bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online acoustic emission measurement of tensile strength and wear rate for AA8011-TiC- ZrB2 hybrid composite
Authors: Brucely Y , Shaji Y Christabel , Bejaxhin A Bovas Herbert , M Abeens
Published: October 2022

In current scenario the aircraft industry in need of a lightweight connecting material that persuade the technical and technological standards, but also need superior mechanical qualities. In this work the major objective is to enhance the strength behaviour of stir cast composites. Aluminum 8011 (Al 8011) titanium carbide (TiC) and zirconium boron (ZrB2) hybrid composites are stir cast in this work, and their microstructure, mechanical, and tribological properties are investigated. The matrix material was Al 8011, which was supplemented with stronger TiC to boost mechanical strength and softer ZrB2 to improve thermal and corrosion resistance without significantly changing electrical properties. According to the findings, the reinforced alloy’s mechanical qualities outperform those of the unreinforced alloy. Acoustic energy generated during deformation of composite materials has been monitored and early fracture measurements has been achieved using the Acoustic emission (AE) approach in tensile test specimens. As a result of the experiment, Al8011 + 10% TiC + 2% ZrB2 composites outperform the Al8011 matrix alloy in terms of wear resistance, coefficient of friction, and surface smoothness, as well as other characteristics. The AFM representation of Al8011 + 10% TiC + 2% ZrB2 matrix reveals that the wear surface smoothness of the AMMC is significantly improved as compared to the Al8011 matrix alloys.
Operationally meaningful representations of physical systems in neural networks
Authors: Poulsen Nautrup Hendrik , Metger Tony , Iten Raban , Jerbi Sofiene , Trenkwalder Lea M , Wilming Henrik , Briegel Hans J , Renner Renato
Published: October 2022

To make progress in science, we often build abstract representations of physical systems that meaningfully encode information about the systems. Such representations ignore redundant features and treat parameters such as velocity and position separately because they can be useful for making statements about different experimental settings. Here, we capture this notion by formally defining the concept of operationally meaningful representations. We present an autoencoder architecture with attention mechanism that can generate such representations and demonstrate it on examples involving both classical and quantum physics. For instance, our architecture finds a compact representation of an arbitrary two-qubit system that separates local parameters from parameters describing quantum correlations.
Assessment of pharmacy technician job satisfaction and duties in ambulatory care pharmacy settings: A mixed-methods analysis
Authors: Schlosser Elizabeth G , Rennekamp Tara , Bald Elizabeth , Jean Stephanie , Raber Hanna , Bato Agathea , Llambi Leandro , Hincapie Ana L
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Expansion of pharmacy services into ambulatory care has prompted the integration of pharmacy technicians into this setting. Many models exist for technician practice in ambulatory care, and job satisfaction in these settings needs evaluation. This study assessed the job satisfaction of ambulatory care pharmacy technicians, obtained a deeper understanding of their varied roles, and examined commitment to the pharmacy technician career and their employing organization.

Methods

This study used a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design of quantitative followed by qualitative data analysis. The phases included a validated questionnaire on job satisfaction and semistructured interviews using a modified guide and findings from the quantitative data. Descriptive statistics and constant comparative analysis were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, and data were integrated in the discussion.

Results

The questionnaire was sent to 125 potential participants at 11 organizations in 8 unique states. Seventy-four technicians participated in the quantitative phase. Seventeen of these were interviewed in the qualitative phase. Interviewees represented 7 different institutions in 6 states in the Southeast, Midwest, and Western regions of the US. Both phases indicated that respondents felt a strong commitment to their organization, with 60% of respondents indicating this on the questionnaire. Reasons for this commitment were further elucidated in the qualitative phase, which indicated high satisfaction with technician autonomy, work schedules, and ability to provide important services to patients. It was also found in both phases that technician duties varied greatly among organizations, although most technicians were involved in facilitating medication access.

Conclusion

Ambulatory care pharmacy technicians are highly satisfied with their positions and careers. Although technician roles vary within ambulatory care settings, the majority involve facilitating medication access in various ways. As these positions become more prevalent in pharmacy practice, it will be important to continue to capitalize on satisfiers and mitigate dissatisfiers to advance the profession and ultimately provide optimal patient care.
Selective Analysis of Progesterone in Cosmetic Samples Based on Molecularly Imprinted Solid-Phase Extraction and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Cui Xia , Wang Qun , Guo Miao , Yang Ke , Yu Liangwei , Luo Zhimin , Chang Chun , Fu Qiang
Published: October 2022

The illegal addition of progesterone to cosmetics could cause serious adverse reactions and pose a serious threat to human health. In this work, a simple, fast and sensitive method was developed by combining molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography (MISPE–HPLC) for the selective determination of progesterone in cosmetics. Chitosan-modified silica is used as the carrier to provide binding sites for the effective conjugation of the target. The obtained molecularly imprinted polymers exhibited excellent adsorption capacity (36.2 mg·g−1), good selectivity and fast mass transfer rate for progesterone. Meanwhile, the prepared MISPE column could eliminate the interference of co-existing substances. Combined MISPE with HPLC, a selective and effective method for detecting progesterone in different cosmetics was achieved. Under the optimum conditions, the established MISPE–HPLC method was successfully used for the detection of progesterone in real samples. The linear range of this method was 1 to 200 μg·mL−1 with a limit of detection of 0.016 μg·mL−1. Therefore, this method could be used for the selective and effective detection of progesterone in different cosmetic samples with complex substrates. We provided an alternative method for the detection of illegal additions in cosmetics.
BRACS: A Dataset for BReAst Carcinoma Subtyping in H&E Histology Images
Authors: Brancati Nadia , Anniciello Anna Maria , Pati Pushpak , Riccio Daniel , Scognamiglio Giosuè , Jaume Guillaume , De Pietro Giuseppe , Di Bonito Maurizio , Foncubierta Antonio , Botti Gerardo , Gabrani Maria , Feroce Florinda , Frucci Maria
Published: October 2022

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and registers the highest number of deaths for women. Advances in diagnostic activities combined with large-scale screening policies have significantly lowered the mortality rates for breast cancer patients. However, the manual inspection of tissue slides by pathologists is cumbersome, time-consuming and is subject to significant inter- and intra-observer variability. Recently, the advent of whole-slide scanning systems has empowered the rapid digitization of pathology slides and enabled the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted digital workflows. However, AI techniques, especially Deep Learning, require a large amount of high-quality annotated data to learn from. Constructing such task-specific datasets poses several challenges, such as data-acquisition level constraints, time-consuming and expensive annotations and anonymization of patient information. In this paper, we introduce the BReAst Carcinoma Subtyping (BRACS) dataset, a large cohort of annotated Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E)-stained images to advance AI development in the automatic characterization of breast lesions. BRACS contains 547 Whole-Slide Images (WSIs) and 4539 Regions Of Interest (ROIs) extracted from the WSIs. Each WSI and respective ROIs are annotated by the consensus of three board-certified pathologists into different lesion categories. Specifically, BRACS includes three lesion types, i.e., benign, malignant and atypical, which are further subtyped into seven categories. It is, to the best of our knowledge, the largest annotated dataset for breast cancer subtyping both at WSI and ROI levels. Furthermore, by including the understudied atypical lesions, BRACS offers a unique opportunity for leveraging AI to better understand their characteristics. We encourage AI practitioners to develop and evaluate novel algorithms on the BRACS dataset to further breast cancer diagnosis and patient care.

Database URL: https://www.bracs.icar.cnr.it/
Finerenone efficacy in patients with chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Authors: Filippatos Gerasimos , Anker Stefan D , Pitt Bertram , McGuire Darren K , Rossing Peter , Ruilope Luis M , Butler Javed , Jankowska Ewa A , Michos Erin D , Farmakis Dimitrios , Farjat Alfredo E , Kolkhof Peter , Scalise Andrea , Joseph Amer , Bakris George L , Agarwal Rajiv
Published: October 2022

Aims

Finerenone, a selective, non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, improves cardiovascular (CV) and kidney outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). This subgroup analysis of FIDELITY, a pre-specified, pooled, individual patient-data analysis of FIDELIO-DKD (NCT02540993) and FIGARO-DKD (NCT02545049), compared finerenone vs. placebo in patients with and without baseline history of atherosclerotic CV disease (ASCVD).

Methods and results

Outcomes included a composite CV outcome [CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure (HHF)]; CV death or HHF; a composite kidney outcome (kidney failure, sustained estimated glomerular filtration rate decrease ≥57%, or kidney-related death); all-cause mortality; and safety by baseline history of ASCVD.

Of 13 026 patients, 5935 (45.6%) had a history of ASCVD. The incidence of the composite CV outcome, CV death or HHF, and all-cause mortality was higher in patients with ASCVD vs. those without, with no difference between groups in the composite kidney outcome. Finerenone consistently reduced outcomes vs. placebo in patients with and without ASCVD (P-interaction for the composite CV outcome, CV death or HHF, the composite kidney outcome, and all-cause mortality 0.38, 0.68, 0.33, and 0.38, respectively). Investigator-reported treatment-emergent adverse events were consistent between treatment arms across ASCVD subgroups.

Conclusion

Finerenone reduced the risk of CV and kidney outcomes consistently across the spectrum of CKD in patients with T2D, irrespective of prevalent ASCVD.
Age-Related Microaggressions: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Gietzen Luke J , Lewis Hannah , Buchanan Jeffrey A
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives

The aim of this study was to expand the literature on ageism by exploring the phenomenon of age-related microaggressions.

Research Design and Methods

Fifty-one participants completed an online survey asking a series of questions about their experiences with microaggressions related to their age. Responses were summarized using a thematic analysis.

Results

Participants reported frequently experiencing age-related microaggressions, particularly microinsults. Microaggressions occurred in a variety of settings, often by individuals unfamiliar to the older adult. Although most participants reported having negative emotional reactions to microaggression and believing these acts are intentional, in most cases, perpetrators are not confronted.

Discussion and Implications

Our hope is this descriptive study will serve as a foundational framework for conducting future exploration on age-related microaggressions and their effects on older adults and society at large.
Concentrate Questions and Answers Contract Law
Authors: Devenney James
Published: October 2022

The Concentrate Questions and Answers series offers the best preparation for tackling exam questions. Each book includes typical questions, answer plans and suggested answers, author commentary, and other features. Concentrate Q&A Contract Law provides guidance on answering questions on the law of contract. The book starts with an introduction explaining how to use the book and exploring the skills necessary for success in contract law exams. The book then looks at offer and acceptance, certainty of terms, consideration and intention to create legal relations. After that it examines terms of the contract, exclusion/exemption clauses and unfair terms, misrepresentation, improper pressure, mistake and issues relating to illegality and restraint of trade. The final part of the book looks at frustration, damages, additional remedies, privity of contract and has a short section dealing with mixed questions. The book ends with a chapter containing advice on answering coursework questions.
2. Offer and Acceptance
Authors: Devenney James
Published: October 2022

The Concentrate Questions and Answers series offers the best preparation for tackling exam questions. Each book includes typical questions, answer plans and suggested answers, author commentary, and other features. This chapter outlines a number of questions that need to be posed in answering exam questions about the rules of offer and acceptance and certainty of terms. First, has an offer been made? Secondly, if an offer has been made, has the offeree unequivocally accepted this offer? Thirdly, has the acceptance been communicated effectively? Fourthly, at the moment when the acceptance is deemed to have been effective, is the offer still open? Fifthly, are there any exceptions to the aforesaid rules of offer and acceptance? Finally, is an agreement sufficiently certain?
3. Consideration and Intention to Create Legal Relations
Authors: Devenney James
Published: October 2022

The Concentrate Questions and Answers series offers the best preparation for tackling exam questions. Each book includes typical questions, answer plans, suggested answers, and other features. This chapter explains the doctrine of consideration and other elements necessary for the enforceability of an agreement, such as an intention to create legal relations. The doctrine of consideration is shaped by three important rules: traditionally consideration must move from the promisee (a party must provide consideration if he is to sue on a promise); consideration must be sufficient but need not be adequate (both parties need only contribute something of value in the eyes of the law to the bargain, however disproportionate); and performance of an existing contract does not normally constitute sufficient consideration for any modification in the terms of that contract. The chapter also looks at the equitable doctrine of promissory estoppel.
9. Illegality and Restraint of Trade
Authors: Devenney James
Published: October 2022

The Concentrate Questions and Answers series offers the best preparation for tackling exam questions. Each book includes typical questions, answer plans and suggested answers, author commentary, and other features. This chapter looks at illegality and restraint of trade.

Illegality is one of the most confusing areas within the law of contract, particularly as regards the consequences of a finding of illegality. This chapter considers recent developments in this general area of law as well as contracts in restraint of trade. It explores two key debates: the extent to which when faced with illegality the courts should grant relief to ensure justice, and ‘although many contracts will, to some extent, restrain future activity, the circumstances when a contract will be subject to the restraint of trade doctrine’.
10. Frustration
Authors: Devenney James
Published: October 2022

The Concentrate Questions and Answers series offers the best preparation for tackling exam questions. Each book includes typical questions, answer plans and suggested answers, author commentary, and other features. This chapter discusses the doctrine of frustration. It outlines three key questions that need to be posed in addressing issues of possible frustration. Is there a radical change in circumstances? Does any rule of law render frustration inoperative? What are the effects of frustration? It explores two key debates: the fact that a self-induced event will not frustrate a contract, and the consequences of frustration under the Law Reform (Frustrated Contracts) Act 1943.
12. Rylands v Fletcher and Strict Liability
Authors: Steele Jenny
Published: October 2022

All books in this flagship series contain carefully selected substantial extracts from key cases, legislation, and academic debate, providing able students with a stand-alone resource. This chapter analyses the rule in Rylands v Fletcher on liability for damage done by the escape of dangerous things accumulated on one’s land, regardless of fault. It considers the problem in overlap between negligence and strict liability, and how the tort of negligence can impose liability in situations far removed from cases of individual fault, including the situations covered by Rylands v Fletcher. After providing an overview of the case of Rylands v Fletcher and the origins and elements of the rule, the chapter looks at the rule and its categorization and boundaries today, paying particular attention to two major English cases that treat Rylands as an aspect of nuisance: Cambridge Water Company v Eastern Counties Leather plc and Transco v Stockport MBC. Finally, it examines the Australian High Court’s decision in Burnie Port Authority v General Jones Pty Ltd
13. Occupiers’ Liability
Authors: Steele Jenny
Published: October 2022

All books in this flagship series contain carefully selected substantial extracts from key cases, legislation, and academic debate, providing able students with a stand-alone resource. This chapter examines damage which arises out of dangers encountered on premises. The duties in question are owed to parties who are present on the premises, rather than to neighbouring occupiers or (for example) users of the highway, and governed by two pieces of legislation: the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 and the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1984. The discussion begins by considering the criteria used to determine when the occupiers’ liability acts are engaged, whose responsibility is it to guard against the risks, and the duty owed to visitors and non-visitors. The chapter then turns to defences and exclusion of liability.
Seismic ambient noise auto-correlation imaging in a CO2 storage area
Authors: Zhao Ce , Zheng Yikang , Wang Yibo , Zhao Liang
Published: October 2022

Carbon capture and storage is an effective technique for achieving ‘carbon neutrality’. Seismology plays an important role in detecting and monitoring whether CO2 has been safely sealed. However, active seismic surveys are usually incapable of continuous observations. We can extract the body wave and image the subsurface interface directly and continuously via single sensor ambient noise auto-correlation. However, because of the weak body wave in the ambient noise and the multiples in the imaging results, it is challenging to improve the imaging resolution. This study provides a reference for the development of the ambient noise (phase) auto-correlation imaging method for future use in carbon storage areas. In this study, we performed numerical experiments to show that the phase auto-correlation method is better than the auto-correlation in terms of weakening artefacts and detecting subsurface thin CO2 layers. Then, we applied the phase auto-correlation method in the Ketzin (Germany) CO2 storage area. Using 223 body-wave dominated noise panels automatically selected from totally 4680 panels, we imaged two primary interfaces, which are consistent with the common midpoint stacking results obtained using active seismic surveys. We applied a multiple removal approach to the imaging results and obtained high precision results. Then, we applied the proposed workflow to three passive seismic survey lines north of the CO2 injection well. The results of the three passive surveys demonstrate the workflow is robust.
Zeta revisited: A rejoinder
Authors: Hoover David L
Published: October 2022

Zeta is a relatively recently developed tool for authorship attribution and computational stylistics (Craig and Kinney, 2009, Shakespeare, Computers, and the Mystery of Authorship. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press). In ‘The Interpretation of Zeta Test Results’ (2019), Perves Rizvi raised several objections to the method. I responded to and rejected those objections in ‘Zeta Revisited’ (Hoover, 2021a, Zeta revisited. Digital Scholarship in the Humanities, 1–20). Rizvi has renewed two of his main objections in a critique of my response in his ‘The Interpretation of Zeta Test Results: A Supplement’ (2022). First, he reiterates and expands his argument that the separation of base and counter segments in a Zeta analysis is a mechanical consequence of Zeta, rather than a significant and meaningful finding. Second, he again rejects the use of the bisector line to attribute texts in a Zeta analysis as unsound and adds new arguments that it leads to invalid attributions. This rejoinder provides further evidence and argument that both of Rizvi’s claims must be rejected.
Orientation effects on cool gas absorption from gravitational-arc tomography of a z = 0.77 disc galaxy
Authors: Fernandez-Figueroa A , Lopez S , Tejos N , Berg T A M , Ledoux C , Noterdaeme P , Afruni A , Barrientos L F , Gonzalez-Lopez J , Hamel M , Johnston E J , Katsianis A , Sharon K , Solimano M
Published: October 2022

We use spatially resolved spectroscopy of a distant giant gravitational arc to test orientation effects on Mg ii absorption equivalent width (EW) and covering fraction (〈κ〉) in the circumgalactic medium of a foreground star-forming galaxy (G1) at z ∼ 0.77. Forty-two spatially-binned arc positions uniformly sample impact parameters (D) to G1 between 10 and 30 kpc and azimuthal angles α between 30° and 90° (minor axis). We find an EW-D anticorrelation, akin to that observed statistically in quasar absorber studies, and an apparent correlation of both EW and 〈κ〉 with α, revealing a non-isotropic gas distribution. In line with our previous results on Mg ii kinematics suggesting the presence of outflows in G1, at minimum a simple 3D static double-cone model (to represent the trace of bipolar outflows) is required to recreate the EW spatial distribution. The D and α values probed by the arc cannot confirm the presence of a disc, but the data highly disfavour a disc alone. Our results support the interpretation that the EW-α correlation observed statistically using other extant probes is partly shaped by bipolar metal-rich winds.
Gravitational-wave inference for eccentric binaries: the argument of periapsis
Authors: Clarke Teagan A , Romero-Shaw Isobel M , Lasky Paul D , Thrane Eric
Published: October 2022

Gravitational waves from binary black hole mergers have allowed us to directly observe stellar-mass black hole binaries for the first time and therefore explore their formation channels. One of the ways to infer how a binary system is assembled is by measuring the system’s orbital eccentricity. Current methods of parameter estimation do not include all physical effects of eccentric systems, such as spin-induced precession, higher order modes, and the initial argument of periapsis: an angle describing the orientation of the orbital ellipse. We explore how varying the argument of periapsis changes gravitational waveforms and study its effect on the inference of astrophysical parameters. We use the eccentric spin-aligned waveforms TEOBResumS and SEOBNRE to measure the change in the waveforms as the argument of periapsis is changed. We find that the argument of periapsis could already be impacting analyses performed with TEOBResumS. However, it is likely to be well resolvable in the foreseeable future only for the loudest events observed by LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA. The systematic error in previous, low-eccentricity analyses that have not considered the argument of periapsis is likely to be small.
Evaluating possible spectroscopic variation of Bennu’s sampling site
Authors: Praet A , Poggiali G , Barucci M A , Clark B E , Zou X-D , Simon A A , Kaplan H H , Li J-Y , Alcaria C
Published: October 2022

The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft completed the first part of the primary objective by successfully sampling the surface of asteroid (101955) Bennu and storing the acquired sample in the re-entry capsule. The sampling ‘Touch-And-Go’ (TAG) maneuver was performed nominally at the primary sampling site, Nightingale, in Bennu’s Northern hemisphere. As a consequence of the TAG, material at the sampling site was mobilized and the morphology of the area was altered. This event offered a unique opportunity to investigate, in detail, the subsurface of asteroid Bennu giving access to fine grained and less altered material from Nightingale crater. We performed a detailed study on the infrared spectrum in the Nightingale region to search for modification resulting from the sampling event by analysing different features: slope, the H2O–OH− related absorption band in the $2.7\ \mu {\rm m}$ region, and other possible features. Our results show that, despite visible alteration of the TAG location detected by cameras, no strong variations are observed in the near-infrared bands and their quantitative evaluation is not possible beyond all the instrumental effects, although some changes may have occurred. We confirm that the infrared spectrum of the sampling site becomes redder with respect to the pre-TAG observations, conceivably due to fine material mobilization and exposure of less altered material, as confirmed by decreased spectral convexity. We identify possible modification of hydrated band at $2.7\ \mu {\rm m}$ but with some concerns due to data quality. However, our results place new constraints on the nature of Bennu’s subsurface material and the sample collected by OSIRIS-REx.
Dark particle mass effects on neutron star properties from a short-range correlated hadronic model
Authors: Dutra M , Lenzi C H , Lourenço O
Published: October 2022

In this work we study a relativistic mean-field (RMF) hadronic model, with nucleonic short-range correlations (SRC) included, coupled to dark matter (DM) through the Higgs boson. We study different parametrizations of this model by running the dark particle Fermi momentum, and its mass in the range of 50GeV ≤ Mχ ≤ 500GeV, compatible with experimental spin-independent scattering cross-sections. By using this RMF-SRC-DM model, we calculate some neutron star quantities, namely, mass–radius profiles, dimensionless tidal deformabilities, and crustal properties. Our findings show that is possible to construct RMF-SRC-DM parametrizations in agreement with constraints provided by LIGO and Virgo collaboration (LVC) on the GW170817 event, and recent observational data from the NICER mission. Furthermore, we show that the increase of Mχ favors the model to attain data from LVC regarding the tidal deformabilities. Higher values of Mχ also induce a reduction of the neutron star crust (mass and thickness), and cause a decrease of the crustal fraction of the moment of inertia (Icrust/I). Nevertheless, we show that some RMF-SRC-DM parametrizations still exhibit $I_{{\rm crust}}/I\gt 7{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, a condition that explains the glitch activity in rotation-powered pulsars such as the Vela one. Therefore, dark matter content can also be used for describing such a phenomenon.
Searching for outbursts in the ground-based photometry of 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko
Authors: Gardener Daniel , Snodgrass Colin , Ligier Nicolas
Published: October 2022

67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko is a Jupiter-family comet that was the target of the Rosetta mission, the first mission to successfully orbit and land a probe on a comet. This mission was accompanied by a large ground-based observing campaign. We have developed a pipeline to calibrate and measure photometry of comet 67P during its 2016 perihelion passage, making use of all visible wavelength broad-band imaging collected across a wide range of facilities. The pipeline calibrates the brightness of the comet to a common photometric system (Pan-STARRS 1) using background stars within the field allowing for compilation and comparison of multiple data sets. Results follow the predictions based on previous apparitions: 67P shows no obvious change in activity levels from orbit-to-orbit and coma colours remain constant throughout the apparition. We detected an outburst on 2015 August 22 of ∼0.14 mag. The brightness and estimated mass of this outburst puts it in line with the outbursts directly observed on the nucleus by Rosetta. An in situ outburst was observed at the same time as the one seen from the ground; however, linking these two events directly remains challenging.
A new look at the infrared properties of z ∼ 5 galaxies
Authors: Sommovigo L , Ferrara A , Carniani S , Pallottini A , Dayal P , Pizzati E , Ginolfi M , Markov V , Faisst A
Published: October 2022

Recent Atacama Large Millimeter Array large surveys unveiled the presence of significant dust continuum emission in star-forming galaxies at z > 4. Unfortunately, such large programs – i.e. ALPINE (z ∼ 5) and REBELS (z ∼ 7) – only provide us with a single far-infrared (FIR) continuum data point for their individual targets. Therefore, high-z galaxies FIR spectral energy densities (SEDs) remain mostly unconstrained, hinging on an assumption for their dust temperature (Td) in the SED fitting procedure. This introduces uncertainties in the inferred dust masses (Md), infrared luminosities (LIR), and obscured star formation rate (SFR) fraction at z > 4. In this work, we use a method that allows us to constrain Td with a single-band measurement by combining the 158 $\mu$m continuum information with the overlying [C ii emission line. We analyse the 21 [C ii and FIR continuum-detected z ∼ 5 galaxies in ALPINE, finding a range of Td = 25–60 K and Md = 0.6–25.1 × 107 M⊙. Given the measured stellar masses of ALPINE galaxies, the inferred dust yields are around Md/M⋆ = (0.2–8) × 10−3, consistent with theoretical dust-production constraints. We find that eight out of the 21 ALPINE galaxies have LIR ≥ 1012 L⊙, comparable to ultraluminous IR galaxies (ULIRGs). Relying on ultraviolet-to-optical SED fitting, the SFR was underestimated by up to two orders of magnitude in four of these eight ULIRGs-like galaxies. We conclude that these four peculiar sources should be characterized by a two-phase interstellar medium structure with ‘spatially segregated’ FIR and ultraviolet emitting regions.
Associations Between E-cigarette Use and E-cigarette Flavors With Cigarette Smoking Quit Attempts and Quit Success: Evidence From a U.S. Large, Nationally Representative 2018–2019 Survey
Authors: Mok Yoonseo , Jeon Jihyoun , Levy David T , Meza Rafael
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Although many studies have examined the association between e-cigarette use and smoking cessation, fewer have considered the impact of e-cigarette flavors on cessation outcomes. This study extends previous studies by examining the effects of e-cigarette use and e-cigarette flavors on quit attempts and quit success of smoking.

Aims and Methods

We used data from the 2018–2019 Tobacco Use Supplement-Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) survey. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the associations between flavored e-cigarette use with quit attempts and quit success of smoking among individuals who smoked 12 months ago. Two current e-cigarette use definitions were used in these logistic regression analyses; currently use every day or some days versus 20+ days in the past 30 days.

Results

Compared to those not using e-cigarettes, current every day or someday e-cigarette use with all nontobacco flavors had an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 2.9 (95% CI: 2.4 to 3.5) for quit attempts and 1.7 (95% CI: 1.3 to 2.2) for quit success. 20+ days e-cigarette use with flavors had stronger associations with quit attempts (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI: 3.1 to 5.5) and quit success (AOR = 4.0, 95% CI: 2.9 to 5.4). E-cigarette users with nontobacco flavors were more likely to succeed in quitting compared to those exclusively using non-flavored or tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes. Menthol or mint flavor users had slightly higher odds of quit attempts and success than users of other nontobacco flavors.

Conclusions

E-cigarette use is positively associated with both making smoking quit attempts and quit success. Those using flavored e-cigarettes, particularly menthol or mint, are more likely to quit successfully.

Implications

E-cigarette use is positively associated with both making a quit attempt and quit success, and those using flavored e-cigarettes are more likely to successfully quit smoking, with no statistically significant differences between the use of menthol or mint-flavored e-cigarettes versus the use of other nontobacco flavored products. This suggests that the potential for e-cigarettes to help people who currently smoke quit could be maintained with the availability of menthol or mint-flavored e-cigarettes, even if other nontobacco flavored products, which are associated with e-cigarette use among youth, were removed from the market.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Knowledge, Attitudes, and Self-Efficacy Among Family Planning Providers in the Southern United States: Bridging the Gap in Provider Training
Authors: Ramakrishnan Aditi , Sales Jessica M , McCumber Micah , Powell Leah , Sheth Anandi N
Published: October 2022

Background

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention intervention, but its access and use are suboptimal, especially for women. Healthcare providers provision of PrEP is a key component of the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative. Although training gaps are an identified barrier, evidence is lacking regarding how to tailor trainings for successful implementation. Title X family planning clinics deliver safety net care for women and are potential PrEP delivery sites. To inform provider training, we assessed PrEP knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy in the steps of PrEP care among Title X providers in the Southern United States.

Methods

We used data from providers in clinics that did not currently provide PrEP from a web-based survey administered to Title X clinic staff in 18 Southern states from February to June 2018. We developed generalized linear mixed models to evaluate associations between provider-, clinic-, and county-level variables with provider knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy in PrEP care, guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

Results

Among 351 providers from 193 clinics, 194 (55%) were nonprescribing and 157 (45%) were prescribing providers. Provider ability to prescribe medications was significantly associated PrEP knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy. Self-efficacy was lowest in the PrEP initiation step of PrEP care and was positively associated with PrEP attitudes, PrEP knowledge, and contraception self-efficacy.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that PrEP training gaps for family planning providers may be bridged by addressing unfavorable PrEP attitudes, integrating PrEP and contraception training, tailoring training by prescribing ability, and focusing on the initiation steps of PrEP care.
Recurrent Candidemia: Trends and Risk Factors Among Persons Residing in 4 US States, 2011–2018
Authors: Seagle Emma E , Jackson Brendan R , Lockhart Shawn R , Jenkins Emily N , Revis Andrew , Farley Monica M , Harrison Lee H , Schaffner William , Markus Tiffanie M , Pierce Rebecca A , Zhang Alexia Y , Lyman Meghan M
Published: October 2022

Background

Candidemia is a common healthcare-associated infection with high mortality. Estimates of recurrence range from 1% to 17%. Few studies have focused on those with recurrent candidemia, who often experience more severe illness and greater treatment failure. We describe recurrent candidemia trends and risk factors.

Methods

We analyzed population-based candidemia surveillance data collected during 2011–2018. Persons with >1 episode (defined as the 30-day period after a positive Candida species) were classified as having recurrent candidemia. We compared factors during the initial episode between those who developed recurrent candidemia and those who did not.

Results

Of the 5428 persons identified with candidemia, 326 (6%) had recurrent infection. Recurrent episodes occurred 1.0 month to 7.6 years after any previous episode. In multivariable logistic regression controlling for surveillance site and year, recurrent candidemia was associated with being 19–44 years old (vs ≥65 years; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.05 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 2.10–4.44]), being discharged to a private residence (vs medical facility; aOR, 1.53 [95% CI, 1.12–2.08]), hospitalization in the 90 days prior to initial episode (aOR, 1.66 [95% CI, 1.27–2.18]), receipt of total parenteral nutrition (aOR, 2.08 [95% CI, 1.58–2.73]), and hepatitis C infection (aOR, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.12–2.43]).

Conclusions

Candidemia recurrence >30 days after initial infection occurred in >1 in 20 persons with candidemia. Associations with younger age and hepatitis C suggest injection drug use may play a modifiable role. Prevention efforts targeting central line care and total parenteral nutrition use may help reduce the risk of recurrent candidemia.
Beyond Sex: Human Monkeypox Virus is an Emerging Threat to Marginalized Populations
Authors: Barocas Joshua A , Strathdee Steffanie A
Published: October 2022

The human version of the monkeypox virus (MPXV) is establishing itself to various degrees across the globe. While substantial attention has been focused on sexual risk, particularly among men who have sex with men, other populations are vulnerable to this virus. In particular, people experiencing homelessness and those with substance use disorders are vulnerable to MPXV. Overcrowded and unsanitary shelter conditions and city policies that force the relocation of people experiencing homelessness provide ample opportunity for the virus to flourish in this population. Furthermore, people with substance use disorders, specifically those who inject drugs, are at increased risk due to lack of access to sterile injection equipment. Herein, we present a spectrum of structural determinants underpinning increased risks in these populations and recommendations that could help mitigate the spread.
Anatomical adjustments of the tree hydraulic pathway decrease canopy conductance under long-term elevated CO2
Authors: Gattmann Marielle , McAdam Scott A M , Birami Benjamin , Link Roman , Nadal-Sala Daniel , Schuldt Bernhard , Yakir Dan , Ruehr Nadine K
Published: October 2022

The cause of reduced leaf-level transpiration under elevated CO2 remains largely elusive. Here, we assessed stomatal, hydraulic, and morphological adjustments in a long-term experiment on Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) seedlings germinated and grown for 22–40 months under elevated (eCO2; c. 860 ppm) or ambient (aCO2; c. 410 ppm) CO2. We assessed if eCO2-triggered reductions in canopy conductance (gc) alter the response to soil or atmospheric drought and are reversible or lasting due to anatomical adjustments by exposing eCO2 seedlings to decreasing [CO2]. To quantify underlying mechanisms, we analyzed leaf abscisic acid (ABA) level, stomatal and leaf morphology, xylem structure, hydraulic efficiency, and hydraulic safety. Effects of eCO2 manifested in a strong reduction in leaf-level gc (−55%) not caused by ABA and not reversible under low CO2 (c. 200 ppm). Stomatal development and size were unchanged, while stomatal density increased (+18%). An increased vein-to-epidermis distance (+65%) suggested a larger leaf resistance to water flow. This was supported by anatomical adjustments of branch xylem having smaller conduits (−8%) and lower conduit lumen fraction (−11%), which resulted in a lower specific conductivity (−19%) and leaf-specific conductivity (−34%). These adaptations to CO2 did not change stomatal sensitivity to soil or atmospheric drought, consistent with similar xylem safety thresholds. In summary, we found reductions of gc under elevated CO2 to be reflected in anatomical adjustments and decreases in hydraulic conductivity. As these water savings were largely annulled by increases in leaf biomass, we do not expect alleviation of drought stress in a high CO2 atmosphere.
The effect of nut growth limitation on triose phosphate utilization and downregulation of photosynthesis in almond
Authors: Gutiérrez-Gordillo S , García-Tejero I F , Durán Zuazo V H , Diaz-Espejo A , Hernandez-Santana V
Published: October 2022

There is a controversy regarding when it is appropriate to apply the irrigation restriction in almond trees (Prunus dulcis Mill.) to save water without penalizing yield. We hypothesized that knowing when plants demand fewer photoassimilates would be a good indicator of less sensitivity of the crop to water deficit. One parameter that defines the photosynthetic capacity is the triose phosphate utilization (TPU). Due to its connection to the export of sugars from the leaves to other sink organs, it is a good candidate for being such an indicator. The objective was to analyze the seasonal evolution of the photosynthetic capacity of three almond cultivars (cvs Guara, Marta and Lauranne) subjected to water stress during vegetative, kernel-filling and postharvest stages. Two sustained deficit irrigation (SDI) treatments (SDI75 and SDI65 with water reductions of 25 and 35%, respectively) and a control treatment (FI) consisting of fully irrigated trees were applied. The response of curves AN-Ci was analyzed to assess the maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax), maximum rate of electron transport (Jmax), TPU and mesophyll conductance to CO2. In addition, leaf water potential and yield were measured. Our experimental findings showed any significant differences in the variables analyzed among cultivars and irrigation treatments. However, consistent differences arose when the results were compared among the phenological stages. During the kernel-filling and the postharvest stages, a progressive limitation by TPU was measured, suggesting that the demand for photoassimilates by the plant was reduced. This result was supported by the correlation found between TPU and fruit growth rate. As a consequence, a downregulation in Jmax and Vcmax was also measured. This study confirms that the kernel-filling stage might be a good time to apply a reduction in the irrigation and suggests a method to detect the best moments to apply a regulated deficit irrigation in almond trees.
Dissecting an island radiation: systematic revision of endemic land snails on Lord Howe Island (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora: Microcystidae)
Authors: Hyman Isabel T , Caiza Jennifer , Köhler Frank
Published: October 2022

The Lord Howe Island Microcystidae currently comprise two endemic genera containing nine species. We revise their taxonomy comprehensively using comparative morphology and phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial genes COI and 16S and demonstrate that the Lord Howe Island microcystids probably represent a single radiation. Based on our findings, we recognize Melloconcha, Tribocystis and Annacharis as junior synonyms of Innesoconcha and provide a revised generic diagnosis of Innesoconcha and redescriptions for all species. In addition, we reinstate Innesoconcha segna from synonymy and describe Innesoconcha doppelganger sp. nov., bringing the total number of accepted species in the genus to 11. Most species are well differentiated, in terms of both morphological differences and basal branch lengths in the mitochondrial trees. However, members of the Innesoconcha catletti species complex reveal lower levels of genetic and morphological differentiation and are likely to represent examples of more recent, perhaps even ongoing, speciation which might be driven by reinforcement. We recommend conservation assessments of all species, particularly Innesoconcha aberrans and Innesoconcha grata, which are rare species that have declined in abundance over the past 50 years, and note that Innesoconcha rosacea and Innesoconcha delecta appear to have become geographically more restricted. Innesoconcha miranda and I. segna are probably extinct.
Pathogenicity Variation in Two Genomes of Cercospora Species Causing Gray Leaf Spot in Maize
Authors: Cheng Zixiang , Lv Xiangling , Duan Canxing , Zhu Hanyong , Wang Jianjun , Xu Zhennan , Yin Huifei , Zhou Xiaohang , Li Mingshun , Hao Zhuafang , Li Fenghai , Li Xinhai , Weng Jianfeng
Published: October 2022

The gray leaf spots caused by Cercospora spp. severely affect the yield and quality of maize. However, the evolutionary relation and pathogenicity variation between species of the Cercospora genus is largely unknown. In this study, we constructed high-quality reference genomes by nanopore sequencing two Cercospora species, namely, C. zeae-maydis and C. zeina, with differing pathogenicity, collected from northeast (Liaoning [LN]) and southeast (Yunnan [YN]) China, respectively. The genome size of C. zeae-maydis-LN is 45.08 Mb, containing 10,839 annotated genes, whereas that of Cercospora zeina-YN is 42.18 Mb, containing 10,867 annotated genes, of which approximately 86.58% are common in the two species. The difference in their genome size is largely attributed to increased long terminal repeat retrotransposons of 3.8 Mb in total length in C. zeae-maydis-LN. There are 41 and 30 carbohydrate-binding gene subfamilies identified in C. zeae-maydis-LN and C. zeina-YN, respectively. A higher number of carbohydrate-binding families found in C. zeae-maydis-LN, and its unique CBM4, CBM37, and CBM66, in particular, may contribute to variation in pathogenicity between the two species, as the carbohydrate-binding genes are known to encode cell wall–degrading enzymes. Moreover, there are 114 and 107 effectors predicted, with 47 and 46 having unique potential pathogenicity in C. zeae-maydis-LN and C. zeina-YN, respectively. Of eight effectors randomly selected for pathogenic testing, five were found to inhibit cell apoptosis induced by Bcl-2-associated X. Taken together, our results provide genomic insights into variation in pathogenicity between C. zeae-maydis and C. zeina.

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