bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A posteriori error analysis of space-time discontinuous Galerkin methods for the ε-stochastic Allen–Cahn equation
Authors: Antonopoulou Dimitra C , Egwu Bernard , Yan Yubin
Published: August 2023

In this work, we apply an a posteriori error analysis for the space-time, discontinuous in time, Galerkin scheme, which has been proposed in Antonopoulou (2020, Space-time discontinuous Galerkin methods for the $\varepsilon $-dependent stochastic Allen–Cahn equation with mild noise. IMA J. Num. Analysis, 40, 2076–2105) for the $\varepsilon $-dependent stochastic Allen–Cahn equation with mild noise $\dot{W}^\varepsilon $ tending to rough as $\varepsilon \rightarrow 0$. Our results are derived under low regularity since the noise even smooth in space is assumed only one-time continuously differentiable in time, according to the minimum regularity properties of Funaki (1999, Singular limit for stochastic reaction–diffusion equation and generation of random interfaces. Acta Math. Sinica, 15, 407–438). We prove a posteriori error estimates for the $m$-dimensional problem, $m\leq 4$ for a general class of space-time finite element spaces. The a posteriori bound is growing only polynomially in $\varepsilon ^{-1}$ if the step length $h$ is bounded by a positive power of $\varepsilon $. This agrees with the restriction posed so far in the a priori error analysis of continuous finite element schemes for the $\varepsilon $-dependent deterministic Allen–Cahn or deterministic and stochastic Cahn–Hilliard equation. As an application, we examine tensorial elements where the discrete solution is approximated by polynomial functions of separated space and time variables; the a posteriori estimates there involve dimensions, and the space, time discretization parameters. We then consider the special case of the mild noise $\dot{W}^\varepsilon $ as defined in Weber (2010, On the short time asymptotic of the stochastic Allen–Cahn equation. Ann. Inst. Henri Poincare Probab. Stat., 46, 965–975) through the convolution of a Gaussian process with a proper mollifying kernel, which is then numerically constructed. Finally, we provide some useful insights for the numerical algorithm, and present for the first time some numerical experiments of the scheme for both one- and two-dimensional problems in various cases of interest, and compare with the deterministic ones.
Manufacturing Processes of a Purified Microbiome Therapeutic Reduce Risk of Transmission of Potential Bacterial Pathogens in Donor Stool
Authors: McChalicher Christopher W J , Lombardo Mary-Jane , Khanna Sahil , McKenzie Gregory J , Halvorsen Elizabeth M , Almomani Sanabel , Schuster Brian , Hasson Brooke R , McGovern Barbara H , Ege David S , Auniņš John G
Published: August 2023

Background

Although fecal microbiota transplant has been used to prevent recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI), documented pathogen transmissions highlight inherent safety risks of minimally processed stool. We describe manufacturing processes for fecal microbiota spores, live (VOWST; VOS, formerly SER-109), a microbiota-based oral therapeutic of Firmicutes spores.

Methods

Bacterial inactivation kill curves were obtained after ethanol exposure for 4 model organisms spiked into process intermediates.

Results

Bacterial log reduction factors ranged from 6.5 log10 to 7.4 log10 and lysis of spiked organisms occurred rapidly within 30 seconds.

Conclusions

These experiments demonstrate substantial and rapid inactivation of representative organisms, supporting the potential benefit of VOS manufacturing processes to mitigate risk.
Natural Resource Exploitation and Military Spending
Authors: Conrad Justin
Published: August 2023

Why do some states allocate more resources to their military than others? Governments are likely to perceive acute threats to their authority and legitimacy when they face insurgencies in which rebel groups earn significant revenues from the exploitation of natural resources. In response, governments allocate greater amounts to their military budgets. Using data on the exploitation of natural resources by rebel groups and defense spending for states around the world, I find that states where rebel groups profit from natural resources allocate more to their defense budgets than other states. This finding holds even after controlling for the presence of civil conflict itself. The study suggests that rebel exploitation of resources may have an indirect impact on interstate relations: If states indeed face a security dilemma, then increased spending resulting from these internal dynamics is likely to exacerbate the problem.
Yeasts as sustainable biocontrol agents against ochratoxigenic Aspergillus species and in vitro optimization of ochratoxin A detoxification
Authors: Cardoso Gimenes Danielle , Ono Mario Augusto , de Souza Suguiura Igor Massahiro , Macagnan Rafaela , Sartori Daniele , Borsato Dionisio , Pelegrinelli Fungaro Maria Helena , Ono Elisabete Yurie Sataque
Published: August 2023

Aims

The aims of this study were to evaluate the potential of Hanseniaspora opuntiae, Meyerozyma caribbica, and Kluyveromyces marxianus for in vitro biocontrol of Aspergillus ochraceus, A. westerdijkiae, and A. carbonarius growth, the ochratoxin A (OTA) effect on yeast growth, and yeast in vitro OTA detoxification ability using an experimental design to predict the combined effects of inoculum size, incubation time, and OTA concentration.

Methods and Results

Predictive models were developed using an incomplete Box–Behnken experimental design to predict the combined effects of inoculum size, incubation time, and OTA concentration on OTA detoxification by the yeasts. The yeasts were able to inhibit fungal growth from 13% to 86%. Kluyveromyces marxianus was the most efficient in inhibiting the three Aspergillus species. Furthermore, high OTA levels (100 ng ml−1) did not affect yeast growth over 72 h incubation. The models showed that the maximum OTA detoxification under optimum conditions was 86.8% (H. opuntiae), 79.3% (M. caribbica), and 73.7% (K. marxianus), with no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the values predicted and the results obtained experimentally.

Conclusion

The yeasts showed potential for biocontrol of ochratoxigenic fungi and OTA detoxification, and the models developed are important tools for predicting the best conditions for the application of these yeasts as detoxification agents.
The effects of dietary essential fatty acid ratios and linoleic acid level in grow–finish pigs
Authors: Becker Spenser L , Humphrey Dalton C , Karriker Locke A , Brown Justin T , Skoland Kristin J , Greiner Laura L
Published: August 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary linoleic acid level and the ratio of linoleic acid:linolenic acid (LA:ALA) on the growth performance, expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism, and inflammatory status of grow–finish pigs. A total of 300 growing pigs (body weight [BW] = 41.1 ± 6.3 kg) were randomly assigned to either a high (30 g/kg; HLA) or low (15 g/kg; LLA) dietary linoleic acid level with a high (23:1; HR), moderate (13:1; MR) or low (4:1; LR) dietary LA:ALA in a 2 × 3 factorial design. Diets were fed across three 28-d phases and were balanced for dietary metabolizable energy. Pigs were housed five pigs per pen in single-sex pens. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 21, 42, and 84, and synovial fluid was collected from the hock joint on days 0 and 84 for inflammatory marker analysis. Data were analyzed as repeated measures using PROC MIXED (SAS 9.4) with initial BW as a covariate, pen as the experimental unit, and LA level, LA:ALA, sex, phases, and their interactions as fixed effects. Compared to HLA, LLA pigs tended to have increased BW at days 56 and 84 (P = 0.088). There was no effect of LA × LA:ALA for growth performance. For the overall days 0 to 84 growth period, pigs fed HR had increased ADG compared to MR, with pigs receiving LR performing intermediate of MR and HR. Gilts receiving HR diets had increased day 84 BW compared to gilts receiving the low and moderate LA:ALA (P = 0.006), which was a result of improved overall days 0 to 84 ADG compared to gilts receiving the MR diets (P = 0.023). Barrows fed LR had improved BW on day 56 compared to MR and HR and higher final BW compared to HR, with MR performing intermediately (P = 0.006). This was a result of greater days 0 to 84 ADG (P = 0.023). Overall, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and interleukin-6 were reduced in the plasma of pigs over time (P ≤ 0.037). Across all treatments, CRP and TNFα were reduced in the hock and carpus synovial fluid on day 84 vs. day 0 (P ≤ 0.049). In conclusion, LA:ALA ratios utilized in this study can be fed at varying linoleic acid levels without impacting growth or inflammation. Additionally, LA:ALA ratios can differentially impact the growth of gilts and barrows.
A century of Illinois hover flies (Diptera: Syrphidae): museum and citizen science data reveal recent range expansions, contractions, and species of potential conservation significance
Authors: Clem C Scott , Hart Lily V , McElrath Thomas C
Published: August 2023

Hover flies of the family Syrphidae are a highly diverse group of insects that exhibit varied life histories and provide numerous ecosystem services. Despite their importance, they are highly understudied, and many biological and distributional patterns remain unknown in regions like the midwestern United States. Data from specimens exist in regional insect collections but is largely undigitized and thus inaccessible to much of the scientific community. Here, we report our efforts to identify, recurate, and digitize thousands of specimens from the Illinois Natural History Survey Insect Collection. We then combine these data with existing datasets to compile a comprehensive checklist of Illinois hover fly fauna, assess for temporal range expansion/contraction trends, and identify species of potential conservation significance. All total, the over 20,000 specimens/records we examined revealed 209 species within 71 genera and all 4 subfamilies of Syrphidae to have ever occurred in Illinois. Based on previously published data, 68 of these species are new Illinois state records and 36 expand the previously known range significantly. Numerous species found in Illinois historically have only recently been reported further north, while others of historically southern distribution appear to be extending their range northward, possibly due to anthropogenic factors like climate change. Furthermore, 73 species have not been reported in Illinois since at least 1995, and 27 are deemed to be of potential conservation significance with few to no recent records in the Midwest or elsewhere. Our findings illustrate the importance of routine expansion, curation, and digitization of natural history collections.
Efficacy of an enhanced recovery after surgery pathway to manage pain, nausea and vomiting after head and neck surgeries with free tissue transfer reconstruction
Authors: Imai Takayuki , Takasago Teiko , Momma Yumiko , Chiba Tomoyo , Nakanome Ayako , Morita Sinkichi , Hasegawa Kohsei , Ito Kazue , Goto Takahiro , Asada Yukinori
Published: August 2023

Background

Pain and post-operative nausea and vomiting are the main factors that impair the quality of recovery after surgery. Very few reports have analyzed patient-reported outcomes to investigate the efficacy of an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol to alleviate these symptoms after head and neck surgeries with free tissue transfer reconstruction.

Methods

We investigated post-operative pain and post-operative nausea and vomiting in 47 patients who underwent head and neck surgeries with free tissue transfer reconstruction with enhanced recovery after surgery support between February 2021 and August 2022. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale and Japanese version of the Quality of Recovery-40.

Results

Significant increases in the mean visual analog scale scores for pain and post-operative nausea and vomiting were observed only on post-operative Day 1 compared with preoperative values (pain: 3.19 ± 2.78 vs. 1.96 ± 2.42, P = 0.0408; post-operative nausea and vomiting: 1.52 ± 2.09 vs. 0.54 ± 1.37, P = 0.0194). From post-operative Day 2, there were no significant differences between the pre- and post-operative visual analog scale scores, and no significant increases in the incidences of moderate or severe pain and post-operative nausea and vomiting compared with preoperatively. The Japanese version of the Quality of Recovery-40 score for post-operative pain showed no significant deterioration compared with preoperatively, while the Japanese version of the Quality of Recovery-40 score for post-operative nausea and vomiting showed significant deterioration compared with the preoperative value on post-operative Days 2, 4 and 7.

Conclusions

The visual analog scale and Japanese version of the Quality of Recovery-40 scores for post-operative pain and visual analog scale score for post-operative nausea and vomiting suggested that the enhanced recovery after surgery strategy favorably controlled pain and post-operative nausea and vomiting after head and neck surgeries with free tissue transfer reconstruction. However, as the post-operative Japanese version of the Quality of Recovery-40 score for post-operative nausea and vomiting was lower than the preoperative value, there is still a need for further improvement of the enhanced recovery after surgery pathway.
The transcriptional activator Klf5 recruits p300-mediated H3K27ac for maintaining trophoblast stem cell pluripotency
Authors: Dou Chengli , Wu Linhui , Zhang Jingjing , He Hainan , Xu Tian , Yu Zhisheng , Su Peng , Zhang Xia , Wang Junling , Miao Yi-Liang , Zhou Jilong
Published: August 2023

The effective proliferation and differentiation of trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) is indispensable for the development of the placenta, which is the key to maintaining normal fetal growth during pregnancy. Kruppel-like factor 5 (Klf5) is implicated in the activation of pluripotency gene expression in embryonic stem cells (ESCs), yet its function in TSCs is poorly understood. Here, we showed that Klf5 knockdown resulted in the downregulation of core TSC-specific genes, consequently causing rapid differentiation of TSCs. Consistently, Klf5-depleted embryos lost the ability to establish TSCs in vitro. At the molecular level, Klf5 preferentially occupied the proximal promoter regions and maintained an open chromatin architecture of key TSC-specific genes. Deprivation of Klf5 impaired the enrichment of p300, a major histone acetyl transferase of H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac), and further reduced the occupancy of H3K27ac at promoter regions, leading to decreased transcriptional activity of TSC pluripotency genes. Thus, our findings highlight a novel mechanism of Klf5 in regulating the self-renewal and differentiation of TSCs and provide a reference for understanding placental development and improving pregnancy rates.
Evaluation of In2Care mosquito stations for suppression of the Australian backyard mosquito, Aedes notoscriptus (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Paris Véronique , Bell Nicholas , Schmidt Thomas L , Endersby-Harshman Nancy M , Hoffmann Ary A
Published: August 2023

Aedes notoscriptus (Skuse) is a container-inhabiting mosquito endemic to Australia that vectors arboviruses and is suspected to transmit Mycobacterium ulcerans, the cause of Buruli ulcer. We evaluated the effectiveness of the In2Care station, which suppresses mosquito populations via the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, and the insect growth regulator pyriproxyfen, the latter of which is autodisseminated among larval habitats by contaminated mosquitoes. A field trial was conducted using 110 In2Care stations in a 50,000 m2 area and results were compared to 4 control areas that did not receive the treatment. Efficacy was evaluated by comparing egg counts and measuring larvicidal impact in surrounding breeding sites. Laboratory experiments validated the effect of B. bassiana on adult survival. Results of this field trial indicate that, 6 wk after the In2Care stations were deployed, treatment site ovitraps contained 43% fewer eggs than control site ovitraps, and 33% fewer eggs after 10 wk, suggesting that the In2Care station was able to reduce the egg density of Ae. notoscriptus. Population reduction remained evident for up to 3 wk after In2Care stations were removed. Treatment site ovitraps had significantly fewer Ae. notoscriptus eclosing than control site ovitraps, confirming the pyriproxyfen autodissemination feature of the stations. An average reduction of 50% in adult eclosion was achieved. Exposure to B. bassiana resulted in four-times higher mortality among adult mosquitoes. Additionally, using fresh In2Care nettings led to an 88% decrease in average survival compared to 4-wk-old nettings. The use of In2Care stations has potential for suppressing Ae. notoscriptus egg density.
Could conditioned medium be used instead of stem cell transplantation to repair spinal cord injury in animal models? Identifying knowledge gaps
Authors: Hajisoltani Razieh , Taghizadeh Mona , Hamblin Michael R , Ramezani Fatemeh
Published: August 2023

The drawbacks of stem cell (SC) therapies have led to investigations of SC conditioned medium (CM) instead of SC transplantation in the repair of spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the effectiveness of CM in comparison with cell transplantation in SCI models remain an open and intriguing question. The focus of this review was to survey existing publications addressing this comparison. The review included articles from electronic databases Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science that included comparisons of the effects of CM versus SC transplantation and versus controls on locomotion after SCI. The search yielded 5 studies and 6 experiments. The results indicated that there was insufficient evidence to conclude that treatment with CM and source cells were equally effective (SMD = 0.12; 95% CI = −0.36 to 0.59; p = 0.07). Regarding investigations of separate effects of SCs versus CM, there currently is limited evidence on efficacy in SCI models. This highlights a notable concern affecting this field. Thus, we identified critical knowledge gaps concerning comparisons of the efficacy of therapeutic application of SC and their derived CM on functional recovery following SCI.
Confidence tubes for curves on SO(3) and identification of subject-specific gait change after kneeling
Authors: Telschow Fabian J E , Pierrynowski Michael R , Huckemann Stephan F
Published: August 2023

In order to identify changes of gait patterns, e.g. due to prolonged occupational kneeling, which might be a major risk factor for the development of knee osteoarthritis, we develop confidence tubes for curves following a perturbation model on SO(3) using the Gaussian kinematic formula which are equivariant under gait similarities and have precise coverage even for small sample sizes. Applying them to gait curves from eight volunteers undergoing kneeling tasks and adjusting for different walking speeds and marker replacement at different visits, allows us to identify at which phases of the gait cycle the gait pattern changed due to kneeling.
Influenza: seasonality and travel-related considerations
Authors: Kakoullis Loukas , Steffen Robert , Osterhaus Albert , Goeijenbier Marco , Rao Sowmya R , Koiso Satoshi , Hyle Emily P , Ryan Edward T , LaRocque Regina C , Chen Lin H
Published: August 2023

Rationale for review

This review aims to summarize the transmission patterns of influenza, its seasonality in different parts of the globe, air travel- and cruise ship-related influenza infections and interventions to reduce transmission.

Key findings

The seasonality of influenza varies globally, with peak periods occurring mainly between October and April in the northern hemisphere (NH) and between April and October in the southern hemisphere (SH) in temperate climate zones. However, influenza seasonality is significantly more variable in the tropics. Influenza is one of the most common travel-related, vaccine-preventable diseases and can be contracted during travel, such as during a cruise or through air travel. Additionally, travellers can come into contact with people from regions with ongoing influenza transmission. Current influenza immunization schedules in the NH and SH leave individuals susceptible during their respective spring and summer months if they travel to the other hemisphere during that time.

Conclusions/recommendations

The differences in influenza seasonality between hemispheres have substantial implications for the effectiveness of influenza vaccination of travellers. Health care providers should be aware of influenza activity when patients report travel plans, and they should provide alerts and advise on prevention, diagnostic and treatment options. To mitigate the risk of travel-related influenza, interventions include antivirals for self-treatment (in combination with the use of rapid self-tests), extending the shelf life of influenza vaccines to enable immunization during the summer months for international travellers and allowing access to the influenza vaccine used in the opposite hemisphere as a travel-related vaccine. With the currently available vaccines, the most important preventive measure involves optimizing the seasonal influenza vaccination. It is also imperative that influenza is recognized as a travel-related illness among both travellers and health care professionals.
Custom Iris Prosthesis for Subtotal Traumatic Aniridia From Combat Ocular Trauma
Authors: Gensheimer William G
Published: August 2023

Traumatic aniridia from combat ocular trauma can cause visual disability. A 41-year-old male Army Veteran was referred for evaluation of light sensitivity and glare secondary to subtotal traumatic aniridia of his left eye from an improvised explosive device blast. A custom-made artificial iris prosthesis was implanted in the ciliary sulcus and secured using Gore-Tex sutures. After surgery, the patient reported improvement of his light sensitivity and quality of life. The custom iris prosthesis is a surgical option for visual disability resulting from traumatic aniridia from combat ocular trauma.
Constraints to the semimajor axis of outer particles with nodal librations by general relativity effects
Authors: Zanardi M , de Elía G C , Dugaro A , Coronel C F
Published: August 2023

We study nodal librations of outer particles in the framework of the elliptical restricted three-body problem including general relativity (GR) effects. From an analytical treatment based on secular interactions up to quadrupole level, we derive equations that define the nodal libration region of an outer test particle, which depends on the physical and orbital parameters of the bodies of the system. From this, we analyse how the GR constrains the semimajor axis of outer test particles that experience nodal librations under the effects of an inner planet around a single stellar component. Such an upper limit of the semimajor axis, which is called a2,lim, depends on the mass of the star ms, the mass m1, the semimajor axis a1, and the eccentricity e1 of the inner planet, and the eccentricity e2 of the outer test particle. On the one hand, our results show that the greater m1, a1, and e2 and the smaller ms, the greater the value of a2,lim. On the other hand, for fixed ms, m1, a1, and e2, a2,lim does not strongly depend on e1, except for large values of such an orbital parameter. We remark that N-body experiments of particular scenarios that include GR show results consistent with the analytical criteria derived in this research. Moreover, the study of hypothetical small body populations of real systems composed of a single star and an inner planetary-mass companion show that the GR effects can play a very important role in their global dynamics.
An eclipsing 47 min double white dwarf binary at 400 pc
Authors: Munday James , Tremblay P-E , Hermes J J , Barlow Brad , Pelisoli Ingrid , Marsh T R , Parsons Steven G , Jones David , Kepler S O , Brown Alex , Littlefair S P , Hegedus R , Baran Andrzej , Breedt Elmé , Dhillon V S , Dyer Martin J , Green Matthew J , Kennedy Mark R , Kerry Paul , Lopez Isaac D , Romero Alejandra D , Sahman Dave , Worters Hannah L
Published: August 2023

We present the discovery of the eclipsing double white dwarf (WD) binary WDJ 022558.21−692025.38 that has an orbital period of 47.19 min. Following identification with the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, we obtained time series ground based spectroscopy and high-speed multiband ULTRACAM photometry which indicate a primary DA WD of mass $0.40\pm 0.04\, \text{M}_\odot$ and a $0.28\pm 0.02\, \text{M}_\odot$ mass secondary WD, which is likely of type DA as well. The system becomes the third-closest eclipsing double WD binary discovered with a distance of approximately 400 pc and will be a detectable source for upcoming gravitational wave detectors in the mHz frequency range. Its orbital decay will be measurable photometrically within 10 yr to a precision of better than 1 per cent. The fate of the binary is to merge in approximately 41 Myr, likely forming a single, more massive WD.
Dynamics around non-spherical symmetric bodies: II. The case of a prolate body
Authors: Ribeiro T , Winter O C , Madeira G , Giuliatti Winter S M
Published: August 2023

Dynamic exploration around non-spherical bodies has increased in recent decades due to the interest in studying the motion of spacecraft orbits, moons, and particle ring around these bodies. The dynamic structure around these objects is defined by regular and chaotic regions. The Poincaré surface of section technique allows mapping these regions, identifying the location of resonances, and the size of regular and chaotic zones, thus helping us to understand the dynamics around these bodies. Using this technique, we map in the a–e space the stable and unstable regions around ellipsoidal bodies, such as the dwarf planet Haumea, the centaur Chariklo, and other five hypothetical bodies, in which we keep part of the physical parameters of Haumea but we varied its period of rotation and ellipticity, to analyse the impact of these alterations in the extensions of the stable and unstable regions due to first kind orbits and spin-orbit type resonances. We identified a large region of stability, in semimajor axis and eccentricity, due to the first kind orbits. Periodic orbits of the first kind are present in a large semimajor axis interval for all considered systems and have almost zero eccentricity, while resonant and quasi-periodic orbits have high eccentricities. Furthermore, we identified the bifurcation of the 2:6 resonance when there is a spin reduction of a body with the same physical parameters as Haumea. This bifurcation generates a chaotic region, reducing the extension of the stability zone.
On the detectability of strong lensing in near-infrared surveys
Authors: Holloway Philip , Verma Aprajita , Marshall Philip J , More Anupreeta , Tecza Matthias
Published: August 2023

We present new lensing frequency estimates for existing and forthcoming deep near-infrared surveys, including those from JWST and VISTA. The estimates are based on the JAdes extragalactic Ultradeep Artificial Realisations (JAGUAR) galaxy catalogue accounting for the full photometry and morphologies for each galaxy. Due to the limited area of the JAGUAR simulations, they are less suited to wide-area surveys; however, we also present extrapolations to the surveys carried out by Euclid and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. The methodology does not make assumptions about the nature of the lens itself and probes a wide range of lens masses. The lenses and sources are selected from the same catalogue and extend the analysis from the visible bands into the near-infrared. After generating realistic simulated lensed sources and selecting those that are detectable with SNR > 20, we verify the lensing frequency expectations against published lens samples selected in the visible, finding them to be broadly consistent. We find that JWST could yield ∼65 lensed systems in COSMOS-Web, of which ∼25 per cent have source redshifts >4. Deeper, narrower programs (e.g. JADES-Medium) will probe more typical source galaxies (in flux and mass) but will find fewer systems (∼25). Of the surveys we investigate, we find 55–80 per cent have detectable multiple imaging. Forthcoming NIR surveys will likely reveal new and diverse strong lens systems including lensed sources that are at higher redshift (JWST) and dustier, more massive and older (Euclid NISP) than those typically detected in the corresponding visible surveys.
On the general nature of 21-cm-Lyman α emitter cross-correlations during reionization
Authors: Hutter Anne , Heneka Caroline , Dayal Pratika , Gottlöber Stefan , Mesinger Andrei , Trebitsch Maxime , Yepes Gustavo
Published: August 2023

We explore how the characteristics of the cross-correlation functions between the 21-cm emission from the spin-flip transition of neutral hydrogen (H $\scriptstyle \rm I $) and early Lyman α (Ly α) radiation emitting galaxies (Ly α emitters, LAEs) depend on the reionization history and topology and the simulated volume. For this purpose, we develop an analytic expression for the 21-cm-LAE cross-correlation function and compare it to results derived from different astraeus and 21cmfast reionization simulations covering a physically plausible range of scenarios where either low-mass (≲ 109.5 M⊙) or massive (≳ 109.5 M⊙) galaxies drive reionization. Our key findings are: (i) the negative small-scale (≲  2 cMpc) cross-correlation amplitude scales with the intergalactic medium’s (IGM) average H $\scriptstyle \rm I $ fraction (〈χH i〉) and spin-temperature weighted overdensity in neutral regions (〈1 + δ〉H i); (ii) the inversion point of the cross-correlation function traces the peak of the size distribution of ionized regions around LAEs; (iii) the cross-correlation amplitude at small scales is sensitive to the reionization topology, with its anticorrelation or correlation decreasing the stronger the ionizing emissivity of the underlying galaxy population is correlated to the cosmic web gas distribution (i.e. the more low-mass galaxies drive reionization); (iv) the required simulation volume to not underpredict the 21-cm-LAE anticorrelation amplitude when the cross-correlation is derived via the cross-power spectrum rises as the size of ionized regions and their variance increases. Our analytic expression can serve two purposes: to test whether simulation volumes are sufficiently large, and to act as a fitting function when cross-correlating future 21-cm signal Square Kilometre Array and LAE galaxy observations.
Energy-dependent periodicities of LS I +61°303 in the GeV band
Authors: Chernyakova M , Malyshev D , Neronov A , Savchenko D
Published: August 2023

LS I +61°303 is a rare representative of the gamma-ray binaries with a compact object known to be a pulsar. We report on the periodicity and spectral analysis of this source performed with more than 14 yr of Fermi/LAT data. The periodicity of LS I +61°303 is strongly energy dependent. Two periods P1 = 26.932 ± 0.004(stat) ± 0.008(syst) and P2 = 26.485 ± 0.004(stat) ± 0.007(syst) are detected only at E > 1 GeV and at E < 0.3 GeV correspondingly. Within 1σ (stat + syst) the periods are consistent with orbital (P2) and beat orbital/superorbital (P1) periods. We present the orbital light curves of the system in several energy bands and the results of the spectral analysis. We discuss the possible origin of the change in the variability pattern between 0.1 and 1 GeV energy.
Capturing heterogeneous conformers of cobalamin riboswitch by cryo-EM
Authors: Ding Jienyu , Deme Justin C , Stagno Jason R , Yu Ping , Lea Susan M , Wang Yun-Xing
Published: August 2023

RNA conformational heterogeneity often hampers its high-resolution structure determination, especially for large and flexible RNAs devoid of stabilizing proteins or ligands. The adenosylcobalamin riboswitch exhibits heterogeneous conformations under 1 mM Mg2+ concentration and ligand binding reduces conformational flexibility. Among all conformers, we determined one apo (5.3 Å) and four holo cryo-electron microscopy structures (overall 3.0–3.5 Å, binding pocket 2.9–3.2 Å). The holo dimers exhibit global motions of helical twisting and bending around the dimer interface. A backbone comparison of the apo and holo states reveals a large structural difference in the P6 extension position. The central strand of the binding pocket, junction 6/3, changes from an ‘S’- to a ‘U’-shaped conformation to accommodate ligand. Furthermore, the binding pocket can partially form under 1 mM Mg2+ and fully form under 10 mM Mg2+ within the bound-like structure in the absence of ligand. Our results not only demonstrate the stabilizing ligand-induced conformational changes in and around the binding pocket but may also provide further insight into the role of the P6 extension in ligand binding and selectivity.
Rapid systemic responses of Arabidopsis to waterlogging stress
Authors: Peláez-Vico María Ángeles , Tukuli Adama , Singh Pallav , Mendoza-Cózatl David G , Joshi Trupti , Mittler Ron
Published: August 2023

Waterlogging stress (WLS) negatively impacts the growth and yield of crops resulting in heavy losses to agricultural production. Previous studies have revealed that WLS induces a systemic response in shoots that is partially dependent on the plant hormones ethylene and abscisic acid. However, the role of rapid cell-to-cell signaling pathways, such as the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium waves, in systemic responses of plants to WLS is unknown at present. Here, we reveal that an abrupt WLS treatment of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants growing in peat moss triggers systemic ROS and calcium wave responses and that the WLS-triggered ROS wave response of Arabidopsis is dependent on the ROS-generating RESPIRATORY BURST OXIDASE HOMOLOG D (RBOHD), calcium-permeable channels GLUTAMATE-LIKE RECEPTOR 3.3 and 3.6 (GLR3.3 and GLR3.6), and aquaporin PLASMA MEMBRANE INTRINSIC PROTEIN 2;1 (PIP2;1) proteins. We further show that WLS is accompanied by a rapid systemic transcriptomic response that is evident as early as 10 min following waterlogging initiation, includes many hypoxia-response transcripts, and is partially dependent on RBOHD. Interestingly, the abrupt WLS of Arabidopsis resulted in the triggering of a rapid hydraulic wave response and the transient opening of stomata on leaves. In addition, it induced in plants a heightened state of tolerance to a subsequent submergence stress. Taken together, our findings reveal that the initiation of WLS in plants is accompanied by rapid systemic physiological and transcriptomic responses that involve the ROS, calcium, and hydraulic waves, as well as the induction of hypoxia acclimation mechanisms in systemic tissues.
Nucleoside analogs NM107 and AT-527 are antiviral against rubella virus
Authors: Dittmar Mark , Whig Kanupriya , Miller Jesse , Kamalia Brinda , Suppiah Suganthi , Perelygina Ludmila , Sullivan Kathleen E , Schultz David C , Cherry Sara
Published: August 2023

Rubella is a highly contagious viral infection that usually causes a mild disease in children and adults. However, infection during pregnancy can result in a fetal or newborn death or congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), a constellation of permanent birth defects including cataracts, heart defects, and sensorineural deafness. The live-attenuated rubella vaccine has been highly effective, with the Americas declared free of endemic rubella transmission in 2015. However, rubella remains a significant problem worldwide and the leading cause of vaccine-preventable birth defects globally. Thus, elimination of rubella and CRS is a goal of the World Health Organization. No specific therapeutics are approved for the rubella virus. Therefore, we set out to identify whether existing small molecules may be repurposed for use against rubella virus infection. Thus, we performed a high-throughput screen for small molecules active against rubella virus in human respiratory cells and identified two nucleoside analogs, NM107 and AT-527, with potent antiviral activity. Furthermore, we found that combining these nucleoside analogs with inhibitors of host nucleoside biosynthesis had synergistic antiviral activity. These studies open the door to new potential approaches to treat rubella infections.
Pragmatism, partnerships, and persuasion: theorizing philanthropic foundations in the global policy agora
Authors: Petzinger Janis , Jung Tobias , Orr Kevin
Published: August 2023

Foundations are one of the oldest organizational forms globally; their number and resources, as well as their socio-political and economic importance, have steadily continued to grow. Yet, foundations’ attributes, activities, and actual achievements remain underexplored and poorly understood. This is particularly noticeable in the context of global policy and transnational administration, an area where foundations tend to be subliminal players, acting as a widely unrecognized socio-political undercurrent. Addressing the resulting need for better and alternative conceptualizations of foundations, our paper uses French pragmatic sociology of critique (FPSC), a non-structuralist, post-Bourdesian, approach to sociology, to theorize philanthropic foundations within the policy agora. Through FPSC, we present foundations as a composite setup of activity, where critically reflexive actors bring normative ideologies and knowledge to policy, providing a new avenue for how scholarship can interpret and critique foundations and their influence.
Precise analysis of gravitational waves from binary neutron star coalescence using Hilbert–Huang transform based on Akima spline interpolation
Authors: Yoda Itsuki , Oohara Ken-ichi , Takahashi Hirotaka , Sakai Kazuki
Published: August 2023

The equation of state (EOS) information of neutron stars (NSs) can be obtained by analyzing the post-merger phases of gravitational waves resulting from the coalescence of NS binaries. In a previous study, we proposed a method to discriminate the EOS using the Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT). The HHT comprises empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and Hilbert spectrum analysis. An essential aspect of the EMD involves the generation of envelopes through interpolating extrema values. The original EMD (used in the previous study) utilizes cubic spline (CS) interpolation. However, the CS occasionally produces pseudo oscillations and overshoots that may decrease the performance of the EMD. In this study, we propose an extended version of the HHT by substituting Akima spline interpolation for the CS. We compared the ability of the original HHT (based on the CS) and the proposed HHT (based on the Akima spline) to discriminate the EOS. The results reveal that the proposed HHT yields a more precise analysis than the original HHT. With the proposed HHT, the number of events for discriminating the EOS is enhanced by a factor of 11.4.
Multilevel innovation policy mix in China: do local programmes complement national programmes?
Authors: Shi Xing , Guo Yating , Dong Huiping , Wang Shuai
Published: August 2023

Chinese governments at all levels have been using various policies to encourage innovation by firms. However, few studies considered the superimposed effects of multilevel innovation policies. Based on the panel data of 443 Chinese innovation–oriented firms from 2008 to 2011, this study investigates the complementarities between national and local science and technology programmes. The heterogeneous effects across stages of the innovation process are also considered. Results show that the national science and technology (S&T) programmes significantly increase firms’ external research and development (R&D) expenditure but inhibit the commercialisation. In addition, the national and local S&T programmes complement each other in promoting external R&D expenditure while presenting substitutive in increasing patent outputs. This paper further finds that national and local programmes are more likely to be complementary at high subsidy intensity. This study contributes to the development of policy mix theory and has manifold implications for designing pertinent innovation policy systems
Dating reservoir formation in virologically suppressed people living with HIV-1 in Rakai, Uganda
Authors: Kankaka Edward Nelson , Redd Andrew D , Khan Amjad , Reynolds Steven J , Saraf Sharada , Kirby Charles , Lynch Briana , Hackman Jada , Tomusange Stephen , Kityamuweesi Taddeo , Jamiru Samiri , Anok Aggrey , Buule Paul , Bruno Daniel , Martens Craig , Chang Larry W , Quinn Thomas C , Prodger Jessica L , Poon Art
Published: August 2023

The timing of the establishment of the HIV latent viral reservoir (LVR) is of particular interest, as there is evidence that proviruses are preferentially archived at the time of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. Quantitative viral outgrowth assays (QVOAs) were performed using Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) collected from Ugandans living with HIV who were virally suppressed on ART for >1 year, had known seroconversion windows, and at least two archived ART-naïve plasma samples. QVOA outgrowth populations and pre-ART plasma samples were deep sequenced for the pol and gp41 genes. The bayroot program was used to estimate the date that each outgrowth virus was incorporated into the reservoir. Bayroot was also applied to previously published data from a South African cohort. In the Ugandan cohort (n = 11), 87.9 per cent pre-ART and 56.3 per cent viral outgrowth sequences were unique. Integration dates were estimated to be relatively evenly distributed throughout viremia in 9/11 participants. In contrast, sequences from the South African cohort (n = 9) were more commonly estimated to have entered the LVR close to ART initiation, as previously reported. Timing of LVR establishment is variable between populations and potentially viral subtypes, which could limit the effectiveness of interventions that target the LVR only at ART initiation.
IXThe Seventeenth Century, Part I
Authors: Martin Catherine Gimelli , Baker William , Gwynn Lucy , Stelzer Emily , Dyck Paul , James Anne , Urban David V
Published: August 2023

This chapter has seven sections: 1. General; 2. Bacon; 3. Browne; 4. Burton; 5. Herbert; 6. Donne; 7. Milton. Section 1 is by Catherine Gimelli Martin with William Baker; section 2 is by Catherine Gimelli Martin; section 3 is by Lucy Gwynn; section 4 is by Emily Stelzer; section 5 is by Paul Dyck; section 6 is by Anne James; section 7 is by David V. Urban.
XVIINew Literatures
Authors: Gall Adam , Manzo Kerry , Mcneill Dougal , Miller Benjamin , Naruse Cheryl Narumi , Niblett Michael , Nivesjö Sanja , Sharrad Paul , García Zarranz Libe , Zirra Maria
Published: August 2023

This chapter has seven sections: 1. Africa; 2. Australia; 3. Canada; 4. The Caribbean; 5. New Zealand and Pacific; 6. South Asia: India and Sri Lanka; 7. Southeast Asia. Section 1 is by Kerry Manzo, Sanja Nivesjö, and Maria Zirra; section 2 is by Adam Gall, Benjamin Miller, and Paul Sharrad; section 3 is by Libe García Zarranz and Dougal McNeill; section 4 is by Michael Niblett; section 5 is by Dougal McNeill; section 6 will resume in 2024; section 7 is by Cheryl Narumi Naruse.
Medicinal plant rosemary relaxes blood vessels by activating vascular smooth muscle KCNQ channels
Authors: Manville Rían W. , Baldwin Samuel N. , Eriksen Emil Ørnberg , Jepps Thomas A. , Abbott Geoffrey W.
Published: August 2023

The evergreen plant rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) has been employed medicinally for centuries as a memory aid, analgesic, spasmolytic, vasorelaxant and antihypertensive, with recent preclinical and clinical evidence rationalizing some applications. Voltage‐gated potassium (Kv) channels in the KCNQ (Kv7) subfamily are highly influential in the nervous system, muscle and epithelia. KCNQ4 and KCNQ5 regulate vascular smooth muscle excitability and contractility and are implicated as antihypertensive drug targets. Here, we found that rosemary extract potentiates homomeric and heteromeric KCNQ4 and KCNQ5 activity, resulting in membrane hyperpolarization. Two rosemary diterpenes, carnosol and carnosic acid, underlie the effects and, like rosemary, are efficacious KCNQ‐dependent vasorelaxants, quantified by myography in rat mesenteric arteries. Sex‐ and estrous cycle stage‐dependence of the vasorelaxation matches sex‐ and estrous cycle stage‐dependent KCNQ expression. The results uncover a molecular mechanism underlying rosemary vasorelaxant effects and identify new chemical spaces for KCNQ‐dependent vasorelaxants.
Decoding Pericardial Effusion: Ultrasonographic Insights for Radiologists
Authors: Restrepo Michel Hernández , Franco Hernando Bernal , Pérez Cristian Hernández , González Guillermo Granados
Published: August 2023

Pericardial effusion is a common finding in clinical practice. It can present incidentally asymptomatically or as a manifestation of systemic or cardiac disease. According to its commitment, it can be classified into mild effusions, generally asymptomatic, up to cardiac tamponade, which can endanger the patient's life. Recent advances make it possible to establish the presence and assess the size of the pericardial effusion, its hemodynamic impact, and clarify the etiology. The aim of this article is to provide an update on the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to pericardial effusion.
Contraceptive Method Switching and Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Removal in U.S. Safety Net Clinics, 2016–2021
Authors: Darney Blair G. , Biel Frances M. , Oakley Jee , Coleman-Minahan Kate , Cottrell Erika K.
Published: August 2023

OBJECTIVE:

To describe patterns of contraceptive method switching and long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) removal in a large network of community health centers.

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using individual-level electronic health record data from 489 clinics in 20 states from 2016 to 2021. We used logistic regression models, including individual-, clinic-, and state-level covariates, to calculate adjusted odds ratios and predicted probabilities of any observed contraceptive method switching and LARC removal among those with baseline incident LARC, both over 4-year time periods.

RESULTS:

Among 151,786 patients with 513,753 contraceptive encounters, 22.1% switched to another method at least once over the 4-year observation period, and switching patterns were varied. In patients with baseline LARC, the adjusted predicted probability of switching was 19.0% (95% CI 18.0–20.0%) compared with patients with baseline moderately effective methods (16.2%, 95% CI 15.1–17.3%). The adjusted predicted probability of switching was highest among the youngest group (28.6%, 95% CI 25.8–31.6% in patients aged 12–14 years) and decreased in a dose–response relationship by age to 8.4% (95% CI 7.4–9.4%) among patients aged 45–49 years. Latina and Black race and ethnicity, public or no insurance, and baseline Title X clinic status were all associated with higher odds of switching at least once. Among baseline LARC users, 19.4% had a removal (to switch or discontinue) within 1 year and 30.1% within 4 years; 97.6% of clinics that provided LARC also had evidence of a removal.

CONCLUSION:

Community health centers provide access to method switching and LARC removal. Contraceptive switching and LARC removal are common, and clinicians should normalize switching and LARC removal among patients.