Deciding All Behavioral Equivalences at Once: A Game for Linear-Time--Branching-Time Spectroscopy

We introduce a generalization of the bisimulation game that finds distinguishing Hennessy-Milner logic formulas from every finitary, subformula-closed language in van Glabbeek's linear-time--branching-time spectrum between two finite-state processes. We identify the relevant dimensions that measure expressive power to yield formulas belonging to the coarsest distinguishing behavioral preorders and equivalences; the compared processes are equivalent in each coarser behavioral equivalence from the spectrum. We prove that the induced algorithm can determine the best fit of (in)equivalences for a pair of processes

Barriers to using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and sexual behaviour after stopping PrEP: a cross-sectional study in Germany

Background Persistence of individuals at risk of HIV with Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is critical for its impact on the HIV epidemic. We analysed factors associated with stopping PrEP, barriers that may deter people from continuing PrEP and investigated sexual behaviour after stopping PrEP. Methods Current and former PrEP users in Germany were recruited to complete an anonymous online survey on PrEP use and sexual behaviour. Participants were recruited through dating apps, a PrEP community website, anonymous testing sites and peers. The results were analysed using descriptive methods and logistic regression. Results We recruited 4848 current and 609 former PrEP users in two study waves (July–October 2018, April–June 2019). Former PrEP users were more likely 18–29 years old than current users (adjusted OR = 1.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–2.3). Moreover, they were more often unhappy with their sex life, which was more pronounced in former daily PrEP users (aOR = 4.5, 95% CI 2.9–7.1) compared to former on-demand users (aOR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–2.9, pinteraction = 0.005). The most common reason for stopping PrEP was a reduced need for PrEP (49.1%). However, 31.4% of former users identified logistic reasons and 17.5% stopped due to side effects. Former PrEP users using PrEP < 3 months were more likely to stop PrEP due to concerns over long-term side effects (32.0% vs. 22.5%, p = 0.015) and not wanting to take a chemical substance (33.2% vs. 24.0%, p = 0.020) compared to former PrEP users who used PrEP for longer. After stopping PrEP, 18.7% of former PrEP users indicated inconsistent condom use while having ≥4 sex partners within the previous 6 months. Former PrEP users with many partners and inconsistent condom use more often indicated logistic reasons for stopping (46.5% vs. 27.9%, p < 0.001) than did other former PrEP users. Conclusions To maximise persistence with PrEP we need to develop strategies for younger PrEP users, reduce logistic barriers to access PrEP, and to develop effective communication on side-effect management. Moreover, prevention strategies for people stopping PrEP are required, since some remain at high risk for HIV.Peer Reviewe

Минимальный сток Иртыша в равнинной части бассейна на территории Республики Казахстан в условиях антропогенной нагрузки

В гидрополитике России Иртыш, как трансграничная река, является предметом переговоров на разных уровнях по проблеме совместного использования водных ресурсов с Республикой Казахстан и Китаем. В результате ввода в строй Верхне-Иртышского каскада водохранилищ в равнинной части бассейна Иртыша прослеживается ухудшение экологического состояния, в частности пойменных земель, имеющих огромное значение в качестве источника кормовых ресурсов для сельскохозяйственного производства. Поэтому актуальным является анализ современного состояния и изменений различных характеристик гидрологического режима реки, в том числе минимального стока. Цель работы: выявление изменений водного режима и минимального стока воды р. Иртыш на равнинной части водосбора (в пределах Республики Казахстан). Методы исследования. В работе применялся географо-гидрологический метод анализа материалов наблюдений за стоком р. Иртыш в створе п. Семиярка, расположенном на реке непосредственно ниже по течению от каскада водохранилищ, за два временных интервала: в естественных (1935-1959 гг.) и в зарегулированных (1967-2010 гг.) условиях. Использовались методы математической статистики для проверки гидрологических рядов на однородность (критерии Фишера и Стьюдента) и случайность по параметрическим и непараметрическим критериям. Результаты. Показано, что регулирование стока воды Верхне-Иртышским каскадом водохранилищ привело к существенному уменьшению летнего минимального среднемесячного расхода (на 22 %), увеличению зимнего минимального расхода (на 78 %), перераспределению объемов стока р. Иртыш между летним (уменьшение на 38 %) и зимним (увеличение на 70 %) сезонами, и, как следствие, к ухудшению гидро-экологического состояния пойменных земель. В качестве базы сравнения использовались соответствующие характеристики стока в естественных условиях.In Russian hydropolitics, the Irtysh as the transboundary river is the subject of different level negotiations on the issue of shared use of water resources with the Republic of Kazakhstan and China. In the result of putting in operation of the Upper-Irtysh multireservoir cascade the deterioration of environmental condition, particularly, in a floodplain which has major significance as the source of feed supplies for agricultural production, is observed in the flat part of the Irtysh basin. Therefore, it is important to analyze current condition and changes of different characteristics of hydrological regime of the river, and specifically the minimum flow. The aim of the researchis to indicate the changes of water flow regime and minimum water flow rates in the Irtysh River in the flat part of its basin (in the Republic of Kazakhstan). Research methods. The authors have applies hydrological and geographical approach to analyze standard observational data on the Irtysh flow in the cross section at Semiyarka village - a water level gauge station located directly downstream the multireservoir cascade during two time periods: in natural (1935-1959) and regulated (1967-2010) conditions. Statistical methods were applied: testing homogeneity of the means and variances using the Student t-test and the Fisher F-test, and trend significance using parametric and non-parametric criteria. Results. It is shown that water flow regulation by the Upper-Irtysh multireservoir cascade resulted in significant decrease of minimum summer monthly river discharge (by 22 %), increase of minimum winter river discharge (by 78 %), redistribution of the Irtysh flow between summer (decrease by 38 %) and winter (increase by 70 %) seasons, and, as a consequence, in deterioration of hydrological and environmental condition of the floodplain. Corresponding flow characteristics under natural conditions were used as the base for comparison

HIV, STI and renal function testing frequency and STI history among current users of self-funded HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, a cross-sectional study, Germany, 2018 and 2019

Introduction: Users of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) require periodic testing for HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and renal function. Before PrEP was made free of charge through statutory health insurance in late 2019, PrEP users in Germany had to pay for testing themselves. Aim: We investigated self-reported HIV, STI and renal function testing frequencies among self-funded PrEP users in Germany, factors associated with infrequent testing, and STI diagnoses. Methods: A cross-sectional anonymous online survey in 2018 and 2019 recruited current PrEP users via dating apps for men who have sex with men (MSM), a PrEP community website, anonymous testing sites and friends. We used descriptive methods and logistic regression for analysis. Results: We recruited 4,848 current PrEP users. Median age was 37 years (interquartile range (IQR): 30–45), 88.7% identified as male, and respectively 26.3%, 20.9% and 29.2% were tested less frequently for HIV, STI and renal function than recommended. Participants with lower STI testing frequency were significantly less likely to report STI diagnoses during PrEP use, especially among those with many partners and inconsistent condom use. Factors most strongly associated with infrequent testing included not getting tested before starting PrEP, using PrEP from informal sources and on-demand/intermittent PrEP use. Discussion: In a setting of self-funded PrEP, many users obtained medical tests less frequently than recommended, which can lead to missed diagnoses. Barriers to testing should be addressed to enable proper medical supervision. The suitability of testing frequencies to PrEP users with less frequent risk exposures needs to be evaluated.Peer Reviewe

A Nonsense Mutation in TMEM95 Encoding a Nondescript Transmembrane Protein Causes Idiopathic Male Subfertility in Cattle

Genetic variants underlying reduced male reproductive performance have been identified in humans and model organisms, most of them compromising semen quality. Occasionally, male fertility is severely compromised although semen analysis remains without any apparent pathological findings (i.e.,idiopathic subfertility). Artificial insemination (AI) in most cattle populations requires close examination of all ejaculates before insemination. Although anomalous ejaculates are rejected, insemination success varies considerably among AI bulls. In an attempt to identify genetic causes of such variation, we undertook a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Imputed genotypes of 652, 856 SNPs were available for 7962 AI bulls of the Fleckvieh (FV) population. Male reproductive ability (MRA) was assessed based on 15.3 million artificial inseminations. The GWAS uncovered a strong association signal on bovine chromosome 19 (P = 4.08x10(-59)). Subsequent autozygosity mapping revealed a common 1386 kb segment of extended homozygosity in 40 bulls with exceptionally poor reproductive performance. Only 1.7% of 35, 671 inseminations with semen samples of those bulls were successful. None of the bulls with normal reproductive performance was homozygous, indicating recessive inheritance. Exploiting whole-genome resequencing data of 43 animals revealed a candidate causal nonsense mutation (rs378652941, c. 483C>A, p.Cys161X) in the transmembrane protein 95 encoding gene TMEM95 which was subsequently validated in 1990 AI bulls. Immunohistochemical investigations evidenced that TMEM95 is located at the surface of spermatozoa of fertile animals whereas it is absent in spermatozoa of subfertile animals. These findings imply that integrity of TMEM95 is required for an undisturbed fertilisation. Our results demonstrate that deficiency of TMEM95 severely compromises male reproductive performance in cattle and reveal for the first time a phenotypic effect associated with genomic variation in TMEM95

Aufbau, Struktur und Ergebnisse eines freiwilligen Mpox-Impfmonitorings in Deutschland

Nachdem im Mai 2022 erstmals Mpox-Fälle in Deutschland nachgewiesen wurden, empfiehlt die Ständige Impfkommission (STIKO) die Impfung gegen Mpox als Postexpositionsprophylaxe nach Mpox-Exposition sowie als Indikationsimpfung für Personen mit einem erhöhten Expositions- und Infektionsrisiko (z. B. während eines Mpox-Ausbruchs). Im Rahmen eines freiwilligen Impfmonitorings wird die Inanspruchnahme von Mpox-Impfungen in Deutschland systematisch erfasst und an das Robert Koch-Institut (RKI) übermittelt. Die Impfung gegen Mpox stellt eines der zentralen Präventionsinstrumente dar, um ein Wiederaufflammen von Mpox in Deutschland zu verhindern. Aufgrund der seit dem Spätsommer 2022 stark zurückgegangenen Anzahl von Erst- und Zweitimpfungen erscheint es wichtig, effektive Kampagnen zur Steigerung der Impfmotivation in Bevölkerungsgruppen mit erhöhtem Risiko für eine Mpox-Infektion durchzuführen.Peer Reviewe

The influence of diverse optical wavelengths on growth rate of Chlorella Vulgaris microalgae

The effect of different optical wavelengths on growth and development of microalgae had been examined repeatedly. Many articles had been published over the subject, although the results of these investigations were frequently controversial. Depending on the number of days spent on cultivation process, yield gain could be both significant and barely noticeable. Also, irradiation intensity plays vital part in microalgae functioning

Constraining the long-term evolution of the slip rate for a major extensional fault system in the central Aegean, Greece, using thermochronology

The brittle/ductile transition is a major rheologic boundary in the crust yet little is known about how or if rates of tectonic processes are influenced by this boundary. In this study we examine the slip history of the large-scale Naxos/Paros extensional fault system (NPEFS), Cyclades, Greece, by comparing published slip rates for the ductile crust with new thermochronological constraints on slip rates in the brittle regime. Based on apatite and zircon fission-track (AFT and ZFT) and (U–Th)/He dating we observe variable slip rates across the brittle/ductile transition on Naxos. ZFT and AFT ages range from 11.8 ± 0.8 to 9.7 ± 0.8 Ma and 11.2 ± 1.6 to 8.2 ± 1.2 Ma and (U–Th)/He zircon and apatite ages are between 10.4 ± 0.4 to 9.2 ± 0.3 Ma and 10.7 ± 1.0 to 8.9 ± 0.6 Ma, respectively. On Paros, ZFT and AFT ages range from 13.1 ± 1.4 Ma to 11.1 ± 1.0 Ma and 12.7 ± 2.8 Ma to 10.5 ± 2.0 Ma while the (U–Th)/He zircon ages are slightly younger between 8.3 ± 0.4 Ma and 9.8 ± 0.3 Ma. All ages consistently decrease northwards in the direction of hanging wall transport. Most of our new thermochronological results and associated thermal modeling more strongly support the scenario of an identical fault dip and a constant or slightly accelerating slip rate of 6–8 km Myr− 1 on the NPEFS across the brittle/ductile transition. Even the intrusion of a large granodiorite body into the narrowing fault zone at 12 Ma on Naxos does not seem to have affected the thermal structure of the area in a way that would significantly disturb the slip rate. The data also show that the NPEFS accomplished a minimum total offset of 50 km between 16 and 8 Ma