bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On new computations of the time-fractional nonlinear KdV-Burgers equation with exponential memory
Authors: Ganie Abdul Hamid , Mofarreh Fatemah , Khan Adnan
Published: February 2024

This paper examines the Korteweg–de Vries-Burgers (KdV-Burgers) equation with nonlocal operators using the exponential decay and Mittag-Leffler kernels. The Caputo-Fabrizio and Atangana-Baleanu operators are used in the natural transform decomposition method (NTDM). By coupling a decomposition technique with the natural transform methodology, the method provides an effective analytical solution. When the fractional order is equal to unity, the proposed approach computes a series form solution that converges to the exact values. By comparing the approximate solution to the precise values, the efficacy and trustworthiness of the proposed method are confirmed. Graphs are also used to illustrate the series solution for a certain non-integer orders. Finally, a comparison of both operators outcome is examined using diagrams and numerical data. These graphs show how the approximated solution’s graph and the precise solution’s graph eventually converge as the non-integer order gets closer to 1. The outcomes demonstrate the method’s high degree of accuracy and its wide applicability to fractional nonlinear evolution equations. In order to further explain these concepts, simulations are run using a computationally packed software that helps interpret the implications of solutions. NTDM is considered the best analytical method for solving fractional-order phenomena, especially KdV-Burgers equations.
Design and numerical simulation of modified tunable THz filter based on periodic graphene-PVC ribbons
Authors: Abdollahi Parsa A , Tavakoli M B , Setoudeh F , Dousti M
Published: February 2024

In this article, we propose a tunable terahertz (THz) filter composed of graphene layers and a PVC substrate. A novel approach utilizing a static magnetic field is introduced to tune the resonance frequency. The presence of a magnetic field and gyromagnetic materials like graphene enables the proposed configuration to exhibit both TE and TM polarizations in the output structure. Additionally, a remarkable tunability of about 5 THz bandwidth is achieved, a considerably high value compared to existing works. All results are obtained through numerical simulations using MATLAB software based on the transfer matrix method (TMM), and the accuracy is verified using COMSOL software. With nearly zero transmission, this exceptionally tunable THz filter holds great potential for various applications, including THz spectrometry.
Light one-electron molecular ions within the finite-basis-set method for the two-center Dirac equation
Authors: Solovyev Dmitry , Anikin Aleksei , Danilov Alexandr , Glazov Dmitry , Kotov Artem
Published: February 2024

During the last decades outstanding results on the precision description of light diatomic molecular compounds have been achieved. The most advanced calculations of electron binding energies have been realized mainly in the framework of the nonrelativistic approach with a consistent account of relativistic and radiative QED corrections. Recently, it has been shown that methods based on the Dirac equation are also suitable for obtaining highly accurate results in simple light molecules. In this paper, we present a completely relativistic method and discuss its application to the description of diatomic systems. In particular, the electronic spectra of the light one-electron quasi-molecular compounds H-H+, He+-He2+ and He+-H+ are analyzed. For this purpose, the two-center Dirac equation is solved by a dual-kinetic balanced finite-basis-set method for axially symmetric systems, called A-DKB. This method allows for a complete relativistic consideration of the electron at fixed inter-nuclear distances. A comparison of the obtained results with the nonrelativistic and relativistic calculations presented in the literature is performed. Without pursuing the goal of high accuracy calculations, the advantages and disadvantages of the approach, as well as possible applications of the method, are discussed in detail.
Minimal Inert Doublet benchmark for dark matter and the baryon asymmetry
Authors: Astros María Dias , Fabian Sven , Goertz Florian
Published: February 2024

In this article we discuss a minimal extension of the Inert Doublet Model (IDM) with an effective CP-violating D=6 operator, involving the inert Higgs and weak gauge bosons, that can lift it to a fully realistic setup for creating the baryon asymmetry of the Universe (BAU). Avoiding the need to stick to an explicit completion, we investigate the potential of such an operator to give rise to the measured BAU during a multi-step electroweak phase transition (EWPhT) while sustaining a viable DM candidate in agreement with the measured relic abundance. We find that the explored extension of the IDM can account quantitatively for both DM and for baryogenesis and has quite unique virtues, as we will argue. It can thus serve as a benchmark for a minimal realistic extension of the SM that solves some of its shortcomings and could represent the low energy limit of a larger set of viable completions.

After discussing the impact of a further class of operators that open the possibility for a larger mass splitting (enhancing the EWPhT) while generating the full relic abundance also for heavy inert-Higgs DM, we ultimately provide a quantitative evaluation of the induced lepton electric dipole moments in the minimal benchmark for the BAU. These arise here at the two-loop level and are therefore less problematic compared to the ones that emerge when inducing CP violation via an operator involving the SM-like Higgs.
Dark matter vorticity and velocity dispersion from truncated Dyson-Schwinger equations
Authors: Erschfeld Alaric , Floerchinger Stefan
Published: February 2024

Large-scale structure formation is studied in a kinetic theory approach, extending the standard perfect pressureless fluid description for dark matter by including the velocity dispersion tensor as a dynamical degree of freedom. The evolution of power spectra for density, velocity and velocity dispersion degrees of freedom is investigated in a non-perturbative approximation scheme based on the Dyson-Schwinger equations. In particular, the generation of vorticity and velocity dispersion is studied and predictions for the corresponding power spectra are made, which qualitatively agree well with results obtained from N-body simulations. It is found that velocity dispersion grows strongly due to non-linear effects and at late times its mean value seems to be largely independent of the initial conditions. By taking this into account, a rather realistic picture of non-linear large-scale structure formation can be obtained, albeit the numerical treatment remains challenging, especially for very cold dark matter models.
TALYS calculation and a short review of the experimental status of proton capture studies on p-nuclei: A guide to future investigation*
Authors: Ray Indrani , Deb Argha
Published: February 2024

TALYS calculations were performed to obtain the theoretical proton capture cross-sections on the p-nuclei. A short review on the status of related experimental studies was also conducted. Some basic properties such as Q-values, Coulomb barrier, Gamow peak, Gamow Window, and decay properties of the parent and daughter nuclei were studied. Various experimental parameters, e.g., beam energy, beam current, targets, and detectors, used in experimental investigations reported in the literature, were tabulated. The results of the TALYS calculations in the Gamow region were compared with the corresponding experimental values wherever available. This study is expected to facilitate the planning of future experiments.
Replica analysis of overfitting in regression models for time to event data: the impact of censoring
Authors: Massa E , Mozeika A , Coolen A C C
Published: February 2024

We use statistical mechanics techniques, viz. the replica method, to model the effect of censoring on overfitting in Cox’s proportional hazards model, the dominant regression method for time-to-event data. In the overfitting regime, Maximum Likelihood (ML) parameter estimators are known to be biased already for small values of the ratio of the number of covariates over the number of samples. The inclusion of censoring was avoided in previous overfitting analyses for mathematical convenience, but is vital to make any theory applicable to real-world medical data, where censoring is ubiquitous. Upon constructing efficient algorithms for solving the new (and more complex) Replica Symmetric (RS) equations and comparing the solutions with numerical simulation data, we find excellent agreement, even for large censoring rates. We then address the practical problem of using the theory to correct the biased ML estimators without knowledge of the data-generating distribution. This is achieved via a novel numerical algorithm that self-consistently approximates all relevant parameters of the data generating distribution while simultaneously solving the RS equations. We investigate numerically the statistics of the corrected estimators, and show that the proposed new algorithm indeed succeeds in removing the bias of the ML estimators, for both the association parameters and for the cumulative hazard.
Lasing emission from ZnO hierarchical spherical microcavity
Authors: Komatsu Ryosuke , Yoshino Sota , Saito Noriko , Yamamoto Taisei , Nakamura Toshihiro
Published: February 2024

We investigated lasing characteristics of ZnO hierarchical micro-spherical particles with diameters of 1–5

μ

m

. The lasing emission consists of a small number of discrete laser peaks unlike conventional random lasing from ZnO nanopowder-assembly. Theoretical calculations based on a many-body theory reveal that the optical gain is achieved at the observed lowest lasing threshold value,

4

 mJ

⋅

c

m

−
2

⋅

puls

e

−
1

, which corresponds to the excited carrier density

∼

2.4
×

10

25

 

m

−
3

. Because the carrier density is much higher than the Mott density, the gain origin for lasing is electron-hole plasma recombination. The lasing frequency mode shift (

∼

1.2

 meV

) is due to the refractive index change induced by exciting high carrier density up to

6.1

×

10

25

 

m

−
3

. By changing hierarchical structures via controlling growth condition and performing the annealing treatment and performing the calculation of scattering efficiency of ZnO particles, we found that the hierarchy of the micro-spherical particle plays a crucial role of the lasing feedback: the strong light scattering at the interface between outer nanoparticles with the sizes of 100–200 nm and smaller ones with the sizes of 10–60 nm consisting in the micro-spherical particle results in a light confinement. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that each discrete lasing mode shows strong gain competition with each other probably due to spatial overlap between the modes. These results suggest that both random scattering and microcavity modes contribute to the lasing oscillation.
Vortex plate retarder-based approach for the generation of sub-20 fs light pulses carrying orbital angular momentum
Authors: Tapani Tlek , Lin Haifeng , De Andres Aitor , Jolly Spencer W , Bhuvanendran Hinduja , Maccaferri Nicolò
Published: February 2024

We use a vortex retarder-based approach to generate few optical cycles light pulses carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) (known also as twisted light or optical vortex) from a Yb:KGW oscillator pumping a noncollinear optical parametric amplifier generating sub-10 fs linearly polarized light pulses in the near infrared spectral range (central wavelength 850 nm). We characterize such vortices both spatially and temporally by using astigmatic imaging technique and second harmonic generation-based frequency resolved optical gating, respectively. The generation of optical vortices is analyzed, and its structure reconstructed by estimating the spatio-spectral field and Fourier transforming it into the temporal domain. As a proof of concept, we show that we can also generate sub-20 fs light pulses carrying OAM and with arbitrary polarization on the first-order Poincaré sphere.
On methods for radiometric surveying in radiotherapy bunkers
Authors: Sergio Santini Eduardo , de Oliveira Renato Vasconcellos , Couto Nozimar do , Salata Camila , Pereira Leal Paulo Antônio , da Silva Teixeira Flávia Cristina , Joana Georgia Santos
Published: February 2024

Radiometric surveys in radiotherapy bunkers have been carried out in Brazil for many years, both by the same radiotherapy facility for verification of shielding as by the regulatory agency for licensing and control purposes. In recent years, the Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) technique has been gradually incorporated into many facilities. Therefore, it has been necessary to consider the increased leakage component that has an important impact on the secondary walls. For that, a radiometric survey method has been used that considers an increased ‘time of beam—on’ for the secondary walls. In this work we discuss two methods of doing this: the first considers that this ‘time of beam—on’ affects the sum of the two components, leakage and scattered. In another method it is considered that only the leakage component is affected by this extended ‘time of beam—on’. We compare the methods and show that for secondary walls with U = 1 the first method overestimates dose rates by important percentages and for secondary walls with U < 1 it can both overestimate or underestimate the dose rates, depending on the parameters of the project. An optimized procedure is proposed, according to the use factor (U) of the secondary wall to be measured.
Italia tandem imperium habet suum: Fascist Italy’s Roman Empire
Authors: Agbamu Samuel
Published: February 2024

This chapter analyses diverse documents of Fascist romanità from the time of the invasion of Ethiopia, 1935–1936. It begins by discussing the maps set up in 1934 on the wall of the Basilica of Maxentius in Rome by the architect Antonio Muñoz. Each map showed the Roman Empire at different points in its history and, on the eve of the invasion of Ethiopia, promoted a clear ideology of imperial expansion. Next, the chapter outlines the course of the invasion itself, then brings together a number of Italian texts and images that promoted the invasion of Ethiopia as a continuation of Rome’s civilizing mission. This chapter builds up to Mussolini’s 1936 proclamation of the foundation of empire. The chapter concludes by considering the theft of the Axum Stele and its removal to Rome as a continuation of ancient Roman practices of plundering obelisks.
Comprehensive morphologic characterization of bone marrow biopsy findings in a large cohort of patients with VEXAS syndrome: A single-institution longitudinal study of 111 bone marrow samples from 52 patients
Authors: Olteanu Horatiu , Patnaik Mrinal , Koster Matthew J , Herrick Jennifer L , Chen Dong , He Rong , Viswanatha David , Warrington Kenneth J , Go Ronald S , Mangaonkar Abhishek A , Kourelis Taxiarchis , Hines Alexander , Gibson Sarah E , Peterson Jess F , Reichard Kaaren K
Published: February 2024

Objectives

VEXAS syndrome is an adult-onset autoinflammatory disease caused by a somatic pathogenic mutation in the UBA1 (ubiquitin-like modifier activating enzyme 1) gene. Patients present with rheumatologic manifestations and cytopenias and may have an increased predisposition to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and plasma cell neoplasms. Prior studies have reported on the peripheral blood and bone marrow findings in patients with VEXAS syndrome. Due to the protean clinical presentation and lack of specificity of morphologic features (eg, vacuoles in early erythroid and granulocytic precursors), an optimal screening methodology to identify these patients in a timely fashion is desirable.

Methods

To further evaluate and describe the salient diagnostic morphologic features in VEXAS syndrome, we carried out a comprehensive study of the largest single-institution cohort to date. Diagnostic and follow-up bone marrow biopsy specimens from 52 male patients with molecularly identified VEXAS syndrome underwent central review.

Results

Cytopenias were common in all cases, primarily macrocytic anemia, monocytopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow aspirate and biopsy were often hypercellular, with an increased myeloid/erythroid ratio, granulocytic hyperplasia with left shift, erythroid left shift, and megakaryocyte hyperplasia, which exhibited a range of striking morphologic findings. Distinctly vacuolated myeloid and erythroid precursors were seen in more than 95% of cases.

Conclusions

Our data reveal potential novel diagnostic features, such as a high incidence of monocytopenia and distinct patterns of atypical megakaryopoiesis, that appear different from dysmegakaryopoiesis typically associated with MDS. In our experience, those findings are suggestive of VEXAS, in the appropriate clinical context.
Lack of effect of deep brain stimulation on resting-state functional connectivity in essential tremor provides valuable insights
Authors: van der Stouwe A M Madelein
Published: February 2024

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Deep brain stimulation does not modulate resting-state functional connectivity in essential tremor’, by Awad et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcae012).
Cytomegalovirus Colitis in a Patient with Severe Treatment Refractory Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Bao Michelle M , Kennedy Juliana M , Dolinger Michael T , Dunkin David , Lai Joanne , Dubinsky Marla C
Published: February 2024

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can be reactivated in ulcerative colitis (UC), but its role in progression of inflammation is unclear. Risk factors include severe colitis and treatment with immunosuppressive medications, particularly corticosteroids and immunomodulators.

Methods

We report a case of cytomegalovirus colitis in a pediatric patient with pancolitis who had been refractory to aminosalicylate, infliximab, and ustekinumab and was in clinical remission and with transmural response on upadacitinib.

Results

This is a case of a 13-year-old male with UC refractory to multiple therapies who were in clinical remission on upadacitinib 30 mg daily. He developed an acute increase in symptoms and did not respond to therapy escalation with increased upadacitinib 45 mg daily for 2 weeks and prednisone for 1 week. He was diagnosed with cytomegalovirus colitis on flexible sigmoidoscopy biopsy. He was treated with intravenous ganciclovir with tapering of immunosuppressive regimen. Despite initial response, he underwent subtotal colectomy and subsequent restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal-anastomosis.

Conclusions

Despite our patient having multiple risk factors for developing CMV colitis, upadacitinib may have played a role when considering its known impact on the herpes family of viruses. CMV colitis should be evaluated for in any patient who presents with worsening symptoms without evidence of other infection or response to increase in therapy.
Compensation or accentuation? How parents from different social backgrounds decide to support their children
Authors: Dierker Philipp , Diewald Martin
Published: February 2024

Previous research has shown that parents respond to differences in their children’s potential by providing them with different levels of support, and that such support allocation decisions are shaped by socioeconomic status (SES). We extend this observation to the assumption, raised in research on parental compensation and social mobility, that not only the allocation, but also the form of support provided is socially stratified. Specifically, we investigate whether socioeconomically advantaged parents use mechanisms that do not rely directly on cognitive enhancement. Drawing on data from three consecutive waves of the German TwinLife study (N = 960), we use twin fixed-effects models to examine how parents respond to their children having different grades. We investigate parental support strategies, including help with schoolwork and school-related communication, encouragement and explicitly formulated expectations, and extracurricular cognitive stimulation. Our findings suggest that high-SES parents tend to compensate for their children’s poor performance by helping them with schoolwork, fostering communication, and formulating academic expectations and encouragement. However, no significant differences in support allocation between high- and low-SES parents were found. Moreover, we found no evidence that parents in either high- or low-SES families respond to differences in their children’s school performance by providing them with extracurricular cognitive stimulation.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment: an individual participant data network meta-analysis
Authors: Moutchia Jude , McClelland Robyn L , Al-Naamani Nadine , Appleby Dina H , Holmes John H , Minhas Jasleen , Mazurek Jeremy A , Palevsky Harold I , Ventetuolo Corey E , Kawut Steven M
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims

Effective therapies that target three main signalling pathways are approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, there are few large patient-level studies that compare the effectiveness of these pathways. The aim of this analysis was to compare the effectiveness of the treatment pathways in PAH and to assess treatment heterogeneity.

Methods

A network meta-analysis was performed using individual participant data of 6811 PAH patients from 20 Phase III randomized clinical trials of therapy for PAH that were submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration. Individual drugs were grouped by the following treatment pathways: endothelin, nitric oxide, and prostacyclin pathways.

Results

The mean (±standard deviation) age of the sample was 49.2 (±15.4) years; 78.4% were female, 59.7% had idiopathic PAH, and 36.5% were on background PAH therapy. After covariate adjustment, targeting the endothelin + nitric oxide pathway {β: 43.7 m [95% confidence interval (CI): 32.9, 54.4]}, nitric oxide pathway [β: 29.4 m (95% CI: 22.6, 36.3)], endothelin pathway [β: 25.3 m (95% CI: 19.8, 30.8)], and prostacyclin pathway [oral/inhaled β: 19.1 m (95% CI: 14.2, 24.0), intravenous/subcutaneous β: 24.4 m (95% CI: 15.1, 33.7)] significantly increased 6 min walk distance at 12 or 16 weeks compared with placebo. Treatments also significantly reduced the likelihood of having clinical worsening events. There was significant heterogeneity of treatment effects by age, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease.

Conclusions

Drugs targeting the three traditional treatment pathways significantly improve outcomes in PAH, with significant treatment heterogeneity in patients with some comorbidities. Randomized clinical trials are warranted to identify the most effective treatment strategies in a personalized approach.
Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and biventricular involvement
Authors: Shen Lishui , Liu Shangyu , Zhang Zhenhao , Xiong Yulong , Lai Zihao , Hu Feng , Zheng Lihui , Yao Yan
Published: February 2024

Aims

Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) improves VT-free survival in ‘classic’ arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). This study aims to investigate electrophysiological features and ablation outcomes in patients with ARVC and biventricular (BiV) involvement.

Methods and results

We assembled a retrospective cohort of definite ARVC cases with sustained VTs. Patients were divided into the BiV (BiV involvement) group and the right ventricular (RV) (isolated RV involvement) group based on the left ventricular systolic function detected by cardiac magnetic resonance. All patients underwent electrophysiological mapping and VT ablation. Acute complete success was non-inducibility of any sustained VT, and the primary endpoint was VT recurrence. Ninety-eight patients (36 ± 14 years; 87% male) were enrolled, including 50 in the BiV group and 48 in the RV group. Biventricular involvement was associated with faster clinical VTs, a higher VT inducibility, and more extensive arrhythmogenic substrates (all P < 0.05). Left-sided VTs were observed in 20% of the BiV group cases and correlated with significantly reduced left ventricular systolic function. Catheter ablation achieved similar acute efficacy between these two groups, whereas the presence of left-sided VTs increased acute ablation failure (40 vs. 5%, P = 0.012). Over 51 ± 34 months [median, 48 (22–83) months] of follow-up, cumulative VT-free survival was 52% in the BiV group and 58% in the RV group (P = 0.353). A multivariate analysis showed that younger age, lower RV ejection fraction (RVEF), and non-acute complete ablation success were associated with VT recurrence in the BiV group.

Conclusion

Biventricular involvement implied a worse arrhythmic phenotype and increased the risk of left-sided VTs, while catheter ablation maintained its efficacy for VT control in this population. Younger age, lower RVEF, and non-acute complete success predicted VT recurrence after ablation.
Recognizing bisphosphonate-induced ear osteonecrosis in primary care: a case report
Authors: Mayer Alasdair W , Oladokun Dare , Mistry Dipan
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Medication-related ear canal osteonecrosis (MRECO) is a growing concern linked to prolonged anti-resorptive medication use. Despite primary care providers being key prescribers of these medications, there is limited information about MRECO in primary care literature. This article presents a case of bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal (EAC), emphasizing the vital role of primary care providers in identifying this rare yet significant side effect of anti-resorptive medication.

Main symptoms and clinical findings

A 65-year-old female, on long-term alendronic acid for osteoporosis, presented to primary care with a 2-year history of left-sided ear blockage and itchiness. Despite prolonged topical treatment for ear wax, symptoms persisted, leading to an Otolaryngology referral. Microsuction revealed exposed bone in the left EAC.

Diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes

A computed tomography scan confirmed bony erosion of the left EAC, and in the absence of other osteonecrosis risk factors, bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis was diagnosed. Management involved bisphosphonate discontinuation, regular aural toilet, and topical treatment, achieving complete ear canal epithelialisation within 6 months.

Conclusion

MRECO, a rare complication of anti-resorptive therapy, is anticipated to rise with increasing antiresorptive medication use in the ageing population. Unexplained ear symptoms in those with a history of current or prior anti-resorptive therapy should raise clinical concern, prompting evaluation for exposed bone in the EAC. Raising awareness of MRECO among primary care providers is crucial for early diagnosis and timely management.
Age Is Associated With Dampened Circadian Patterns of Rest and Activity: The Study of Muscle, Mobility, and Aging (SOMMA)
Authors: Erickson Melissa L , Blackwell Terri L , Mau Theresa , Cawthon Peggy M , Glynn Nancy W , Qiao Yujia (Susanna) , Cummings Steven R , Coen Paul M , Lane Nancy E , Kritchevsky Stephen B , Newman Anne B , Farsijani Samaneh , Esser Karyn A
Published: February 2024

Background

The effects of aging on circadian patterns of behavior are insufficiently described. To address this, we characterized age-specific features of rest-activity rhythms (RAR) in community-dwelling older adults both overall, and in relation, to sociodemographic characteristics.

Methods

We examined cross-sectional associations between RAR and age, sex, race, education, multimorbidity burden, financial, work, martial, health, and smoking status using assessments of older adults with wrist-worn free-living actigraphy data (N = 820, age = 76.4 years, 58.2% women) participating in the Study of Muscle, Mobility, and Aging (SOMMA). RAR parameters were determined by mapping an extension to the traditional cosine curve to activity data. Functional principal component analysis determined variables accounting for variance.

Results

Age was associated with several metrics of dampened RAR; women had stronger and more robust RAR versus men (all p < .05). Total activity (56%) and time of activity (20%) accounted for most of the RAR variance. Compared to the latest decile of acrophase, those in the earliest decile had higher average amplitude (p < .001). Compared to the latest decile of acrophase, those in the earliest and midrange categories had more total activity (p = .02). Being in a married-like relationship and a more stable financial situation were associated with stronger rhythms; higher education was associated with less rhythm strength (all p < .05).

Conclusions

Older age was associated with dampened circadian behavior; behaviors were sexually dimorphic. Some sociodemographic characteristics were associated with circadian behavior. We identified a behavioral phenotype characterized by early time of day of peak activity, high rhythmic amplitude, and more total activity.
Sediment thickness across Australia from passive seismic methods
Authors: Marignier Augustin , Eakin Caroline M , Hejrani Babak , Agrawal Shubham , Hassan Rakib
Published: February 2024

Around the world the Earth’s crust is blanketed to various extents by sediment. For continental regions, knowledge of the distribution and thickness of sediments is crucial for a wide range of applications including seismic hazard, resource potential and our ability to constrain the deeper crustal geology. Excellent constraints on the sediment thickness can be obtained from borehole drilling or active seismic surveys. However, these approaches are expensive and impractical in remote continental interiors such as central Australia. Recently, a method for estimating the sediment thickness using passive seismic data, the collection of which is relatively simple and low cost, was developed and applied to seismic stations in South Australia. This method uses receiver functions, specifically the time delay of the P-to-S converted phase generated at the sediment-basement interface, relative to the direct-P arrival, to generate a first-order estimate of the thickness of sediments. In this work, we expand the analysis to the vast array of over 1500 seismic stations across Australia, covering an entire continent and numerous sedimentary basins that span the entire range from Precambrian to present day. We compare with an established yet separate method to estimate the sediment thickness, which utilizes the autocorrelation of the radial receiver functions to ascertain the two-way traveltime of shear waves reverberating in a sedimentary layer. Across the Australian continent the new results match the broad pattern of expected sedimentary features based on the various geological provinces. We are able to delineate the boundaries of many sedimentary basins, such as the Eucla and Murray Basins, which are Cenozoic, and the boundary between the Karumba Basin and the mineral rich Mount Isa Province. Contrasts in seismic delay time across these boundaries are upwards of 0.4 $\, \mathrm{s}$. The delay signal is found to diminish to <0.1 $\, \mathrm{s}$ for older Proterozoic basins, likely due to compaction and metamorphism of the sediments over time. As an application of the method, a comparison with measurements of sediment thickness from local boreholes allows for a straightforward predictive relationship between the delay time and the cover thickness to be defined. This offers future widespread potential, providing a simple and cheap way to characterize the sediment thickness in underexplored areas from passive seismic data.
The role of race and ethnicity in health care crowdfunding: an exploratory analysis
Authors: Machado Sara , Perez Beatrice , Papanicolas Irene
Published: February 2024

Medical crowdfunding is a key source of financing for individuals facing high out-of-pocket costs, including organ-transplant candidates. However, little is known about racial disparities in campaigning activity and outcomes, or how these relate to access to care. In this exploratory, nationwide, cross-sectional study, we examined racial disparities in campaigning activity across states and the association between US campaigners’ race and ethnicity and crowdfunding outcomes using a novel database of organ-transplant–related campaigns, and an algorithm to identify race and ethnicity based on name and geographic location. This analysis suggests that there are racial disparities in individuals’ ability to successfully raise requested funds, with Black and Hispanic campaigners fundraising lower amounts and less likely to achieve their monetary goals. We also found that crowdfunding among White, Black, and Hispanic populations exhibits different patterns of activity at the state level, and in relation to race-specific uninsurance and waitlist additions, highlighting potential differences in fundraising need across the 3 groups. Policy efforts should consider not only how inequalities in fundraising ability for associated costs influence accessibility to care but also how to identify clinical need among minorities.
Reconsidering the Ashida memorandum: the relations between the emergency stationing plan and police reform
Authors: Fujita Goro
Published: February 2024

This article explores the origins of Japan’s security policy after the Asia-Pacific War. During the occupation, the Japanese government decided on the maintenance of US forces in the country after the Japanese Peace Treaty. To explain the rationale behind this, existing studies emphasize the Japanese government’s external security calculations. Highlighting the interaction between Japanese foreign and domestic policies, this article challenges this conventional claim by arguing that internal security calculations strongly influenced the Japanese government’s decision. With the creation of the Ashida memorandum in September 1947 and the expectation that the General Headquarters (GHQ) would allow for stronger police forces, Japanese Foreign Minister Ashida Hitoshi and his staff sought to restrict the stationing of US forces in Japan only to national emergencies. As opposed to such expectation, however, GHQ’s police reform significantly weakened Japan’s internal security capabilities, forcing Tokyo to depend on US forces for dealing with internal communist threats.
Firms’ Inflation Expectations: New Evidence from France
Authors: Savignac Frédérique , Gautier Erwan , Gorodnichenko Yuriy , Coibion Olivier
Published: February 2024

Using a new survey of firms’ inflation expectations in France, we provide novel evidence about the measurement and formation of inflation expectations on the part of firms. First, French firms report inflation expectations with a smaller, but still positive, bias than households and display less disagreement. Second, we characterize the extent and manner in which the wording of questions matters for the measurement of firms’ inflation expectations. Third, we document whether and how the position of the respondent within the firm affects the provided responses. Fourth, because our survey measures firms’ expectations about aggregate and firm-level wage growth along with their inflation expectations, we can show that expectations about wages are even more condensed than firms’ inflation expectations and almost completely uncorrelated with them, indicating that firms perceive little link between price and wage inflation. Finally, an experimental treatment indicates that an exogenous change in firms’ inflation expectations has no effect on their aggregate wage expectations.
Revisiting the role of values in evidence-based education
Authors: Joyce Kathryn E
Published: February 2024

Evidence-based practice in education involves basing decisions about what to do on evidence about the relative effectiveness of available interventions (e.g. programmes, products, practices). This article considers two influential critiques of evidence-based education (EBE) pertaining to its treatment of values. The ‘general critique’ condemns EBE for excluding values from decisions about what to do in education. The ‘specific critique’ condemns EBE for relying on a deterministic view of causality in education which disregards the complex, value-laden nature of educational contexts. I argue that virtually all versions of EBE escape the general critique, including the dominant intervention-centred approach that relies on experimental research to discover ‘what works’, because the predictions EBE aims to support are only one premise in a broader normative argument. Further, intervention-centred EBE can avoid much of the specific values-based critique because it is consistent with a probabilistic, rather than deterministic, understanding of causality. However, I argue that only a context-centred approach to EBE that relies on evidence about the specific target setting from local sources in addition to evidence from theory and mixed methods research can fully address the specific critique by accommodating critics’ descriptive claims about the nature of educational contexts.
A neo-Hegelian theory of Bildung and the problem of a priori intersubjectivism
Authors: Kivelä Ari
Published: February 2024

This article focuses on the implementation of the contemporary neo-Hegelianism of the Pittsburgh School (Robert B. Brandom, John McDowell) to the philosophy of education. Neo-Hegelianism has recently initiated a highly complex discussion about the notion of Bildung and its use in the post metaphysical and naturalized sense. Based on the critique of what is called a priori intersubjectivism, discussed by the main proponents of the Heidelberg School (Dieter Henrich and Manfred Frank), this article aims to address some theoretical and conceptual problems inherent in the educationist reading of neo-Hegelianism. The basic problem of an educationist reading of neo-Hegelianism is that, based on its own premises, it is not capable of comprehending the emergence of self-consciousness and individuality. It would therefore be inadvisable for educationists to (over-)eagerly adopt contemporary neo-Hegelianism, or we should at least be slightly cautious about its potential for the further development of a theory or philosophy of Bildung.
Virus-Specific T Cells for the Treatment of Systemic Infections Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell and Solid Organ Transplantation
Authors: Green Abby , Rubinstein Jeremy D , Grimley Michael , Pfeiffer Thomas
Published: February 2024

Viral infections are a major source of morbidity and mortality in the context of immune deficiency and immunosuppression following allogeneic hematopoietic cell (allo-HCT) and solid organ transplantation (SOT). The pharmacological treatment of viral infections is challenging and often complicated by limited efficacy, the development of resistance, and intolerable side effects. A promising strategy to rapidly restore antiviral immunity is the adoptive transfer of virus-specific T cells (VST). This therapy involves the isolation and ex vivo expansion or direct selection of antigen-specific T cells from healthy seropositive donors, followed by infusion into the patient. This article provides a practical guide to VST therapy by reviewing manufacturing techniques, donor selection, and treatment indications. The safety and efficacy data of VSTs gathered in clinical trials over nearly 30 years is summarized. Current challenges and limitations are discussed, as well as opportunities for further research and development.
Impact of Respiratory Viral Infections in Transplant Recipients
Authors: Bahakel Hannah , Waghmare Alpana , Madan Rebecca Pellet
Published: February 2024

Respiratory viral infections (RVIs) are among the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) and solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Transplant recipients remain at high risk for super imposed bacterial and fungal pneumonia, chronic graft dysfunction, and graft failure as a result of RVIs. Recent multicenter retrospective studies and prospective studies utilizing contemporary molecular diagnostic techniques have better delineated the epidemiology and outcomes of RVIs in pediatric transplant recipients and have advanced the development of preventative vaccines and treatment interventions in this population. In this review, we will define the epidemiology and outcomes of RVIs in SOT and HSCT recipients, describe the available assays for diagnosing a suspected RVI, highlight evolving management and vaccination strategies, review the risk of donor derived RVI in SOT recipients, and discuss considerations for delaying transplantation in the presence of an RVI.
Pipeline of Novel Antifungals for Invasive Fungal Disease in Transplant Recipients: A Pediatric Perspective
Authors: Hsu Alice Jenh , Hanisch Benjamin R , Fisher Brian T , Huppler Anna R
Published: February 2024

Invasive fungal disease (IFD) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children undergoing transplantation. There is a growing armamentarium of novel antifungal agents recently approved for use or in late stages of clinical development. The overarching goal of this review is to discuss the mechanisms of action, spectrum of activity, stage of development, and pediatric-specific data for the following agents: encochleated amphotericin B deoxycholate, fosmanogepix, ibrexafungerp, isavuconazole, olorofim, opelconazole, oteseconazole, and rezafungin. Additionally, key drug attributes of these novel agents and their potential future therapeutic roles in pediatric transplant recipients are discussed.
Reversed halo sign: Do not forget Melioidosis
Authors: Gupta Nitin , Malla Sundeep , Tirlangi Praveen Kumar , Magazine Rahul , Uk Chandrashekar , Ravindra Prithvishree , Bhat Rachana , Varma Muralidhar , Mukhopadhyay Chiranjay
Published: February 2024

In uncontrolled diabetics from South Asia, it is commonplace to diagnose pulmonary mucormycosis in the presence of a reversed halo sign (RHS) on imaging. However, travel medicine practitioners should be aware that RHS in South Asians with similar risk factors can also be seen in pulmonary melioidosis.
Laboratory stewardship perceptions and testing patterns at a pediatric tertiary care center
Authors: Desai Tejas S , Tang Ken , Kaul Viveak , Blasutig Ivan M , Buba Melanie
Published: February 2024

Background

Despite stewardship efforts, laboratory testing overuse persists across medicine.

Objectives

To understand laboratory stewardship perceptions and testing patterns at a tertiary care pediatric hospital so that we could identify potential improvement opportunities.

Methods

An electronic survey exploring laboratory stewardship was sent to all pediatric medicine resident and staff physicians. Laboratory testing data were also assessed for patterns of testing and overuse.

Results

The survey response rate was 54% (43/80). The results indicated good familiarity with stewardship but poor familiarity with testing specifics (eg, cost). A mobile reference application was the most preferred quality improvement intervention, and online modules were the least desired. Overuse was apparent, with as many as 53% of laboratory tests being repeated within 7 days and only half of repeated tests subsequently yielding abnormal results.

Conclusions

Altogether, the data we collated demonstrated poor understanding of laboratory stewardship and substantial repeat testing with few abnormal results. These study findings suggest that laboratory stewardship is lacking at our center, and that multiple improvement opportunities exist.
Differences in the levels of the appetite peptides ghrelin, peptide tyrosine tyrosine, and glucagon-like peptide-1 between obesity classes and lean controls
Authors: Alyar Gülşah , Umudum Fatma Zühal
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study was designed to compare basal concentrations of the gastrointestinal appetite modulators ghrelin, peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY), and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) between obesity classes and obesity classes and controls.

Methods

The study included 49 healthy controls with body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m² and 62 individuals with obesity with BMI ≥30 kg/m². Basal ghrelin, PYY, and GLP-1 concentrations of the samples were analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay commercial kit (SunRed Human). Other biochemical parameters were measured by a clinical chemistry autoanalyzer (Beckman Coulter AU 5800) in the biochemistry laboratory.

Results

Compared with the control group, ghrelin, PYY, and GLP-1 levels were significantly lower in the obese group (P < .05). The PYY concentration was significantly different between obese groups (P < .05). The PYY and GLP-1 levels were significantly different between obesity class I and obesity class III. In addition, ghrelin levels were significantly different between obesity class II and obesity class III. Correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between BMI and serum ghrelin, GLP-1, and PYY concentrations.

Conclusion

Low basal ghrelin, GLP-1, and PYY hormones in the obese group compared with the control group indicate impaired appetite regulation in this population. The significant difference in PYY levels between obese groups was associated with increasing obesity grade.
Identification of C. auris clade 5 isolates using claID
Authors: Narayanan Aswathy , Selvakumar Pavitra , Siddharthan Rahul , Sanyal Kaustuv
Published: February 2024

Candida auris poses threats to the global medical community due to its multidrug resistance, ability to cause nosocomial outbreaks and resistance to common sterilization agents. Different variants that emerged at different geographical zones were classified as clades. Clade-typing becomes necessary to track its spread, possible emergence of new clades, and to predict the properties that exhibit a clade bias. We previously reported a colony-Polymerase Chain Reaction-based, clade-identification method employing whole genome alignments and identification of clade-specific sequences of four major geographical clades. Here, we expand the panel by identifying clade 5 which was later isolated in Iran, using specific primers designed through in silico analyses.
Exploring modified gravity: constraints on the μ and Σ parametrization with WMAP, ACT, and SPT
Authors: Andrade Uendert , Capistrano Abraão J S , Di Valentino Eleonora , Nunes Rafael C
Published: February 2024

The cosmic acceleration problem remains one of the most significant challenges in cosmology. One of the proposed solutions to this problem is the modification of gravity on large scales. In this paper, we explore the well-known μ–Σ parametrization scenarios and confront them with observational data, including the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP), Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT), and South Pole Telescope (SPT), as well as large-scale structure data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS; baryon acoustic oscillation + redshift-space distortion) and Pantheon supernova (SN) catalogue. We employ a Bayesian framework to constrain the model parameters and discuss the implications of our results on the viability of modified gravity theories. Our analysis reveals the strengths and limitations of the μ–Σ parametrization and provides valuable insights into the nature of gravity on cosmological scales. From the joint analysis of the ACT + WMAP + SDSS + SN, we find μ0 − 1 = 0.02 ± 0.19 and Σ0 − 1 = 0.021 ± 0.068 at 68 per cent confidence level (CL). In light of the SPT + WMAP + SDSS + SN, we find μ0 − 1 = 0.07 ± 0.18 and $\Sigma _0 -1 = -0.009^{+0.078}_{-0.11}$ at 68 per cent CL. In all the analyses carried out, we do not find any deviations from the theory of general relativity. Our results represent an observational update on the well-known μ–Σ parametrization in view of current CMB data, independent of and competitive with the constraints obtained with the Planck data.