bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low regularity ill-posedness for elastic waves driven by shock formation
Authors: An Xinliang , Chen Haoyang , Yin Silu
Published: July 2023

abstract: In this paper, we construct counterexamples to the local existence of low-regularity solutions to elastic wave equations in three spatial dimensions (3D). Inspired by the recent works of Christodoulou, we generalize Lindblad's classic results on the scalar wave equation by showing that the Cauchy problem for 3D elastic waves, a physical system with multiple wave-speeds, are ill-posed in $H^3(\Bbb{R}^3)$. We further prove that the ill-posedness is caused by instantaneous shock formation, which is characterized by the vanishing of the inverse foliation density. The main difficulties of the 3D case come from the multiple wave-speeds and its associated non-strict hyperbolicity. We obtain the desired results by designing and combining a geometric approach and an algebraic approach, equipped with detailed studies and calculations of the structures and coefficients of the corresponding non-strictly hyperbolic system. Moreover, the ill-posedness we depict also applies to 2D elastic waves, which corresponds to a strictly hyperbolic case.
Asymptotically Kasner-like singularities
Authors: Fournodavlos Grigorios , Luk Jonathan
Published: July 2023

abstract: We prove existence, uniqueness and regularity of solutions to the Einstein vacuum equations taking the form $$ {}^{(4)}g = -dt^2 + \sum_{i,j=1}^3 a_{ij}t^{2 p_{\max\{i,j\}}}\,{\rm d} x^i\,{\rm d} x^j $$ on $(0,T]_t\times\Bbb{T}^3_x$, where $a_{ij}(t,x)$ and $p_i(x)$ are regular functions without symmetry or analyticity assumptions. These metrics are singular and asymptotically Kasner-like as $t\to 0^+$. These solutions are expected to be highly non-generic, and our construction can be viewed as solving a singular initial value problem with Fuchsian-type analysis where the data are posed on the ``singular hypersurface'' $\{t=0\}$. This is the first such result without imposing symmetry or analyticity. To carry out the analysis, we study the problem in a synchronized coordinate system. In particular, we introduce a novel way to perform (weighted) energy estimates in such a coordinate system based on estimating the second fundamental forms of the constant-$t$ hypersurfaces.
Singularity formation in the harmonic map flow with free boundary
Authors: Sire Yannick , Wei Juncheng , Zheng Youquan
Published: July 2023

abstract: In the past years, there has been a new light shed on the harmonic map problem with free boundary in view of its connection with nonlocal equations. Here we fully exploit this link, considering the harmonic map flow with free boundary $$ (0.1)\hskip77pt\cases{u_t=\Delta u& in $\Bbb{R}^2_+\times (0,T)$,\cr u(x,0,t)\in\Bbb{S}^1& for all $(x,0,t)\in\partial\Bbb{R}^2_+\times (0,T)$,\cr {du\over dy}(x,0,t)\perp T_{u(x,0,t)}\Bbb{S}^1& for all $(x,0,t)\in\partial\Bbb{R}^2_+\times (0,T)$,\cr u(\cdot, 0)=u_0& in $\Bbb{R}^2_+$} $$ for a function $u:\Bbb{R}^2_+\times [0,T)\to\Bbb{R}^2$. Here $u_0 :\Bbb{R}^2_+\to\Bbb{R}^2$ is a given smooth map and $\perp$ stands for orthogonality. We prove the existence of initial data $u_0$ such that (0.1) blows up at finite time with a profile being the half-harmonic map. This answers a question raised by Chen and Lin.
Character formulas from matrix factorizations
Authors: Luecke Kiran
Published: July 2023

abstract: In this paper I present a new and unified method of proving character formulas for discrete series representations of connected Lie groups by applying a Chern character-type construction to the matrix factorizations of Freed-Hopkins-Teleman. In the case of a compact group I recover the Kirillov formula, thereby exhibiting the work of Freed-Teleman as a categorification of the Kirillov correspondence. In the case of a real semisimple group I recover the Rossman character formula with only a minimal amount of analysis. The appeal of this method is that it relies almost entirely on highest-weight theory, which is a far more ubiquitous phenomenon than the varied techniques that were previously used to prove such formulas.
Love, Countryside, and the Fellah: Tawfiq Canaan’s Romantic Translation
Authors: Batarseh Amanda
Published: July 2023

Abstract: Early-twentieth-century Palestinian ethnographer, Tawfiq Canaan, reflects in his posthumously published autobiography that a “love of the countryside and the fellah [peasantry]” was instilled in him from a young age. As an adult, Canaan negotiated the parameters of Orientalist Romantic discourse immanent to the ethnographic field in which he produced his work through this “love” of the “fellah.” Interrogating Canaan’s Romanticism exposes how he countered Palestinian erasure by mobilizing the discourse familiar to his target Western audience, and through this translation process, how a genre of Palestinian Romanticism emerged.
Abortion assistance fund staff and volunteers as patient navigators following an abortion ban in Texas
Authors: White Kari , Leyser‐Whalen Ophra , Whitfield Brooke , Dane'el Asha , Andrea Alexis , Rupani Anna , Kumar Bhavik , Moayedi Ghazaleh
Published: July 2023

Context

Abortion assistance funds constitute an important part of the healthcare safety net by covering some of abortion patients' out‐of‐pocket costs. Few studies have examined the other ways abortion assistance fund staff and volunteers support callers who need help obtaining care.

Methods

Between June and September 2020, we conducted in‐depth interviews with 23 staff and volunteers at 11 local abortion assistance funds that helped Texans seeking abortion care following a March 2020 state executive order that prohibited most abortions. Interviewers explored respondents' experiences with callers whose appointments had been canceled or who traveled out of state and subsequent operational changes. We used both inductive and deductive codes in the thematic analysis.

Results

Abortion assistance fund staff and volunteers bridged callers' information gaps about the services and financial resources available and helped create plans to secure care that accounted for callers' specific needs. They provided emotional support so callers felt it was possible to overcome logistical hurdles to get an abortion, even if that required out‐of‐state travel. Respondents described greater collaboration between Texas‐based abortion assistance funds and out‐of‐state organizations to support callers' more complex logistical needs and increased costs. Some callers who encountered multiple barriers to care, including interpersonal violence, were unable to obtain an abortion, even with additional supports.

Conclusions

Local abortion assistance funds worked with Texas callers to co‐create person‐centered plans for care and expanded inter‐organization collaborations. Initiatives that bolster local assistance funds' infrastructure and capacity will be needed as the abortion access landscape becomes further restricted and complex.
Feasibility study of a total precipitable water IPDA lidar from a solar-powered stratospheric aircraft
Authors: Dykema John A. , Bianconi Simone , Mascarenhas Craig , Anderson Jim
Published: July 2023

Repetitive, high spatial resolution measurements of water vapor are
highly desirable for a range of critical applications, including
quantitative forecasts of wildfire risk forecasting, extreme weather,
drought implicated in mass refugee dislocation, and air quality. A
point design for an integrated path differential absorption (IPDA)
light detection and ranging (lidar) for column precipitable water
vapor (PWV) intended for high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) uncrewed
aerial systems (UASs) is described and analyzed. A novel, to the best
of our knowledge, all-semiconductor source utilizing an
intensity-modulated continuous wave approach to ranging is proposed,
which facilitates reductions in weight, power, and size. Analytic and
Monte Carlo calculations suggest that high spatial resolution (<10m) or high precision (<1%) may be obtained.
Color difference evaluations on metameric color stimuli by observers of three age groups
Authors: Huang Min , Gao XinYuan , Wei Minchen , Shen Yuetong , Wang Yu , Li Xiu
Published: July 2023

Color matching functions (CMFs), which are used to derive tristimulus values and chromaticities, play a very important role in color characterization, calibration, and specifications. Great efforts have been made to investigate how CMFs can characterize the color matches and mismatches between stimuli with different spectral compositions under different sizes of field of view (FOV). Few study specifically investigated how to better characterize the CMFs for different observer ages. In this study, we carefully designed a series of color stimuli using different CMFs based on our two past studies, and asked 51 young, middle-aged, and senior observers to evaluate the color differences. The three sets of CIE 2006 CMFs (i.e., 10°, 4°, and 2°) with an age of 20-, 40-, and 70-year were found to characterize the perceived color differences for the young, middle-aged, and senior observers. In addition, it was found that the characterization of a group of observers can also be performed using these three sets of CMFs based on the distributions of the observers, which had a better correlation to the perceived color differences than the individual colorimetric model.
Integrated Bragg grating filters based on silicon-Sb2Se3 with non-volatile bandgap engineering capability
Authors: Sun Boshu , Wei Maoliang , Lei Kunhao , Chen Zequn , Sun Chunlei , Li Junying , Li Lan , Lin Hongtao
Published: July 2023

Integrated optical filters show outstanding capability in integrated reconfigurable photonic applications, including wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), programmable photonic processors, and on-chip quantum photonic networks. Present schemes for reconfigurable filters either have a large footprint or suffer from high static power consumption, hindering the development of reconfigurable photonic integrated systems. Here, a reconfigurable hybrid Bragg grating filter is elaborately designed through a precise, modified coupling mode theory. It is also experimentally presented by integrating non-volatile phase change material (PCM) Sb2Se3 on silicon to realize compact, low-loss, and broadband engineering operations. The fabricated filter holds a compact footprint of 0.5 µm × 43.5 µm and maintains a low insertion loss of < 0.5 dB after multiple levels of engineering to achieve crystallization. The filter is able to switch from a low-loss transmission state to the Bragg reflection state, making it a favorable solution for large-scale reconfigurable photonic circuits. With a switching extinction ratio over 30 dB at 1504.85 nm, this hybrid filter breaks the tradeoff between insertion loss and tuning range. These results reveal its potential as a new candidate for a basic element in large-scale non-volatile reconfigurable systems.
Air-laser-based coherent Raman spectroscopy of atmospheric molecules in a filamentary plasma grating
Authors: Cao Jincheng , Fu Yao , Wang Tianbo , Li Helong , Xu Huailiang
Published: July 2023

Coherent Raman spectroscopy (CRS) with air-laser-based hybrid femtosecond/picosecond (fs/ps) pulses has shown promising potential for remote detection and surveillance of atmospheric species with high temporal and frequency resolution. Here, to enhance the sensitivity and extend the detection distance, we generate the CRS spectra of air molecules in situ in a filamentary plasma grating, and show that the grating can efficiently enhance the intensities of the coherent vibrational Raman lines of N2, O2, and N2+ by 2–3 orders of magnitude at an extended distance. By examining the intensities of the Raman lines, fs-pulsed supercontinuum, and ps-pulsed air laser produced under different grating conditions, we reveal that the optimization of the Raman lines is achieved by the dynamic balance between the supercontinuum-induced vibrational coherence and air-laser-induced polarization of the air species.
Lorentzian dispersive antireflection temporal coatings with multiple time durations
Authors: Feng Fanghu , Wang Neng , Wang Guo Ping
Published: July 2023

As the temporal counterparts of traditional antireflection coatings, antireflection temporal coatings (ATCs) provide a novel approach to eliminate reflections by employing two-step temporal modulations. The interval between these two temporal modulation steps is called the time duration of the ATC. In this Letter, we explore ATCs utilizing Lorentzian dispersive media through an extended temporal transfer matrix method, and we discover that they exhibit diverse time durations and offer the potential for enhanced transmission. On one hand, the Lorentzian dispersive ATC can function as a temporal quarter-wave impedance transformer, similar to nondispersive ATCs. In this scenario, the time durations are consistently shorter than those of nondispersive ATCs, gradually converging to a constant value as the dielectric constant of the output layer approaches infinity. On the other hand, by finely tuning the parameters of the Lorentzian dispersive temporal coating, reflections can also be accidentally eliminated, which is not achievable with nondispersive temporal coatings. Consequently, Lorentzian dispersive ATCs offer additional time durations compared with nondispersive ATCs. Furthermore, Lorentzian dispersive ATCs with different time durations lead to distinct transmission characteristics. In certain cases, they can even enhance transmissions, a feat unattainable for nondispersive ATCs. These Lorentzian dispersive ATCs are feasible in the gigahertz and even terahertz regimes.
Controlling the directional excitation of surface plasmon polaritons using tunable non-Hermitian metasurfaces
Authors: Zhang Guohao , Liu Jiaqing , Dong Daxing , Chen Changdong , Liu Youwen , Fu Yangyang
Published: July 2023

In this work, we propose an efficient approach to controlling the directional excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) by dynamically modulating the real-part perturbation in a passive parity-time symmetric metasurface. This non-Hermitian system can experience two exceptional points that can induce two unidirectional excitation states of SPPs along opposite directions. Empowered by its superior modulation depth, the energy ratio and energy intensities of two excited SPP states can be effectively manipulated by this non-Hermitian metasurface. To demonstrate these findings, we design and numerically verify non-Hermitian metasurfaces integrated with an Sb2Se3 phase-change material. Our work provides a promising platform for the controllable engineering of SPP excitations, holding significant potential for the development of new plasmonic devices, including on-chip SPP sources, routers and sorters, and integrated optical circuits.
Using characteristic mode theory to design and analyze an X-band polarization conversion metasurface
Authors: Yazdani-Shavakand Mona , Ahmadi-Shokouh Javad , Dashti Hamideh
Published: July 2023

This paper proposes a new framework based on the characteristic modes analysis (CMA) to design polarization conversion metasurfaces (PCMs). This approach relies on the information inferred from the characteristic currents of the dominant modes (DMs). To demonstrate the advantages of this strategy, a multi-functional PCM is designed for the X-band frequencies. Besides, this paper expands and develops the characteristic mode rotation (CMR) method to reveal the intrinsic behavior of PCMs in a new manner. In addition, the extended CMR method is utilized for the first time to investigate the physical concepts behind polarization purity and angular stability at the resonance frequencies. Finally, a prototype of the designed polarizer is fabricated and its reflection coefficients are measured. A great agreement between simulation and measurement results is obtained.
The CBS test: Development, evaluation & cross-validation of a community-based injury severity scoring system in Cameroon
Authors: Tupper Haley , Oke Rasheedat , Juillard Catherine , Dissak-DeLon Fanny , Chichom-Mefire Alain , Mbianyor Mbiarikai Agbor , Etoundi-Mballa Georges Alain , Kinge Thompson , Njock Louis Richard , Nkusu Daniel N. , Tsiagadigui Jean-Gustave , Carvalho Melissa , Yost Mark , Christie S. Ariane
Published: July 2023

Injury-related deaths overwhelmingly occur in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Community-based injury surveillance is essential to accurately capture trauma epidemiology in LMICs, where one-third of injured individuals never present to formal care. However, community-based studies are constrained by the lack of a validated surrogate injury severity metric. The primary objective of this bipartite study was to cross-validate a novel community-based injury severity (CBS) scoring system with previously-validated injury severity metrics using multi-center trauma registry data. A set of targeted questions to ascertain injury severity in non-medical settings–the CBS test—was iteratively developed with Cameroonian physicians and laypeople. The CBS test was first evaluated in the community-setting in a large household-based injury surveillance survey in southwest Cameroon. The CBS test was subsequently incorporated into the Cameroon Trauma Registry, a prospective multi-site national hospital-based trauma registry, and cross-validated in the hospital setting using objective injury metrics in patients presenting to four trauma hospitals. Among 8065 surveyed household members with 503 injury events, individuals with CBS indicators (CBS+) were more likely to report ongoing disability after injury compared to CBS- individuals (OR 1.9, p = 0.004), suggesting the CBS test is a promising injury severity proxy. In 9575 injured patients presenting for formal evaluation, the CBS test strongly predicted death in patients after controlling for age, sex, socioeconomic status, and injury type (OR 30.26, p<0.0001). Compared to established injury severity scoring systems, the CBS test comparably predicts mortality (AUC: 0.8029), but is more feasible to calculate in both the community and clinical contexts. The CBS test is a simple, valid surrogate metric of injury severity that can be deployed widely in community-based surveys to improve estimates of injury severity in under-resourced settings.
Antimalarial mass drug administration in large populations and the evolution of drug resistance
Authors: Nguyen Tran Dang , Tran Thu Nguyen-Anh , Parker Daniel M. , White Nicholas J. , Boni Maciej F.
Published: July 2023

Mass drug administration (MDA) with antimalarials has been shown to reduce prevalence and interrupt transmission in small populations, in populations with reliable access to antimalarial drugs, and in populations where sustained improvements in diagnosis and treatment are possible. In addition, when MDA is effective it eliminates both drug-resistant parasites and drug-sensitive parasites, which has the long-term benefit of extending the useful therapeutic life of first-line therapies for all populations, not just the focal population where MDA was carried out. However, in order to plan elimination measures effectively, it is necessary to characterize the conditions under which failed MDA could exacerbate resistance. We use an individual-based stochastic model of Plasmodium falciparum transmission to evaluate this risk for MDA using dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PPQ), in populations where access to antimalarial treatments may not be uniformly high and where re-importation of drug-resistant parasites may be common. We find that artemisinin-resistance evolution at the kelch13 locus can be accelerated by MDA when all three of the following conditions are met: (1) strong genetic bottlenecking that falls short of elimination, (2) re-importation of artemisinin-resistant genotypes, and (3) continued selection pressure during routine case management post-MDA. Accelerated resistance levels are not immediate but follow the rebound of malaria cases post-MDA, if this is allowed to occur. Crucially, resistance is driven by the selection pressure during routine case management post-MDA and not the selection pressure exerted during the MDA itself. Second, we find that increasing treatment coverage post-MDA increases the probability of local elimination in low-transmission regions (prevalence < 2%) in scenarios with both low and high levels of drug-resistance importation. This emphasizes the importance of planning for and supporting high coverage of diagnosis and treatment post-MDA.
Crowdsourcing to support training for public health: A scoping review
Authors: Tahlil Kadija M. , Nwaozuru Ucheoma , Conserve Donaldson F. , Onyeama Ujunwa F. , Ojo Victor , Day Suzanne , Ong Jason J. , Tang Weiming , Rosenberg Nora E. , Gbajabiamila Titi , Nkengasong Susan , Obiezu-Umeh Chisom , Oladele David , Iwelunmor Juliet , Ezechi Oliver , Tucker Joseph D.
Published: July 2023

Crowdsourcing is an interactive process that has a group of individuals attempt to solve all or part of a problem and then share solutions with the public. Crowdsourcing is increasingly used to enhance training through developing learning materials and promoting mentorship. This scoping review aims to assess the literature on crowdsourcing for training in public health. We searched five medical and public health research databases using terms related to crowdsourcing and training. For this review, the concept of crowdsourcing included open calls, designathons, and other activities. We used a PRISMA checklist for scoping reviews. Each full-text was assessed by two independent reviewers. We identified 4,071 citations, and 74 studies were included in the scoping review. This included one study in a low-income country, 15 studies in middle-income countries, 35 studies in high-income countries, and 11 studies conducted in multiple countries of varying income levels (the country income level for 12 studies could not be ascertained). Nine studies used open calls, 35 used a hackathon, designathon or other “a-thon” event, and 30 used other crowdsourcing methods, such as citizen science programs and online creation platforms. In terms of crowdsourcing purpose, studies used crowdsourcing to educate participants (20 studies), develop learning materials (17 studies), enhance mentorship (13 studies) and identify trainees (9 studies). Fifteen studies used crowdsourcing for more than one training purpose. Thirty-four studies were done in-person, 31 were conducted virtually and nine used both meeting options for their crowdsourcing events. Seventeen studies generated open access materials. Our review found that crowdsourcing has been increasingly used to support public health training. This participatory approach can be a useful tool for training in a variety of settings and populations. Future research should investigate the impact of crowdsourcing on training outcomes.
Hospital length of stay throughout bed pathways and factors affecting this time: A non-concurrent cohort study of Colombia COVID-19 patients and an unCoVer network project
Authors: Ruiz Galvis Lina Marcela , Pérez Aguirre Carlos Andrés , Pérez Bedoya Juan Pablo , Mendoza Cardozo Oscar Ignacio , Barengo Noël Christopher , Sánchez Escudero Juan Pablo , Cardona Jiménez Johnatan , Diaz Valencia Paula Andrea
Published: July 2023

Predictions of hospital beds occupancy depends on hospital admission rates and the length of stay (LoS) according to bed type (general ward -GW- and intensive care unit -ICU- beds). The objective of this study was to describe the LoS of COVID-19 hospital patients in Colombia during 2020–2021. Accelerated failure time models were used to estimate the LoS distribution according to each bed type and throughout each bed pathway. Acceleration factors and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to measure the effect on LoS of the outcome, sex, age, admission period during the epidemic (i.e., epidemic waves, peaks or valleys, and before/after vaccination period), and patients geographic origin. Most of the admitted COVID-19 patients occupied just a GW bed. Recovered patients spent more time in the GW and ICU beds than deceased patients. Men had longer LoS than women. In general, the LoS increased with age. Finally, the LoS varied along epidemic waves. It was lower in epidemic valleys than peaks, and decreased after vaccinations began in Colombia. Our study highlights the necessity of analyzing local data on hospital admission rates and LoS to design strategies to prioritize hospital beds resources during the current and future pandemics.
Genetic diversity and population structure of Vernonia amygdalina Del. in Uganda based on genome wide markers
Authors: Nantongo Judith S. , Odoi Juventine B. , Agaba Hillary , Gwali Samson
Published: July 2023

Determining the extent and distribution of genetic diversity is an essential component of plant breeding. In the present study, we explored the genetic diversity and population structure ofVernonia amygdalina, a fodder, vegetable and medicinal species of Africa and some parts of Yemen. Most empirical studies demonstrate that populations that are separated by geographic or ecological factors may experience genetic differentiation resulting from restricted gene flow between populations. A total of 238 individuals were sampled from two populations: i) Lake Victoria crescent (LVC) and ii) Southern and Eastern Lake Kyoga basin (SEK) agroecological zones of Uganda and genotyped using DArT platform. Of the two populations, the overall mean observed heterozygosity (Ho) was low to medium (Ho = 0.07[silicoDArTs] and 0.2[SNPs]). Inbreeding levels were also very low (-0.04 to -0.08) suggesting the presence of random mating. Partitioning of genetic structure in the two populations indicated that SEK exhibited a higher genetic diversity than LVC. The principal coordinates analysis (PCA) showed no geographical structuring, consistent with the low genetic differentiation (Fst= 0.00) and the low Euclidean genetic distance (1.38–1.39) between the LVC and SEK populations. However, STRUCTURE analysis with admixture models revealed weak possible genetic clusters with very small genetic distance among them. Overall, the results suggest low genetic diversity and weak genetic differentiation between the two populations. One possible explanation of the results could be the presence of human assisted gene flow over long distances.
An examination of psychometric properties of study quality assessment scales in meta-analysis: Rasch measurement model applied to the firefighter cancer literature
Authors: Ahn Soyeon , Pinheiro Paulo S. , McClure Laura A. , Hernandez Diana R. , Caban-Martinez Alberto J. , Lee David J.
Published: July 2023

Most existing quality scales have been developed with minimal attention to accepted standards of psychometric properties. Even for those that have been used widely in medical research, limited evidence exists supporting their psychometric properties. The focus of our current study is to address this gap by evaluating the psychometrics properties of two existing quality scales that are frequently used in cancer observational research: (1) Item Bank on Risk of Bias and Precision of Observational Studies developed by the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International and (2) Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOQAS). We used the Rasch measurement model to evaluate the psychometric properties of two quality scales based on the ratings of 49 studies that examine firefighters’ cancer incidence and mortality. Our study found that RTI and NOQAS have an acceptable item reliability. Two raters were consistent in their assessment, demonstrating high interrater reliability. We also found that NOQAS has more items that show better fit than the RTI scale. The NOQAS produced lower study quality scores with a smaller variation, suggesting that NOQAS items are much easier to rate. Our findings accord with a previous study, which conclude that the RTI scale was harder to apply and thus produces more heterogenous quality scores than NOQAS. Although both RTI and NOQAS showed high item reliability, NOQAS items are better fit to the underlying construct, showing higher validity of internal structure and stronger psychometric properties. The current study adds to our understanding of the psychometric properties of NOQAS and RTI scales for future meta-analyses of observational studies, particularly in the firefighter cancer literature.
Behavioural plasticity in activity and sexual interactions in a social lizard at high environmental temperatures
Authors: Rossi Nicola , Chiaraviglio Margarita , Cardozo Gabriela
Published: July 2023

Sexual selection often shapes social behavioural activities, such as movement in the environment to find possible partners, performance of displays to signal dominance and courtship behaviours. Such activities may be negatively influenced by increasing temperatures, especially in ectotherms, because individuals either have to withstand the unfavourable condition or are forced to allocate more time to thermoregulation by increasing shelter seeking behaviour. Thus, they “miss” opportunities for social and reproductive interactions. Moreover, behavioural displays of ectotherms closely depend on temperature; consequently, mate choice behaviours may be disrupted, ultimately modifying sexual selection patterns. Therefore, it would be interesting to elucidate how increasing temperatures associated with global warming may influence activity and social interactions in the species’ natural habitat and, specifically how high temperatures may modify intersexual interactions. Consequently, our aim was to explore differences in the daily pattern of social interactions in an ectotherm model,Tropidurus spinulosus, in two thermally different habitats and to determine how high temperatures modify mate choice. High environmental temperatures were found to be associated with a bimodal pattern in daily activity, which was closely linked to the daily variations in the thermal quality of the habitat; whereas the pattern and frequency of social displays showed less plasticity. The time allocated to mate choice generally decreased with increasing temperature since individuals increased the use of thermal refuges; this result supports the hypothesis of “missed opportunities”. Moreover, at high temperatures, both sexes showed changes in mate selection dynamics, with females possibly “rushing” mate choice and males showing an increase in intermale variability of reproductive displays. In our ectotherm model, plastic adjustments in the behavioural activity pattern induced by high temperatures, plus the modification of the displays during courtship may ultimately modify mate choice patterns and sexual selection dynamics.
Genomic alterations involved in fluoroquinolone resistance development in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Huynh Thuc Quyen , Tran Van Nhi , Thai Van Chi , Nguyen Hoang An , Nguyen Ngoc Thuy Giang , Tran Minh Khang , Nguyen Thi Phuong Truc , Le Cat Anh , Ho Le Thanh Ngan , Surian Navenaah Udaya , Chen Swaine , Nguyen Thi Thu Hoai
Published: July 2023

Aim

Fluoroquinolone (FQ) is a potent antibiotic class. However, resistance to this class emerges quickly which hinders its application. In this study, mechanisms leading to the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) strains under FQ exposure were investigated.

Methodology

S. aureus ATCC 29213 was serially exposed to ciprofloxacin (CIP), ofloxacin (OFL), or levofloxacin (LEV) at sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) for 12 days to obtain S. aureus -1 strains and antibiotic-free cultured for another 10 days to obtain S. aureus-2 strains. The whole genome (WGS) and target sequencing were applied to analyze genomic alterations; and RT-qPCR was used to access the expressions of efflux-related genes, alternative sigma factors, and genes involved in FQ resistance.

Results

A strong and irreversible increase of MICs was observed in all applied FQs (32 to 128 times) in all S. aureus-1 and remained 16 to 32 times in all S. aureus-2. WGS indicated 10 noticeable mutations occurring in all FQ-exposed S. aureus including 2 insdel mutations in SACOL0573 and rimI; a synonymous mutation in hslO; and 7 missense mutations located in an untranslated region. GrlA, was found mutated (R570H) in all S. aureus-1 and -2. Genes encoding for efflux pumps and their regulator (norA, norB, norC, and mgrA); alternative sigma factors (sigB and sigS); acetyltransferase (rimI); methicillin resistance (fmtB); and hypothetical protein BJI72_0645 were overexpressed in FQ-exposed strains.

Conclusion

The emergence of MDR S. aureus was associated with the mutations in the FQ-target sequences and the overexpression of efflux pump systems and their regulators.
Trenches reduce crop foraging by elephants: Lessons from Kibale National Park, Uganda for elephant conservation in densely settled rural landscapes
Authors: Rogers Allison , Treves Adrian , Karamagi Richard , Nyakoojo Moses , Naughton-Treves Lisa
Published: July 2023

Crop loss to wildlife, particularly elephants, threatens livelihoods and support for conservation around many protected areas in Africa and Asia. Low-cost elephant barriers have been successfully deployed in savannas but seldom tested around isolated forest parks where the stakes are high for local farmers and isolated elephant populations. We measured the effectiveness of a series of ≥3 m deep trenches dug by farmers neighboring Kibale National Park, Uganda. We monitored trench quality and crop loss to elephants weekly for a year across 47 transects in four park-adjacent communities, and conducted controlled, before-and-after comparisons of verified damage. Elephants damaged or destroyed >4 ha of crops during 48 independent foraging events, the majority <220m from the forest boundary. The frequency of damage varied significantly between and within communities. The majority of trenches were not breached by elephants but five suffered ≥4 breaches. Elephant-breached trenches and their neighboring trenches were lower quality than those not breached in the same week (Wilcoxon test: p<0.001). Trenches were also more likely to be breached where people had planted more crops favored by elephants (Wilcoxon test: p = 0.014). Thus, trench quality and the draw of palatable crops both appeared to influence elephant damage. Although trenches may deter elephants, challenges include heavy labor and difficulties of digging in rocky and swampy areas. Trenches alone will not prevent conflict but this strategy holds promise for hot-spots of conflict at forest edges. Given the stakes for farmers and biodiversity, we call for systematic assessment of crop losses and offer recommendations on monitoring and analysis. Such data will allow for stronger inference about effectiveness before investment of effort and resources in interventions.
Wood decay fungi show enhanced biodeterioration of low-density polyethylene in the absence of wood in culture media
Authors: Perera Prameesha , Herath Harshini , Paranagama Priyani A. , Wijesinghe Priyanga , Attanayake Renuka N.
Published: July 2023

The involvement of microorganisms in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) degradation is widely studied across the globe. Even though soil, landfills, and garbage dumps are reported to be promising niches for such organisms, recently the involvement of wood decay fungi in polyethylene degradation is highlighted. In light of this, 50 fungal samples isolated from decaying hardwoods were assessed for their wood degradation ability and for their depolymerization enzymatic activities. For the LDPE deterioration assay, 22 fungal isolates having wood decay ability and de-polymerization enzymatic activities were selected. Fungal cultures with LDPE sheets (2 cm x 10 cm x 37.5 μm) were incubated in the presence and in the absence of wood as the carbon source (C) for 45 days. Degradation was measured by weight loss, changes in tensile properties, reduction in contact angle, changes of functional groups in Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopic imaging, and CO2 evolution by strum test. Among the isolates incubated in the absence of wood, Phlebiopsis flavidoalba out-performed the other fungal species showing the highest percentage of weight reduction (23.68 ± 0.34%), and the lowest contact angle (64.28° ± 5.01). Biodegradation of LDPE by P. flavidoalba was further supported by 46.79 ± 0.67% of the mass loss, and 3.07 ± 0.13% of CO2 emission (mg/L) in the strum test. The most striking feature of the experiment was that all the isolates showed elevated degradation of LDPE in the absence of wood than that in the presence of wood. It is clear that in the absence of a preferred C source, wood decay fungi thrive to utilize any available C source (LDPE in this case) showing the metabolic adaptability of fungi to survive under stressful conditions. A potential mechanism for LDPE degradation is also proposed.
The resource team: A case study of a solitary confinement reform in Oregon
Authors: Cloud David H. , Haney Craig , Augustine Dallas , Ahalt Cyrus , Williams Brie
Published: July 2023

The continued use of solitary confinement has sparked international public health and human rights criticisms and concerns. This carceral practice has been linked repeatedly to a range of serious psychological harms among incarcerated persons. Vulnerabilities to harm are especially dire for persons with preexisting serious mental illness (“SMI”), a group that is overrepresented in solitary confinement units. Although there have been numerous calls for the practice to be significantly reformed, curtailed, and ended altogether, few strategies exist to minimize its use for people with SMI and histories of violence against themselves or others. This case study describes the “Oregon Resource Team” (ORT), a pilot project adapted from a Norwegian officer-led, interdisciplinary team-based approach to reduce isolation and improve outcomes for incarcerated persons with SMI and histories of trauma, self-injury, and violence against others. We describe the ORT’s innovative approach, the characteristics and experiences of incarcerated people who participated in it, its reported impact on the behavior, health, and well-being of incarcerated persons and correctional staff, and ways to optimize its effectiveness and expand its use.
Wild mouse gut microbiota limits initial tuberculosis infection in BALB/c mice
Authors: Xie Min , Tsai Chen-Yu , McAdams Zachary L. , Oo Myo , Hansen Mark , Dougher Maureen , Sansano Alexander , Watson Anderson , LoMauro Katherine , Antilus-Sainte Rosleine , Ericsson Aaron , Dartois Véronique , Gengenbacher Martin
Published: July 2023

Mouse models are critical tools in tuberculosis (TB) research. Recent studies have demonstrated that the wild mouse gut microbiota promotes host fitness and improves disease resistance. Here we examine whether the wild mouse gut microbiota alters the immunopathology of TB in BALB/c mice. Conventional BALB/c mice (LabC) and mice born to germ-free BALB/c mothers reconstituted with the wild mouse gut microbiota (WildR) were used in our studies. WildR mice controlled initial TB infection better than LabC mice. The microbial gut communities of LabC mice and WildR mice had similar richness but significantly different composition prior to infection. TB reduced the gut community richness in both cohorts while differences in community composition remained indicating a general TB-induced dysbiosis. The wild mouse gut microbiota did not alter the typical lung histopathology of TB in the BALB/c model that includes unstructured immune cell infiltrates with infected foamy macrophages invading alveolar spaces. Animals of both cohorts mounted robust T cell responses in lungs and spleen with lower absolute counts of CD4 and CD8 T cells in lungs of WildR mice during acute infection, corresponding with observed differences in pathogen load. In summary, LabC mice and WildR mice showed largely overlapping TB immunopathology and pathogen kinetics, with WildR mice controlling early acute infection better than LabC mice.
Different levels of hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes, their achieved mean HbA1c vs. all-cause and cardiovascular mortality
Authors: Ooi Seng-Wei , Yeh Shu-Tin , Chang Ya-Hui , Li Chung-Yi , Chen Hua-Fen
Published: July 2023

Aim

In patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), levels of hypoglycemia and their risk of mortality are not well understood. The aim of this study was to ascertain the correlation among disparate levels of hypoglycemia and patients with T2D’s achieved mean glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Methods

27,932 T2D patients taking hypoglycemic medications at outpatient visits for more than 6 months between 2008 and 2018 were linked to Taiwan’s National Death Registry. We determined the respective mortality rates with Poisson assumption, and explored the relative risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality according to dissimilar levels of hypoglycemia with their achieved mean HbA1c by Cox proportional hazard regression model with adjustment of potential confounders.

Results

T2D patients with level 3 hypoglycemia had the highest rates of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Compared with those who never encountered hypoglycemia, study subjects with level 1 and level 2 hypoglycemia did not show excessive risks of either all-cause or cardiovascular mortality. Only those with level 3 hypoglycemia revealed marginal risk of all-cause (Hazard ratio [HR]: 1.18; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.04–1.33) but not cardiovascular mortality (HR: 1.16; 95% CI 0.88–1.53). In T2D patients with hypoglycemia, only those with mean HbA1c ≥9.0% increased all-cause mortality in level 3 hypoglycemia, and cardiovascular mortality in level 1 hypoglycemia.

Conclusions

Elevated risk of all-cause mortality was exclusively found in patients with level 3 hypoglycemia. In T2D patients with hypoglycemia, mean HbA1c ≥ 9% increased all-cause or cardiovascular mortality. Aggressive treatment of accompanying serious illness in severe hypoglycemia may help reduce mortality in patients with T2DM.
Transparency of COVID-19-related research: A meta-research study
Authors: Sofi-Mahmudi Ahmad , Raittio Eero , Uribe Sergio E.
Published: July 2023

Background

We aimed to assess the adherence to five transparency practices (data availability, code availability, protocol registration and conflicts of interest (COI), and funding disclosures) from open access Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related articles.

Methods

We searched and exported all open access COVID-19-related articles from PubMed-indexed journals in the Europe PubMed Central database published from January 2020 to June 9, 2022. With a validated and automated tool, we detected transparent practices of three paper types: research articles, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and reviews. Basic journal- and article-related information were retrieved from the database. We used R for the descriptive analyses.

Results

The total number of articles was 258,678, of which we were able to retrieve full texts of 186,157 (72%) articles from the database Over half of the papers (55.7%, n = 103,732) were research articles, 10.9% (n = 20,229) were review articles, and less than one percent (n = 1,202) were RCTs. Approximately nine-tenths of articles (in all three paper types) had a statement to disclose COI. Funding disclosure (83.9%, confidence interval (CI): 81.7–85.8 95%) and protocol registration (53.5%, 95% CI: 50.7–56.3) were more frequent in RCTs than in reviews or research articles. Reviews shared data (2.5%, 95% CI: 2.3–2.8) and code (0.4%, 95% CI: 0.4–0.5) less frequently than RCTs or research articles. Articles published in 2022 had the highest adherence to all five transparency practices. Most of the reviews (62%) and research articles (58%) adhered to two transparency practices, whereas almost half of the RCTs (47%) adhered to three practices. There were journal- and publisher-related differences in all five practices, and articles that did not adhere to transparency practices were more likely published in lowest impact journals and were less likely cited.

Conclusion

While most articles were freely available and had a COI disclosure, adherence to other transparent practices was far from acceptable. A much stronger commitment to open science practices, particularly to protocol registration, data and code sharing, is needed from all stakeholders.
NIH funding for patents that contribute to market exclusivity of drugs approved 2010–2019 and the public interest protections of Bayh-Dole
Authors: Ledley Fred D. , Cleary Ekaterina Galkina
Published: July 2023

Previous studies have shown that National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding contributed >$187 billion for basic or applied research related to the 356 drugs approved 2010–2019. This analysis asks how much of this funding led to patents cited as providing market exclusivity, patents that would be subject to the provisions of the Bayh-Dole Act that promote and protect the public interest. The method involves identifying published research in PubMed related to the approved drugs (applied research) or their targets (basic research). NIH-funded projects (grants) funding these publications and patents arising from these projects were both identified in RePORT. Patents cited as providing market exclusivity were identified in DrugPatentWatch (which incorporates FDA Orange Book). NIH funded basic or applied research related to all 313 FDA-approved drugs 2010–2019 with at least one patent in DrugPatentWatch. This research comprised 350 thousand publications (9% applied research; 91% basic research) supported by 341 thousand fiscal years (project years) of NIH funding and $164 billion in NIH project year costs (17% applied research; 83% basic research). These NIH projects also produced 22,360 patents, 119 of which were cited in DrugPatentWatch as protecting 34/313 drugs. These patents were associated with 769 project years of NIH funding (0.23% total) and project year costs of $0.95 billion (0.59% total). Overall, only 1.5% of total NIH funding for applied research and 0.38% of total NIH funding for basic research was associated with patents in DrugPatentWatch. This analysis shows that very little of the NIH funding for research that contributes to new drug approvals leads to patents that provide market exclusivity and are subject to the provisions of the Bayh-Dole Act that promote the public interest in practical applications of the research, reasonable use and pricing, and a return on this public sector investment. This suggests that the Bayh-Dole Act is limited in its ability to protect the public interest in the pharmaceutical innovations driven by NIH-funded research.
Molecular phylogeny of the Orthalicoidea land snails: Further support and surprises
Authors: Salvador Rodrigo B. , Silva Fernanda S. , Cavallari Daniel C. , Köhler Frank , Slapcinsky John , Breure Abraham S. H.
Published: July 2023

The superfamily Orthalicoidea comprises approximately 2,000 species of terrestrial gastropods, mostly concentrated in the Neotropics but also present in southern Africa and Oceania. We provide a multi-marker molecular phylogeny of this superfamily, reassessing its family- and genus-level classification. We exclude two families from the group, Odontostomidae and Vidaliellidae, transferring them to Rhytidoidea based on their phylogenetic relationships as recovered herein. Two new families are recognized herein as members of Orthalicoidea, Tomogeridae and Cyclodontinidae fam. nov. The family Megaspiridae and the subfamily Prestonellinae are paraphyletic but are retained herein for taxonomic stability. The subfamily Placostylinae is synonymized with Bothriembryontinae. The new genera Alterorhinus gen. nov. and Sanniostracus gen. nov. containing some Brazilian species are described here to better reflect the phylogeny. The fossil record and paleobiogeographic history of the group is explored under the new phylogenetic framework.