibrium ionization (NEI) to check the plasma condition in more detail. We found that most of the plasma in the NPS/Loop I favors the state of NEI, and has the density-weighted ionization timescale of net ∼ 1011–12 s cm−3 and the electron number density ne ∼ a few × 10−3 cm−3. The plasma shock age, t, or the time elapsed after the shock front passed through the plasma, is estimated to be on the order of a few $\rm {Myr}$ for the NPS/Loop I, which puts a strict lower limit to the age of the whole NPS/Loop I structure. We found that NEI results in significantly higher temperature and lower emission measure than those currently derived under CIE assumption. The electron temperature under NEI is estimated to be as high as 0.5 keV toward the brightest X-ray NPS ridge at Δθ = −20○, which decreases to 0.3 keV at −10○, and again increases to ∼0.6 keV towards the outer edge of Loop I at Δθ ∼ 0○, about twice the currently estimated temperatures. Here, Δθ is the angular distance from the outer edge of Loop I. We discuss the implication of introducing NEI for the research in plasma states in astrophysical phenomena.
Inferring the helium abundance of extragalactic globular clusters using integrated spectra
Authors: Leath H J , Beasley M A , Vazdekis A , Salvador-Rusiñol N , Gvozdenko A
Published: March 2022

The leading method for the determination of relevant stellar population parameters of unresolved extragalactic Globular Clusters is through the study of their integrated spectroscopy, where Balmer line-strength indices are considered to be age sensitive. Previously, a splitting in the highly optimized spectral line-strength index H βo was observed in a sample of Galactic globular clusters at all metallicities resulting in an apparent ‘upper branch’ and ‘lower branch’ of globular clusters in the H βo–[MgFe] diagram. This was suggested to be caused by the presence of hot Blue straggler stars (BSSs), resulting in an underestimation of ‘spectroscopic’ ages in the upper branch. Over a decade on, we look to re-evaluate these findings. We make use of new, large Galactic Globular Cluster integrated spectroscopy data sets. To produce a large, homogeneously combined sample we have considered a number of factors including the radial dependence of Balmer and metal lines. Using this new sample, in disagreement with previous work, we find the splitting in H βo only occurs at intermediate to high metallicities ([M/H] > −1), and is not the result of an increased fraction of BSSs, but rather is due to an increased helium abundance. We explore the possible impact of varying helium on simple stellar population models to provide a theoretical basis for our hypothesis and then use the relationship between upper branch candidacy and enhanced helium to predict the helium content of three M31 clusters. We discuss what this can tell us about their mass and fraction of first generation stars.
The KLEVER survey: nitrogen abundances at z ∼ 2 and probing the existence of a fundamental nitrogen relation
Authors: Hayden-Pawson Connor , Curti Mirko , Maiolino Roberto , Cirasuolo Michele , Belfiore Francesco , Cappellari Michele , Concas Alice , Cresci Giovanni , Cullen Fergus , Kobayashi Chiaki , Mannucci Filippo , Marconi Alessandro , Meneghetti Massimo , Mercurio Amata , Peng Yingjie , Swinbank Mark , Vincenzo Fiorenzo
Published: March 2022

We present a comparison of the nitrogen-to-oxygen ratio (N/O) in 37 high-redshift galaxies at z ∼ 2 taken from the KMOS Lensed Emission Lines and VElocity Review (KLEVER) Survey with a comparison sample of local galaxies, taken from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). The KLEVER sample shows only a mild enrichment in N/O of +0.1 dex when compared to local galaxies at a given gas-phase metallicity (O/H), but shows a depletion in N/O of −0.35 dex when compared at a fixed stellar mass (M*). We find a strong anticorrelation in local galaxies between N/O and SFR in the M*–N/O plane, similar to the anticorrelation between O/H and SFR found in the mass–metallicity relation (MZR). We use this anticorrelation to construct a fundamental nitrogen relation (FNR), analogous to the fundamental metallicity relation (FMR). We find that KLEVER galaxies are consistent with both the FMR and the FNR. This suggests that the depletion of N/O in high-z galaxies when considered at a fixed M* is driven by the redshift evolution of the mass–metallicity relation in combination with a near redshift-invariant N/O–O/H relation. Furthermore, the existence of an fundamental nitrogen relation suggests that the mechanisms governing the fundamental metallicity relation must be probed by not only O/H, but also N/O, suggesting pure-pristine gas inflows are not the primary driver of the FMR, and other properties such as variations in galaxy age and star formation efficiency must be important.
Modelling high-resolution ALMA observations of strongly lensed dusty star-forming galaxies detected by Herschel
Authors: Maresca Jacob , Dye Simon , Amvrosiadis Aristeidis , Bendo George , Cooray Asantha , De Zotti Gianfranco , Dunne Loretta , Eales Stephen , Furlanetto Cristina , González-Nuevo Joaquin , Greener Michael , Ivison Robert , Lapi Andrea , Negrello Mattia , Riechers Dominik , Serjeant Stephen , Tergolina Mônica , Wardlow Julie
Published: March 2022

We present modelling of ∼0.1 arcsec resolution Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array imaging of seven strong gravitationally lensed galaxies detected by the Herschel Space Observatory. Four of these systems are galaxy–galaxy strong lenses, with the remaining three being group-scale lenses. Through careful modelling of visibilities, we infer the mass profiles of the lensing galaxies and by determining the magnification factors, we investigate the intrinsic properties and morphologies of the lensed submillimetre sources. We find that these submillimetre sources all have ratios of star formation rate to dust mass that are consistent with, or in excess of, the mean ratio for high-redshift submillimetre galaxies and low redshift ultra-luminous infrared galaxies. Reconstructions of the background sources reveal that the majority of our sample display disturbed morphologies. The majority of our lens models have mass density slopes close to isothermal, but some systems show significant differences.
Cuspy dark matter density profiles in massive dwarf galaxies
Authors: Cooke Lauren H , Levy Rebecca C , Bolatto Alberto D , Simon Joshua D , Newman Andrew B , Teuben Peter , Davey Brandon D , Wright Melvyn , Tarantino Elizabeth , Lenkić Laura , Villanueva Vicente
Published: March 2022

Rotation curves of galaxies probe their total mass distributions, including dark matter. Dwarf galaxies are excellent systems to investigate the dark matter density distribution, as they tend to have larger fractions of dark matter compared to higher mass systems. The core-cusp problem describes the discrepancy found in the slope of the dark matter density profile in the centres of galaxies (β*) between observations of dwarf galaxies (shallower cores) and dark matter-only simulations (steeper cusps). We investigate β* in six nearby spiral dwarf galaxies for which high-resolution CO J = 1–0 data were obtained with ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array). We derive rotation curves and decompose the mass profile of the dark matter using our CO rotation curves as a tracer of the total potential and 4.5 $\mu$m photometry to define the stellar mass distribution. We find 〈β*〉 = 0.6 with a standard deviation of ±0.1 among the galaxies in this sample, in agreement with previous measurements in this mass range. The galaxies studied are on the high stellar mass end of dwarf galaxies and have cuspier profiles than lower mass dwarfs, in agreement with other observations. When the same definition of the slope is used, we observe steeper slopes than predicted by the FIRE and NIHAO simulations. This may signal that these relatively massive dwarfs underwent stronger gas inflows towards their centres than predicted by these simulations, that these simulations overpredict the frequency of accretion or feedback events, or that a combination of these or other effects are at work.
A new moment-based general-relativistic neutrino-radiation transport code: Methods and first applications to neutron star mergers
Authors: Radice David , Bernuzzi Sebastiano , Perego Albino , Haas Roland
Published: March 2022

We present a new moment-based energy-integrated neutrino transport code for neutron star merger simulations in general relativity. In the merger context, ours is the first code to include Doppler effects at all orders in υ/c, retaining all non-linear neutrino–matter coupling terms. The code is validated with a stringent series of tests. We show that the inclusion of full neutrino–matter coupling terms is necessary to correctly capture the trapping of neutrinos in relativistically moving media, such as in differentially rotating merger remnants. We perform preliminary simulations proving the robustness of the scheme in simulating ab-initio mergers to black hole collapse and long-term neutron star remnants up to ${\sim }70\,$ ms. The latter is the longest dynamical space-time, 3D, general relativistic simulations with full neutrino transport to date. We compare results obtained at different resolutions and using two different closures for the moment scheme. We do not find evidences of significant out-of-thermodynamic equilibrium effects, such as bulk viscosity, on the post-merger dynamics or gravitational wave emission. Neutrino luminosities and average energies are in good agreement with theory expectations and previous simulations by other groups using similar schemes. We compare dynamical and early wind ejecta properties obtained with M1 and with our older neutrino treatment. We find that the M1 results have systematically larger proton fractions. However, the differences in the nucleosynthesis yields are modest. This work sets the basis for future detailed studies spanning a wider set of neutrino reactions, binaries, and equations of state.
Modelling the simultaneous encoding/serial experience theory of the perceptual moment: a blink of meta-experience
Authors: Bowman Howard , Jones William , Pincham Hannah , Fleming Steve , Cleeremans Axel , Smith Murray
Published: March 2022

One way to understand a system is to explore how its behaviour degrades when it is overloaded. This approach can be applied to understanding conscious perception by presenting stimuli in rapid succession in the ‘same’ perceptual event/moment. In previous work, we have identified a striking dissociation during the perceptual moment, between what is encoded into working memory [Lag-1 sparing in the attentional blink (AB)] and what is consciously perceived (Lag-1 impairing in the experiential blink). This paper links this dissociation to what, taking inspiration from the metacognition literature, could be called meta-experience; i.e. how the ability to track and comment on one’s visual experience with subjectivity ratings reflects objective performance. Specifically, we provide evidence that the information (in bits) associated with an encoding into working memory decouples from the experiential reflection upon that perceptual/encoding event and that this decoupling is largest when there is the greatest perceptual overload. This is the meta-experiential blink. Meta-experiential self-observation is common to many computational models, including connectionist interpretations of consciousness, Bayesian observers and the readout-enhanced simultaneous type/serial token (reSTST) model. We assess how our meta-experiential blink data could be modelled using the concept of self-observation, providing model fits to behavioural and electroencephalogram responses in the reSTST model. We discuss the implications of our computational modelling of parallel encoding but serial experience for theories of conscious perception. Specifically, we (i) inform theories of Lag-1 sparing during the AB and (ii) consider the implications for the global workspace theory of conscious perception and higher-order theories of consciousness.
Behavioral Nudges to Improve Audit and Feedback Report Opening Among Antibiotic Prescribers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Daneman Nick , Lee Samantha , Bai Heming , Bell Chaim M , Bronskill Susan E , Campitelli Michael A , Dobell Gail , Fu Longdi , Garber Gary , Ivers Noah , Kumar Matthew , Lam Jonathan M C , Langford Bradley , Laur Celia , Morris Andrew M , Mulhall Cara L , Pinto Ruxandra , Saxena Farah E , Schwartz Kevin L , Brown Kevin A
Published: March 2022

Background

Peer comparison audit and feedback has demonstrated effectiveness in improving antibiotic prescribing practices, but only a minority of prescribers view their reports. We rigorously tested 3 behavioral nudging techniques delivered by email to improve report opening.

Methods

We conducted a pragmatic randomized controlled trial among Ontario long-term care prescribers enrolled in an ongoing peer comparison audit and feedback program which includes data on their antibiotic prescribing patterns. Physicians were randomized to 1 of 8 possible sequences of intervention/control allocation to 3 different behavioral email nudges: a social peer comparison nudge (January 2020), a maintenance of professional certification incentive nudge (October 2020), and a prior participation nudge (January 2021). The primary outcome was feedback report opening; the primary analysis pooled the effects of all 3 nudging interventions.

Results

The trial included 421 physicians caring for >28 000 residents at 450 facilities. In the pooled analysis, physicians opened only 29.6% of intervention and 23.9% of control reports (odds ratio [OR], 1.51 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.10–2.07], P = .011); this difference remained significant after accounting for physician characteristics and clustering (adjusted OR [aOR], 1.74 [95% CI, 1.24–2.45], P = .0014). Of individual nudging techniques, the prior participation nudge was associated with a significant increase in report opening (OR, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.06–2.47], P = .026; aOR, 2.16 [95% CI, 1.33–3.50], P = .0018). In the pooled analysis, nudges were also associated with accessing more report pages (aOR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.14–1.43], P < .001).

Conclusions

Enhanced nudging strategies modestly improved report opening, but more work is needed to optimize physician engagement with audit and feedback.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT04187742.
Concordance of Blood-Based and Normal Tissue-Based Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase (DPYD) Genotyping
Authors: Morelli Cristina , Formica Vincenzo , Doldo Elena , Riondino Silvia , Rofei Michela , Vergilii Lorena , Palmieri Giampiero , Arkenau Hendrik-Tobias , Roselli Mario , Orlandi Augusto
Published: March 2022

In response to the recently published article by Sharma et al, this letter to the editor presents data about the concordance of blood and normal tissue-based evaluation of DPYD genotyping that suggests that pharmacogenetic screening could be contextual to tumor molecular profiling.
The New History of Old Inequality
Authors: Jackson Trevor
Published: March 2022

Since the financial crisis of 2008 and the publication in 2014 of Thomas Piketty’s Capital in the Twenty-First Century, income and wealth inequality have returned to public and scholarly interest. Most subsequent discussion has focused on the fall and rise of inequality in the twentieth century, but meanwhile another body of economic history literature has reconstructed long-run inequality dynamics in early modern Europe. This article surveys the new history of old inequality and discusses its three principal findings: first, that between about 1300 and about 1900 inequality increased continuously almost everywhere, meaning there is no clear link between economic growth and inequality. Secondly, the only phenomena that substantially reduced inequality were unprecedented catastrophes. Thirdly, although few things have decreased inequality, many strategies of elite wealth defence have increased it, motivating new comparative concepts like the ‘inequality possibility frontier’ and the ‘extraction ratio’. Inequality will continue to be a subject of urgent political and moral attention, and this field opens up a research agenda that could bridge the methodological divide between economic history as practised by economists and by historians.
Starch biosynthesis in guard cells has features of both autotrophic and heterotrophic tissues
Authors: Flütsch Sabrina , Horrer Daniel , Santelia Diana
Published: March 2022

The pathway of starch synthesis in guard cells (GCs), despite the crucial role starch plays in stomatal movements, is not well understood. Here, we characterized starch dynamics in GCs of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutants lacking enzymes of the phosphoglucose isomerase-phosphoglucose mutase-ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase starch synthesis pathway in leaf mesophyll chloroplasts or sugar transporters at the plastid membrane, such as glucose-6-phosphate/phosphate translocators, which are active in heterotrophic tissues. We demonstrate that GCs have metabolic features of both photoautotrophic and heterotrophic cells. GCs make starch using different carbon precursors depending on the time of day, which can originate both from GC photosynthesis and/or sugars imported from the leaf mesophyll. Furthermore, we unravel the major enzymes involved in GC starch synthesis and demonstrate that they act in a temporal manner according to the fluctuations of stomatal aperture, which is unique for GCs. Our work substantially enhances our knowledge on GC starch metabolism and uncovers targets for manipulating GC starch dynamics to improve stomatal behavior, directly affecting plant productivity.
Can vaccine prioritization reduce disparities in COVID-19 burden for historically marginalized populations?
Authors: Rosenstrom Erik T , Mele Jessica , Ivy Julie S , Mayorga Maria E , Patel Mehul D , Lich Kristen Hassmiller , Johnson Karl , Delamater Paul , Keskinocak Pinar , Boyce Ross , Smith Raymond , Swann Julie L
Published: March 2022

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination strategies were designed to reduce COVID-19 mortality, morbidity, and health inequities. To assess the impact of vaccination strategies on disparities in COVID-19 burden among historically marginalized populations (HMPs), e.g. Black race and Hispanic ethnicity, we used an agent-based simulation model, populated with census-tract data from North Carolina. We projected COVID-19 deaths, hospitalizations, and cases from 2020 July 1 to 2021 December 31, and estimated racial/ethnic disparities in COVID-19 outcomes. We modeled 2-stage vaccination prioritization scenarios applied to sub-groups including essential workers, older adults (65+), adults with high-risk health conditions, HMPs, or people in low-income tracts. Additionally, we estimated the effects of maximal uptake (100% for HMP vs. 100% for everyone), and distribution to only susceptible people. We found strategies prioritizing essential workers, then older adults led to the largest mortality and case reductions compared to no prioritization. Under baseline uptake scenarios, the age-adjusted mortality for HMPs was higher (e.g. 33.3%–34.1% higher for the Black population and 13.3%–17.0% for the Hispanic population) compared to the White population. The burden on HMPs decreased only when uptake was increased to 100% in HMPs; however, the Black population still had the highest relative mortality rate even when targeted distribution strategies were employed. If prioritization schemes were not paired with increased uptake in HMPs, disparities did not improve. The vaccination strategies publicly outlined were insufficient, exacerbating disparities between racial and ethnic groups. Strategies targeted to increase vaccine uptake among HMPs are needed to ensure equitable distribution and minimize disparities in outcomes.
Gastrointestinal symptom severity and progression in systemic sclerosis
Authors: van Leeuwen Nina M , Boonstra Maaike , Fretheim Håvard , Brunborg Cathrine , Midtvedt Øyvind , Garen Torhild , Molberg Øyvind , Huizinga Tom W J , de Vries-Bouwstra Jeska K , Hoffman-Vold Anna-Maria
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the severity and evolution of patient-reported gastrointestinal tract (GIT) symptoms in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, assess predictive factors for progression and determine the impact of standard of care treatment.

Methods

SSc patients from the Leiden and Oslo cohorts were included. We assessed clinical data and patient-reported GIT symptoms measured by the validated University of California, Los-Angeles Gastrointestinal-tract (UCLA-GIT) score at baseline and annually. GIT severity and progression was determined. Logistic regression was applied to identify risk factors associated with baseline GIT symptom severity. Linear mixed-effect models were applied to assess progression in GIT symptom burden and to identify predictive factors. We repeated all analysis in patients with early disease (inception cohort) to exclude the effect of longstanding disease and increase insights in development of GIT symptom burden early in the disease course.

Results

We included 834 SSc patients with baseline UCLA GIT scores, 454 from Leiden and 380 from Oslo. In the total cohort, 28% reported moderate-severe GIT symptoms at baseline, with increased risk for severity conferred by ACA, smoking and corticosteroid use, while use of calcium channel blockers appeared protective. In the inception cohort, 23% reported moderate-severe GIT symptoms at baseline, with increased risk for females and with smoking. Over time, symptom burden increased mainly for reflux/bloating. Female sex and ACA predicted GIT symptom progression.

Conclusion

High GIT symptom burden is present early in SSc disease course. Both for prevalence and for progression of GIT symptom burden, female sex and smoking were identified as risk factors.