bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Dα band symmetrical visible optical diagnostic for boundary reconstruction on EAST tokamak
Authors: CHEN 陈 Ming 明 , SHEN 沈 Biao 飊 , KADO Shinichiro , GUO 郭 Bihao 笔豪 , CHEN 陈 Dalong 大龙 , CAI 蔡 Furui 福瑞 , XIAO 肖 Bingjia 炳甲
Published: November 2023

To investigate the potential of utilizing visible spectral imaging for controlling the plasma boundary shape during stable operation of plasma in future tokamak, a Dα band symmetric visible light diagnostic system was designed and implemented on the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). This system leverages two symmetric optics for joint plasma imaging. The optical system exhibits a spatial resolution less than 2 mm at the poloidal cross-section, distortion within the field of view below 10%, and relative illumination of 91%. The high-quality images obtained enable clear observation of both the plasma boundary position and the characteristics of components within the vacuum vessel. Following system calibration and coordinate transformation, the image coordinate boundary features are mapped to the tokamak coordinate system. Utilizing this system, the plasma boundary was reconstructed, and the resulting representation showed alignment with the EFIT (Equilibrium Fitting) results. This underscores the system’s superior performance in boundary reconstruction applications and provides a diagnostic foundation for boundary shape control based on visible spectral imaging.
Design of the electron cyclotron emission diagnostic on EXL-50 spherical torus
Authors: WANG 王 Yumin 嵎民 , XIE 谢 Qifeng 奇峰 , TAO 陶 Renyi 仁义 , ZHANG 张 Hui 辉 , BO 薄 Xiaokun 晓坤 , SUN 孙 Tiantian 恬恬 , LUN 伦 Xiuchun 秀春 , CHEN 陈 Lin 琳 , TAN 谭 Weiqiang 伟强 , GUO 郭 Dong 栋 , DENG 邓 Bihe 必河 , LIU 刘 Minsheng 敏胜 , the EXL-50 Team
Published: November 2023

The electron cyclotron emission (ECE) diagnostic system has been developed on the ENN spherical torus (EXL-50). The ECE system is designed to detect radiation emitted by energetic electrons, rather than conventional 1D electron temperature profile measurement, in the frequency range of 4−40 GHz. The system is composed of five subsystems, each covering a different frequency band, including the C-band (4−8 GHz), X-band (8−12 GHz), Ku-band (12−18 GHz), K-band (18−26.5 GHz) and K

-band (26.4−40 GHz). The system uses heterodyne detection to analyze the received signals. The K-band and K

-band subsystems are located horizontally in the equatorial plane of the EXL-50, while the C-band, X-band and Ku-band subsystems are located under the vacuum vessel of the EXL-50. To direct the microwaves from the plasma to the antennas for the horizontal detection subsystems, a quasi-optical system has been developed. For the vertical detection subsystems, the antennas are directly attached to the port located beneath the torus at

= 700 mm, which is also the magnetic axis of the torus. The system integration, bench testing and initial experimental results will be thoroughly discussed, providing a comprehensive understanding of the ECE system’s performance and capabilities.
Simulation of liquid cone formation on the tip apex of indium field emission electric propulsion thrusters
Authors: SUN 孙 Yiming 逸鸣 , DENG 邓 Hanwen 涵文 , LIU 刘 Xinyu 欣宇 , KANG 康 Xiaoming 小明
Published: November 2023

Field emission electric propulsion (FEEP) thrusters possess excellent characteristics, such as high specific impulse, low power requirements, compact size and precise pointing capabilities, making them ideal propulsion devices for micro-nano satellites. However, the detection of certain aspects, such as the evolution process of the liquid cone and the physical quantities at the cone apex, proves challenging due to the minute size of the needle tip and the vacuum environment in which they operate. Consequently, this paper introduces a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to gain insight into the formation process of the liquid cone on the tip apex of indium FEEP. The CFD model is based on electrohydrodynamic (EHD) equations and the volume of fluid (VOF) method. The entire cone formation process can be divided into three stages, and the time-dependent characteristics of the physical quantities at the cone apex are investigated. The influences of film thickness, apex radius size and applied voltage are compared. The results indicate a gradual increase in the values of electrostatic stress and surface tension stress at the cone apex over an initial period, followed by a rapid escalation within a short duration. Apex configurations featuring a small radius, thick film and high voltage exhibit a propensity for liquid cone formation, and the cone growth time decreases as the film thickness increases. Moreover, some unstable behavior is observed during the cone formation process.
Exploring machine learning to hardware implementations for large data rate x-ray instrumentation
Authors: Rahimifar Mohammad Mehdi , Wingering Quentin , Gouin-Ferland Berthié , Rahali Hamza Ezzaoui , Granger Charles-Étienne , Therrien Audrey C
Published: November 2023

Over the past decade, innovations in radiation and photonic detectors considerably improved their resolution, pixel density, sensitivity, and sampling rate, which all contribute to increased data generation rates. This huge data increases the amount of storage required, as well as the cabling between the source and the storage units. To overcome this problem, edge machine learning (EdgeML) proposes to move computation units near the detectors, utilizing machine learning (ML) models to emulate non-linear mathematical relationships between detector’s output data. ML algorithms can be implemented in digital circuits, such as application-specific integrated circuits and field-programmable gate arrays, which support both parallelization and pipelining. EdgeML has both the benefits of edge computing and ML models to compress data near the detectors. This paper explores the currently available tool-flows designed to translate software ML algorithms to digital circuits near the edge. The main focus is on tool-flows that provide a diverse range of supported models, optimization techniques, and compression methods. We compare their accessibility, performance, and ease of use, and compare them for two high data-rate instrumentation applications: (1) CookieBox, and (2) billion-pixel camera.
Leveraging environmental assessment and environmental justice to deliver equitable, decarbonized built infrastructure
Authors: Greer Fiona
Published: November 2023

Climate change is the most pressing sustainability issue of our time, with anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions causing economic, environmental, and human health impacts. We need to achieve net-zero civil infrastructure systems to limit global temperature increases. Energy production and supply, transportation, buildings, and industry are examples of civil infrastructure systems. Examining the full scope of impacts throughout the conception, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of infrastructure systems will allow for improved mitigation and adaptation planning. Current planning processes and mechanisms will need to be transformed to achieve ‘climate-smart’ infrastructure that focus on thoughtful minimization of impacts, cooperation with communities, and understanding the implications of failing to act. Social equity is often left as an afterthought in environmentally conscious infrastructure planning. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is the most complete and decision-powerful model for cataloging environmental impacts of a system. However, the methodology has limitations regarding how it might be leveraged to support multicriteria decision-making in decarbonizing our civil infrastructure systems, such as when trying to account for community preferences, an important element of a just transition. Future planning for the decarbonization of our built environment would benefit from a multi-criteria approach that encompasses elements of LCA, equity, and stakeholder collaboration, the latter two of which are key tenets for advancing environmental justice.
Learning particle swarming models from data with Gaussian processes
Authors: Feng Jinchao , Kulick Charles , Ren Yunxiang , Tang Sui
Published: November 2023

Interacting particle or agent systems that exhibit diverse swarming behaviors are prevalent in science and engineering. Developing effective differential equation models to understand the connection between individual interaction rules and swarming is a fundamental and challenging goal. In this paper, we study the data-driven discovery of a second-order particle swarming model that describes the evolution of

N
N

particles in

R

d

\mathbb {R}^d

under radial interactions. We propose a learning approach that models the latent radial interaction function as Gaussian processes, which can simultaneously fulfill two inference goals: one is the nonparametric inference of the interaction function with pointwise uncertainty quantification, and the other is the inference of unknown scalar parameters in the noncollective friction forces of the system. We formulate the learning problem as a statistical inverse learning problem and introduce an operator-theoretic framework that provides a detailed analysis of recoverability conditions, establishing that a coercivity condition is sufficient for recoverability. Given data collected from

M
M

i.i.d trajectories with independent Gaussian observational noise, we provide a finite-sample analysis, showing that our posterior mean estimator converges in a Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space norm, at an optimal rate in

M
M

equal to the one in the classical 1-dimensional Kernel Ridge regression. As a byproduct, we show we can obtain a parametric learning rate in

M
M

for the posterior marginal variance using

L

∞

L^{\infty }

norm and that the rate could also involve

N
N

and

L
L

(the number of observation time instances for each trajectory) depending on the condition number of the inverse problem. We provide numerical results on systems exhibiting different swarming behaviors, highlighting the effectiveness of our approach in the scarce, noisy trajectory data regime.
Label-free single-cell live imaging reveals fast metabolic switch in T lymphocytes
Authors: Paillon Noémie , Ung Thi Phuong Lien , Dogniaux Stéphanie , Stringari Chiara , Hivroz Claire
Published: November 2023

T-cell activation induces a metabolic switch generating energy for proliferation, survival, and functions. We used noninvasive label-free two-photon fluorescence lifetime microscopy (2P-FLIM) to map the spatial and temporal dynamics of the metabolic NAD(P)H co-enzyme during T lymphocyte activation. This provides a readout of the OXPHOS and glycolysis rates at a single-cell level. Analyzes were performed in the CD4+ leukemic T cell line Jurkat, and in human CD4+ primary T cells. Cells were activated on glass surfaces coated with activating antibodies mimicking immune synapse formation. Comparing the fraction of bound NAD(P)H between resting and activated T cells, we show that T-cell activation induces a rapid switch toward glycolysis. This occurs after 10 min and remains stable for one hour. Three-dimensional analyzes revealed that the intracellular distribution of fraction of bound NAD(P)H increases at the immune synapse in activated cells. Finally, we show that fraction of bound NAD(P)H tends to negatively correlate with spreading of activated T cells, suggesting a link between actin remodeling and metabolic changes. This study highlights that 2P-FLIM measurement of fraction of bound NAD(P)H is well suited to follow a fast metabolic switch in three dimensions, in single T lymphocytes with subcellular resolution.
Integrating Data Across Multiple Sites in the Northeastern United States to Examine Associations Between a Prenatal Metal Mixture and Child Cognition
Authors: Rosa Maria José , Foppa Pedretti Nicolo , Goldson Brandon , Mathews Nicole , Merced-Nieves Francheska , Xhani Naim , Bosquet Enlow Michelle , Gershon Richard , Ho Emily , Huddleston Kathi , Wright Robert O , Wright Rosalind J , Colicino Elena
Published: November 2023

We applied a novel hierarchical Bayesian weighted quantile sum (HBWQS) regression to combine data across 3 study sites to examine associations between prenatal exposure to metals and cognitive functioning in childhood. Data from 326 mother-child dyads enrolled in an ongoing cohort study, the Programming of Intergenerational Stress Mechanisms (PRISM) Study, based in New York, New York (recruitment in 2013–2020) and Boston, Massachusetts (recruitment 2011–2013), and the First Thousand Days of Life (FTDL) cohort study (recruitment 2012–2019), based in northern Virginia, were used. Arsenic, cadmium, manganese, lead, and antimony were measured in urine collected during pregnancy. Cognitive functioning was assessed in children aged 3–11 years using the National Institutes of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery. The HBWQS regression showed a negative association between the urinary metal mixture and the Cognition Early Childhood Composite Score in the PRISM New York City (β = −3.67, 95% credible interval (CrI): −7.61, −0.01) and FTDL (β = −3.76, 95% CrI: −7.66, −0.24) samples, with a similar trend in the PRISM Boston sample (β = −3.24, 95% CrI: −6.77, 0.144). We did not detect these associations in traditionally pooled models. HBWQS regression allowed us to account for site heterogeneity and detect associations between prenatal metal-mixture exposure and cognitive outcomes in childhood. Given the ubiquity of metals exposure, interventions aimed at reducing prenatal exposure may improve cognitive outcomes in children.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Environmental Epidemiology.
A feedback loop between management, intraspecific trait variation and harvesting practices
Authors: Locqueville Jonathan , Violle Cyrille , McKey Doyle , Caillon Sophie , Coq Sylvain
Published: November 2023

Abstract. Intraspecific variation in plants is a major ecological mechanism whose local determinants are still poorly understood. In particular, the relationship between this variation and human practices may be key to understanding human–nature relationships. We argue that it is necessary to consider how human practices both influence and depend on the phenotypic variability of species of interest. Arnica montana (arnica) is a good model to study the complex interactions between human actions and plant phenotype, as (i) its ecological niche is shaped by human management actions and (ii) its variability has consequences for harvesters. Using a functional trait approach, we examined feedback loops linking management actions, plant phenotype and harvesting practices. In 27 sites in southeastern France, we measured vegetative and reproductive functional traits of arnica of interest for harvesters, and recorded management actions (grazing; mowing) and ecological variables (including height of surrounding vegetation and tree cover). We examined their effects on plant traits with linear mixed models and used path analysis to test if the effects of human management on traits are mediated by the height of surrounding vegetation. Management actions affected functional traits of arnica. Biomass removal practices (grazing, mowing) were associated with smaller plants producing smaller leaves with reduced specific leaf area. We uncovered the core role of the height of surrounding vegetation in determining this phenotype. Tree cover was associated with reduced flowering. The observed intraspecific variation in response to management actions differentially impacts the two main harvesting practices. Flower-head harvesting depends on reproductive traits that are not impacted by mowing (which is done in winter) but adversely affected by tree cover. In contrast, traits associated with large biomass under tree cover or with high surrounding vegetation are favourable for whole-plant harvesters. Our trait-based approach unveiled clear links between management actions and plant phenotype, with impacts on both vegetative and reproductive traits. These changes induced by management also affect the practices of harvesters. We thus demonstrated a feedback loop between human actions and plant phenotype and provided a novel perspective on human-related causes and consequences of plant intraspecific variability.
Cleaner fish coloration does not always reduce predation risk: testing the effect of protective mimicry in the false cleanerfish, Aspidontus taeniatus
Authors: Sato Hajime , Sakai Yoichi , Kuwamura Tetsuo
Published: November 2023

Cleaning symbiosis of the bluestreak cleaner wrasse, Labroides dimidiatus (Labridae), is a well-known example of mutualism in coral reefs. The cleaner wrasse is characterized by its bluish body colour with black stripes, and the false cleanerfish, Aspidontus taeniatus (Blenniidae), mimics those characteristics precisely. Cleaner fish mimicry is believed to evolve as an aggressive mimicry to bite the fins of deceived fishes; however, protective mimicry to reduce predation risk has not been examined sufficiently. Here, we tested the effect of protective mimicry through field observations and aquarium experiments. Field observations revealed that false cleanerfish were occasionally attacked by piscivorous lizardfishes (Synodontidae). In the aquarium experiments, ambushing predators, the honeycomb grouper, Epinephelus merra (Serranidae), which did not show predatory behaviour to false cleanerfish in the field, attacked the cleaner wrasse (model), the false cleanerfish (mimic), and the lance blenny, Aspidontus dussumieri (non-mimic). When a shelter was provided in the tank, the false cleanerfish and the lance blenny immediately hid inside the shelter for a considerable duration to escape from the predator. These results suggest that cleaner fish coloration does not always decrease predation risks, and our conclusions support the possibility that this mimicry evolved primarily as aggressive mimicry.
Species conservation in the era of genomic science
Authors: Cook Carly N , Redford Kent H , Schwartz Mark W
Published: November 2023

The exponential increase in the availability of genomic data, derived from sequencing thousands of loci or whole genomes, provides exciting new insights into the diversity of life. However, it can also challenge established species concepts and existing management regimes derived from these concepts. Genomic data can help inform decisions about how to manage genetic diversity, but policies that protect identified taxonomic entities can generate conflicting recommendations that create challenges for practitioners. We outline three dimensions of management concern that arise when facing new and potentially conflicting interpretations of genomic data: defining conservation entities, deciding how to manage diversity, and evaluating the risks and benefits of management actions. We highlight the often-underappreciated role of values in influencing management choices made by individuals, scientists, practitioners, the public, and other stakeholders. Such values influence choices through mechanisms such as the Rashomon effect, whereby management decisions are complicated by conflicting perceptions of the causes and consequences of the conservation problem. To illustrate how this might operate, we offer a hypothetical example of this effect for the interpretation of genomic data and its implications for conservation management. Such value-based decisions can be challenged by the rigidity of existing management regimes, making it difficult to achieve the necessary flexibility to match the changing biological understanding. We finish by recommending that both conservation geneticists and practitioners reflect on their respective values, responsibilities, and roles in building a more robust system of species management. This includes embracing the inclusion of stakeholders in decision-making because, as in many cases, there are not objectively defensible right or wrong decisions.
Building distributive populism: basic income and political alternatives to ethno-nationalism
Authors: Doussard Marc
Published: November 2023

Left-behind places face linked economic and political problems that must be resolved jointly. This paper examines the potential contribution of basic income programs to that goal. Consisting of regular, no-strings-attached payments to citizens, basic income programs ensure resources and stability for poor and economically precarious households who comprise a significant share of left-behind places’ populations. Advocacy for basic income emphasizes social and ethical commitment to individuals who have paid the price for economic decline. Thus, even though the goal of national and universal basic income remains distant in the UK, activism for basic income has succeeded in creating alternative paths for populist sentiments originating in the decline of left-behind places. Drawing on extensive fieldwork and interviews with advocates in the UK and elsewhere, I demonstrate that activism for basic income diverts potential support for ethno-nationalism and European withdrawal to alternate, place-contingent and variegated regional political paths.
An online database for einkorn wheat to aid in gene discovery and functional genomics studies
Authors: Sharma Parva Kumar , Ahmed Hanin Ibrahim , Heuberger Matthias , Koo Dal-Hoe , Quiroz-Chavez Jesus , Adhikari Laxman , Raupp John , Cauet Stéphane , Rodde Nathalie , Cravero Charlotte , Callot Caroline , Yadav Inderjit Singh , Kathiresan Nagarajan , Athiyannan Naveenkumar , Ramirez-Gonzalez Ricardo H , Uauy Cristobal , Wicker Thomas , Abrouk Michael , Gu Yong Q , Poland Jesse , Krattinger Simon G , Lazo Gerard R , Tiwari Vijay K
Published: November 2023

Diploid A-genome wheat (einkorn wheat) presents a nutrition-rich option as an ancient grain crop and a resource for the improvement of bread wheat against abiotic and biotic stresses. Realizing the importance of this wheat species, reference-level assemblies of two einkorn wheat accessions were generated (wild and domesticated). This work reports an einkorn genome database that provides an interface to the cereals research community to perform comparative genomics, applied genetics and breeding research. It features queries for annotated genes, the use of a recent genome browser release, and the ability to search for sequence alignments using a modern BLAST interface. Other features include a comparison of reference einkorn assemblies with other wheat cultivars through genomic synteny visualization and an alignment visualization tool for BLAST results. Altogether, this resource will help wheat research and breeding.

Database URL  https://wheat.pw.usda.gov/GG3/pangenome
Sex- and gender-specific differences in symptoms and health-related quality of life among patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Pelzner Kim , Fuchs Claudia , Petersen Matti , Maus Martin , Bruns Christiane J , Leers Jessica M
Published: November 2023

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common chronic gastrointestinal disorder affecting both men and women. Nonerosive reflux disease generally affects more women, whereas GERD complications such as Barrett’s esophagus (BE) or esophageal cancer affect more men. The aim of this study was to evaluate sex- and gender-specific symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among men and women with GERD. Patients with clinical signs of reflux and completion of 24-hour pH-Impedance testing at the University Hospital Cologne were included into the study. Evaluation of symptoms and HRQoL included the following validated questionnaires: GERD-Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD HRQL), Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). In all, 509 women and 355 men with GERD were included. Men had a significantly higher DeMeester score (60.2 ± 62.6 vs. 43 ± 49.3, P < 0.001) and a higher incidence of BE (18.6 vs. 11.2%, P = 0.006). Women demonstrated significantly higher levels of anxiety (30.9 vs. 14.5%, P = 0.001), more severely impacting symptoms (45.3 ± 11.3 vs. 49.9 ± 12.3, P < 0.001), as well as physical (14.2 ± 5.7 vs. 16.7 ± 5.6, P < 0.001) and social dysfunction (13.3 ± 4.8 vs. 14.8 ± 4.3, P = 0.002). Women further reported a lower HRQoL (85.3 ± 22.7 vs. 92.9 ± 20.8, P < 0.001). Men and women differ on biological, psychological, and sociocultural levels.
Treatment of Antibiotic Refractory Chronic Pouchitis With JAK Inhibitors and S1P Receptor Modulators: An ECCO CONFER Multicentre Case Series
Authors: Ribaldone Davide Giuseppe , Testa Giulia , Verstockt Bram , Molnar Tamas , Savarino Edoardo , Schmidt Carsten , Vieujean Sophie , Teich Niels , Meianu Corina , Juillerat Pascal , Grellier Nathan , Lobaton Triana
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims

Data regarding the effectiveness and safety of Janus kinase [JAK] inhibitors and sphingosine-1-phosphate [S1P] receptor modulators in antibiotic refractory chronic pouchitis [CARP] are lacking.

Methods

This ECCO-CONFER project retrospectively collected data for JAK inhibitor or S1P receptor modulator treatments for CARP with at least 3 months of follow-up. The outcomes included corticosteroid- and antibiotic-free clinical response and remission at 3 and 12 months, and trends in modified pouchitis disease activity index [mPDAI], endoscopic PDAI, C-reactive protein, and calprotectin.

Results

Seventeen treatments in 15 patients were evaluated. Previous pouchitis treatments included infliximab [5/15], adalimumab [4/15], vedolizumab [9/15], and ustekinumab [5/15]. Pooling data on JAK inhibitors [eight tofacitinib, one filgotinib, and six upadacitinib] after 3 months [T3], steroid- and antibiotic-free clinical response was achieved in 53.3% [8/15], and steroid- and antibiotic-free clinical remission was achieved in 40% [6/15]. Of the patients with at least 12 months of follow-up, steroid- and antibiotic-free clinical response was achieved in 50% [3/6] and remission in one patient [16.7%], endoscopic response in 50% [3/6], and endoscopic remission in 50% [3/6]. Of the two ozanimod treatments at T3, steroid- and antibiotic-free clinical response was achieved in one patient, without remission; both discontinued ozanimod before T12. No side effects were reported.

Conclusions

Small molecules may represent a suitable option for CARP refractory to multiple biologics, deserving further investigation.
Long-term outcome of bicuspid aortic valve disease
Authors: Aschauer Julia , Zilberszac Robert , Gleiss Andreas , Colizzi Christian , Binder Thomas , Bruno Piergiorgio , Laufer Günther , Massetti Massimo , Gabriel Harald , Rosenhek Raphael
Published: November 2023

Aims

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a common congenital condition that is frequently associated with aortic stenosis (AS) and aortic regurgitation (AR), as well as aortic aneurysms, but specific outcome data are scarce. The present study sought to assess outcomes in a large cohort of consecutive patients with BAV.

Methods and results

A total of 581 consecutive patients (median age 29 years, 157 female) with BAV were included in the study and followed prospectively in a heart valve clinic follow-up programme. The overall survival rate after 10 years was 94.5%. During follow-up, 158 patients developed an indication for surgery. Event-free survival rates were 97%, 94%, 87%, and 73% at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, event rates were independently predicted by AS [subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) 2.3 per degree of severity], AR (SHR 1.5 per degree of severity), baseline aortic dilatation ≥ 40 mm (SHR 1.9), and age (SHR 1.3) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

BAV disease is associated with a high rate of cardiac events, but state-of-the-art care results in good survival with low rates of infective endocarditis, aortic dissection, and sudden death. Incremental degrees of AS and regurgitation, the presence of aortic dilatation, and age are predictive of cardiac events.
Update on long-term cardiovascular risk after pre-eclampsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Inversetti Annalisa , Pivato Carlo Andrea , Cristodoro Martina , Latini Alessia Chiara , Condorelli Gianluigi , Di Simone Nicoletta , Stefanini Giulio
Published: November 2023

Background/introduction

There is a need for further studies on the cardiovascular risk of women experiencing pre-eclampsia (PE).

Purpose

To update the literature regarding the association between a history of PE and subsequent cardiovascular diseases, including cardiovascular death, coronary heart diseases, heart failure, and stroke, focusing on the trend in the effect size (ES) estimates over time.

Methods and results

Following PRISMA guidelines, from inception to May 2023, we performed a systematic review of PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and EMBASE. Randomized, cohort, or case-control studies in English were included if fulfiling the following criteria:(i) The association between PE and subsequent cardiovascular disease was adjusted for clinically relevant variables, (ii) the presence of a control group, and (iii) at least 1 year of follow-up. Pooled adjusted ESs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used as effect estimates and calculated with a random-effect model. Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. PE was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular death (ES 2.08, 95% CI 1.70–2.54, I2 56%, P < 0.00001), coronary artery diseases (ES 2.04, 95% CI 1.76–2.38, I2 87%, P < 0.00001), heart failure (ES 2.47, 95% CI 1.89–3.22, I2 83%, P < 0.00001), and stroke (ES 1.75, 95% CI 1.52–2.02, I2 72%, P < 0.00001) after adjusting for potential confounders. This risk is evident in the first 1-to-3 years of follow-up and remains significant until 39 years of follow-up.

Conclusions

Compared to women who experienced a normal pregnancy, those suffering from PE have about double the risk of lifetime cardiovascular disease.
Modeling the effects of consanguinity on autosomal and X-chromosomal runs of homozygosity and identity-by-descent sharing
Authors: Cotter Daniel J , Severson Alissa L , Kang Jonathan T L , Godrej Hormazd N , Carmi Shai , Rosenberg Noah A
Published: November 2023

Runs of homozygosity (ROH) and identity-by-descent (IBD) sharing can be studied in diploid coalescent models by noting that ROH and IBD-sharing at a genomic site are predicted to be inversely related to coalescence times—which in turn can be mathematically obtained in terms of parameters describing consanguinity rates. Comparing autosomal and X-chromosomal coalescent models, we consider ROH and IBD-sharing in relation to consanguinity that proceeds via multiple forms of first-cousin mating. We predict that across populations with different levels of consanguinity, (1) in a manner that is qualitatively parallel to the increase of autosomal IBD-sharing with autosomal ROH, X-chromosomal IBD-sharing increases with X-chromosomal ROH, owing to the dependence of both quantities on consanguinity levels; (2) even in the absence of consanguinity, X-chromosomal ROH and IBD-sharing levels exceed corresponding values for the autosomes, owing to the smaller population size and lower coalescence time for the X chromosome than for autosomes; (3) with matrilateral consanguinity, the relative increase in ROH and IBD-sharing on the X chromosome compared to the autosomes is greater than in the absence of consanguinity. Examining genome-wide SNPs in human populations for which consanguinity levels have been estimated, we find that autosomal and X-chromosomal ROH and IBD-sharing levels generally accord with the predictions. We find that each 1% increase in autosomal ROH is associated with an increase of 2.1% in X-chromosomal ROH, and each 1% increase in autosomal IBD-sharing is associated with an increase of 1.6% in X-chromosomal IBD-sharing. For each calculation, particularly for ROH, the estimate is reasonably close to the increase of 2% predicted by the population-size difference between autosomes and X chromosomes. The results support the utility of coalescent models for understanding patterns of genomic sharing and their dependence on sex-biased processes.
Phylogeny, Ecology, and Gene Families Covariation Shaped the Olfactory Subgenome of Rodents
Authors: Courcelle Maxime , Fabre Pierre-Henri , Douzery Emmanuel J P
Published: November 2023

Olfactory receptor (OR) genes represent the largest multigenic family in mammalian genomes and encode proteins that bind environmental odorant molecules. The OR repertoire is extremely variable among species and is subject to many gene duplications and losses, which have been linked to ecological adaptations in mammals. Although they have been studied on a broad taxonomic scale (i.e., placental), finer sampling has rarely been explored in order to better capture the mechanisms that drove the evolution of the OR repertoire. Among placental mammals, rodents are well-suited for this task, as they exhibit diverse life history traits, and genomic data are available for most major families and a diverse array of lifestyles. In this study, 53 rodent published genomes were mined for their OR subgenomes. We retrieved more than 85,000 functional and pseudogene OR sequences that were subsequently classified into phylogenetic clusters. Copy number variation among rodents is similar to that of other mammals. Using our OR counts along with comparative phylogenetic approaches, we demonstrated that ecological niches such as diet, period of activity, and a fossorial lifestyle strongly impacted the proportion of OR pseudogenes. Within the OR subgenome, phylogenetic inertia was the main factor explaining the relative variations of the 13 OR gene families. However, a striking exception was a convergent 10-fold expansion of the OR family 14 among the phylogenetically divergent subterranean mole-rat lineages belonging to Bathyergidae and Spalacidae families. This study illustrates how the diversity of the OR repertoire has evolved among rodents, both shaped by selective forces stemming from species life history traits and neutral evolution along the rodent phylogeny.
Polysocial and Polygenic Risk Scores and All-Cause Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Vascular Dementia
Authors: Li Yueying , Zeng Zhiqing , Zhuang Zhenhuang , Zhao Yimin , Zhang Linjing , Wang Wenxiu , Song Zimin , Dong Xue , Xiao Wendi , Huang Ninghao , Jia Jinzhu , Liu Zhonghua , Qi Lu , Huang Tao
Published: November 2023

Background

To establish a polysocial risk score (PsRS) incorporating various social factors for capturing the dementia risk and investigate the benefits of favorable social conditions across different genetic backgrounds.

Methods

This prospective cohort study comprised 345 439 participants initially free of dementia from the UK Biobank. A total of 10 social factors were summed to create a PsRS. A polygenic risk score (PRS) was constructed based on genome-wide significant variants.

Results

During a median follow-up of 12.5 years, we documented 4 595 incident all-cause dementia events including 2 067 Alzheimer’s disease (AD) events and 1 028 vascular dementia (VD) events. Each additional PsRS was associated with a 19% increased risk of all-cause dementia (hazard ratio [HR], 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17 to 1.21), a 13% increased risk of AD (1.13; 1.10 to 1.16), and a 24% increased risk of VD (1.24; 1.19 to 1.29). 29% (24% to 33%) of dementia cases, 22% (14% to 29%) of AD cases, and 39% (28% to 48%) of VD cases were associated with a disadvantageous social environment. In addition, among participants at a high genetic risk, the low social risk was linked to a lower incidence rate of all-cause dementia, AD, and VD compared to those who had a high social risk, with reductions of 67.8%, 64.5%, and 84.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

The PsRS could be effectively used in discriminating individuals at high risk of dementia. Around a quarter of dementia events could have a connection with a disadvantageous social environment, especially for those genetically susceptible to dementia.
Genetic architecture and genomic prediction of plant height-related traits in chrysanthemum
Authors: Zhang Xuefeng , Su Jiangshuo , Jia Feifei , He Yuhua , Liao Yuan , Wang Zhenxing , Jiang Jiafu , Guan Zhiyong , Fang Weimin , Chen Fadi , Zhang Fei
Published: November 2023

Plant height (PH) is a crucial trait determining plant architecture in chrysanthemum. To better understand the genetic basis of PH, we investigated the variations of PH, internode number (IN), internode length (IL), and stem diameter (SD) in a panel of 200 cut chrysanthemum accessions. Based on 330 710 high-quality SNPs generated by genotyping by sequencing, a total of 42 associations were identified via a genome-wide association study (GWAS), and 16 genomic regions covering 2.57 Mb of the whole genome were detected through selective sweep analysis. In addition, two SNPs, Chr1_339370594 and Chr18_230810045, respectively associated with PH and SD, overlapped with the selective sweep regions from FST and π ratios. Moreover, candidate genes involved in hormones, growth, transcriptional regulation, and metabolic processes were highlighted based on the annotation of homologous genes in Arabidopsis and transcriptomes in chrysanthemum. Finally, genomic selection for four PH-related traits was performed using a ridge regression best linear unbiased predictor model (rrBLUP) and six marker sets. The marker set constituting the top 1000 most significant SNPs identified via GWAS showed higher predictabilities for the four PH-related traits, ranging from 0.94 to 0.97. These findings improve our knowledge of the genetic basis of PH and provide valuable markers that could be applied in chrysanthemum genomic selection breeding programs.
An Atlas Characterizing the Shared Genetic Architecture of Inflammatory Bowel Disease with Clinical and Behavioral Traits
Authors: Shaw Vikram R , Byun Jinyoung , Pettit Rowland W , Hou Jason K , Walsh Kyle M , Han Younghun , Amos Christopher I
Published: November 2023

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) development is a complex, multifactorial process that involves extrinsic and intrinsic factors such as host genetics, the immune system, the gut microbiome, and environmental risks. To help understand the genetic contribution of clinical, behavioral, psychiatric, and diet-related traits, we aim to provide a deep and comprehensive characterization of the shared genetic architecture between IBD and hundreds of potentially related traits.

Methods

Utilizing publicly available summary statistics from a previously published IBD genome-wide association study and hundreds of traits from the United Kingdom BioBank (UKBB), we performed linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSR) analysis to estimate cross-trait genetic correlations between Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and IBD summary statistics with the UKBB traits of interest.

Results

Nominally significant (P < .05) genetic correlations were observed for 181 traits in overall IBD, 239 traits in CD, and 94 traits in UC. We replicate the known association between smoking behavior and CD/UC, namely that current tobacco smoking has a positive genetic correlation with CD (rg = 0.12, P = 4.2 × 10-4), while “ever smoking” has a negative genetic correlation with UC (rg = −0.07, P = .042). Globally, all 3 strata (IBD, CD, and UC) demonstrated increased genetic correlations for psychiatric-related traits related to anxiety and depression.

Conclusion

The present analysis reveals the shared genetic architecture between multiple traits and IBD, CD, and UC. Understanding the relevance of joint occurrences of IBD with psychiatric diseases may moderate management of these diseases for individuals jointly affected by them.
Influence of the new dispersible fixed-dose combination anti-Tuberculosis drug on treatment adherence among children with Tuberculosis in Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Chijioke-Akaniro Obioma , Akinyemi Patrick A , Asuke Sunday , Anyaike Chukwuma , Uwaezuoke Ndubuisi A , Ochuko Urhioke , Ubochioma Emperor , Omoniyi Amos , Merle Corinne S , Daniel Soji
Published: November 2023

Background

The dispersible fixed-dose combination drug has been recommended as the mainstay of treatment for TB in children. However, more needs to be known about its effect on treatment. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the formulation on treatment adherence among children with TB.

Methods

A historical cohort design was used to assess and compare adherences of old loose non-dispersible and new dispersible fixed-dose anti-TB drugs, using a convergent parallel mixed-method approach for data collection. Determinants of treatment adherence were assessed using binary logistic regression.

Results

The proportion of children with good treatment adherence was higher in the new dispersible formulation group (82 [64.6%]) relative to the proportion among the loose non-dispersible formulation group (29 [23.4%]). Reports of forgetfulness, travelling and pill burden were significantly higher among those with poor adherence in the loose non-dispersible formulation group. Significant predictors of treatment adherence were acceptability (adjusted OR [AOR]=4.1, p=0.013, 95% CI 1.342 to 12.756), travelling from treatment areas (AOR=8.9, p=0.002, 95% CI 2.211 to 35.771) and forgetfulness (AOR=74.0, p<0.001, 95% CI 23.319 to 234.725).

Conclusions

The determinants of treatment adherence are multifactorial. In addition to ensuring universal access to the drug, flexible referral in case of travelling and ensuring treatment partners' participation to minimise forgetfulness to take pills, are essential.
Population dynamics of Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in wheat and in wheat mixed with cracked wheat held in different types of containers
Authors: Jagadiswaran Bhagya , Jayas Digvir S , Jian Fuji
Published: November 2023

The population dynamics of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), red flour beetle, was studied at 30 °C using long vertical columns (LVCs) (150 mm diameter and 1,020 mm long) and shallow containers (SCs) (460 mm long, 660 mm wide, and 150 mm high), containing 14 kg of whole wheat or a diet made of whole wheat and cracked wheat in 19:1 ratio by mass. The moisture content of the wheat or mixed diet was 14.5% (wb). Every 4 wk and up to 24 wk the live and dead adults were counted in the SCs or in each section of the LVCs. Each LVC was separated into 10 equal sections before removing grain from the LVC. After counting, the grains were incubated at 30 °C and 70% RH for 4 wk, and emerged adults after re-incubation were counted as offspring. The adults and offspring were mainly concentrated in the top section of the LVCs, which could be due to higher mortality in the lower sections and preference of T. castaneum for the surface of grain bulk. The diet influenced the population, and the insects developed better in the cracked wheat-based diet. Greater surface area of the container increased the multiplication and/ or survival of T. castaneum and insects inside SCs with larger surface area and with cracked wheat-based diet, had quicker population increase rate and larger carrying capacity than LVCs.
An Adaptive Targeted Field Experiment: Job Search Assistance for Refugees in Jordan
Authors: Caria A Stefano , Gordon Grant , Kasy Maximilian , Quinn Simon , Shami Soha Osman , Teytelboym Alexander
Published: November 2023

We introduce an adaptive targeted treatment assignment methodology for field experiments. Our Tempered Thompson Algorithm balances the goals of maximizing the precision of treatment effect estimates and maximizing the welfare of experimental participants. A hierarchical Bayesian model allows us to adaptively target treatments. We implement our methodology in Jordan, testing policies to help Syrian refugees and local jobseekers to find work. The immediate employment impacts of a small cash grant, information and psychological support are small, but targeting raises employment by 1 percentage-point (20%). After 4 months, cash has a sizable effect on employment and earnings of Syrians.
Lion (Panthera leo) movements in a multiuse area of the eastern Panhandle of the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Authors: LeFlore Eric G , Fuller Todd K , Stein Andrew B
Published: November 2023

As global large carnivore populations continue to decline due to human actions, maintaining viable populations beyond protected area (PA) borders is critical. African lions (Panthera leo) ranging beyond PA borders regularly prey on domestic livestock causing humans to retaliate or even preemptively kill lions to minimize impacts of lost livestock. To understand how lions navigate high-conflict areas in human-dominated landscapes, lions were observed and monitored in the eastern Panhandle of the Okavango Delta between October 2014 and December 2016, and five lions were fitted with GPS satellite collars from August 2015 to December 2016. Lion prides and coalitions were small, with all prides having four or fewer females and all coalitions having two or fewer males. Home range size varied between the sexes but was not statistically different (males: x¯ = 584 km2, n = 3; females: x¯ = 319 km2, n = 2). There was considerable spatial overlap in home ranges as nonassociating, neighboring collared individuals utilized high levels of shared space (female–female overlap = 152 km2, representing 41–56% of respective home ranges; male–male overlap = 125–132 km2, representing 16–31% of respective home ranges). However, neighboring lions varied use of shared space temporally as evidenced by low coefficients of association (< 0.08), avoiding potentially costly interactions with neighboring individuals. Highest levels of overlap occurred during the wet and early dry seasons when flood waters minimized the amount of available land area. All collared individuals minimized time in close proximity (< 3 km) to human habitation, but some individuals were able to rely heavily on areas where unmonitored livestock grazed. While most lions exist within PAs, anthropogenic impacts beyond PA boundaries can impact critical populations within PAs. Studying systems beyond park boundaries with high levels of human–lion conflict while also establishing conservation programs that account for both ecological and sociocultural dimensions will better aid lion conservation efforts moving forward.
Characterization of intrapuparial development of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae), under different temperatures in laboratory conditions
Authors: do Couto Leiani Cristina Martins , Queiroz Margareth Maria de Carvalho
Published: November 2023

Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Muscidae), popularly known as “housefly”, is a highly synanthropic species, with economic, medical-sanitary, veterinary, and forensic importance. It is able to cause damage to health, transmit pathogenic agents, cause infection in domestic animals, and, in its immature stage, cause secondary myiasis. The scavenging habit of its immature stages makes these flies pioneers in colonizing both human and animal carcasses, from the initial stages of corpse decomposition to the final stages. Intrapuparial development studies of all stages of the biological cycle of these insects help estimate pupal age, being useful to forensic entomology to aid in determining the minimum postmortem interval (minPMI). This study describes, morphologically, the external structures of the pupae, under temperatures of 23, 27, and 30 ± 1 °C aiming to identify the characteristics that define their developmental stages and estimation of the pupae age of M. domestica. The whole experiment was carried out under laboratory conditions, with relative humidity 60 ± 10% and 12 hours of photoperiod. The process of pupariation and pupation including pre-pupae phases were observed; larvae pupae apolysis; early cryptocephalic pupae; late cryptocephalic pupae; phanerocephalic pupae; pharate adult, discriminated by eye color (transparent eyes, pink eyes, and red eyes); and the emergency of adults, which occurred in the intervals of 162–180; 138–144, and 96–102 hr, respectively, being described throughout the metamorphosis of the external morphological characteristics of the pupal stage of M. domestica.