bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of single-pass friction stir processing parameters on the microstructure and properties of 2 mm thick AA2524
Authors: He Jiangmei , Hu Yijie , Sun Youping , Li Wangzhen , Luo Guojian
Published: September 2022

Friction stir processing (FSP) is an important method for obtaining fine grains. To determine the effects of FSP and processing parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of rolled sheets, we performed single-pass FSP of a 2 mm thick 2524 aluminium alloy (AA2524) rolled sheet by comparing the combination of different processing parameters. The results show that lamellar grains (rolled state) are replaced by fine dynamic recrystallisation in the stir zone (SZ), and more Al2CuMg phases are precipitated simultaneously. As the rotation speed increases, the grain size and width of the pin stir zone (PSZ) increase, the microhardness first decreases and then increases; with the traverse speed increase, the grain size first decreases and then increases, and the width of the PSZ and microhardness decrease. The SZ has the smallest grain size, highest high-angle grain boundaries (HAGBs, with misorientation angles (θ) >15°) ratio, and largest ultimate tensile strength (UTS), when the rotation and traverse speed were 1000 r·min−1 and 125 mm·min−1, are 1.59 ± 0.82 μm, 0.91 and 451.23 ± 0.52 MPa, respectively, and the elongation to fracture is 13%. The UTS and elongation were only 95.12% and 98.48% of those of the base metals (BM), respectively, because of the significant decrease in the dislocation density. Fracture analysis revealed ductile fracture of the joint due to the large number of dimples and fine second-phase particles.
Effect of laser powers on the mechanical properties 27SiMn steel with Inconel 718 cladding coatings
Authors: Shu Linsen , Heng Zhao , Li Peiyou , Wu Han , Li Jiahao , Feng Junjun
Published: September 2022

In order to know the influence of laser power on the steel (27SiMn) used for repairing the column with Inconel 718 powder materials, and to obtain the optimal laser power parameters with the best mechanical properties of cladding layer, the microstructure, tensile properties and fracture morphology of the Inconel 718 alloy under three laser powers (1800 W, 2100 W and 2400 W) were investigated by using the single-factor variable method, keeping the scanning speed, powder feeding amount and spot diameter unchanged. The results show that with increase of laser power the mechanical properties of the Inconel 718 alloy coating prepared on the surface for the column steel gradually decreased, and the mechanical properties were the best when the laser power is 1800 W. The yield strength of Inconel 718 alloy coating prepared at 1800 W was 61.7% higher than that of the substrate, and its value is 970 MPa. The elongation is reduced by 50% compared with the substrate, and its value is 7%. The microstructure of 27SiMn steel with cladding coating is (Ni, Fe, Cr) phase and Ni3Fe phase, and the microstructure of the coating is mainly composed of uniform cellular crystals. This study provides a valuable reference for the additive manufacturing of industrial materials of 27SiMn steel with laser-cladding coating.
From counterportation to local wormholes
Authors: Salih Hatim
Published: September 2022

We propose an experimental realisation of the protocol for the counterfactual disembodied transport of an unknown qubit—or what we call counterportation—where sender and receiver, remarkably, exchange no particles. We employ cavity quantum electrodynamics, estimating resources for beating the classical fidelity limit—except, unlike teleportation, no pre-shared entanglement nor classical communication are required. Our approach is multiple orders of magnitude more efficient in terms of physical resources than previously proposed implementation, paving the way for a demonstration using existing imperfect devices. Surprisingly, while such communication is intuitively explained in terms of ‘interaction-free’ measurement and the Zeno effect, we show that neither is necessary, with far-reaching implications in support of an underlying physical reality. We go on to characterise an explanatory framework for counterportation starting from constructor theory: local wormholes. Conversely, a counterportation experiment demonstrating the traversability of space, by means of what is essentially a two-qubit exchange-free quantum computer, can point to the existence in the lab of such traversable wormholes.
Assessment of future possible maximum flooding extent in the midwestern coastal region of Taiwan resulting from sea-level rise and land subsidence
Authors: Hsiao Shih-Chun , Fu Huei-Shuin , Chen Wei-Bo , Chang Tzu-Ying , Wu Han-Lun , Liang Ting-Yu
Published: September 2022

While land subsidence (LS) caused by groundwater overuse is a significant contributor to inundation in coastal areas, rising sea levels remain the critical factor affecting coastal flooding globally. In this work, we projected potential inundation areas on the midwestern coast of Taiwan in 2100 using a high-resolution numerical model with light detection and ranging (LiDAR)-based digital elevation data. Two simulation approaches, namely, constant spring tide (CST) and dynamic astronomical tide (DAT) approaches, were employed to pair various sea-level rise (SLR) magnitudes from the 6th Assessment Report of IPCC with LS magnitudes reported by the Water Resource Agency of Taiwan. The CST method always projected larger maximum inundation areas (MIAs) than the DAT method. However, the discrepancies in the MIA projections between the CST and DAT methods showed exponential decay as the SLR magnitude increased. Through 1320 scenario simulations, the projected worst-case median MIAs derived using the CST and DAT methods were approximately 1100 and 1000 km2 in the year 2100, respectively, and the synergistic effect of SLR and LS significantly exacerbated the coastal inundation. This study indicates that the DAT approach is more realistic than the CST approach for modelling actual tidal variations and is suitable for assessing coastal inundation due to rising sea levels and subsiding lands worldwide.
Study of a calibration system for soil respiration measurement chambers
Authors: Jiang Junjie , Yin Wenjie , Hu Junguo , Hu Yulin
Published: September 2022

Purpose. Soil respiration measurement is an important component of the global carbon cycle assessment. To effectively validate the measurement performance of the monitoring instruments and provide accurate carbon flux data, a new flux-monitoring gas-chamber calibration system was investigated. Method. In an environmentally controlled laboratory, a concentration calculation calibration system, mass calculation calibration system, and flow calculation calibration system were used to quantify soil CO2 emissions. The measurement performance of the soil-respiration monitoring gas chamber was investigated, and the strengths and weaknesses of each calibration system were examined. Results. The unsteady-state flow chamber and steady-state chamber measurements had fewer errors and provided better results than the unsteady-state nonflow chamber. The measured values of the closed chamber were low, whereas the measured values of the open chamber were occasionally high and low. For calibration systems, the concentration calculation system is easy to operate; however, the reference flux values are unstable, and the mass calculation system allows for different gas transport mechanisms. However, it is complex to operate and it is difficult to control the air pressure in the diffusion chamber. The calibration process of the flow calculation system was stable and easy to operate; however, the experimental time was long, and the CO2 gas consumption was high. However, for the calibration effect, the optimal calibration system was the flow-meter algorithm. Conclusion. This study proposes a better calibration method for the soil CO2 flux gas chamber, which is conducive to improving the measurement accuracy of the instrument, and provides new ideas for the calibration of other environmental gas monitoring instruments.
Simultaneous two-step phase-shifting lateral shearing interferometry for aspherical surface based on an orthogonal shear displacer
Authors: Zhu Yahui , Tian Ailing , Wang Hongjun , Liu Bingcai , Zhu Xueliang , Yuan Hang
Published: September 2022

A novel simultaneous two-step phase-shifting lateral shearing interferometry for aspherical surface based on an orthogonal shear displacer (OSD) is proposed, it is an effective technological measure of aspherical surface measurement, to effectively solve the non-uniformity of light intensity and limited transmission order caused by the beam displacer device. The OSD system is formed by the adoption of two-crystal polarization parallel beam displacers (PBDs), which makes it achieve the orthogonal shearing in the x- and y-directions simultaneously. A quarter-wave plate (QWP) is used to generate the desired phase-shifting, and four beam lateral shearing interference waves are simply generated in OSD orthogonal directions without any bulky and complicated optical components. The phase maps of the aspherical surface can be instantly obtained using the spatial phase-shifting technique with a polarization pixelated mask (or called micro-polarization array: MPA) integrated into CCD. In this study, the proposed method was theoretically described and simulation results were analyzed. The simultaneous two-step phase-shifting lateral shearing interference fringes can be extracted in real-time with the MPA. The experiment results compared with the ZYGO interferometer were performed, and proved that the measurement error is not more than 2%. This interferometry has made it possible to improve the stability and feasibility of aspherical surface testing experiments.
Homogeneous Lagrangian foliations on complex space forms
Authors: Díaz-Ramos José , Domínguez-Vázquez Miguel , Hashinaga Takahiro
Published: September 2022

We classify holomorphic isometric actions on complex space forms all of whose orbits are Lagrangian submanifolds, up to orbit equivalence. The only examples are Lagrangian affine subspace foliations of complex Euclidean spaces, and Lagrangian horocycle foliations of complex hyperbolic spaces.
How Foreign Language Enjoyment Acts as a Buoy for Sagging Motivation: A Longitudinal Investigation
Authors: Dewaele Jean-Marc , Saito Kazuya , Halimi Florentina
Published: September 2022

The current study contributes to the recent debate on the question whether learner emotions can be intrinsically motivating or whether they are no more than diffuse action tendencies (Dörnyei 2020). Adopting a longitudinal approach, we combined repeated analysis of variances and mixed effects modelling to capture interactions between Foreign Language Enjoyment (FLE) and its three dimensions, Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety (FLCA), and Attitudes/Motivation (AM) and its four dimensions over the course of one semester. Participants were 360 foreign language learners of English, German, French, and Spanish in a Kuwaiti university. FLE (and the dimensions FLE Personal and FLE Social) and FLCA remained stable over time but FLE Teacher decreased significantly. Levels of AM also decreased significantly, more specifically, the dimensions Motivation and Attitudes toward the Learning Situation. Mixed effects modelling analyses revealed that FLE (including FLE Personal and FLE Social) and FLCA had medium effects on the AM dimensions. Significant interaction effects were found for FLE Teacher and Time for the AM dimensions. We argue that high FLE can act as a buoy for sagging motivation and thus become intrinsically motivating.
miRspongeR 2.0: an enhanced R package for exploring miRNA sponge regulation
Authors: Zhang Junpeng , Liu Lin , Zhang Wu , Li Xiaomei , Zhao Chunwen , Li Sijing , Li Jiuyong , Le Thuc Duy
Published: September 2022

MicroRNA (miRNA) sponges influence the capability of miRNA-mediated gene silencing by competing for shared miRNA response elements and play significant roles in many physiological and pathological processes. It has been proved that computational or dry-lab approaches are useful to guide wet-lab experiments for uncovering miRNA sponge regulation. However, all of the existing tools only allow the analysis of miRNA sponge regulation regarding a group of samples, rather than the miRNA sponge regulation unique to individual samples. Furthermore, most existing tools do not allow parallel computing for the fast identification of miRNA sponge regulation. Here, we present an enhanced version of our R/Bioconductor package, miRspongeR 2.0. Compared with the original version introduced in 2019, this package extends the resolution of miRNA sponge regulation from the multi-sample level to the single-sample level. Moreover, it supports the identification of miRNA sponge networks using parallel computing, and the construction of sample–sample correlation networks. It also provides more computational methods to infer miRNA sponge regulation and expands the ground truth for validation. With these new features, we anticipate that miRspongeR 2.0 will further accelerate the research on miRNA sponges with higher resolution and more utilities.

Availability and implementation

http://bioconductor.org/packages/miRspongeR/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics Advances online.
Genetic diversity and detection of candidate loci associated with alternative morphotypes in a tailed amphibian
Authors: Toli Elisavet A , Bounas Anastasios , Merilä Juha , Sotiropoulos Konstantinos
Published: September 2022

Phenotypic changes in response to environmental cues allow organisms to adapt and enhance their fitness in a given habitat. Despite the significance of phenotypic plasticity in the evolution and ecology of natural populations and the ongoing development of new genomic tools, the underlying genetic basis is still largely unknown. Herein, we examined the underlying mechanisms of genetic and phenotypic divergence among alternative morphs of a natural population of the Greek smooth newt (Lissotriton graecus). The studied population consists of fully aquatic individuals exhibiting facultative paedomorphosis, the retention of larval traits such as gills, and individuals that have passed metamorphosis (paedomorphic vs. metamorphic newts). Based on the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained, we observed low genetic divergence between the two alternative morphs and similar levels of gene diversity on neutral markers. Despite the observed high gene flow between the morphs, an Fst approach for outliers detected candidate loci putatively associated with the alternative morphs that mapped to four genes. These identified genes have functional roles in metabolic processes that may mediate the persistence of alternative ontogenetic trajectories.
Cross-direct effects in settings with two mediators
Authors: Gabriel Erin E , Sjölander Arvid , Follmann Dean , Sachs Michael C
Published: September 2022

When multiple mediators are present, there are additional effects that may be of interest beyond the well-known natural (NDE) and controlled direct effects (CDE). These effects cross the type of control on the mediators, setting one to a constant level and one to its natural level, which differs across subjects. We introduce five such estimands for the cross-CDE and -NDE when two mediators are measured. We consider both the scenario where one mediator is influenced by the other, referred to as sequential mediators, and the scenario where the mediators do not influence each other. Such estimands may be of interest in immunology, as we discuss in relation to measured immunological responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. We provide identifying expressions for the estimands in observational settings where there is no residual confounding, and where intervention, outcome, and mediators are of arbitrary type. We further provide tight symbolic bounds for the estimands in randomized settings where there may be residual confounding of the outcome and mediator relationship and all measured variables are binary.
Definition and diagnosis of postsurgical hypoparathyroidism after thyroid surgery: meta-analysis
Authors: Nagel Kathrin , Hendricks Anne , Lenschow Christina , Meir Michael , Hahner Stefanie , Fassnacht Martin , Wiegering Armin , Germer Christoph-Thomas , Schlegel Nicolas
Published: September 2022

Background

Postsurgical hypoparathyroidism (PH) is the most frequent complication after thyroid surgery. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize a unifying definition of PH and to elucidate the best possible approach for early detection of PH.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature according to the PICO framework using Embase, PUBMED and the Cochrane library was carried out on 1 December 2021 followed by analysis for risk of bias, data extraction and meta-analysis. All studies addressing the definition of postoperative hypoparathyroidism and/or diagnostic approaches for early detection and diagnosis were included. Case reports, commentaries, non-English articles, book chapters and pilot studies and reviews were excluded.

Results

From 13 704 articles, 188 articles were eligible for inclusion and further analysis. These articles provided heterogeneous definitions of PH. Meta-analysis revealed that postoperative measurements of parathormone (PTH) levels have a higher sensitivity and specificity than intraoperative PTH measurements to predict PH after thyroid surgery. None of the timeframes analysed after surgery within the first postoperative day (POD1) was superior to predict the onset of PH. PTH levels of less than 15 pg/ml and less than 10 pg/ml are both reliable threshold levels to predict the postoperative onset of PH. A relative reduction of mean(s.d.) PTH levels from pre- to postoperative values of 73 (standard deviation 11) per cent may also be predictive for the development of PH. The estimation of calcium levels on POD1 are recommended.

Conclusion

PH is best defined as an undetectable or inappropriately low postoperative PTH level in the context of hypocalcaemia with or without hypocalcaemic symptoms. PTH levels should be measured after surgery within 24 h. Both threshold levels below 10 and 15 pg/ml or relative loss of PTH before/after thyroid surgery are reliable to predict the onset of PH.
Correlation between diastolic seismocardiography variables and echocardiography variables
Authors: Agam Ahmad , Søgaard Peter , Kragholm Kristian , Jensen Ask Schou , Sørensen Kasper , Hansen John , Schmidt Samuel
Published: September 2022

Aims

Echocardiography is a key diagnostic tool for assessment of myocardial performance and haemodynamics. Seismocardiography (SCG) can potentially provide fast and reliable assessments of key components related to myocardial performance. The aims of this study were to investigate the correlation between SCG and echocardiographic measures, and a decrease in preload by raising the subjects to a 30° head-up tilt position would be detected by both echocardiography and SCG.

Methods and results

A total of 45 subjects were included in the study. SCG and electrocardiogram were recorded simultaneously and afterwards echocardiography was recorded. The SCG signals were divided into individual heart beats using a duration-dependent Markov model. Using a fiducial point detection algorithm, the diastolic fiducial points were identified. The amplitudes from the SCG showed a high correlation, especially with the variable e′ from the echocardiography. The peak-to-peak amplitude of the diastolic SCG complex and e′ had a high correlation of 0.713 (P < 0.001). The second minimum in diastolic occurring after the closing of the aortic valve was the only amplitude showing a high correlation when comparing supine with head-up tilt in the SCG. All the echocardiography variables but E/e′ showed a high correlation when comparing supine with head-up tilt.

Conclusion

The results found in this study showed a high correlation between the amplitudes from the diastolic SCG and the diastolic variable e′ from the echocardiography, thus indicating that the SCG could potentially be utilized to evaluate the diastolic function.
European survey on valvular heart disease clinical experience from the European Society of Cardiology council on valvular heart disease
Authors: Sannino Anna , Campbell Sarah , Grapsa Julia , Modine Thomas , Barbanti Marco , Chambers John B , Zamorano Jose L , Pibarot Philippe , Garbi Madalina , Vannan Mani , Habib Gilbert , Lancellotti Patrizio
Published: September 2022

Aims

The aim of this survey is to analyze how current recommendations on valvular heart disease (VHD) management have been adopted. Identifying potential discrepancies between recommendations and everyday clinical practice would enable us to better understand and address the remaining challenges in this controversial and complex field.

Methods and results

A total of 33 questions, distributed via email to all European Society of Cardiology (ESC) affiliated countries through the newsletter of the ESC council on VHD, were answered by 689 respondents, mainly from tertiary care settings. The results of this survey showed that VHD patients are mostly managed by tertiary care centres, where multi-disciplinary heart teams are frequently a reality. Cardiac computed tomography (CT) is often used in the preprocedural planning of transcatheter interventions, particularly for sizing and deliverability assessment. Echocardiography represents the most widely used imaging modality in the diagnostic, intra-operative and follow-up phase of VHD patients. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is still largely underused, also for conditions such as mitral annular disjunction, or for the assessment of left ventricle volumes where it is considered as the gold standard, despite 3D volumes by echocardiography having proved good comparability with CMR. As for endocarditis, despite still underused, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) represents the approach of choice for the diagnosis of native and prosthesis valve endocarditis (up to 46% of the respondents use it). In this context, positron emission tomography-CT is largely underused.

Conclusion

There is widespread adoption of current recommendation on the evaluation of VHD and these are frequently used to guide patient management. Nonetheless, there are still many discrepancies across centres and countries which need to be addressed with the aim of improving patients’ management and outcomes and ultimately positively impacting on healthcare resources.
Paediatric familial hypercholesterolaemia screening in Europe: public policy background and recommendations
Authors: Gidding Samuel S , Wiegman Albert , Groselj Urh , Freiberger Tomas , Peretti Noel , Dharmayat Kanika I , Daccord Magdalena , Bedlington Nicola , Sikonja Jaka , Ray Kausik K , Santos Raul D , Halle Martin , Tokgözoğlu Lale , Gutiérrez-Ibarluzea Iñaki , Pinto Fausto J , Geanta Marius
Published: September 2022

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is under-recognized and under-treated in Europe leading to significantly higher risk for premature heart disease in those affected. As treatment beginning early in life is highly effective in preventing heart disease and cost-effective in these patients, screening for FH is crucial. It has therefore now been recognized by the European Commission Public Health Best Practice Portal as an effective strategy. Model programmes exist in Europe to identify young individuals with FH, which are based on cascade screening of first-degree relatives of affected individuals, universal screening for high cholesterol, opportunistic screening of high-risk individuals, or a combination of the above approaches. Recommendations presented herein to improve identification of FH emphasize that every country should have an FH screening programme. These programmes should be adapted from existing strategies to best fit the individual country’s healthcare system, governments should provide financial support for these programmes and related care, and further research to optimize care and implementations should be conducted.
The phytochemical components of walnuts and their application for geographical origin based on chemical markers
Authors: Mo Runhong , Zheng Yuewen , Ni Zhanglin , Shen Danyu , Liu Yihua
Published: September 2022

Place of origin has an important influence on walnut quality and commercial value, which results in the requirement of rapid geographical traceability method. Thus, a method for geographical origin identification of walnuts on the basis of nutritional quality of walnuts from China was conducted. The concentrations of 43 phytochemical components were analyzed in walnut samples from five different walnut-producing regions of China. Based on 14 chemical markers selected by the Random Forest method from these phytochemical components, a new discriminant model for geographical origin was built, with the corresponding correct classification rate of 99.3%. In addition, the quantitative quality differences of walnuts from five regions were analyzed, with values of 0.17–1.43. Moreover, the top three chemical markers for the geographical origin discriminant analysis were Mo, V, and stearic acid, with contribution rates of 26.8%, 18.9%, and 10.9%, respectively. This study provides a potentially viable method for application in food authentication.
‘They can stigmatize you’: a qualitative assessment of the influence of school factors on engagement in care and medication adherence among adolescents with HIV in Western Kenya
Authors: Wiggins Lisa , O’Malley Gabrielle , Wagner Anjuli D , Mutisya Immaculate , Wilson Kate S , Lawrence Sarah , Moraa Hellen , Kinuthia John , Itindi Janet , Muhenje Odylia , Chen Tai-Ho , Singa Benson , Mcgrath Christine J , Ngugi Evelyn , Katana Abraham , Ng′ang′a Lucy , John-Stewart Grace , Kholer Pamela , Beima-Sofie Kristin
Published: September 2022

School-related factors may influence retention in care and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among adolescents with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We analyzed data from in-depth interviews with 40 adolescents with HIV (aged 14 -19 years), 40 caregivers of adolescents with HIV, and 4 focus group discussions with healthcare workers to evaluate contextual factors affecting adherence to ART and clinic attendance among adolescents, with a focus on the school environment. Informed by Anderson’s Model of Health Services Utilization, transcripts were systematically coded and synthesized to identify school-related themes. All groups identified the school environment as a critical barrier to engagement in HIV care and medication adherence for adolescents with HIV. Adolescent participants reported inflexible school schedules and disclosure to school staff as the biggest challenges adhering to clinic appointments and ART. Adolescents described experiencing stigma and discrimination by peers and school staff and would adjust when, where and how often they took ART to avoid inadvertent disclosure. Boarding school students faced challenges because they had limited private space or time. Caregivers were often instrumental in navigating school permissions, including identifying a treatment supporter among school staff. Additional research engaging school staff may guide interventions for schools to reduce stigma and improve adherence and retention.
Oral Administration of Oxytocin, Like Intranasal Administration, Decreases Top-Down Social Attention
Authors: Zhuang Qian , Zheng Xiaoxiao , Yao Shuxia , Zhao Weihua , Becker Benjamin , Xu Xiaolei , Kendrick Keith M
Published: September 2022

Background

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) modulates social cognition by increasing attention to social cues and may have therapeutic potential for impaired social attention in conditions such as autism spectrum disorder. Intranasal administration of OXT is widely used to examine the drug’s functional effects in both adults and children and is assumed to enter the brain directly via this route. However, OXT can also influence brain function through increased blood concentrations, and we have recently shown that orally (lingual) administered OXT also modulates neural responses to emotional faces and may be better tolerated for therapeutic use. Here, we examine whether 24 IU OXT administered orally can facilitate social attention.

Methods

In a randomized, placebo-controlled pharmacologic study, we used a validated emotional antisaccade eye-tracking paradigm to explore the effects of oral OXT on bottom-up and top-down attention processing in 80 healthy male participants.

Results

Our findings showed that in terms of top-down attention, oral OXT increased errors for both social (angry, fearful, happy, sad, and neutral emotion faces) and nonsocial stimuli (oval shapes) in the antisaccade condition but increased response latencies only in the social condition. It also significantly reduced post-task state anxiety, but this reduction was not correlated with task performance. A comparison with our previous intranasal OXT study using the same task revealed that both routes have a similar effect on increasing antisaccade errors and response latencies and on reducing state anxiety.

Conclusions

Overall, our findings suggest that oral administration of OXT produces similar effects on top-down social attention control and anxiety to intranasal administration and may therefore have therapeutic utility.
Effectiveness of CoronaVac and BNT162b2 Vaccines Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Omicron BA.2 Infections in Hong Kong
Authors: Yang Bingyi , Wong Irene O L , Xiao Jingyi , Tsang Tim K , Liao Qiuyan , Cowling Benjamin J
Published: September 2022

There is limited evidence on vaccine effectiveness against asymptomatic or mild Omicron infections. We estimated that recent third doses of messenger RNA or inactivated vaccines reduced the risk of self-reported infection by 52% (95% confidence interval, 17%–73%) among randomly sampled adults during the Omicron BA.2–dominated surge in Hong Kong.
Mysterious Consumption: Preference for Horizontal (vs. Vertical) Uncertainty and the Role of Surprise
Authors: Buechel Eva C , Li Ruoou
Published: September 2022

Mysterious consumption items represent products that are chosen or purchased without knowing the exact nature of the product(s). In contrast to the widely accepted notion of uncertainty aversion, the present research shows that consumers prefer uncertainty over certainty in the context of mysterious consumption. Across a variety of products (stress balls, ice cream, songs, teas, snacks, hotel rooms, masks, rental cars), participants preferred mysterious consumption items over non-mysterious consumption items of equal expected value. The value of mysterious consumption lies at least in part in the uncertainty about the nature of the outcome among objectively similar outcomes. Specifically, the uncertainty around horizontally differentiated outcomes (i.e., outcomes that differ as a matter of taste) in the case of mysterious consumption focuses consumers on the positive side of uncertainty: the opportunity to be surprised. The preference for uncertainty is not observed when the possible outcomes are vertically differentiated (i.e., outcomes that differ in objective superiority, as is the case in existing demonstrations of uncertainty) or when horizontal uncertainty is reduced to a degree that diminishes the ability to be surprised. The findings reconcile literatures on surprise and uncertainty aversion and help explain mysterious consumption as a substantive phenomenon in the marketplace.
Biological patent thickets and delayed access to biosimilars, an American problem
Authors: Goode Rachel , Chao Bernard
Published: September 2022

Our study seeks to determine whether patent thickets covering biologic drugs are responsible for delayed biosimilar market entry. We compare patent assertions against the same biosimilar drugs across three countries. On average nine to twelve times more patents were asserted against biosimilars in the United States than in Canada and the United Kingdom. Biosimilars also enter the Canadian and UK markets more quickly than they do in the United States following regulatory approval. Later market entry is not a problem when the brand name drug company is asserting high quality patents (i.e. patents covering significant advances). Consequently, we drilled down into the U.S. patent portfolio of one major biologic, Abbvie's Humira drug, and found that it was made up of roughly 80% non-patentably distinct (duplicative) patents linked together by terminal disclaimers, which is permitted under United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) rules. In contrast, there were far less non-duplicative European patents that covered Humira. Patent thickets can allow brand name drug companies to delay biosimilar entry by relying on the high cost of challenging many duplicative patents instead of the quality of their underlying patents. Accordingly, we suggest several policy interventions that may thin these biologic patent thickets.
Usefulness and Need for Digital Technology to Assist Forest Management: Summary of Findings from a Survey of Registered Foresters
Authors: Bettinger Pete , Merry Krista , Fei Songlin , Weiskittel Aaron , Ma Zhao
Published: September 2022

Key components of a digital forestry program (digital tools, databases, and decision-support systems) can be of great importance in the management of forests today. A general lack of knowledge of the needs of forest managers and landowners for components of digital forestry has been hypothesized. A survey regarding digital forestry tools was conducted of registered foresters from five USA states (Alabama, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, and North Carolina). Registered foresters may be private landowners or those working for organizations that meet the requirements for licensure in a state. Of the registered foresters who identified as nonindustrial private landowners, roughly half currently do not use digital technologies for forest management efforts. Of the registered foresters who identified as employees of forestry organizations, about 80% use digital technology in the management of their organization’s forests. Geographic information systems technology was the most important, followed by inventory systems, databases, and field-ready smartphone applications. Those registered foresters who had not used digital technologies in the past suggested that their usefulness for the management of their property and their lack of awareness of potential options were likely reasons for not using digital technologies.

Study Implications: From surveying five eastern states in the United States, we found that forest landowners are not current users of technology, whereas those associated with forest organizations are more apt to use technologies when managing their forests. Desirable technologies used by both private landowners and forestry organizations include geographic information systems and smartphone applications, whereas those working for forestry organizations also desired inventory systems and databases. Current technology gaps were also identified.
Appendiceal endosalpingiosis: a case report of a rare finding from appendicectomy
Authors: Nayak Agnish , Karpes Josh , Stewart Kathryn
Published: September 2022

Endosalpingiosis is occasionally incidentally found on histopathologic examination of gynecologic or gastrointestinal specimen, most commonly in the ovary, fallopian tube, omentum and uterus. Recently an association between endosalpingiosis and, ovarian and uterine cancer has been described. Here, we describe a rare case of appendiceal endosalpingiosis mimicking appendicitis. Further prospective studies are required to elucidate the clinical significance of appendiceal endosalpingiosis, the potential association with gynecologic malignancy and implications for management.
Application of the Single-Molecule Real-Time Technology (SMRT) for Identification of HKαα Thalassemia Allele
Authors: Zhang Min , Lin Zhaodong , Chen Meihuan , Pan Yali , Zhang Yanhong , Chen Lingji , Lin Na , Ren Yuanyuan , Jia Hongjin , Cai Meiying , Xu Liangpu , Huang Hailong
Published: September 2022

Objective

Single-molecule real-time technology (SMRT) is a sequencing technology using the DNA polymerases and fluorescently tagged nucleotides to accurately sequence DNA strands. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the detection accuracy of SMRT for identification of the Hong Kongαα (HKαα) thalassemia allele.

Methods

We conducted a blinded study of 33 samples of known HKαα alleles. These alleles were detected using SMRT to evaluate accuracy.

Results

We conducted a blinded study of 33 known HKαα samples and found all HKαα variants detected by SMRT to be concordant with those independently assigned by gap-polymerase chain reaction (gap-PCR), reverse dot blot hybridization, and 2-round nested PCR. In addition, SMRT detected 2 β-thalassemia variants that were missed by conventional techniques.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that SMRT offers a higher detection accuracy of thalassemia rare and new loci. It is an efficient, reliable, and broad-spectrum test that can be widely used for thalassemia screening in the clinic.
Analysis of the Relationship between Bladder Cancer Gene Mutation and Clinical Prognosis by High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Li Xiaohang , Liu Jie , Li An’an , Liu Xin , Miao Yuesong , Wang Zhiyong
Published: September 2022

Objective

Bladder cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in urology in China. The analysis of gene mutation in bladder cancer and its relationship with clinical characteristics and prognosis will provide a basis for accurate treatment of bladder cancer. The aim of this study was to analyze the mutations and functional regions of bladder cancer–related genes based on high-throughput sequencing, and to explore the relationship between mutations and clinicopathological features, as well as its prognosis and clinical implication.

Methods

From April 2020 to October 2020, a total of 47 patients with bladder cancer in the Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College were studied. Gene sequencing was performed using Nextseq CN500 System, a high-throughput sequencing platform. The results of gene detection were described, and the relationship and clinical value of high frequency mutated genes with clinicopathological features and prognosis were systematically analyzed.

Results

A total of 29 mutation genes, 61 exons, and 95 mutation sites were identified in this study. The frequencies of TP53, FGFR3, PIK3CA, ERBB2, MUC4, and KRAS mutation are relatively high, accounting for 59.92 % of the total mutation frequency. The TP53 was significantly associated with muscle invasive bladder cancer, T2 stage, and progression-free survival, while FGFR3 was significantly associated with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and T1 stage.

Conclusion

High-throughput sequencing technology provides a successful approach for detecting bladder cancer gene mutations. The TP53, FGFR3, PIK3CA, ERBB2, MUC4, and KRAS genes have high mutation frequencies in bladder cancer patients. The TP53, FGFR3 and PIK3CA genes may play a predictive role in the prognosis of bladder cancer, which may hold certain guiding significance for in-depth study of the pathogenesis of bladder cancer and the development of targeted therapies.
Inferring galaxy dark halo properties from visible matter with machine learning
Authors: von Marttens Rodrigo , Casarini Luciano , Napolitano Nicola R , Wu Sirui , Amaro Valeria , Li Rui , Tortora Crescenzo , Canabarro Askery , Wang Yang
Published: September 2022

Next-generation surveys will provide photometric and spectroscopic data of millions to billions of galaxies with unprecedented precision. This offers a unique chance to improve our understanding of the galaxy evolution and the unresolved nature of dark matter (DM). At galaxy scales, the density distribution of DM is strongly affected by feedback processes, which are difficult to fully account for in classical techniques to derive galaxy masses. We explore the capability of supervised machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict the DM content of galaxies from ‘luminous’ observational-like parameters, using the TNG100 simulation. In particular, we use photometric (magnitudes in different bands), structural (the stellar half-mass radius and three different baryonic masses), and kinematic (1D velocity dispersion and the maximum rotation velocity) parameters to predict the total DM mass, DM half-mass radius, and DM mass inside one and two stellar half-mass radii. We adopt the coefficient of determination, R2, as a metric to evaluate the accuracy of these predictions. We find that using all observational quantities together (photometry, structural, and kinematics), we reach high accuracy for all DM quantities (up to R2 ∼ 0.98). This first test shows that ML tools are promising to predict the DM in real galaxies. The next steps will be to implement the observational realism of the training sets, by closely selecting samples that accurately reproduce the typical observed ‘luminous’ scaling relations. The so-trained pipelines will be suitable for real galaxy data collected from Rubin/Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST), Euclid, Chinese Survey Space Telescope (CSST), 4-metre Multi-Object Spectrograph Telescope (4MOST), Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), to derive e.g. the properties of their central DM fractions.
Changes in Ploidy Drive Reproduction Transition and Genomic Diversity in a Polyploid Fish Complex
Authors: Lu Meng , Li Zhi , Zhu Zi-Yu , Peng Fang , Wang Yang , Li Xi-Yin , Wang Zhong-Wei , Zhang Xiao-Juan , Zhou Li , Gui Jian-Fang
Published: September 2022

Unisexual animals are commonly found in some polyploid species complexes, and most of these species have had a long evolutionary history. However, their method for avoiding genomic decay remains unclear. The polyploid Carassius complex naturally comprises the sexual amphidiploid C. auratus (crucian carp or goldfish) (AABB) and the gynogenetic amphitriploid C. gibelio (gibel carp) (AAABBB). Recently, we developed a fertile synthetic amphitetraploid (AAAABBBB) male from C. gibelio by incorporating a C. auratus genome. In this study, we generated novel amphitriploids (AAABBB) by backcrossing the amphitetraploid male with the amphidiploid C. auratus. Whole-genome resequencing revealed the genomic changes, including recombination and independent assortment between homologs of C. gibelio and C. auratus. The fertility, sex determination system, oocyte development, and fertilization behaviors of the novel amphitriploids were investigated. Approximately 80% of the novel amphitriploid females recovered the unisexual gynogenesis ability. Intriguingly, two types of primary oocyte (with and without homolog synapsis) were discovered, and their distinct development fates were observed. Type I oocytes entered apoptosis due to improper synaptonemal complex assembly and incomplete double-strand break repair, whereas subsequent type II oocytes bypassed meiosis through an alternative ameiotic pathway to develop into mature eggs. Moreover, gynogenesis was stabilized in their offspring, and a new array of diverse gynogenetic amphitriploid clones was produced. These revealed genomic changes and detailed cytological data provide comprehensive evidence that changes in ploidy drive unisexual and sexual reproduction transition, thereby resulting in genomic diversity and allowing C. gibelio avoid genomic decay.
Predicting the response to pulmonary vasodilator therapy in systemic sclerosis with pulmonary hypertension by using quantitative chest CT
Authors: Ninagawa Keita , Kato Masaru , Kikuchi Yasuka , Sugimori Hiroyuki , Kono Michihito , Fujieda Yuichiro , Tsujino Ichizo , Atsumi Tatsuya
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with pulmonary vascular disease and interstitial lung disease, making it difficult to differentiate pulmonary arterial hypertension and pulmonary hypertension (PH) due to lung diseases and/or hypoxia and to decide treatments. We aimed to predict the response to pulmonary vasodilators in patients with SSc and PH.

Methods

Eighty-four SSc patients were included with 47 having PH. Chest computed tomography was evaluated using software to calculate the abnormal lung volume (ALV). To define the response to vasodilators, Δ mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP)/basal mPAP was used (cut-off value: 10%). The predictive value was evaluated by using the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

The mean (±standard deviation) value of ALV was 26.8 (±32.2) %. A weak correlation was observed between ALV and forced vital capacity (FVC) (R = –0.46). The predictive value of ALV [area under curve (AUC) = 0.74] was superior to that of FVC (AUC = 0.62) for the response to vasodilators. No hemodynamic parameters differed between patients with high and low ALV, whereas survival was worse in high ALV.

Conclusions

Quantitative chest computed tomography well predicted the response to vasodilators in patients with SSc and PH. Our results suggest its utility in differentiating the dominance of pulmonary vascular disease or interstitial lung disease.
A Multicenter Evaluation of Trends in Antimicrobial Resistance Among Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates From Adults in the United States
Authors: Mohanty Salini , Johnson Kelly D , Yu Kalvin C , Watts Janet A , Gupta Vikas
Published: September 2022

Background

Management of pneumococcal disease is complicated by high rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study assessed AMR trends for Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from adults with pneumococcal disease.

Methods

From January 2011 to February 2020, we evaluated 30-day nonduplicate S. pneumoniae isolates from 290 US hospitals (BD Insights Research Database) from adults (≥18 years) in inpatient and outpatient settings. Isolates were required to have ≥1 AMR result for invasive (blood, cerebrospinal fluid/neurologic) or noninvasive (respiratory or ear/nose/throat) pneumococcal disease samples. Determination of AMR was based on facility reports of intermediate or resistant. Descriptive statistics and generalized estimated equations were used to assess variations over time.

Results

Over the study period, 34 039 S. pneumoniae isolates were analyzed (20 749 [61%] from noninvasive sources and 13 290 [39%] from invasive sources). Almost half (46.6%) of the isolates were resistant to ≥1 drug, and noninvasive isolates had higher rates of AMR than invasive isolates. Total S. pneumoniae isolates had high rates of resistance to macrolides (37.7%), penicillin (22.1%), and tetracyclines (16.1%). Multivariate modeling identified a significant increasing trend in resistance to macrolides (+1.8%/year; P < .001). Significant decreasing trends were observed for penicillin (−1.6%/year; P < .001), extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs; −0.35%/year; P < .001), and ≥3 drugs (−0.5%/year; P < .001).

Conclusions

Despite decreasing trends for penicillin, ESCs, and resistance to ≥3 drugs, AMR rates are persistently high in S. pneumoniae isolates among US adults. Increasing macrolide resistance suggests that efforts to address AMR in S. pneumoniae may require antimicrobial stewardship efforts and higher-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.