bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The structure and dynamics of massive high-z cosmic-web filaments: three radial zones in filament cross-sections
Authors: Lu Yue Samuel , Mandelker Nir , Oh Siang Peng , Dekel Avishai , van den Bosch Frank C , Springel Volker , Nagai Daisuke , van de Voort Freeke 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
We analyse the internal structure and dynamics of cosmic-web filaments connecting massive high-z haloes. Our analysis is based on a high-resolution arepo cosmological simulation zooming-in on three Mpc-scale filaments feeding three massive haloes of $\sim 10^{12}\, \text{M}_\odot$ at z ∼ 4, embedded in a large-scale sheet. Each filament is surrounded by a cylindrical accretion shock of radius $r_{\rm shock} \sim 50 \, {\rm kpc}$. The post-shock gas is in virial equilibrium within the potential well set by an isothermal dark-matter filament. The filament line-mass is $\sim 9\times 10^8\, \text{M}_\odot \, {\rm kpc}^{-1}$, the gas fraction within rshock is the universal baryon fraction, and the virial temperature is ∼7 × 105 K. These all match expectations from analytical models for filament properties as a function of halo mass and redshift. The filament cross-section has three radial zones. In the outer ‘thermal’ (T) zone, $r \ge 0.65 \, r_{\rm shock}$, inward gravity, and ram-pressure forces are overbalanced by outward thermal pressure forces, decelerating the inflowing gas and expanding the shock outwards. In the intermediate ‘vortex’ (V) zone, 0.25 ≤ r/rshock ≤ 0.65, the velocity field is dominated by a quadrupolar vortex structure due to offset inflow along the sheet through the post-shock gas. The outward force is dominated by centrifugal forces associated with these vortices, with additional contributions from global rotation and thermal pressure. Shear and turbulent forces associated with the vortices act inwards. The inner ‘stream’ (S) zone, $r \lt 0.25 \, r_{\rm shock}$, is a dense isothermal core, $T\sim 3 \times 10^4 \, {\rm K}$ and $n_{\rm H}\sim 0.01 \, {\rm cm^{-3}}$, defining the cold streams that feed galaxies. The core is formed by an isobaric cooling flow and is associated with a decrease in outward forces, though exhibiting both inflows and outflows.
Value chain microfinance
Authors: Casaburi Lorenzo , Willis Jack 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We study the provision of financial services to small firms, consumers, and workers in developing countries as part of value chain relationships: value chain microfinance (VCMF). We first explore how VCMF can both overcome barriers to financial access—including asymmetric information, enforcement, and behavioural biases—and strengthen value chains, but also how it can introduce new challenges. We then review a recent empirical literature at the intersection of value chains and microfinance, studying the demand for and effects of VCMF in credit, insurance, and savings markets. We conclude by highlighting promising directions for future work.
Genetic dissection of cis-regulatory control of ZmWUSCHEL1 expression by type B RESPONSE REGULATORS
Authors: Chen Zongliang , Cortes Liz , Gallavotti Andrea 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Mutations in cis-regulatory regions play an important role in the domestication and improvement of crops by altering gene expression. However, assessing the in vivo impact of cis-regulatory elements (CREs) on transcriptional regulation and phenotypic outcomes remains challenging. Previously, we showed that the dominant Barren inflorescence3 (Bif3) mutant of maize (Zea mays) contains a duplicated copy of the homeobox transcription factor gene ZmWUSCHEL1 (ZmWUS1), named ZmWUS1-B. ZmWUS1-B is controlled by a spontaneously generated novel promoter region that dramatically increases its expression and alters patterning and development of young ears. Overexpression of ZmWUS1-B is caused by a unique enhancer region containing multimerized binding sites for type B RESPONSE REGULATORs (RRs), key transcription factors in cytokinin signaling. To better understand how the enhancer increases the expression of ZmWUS1 in vivo, we specifically targeted the ZmWUS1-B enhancer region by CRISPR-Cas9-mediated editing. A series of deletion events with different numbers of type B RR DNA binding motifs (AGATAT) enabled us to determine how the number of AGATAT motifs impacts in vivo expression of ZmWUS1-B and consequently ear development. In combination with dual-luciferase assays in maize protoplasts, our analysis reveals that AGATAT motifs have an additive effect on ZmWUS1-B expression, while the distance separating AGATAT motifs does not appear to have a meaningful impact, indicating that the enhancer activity derives from the sum of individual CREs. These results also suggest that in maize inflorescence development, there is a threshold of buffering capacity for ZmWUS1 overexpression.
Auditory Aversive Generalization Learning Prompts Threat-Specific Changes in Alpha-Band Activity
Authors: Farkas Andrew H. , Ward Richard T. , Gilbert Faith E. , Pouliot Jourdan , Chiasson Payton , McIlvanie Skylar , Traiser Caitlin , Riels Kierstin , Mears Ryan , Keil Andreas 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPairing a neutral stimulus with aversive outcomes prompts neurophysiological and autonomic changes in response to the conditioned stimulus (CS+), compared to cues that signal safety (CS-). One of these changes—selective amplitude reduction of parietal alpha-band oscillations— has been reliably linked to processing of visual CS+. It is however unclear to what extent auditory conditioned cues prompt similar changes, how these changes evolve as learning progresses, and how alpha reduction in the auditory domain generalizes to similar stimuli. To address these questions, fifty-five participants listened to three sine wave tones, with either the highest or lowest pitch (CS+) being associated with a noxious white noise burst. A threat specific (CS+) reduction in occipital-parietal alpha-band power was observed similar to changes expected for visual stimuli. No evidence for aversive generalization to the tone most similar to the CS+ was observed in terms of alpha-band power changes, aversiveness ratings, or pupil dilation. By-trial analyses found that selective alpha-band changes continued to increase as aversive conditioning continued, beyond when participants reported awareness of the contingencies. The results support a theoretical model in which selective alpha power represents a cross-modal index of continuous aversive learning, accompanied by sustained sensory discrimination of conditioned threat from safety cues.
Investigation of genomic and transcriptomic risk factors in clopidogrel response in African Americans
Authors: Yang Guang , Alarcon Cristina , Chanfreau Catherine , Lee Norman H. , Friedman Paula , Nutescu Edith , Tuck Matthew , O’Brien Travis , Gong Li , Klein Teri E. , Chang Kyong-Mi , Tsao Philip S. , Meltzer David O. ,   Million Veteran Program, Tuteja Sony , Perera Minoli A 
Published: December 2023

AbstractClopidogrel, an anti-platelet drug, used to prevent thrombosis after percutaneous coronary intervention. Clopidogrel resistance results in recurring ischemic episodes, with African Americans suffering disproportionately. The aim of this study was to identify biomarkers of clopidogrel resistance in African American patients.We conducted a genome-wide association study, including local ancestry adjustment, in 141 African Americans on clopidogrel to identify associations with high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR). We validated genome-wide and suggestive hits in an independent cohort of African American clopidogrel patients (N = 823) from the Million Veteran’s Program (MVP) along within vitrofunctional follow up. We performed differential gene expression (DGE) analysis in whole blood with functional follow-up in MEG-01 cells.We identified rs7807369, within thrombospondin 7A (THSD7A),as significantly associated with increasing risk of HTPR (p = 4.56 x 10−9). HigherTHSD7Aexpression was associated with HTPR in an independent gene expression cohort of clopidogrel treated patients (p = 0.004) and supported by increased gene expression onTHSD7Ain primary human endothelial cells carrying the risk haplotype. Two SNPs (rs1149515 and rs191786) were validated in the MVP cohort. DGE analysis identified an association with decreasedLAIR1expression to HTPR.LAIR1knockdown in a MEG-01 cells resulted in increased expression of SYK and AKT1, suggesting an inhibitory role ofLAIR1in the Glycoprotein VI pathway. Notably, theCYP2C19variants showed no association with clopidogrel response in the discovery or MVP cohorts.In summary, these finding suggest that other variants outside ofCYP2C19star alleles play an important role in clopidogrel response in African Americans.Key PointsSNPs withinTHSD7Awere associated to clopidogrel resistance in African Americans.THSD7Agene expression is higher in patients with clopidogrel resistance and in endothelial cells carrying the risk variants.No association to high on therapy platelet reactivity or major adverse cardiac events was seen withCYP2C19star alleles in either the African American cohort investigated.DecreasedLAIR1gene expression in blood was associated to risk of HTPR and showed downstream effect on SKY and AKT.
Association between Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis with ibuprofen: A pharmacovigilance study in the UK Yellow Card scheme and systematic review of case reports
Authors: Fletcher Guy , Ryan David K. , Bunker C B. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionStevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are a group of severe acute muco-cutaneous blistering disorders with a significant burden of morbidity and mortality. Drugs are commonly identified as potential precipitants of SJS/TEN, although it can be difficult to firmly identify causative agents. Ibuprofen has been proposed as a rare trigger for SJS/TEN and given the widespread use of this non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and significance of reaction, further pharmacovigilance analysis is warranted.MethodsSerious or fatal adverse drug reaction (ADR) data from 1998 – October 2023 were downloaded from the UK MHRA Yellow Card Scheme website. Proportional reporting ratios (PRR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for SJS and TEN associated with ibuprofen using standard pharmacovigilance methods. Secondly, a systematic review of literature was conducted to explore reported cases where ibuprofen was the suspected trigger for a case of SJS/TEN. Eligible cases were assessed for the likelihood of ibuprofen being the causative agent by two reviewers using the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale and the ALDEN algorithm for the assessment of drug causality in SJS/TEN.ResultsIn total, 1, 994, 967 ARDs, relating to 1,811 SJS reports and 1,299 TEN reports. There was an increased signal for reports of SJS-TEN associated with ibuprofen use. The PRR for SJS with ibuprofen was 3.73 (95% confidence interval 2.68 – 5.18) and 4.49 (95% confidence interval 3.15 – 6.41). In our literature review, 23 individual case reports were deemed eligible for inclusion and the majority of these cases were determined as being doubtful in causality assessment. Difficulty in attributing causality was related to poorly defined temporal relationships between ibuprofen and SJS-TEN or poor reporting standards of case reports.ConclusionsThere are pharmacovigilance signals suggesting increased reporting of SJS/TEN in patients exposed to ibuprofen within UK data. However, more detailed case reports describing this association in literature have low likelihood of supporting causality. It is possible that reverse causality or co-causality is mediating this association. Further studies and pharmacovigilance is required to clarify the association between SJS/TEN and ibuprofen.
Irritability in young people with copy number variants associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (ND-CNVs)
Authors: Hall Jessica H. , Chawner Samuel. J.R.A ,   IMAGINE-ID consortium, Wolstencroft Jeanne , Skuse David , Holmans Peter , Owen Michael J. , van den Bree Marianne B.M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundA range of rare mutations involving micro-deletion or -duplication of genetic material (copy number variants (CNVs)) have been associated with high neurodevelopmental and psychiatric risk (ND-CNVs). Irritability is frequently observed in childhood neurodevelopmental conditions, yet its aetiology is largely unknown. Genetic variation may play a role, but there is a sparsity of studies investigating presentation of irritability in young people with ND-CNVs.AimsThis study aimed to investigate whether there is a difference in irritability in young people with rare ND-CNVs compared to those without ND-CNVs, and to what extent irritability is associated with psychiatric diagnoses and cognitive ability (IQ).MethodsIrritability and broader psychopathology was assessed in 485 young people with ND-CNVs and 164 sibling controls, using the child and adolescent psychiatric assessment (CAPA). Autism was assessed using the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), and Intelligence Quotient (IQ) by the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI).Results54% of young people with ND-CNVs met the threshold for irritability; significantly more than controls (OR = 3.77, CI = 3.07-7.90, p= 5.31 x 10-11). When controlling for the presence of other psychiatric comorbidities, ND-CNV status was still associated with irritability. There was no evidence for a relationship between irritability and IQ.ConclusionsIrritability is an important aspect of the clinical picture in young people with ND-CNVs. This work shows that genetic variation is associated with irritability in young people with ND-CNVs, independent of psychiatric comorbidities or IQ impairment. Clinicians should be aware of this increased risk to inform management and interventions.
Clinicopathological, surgical management and early postoperative outcome among obstructive jaundice inpatients at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre from March 2020 to March 2023
Authors: Chambo Mkunde Ramadhani , Venant Elmes , Msuya David , Chugulu Samwel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObstructive jaundice is a surgical condition that affects all age groups mostly to the above 18 individuals. This condition can lead to high morbidity and mortality if not early diagnosed and treated. It remains the common cause of surgical consultations globally accounting for 8-10/100,000 and 242/1000 annually in China and Saudi Arabia respectively. Clinicopathological and radiological investigations are the key to the disease diagnosis. Cholelithiasis and cancer head of pancreas are common causes of obstructive jaundice. Although the diagnosis and treatments of obstructive jaundice is advancing; some patients get poor treatment outcome such as SSI, peritonitis and long hospital stay with some of them dying.To determine the clinicopathological, surgical management and early postoperative outcome among obstructive jaundice inpatients at KCMC from March 2020 to March 2023.A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data from hospital records, EHMS system, surgery admission and theater registry books. All files of patients aged 18 years and above from these registry books with a diagnosis of obstructive jaundice from March 2020 to March 2023 were included. The obtained data were collected using the questionnaire then entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26.A total of 101 patients were studied, with the male to female ratio of 1.2:1. Cancer head of pancreas was the commonest malignant cause of obstructive jaundice where as choledocholithiasis was the commonest benign cause. Most of the clinical presentations were abdominal pain 47.6%, yellowish discoloration of the mucous membrane, eyes and skin by 43.6% and itching by 6.9%. Both laboratory investigations and radiological imaging were done which showed elevated liver enzymes 68.3%, low Hb 46.5%, histopathology 62.4%; benign and malignant obstructive jaundice cause by 33.7% and 46.5% respectively. Among all the patients who were surgically managed 29.7% had palliative triple bypass, 14.8% had laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 14.8% had CBD Exploration. The overall complication rate was 50.5%; Death 16.5% surgical site infections 13.9% and long hospital stay 9.9%.Obstructive jaundice in our setting is more common in males where malignant causes being high in the list
The Role of Community Beliefs and Practices on the Spread of Ebola in Uganda, September 2022
Authors: Naiga Helen Nelly , Zalwango Jane Frances , Kizito Saudah N. , Agaba Brian , Simbwa Brenda N. , Zalwango Maria Goretti , Akunzirwe Rebecca , Kabami Zainah , Kawugenzi Peter Chris , Zavuga Robert , Ninsiima Mackline , King Patrick , Wanyana Mercy Wendy , Kiggundu Thomas , Migisha Richard , Gonahasa Doreen , Kyamwine Irene , Kwesiga Benon , Kadobera Daniel , Bulage Lilian , Riolexus Alex Ario , Paige Sarah B. , Harris Julie R. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundTraditional community beliefs and cultural practices can facilitate the spread of ebolaviruses during outbreaks. On September 20, 2022, Uganda declared a Sudan Virus Disease (SVD) outbreak after a case was confirmed in Mubende District. During September–November 2022, the outbreak spread to eight additional districts. We investigated the role of community beliefs and practices in the spread of SUDV in Uganda in 2022.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted in Mubende, Kassanda, and Kyegegwa districts in February 2023. We conducted nine focus group discussions (FGDs) and six key informant interviews (KIIs). FGDs included SVD survivors, household members of SVD patients, traditional healers, religious leaders, and community leaders. Key informants included community, political, and religious leaders, traditional healers, and health workers. We asked about community beliefs and practices to understand if and how they contributed to the spread of SUDV. Interviews were recorded, translated, transcribed, and analyzed thematically.ResultsFrequently-reported themes included beliefs that the community deaths, later found to be due to SVD, were the result of witchcraft or poisoning. Key informants reported that SVD patients frequently consulted traditional healers or spiritual leaders before seeking formal healthcare or visited them after formal healthcare failed to improve their health conditions. They also noted that traditional healers treated patients with signs and symptoms of SVD without protective measures. Additional themes included religious leaders conducting laying-on-of-hands prayers for SVD patients and symptomatic contacts, SVD patients and their symptomatic contacts hiding in friends’ homes, and exhumation of SVD patients originally buried in safe and dignified burials, to enable traditional burials.ConclusionVaried community beliefs and cultural practices likely promoted SVD outbreak spread during the 2022 outbreak in Uganda. Controlling ebolavirus outbreaks in Uganda could be aided by the involvement of formal public health systems, traditional healers, and religious leaders. Community engagement during inter-epidemic periods could aid in the effective management of future outbreaks in Uganda by identifying socially acceptable and scientifically supported alternatives for infection control.
Comparison of electrophysiological left bundle branch pacing characteristics in different bilateral electrode pacing vector configurations
Authors: Wu Hao , Jiang Longfu , Shen Jiabo , Zhang Lu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundLeft bundle branch pacing (LBBP) in bipolar pacing produces a more balanced ventricular activation than conventional unipolar pacing but need high pacing output. The present study aimed to compare the electrophysiological characteristics of LBBP in different bilateral electrode pacing vector configurations.MethodsA total of 57 patients who met the criteria for left bundle branch (LBB) capture and underwent three bilateral electrode pacing vector configuration test were enrolled. The electrocardiogram (ECG) and electrogram (EGM) parameters were evaluated and other electrophysiological characteristics were analyzed using a three-electrode configuration test.ResultsSeven capture modes (right ventricular septal (RVS) + left ventricular septal (LVS) + LBB, RVS + LBB, LVS + LBB, RVS + LVS, RVS, LVS, and LBB) were utilized in the study. The thresholds of full fusion mode (RVS+LVS+LB) in Bilateral Cathodes and Ring Bipolar were all lower than that in Tip Bipolar (1.2 ± 0.5 V vs. 2.7 ± 1.0 V, P < 0.001; 1.6 ± 0.6 V vs. 2.7 ± 1.0 V, P < 0.001). Full fusion mode had the shortest P-QRS (116.9 ± 12.8 ms), V6 RWPT (64.9 ± 9.7 ms), and V1 RWPT (94.5 ± 12.3 ms).ConclusionChanging the bilateral electrode pacing vector configuration to Bilateral Cathodes and Ring Bipolar can reduce the full fusion mode capture threshold compared to conventional bipolar pacing.What is Known?Left bundle branch pacing in bipolar pacing can capture left bundle branch, left ventricular septal myocardial, and right ventricular septal myocardial at a higher pacing output, which was termed full fusion mode.What the Study Adds?This study indicates that the full fusion mode threshold can be reduced by changing the pacing vector configuration.Seven capture modes were observed in Ring Bipolar and Bilateral Cathodes during threshold testing.GRAPHICAL ABSTRACTThe characteristics of ECG and EGM of different types of capture in three bilateral electrode pacing vector configurations and the schematic representation.
Infection Control Program Among the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Prevents Hospitalizations and Deaths During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Torres Cameron M. , Aparicio Victoria , Morales Gabriela , Mena Ascension , Spencer Charles T. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the United States declared a state of emergency and implemented large scale shutdowns and public health initiatives to prevent overwhelming public resources. The success of these prevention methods remains unresolved as restrictions and implementation varied greatly from national, state, and local levels. Despite national and local regulations, individual adherence to preventative guidelines presented an additional layer of variability. Cases of Covid-19 continued to rise and fall over a two-year period on a national level despite masking recommendations, ease of testing, and availability of vaccines. The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo is a Native American tribal community and sovereign nation located in El Paso, Texas. Speaking Rock Entertainment Center is a major business operated by the tribe, employing a large number of tribal and non-tribal members from the El Paso community. Following nationwide re-openings of non-essential businesses, Speaking Rock implemented an infection control program with strict adherence to recommendations provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Herein, we examine the efficacy of these measures and report on the success of the program resulting in zero employee hospitalizations or deaths in a region heavily impacted by severe Covid-19 during the height of the pandemic.