bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergency Medical Teams’ Responses during the West Japan Heavy Rain 2018: J-SPEED Data Analysis
Authors: Chimed-Ochir Odgerel , Yumiya Yui , Taji Akihiro , Kishita Eisaku , Kondo Hisayoshi , Wakai Akinori , Akahoshi Kouki , Chishima Kayoko , Toyokuni Yoshiki , Koido Yuichi , Kubo Tatsuhiko
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

Rainfall-induced floods and landslides accounted for 20.7% of all disaster events in Japan from 1985 through 2018 and caused a variety of health problems, both directly and indirectly, including injuries, infectious diseases, exacerbation of pre-existing medical conditions, and psychological issues. More evidence of health problems caused by floods or heavy rain is needed to improve preparedness and preventive measures; however, collecting health data surrounding disaster events is a major challenge due to environmental hazards, logistical constraints, political and economic issues, difficulties in communication among stakeholders, and cultural barriers. In response to the West Japan Heavy Rain in July 2018, Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) used Japan - Surveillance in Post-Extreme Emergencies and Disasters (J-SPEED) as a daily reporting template, collecting data on the number and type of patients they treated and sending it to an EMT coordination cell (EMTCC) during the response.

Study Objective:

The aim of the study was to conduct a descriptive epidemiology study using J-SPEED data to better understand the health problems during floods and heavy rain disasters.

Methods:

The number and types of health problems treated by EMTs in accordance with the J-SPEED (Ver 1.0) form were reported daily by 85 EMTs to an EMTCC, where data were compiled during the West Japan Heavy Rain from July 8 through September 11, 2018. Reported items in the J-SPEED form were analyzed by age, gender, area (prefecture), and time period.

Results:

The analysis of J-SPEED data from the West Japan Heavy Rain 2018 revealed the characteristics of a total of 3,617 consultations with the highest number of consultations (2,579; 71.3%) occurring between Day 5 and Day 12 of the 65-day EMT response. During the response period, skin disease was the most frequently reported health event (17.3%), followed by wounds (14.3%), disaster stress-related symptoms (10.0%), conjunctivitis (6.3%), and acute respiratory infections (ARI; 5.4%).

Conclusion:

During the response period, skin disease was the most frequently reported health event, followed by wounds, stress, conjunctivitis, and ARIs. The health impacts of a natural disaster are determined by a variety of factors, and the current study’s findings are highly context dependent; however, it is expected that as more data are gathered, the consistency of finding will increase.
Von Neumann probes: rationale, propulsion, interstellar transfer timing
Authors: Matloff Gregory L.
Published: February 2022

A Von Neumann probe is a self-reproducing intelligent device with interstellar capabilities. A space-faring civilization could conceivably use such constructs to occupy much or all of the Milky Way galaxy and perhaps the entire universe. This paper presents several reasons that a civilization might decide to produce and deploy Von Neumann probes. Physically possible interstellar propulsion methods for such devices are discussed, as is a launch strategy minimizing the duration of an interstellar transfer. Various solar system locations could be investigated to determine whether Von Neumann probes are present in our vicinity.
Evaluation of pathogenesis and biofilm formation ability of Yersinia pestis after 40-day exposure to simulated microgravity
Authors: Li Ye , Chen Yulu , Wang Lei , Li Yixuan , Song Yajun , Yang Ruifu , Han Yanping
Published: February 2022

With the increase of crewed space missions and the rise of space microbiology, the research of microbes grown under microgravity environment has been attracting more attention. The research scope in space microbiology has been extended beyond pathogens directly related to spaceflight. Y. pestis, the causative agent of plague, is also of interest to researchers. After being cultivated for 40 consecutive passages in either simulated microgravity (SMG) or normal gravity (NG) conditions, the Y. pestis strain 201 cultures were analysed regarding their phenotypic features. By using crystal violet staining assays, increased biofilm amount was detected in Y. pestis grown under SMG condition. Besides that, the damage degrees of Hela cell caused by SMG-grown Y. pestis were found diminished in comparison to those under NG condition. Consistent with this observation, the death course was delayed in mice infected with SMG-grown Y. pestis, suggesting that microgravity condition can contribute the attenuated virulence. RNA-seq-based transcriptomics analysis showed that a total of 218 genes were differentially regulated, of which 91 upregulated and 127 downregulated. We found that dozens of virulence-associated genes were downregulated, which partially explained the reduced virulence of Y. pestis under SMG condition. Our study demonstrated that long-term exposure to SMG influences the pathogenesis and biofilm formation ability of Y. pestis, which provides a novel avenue to study the mechanism of physiology and virulence of this pathogen. Microgravity enhanced the ability of biofilm formation and reduced the virulence and cytotoxicity of Y. pestis. Many virulence-associated genes of Y. pestis were differentially regulated in response to the stimulated microgravity. However, there is no molecular evidence to explain the enhanced biofilm formation ability, which requires further research. Taken together, the phenotype changes of Y. pestis under SMG conditions can provide us a new research direction of its potential pathogenesis.
VALUES OF ZETA FUNCTIONS OF ARITHMETIC SURFACES AT
Authors: Lichtenbaum Stephen , Ramachandran Niranjan
Published: February 2022

We show that the conjecture of [27] for the special value at$s=1$of the zeta function of an arithmetic surface is equivalent to the Birch–Swinnerton–Dyer conjecture for the Jacobian of the generic fibre.
Prevalence and associated factors of psychological distress among young adult cancer patients in Japan
Authors: Okamura Masako , Fujimori Maiko , Goto Shinichi , Obama Kyoko , Kadowaki Midori , Sato Ayako , Hirayama Takatoshi , Uchitomi Yosuke
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients may be at high risk of experiencing psychological distress because their diagnosis came during a key time of consolidation of identity and social growth. This study aimed (1) to examine the prevalence of psychological distress among AYA cancer patients within a year of diagnosis to long-term survivors and (2) to describe socio-demographic and cancer-related characteristics associated with psychological distress.

Methods

In a cross-sectional web-based survey, patients who scored 5 or more on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale were assessed for significant psychological distress. Logistic regression examined whether demographics, clinical variables, and social support were associated with psychological distress.

Results

A total of 206 young adult cancer patients participated. The median age at the survey was 34.5 years (range: 22–39 years), and 87.4% were female. The prevalence of psychological distress was 55.3%. Psychological distress among patients diagnosed within a year and long-term survivors (≥10 years since diagnosis) was significantly higher than patients 1–4 years since diagnosis. Pain, decrease in income after a cancer diagnosis, experience of negative change in work/school after a cancer diagnosis and poor social support were significantly associated with psychological distress.

Significance of results

Over half of young adult patients had significant psychological distress in Japan. Our findings potentially contribute to the intervention components for distress management among AYA cancer survivors.
Global Animal Law and the Problem of “Globabble”: Toward Decoloniality and Diversity in Global Animal Law Studies
Authors: OFFOR Iyan
Published: February 2022

Global animal law has emerged as a new legal subdiscipline and area of study following the widespread proliferation of animal law and animal law studies across the globe. However, there remains confusion as to what exactly global animal law is. Early global animal law studies are also entrenching norms that facilitate coloniality and neglect intersecting oppressions. In response, this article proposes a conception of global animal law based in global law metatheory and second wave animal ethics. This article critically analyses instances of “globabble” within global animal law, where global-speak has masked ethnocentric, western influence, and bias. This article recommends diversifying and decolonizing global animal law, relabelling some such work as western/European perspectives on animals and international law. It also recommends focusing on deep, critical, and radical animal justice in lieu of welfarism or rights-based theory. The article argues this could inspire a more interconnected, post-Westphalian, multilateral global animal lawscape.
The Impact of Warm Core Rings on Middle Atlantic Bight Shelf Temperature and Shelf Break Velocity
Authors: Forsyth Jacob , Gawarkiewicz Glen , Andres Magdalena
Published: February 2022

Warm Core Rings (WCRs) are known to disrupt the shelf flow as well as drive strong heat transport onto the Middle Atlantic Bight shelf. We examine 27 rings sampled by the container ship Oleander, 16 rings which have in‐situ velocity data and 11 rings identified from satellite sea surface height but with in‐situ temperature data, to study the variability in rings' impact on shelf break velocities and on the temperature of the adjacent shelf. WCRs that have higher rotational velocities and are closer to the shelf are found to exert greater influence on the along‐shelf velocities, with the fastest and closest rings reversing the direction of flow at the shelf break. As rings approach the study site, the Shelfbreak Jet is faster than when the rings are about to exit the study site, likely due to first steepening then flattening of the isopycnals at the Shelfbreak Front. Rings also have lasting impacts on the shelf temperature: rings with faster rotational velocities cool the shelf and rings with slower rotational velocities warm the shelf. The evolution of temperature on the shelf as a ring passes is strongly tied to the season. During warmer seasons, when temperature stratification on the shelf is strong, a ring cools the shelf; during periods of weak thermal stratification, rings tend to warm the shelf. Rings which cool the shelf are additionally associated with increased upwelling as they pass the study site.
Validation of Multistatic Meteor Radar Analysis Using Modeled Mesospheric Dynamics: An Assessment of the Reliability of Gradients and Vertical Velocities
Authors: Charuvil Asokan Harikrishnan , Chau Jorge L. , Larsen Miguel F. , Conte J. Federico , Marino Raffaele , Vierinen Juha , Baumgarten Gerd , Borchert Sebastian
Published: February 2022

A virtual meteor radar system based on the upper‐atmosphere extension of the high‐resolution ICOsahedral Non‐hydrostatic general circulation model is constructed to validate multistatic specular meteor radar (SMR) analyses. The virtual radar system examines the validity of mean winds and gradients estimation techniques used in multistatic SMRs. The study is motivated by unexpected mean values and tide‐like features recently observed in the vertical velocities estimated from multistatic SMRs at different latitudes in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. The proposed analysis confirms multistatic SMR systems' excellent capability to measure the horizontal mean wind components and gradient terms. It is also found that multistatic SMRs can estimate mean vertical winds if they have an amplitude greater than ±2 m/s. Due to the smoothing inherent to the model results, these results should be treated as lower bounds to the error incurred using real data. Hourly variability in vertical velocity estimates up to ±1–2 m/s in the observed vertical winds are due to contamination by small‐scale horizontal structures in the horizontal winds.
Quantifying Spatial Drought Propagation Potential in North America Using Complex Network Theory
Authors: Konapala Goutam , Mondal Somnath , Mishra Ashok
Published: February 2022

Droughts have a dominant three‐dimensional (3‐D) spatiotemporal structure typically spanning hundreds of kilometers and often lasting for months to years. Here, we introduced a novel framework to explore the 3‐D structure of the evolution of droughts based on network theory concepts. The proposed framework is applied to identify critical source regions responsible for large‐scale drought onsets during 1901–2014 for the North American continent using the Standardized Precipitation Evaporation Index (SPEI). We built a spatial network connecting the drought onset timings for the North American continent. Using a spatially weighted network partitioning algorithm, the whole continent is then classified into regional spatial drought networks (RSN), where droughts are more likely to propagate within these regional systems. Finally, a customized network metric was applied to identify locations (source regions) where the drought onsets further propagate to other areas within the regional spatial network. Our results indicated that the West coast, Texas coastal region, and Southeastern Arkansas as major source regions through which atmospheric drought propagates to Western, South Central, and Eastern North America. The formation of drought source regions are due to presence of high pressure ridges and anomalous wind patterns. Furthermore, our results indicate that the drought propagation from these source regions may be due to inadequate moisture transport. The proposed framework can help to develop an early warning detection system for droughts and other spatially extensive extreme events such as heatwaves and floods.
Self-assembled microtubular electrodes for on-chip low-voltage electrophoretic manipulation of charged particles and macromolecules
Authors: Khandelwal Apratim , Athreya Nagendra , Tu Michael Q. , Janavicius Lukas L. , Yang Zhendong , Milenkovic Olgica , Leburton Jean-Pierre , Schroeder Charles M. , Li Xiuling
Published: February 2022

On-chip manipulation of charged particles using electrophoresis or electroosmosis is widely used for many applications, including optofluidic sensing, bioanalysis and macromolecular data storage. We hereby demonstrate a technique for the capture, localization, and release of charged particles and DNA molecules in an aqueous solution using tubular structures enabled by a strain-induced self-rolled-up nanomembrane (S-RuM) platform. Cuffed-in 3D electrodes that are embedded in cylindrical S-RuM structures and biased by a constant DC voltage are used to provide a uniform electrical field inside the microtubular devices. Efficient charged-particle manipulation is achieved at a bias voltage of <2–4 V, which is ~3 orders of magnitude lower than the required potential in traditional DC electrophoretic devices. Furthermore, Poisson–Boltzmann multiphysics simulation validates the feasibility and advantage of our microtubular charge manipulation devices over planar and other 3D variations of microfluidic devices. This work lays the foundation for on-chip DNA manipulation for data storage applications.
Traditional and sustainable approaches for the construction of C–C bonds by harnessing C–H arylation
Authors: Grover Jagrit , Prakash Gaurav , Goswami Nupur , Maiti Debabrata
Published: February 2022

Biaryl scaffolds are found in natural products and drug molecules and exhibit a wide range of biological activities. In past decade, the transition metal-catalyzed C–H arylation reaction came out as an effective tool for the construction of biaryl motifs. However, traditional transition metal-catalyzed C–H arylation reactions have limitations like harsh reaction conditions, narrow substrate scope, use of additives etc. and therefore encouraged synthetic chemists to look for alternate greener approaches. This review aims to draw a general overview on C–H bond arylation reactions for the formation of C–C bonds with the aid of different methodologies, majorly highlighting on greener and sustainable approaches.
Coherent optical communications using coherence-cloned Kerr soliton microcombs
Authors: Geng Yong , Zhou Heng , Han Xinjie , Cui Wenwen , Zhang Qiang , Liu Boyuan , Deng Guangwei , Zhou Qiang , Qiu Kun
Published: February 2022

Dissipative Kerr soliton microcombs have been recognized as a promising multi-wavelength laser source for fiber optical communications, as their comb lines possess frequency and phase stability far beyond the independent lasers. Especially, for coherent optical communications, a highly beneficial but rarely explored target is to re-generate a Kerr soliton microcomb as the receiver local oscillators that conserve the frequency and phase property of the incoming data carriers, so that to enable coherent detection with minimized optical and electrical compensations. Here, via pump laser conveying and two-point locking, we implement re-generation of a Kerr soliton microcomb that faithfully clones the frequency and phase of another microcomb sent from 50 km away. Moreover, by using the coherence-cloned soliton microcombs as carriers and local oscillators, we demonstrate terabit coherent data interconnect, wherein traditional digital processes for frequency offset estimation are totally dispensed with, and carrier phase estimation is substantially simplified via slowed-down estimation rate per channel and joint estimation among multiple channels. Our work reveals that, in addition to providing a multitude of laser tones, regulating the frequency and phase of Kerr soliton microcombs among transmitters and receivers can significantly improve optical coherent communication in terms of performance, power consumption, and simplicity.
HPV infection alters vaginal microbiome through down-regulating host mucosal innate peptides used by Lactobacilli as amino acid sources
Authors: Lebeau Alizee , Bruyere Diane , Roncarati Patrick , Peixoto Paul , Hervouet Eric , Cobraiville Gael , Taminiau Bernard , Masson Murielle , Gallego Carmen , Mazzucchelli Gabriel , Smargiasso Nicolas , Fleron Maximilien , Baiwir Dominique , Hendrick Elodie , Pilard Charlotte , Lerho Thomas , Reynders Celia , Ancion Marie , Greimers Roland , Twizere Jean-Claude , Daube Georges , Schlecht-Louf Geraldine , Bachelerie Françoise , Combes Jean-Damien , Melin Pierrette , Fillet Marianne , Delvenne Philippe , Hubert Pascale , Herfs Michael
Published: February 2022

Despite the high prevalence of both cervico-vaginal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and bacterial vaginosis (BV) worldwide, their causal relationship remains unclear. While BV has been presumed to be a risk factor for HPV acquisition and related carcinogenesis for a long time, here, supported by both a large retrospective follow-up study (n = 6,085) and extensive in vivo data using the K14-HPV16 transgenic mouse model, we report a novel blueprint in which the opposite association also exists. Mechanistically, by interacting with several core members (NEMO, CK1 and β-TrCP) of both NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, we show that HPV E7 oncoprotein greatly inhibits host defense peptide expression. Physiologically secreted by the squamous mucosa lining the lower female genital tract, we demonstrate that some of these latter are fundamental factors governing host-microbial interactions. More specifically, several innate molecules down-regulated in case of HPV infection are hydrolyzed, internalized and used by the predominant Lactobacillus species as amino acid source sustaining their growth/survival. Collectively, this study reveals a new viral immune evasion strategy which, by its persistent/negative impact on lactic acid bacteria, ultimately causes the dysbiosis of vaginal microbiota.
Equal abundance of summertime natural and wintertime anthropogenic Arctic organic aerosols
Authors: Moschos Vaios , Dzepina Katja , Bhattu Deepika , Lamkaddam Houssni , Casotto Roberto , Daellenbach Kaspar R. , Canonaco Francesco , Rai Pragati , Aas Wenche , Becagli Silvia , Calzolai Giulia , Eleftheriadis Konstantinos , Moffett Claire E. , Schnelle-Kreis Jürgen , Severi Mirko , Sharma Sangeeta , Skov Henrik , Vestenius Mika , Zhang Wendy , Hakola Hannele , Hellén Heidi , Huang Lin , Jaffrezo Jean-Luc , Massling Andreas , Nøjgaard Jakob K. , Petäjä Tuukka , Popovicheva Olga , Sheesley Rebecca J. , Traversi Rita , Yttri Karl Espen , Schmale Julia , Prévôt André S. H. , Baltensperger Urs , El Haddad Imad
Published: February 2022

Aerosols play an important yet uncertain role in modulating the radiation balance of the sensitive Arctic atmosphere. Organic aerosol is one of the most abundant, yet least understood, fractions of the Arctic aerosol mass. Here we use data from eight observatories that represent the entire Arctic to reveal the annual cycles in anthropogenic and biogenic sources of organic aerosol. We show that during winter, the organic aerosol in the Arctic is dominated by anthropogenic emissions, mainly from Eurasia, which consist of both direct combustion emissions and long-range transported, aged pollution. In summer, the decreasing anthropogenic pollution is replaced by natural emissions. These include marine secondary, biogenic secondary and primary biological emissions, which have the potential to be important to Arctic climate by modifying the cloud condensation nuclei properties and acting as ice-nucleating particles. Their source strength or atmospheric processing is sensitive to nutrient availability, solar radiation, temperature and snow cover. Our results provide a comprehensive understanding of the current pan-Arctic organic aerosol, which can be used to support modelling efforts that aim to quantify the climate impacts of emissions in this sensitive region.
The SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin in heart failure: the CHIEF-HF remote, patient-centered randomized trial
Authors: Spertus John A. , Birmingham Mary C. , Nassif Michael , Damaraju C. V. , Abbate Antonio , Butler Javed , Lanfear David E. , Lingvay Ildiko , Kosiborod Mikhail N. , Januzzi James L.
Published: February 2022

Large traditional clinical trials suggest that sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors improve symptoms in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). In the midst of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic, we sought to confirm these benefits in a new type of trial that was patient centered and conducted in a completely remote fashion. In the CHIEF-HF trial (NCT04252287), 476 participants with HF, regardless of EF or diabetes status, were randomized to 100 mg of canagliflozin or placebo. Enrollment was stopped early due to shifting sponsor priorities, without unblinding. The primary outcome was change in the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Total Symptom Score (KCCQ TSS) at 12 weeks. The 12-week change in KCCQ TSS was 4.3 points (95% confidence interval, 0.8–7.8; P = 0.016) higher with canagliflozin than with placebo, meeting the primary endpoint. Similar effects were observed in participants with HFpEF and in those with HFrEF and in participants with and without diabetes, demonstrating that canagliflozin significantly improves symptom burden in HF, regardless of EF or diabetes status. This randomized, double-blind trial, conducted without in-person interactions between doctor and patient, can serve as a model for future all-virtual clinical trials.
Comparative systeomics to elucidate physiological differences between CHO and SP2/0 cell lines
Authors: Demirhan Deniz , Kumar Amit , Zhu Jie , Poulsen Pi Camilla , Majewska Natalia I. , Sebastian Yinong , Chaerkady Raghothama , Yu Wen , Zhu Wei , Zhuang Li , Shah Punit , Lekstrom Kristen , Cole Robert N. , Zhang Hui , Betenbaugh Michael J. , Bowen Michael A.
Published: February 2022

Omics-based tools were coupled with bioinformatics for a systeomics analysis of two biopharma cell types: Chinese hamster ovary (M-CHO and CHO-K1) and SP2/0. Exponential and stationary phase samples revealed more than 10,000 transcripts and 6000 proteins across these two manufacturing cell lines. A statistical comparison of transcriptomics and proteomics data identified downregulated genes involved in protein folding, protein synthesis and protein metabolism, including PPIA-cyclophilin A, HSPD1, and EIF3K, in M-CHO compared to SP2/0 while cell cycle and actin cytoskeleton genes were reduced in SP2/0. KEGG pathway comparisons revealed glycerolipids, glycosphingolipids, ABC transporters, calcium signaling, cell adhesion, and secretion pathways depleted in M-CHO while retinol metabolism was upregulated. KEGG and IPA also indicated apoptosis, RNA degradation, and proteosomes enriched in CHO stationary phase. Alternatively, gene ontology analysis revealed an underrepresentation in ion and potassium channel activities, membrane proteins, and secretory granules including Stxbpt2, Syt1, Syt9, and Cma1 proteins in M-CHO. Additional enrichment strategies involving ultracentrifugation, biotinylation, and hydrazide chemistry identified over 4000 potential CHO membrane and secretory proteins, yet many secretory and membrane proteins were still depleted. This systeomics pipeline has revealed bottlenecks and potential opportunities for cell line engineering in CHO and SP2/0 to improve their production capabilities.
MoS2 and Fe2O3 co-modify g-C3N4 to improve the performance of photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wan Junfen , Zhang Chunjuan , Cao Xuejun
Published: February 2022

Photocatalytic hydrogen production as a technology to solve energy and environmental problems exhibits great prospect and the exploration of new photocatalytic materials is crucial. In this research, the ternary composite catalyst of MoS2/Fe2O3/g-C3N4 was successfully prepared by a hydrothermal method, and then a series of characterizations were conducted. The characterization results demonstrated that the composite catalyst had better photocatalytic performance and experiment results had confirmed that the MoS2/Fe2O3/g-C3N4 composite catalyst had a higher hydrogen production rate than the single-component catalyst g-C3N4, which was 7.82 mmol g−1 h−1, about 5 times higher than the catalyst g-C3N4 (1.56 mmol g−1 h−1). The improvement of its photocatalytic activity can be mainly attributed to its enhanced absorption of visible light and the increase of the specific surface area, which provided more reactive sites for the composite catalyst. The successful preparation of composite catalyst provided more channels for carrier migration and reduced the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes. Meanwhile, the composite catalyst also showed higher stability and repeatability.
Development and validation of a population-based risk stratification model for severe COVID-19 in the general population
Authors: Vela Emili , Carot-Sans Gerard , Clèries Montse , Monterde David , Acebes Xènia , Comella Adrià , García Eroles Luís , Coca Marc , Valero-Bover Damià , Pérez Sust Pol , Piera-Jiménez Jordi
Published: February 2022

The shortage of recently approved vaccines against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has highlighted the need for evidence-based tools to prioritize healthcare resources for people at higher risk of severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Although age has been identified as the most important risk factor (particularly for mortality), the contribution of underlying comorbidities is often assessed using a pre-defined list of chronic conditions. Furthermore, the count of individual risk factors has limited applicability to population-based “stratify-and-shield” strategies. We aimed to develop and validate a COVID-19 risk stratification system that allows allocating individuals of the general population into four mutually-exclusive risk categories based on multivariate models for severe COVID-19, a composite of hospital admission, transfer to intensive care unit (ICU), and mortality among the general population. The model was developed using clinical, hospital, and epidemiological data from all individuals among the entire population of Catalonia (North-East Spain; 7.5 million people) who experienced a COVID-19 event (i.e., hospitalization, ICU admission, or death due to COVID-19) between March 1 and September 15, 2020, and validated using an independent dataset of 218,329 individuals with COVID-19 confirmed by reverse transcription—polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), who were infected after developing the model. No exclusion criteria were defined. The final model included age, sex, a summary measure of the comorbidity burden, the socioeconomic status, and the presence of specific diagnoses potentially associated with severe COVID-19. The validation showed high discrimination capacity, with an area under the curve of the receiving operating characteristics of 0.85 (95% CI 0.85–0.85) for hospital admissions, 0.86 (0.86–0.97) for ICU transfers, and 0.96 (0.96–0.96) for deaths. Our results provide clinicians and policymakers with an evidence-based tool for prioritizing COVID-19 healthcare resources in other population groups aside from those with higher exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and frontline workers.
Functional network connectivity imprint in febrile seizures
Authors: Acharya Ullas V. , Kulanthaivelu Karthik , Panda Rajanikant , Saini Jitender , Gupta Arun K. , Sankaran Bindu Parayil , Raghavendra Kenchaiah , Mundlamuri Ravindranath Chowdary , Sinha Sanjib , Keshavamurthy M. L. , Bharath Rose Dawn
Published: February 2022

Complex febrile seizures (CFS), a subset of paediatric febrile seizures (FS), have been studied for their prognosis, epileptogenic potential and neurocognitive outcome. We evaluated their functional connectivity differences with simple febrile seizures (SFS) in children with recent-onset FS. Resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) datasets of 24 children with recently diagnosed FS (SFS-n = 11; CFS-n = 13) were analysed. Functional connectivity (FC) was estimated using time series correlation of seed region–to-whole-brain-voxels and network topology was assessed using graph theory measures. Regional connectivity differences were correlated with clinical characteristics (FDR correctedp < 0.05). CFS patients demonstrated increased FC of the bilateral middle temporal pole (MTP), and bilateral thalami when compared to SFS. Network topology study revealed increased clustering coefficient and decreased participation coefficient in basal ganglia and thalamus suggesting an inefficient-unbalanced network topology in patients with CFS. The number of seizure recurrences negatively correlated with the integration of Left Thalamus (r = − 0.58) and FC of Left MTP to 'Right Supplementary Motor and left Precentral' gyrus (r = − 0.53). The FC of Right MTP to Left Amygdala, Putamen, Parahippocampal, and Orbital Frontal Cortex (r = 0.61) and FC of Left Thalamus to left Putamen, Pallidum, Caudate, Thalamus Hippocampus and Insula (r 0.55) showed a positive correlation to the duration of the longest seizure. The findings of the current study report altered connectivity in children with CFS proportional to the seizure recurrence and duration. Regardless of the causal/consequential nature, such observations demonstrate the imprint of these disease-defining variables of febrile seizures on the developing brain.
The assessment of smart city information security risk in China based on zGT2FSs and IAA method
Authors: Zhao Hui , Wang Yiting , Liu Xin
Published: February 2022

The continuous expansion of the construction scale of smart city has reconstructed the urban information pattern. How to maintain the stability of information security while giving full play to the role of information sharing is a practical problem that must be solved for the sustainable development of smart city. Based on the information ecology theory, this paper construct the smart city information security risk evaluation system from six aspects. Then, zGT2FSs is established based on type-2 fuzzy set theory and IAA method, which fully considers the internal and external uncertainty of expert decision-making. According to the calculation results, the key influencing factors of information security risk of smart city are analyzed to provide suggestions and guidance for the formulation of information security control in the process of smart city construction in China.
Clustering and graph mining techniques for classification of complex structural variations in cancer genomes
Authors: Gomez-Sanchez Gonzalo , Delgado-Serrano Luisa , Carrera David , Torrents David , Berral Josep Ll.
Published: February 2022

For many years, a major question in cancer genomics has been the identification of those variations that can have a functional role in cancer, and distinguish from the majority of genomic changes that have no functional consequences. This is particularly challenging when considering complex chromosomal rearrangements, often composed of multiple DNA breaks, resulting in difficulties in classifying and interpreting them functionally. Despite recent efforts towards classifying structural variants (SVs), more robust statistical frames are needed to better classify these variants and isolate those that derive from specific molecular mechanisms. We present a new statistical approach to analyze SVs patterns from 2392 tumor samples from the Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG) Consortium and identify significant recurrence, which can inform relevant mechanisms involved in the biology of tumors. The method is based on recursive KDE clustering of 152,926 SVs, randomization methods, graph mining techniques and statistical measures. The proposed methodology was able not only to identify complex patterns across different cancer types but also to prove them as not random occurrences. Furthermore, a new class of pattern that was not previously described has been identified.
Cross-platform- and subgroup-differences in the well-being effects of Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook in the United States
Authors: Jaidka Kokil
Published: February 2022

Spatial aggregates of survey and web search data make it possible to identify the heterogeneous well-being effects of social media platforms. This study reports evidence from different sources of longitudinal data that suggests that the well-being effects of social media differ across platforms and population groups. The well-being effects of frequent social media visits are consistently positive for Facebook but negative for Instagram. Group-level analyses suggest that the positive well-being effects are experienced mainly by white, high-income populations at both the individual and the county level, while the adverse effects of Instagram use are observed on younger and Black populations. The findings are corroborated when geocoded web search data from Google is used and when self-reports from surveys are used in place of region-level aggregates. Greater Instagram use in regions is also linked to higher depression diagnoses across most sociodemographic groups.
Networked computing systems for bio-diversity and environmental preservation
Authors: Periola A. A. , Alonge A. A. , Ogudo K. A.
Published: February 2022

Computing platforms have a high water footprint that poses threat to biodiversity preservation. The high water footprint reduces water availability for habitat preservation. Hence, approaches that reduce the water footprint are needful. The presented research proposes an approach that reduces the need for water in future computing platforms. It proposes a hybrid computing platform that comprises terrestrial and non-terrestrial computing platforms. The performance benefit of using hybrid computing platforms is evaluated using the novel water potential metric. The water potential (WP) quantifies the need for water (for cooling) by computing platforms. A low WP shows that computing platforms have reduced the need for water and indicates better performance than a high WP from the perspective of reducing water footprint. Evaluation is done via performance formulation and stochastic simulation of the WP metric. Analysis shows that using the hybrid computing platform instead of the existing approach that utilizes only water-cooled terrestrial data centres reduces the WP by (4.9–93) % on average.
Mental health disorders and readmissions following acute myocardial infarction in the United States
Authors: Sreenivasan Jayakumar , Kaul Risheek , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Malik Aaqib , Usman Muhammad Shariq , Michos Erin D.
Published: February 2022

Hospital readmissions following an acute myocardial infarction (MI) are associated with increased mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study was to investigate if there is a significant association between specific mental health disorders (MHD) and risk of hospital readmission after an index hospitalization for acute MI. We analyzed the U.S. National Readmission Database for adult acute MI hospitalizations from 2016 to 2017. Co-morbid diagnoses of MHD were obtained using appropriate ICD-10-CM diagnostic codes. The primary outcome of interest was 30-day all-cause unplanned readmission. Cox-regression analysis was used to identify the association of various MHD and risk of 30-day readmission adjusted for demographics, medical and cardiac comorbidities, and coronary revascularization. We identified a total of 1,045,752 hospitalizations for acute MI; patients had mean age of 67 ± 13 years with 37.6% female. The prevalence of any MHD was 15.0 ± 0.9%. After adjusting for potential confounders, comorbid diagnosis of major depression [HR 1.11 (95% CI 1.07–1.15)], bipolar disorders [1.32 (1.19–1.45)], anxiety disorders [1.09 (1.05–1.13)] and schizophrenia/other psychotic disorders [1.56 (1.43–1.69)] were independently associated with higher risk of 30-day readmission compared to those with no comorbid MHD. We conclude that MHD are significantly associated with a higher independent risk of 30-day all-cause hospital readmissions among acute MI hospitalizations.
Innovative GenExpA software for selecting suitable reference genes for reliable normalization of gene expression in melanoma
Authors: Hoja-Łukowicz Dorota , Maciążek Dawid , Kościelniak Piotr , Janik Marcelina E.
Published: February 2022

The algorithms commonly used to select the best stable reference gene in RT-qPCR data analysis have their limitations. We showed that simple selection of the reference gene or pair of genes with the lowest stability value from the pool of potential reference genes—a commonly used approach—is not sufficient to accurately and reliably normalize the target gene transcript and can lead to biologically incorrect conclusions. For reliable assessment of changes in a target gene expression level, we propose our innovative GenExpA software, which works in a manner independent of the experimental model and the normalizer used. GenExpA software selects the best reference by combining the NormFinder algorithm with progressive removal of the least stable gene from the candidate genes in a given experimental model and in the set of daughter models assigned to it. The reliability of references is validated based on the consistency of the statistical analyses of normalized target gene expression levels through all models, described by the coherence score (CS). The use of the CS value imparts a new quality to qPCR analysis because it clarifies how low the stability value of reference must be in order for biologically correct conclusions to be drawn. We tested our method on qPCR data for the B4GALT genes family in melanoma, which is characterized by a high mutation rate, and in melanocytes. GenExpA is available at https://github.com/DorotaHojaLukowicz/GenExpA or https://www.sciencemarket.pl/baza-programow-open-source#oferty.
Feature engineering solution with structured query language analytic functions in detecting electricity frauds using machine learning
Authors: Oprea Simona-Vasilica , Bâra Adela
Published: February 2022

Detecting fraud related to electricity consumption is usually a difficult challenge as the input datasets are sometimes unreliable due to missing and inconsistent records, faults, misinterpretation of meter reading remarks, status, etc. In this paper, we obtain meaningful insights from fraud detection using real datasets of Tunisian electricity consumption metered by conventional meters. We propose an extensive feature engineering approach using the structured query language (SQL) analytic functions. Furthermore, double merging of datasets reveals more dimensions of the data allowing better detection of irregularities in consumption. We analyze the results of several machine learning (ML) algorithms that manage cases of weakly correlated features and highly unbalanced datasets. The skewness of the target is approached as a regular characteristic of the input data because most of consumers are fair and only a small portion attempt to mislead the utility companies by tampering with metering devices. Our fraud detection solutions consist of combining classifiers with an anomaly detection feature obtained with an unsupervised ML algorithm—Isolation Forest, and extensive feature engineering using SQL analytic functions on large datasets. Several techniques for feature processing enhanced the Area Under the Curve score for Decision Tree algorithm from 0.68 to 0.99.
Historical reconstruction of the population dynamics of southern right whales in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Romero M. A. , Coscarella M. A. , Adams G. D. , Pedraza J. C. , González R. A. , Crespo E. A.
Published: February 2022

Understanding the recovery of whale populations is critical for developing population-management and conservation strategies. The southern right whale (SRW)Eubalena australiswas one of the baleen whale species that has experienced centuries of exploitation. We assess here for the first time the population dynamics of the SRW from the southwestern Atlantic Ocean at the regional level to measure numerically the effect of whaling and estimate the population trend and recovery level after depletion. We reconstructed the catch history of whaling for the period 1670–1973 by an extensive review of different literature sources and developed a Bayesian state-space model to estimate the demographic parameters. The population trajectory indicated that the pre-exploitation abundance was close to 58,000 individuals (median = 58,212; 95% CI = 33,329–100,920). The abundance dropped to its lowest abundance levels in the 1830s when fewer than 2,000 individuals remained. The current median population abundance was estimated at 4,742 whales (95% CI = 3,853–6,013), suggesting that the SRW population remains small relative to its pre-exploitation abundance (median depletionP20218.7%). We estimated that close to 36% of the SRW population visits the waters of the Península Valdés, the main breeding ground, every year. Our results provide insights into the severity of the whaling operation in the southwestern Atlantic along with the population´s response at low densities, thus contributing to understand the observed differences in population trends over the distributional range of the species worldwide.
Interpretation of intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring according to the Rome criterion in primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Graceffa Giuseppa , Cipolla Calogero , Calagna Silvia , Contino Silvia , Melfa Giuseppina , Orlando Giuseppina , Antonini Riccardo , Corigliano Alessandro , Proclamà Maria Pia , Mazzola Sergio , Cocorullo Gianfranco , Scerrino Gregorio
Published: February 2022

Intraoperative parathyroid hormone dosage allows real-time monitoring of the decrease in PTH levels during parathyroidectomy and verify procedure’s efficacy. Currently, none of the interpretative criteria used has absolute accuracy. The aim of this study is to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of the Rome criterion verifying diagnostic significance of the individual assays. A total of 205 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism from a single adenoma were retrospectively evaluated and monitored with baseline PTH, PTH at 10 min and PTH at 20 min after adenoma excision. The accuracy of the latter two assays compared with baseline was compared by ROC curves. In addition, was evaluated the influence on these data of localization diagnostics (ultrasounds and scintigraphy), definitive histology, and type of surgery performed. The ratio of 20-min sampling to baseline in the Rome criterion showed highest diagnostic significance. This finding was not influenced by the type of surgery performed, definitive histologic examination, or intraoperative localization of the adenoma. The Rome criterion has shown its high reliability in detecting persistence. The ratio of sampling at 20 min to baseline is by far the best performing. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether sampling at 10 min after adenoma excision can be considered not mandatory.
Integrated multi-analytical screening approach for reliable radiocarbon dating of ancient mortars
Authors: Ricci Giulia , Secco Michele , Addis Anna , Pistilli Anna , Preto Nereo , Brogiolo Gian Pietro , Arnau Alexandra Chavarria , Marzaioli Fabio , Passariello Isabella , Terrasi Filippo , Artioli Gilberto
Published: February 2022

Radiocarbon dating of the carbonate binder of historical mortars is a strategic research topic not lacking in complexities. The critical step is the separation of anthropogenic CaCO3-binder from other carbonate sources that could severely affect the resulting dates. Here we present a complete procedure for the processing and characterization of difficult mortars and of the separated binder fractions in order to assess a priori the chances of positively dating the mortar, and produce a binder fraction yielding the most reliable radiocarbon dates possible. Two complex architectural case studies from Northern Italy are presented and discussed in detail: the churches of Santa Maria Maggiore (Lomello, Pavia) and Santa Maria (Torba, Varese). The results support that both the reliability assessment and the successful radiocarbon dating are possible through a multi-analytical approach encompassing mineralogical and petrographic characterization, X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, measurement of carbon and oxygen stable isotopes, and optical cathodoluminescence.
Absence of DEATH kinesin is fatal for Leishmania mexicana amastigotes
Authors: Al Kufi Suad Gazi Jaafer Husaine , Emmerson Josiah , Rosenqvist Heidi , Garcia Catarina Mateus Moreira , Rios-Szwed Diana Onodelia , Wiese Martin
Published: February 2022

Kinesins are motor proteins present in organisms from protists to mammals playing important roles in cell division, intracellular organisation and flagellum formation and maintenance. Leishmania mexicana is a protozoan parasite of the order Kinetoplastida causing human cutaneous leishmaniasis. Kinetoplastida genome sequence analyses revealed a large number of kinesins showing sequence and structure homology to eukaryotic kinesins. Here, we investigate the L. mexicana kinesin LmxKIN29 (LmxM.29.0350), also called DEATH kinesin. The activated MAP kinase LmxMPK3, a kinase affecting flagellum length in Leishmania, is able to phosphorylate recombinant full length LmxKIN29 at serine 554. Insect promastigote LmxKIN29 Leishmania null mutants showed no obvious phenotype. However, in mouse infection experiments, the null mutants were unable to cause the disease, whereas LmxKIN29 add-backs and single allele knockouts caused footpad lesions. Localisation using promastigotes expressing GFP-tagged LmxKIN29 revealed that the kinesin is predominantly found in between the nucleus and the flagellar pocket, while in dividing cells the GFP-fusion protein was found at the anterior and posterior ends of the cells indicating a role in cytokinesis. The inability to cause lesions in infected animals and the amino acid sequence divergence from mammalian kinesins suggests that LmxKIN29 is a potential drug target against leishmaniasis.
Palladium-catalyzed carbene coupling polymerization: synthesis of E-poly(arylene vinylene)s
Authors: Yao Xing-Qi , Wang Yi-Song , Wang Jianbo
Published: February 2022

A new method to access poly(arylene vinylene)s (PAVs) has been developed. The method is based on Pd-catalyzed carbene coupling reaction of N-tosylhydrazones and benzyl bromides.