bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitigating supply risk with limited information: Emergency supply and responsive pricing
Authors: Xing Guomin , Chen Zhi , Zhong Yuanguang , Zhou Yong‐Wu
Published: August 2022

We investigate the implications and interplay of emergency supply and responsive pricing—two effective strategies to mitigate supply risk—in response to yield randomness with limited distributional information. Specifically, we adopt a distribution‐free approach to study an ambiguity‐averse monopoly's joint price and production decisions given the random yield's mean and variance—arguably two of the most widely used and easy‐to‐estimate summary statistics. We derive for four models, which result from all possible combinations of the two strategies, closed‐form solutions of the optimal price and production decisions as well as the optimal profit. Through comparative analysis, we obtain several managerial insights based on the problem's parameters, including cost parameters, demand parameters, and supply variation. The firm can benefit more from pure emergency supply than from pure responsive pricing if the unit emergency purchasing cost is not larger than a certain threshold, and the strategic relation between emergency supply and responsive pricing also critically depends on the unit emergency purchasing cost as well as the type of distributional information we know about the random yield. We discuss how distributional information about mean and variance bridges the most and least variable situations of the random yield, thus establishing the gain and the limit of knowing variance.
Elucidating the sweet potato virome in Greece with the aid of high‐throughput sequencing technology
Authors: Orfanidou Chrysoula G. , Efthimiou Konstantinos , Katis Nikolaos I. , Maliogka Varvara I.
Published: August 2022

In 2018, typical symptoms of sweet potato virus disease (SPVD) such as purple ringspots, distortion and crinkling of the leaves appeared on a sweet potato crop located in southern Greece. High‐throughput sequencing (HTS) analysis revealed the presence of seven viruses, sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV), sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV), sweet potato virus C (SPVC), sweet potato virus G (SPVG), sweet potato virus 2 (SPV2), sweet potato leaf curl virus (SPLCV) and sweet potato pakakuy virus (SPPV). In silico analysis of the HTS data in combination with Sanger sequencing succeeded in obtaining the complete genome sequences of all seven viruses. Nucleotide sequence comparisons of complete viral genomes showed high similarity of all detected potyviruses and SPLCV with homologous sequences retrieved from GenΒank, whereas a new variant of SPCSV RNA1 was characterized and successfully transmitted onto Nicotiana benthamiana plants with the whitefly species Bemisia tabaci MED and MEAM1. Moreover, the Greek strain of SPPV showed higher similarity with SPPV strain B, even though it possesses a variable RT‐RNase H domain. Further phylogenetic analysis clustered Greek sweet potato virus isolates into various phylogenetic groups, whereas few new clades were formed in the cases of SPFMV, SPVG and SPCSV RNA1. Small‐scale surveys on three different sweet potato crops exhibiting typical, mild or no symptoms also indicated the close association of SPCSV with SPVD. Taken together, this study characterizes for the first time the virome of sweet potato crops in Greece and provides a glimpse into the evolutionary relationships of the identified viruses.
Same product, different price: Experimental evidence on the transaction cost expenditures of selling to governments and firms
Authors: Potoski Matthew , Petersen Ole Helby , Brown Trevor L.
Published: August 2022

Whether governments pay more than firms when contracting has been an important and stubbornly vexing question in public management. One challenge has been finding ways to credibly compare the costs of engaging in market transactions with governments versus firms. In this paper, we systematically compare the costs of contracting when governments and firms buy the same product under the same circumstances. Using data from a randomized experiment of Danish firms, we examine selling firms' transaction cost expenditures when selling the same product to governments and other firms. We find that firms estimate spending about 34 percent more on transaction cost expenditures when selling to governments than when selling the same product to firms. Experience in selling to governments is associated with lower transaction cost expenditures, suggesting that learning can reduce firms' costs of selling to governments and firms.
Network analysis reveals different hub genes and molecular pathways for pig in vitro fertilized early embryos and parthenogenotes
Authors: Wu Zi‐Wei , Gao Zhuo‐Ran , Liang Hao , Fang Ting , Wang Yi , Du Zhi‐Qiang , Yang Cai‐Xia
Published: August 2022

Maternal‐to‐zygotic transition (MZT) occurs when maternal transcripts decay and zygotic genome is activated gradually at the early stage of embryo development. Previously, single‐cell RNA‐seq (scRNA‐seq) has helped us to uncover the MZT‐associated mRNA dynamics of in vitro‐produced pig early embryos. Here, to further investigate functional modules and hub genes associated with MZT process, the weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed on our previously generated 45 scRNA‐seq datasets. For the in vitro fertilized embryo (IVF) group, 5 significant modules were identified (midnight blue/black/red and blue/brown modules, positively correlated with 1‐cell (IVF1) and 8‐cell (IVF8), respectively), containing genes mainly enriched in signalling pathways such as Wnt, regulation of RNA transcription, fatty acid metabolic process, poly(A) RNA binding and lysosome. For the parthenogenetically activated embryo (PA) group, 9 significant modules were identified (black/purple/red, brown/turquoise/yellow, and magenta/blue/green modules, positively correlated with MII oocytes, 1‐cell (PA1) and 8‐cell (PA8), respectively), mainly enriched in extracellular exosome, poly(A) RNA binding, mitochondrion and transcription factor activity. Moreover, some of identified hub genes within 3 IVF and 9 PA significant modules, including ADCY2, DHX34, KDM4A, GDF10, ABCC10, PAFAH2, HEXIM2, COQ9, DCAF11, SGK1 and ESRRB, have been reported to play vital roles in different biological processes. Our findings provide information and resources for subsequent in‐depth study on the regulation and function of MZT in pig embryos.
Sociality – or Death: Belinskii's Phenomenological Realism and the Emergence of the Russian Intelligentsia
Authors: SHKOLNIKOV VADIM
Published: August 2022

This paper formulates a new perspective on Vissarion Belinskii's seminal role as the leading figure in early Russian realism–while attempting to account for the unique, culturally‐specific evolution of realism in Russia, particularly its fundamental interconnection with the rise of what we now call “the intelligentsia.” Within this context, Belinskii's distinct mode of realism–epitomized in his call for “sociality or death”–can be termed “phenomenological,” because it derived so much from the narrative logic of Hegel's Phenomenology of Spirit, as a continuous striving for self‐realization. In this sense, Belinskii's influence hinged on his constructed, phenomenological metanarrative of Russian literary history: a philosophical narrative that established a logical evolution within Russian literature and explained the emergence of realism as a rational necessity. The conceptual foundations of Belinskii's metanarrative can be traced back to his period of intense immersion in Hegel's philosophy as a member of the Stankevich circle, when he and the others looked to Hegel's philosophy as a practical guide to personal self‐realization. Ultimately, however, Belinskii transposed this narrative of self‐realization onto the logic of Russian literary history. Accordingly, the realism of the Natural School marked the culminating moment when Russian literature finally attained self‐realization, legitimacy, cultural autonomy. The entire process, moreover, was contingent on the emergence of a certain kind of unified, self‐conscious reading public–which became the basis for what we now know as the intelligentsia. Thus, Belinskii's realist agenda was ultimately focused on fostering the development of this “imagined community,” which entailed establishing a stable and autonomous niche for intelligentsia discourse within the competitive field of literary production, as well as shaping the distinct socio‐historical sense of self that engendered the intelligentsia's defining propensity for conscientious social action.
Where Writers Were Made: The Soviet Writerly Family in Houses of Creativity
Authors: MUSACHIO BENJAMIN
Published: August 2022

This article examines Writers’ Houses of Creativity (Doma tvorchestva pisatelei, DTP) as spaces of professional formation. More specifically, it describes how Houses of Creativity, as well as workshops for writers hosted within these Houses, adopted new writers and critics into the family of late Soviet literature. To borrow from Boris Eikhenbaum, up‐and‐comers learned, in this particular habitat, “how to be a writer” (kak byt’ pisatelem) through processes of socialization, familiarization, and professional advancement. I trace three main aspects of writers’ adoption by focusing on the Dubulti DTP, operative from 1945 to 1991, in Jūrmala, Latvia. First, I examine writers’ social standing in the field of literature and its relationship to physical location in the Dubulti DTP: access to space was used to signal writers’ position within administrative and aesthetic hierarchies. Second, I demonstrate how the DTP enabled professional networking among writers of different origins and convictions. In addition to delineating various paths of professional progress within the Soviet system, the DTP environment allowed guests to map out, test, and even trespass the bounds of the licit through the circulation of ideas, artifacts, and information. Finally, I describe a genre of pedagogical interaction–literary workshops (the DTP‐hosted “seminar”)–that provided a social setting and professional format for delineating the Soviet ideological spectrum. Workshop interaction instructed writers on how to act professionally in a politically acceptable way and also configured a sense of familial community among writers of diverse backgrounds and viewpoints. In sum, the chief consequence of the DTP was not the production of texts, but rather the structuring of habits and social strategies for those who authored, edited, and critiqued them.
The personality profile of IPS employment specialists, and how it relates to job satisfaction: A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Butenko Daniil , Rinaldi Miles , Brinchmann Beate , Brandseth Oda Lekve , Killackey Eoin , Mykletun Arnstein
Published: August 2022

The role of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment specialist is a new type of occupation within mental healthcare. High turnover among employment specialists necessitates improvement in their recruitment and retention. One element that impacts retention is job satisfaction. We assessed the personality of 38 employment specialists (Big 5 Inventory‐2) and measured job satisfaction over three time periods. Compared to norm data, employment specialists were significantly higher on Extraversion (ΔT = 8.0, CI: 5.59–10.42), Agreeableness (ΔT = 7.8, CI: 5.56–10.12), Conscientiousness (ΔT = 3.3, CI: 0.8–5.84), Open‐mindedness (ΔT = 3.5, CI: 0.97–6.07), while lower on Negative emotionality (ΔT = −3.5, CI: −6.5 to −0.42). Extraversion had a substantial longitudinal positive effect on job satisfaction (β at T1 = 0.39; CI: 0.10–0.73) (β at T2 = 0.40; CI: 0.03–0.80), while Negative emotionality – a substantial negative effect (β at T1 = −0.60; CI: −0.90 to −0.30) (β at T2 = −0.50; CI: −0.90 to −0.12). Male gender was significantly associated with higher job satisfaction at the time point 1 (β = −0.46; CI: −0.80 to −0.14). Age, length of employment in the role, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness and Open‐mindedness were not found to have substantial significant effects on job satisfaction of employment specialists. Recruiting employment specialists who score high on Extraversion and low on Negative emotionality may be a good fit for the role and job satisfaction.
Minority stressors and suicidal ideation in sexual and gender minority youth assigned female at birth: Prospective associations and racial differences
Authors: Lawlace Margaret , Newcomb Michael E. , Whitton Sarah W.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Suicidal ideation (SI) disproportionately affects sexual and gender minority (SGM) versus cisgender/heterosexual youth, likely due to the minority stressors (MS) they face. Research has shown cross‐sectional associations between SGM MS and suicidality; however, few studies have used longitudinal data or examined racial differences in the effects of MS on SI. The current study tested whether MS prospectively predict next‐year SI and whether race moderates these prospective associations.

Method

Three hundred and sixty‐nine Black, Latinx, and White SGM youth completed baseline measures of MS, SI, and demographics, and SI 6 and 12 months later.

Results

Internalized stigma, microaggressions, and low support from family and from significant others demonstrated associations with next‐year SI. When controlling for baseline SI, however, only low significant other support predicted next‐year SI. Moderation analyses indicated that internalized stigma predicted SI for White, but not Black or Latinx, individuals and that lower friend support was associated with SI for Latinx, but not White or Black, individuals.

Conclusions

Though minority stressors appear to raise risk for SI among SGM, effects may differ by race. Internalized stigma may be particularly influential for SI among White SGM whereas lack of support from friends may be most influential for SI among Latinx SGM youth.
Social capital exchanges in voluntary associations and work organizations: A network perspective
Authors: Au Anson
Published: August 2022

Organizations have been an important setting in which social capital exchanges (SCEs) occur, but little work has been done to distinguish two predominant species of organizations in the social network literature: voluntary associations and formal work organizations. Addressing this lacuna, this article comparatively examines how the two organizational species differ in (1) how two prominent types of SCEs operate (restricted and generalized exchange), as well as (2) the analytical approaches and methodological tools for studying SCEs (boundary‐specification, sampling, network designs, tie‐recording methods) and their adherent implications for network structure (networking conditions and homophily). This article concludes by identifying methodological and theoretical challenges for studying SCEs in organizations (conceptualizing organizations as units, underappreciating meaning‐making and methodological triangulation, and examining contagion in organizational networks in an age of digitalization) and developing recommendations for overcoming them.
World Englishes in ELT textbooks in Swedish upper‐secondary schools
Authors: Lindqvist Nellie , Soler Josep
Published: August 2022

In this article, we investigate how different varieties of English are represented in a selection of materials used in upper‐secondary schools in Sweden. A 2011 policy reform of the curriculum for the teaching and learning of English at upper‐secondary level underscored the global dimension of the language, taking a distance from the traditional focus on British English. Findings from our content analysis of two selected textbooks suggest that despite this policy change, emphasis is still placed on standard varieties of Inner Circle countries. When other varieties are represented, the characters that utilise them are often portrayed in a more negative light than their Inner Circle counterparts. We suggest that this is indicative of a policy–practice disconnect. We discuss the pedagogical implications for the students of the limited exposure to linguistic variation in English that emerges from the textbooks and point at different ways to continue investigating this issue.
Consistent response of weeds according to Grime's CSR strategies along disturbance and resource gradients in Bordeaux vineyards
Authors: Fried Guillaume , Blanchet Cécile , Cazenave Loreleï , Bopp Marie‐Charlotte , Kazakou Elena , Metay Aurélie , Christen Maxime , Alard Didier , Cordeau Stéphane
Published: August 2022

Vineyards are an appropriate model for testing the filtering effect of management practices on weed communities, as a wide range of practices (tillage, herbicides and mowing) is implemented. The aim of this study is to highlight which trait values are selected by each practice in different environmental conditions, with special references to Grime's CSR strategies. A combination of a multivariate analysis (RLQ) and the fourth‐corner analysis was used to analyse 400 floristic samples belonging to 100 vineyards in the wine‐growing region of Bordeaux (France). The main structure of vineyard weed communities was shaped by the opposition between mowing, favouring hemicryptophytes with a competitive strategy, and soil tillage, favouring therophytes and nutrient‐demanding species with a ruderal strategy. Secondly, the vineyard weed communities differed according to the trophic status of the soil. Vineyards on acidic, sandy soils with low organic matter were characterised by small‐seeded annuals with a stress‐tolerant strategy whereas vineyards with clayey, calcareous soils rich in organic matter, harboured larger perennial nitrophilous species with large seeds and a competitive strategy. Our study is the first to show that weed species responded consistently to two independent gradients with specific traits associated with disturbance (life cycle and SLA) and soil resources (plant height and seed mass) gradients. Based on knowledge of the soil characteristics, it becomes possible to predict which type of weeds will develop according to the combination of practices applied on the vineyard rows and inter‐rows.
Design of a Combined Proportional Integral Derivative Controller to Regulate the Temperature Inside a High-Temperature Tubular Solar Reactor
Authors: Alsahlani Assaad , Randhir Kelvin , Hayes Michael , Schimmels Philipp , Ozalp Nesrin , Klausner James
Published: August 2022

Solar fuels are proven to be promising candidates for thermochemical energy storage. However, the transient nature of solar radiation is an obstacle to maintaining a stable operational temperature inside a solar reactor. To overcome this challenge, the temperature of a solar reactor can be regulated by controlling the incoming solar radiation or the feedstock flowrate inside the reactor. In this work, a combined proportional integral derivative (PID) controller is implemented to regulate the temperature inside a high-temperature tubular solar reactor with counter-current flowing gas/particles. The control model incorporates two control systems to regulate incoming solar radiation and gas flow simultaneously. The design of the controller is based on a reduced-order numerical model of a high-temperature tubular solar reactor that is vertically oriented with an upward gas flow and downward particle flow. The reactor receives heat circumferentially through its wall over a finite segment of its length. Formulation of the heat transfer model is presented by applying the energy balance for the reactor tube and considering heat and mass transfer inside. A set of governing differential equations are solved numerically by using the finite volume method to obtain reactor wall, particles, and gas temperatures along the reactor length with various boundary conditions. Simulation results are used to tune the PID controller parameters by utilizing the Ziegler–Nichols tuning method. Both the simulation results and the controller performance are visualized on the labview platform. The controller is challenged to track different temperature setpoints with different scenarios of transient solar radiation. The performance of the PID controller was compared to experimental results obtained from an industrial PID controller embedded in a 7 kW electric furnace. Results show that the combined PID controller is successful in maintaining a stable temperature inside the reactor by regulating the incoming solar radiation and the flowrate via small steady-state error and reasonable settling time and overshoot.
Theory of a Glazed Transpired Solar Collector in Natural Convection Mode
Authors: Ekoja M. , Onyegegbu S. O. , Ekechukwu O. V.
Published: August 2022

The theory of a glazed transpired collector solar air heater in natural convection mode has been developed. This was aimed at generating a framework for the experimental study of the performance of the collector. The theory involved the definition of some of the collector’s main geometries, the formulation of the energy balance on the collector, and the driving forces within the collector. The dimensional analysis was then applied to the formulations to obtain relationships between important dimensionless groups. The theory of the glazed transpired collector in natural convection mode provides a basis for the development of the collector for application in the areas of space heating and crop drying. This type of collector provides a solution to the challenge of space heating and crop drying at locations where electricity is not available and photovoltaic power is not affordable. It could also contribute to energy savings since it requires no electricity to work.
Manganese phosphide nanoclusters embedded in epitaxial gallium phosphide grown from the vapor phase: Non-negligible role of Mn diffusion in growth kinetics
Authors: Nateghi Nima , Masut Remo A.
Published: August 2022

Orthorhombic MnP nanoclusters are formed in GaP epitaxial films grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy on GaP(001) substrates, which are labeled as GaP:MnP/GaP(001). Polycrystalline MnP films have also been grown from the vapor phase on GaP substrates and are labeled as (p-c)MnP/GaP(001). Both GaP:MnP/GaP(001) epilayers and (p-c)MnP/GaP (001) films show a very rich texture, which has been previously characterized by three dimensional x-ray diffraction reciprocal space maps combined with transmission electron microscopy measurements. Heterostructures (HSs) containing multiple layers of (p-c)MnP/GaP and of GaP:MnP/GaP have been designed and grown with the same process. These HSs add new elements to our understanding of the growth mechanisms involved in these complex systems. In particular, it is shown that Mn diffusion during growth is strongly enhanced leading to a picture of MnP cluster coalescence, which explains some of their properties, such as the variation of their spatial distribution within the GaP matrix with the epilayer thickness. We report an Mn atomic diffusion coefficient of (1.5 ± 0.2) × 10−15 cm2/s in these films at 650 °C. The data are compatible with the superdiffusion of Mn, where the square of the diffusion length as a function of time (t) obeys λD2∝t1+α with an estimated value of α≈0.52.
Surface oxidation of hydrophobic ZnSe for enhanced growth of atomic layer deposited aluminum oxide
Authors: Feit Corbin , Sosa Jaynlynn , Kostogiannes Alexandros , Chazot Matthieu , Rudawski Nicholas G. , Jurca Titel , Richardson Kathleen A. , Banerjee Parag
Published: August 2022

The growth of atomic layer deposited (ALD) Al2O3 on planar ZnSe substrates is studied using in situ spectroscopic ellipsometry. An untreated ZnSe surface requires an incubation period of 27 cycles of ALD Al2O3 before film growth is observed. Pretreating the surface with an ultraviolet generated ozone lowers the incubation to 17 cycles, whereas a plasma-enhanced ALD Al2O3 process can further lower the incubation period to 13 cycles. The use of ozone or plasma-activated oxygen species on ZnSe is found to create ZnO and SeO2, which are responsible for converting ZnSe from a hydrophobic to a hydrophilic surface. The interfacial layer between Al2O3 and ZnSe is mapped using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy. SeO2 is volatile and leaves a zinc-rich interface, which is 4.3 nm thick for the ultraviolet generated ozone pretreated sample and 2.5 nm for the plasma-enhanced ALD process.
Saturn-V sound levels: A letter to the Redditor
Authors: Gee Kent L. , Mathews Logan T. , Anderson Mark C. , Hart Grant W.
Published: August 2022

The Saturn V is a monument to one of mankind's greatest achievements: the human Moon landings. However, online claims about this vehicle's impressive acoustics by well-meaning individuals are often based on misunderstood or incorrect data. This article, intended for both educators and enthusiasts, discusses topics related to rocket acoustics and documents what is known about the Saturn V's levels: overall power, maximum overall sound pressure, and peak pressure. The overall power level was approximately 204 dB re 1 pW, whereas its lesser sound pressure levels were impacted by source size, directivity, and propagation effects. As this article is part of a special issue on Education in Acoustics in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, supplementary Saturn V-related homework problems are included.1
No Effect of Calanus Oil on Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Healthy Participants: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Tauschek Lucas , Røsbjørgen Ragnhild E.N. , Dalen Håvard , Larsen Terje , Karlsen Trine
Published: August 2022

We aimed to investigate the long-term effect of daily Calanus oil supplementation on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in healthy 30- to 50-year-old participants. The study was motivated by preclinical studies reporting increased VO2max and metabolic health with omega-3 rich Calanus oil. In a double-blinded study, 71 participants were randomized to receive 2 g/day of Calanus or placebo supplementation for a total of 6 months. The participants underwent exercise testing and clinical investigations at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Main study endpoint was change in VO2max from baseline to 6 months. Fifty-eight participants completed the 6-month test and were included in the final data analysis (age: Calanus, 39.7 [38.0, 41.4] and placebo, 38.8 [36.8, 40.9] years; body mass index: Calanus, 24.8 [24.0, 25.6] and placebo, 24.8 [23.7, 25.8] kg/m2; and VO2max: Calanus, 50.4 [47.1, 53.8] and placebo, 50.2 [47.2, 53.1] ml·kg−1·min−1). There were no between-group differences at baseline, nor were there any between-group differences in absolute (Calanus, 3.74 [3.44, 4.04] and placebo, 3.79 [3.44, 4.14] L/min) or relative VO2max (Calanus, 49.7 [46.2, 53.2] and placebo, 49.5 [46.0, 53.1] ml·kg−1·min−1) at 6 months (mean [95% confidence interval]). There were no between-groups change in clinical measures from baseline to 3 and 6 months. In conclusion, VO2max was unaffected by 6 months of daily Calanus oil supplementation in healthy, physically fit, normal to overweight men and women between 30 and 50 years old.
PI(4,5)P
2
-stimulated positive feedback drives the recruitment of Dishevelled to Frizzled in Wnt–β-catenin signaling
Authors: Mahoney Jacob P. , Bruguera Elise S. , Vasishtha Mansi , Killingsworth Lauren B. , Kyaw Saw , Weis William I.
Published: August 2022

In the Wnt–β-catenin pathway, Wnt binding to Frizzled (Fzd) and LRP5 or LRP6 (LRP5/6) co-receptors inhibits the degradation of the transcriptional coactivator β-catenin by recruiting the cytosolic effector Dishevelled (Dvl). Polymerization of Dvl at the plasma membrane recruits the β-catenin destruction complex, enabling the phosphorylation of LRP5/6, a key step in inhibiting β-catenin degradation. Using purified Fzd proteins reconstituted in lipid nanodiscs, we investigated the factors that promote the recruitment of Dvl to the plasma membrane. We found that the affinity of Fzd for Dvl was not affected by Wnt ligands, in contrast to other members of the GPCR superfamily for which the binding of extracellular ligands affects the affinity for downstream transducers. Instead, Fzd-Dvl binding was enhanced by increased concentration of the lipid PI(4,5)P
2
, which is generated by Dvl-associated lipid kinases in response to Wnt and which is required for LRP5/6 phosphorylation. Moreover, binding to Fzd did not promote Dvl DEP domain dimerization, which has been proposed to be required for signaling downstream of Fzd. Our findings suggest a positive feedback loop in which Wnt-stimulated local PI(4,5)P
2
production enhances Dvl recruitment and further PI(4,5)P
2
production to support Dvl polymerization, LRP5/6 phosphorylation, and β-catenin stabilization.
Genomic Epidemiology and Serology Associated with a SARS-CoV-2 R.1 Variant Outbreak in New Jersey
Authors: Mathema Barun , Chen Liang , Wang Pengfei , Cunningham Marcus H. , Mediavilla Jose R. , Chow Kar Fai , Luo Yang , Zhao Yanan , Composto Kaelea , Zuckerman Jerry , Zody Michael C. , Wilson Nancy , Lee Annie , Oschwald Dayna M. , Liu Lihong , Iketani Sho , Germer Soren , Fennessey Samantha , Wang Maple , Kramer Yael , Toole Patricia , Maniatis Tom , Ho David D. , Perlin David S. , Kreiswirth Barry N.
Published: August 2022

The neutralizing capacities of monoclonal antibodies used to treat COVID-19 and of those recovered from previously infected and vaccinated individuals against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) remain important questions. We report on a nosocomial outbreak caused by a SARS-CoV-2 R.1 variant harboring an E484K mutation among 81 unvaccinated inpatients and health care professionals.
Marburg Virus VP30 Is Required for Transcription Initiation at the Glycoprotein Gene
Authors: Edwards Megan R. , Vogel Olivia A. , Mori Hiroyuki , Davey Robert A. , Basler Christopher F.
Published: August 2022

Marburg virus and Ebola virus encode VP30 proteins. While the role of VP30 in Ebola virus transcription has been well studied, the role of VP30 in the Marburg virus life cycle is not well understood.
Initial opening of the Neotethyan Ocean in SE Asia: Constraints from Triassic magmatism and sedimentation
Authors: Peng Shili , Peng Touping , Fan Weiming , Zhao Guochun , Dong Xiaohan , Liu Yongmin , Wu Limin , Seing Kyaing , Soe Hnin Min , Aung Me Me
Published: August 2022

How the Neotethyan Ocean evolved and extended southwards into Southeast Asia remains controversial. The paleographical correlation between India and the SE Asian blocks and/or terranes before the opening of the Neotethys and the initial opening time of the Neotethys is still unknown. The lack of this knowledge hampers our further understanding of the tectonic evolution of global Neotethys. Here we present a combined study on Triassic magmatism in the Tengchong Block and Triassic sedimentation in the Myitkyina area, located on the two sides of the Tagaung-Myitkyina Ophiolite Belt of northern Myanmar. Our results coupled with previous data demonstrate that a Triassic continental magmatic arc developed in the Tengchong Block and that the Triassic Myitkyina sedimentary sequence was part of the Tethyan Himalayan Langjiexue Group in northern India. Moreover, the Tengchong Triassic magmatic arc provided important detrital inputs to the whole Langjiexue Group of northern India. Such a provenance is the best explanation for the Permian−Triassic detrital zircons of the Langjuexue Group. Together, we propose that the Tagaung-Myitkyina Ophiolites in northern Myanmar are the relics of the Neotethyan Ocean rather than the Mesotethyan Ocean (Bangong-Nujiang Ocean) in SE Asia, and that the initial opening time of the Neotethys was the Early Jurassic of 200−190 Ma. Then, the earliest (185−165 Ma) intra-oceanic arc akin to the Izu-Bonin-Mariana arc in the West Pacific, developed soon after the Late Triassic opening of the Neotethys.
Magma pressurization sustains ongoing eruptive episode at dome-building Soufrière Hills volcano, Montserrat
Authors: Hickey J. , Pascal K. , Head M. , Gottsmann J. , Fournier N. , Hreinsdottir S. , Syers R.
Published: August 2022

Dome-building volcanoes, where long-term eruptive episodes can be interspersed with periods of intra-eruptive repose, are particularly challenging for volcanic hazard assessment. Defining the end of eruptive episodes is vitally important for the socioeconomic recovery of affected communities but highly problematic due to the potential for rapid transition from prolonged, seemingly low-risk repose to dangerous effusive or explosive activity. It is currently unclear what constitutes the end of repose and an eruptive episode. We show that analysis of surface deformation can characterize repose and help define an eruptive episode. At Soufrière Hills volcano, Montserrat, the long-term post–2010 deformation at 12 continuous GPS stations requires the pressure in the magma system to have increased with time; time-dependent stress relaxation or crustal creep cannot explain the deformation trends alone. Continued pressurization within the magmatic system during repose could initiate a renewed eruption, qualifying as sustained unrest and therefore continuation of the eruptive episode. For Soufrière Hills volcano, persistent magma pressurization highlights the need for sustained vigilance in the monitoring and management of the volcano and its surroundings, despite the last eruptive activity ending in 2010. Our results show promise for application to other dome-building volcanoes.
Extensional mountain building along convergent plate boundary: Insights from the active Taiwan mountain belt
Authors: Chen Chih-Tung , Lo Ching-Hua , Wang Pei-Ling , Lin Li-Hung
Published: August 2022

Late brittle extension is a common feature in orogenic belts, and its role in mountain building processes is still the subject of debate. Its timing relationship with crustal thickening, the building of topography, basin infill, and rock exhumation are of key importance in determining whether it is a major factor in orogenic development or merely causes near-surface secondary effects. We examined this question in relation to the active arc-continent collision of Taiwan, studying its structural evolution by integrating new and critical geochronological results for tensile vein filling of hinterland metamorphic terrane with syn-collision deposition records. Acceleration of rock exhumation and molasse deposition was found to be coeval with the initiation of brittle tensile structures at ca. 1.6 Ma, which was long overdue as continental subduction started well before 6.5 Ma in central to northern Taiwan. The topographic mountain of Taiwan was thus constructed when the upper crust of the thickened orogenic prism turned extensional, as orographic elevation and relief are prerequisites for molasses production. Syn-collisional brittle extension is therefore proposed as a possible facilitator of both augmented extrusive exhumation and the formation of orography.
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia and neurobehavioural outcomes at birth and 2 years in infants born before 30 weeks
Authors: Martin Monika , Smith Lynne , Hofheimer Julie A , McGowan Elisabeth C , O'Shea T Michael , Pastyrnak Steve , Carter Brian Scott , Helderman Jennifer , Check Jennifer , Neal Charles , Roberts Mary B , Dansereau Lynne M , Della Grotta Sheri A , Lester Barry M
Published: August 2022

Objective

To identify neurobehavioural risks in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) prior to hospital discharge.

Design and patients

Longitudinal study of 676 newborns born before 30 weeks of gestation.

Setting

Nine university NICUs affiliated with six universities. All were Vermont Oxford Network (VON) participants.

Patients and interventions

Infants were enrolled in the Neonatal Neurobehavior and Outcomes in Very Preterm Infants Study from April 2014 to June 2016. Prospective medical record reviews, VON definitions and criteria, and maternal interviews were used to collect maternal and neonatal medical variables and socioenvironmental data.

Main Outcome Measures

NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) at the time of hospital discharge; Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III) and Gross Motor Function Classification System at 2 years’ corrected age.

Results

Infants with moderate/severe BPD were less attentive (Wald χ29.68, p=0.008), more lethargic (Wald χ29.91, p=0.007), with increased non-optimal reflexes (Wald χ27.37, p=0.025). Infants with moderate/severe BPD were more likely to have Bayley-III language and motor scores <85 (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.74, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.85, and aOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.10 to 3.85). Infants with both moderate/severe and mild BPD were more likely to have a cerebral palsy diagnosis (aOR 2.96, 95% CI 1.34 to 6.54, and aOR 2.81, 95% CI 1.32 to 5.99).

Conclusions

BPD severity presents risks for poor neurodevelopment at NICU discharge and at age 2 years. Early identification of poorly regulated behaviour can provide critical information for early preventive and targeted interventions with potential to improve long-term outcomes.
Disseminated tuberculosis associated with deficient interleukin-23/tyrosine kinase 2 signalling
Authors: Ojuawo Olutobi , Allen Ryan , Hagan Guy , Piracha Shahbaz
Published: August 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The disseminated form of the disease has a worse prognosis and is commonly associated with primary and acquired immunodeficiency states such as HIV/AIDS, post-organ transplant and malnutrition. However, disseminated TB in the context of isolated impaired cellular responses to interleukin (IL)-23 due to tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) deficiency has been rarely reported. We highlight the case of a young woman with pulmonary and central nervous system TB associated with previously undiagnosed IL-23/TYK2 signalling defects causing impaired response to IL-23. A significant clinical improvement was observed after introduction of adjunctive interferon-gamma therapy to her anti-tuberculous medications. This case emphasises the need to broadly evaluate for potential immune deficiencies in poorly responding patients with fully sensitive TB as well as the potential benefits of interferon-gamma therapy in patients with certain immune defects.
SARS-CoV-2 infection in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis of standardised seroprevalence studies, from January 2020 to December 2021
Authors: Lewis Hannah C , Ware Harriet , Whelan Mairead , Subissi Lorenzo , Li Zihan , Ma Xiaomeng , Nardone Anthony , Valenciano Marta , Cheng Brianna , Noel Kim , Cao Christian , Yanes-Lane Mercedes , Herring Belinda L , Talisuna Ambrose , Ngoy Nsenga , Balde Thierno , Clifton David , Van Kerkhove Maria D , Buckeridge David , Bobrovitz Niklas , Okeibunor Joseph , Arora Rahul K , Bergeri Isabel
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Estimating COVID-19 cumulative incidence in Africa remains problematic due to challenges in contact tracing, routine surveillance systems and laboratory testing capacities and strategies. We undertook a meta-analysis of population-based seroprevalence studies to estimate SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Africa to inform evidence-based decision making on public health and social measures (PHSM) and vaccine strategy.

Methods

We searched for seroprevalence studies conducted in Africa published 1 January 2020–30 December 2021 in Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Europe PMC (preprints), grey literature, media releases and early results from WHO Unity studies. All studies were screened, extracted, assessed for risk of bias and evaluated for alignment with the WHO Unity seroprevalence protocol. We conducted descriptive analyses of seroprevalence and meta-analysed seroprevalence differences by demographic groups, place and time. We estimated the extent of undetected infections by comparing seroprevalence and cumulative incidence of confirmed cases reported to WHO.PROSPERO: CRD42020183634.

Results

We identified 56 full texts or early results, reporting 153 distinct seroprevalence studies in Africa. Of these, 97 (63%) were low/moderate risk of bias studies. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence rose from 3.0% (95% CI 1.0% to 9.2%) in April–June 2020 to 65.1% (95% CI 56.3% to 73.0%) in July–September 2021. The ratios of seroprevalence from infection to cumulative incidence of confirmed cases was large (overall: 100:1, ranging from 18:1 to 954:1) and steady over time. Seroprevalence was highly heterogeneous both within countries—urban versus rural (lower seroprevalence for rural geographic areas), children versus adults (children aged 0–9 years had the lowest seroprevalence)—and between countries and African subregions.

Conclusion

We report high seroprevalence in Africa suggesting greater population exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and potential protection against COVID-19 severe disease than indicated by surveillance data. As seroprevalence was heterogeneous, targeted PHSM and vaccination strategies need to be tailored to local epidemiological situations.
Cost-effectiveness of GeneXpert Omni compared with GeneXpert MTB/Rif for point-of-care diagnosis of tuberculosis in a low-resource, high-burden setting in Eastern Uganda: a cost-effectiveness analysis based on decision analytical modelling
Authors: Ejalu David Livingstone , Irioko Aaron , Kirabo Rhoda , Mukose Aggrey David , Ekirapa Elizabeth , Kagaayi Joseph , Namutundu Juliana
Published: August 2022

Objective

To determine the cost-effectiveness of Xpert Omni compared with Xpert MTB/Rif for point-of-care diagnosis of tuberculosis among presumptive cases in a low-resource, high burden facility.

Design

Cost-effectiveness analysis from the provider’s perspective.

Setting

A low-resource, high tuberculosis burden district in Eastern Uganda.

Participants

A provider’s perspective was used, and thus, data were collected from experts in the field of tuberculosis diagnosis purposively selected at the local, subnational and national levels.

Methods

A decision analysis model was contracted from TreeAge comparing Xpert MTB/Rif and Xpert Omni. Cost estimation was done using the ingredients’ approach. One-way deterministic sensitivity analyses were performed to identify the most influential model parameters.

Outcome measure

The outcome measure was incremental cost per additional test diagnosed expressed as the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio.

Results

The total cost per test for Xpert MTB/Rif was US$14.933. Cartridge and reagent kits contributed to 67% of Xpert MTB/Rif costs. Sample transport costs increased the cost per test of Xpert MTB/Rif by $1.28. The total cost per test for Xpert Omni was $16.153. Cartridge and reagent kits contributed to over 71.2% of Xpert Omni’s cost per test. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for using Xpert Omni as a replacement for Xpert MTB/Rif was US$30.73 per additional case detected. There was no dominance noted in the cost-effectiveness analysis, meaning no strategy was dominant over the other.

Conclusion

The use of Xpert Omni at the point-of-care health facility was more effective but with an increased cost compared with Xpert MTB/Rif at the centralised referral testing facility.
Association between mental health and executive dysfunction and the moderating effect of urban–rural subpopulation in general adolescents from Shangrao, China: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Lin Qingmin , Abbey Cody , Zhang Yunting , Wang Guanghai , Lu Jinkui , Dill Sarah-Eve , Jiang Qi , Singh M K , She Xinshu , Wang Huan , Rozelle Scott , Jiang Fan
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To examine the association between mental health and executive dysfunction in general adolescents, and to identify whether home residence and school location would moderate that association.

Design

A population-based cross-sectional study.

Setting

A subsample of the Shanghai Children’s Health, Education, and Lifestyle Evaluation-Adolescents project. 16 sampled schools in Shangrao city located in downstream Yangtze River in southeast China (December 2018).

Participants

1895 adolescents (48.8% male) which were divided into three subpopulations: (A) adolescents who have urban hukou (ie, household registration in China) and attend urban schools (UU, n=292); (B) adolescents who have rural hukou and attend urban schools (RU, n=819) and (C) adolescents who have rural hukou and attend rural schools (RR, n=784).

Measures

The Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 was used to assess adolescent mental health symptoms, and the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function (parent form) was applied to measure adolescent executive dysfunction in nature setting.

Results

Mental health symptoms were common (depression: 25.2%, anxiety: 53.0%, stress: 19.7%) in our sample, and the prevalence rates were lower among UU adolescents than those among the RR and RU, with intersubgroup differences in screen exposure time explaining most of the variance. We found the three types of symptoms were strongly associated with executive dysfunction in general adolescents. We also observed a marginal moderating effect of urban–rural subgroup on the associations: UU adolescents with depression (OR 6.74, 95% CI 3.75 to 12.12) and anxiety (OR 5.56, 95% CI 1.86 to 16.66) had a higher executive dysfunction risk when compared with RR youths with depression (OR 1.93, 95% CI 0.91 to 4.12) and anxiety (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.39 to 2.33), respectively.

Conclusions

Rural adolescents experienced more mental health symptoms, whereas urban individuals with mental health problems had a higher executive dysfunction risk.
CXCR4-directed [68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor PET/CT versus adrenal vein sampling performance: a study protocol for a randomised two-step controlled diagnoStic Trial Ultimately comparing hypertenSion outcome in primary aldosteronism (CASTUS)
Authors: Chaman Baz Amir Hossein , van de Wiel Elle , Groenewoud Hans , Arntz Mark , Gotthardt Martin , Deinum Jaap , Langenhuijsen Johan
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common form of secondary hypertension. It is caused by overproduction of aldosterone by either a unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) or by bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (BAH). Distinction is crucial, because PA is cured by adrenalectomy in APA and is treated by mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in BAH. The distinction is currently made by adrenal vein sampling (AVS). AVS is a costly, invasive and complex technical procedure with limited availability and is not superior in terms of outcomes to CT scan-based diagnosis. Thus, there is a need for a cheaper, non-invasive and readily available diagnostic tool in PA. We propose a new diagnostic imaging modality employing the positron emission tomography (PET) tracer [68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor. This tracer has high focal uptake in APAs, whereas low uptake was shown in patients with normal adrenals. Thus, [68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor PET/CT is an imaging modality with the potential to improve subtyping of PA. It is readily available, safe and, as an out-patient procedure, much cheaper diagnostic method than AVS.

Methods and analysis

We present a two-step randomised controlled trial (RCT) protocol in which we assess the accuracy of [68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor PET/CT in the first step and compare [68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor PET/CT to AVS in the second step. In the first step, the concordance will be determined between [68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor PET/CT and AVS and a concordance probability is calculated with a Bayesian prediction model. In the second step, we will compare [68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor PET/CT and AVS for clinical outcome and intensity of hypertensive drug use defined as daily defined doses in a RCT.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was acquired from the medical ethical committee East-Netherlands (METC Oost-Nederland). Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed articles.

Trial registration number

NL9625.