bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of Psychological Distress and Well-Being among Adults in Relation to Gender during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Arora Ameya , Sharma Pankhuri , Verma Nitin Kumar
Published: December 2021

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the worsening of mental health of people in terms of increased psychological distress and decreased psychological well-being. The study was designed to understand the influence of COVID-19 pandemic on psychological distress and well-being. Present study also explored the variances in psychological distress and well-being in relation to development stages (young adulthood and adulthood), gender (males and females), people who had been infected by coronavirus and those not infected, and respondents whose immediate family members/relatives/friends/classmates had been infected by coronavirus and those not infected. An online survey was conducted in the midst of the pandemic. Responses of 250 respondents were gathered and analysed using the General Well-being Questionnaire developed by Veit and Ware in 1983. The results indicated that COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in determining psychological distress and well-being. Gender differences in psychological distress and well-being are present with males being high on psychological distress and females being high on psychological well-being. Adults were found to be high on psychological distress than young adults. It was also revealed that as a person (respondent himself/immediate family/friends/relatives) becomes infected and recovers, their psychological distress declines, and well-being increases, probably because of reduced fear of being infected again. Along with other demographic variables, developmental stages and gender differences also played a crucial role in psychological distress and well-being of adults.
Self-screening of the polarized electric field in wurtzite gallium nitride along [0001] direction
Authors: Qiu Qiu-Ling , Yang Shi-Xu , Wu Qian-Shu , Li Cheng-Lang , Zhang Qi , Zhang Jin-Wei , Liu Zhen-Xing , Zhang Yuan-Tao , Liu Yang
Published: December 2021

The strong polarization effect of GaN-based materials is widely used in high-performance devices such as white-light-emitting diodes (white LEDs), high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), and GaN polarization superjunctions. However, the current researches on the polarization mechanism of GaN-based materials are not sufficient. In this paper, we studied the influence of polarization on electric field and energy band characteristics of Ga-face GaN bulk materials by using a combination of theoretical analysis and semiconductor technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulation. The self-screening effect in Ga-face bulk GaN under ideal and non-ideal conditions is studied respectively. We believe that the formation of high-density two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in GaN is the accumulation of screening charges. We also clarify the source and accumulation of the screening charges caused by the GaN self-screening effect in this paper and aim to guide the design and optimization of high-performance GaN-based devices.
Transient electromagnetically induced transparency spectroscopy of 87Rb atoms in buffer gas
Authors: Xu Zi-Shan , Wang Han-Mu , Ba Zeng-Li , Liu Hong-Ping
Published: December 2021

We study the transient response dynamics of 87Rb atomic vapor buffered in 8 torr Ne gas through an electromagnetically induced transparency configured in Λ-scheme. Experimentally, the temporal transmission spectra versus probe detuning by switching on and off the coupling one show complex structures. The transmitted probe light intensity drops to a minimum value when the coupling light turns off, showing a strong absorption. Even at the moment of turning on the coupling light at a subsequent delayed time, the atomic medium shows a fast transient response. To account for the transient switching feature, in the time-dependent optical Bloch equation, we must take the transverse relaxation dephasing process of atomic vapor into account, as well as the fluorescence relaxation along with the optical absorption. This work supplies a technique to quantify the transverse relaxation time scale and to sensitively monitor its variation along the environment by observing the transient dynamics of coherent medium, which is helpful in characterizing the coherent feature of the atomic medium.
GeSn (0.524 eV) single-junction thermophotovoltaic cells based on the device transport model
Authors: Zhu Xin-Miao , Cui Min , Wang Yu , Yu Tian-Jing , Deng Jin-Xiang , Gao Hong-Li
Published: December 2021

Based on the transport equation of the semiconductor device model for 0.524 eV GeSn alloy and the experimental parameters of the material, the thermal–electricity conversion performance governed by a GeSn diode has been systematically studied in its normal and inverted structures. For the normal p+/n (n+/p) structure, it is demonstrated here that an optimal base doping N
d(a) = 3 (7) × 1018 cm−3 is observed, and the superior p+/n structure can achieve a higher performance. To reduce material consumption, an economical active layer can comprise a 100 nm–300 nm emitter and a 3 μm–6 μm base to attain comparable performance to that for the optimal configuration. Our results offer many useful guidelines for the fabrication of economical GeSn thermophotovoltaic devices.
Corrigendum: The Design and Construction of an Ecosystem Simulation Workbench (2019 IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci.
515 012015)
Authors: Molenaar R , Pangkerego F , Wullur H
Published: December 2021

Please see Article PDF for corrigendum text.
Thermodynamic reassessment of Au–Pt–Sn system
Authors: Hu Jieqiong , Xie Ming , Chen Yongtai , Fang Jiheng , Zhang Qiao
Published: December 2021

Au–Pt–Sn alloys are a novel class of materials with promising catalytic properties. This study provides updated information on phase equilibrium structures and thermodynamics of the Au–Pt–Sn ternary system. The formation enthalpies of Au–Sn and Pt–Sn binary subsystems were predicted by first principles calculations and these values were further refined by CALPHAD method. The results obtained accurately reproduced the experimental data. The reassessed phase diagram of the Au–Pt–Sn ternary system accurately described the phase composition of several Au–Pt–Sn alloys, which is essential for further modifications of these materials.
Adsorption performances and electrochemical characteristics of methyl blue onto magnesium-zinc ferrites
Authors: Xu Shuping , Liu Dandan , Liu Aihua , Sun Fu , Pan Shengying , Ouyang Hezhong
Published: December 2021

A novel and facile rapid combustion approach was developed for the controllable preparation of small size and easy recovery magnesium-zinc ferrites for methyl blue (MB) removal in dye solution. The effects of prepared criteria of x value, calcination temperature, and the amount of ethanol on the average grain sizes and magnetic property were reviewed. The characterization results displayed that Mg0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles met the expectations of the experiment at the calcination temperature of 400 °C with absolute ethanol volume of 20 ml, and they were selected to remove MB. The adsorption process belonged to chemical adsorption on the basis of the pseudo-second-order model. The electrochemical characteristics of MB onto the prepared nanoparticles were analyzed by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The influences of pH and cycle times on the removal efficiency were investigated. When the pH went beyond 3, the removal efficiency of MB onto the magnetic Mg0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles maintained above 99%,the maximum adsorption capacity was 318.18 mg g−1. After seven cycles, the relative removal rate of MB remained 96% of the first one.
Racial/Ethnic and Geographic Trends in Combined Stimulant/Opioid Overdoses, 2007–2019
Authors: Townsend Tarlise , Kline David , Rivera-Aguirre Ariadne , Bunting Amanda M , Mauro Pia M , Marshall Brandon D L , Martins Silvia S , Cerdá Magdalena
Published: December 2021

In the United States, combined stimulant/opioid overdose mortality has risen dramatically over the last decade. These increases may particularly affect non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations. We used death certificate data from the US National Center for Health Statistics (2007–2019) to compare state-level trends in overdose mortality due to opioids in combination with 1) cocaine and 2) methamphetamine and other stimulants (MOS) across racial/ethnic groups (non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic Asian American/Pacific Islander). To avoid unstable estimates from small samples, we employed principles of small area estimation and a Bayesian hierarchical model, enabling information-sharing across groups. Black Americans experienced severe and worsening mortality due to opioids in combination with both cocaine and MOS, particularly in eastern states. Cocaine/opioid mortality increased 575% among Black people versus 184% in White people (Black, 0.60 to 4.05 per 100,000; White, 0.49 to 1.39 per 100,000). MOS/opioid mortality rose 16,200% in Black people versus 3,200% in White people (Black, 0.01 to 1.63 per 100,000; White, 0.09 to 2.97 per 100,000). Cocaine/opioid overdose mortality rose sharply among Hispanic and Asian Americans. State-group heterogeneity highlighted the importance of data disaggregation and methods to address small sample sizes. Research to understand the drivers of these trends and expanded efforts to address them are needed, particularly in minoritized groups.
Stability of 1-unit/mL insulin aspart solution in cyclic olefin copolymer vials and polypropylene syringes
Authors: Henry Heloise , Gilliot Sixtine , Genay Stephanie , Barthélémy Christine , Décaudin Bertrand , Odou Pascal
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study evaluated the stability of diluted insulin aspart solutions (containing insulin aspart and preservatives) at their most commonly used concentration in intensive care units (1 unit/mL), in 2 container types: cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) vials and polypropylene (PP) syringes.

Methods

Insulin aspart solution (1 unit/mL, diluted in 0.9% sodium chloride injection) was stored for 365 days in COC vials with gray stoppers and PP syringes at refrigerated (5°C ± 3°C) and ambient temperatures (25°C ± 2°C at 60% ± 5% relative humidity and protected from light). Chemical testing was conducted monthly using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography method (quantification of insulin aspart, phenol, and metacresol). Physical stability was evaluated monthly via pH measurements, visible and subvisible particle counts, and osmolality measurements. Sterility testing was also performed to validate the sterile preparation process and the maintenance of sterility throughout the study.

Results

The limit of stability was set at 90% of the initial concentrations of insulin aspart, phenol, and metacresol. The physicochemical stability of 1-unit/mL insulin solutions stored refrigerated and protected from light, was unchanged in COC vials for the 365-day period and for 1 month in PP syringes. At ambient temperature, subvisible particulate contamination as well as the chemical stability of insulin and metacresol were acceptable for only 1 month’s storage in PP syringes, while insulin chemical stability was maintained for only 3 months’ storage in COC vials.

Conclusion

According to our results, it is not recommended to administer 1-unit/mL pharmacy-diluted insulin solutions after 3 months’ storage in COC vials at ambient temperature or after 1 month in PP syringes at ambient temperature. The findings support storage of 1-unit/mL insulin aspart solution in COC vials at refrigerated temperature as the best option over the long term. Sterility was maintained in every condition. Both sterility and physicochemical stability are essential to authorize the administration of a parenteral insulin solution.
Taylor Sun Flower Optimization-Based Compressive Sensing for Image Compression and Recovery
Authors: R Sekar , G Ravi
Published: December 2021

The most prominent challenges in compressive sensing are seeking the domain where an image is represented sparsely and hence be faithfully recovered to obtain high-quality results. This paper introduces an approach for image compression and recovery. The proposed approach involves two phases: the initial step is the compression phase, and the second step is the recovery phase. Initially, the medical image is subjected to the compression module wherein the self-similarity and the 3-dimensional (3D) transform are adapted for compressing the image. Then, in the recovery phase, the compressive sensing recovery is performed based on structural similarity index measure (SSIM)-based collaborative sparsity measure (S-CoSM), and the novel optimization algorithm, named Taylor-based Sunflower optimization (Taylor-SFO) algorithm. An effective S-CoSM measure is designed by modifying the CoSM using the SSIM metric. The proposed Taylor-SFO will be designed by integrating the Taylor series with the sunflower optimization (SFO) algorithm. The performance of the proposed Taylor-SFO approach is evaluated for matrices SSIM of 0.9412 and peak signal to noise ratio of 57.57 dB.
Do predators prefer toxic animals? A case of chemical discrimination by an Asian snake that sequesters firefly toxins
Authors: Fukuda Masaya , Ujiie Rinako , Inoue Takato , Chen Qin , Cao Chengquan , Ding Li , Mori Naoki , Mori Akira
Published: December 2021

Several Asian natricine snakes of the genus Rhabdophis feed on toads and sequester steroidal cardiac toxins known as bufadienolides (BDs) from them. A recent study revealed that species of the Rhabdophis nuchalis Group ingest lampyrine fireflies to sequester BDs. Although several species of fireflies are distributed in the habitat of the R. nuchalis Group, only lampyrine fireflies, which have BDs, are included in the diet of these snakes. Thus, we hypothesized that the R. nuchalis Group chemically distinguishes fireflies that have BDs from those that do not have BDs. We also predicted that the R. nuchalis Group detects BDs as the chemical cue of toxin source. To test these predictions, we conducted 3 behavioral experiments using Rhabdophis chiwen, which belongs to the R. nuchalis Group. In the first experiment, R. chiwen showed a moderate tongue flicking response to cinobufagin, a compound of BDs. On the other hand, the snake showed a higher response to the chemical stimuli of lampyrine fireflies (BD fireflies) than those of lucioline fireflies (non-BD fireflies). In the second experiment, in which we provided live BD and non-BD fireflies, the snake voluntarily consumed only the former. In the third, a Y-maze experiment, the snake tended to select the chemical trail of BD fireflies more frequently than that of non-BD fireflies. These results demonstrated that R. chiwen discriminates BD fireflies from non-BD fireflies, but the prediction that BDs are involved in this discrimination was not fully supported. To identify the proximate mechanisms of the recognition of novel toxic prey in the R. nuchalis Group, further investigation is necessary.
PSL-LCCL: a resource for subcellular protein localization in liver cancer cell line SK_HEP1
Authors: Huang Fang , Tang Xia , Ye Bo , Wu Songfeng , Ding Keyue
Published: December 2021

The characterization of subcellular protein localization provides a basis for further understanding cellular behaviors. A delineation of subcellular localization of proteins on cytosolic membrane-bound organelles in human liver cancer cell lines (hLCCLs) has yet to be performed. To obtain its proteome-wide view, we isolated and enriched six cytosolic membrane-bound organelles in one of the hLCCLs (SK_HEP1) and quantified their proteins using mass spectrometry. The vigorous selection of marker proteins and a machine-learning-based algorithm were implemented to localize proteins at cluster and neighborhood levels. We validated the performance of the proposed method by comparing the predicted subcellular protein localization with publicly available resources. The profiles enabled investigating the correlation of protein domains with their subcellular localization and colocalization of protein complex members. A subcellular proteome database for SK_HEP1, including (i) the subcellular protein localization and (ii) the subcellular locations of protein complex members and their interactions, was constructed. Our research provides resources for further research on hLCCLs proteomics.

Database URL: http://www.igenetics.org.cn/project/PSL-LCCL/
A novel contact-free atrial fibrillation monitor: a pilot study
Authors: Sadeh Ben , Merdler Ilan , Sadon Sapir , Lupu Lior , Borohovitz Ariel , Ghantous Eihab , Taieb Philippe , Granot Yoav , Goldstein Orit , Soriano Jonathan Calderón , Rubio-Oliver Ricardo , Ruiz-Rivas Joaquin , Zalevsky Zeev , Garcia-Monreal Javier , Shatsky Maxim , Polani Sagi , Arbel Yaron
Published: December 2021

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Current guidelines support performing electrocardiogram (ECG) screenings to spot AF in high-risk patients. The purpose of this study was to validate a new algorithm aimed to identify AF in patients measured with a recent FDA-cleared contact-free optical device.

Methods and results

Study participants were measured simultaneously using two devices: a contact-free optical system that measures chest motion vibrations (investigational device, ‘Gili’) and a standard reference bed-side ECG monitor (Mindray®). Each reference ECG was evaluated by two board certified cardiologists that defined each trace as: regular rhythm, AF, other irregular rhythm or indecipherable/missing. A total of 3582, 30-s intervals, pertaining to 444 patients (41.9% with a history of AF) were made available for analysis. Distribution of patients with active AF, other irregular rhythm, and regular rhythm was 16.9%, 29.5%, and 53.6% respectively. Following application of cross-validated machine learning approach, the observed sensitivity and specificity were 0.92 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.91–0.93] and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.95–0.96), respectively.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates for the first time the efficacy of a contact-free optical device for detecting AF.
Source model for buried thrust-dominated earthquakes using partial InSAR displacements: the 2018 Lombok, Indonesia, earthquake sequence
Authors: Wang Xiaohang , Xu Caijun , Xiao Zhuohui , Peng Ying
Published: December 2021

A remarkable earthquake sequence struck the island of Lombok in Indonesia during the period from 2018 July 28 to August 19. In this study, we use Sentinel-1 and ALOS-2 radar images to investigate the deformation related to these events. The co-seismic surface deformation was pre-dominated by uplift without surface rupture. It is worth noting that some of the rupture of the Lombok sequence is offshore. For the thrust-dominated island earthquakes, whether the incomplete onshore deformation obtained by InSAR observation can well constrain the geometry of the underground faults is a question worthy of attention. Considering the positional relationship between the deformation and the island, we assumed two types of deformation distribution mode. Through simulation experiments, we found that when the major deformation for the second mode is less than about half, the nonlinear inversion results will be unstable. According to source models of each event, the Lombok sequence may have ruptured the Flores thrust. The peak magnitudes of slip for three events are 1.59, 1.93 and 2.87 m. The large magmatic plumbing systems of Rinjani volcano play a critical role during the cascading fault rupture of the Lombok event. Stress changing map indicates that the earlier events promote the later events. There is an obvious seismic gap in the northern part of the Sumbawa region and this region has the potential to form some moderate earthquakes in the future.
Circulating proteins and risk of pancreatic cancer: a case-subcohort study among Chinese adults
Authors: Kartsonaki Christiana , Pang Yuanjie , Millwood Iona , Yang Ling , Guo Yu , Walters Robin , Lv Jun , Hill Michael , Yu Canqing , Chen Yiping , Chen Xiaofang , O’Neill Eric , Chen Junshi , Travis Ruth C , Clarke Robert , Li Liming , Chen Zhengming , Holmes Michael V
Published: December 2021

Background

Pancreatic cancer has a very poor prognosis. Biomarkers that may help predict or diagnose pancreatic cancer may lead to earlier diagnosis and improved survival.

Methods

The prospective China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) recruited 512 891 adults aged 30–79 years during 2004–08, recording 702 incident cases of pancreatic cancer during 9 years of follow-up. We conducted a case-subcohort study measuring 92 proteins in 610 cases and a subcohort of 623 individuals, using the OLINK immuno-oncology panel in stored baseline plasma samples. Cox regression with the Prentice pseudo-partial likelihood was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for risk of pancreatic cancer by protein levels.

Results

Among 1233 individuals (including 610 cases), several chemokines, interleukins, growth factors and membrane proteins were associated with risk of pancreatic cancer, with adjusted HRs per 1 standard deviation (SD) of 0.86 to 1.86, including monocyte chemotactic protein 3 (MCP3/CCL7) {1.29 [95% CI (confidence interval) (1.10, 1.51)]}, angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2) [1.27 (1.10, 1.48)], interleukin-18 (IL18) [1.24 (1.07, 1.43)] and interleukin-6 (IL6) [1.21 (1.06, 1.38)]. Associations between some proteins [e.g. matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP7), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 9 [TNFRSF9)] and risk of pancreatic cancer were time-varying, with higher levels associated with higher short-term risk. Within the first year, the discriminatory ability of a model with known risk factors (age, age squared, sex, region, smoking, alcohol, education, diabetes and family history of cancer) was increased when several proteins were incorporated (weighted C-statistic changed from 0.85 to 0.99; P for difference = 4.5 × 10–5), although only a small increase in discrimination (0.77 to 0.79, P = 0.04) was achieved for long-term risk.

Conclusions

Several plasma proteins were associated with subsequent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The potential clinical utility of these biomarkers warrants further investigation.
Delamanid or pretomanid? A Solomonic judgement!
Authors: Mudde Saskia E. , Upton Anna M. , Lenaerts Anne , Bax Hannelore I. , De Steenwinkel Jurriaan E. M.
Published: December 2021

Given the low treatment success rates of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), novel TB drugs are urgently needed. The landscape of TB treatment has changed considerably over the last decade with the approval of three new compounds: bedaquiline, delamanid and pretomanid. Of these, delamanid and pretomanid belong to the same class of drugs, the nitroimidazoles. In order to close the knowledge gap on how delamanid and pretomanid compare with each other, we summarize the main findings from preclinical research on these two compounds. We discuss the compound identification, mechanism of action, drug resistance, in vitro activity, in vivo pharmacokinetic profiles, and preclinical in vivo activity and efficacy. Although delamanid and pretomanid share many similarities, several differences could be identified. One finding of particular interest is that certain Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates have been described that are resistant to either delamanid or pretomanid, but with preserved susceptibility to the other compound. This might imply that delamanid and pretomanid could replace one another in certain regimens. Regarding bactericidal activity, based on in vitro and preclinical in vivo activity, delamanid has lower MICs and higher mycobacterial load reductions at lower drug concentrations and doses compared with pretomanid. However, when comparing in vivo preclinical bactericidal activity at dose levels equivalent to currently approved clinical doses based on drug exposure, this difference in activity between the two compounds fades. However, it is important to interpret these comparative results with caution knowing the variability inherent in preclinical in vitro and in vivo models.
Mungbean: A Preview of Disease Management Challenges for an Alternative U.S. Cash Crop
Authors: Batzer J C , Singh A , Rairdin A , Chiteri K , Mueller D S
Published: December 2021

Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) products and other plant-based protein sources exceeded $1 billion in U.S. sales during 2020. Nearly all of the mungbean consumed in the U.S. is imported, but it has considerable potential as a domestic crop. Its tolerance of drought and high temperatures gives U.S. farmers additional options for crop rotation. Mungbean is a short-season crop (60 to 90 d). It fits the current infrastructure of equipment, chemical, inputs, and storage for soybean and has a developed market. Similar to other crops, vulnerability to diseases can be a constraint for mungbean production. This manuscript reviews mungbean diseases causing significant yield losses in current production regions and current control options. This information will provide a useful guide to breeders and farmers to develop and produce a profitable crop, and will also equip university extension personnel with essential information to assist mungbean farmers with disease management.
Borrelia burgdorferi (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) Infection Prevalence and Host Associations of Ticks Found on Peromyscus spp. in Maryland
Authors: Poje Julia E , Azevedo Jose F , Nair Nisha , Mahachi Kurayi , Frank Lexi E , Sherpa Phurchhoki , Krizek Rachel S , Baccam Tyler , Gomes-Solecki Maria , Petersen Christine A
Published: December 2021

Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto and most commonly transmitted by Ixodes scapularis Say (Ixodida: Ixodidae), is the most common tick-borne disease in Maryland. Because B. burgdorferi s.s. is maintained in enzootic cycles among wild mice (Peromyscus spp) and Ixodes spp ticks, differing patterns of parasitism of ticks on mice could impact the infection prevalence with B. burgdorferi. We determined the infection prevalence of Peromyscus spp as well as questing and partially engorged nymphal ticks collected at six sites on private land in five counties in Maryland from May to August 2020. Questing nymph infection prevalence (NIP) was 14%. We trapped 1258 mice and collected 554 ticks and 413 ear tissue samples. The prevalence of infested Peromyscus spp varied based on host age and sex, with older and male mice more likely to be infested. We detected a significant difference amongst the proportion of attached Ixodes and the location of trapping. Similarly, the prevalence of B. burgdorferi infected Peromyscus spp mice varied between locations (average mouse infection prevalence was 40%), with the highest prevalence in locations where Ixodes were the most commonly found ticks. The B. burgdorferi infection prevalence in partially engorged I. scapularis nymphs retrieved from Peromyscus spp was ~36% which lends further support to the host infection prevalence. Local differences in distribution of infected vectors and reservoirs are important factors to consider when planning interventions to reduce Lyme disease risk.
The generation and transformation of polarization signals in molecular lines through collective anisotropic resonant scattering
Authors: Houde M , Lankhaar B , Rajabi F , Chamma M A
Published: December 2021

We discuss the existence of elliptical polarization in rotational spectral lines of CO and other molecules within the context of the Anisotropic Resonant Scattering (ARS) model. We show that the effect of ARS on the radiation field can lead to not only the previously predicted transformation of background linear polarization into circular polarization (i.e. Faraday conversion) but also the occurrence of Faraday rotation and the generation of elliptically polarized signals in an otherwise initially unpolarized radiation field. This is due to a collective behaviour between the large number of molecules acting as a diffraction ensemble that strongly favours forward scattering over any other mode. Our application to astronomical data demonstrates the dependency of the Stokes parameters on the strength and orientation of the ambient magnetic field, and suggests that ARS will manifest itself for a wide range of molecular species and transitions.
Rigid Ideal Sheaves and Modular Forms
Authors: Gyenge Ádám
Published: December 2021

Let X be a complex smooth quasi-projective surface acted upon by a finite group G such that the quotient $X/G$ has singularities only of ADE type. We obtain an explicit expression for the generating series of the Euler characteristics of the zero-dimensional components in the moduli space of zero-dimensional subschemes of X invariant under the action of G. We show that this generating series (up to a suitable rational power of the formal variable) is a holomorphic modular form.
The Precarity of Self-Employment among Low- and Moderate-Income Households
Authors: Auguste Daniel , Roll Stephen , Despard Mathieu
Published: December 2021

Many people in the United States have achieved economic stability through self-employment and are often seen as embracing the entrepreneurial spirit and seizing opportunity. Yet, research also suggests that self-employment may be precarious for many people in the lower socioeconomic strata. Drawing on a unique dataset that combines longitudinal survey data with administrative tax data for a sample of low- and moderate-income (LMI) workers, we bring new evidence to bear on this debate by examining the link between self-employment and economic insecurity. Overall, our results show that self-employment is associated with greater economic insecurity among LMI workers compared with wage-and-salary employment. For instance, compared with their wage-and-salary counterparts, the self-employed have 78, 168, and 287 percent greater odds of having an income below basic expenses, and experiencing an unexpected income decline and high levels of income volatility, respectively. We also find that differences in financial endowment and access to health insurance are key drivers in explaining the relationship between employment type and economic insecurity, as being able to access $2,000 in an emergency greatly lowers the odds of budgetary constraint, whereas lack of health insurance increases those odds. These findings suggest that formal work arrangements with wages and benefits offered by an employer promotes greater economic stability among LMI workers compared with informal work arrangements via self-employment. We discuss implications of these results for future research and policy initiatives seeking to promote economic wellbeing through entrepreneurship.
Tracking mutational semantics of SARS-CoV-2 genomes
Authors: Singh Rohan , Nagpal Sunil , Pinna Nishal K. , Mande Sharmila S.
Published: December 2021

Genomes have an inherent context dictated by the order in which the nucleotides and higher order genomic elements are arranged in the DNA/RNA. Learning this context is a daunting task, governed by the combinatorial complexity of interactions possible between ordered elements of genomes. Can natural language processing be employed on these orderly, complex and also evolving datatypes (genomic sequences) to reveal the latent patterns or context of genomic elements (e.g Mutations)? Here we present an approach to understand the mutational landscape of Covid-19 by treating the temporally changing (continuously mutating) SARS-CoV-2 genomes as documents. We demonstrate how the analogous interpretation of evolving genomes to temporal literature corpora provides an opportunity to use dynamic topic modeling (DTM) and temporal Word2Vec models to delineate mutation signatures corresponding to different Variants-of-Concerns and tracking the semantic drift of Mutations-of-Concern (MoC). We identified and studied characteristic mutations affiliated to Covid-infection severity and tracked their relationship with MoCs. Our ground work on utility of such temporal NLP models in genomics could supplement ongoing efforts in not only understanding the Covid pandemic but also provide alternative strategies in studying dynamic phenomenon in biological sciences through data science (especially NLP, AI/ML).
Mathematical modelling of COVID-19 vaccination strategies in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Moldokmatova Ainura , Dooronbekova Aizhan , Zhumalieva Chynarkul , Mukambetov Aibek , Kubatova Aisuluu , Usenbaev Nurbolot , Kutmanova Ainura , Osmonov Aman , Ibragimov Shamil , Abdyldaev Talant , Freitas Luzia , White Lisa J
Published: December 2021

Objectives

In December 2020, an unprecedented vaccination programme to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic was initiated worldwide. However, the vaccine provision is currently insufficient for most countries to vaccinate their entire eligible population, so it is essential to develop the most efficient vaccination strategies. COVID-19 disease severity and mortality vary by age, therefore age-dependent vaccination strategies must be developed.

Study design/Methods

Here, we use an age-dependent SIERS (susceptible–infected–exposed–recovered–susceptible) deterministic model to compare four hypothetical age-dependent vaccination strategies and their potential impact on the COVID-19 epidemic in Kyrgyzstan.

Results

Over the short-term (until March 2022), a vaccination rollout strategy focussed on high-risk groups (aged >50 years) with some vaccination among high-incidence groups (aged 20–49 years) may decrease symptomatic cases and COVID-19-attributable deaths. However, there will be limited impact on the estimated overall number of COVID-19 cases with the relatively low coverage of high-incidence groups (15–25% based on current vaccine availability). Vaccination plus non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), such as mask wearing and social distancing, will further decrease COVID-19 incidence and mortality and may have an indirect impact on all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

Our results and other evidence suggest that vaccination is most effective in flattening the epidemic curve and reducing mortality if supported by NPIs. In the short-term, focussing on high-risk groups may reduce the burden on the health system and result in fewer deaths. However, the herd effect from delaying another peak may only be achieved by greater vaccination coverage in high-incidence groups.
General Anxiety Disorder-7 Questionnaire as a marker of low socioeconomic status and inequity
Authors: Nunes Julio C. , Carroll Megan K. , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Califf Robert M. , Doraiswamy P. Murali , Short Sarah , Shah Svati H. , Swope Susan , Williams Donna , Hernandez Adrian F. , Hong David S.
Published: December 2021

Background

The General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire is a standard tool used for screening and follow-up of patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Although it is generally accepted that anxiety correlates with clinical and psychosocial stressors, precise quantitative data is limited on the relations among GAD-7, traditional biomarkers, and other measures of health. Even less is known about how GAD-7 relates to race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (SES).We determined how multiple demographic and socioeconomic data correlate with the participants’ GAD-7 results when compared with laboratory, physical function, clinical, and other biological markers.

Methods

The Project Baseline Health Study (BHS) is a prospective cohort of adults representing several populations in the USA. We analyzed a deeply phenotyped group of 2502 participants from that study. Measures of interest included: clinical markers or history of medical diagnoses; physical function markers including gait, grip strength, balance time, daily steps, and echocardiographic parameters; psychometric measurements; activities of daily living; socioeconomic characteristics; and laboratory results.

Results

Higher GAD-7 scores were associated with female sex, younger age, and Hispanic ethnicity. Measures of low SES were also associated with higher scores, including unemployment, income ≤$25,000, and ≤12 years of education. After adjustment for 166 demographic, clinical, laboratory, and symptom characteristics, unemployment and overall higher SES risk scores were highly correlated with anxiety scores. Protective factors included Black race and older age.

Limitations

Correlations identified in this cross-sectional study cannot be used to infer causal relationships; further, we were not able to account for possible use of anxiety treatments by study participants.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the importance of understanding anxiety as a biopsychosocial entity. Clinicians and provider organizations need to consider both the physical manifestations of the disorder and their patients’ social determinants of health when considering treatment pathways and designing interventions.
The Impact of Early Life Stress on the Genetic Influence on Brain and Cognitive Development in Children
Authors: Wang Hee-Hwan , Moon Seo-Yoon , Kim Hyun-Jin , Kim KaKyeong , Ahn Woo-Young , Joo Yoonjung Yoonie , Cha Jiook
Published: December 2021

Early life stress (ELS), such as abuse, neglect, and maltreatment, is a well-known risk factor for mental illness. However, it is unclear how ELS affects the brain and cognitive development. Identifying specific relationships of ELS with the genetic and brain-related underpinnings of cognitive development may reveal biological mechanisms responsible for the negative impact of ELS and those that lead to individual differences in sensitivity (or resilience) to ELS. In this study, to investigate the interlinked processes of cognitive development, we analyzed the multimodal data of DNA genotypes, brain imaging (MRI), and neuropsychological assessment (NIH Toolbox) outcomes of 4,276 children (ages 9 to 10 years, European ancestry) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. We estimated the genetic influence on cognitive capacity using genome-wide polygenic scores (GPSs). Our regression and mediation analyses revealed significant causal relationships for the gene-brain-cognition pathway: Brain structural development significantly mediated the genetic influence on cognitive development (partial mediation effect = 0.016, PFWE<0.001). Interestingly, within the triangular relationship, we found a significant moderation effect of abuse only on the gene-to-brain pathway (Index of Moderated Mediation = −0.007; 95% CI= −0.012 ∼ −0.002; PFWE<0.05). These findings indicate the negative modulatory effects of ELS on the genetic influence on brain structural development that lead to disadvantageous neurocognitive development in prepubertal children.
Heart Rate fractality disruption as a footprint of subthreshold depressive symptoms
Authors: Mandarano Piergiorgio , Ossola Paolo , Marazzi Pierluca , Carsillo Maria , Rozzi Stefano , Lazzeroni Davide
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Psychopathology, and in particular depression, is a cardiovascular risk factor independent from co-occurring pathology. This link is traced back to the mind-heart-body connection, whose underlying mechanisms are, to date, not completely known. To study psychopathology in relation to the heart, it is necessary to observe the autonomic nervous system, which mediates among the parts of that connection. Its gold standard of evaluation is the study of heart rate variability (HRV).

Objective

To assess whether any association exists between the HRV parameters and sub-threshold depressive symptoms in a sample of healthy subjects

Methods

Two short-term HRV recordings (5 min - supine and sitting) were analysed in 77 healthy subjects. Here we adopted a three-fold approach to evaluate HRV: a set of scores belonging to the time domain (SDNN, pNN50, RMSSD); to the frequency domain (high, low, and very low frequencies) and a set of ‘nonlinear’ parameters. The PHQ-9 scale was used to detect depressive symptoms.

Results

Depressive symptoms were associated only with a parameter from the non-linear approach and specifically the long-term fluctuations of fractal dimensions (DFA-α2). This association remained significant even after controlling for age, gender, BMI, arterial hypertension, anti-hypertensive drugs, dyslipidaemia, and smoking habit. Moreover, the DFA-α2 was not affected by the baroreflex (postural change), unlike other autonomic markers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fractal analysis of HRV (DFA-α2) allows to predict depressive symptoms below diagnostic threshold in healthy subjects regardless of their health status. DFA-α2 may be then considered as an imprint of subclinical depression on the heart rhythm.
Transgender Swimmer in College Athletics
Authors: Senefeld Jonathon W. , Hunter Sandra K. , Coleman Doriane Lambelet , Joyner Michael J.
Published: December 2021

There is current scientific and legal controversy about sports competition eligibility regulations for transgender athletes. To better understand and contextualize the effect of androgen-suppression treatment on swimming performance, we compared the gender-related differences in performance of a transgender swimmer who competed in both the male and female NCAA (collegiate) categories to the sex-related differences in performance of world and national class swimmers. These data demonstrate that the gender-related differences in middle distance freestyle performances of a transgender woman are smaller than the observed sex-related differences in performance of top athletes. Our analysis may be useful as a framework for regulators considering participation guidelines which promote fair competition for all athletes, whether cisgender or transgender.

One-Sentence Summary

Recent outstanding performances by a transgender woman swimmer are faster than predictions based on historic sex-related differences in swimming performance.
Peripheral nervous system mediates body-wide stem cell activation for limb regeneration
Authors: Payzin-Dogru Duygu , Blair Steven J. , Jena Siddhartha G. , Wilson Sarah E. , Kim Ryan T. , Savage Aaron M. , Kriukov Emil , Cat Victor , Cammarata Louis V. , Bothe Vivien , Erdogan Burcu , Hossain Shifa , Lopez Noah , Losner Julia , Matos Juan Velazquez , Min Sangwon , Dooling Kelly E. , Freedman Adam H. , Groves Bobby , Tajer Benjamin , Kalu Glory , Wynn Eric , Wong Alan Y. L. , Singer Hani , Fröbisch Nadia , Baranov Petr , Buenrostro Jason D. , Haas Brian J. , Chiu Isaac M. , Sackton Timothy B. , Whited Jessica L.
Published: December 2021

Many species throughout the animal kingdom naturally regenerate complex body parts following amputation. Most research in appendage regeneration has focused on identifying mechanisms that influence cell behaviors in the remaining stump tissue immediately adjacent to the injury site. Roles for activation steps that occur outside of the injury site remain largely unexplored, yet they may be critical for the regeneration process and may also shape the evolution of regeneration. Here, we discovered a role for the peripheral nervous system (PNS) in stimulating a body-wide stem cell activation response to amputation that drives limb regeneration. Notably, this systemic response is mediated by innervation at both the injury site and in distant, uninjured tissues, and by several signaling pathways, including adrenergic signaling. This work challenges the predominant conceptual framework considering the injury site alone in the regenerative response and argues instead for brain-body axis in stem cell activation as a priming step upon which molecular cues at the injury site then build tissue.
Ablation of the FACIT collagen XII disturbs musculoskeletal ECM organization and causes patella dislocation and myopathy
Authors: Zhu Mengjie , Metzen Fabian , Betz Janina , Hopkinson Mark , Heilig Juliane , Imhof Thomas , Niehoff Anja , Birk David E. , Izu Yayoi , Pitsillides Andrew A. , Altmüller Janine , Schreiber Gudrun , Paulsson Mats , Koch Manuel , Brachvogel Bent
Published: December 2021

Collagen XII, belonging to the fibril-associated collagens with interrupted triple helix (FACIT) family, assembles from three identical α-chains encoded by the COL12A1 gene. The trimeric molecule consists of three N-terminal noncollagenous NC3 domains joined by disulfide bonds followed by a short interrupted collagen triple helix at the C-terminus. Collagen XII is expressed widely in the musculoskeletal system and mutations in the COL12A1 gene cause an Ehlers-Danlos/myopathy overlap syndrome, which is associated with skeletal abnormalities and muscle weakness. Our study defines the role of collagen XII in patella development using the Col12a1-/- mouse model. Deficiency in Col12a1 expression causes malformed facies patellaris femoris grooves at an early stage, which leads to patella subluxation and growth retardation. Due to the patella subluxation, more muscle fibers with centralized nuclei occur in the quadriceps than in the gastrocnemius muscles indicating a local effect. To further understand the role of collagen XII in the skeletal tissues single cell RNAseq (scRNA-seq) was performed. Comparison of the gene expression in the tenocyte cell sub-population of wild type and Col12a1-/- mice showed that several matrix genes are altered. Finally, we reinvestigated collagen XII deficient patients and observed a patella instability.
Equivalence of the Transition Heat Capacities of Proteins and DNA
Authors: Eskew Matthew W. , Benight Albert S.
Published: December 2021

It has been reported for many globular proteins that the native heat capacity at 25°C, per gram, is the same. This has been interpreted to indicate that heat capacity is a fundamental property of native proteins that provides important information on molecular structure and stability. Heat capacities for both proteins and DNA has been suggested to be related to universal effects of hydration/solvation on native structures. Here we report on results from thermal denaturation analysis of two well-known proteins, human serum albumin and lysozyme, and a short DNA hairpin. The transition heat capacities at the Tm for the three molecules were quantitatively evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry. When normalized per gram rather than per mol the transition heat capacities were found to be precisely equivalent. This observation for the transition heat capacities of the proteins is consistent with previous reports. However, an identical transition heat capacity for DNA has not been reported and was unexpected. Further analysis of the collected data suggested a mass dependence of hydration effects on thermal denaturation that is preserved at the individual protein amino acid and DNA base levels. Equivalence of transition heat capacities suggests the possibility of a universal role of hydration effects on the thermal stability of both proteins and DNA.