bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive comparison of facial skin hydration based on capacitance and conductance measurements in Chinese women
Authors: Voegeli Rainer , Cherel Marie , Schoop Rotraut , Rawlings Anthony V.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the data of conductance and capacitance measurements of facial skin hydration and to evaluate and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches.

Methods

We measured skin capacitance (Corneometer® CM 825) and skin conductance (Skicon‐200EX®) on 30 pre‐defined facial sites of 125 Chinese women, resulting in 3750 readings per device. The data were analysed and compared, and continuous colour maps were generated on a 3D avatar for capacitance, conductance, relative difference (Δ%) and correlation (R‐value) by interpolating between the individual readings and converting the values to colours. This visualization allows a better interpretation of the results.

Results

The complexity of facial skin hydration is revealed by this approach. The similarities and discrepancies in the facial hydration maps are clearly apparent. Due to the superiority of the Skicon in measuring high hydration levels, differences in skin hydration were evident on the forehead compared with the Corneometer maps, which may be related to the more superficial measurement of the Skicon within the stratum corneum. Conversely, a greater understanding of the complexity of facial skin hydration in the nasolabial fold was obvious when using the Corneometer. The best congruence between the instruments was found at two specific but separated facial areas, one around the inner eye region and the other one on a line between the nasolabial sulcus and the oblique, lateral jaw. Interestingly, the data were not normally distributed for both instruments and they had opposite skews. All facial clusters were statistically different from each other (p < 0.001), except the cheek and jaw for the Skicon. Larger than expected percentage coefficients of variance were found for the Corneometer on some facial sites that might be explainable by differences in stratum corneum physiology and biochemistry. Corneometer values of 48 AU and Skicon values of 132 μS were taken as the cutoff for normally hydrated facial skin.

Conclusions

Both devices have their advantages and disadvantages suggesting that bio‐instrumental measurement of skin hydration is actually more complicated than commonly thought and that the different facial zones and the use of multiple instrumentation have not been adequately considered.
Does human resource investment in internal controls and information technology improve audit efficiency?
Authors: Shin Hyejeong , Park Sorah
Published: August 2022

This study examines the effect of client human resource investment in internal controls (ICs) and information technology (IT) on audit efficiency. Accordingly, we propose a novel approach to modify the measurement of audit efficiency by directly measuring the length of time from the fiscal year end to the last day of fieldwork of an audit firm—fieldwork lags (FWLs)—rather than audit report lags (ARLs). We investigate the relationship between FWLs and the number of IC personnel and their average work experience at the department level: accounting and finance, IT and others. We find that FWLs are negatively related to the number of IC personnel in the accounting and finance departments and other related areas. Furthermore, FWLs decrease when IC personnel in the IT department have more average work experience. This finding indicates that experienced IC personnel in the IT department are critical to reducing the fieldwork time taken by auditors. Overall results suggest that a client's investment in IC personnel in accounting/finance and IT departments enhances audit efficiency.
High‐amylose bread wheat and its effects on cooking quality and nutritional properties of pasta
Authors: De Arcangelis Elisa , Angelicola Martina , Trivisonno Maria Carmela , Iacovino Silvio , Falasca Luisa , Lafiandra Domenico , Sestili Francesco , Messia Maria Cristina , Marconi Emanuele
Published: August 2022

Pasta samples were produced by replacing durum wheat semolina with high‐amylose bread wheat semolina‐type flour in proportions of 30%, 50% and 70%. Resistant starch content in uncooked pasta samples varied from 4.9% of total starch in high‐amylose pasta with 30% substitution of semolina, to 15.3% of total starch in 100% high‐amylose semolina pasta, achieving the levels established for the health claim. The high amount of resistant starch in cooked pasta caused a reduction of starch digestion rate in all samples with high‐amylose flour substitution compared to control. The expected glycaemic index lowered from 53.8 in control pasta (durum wheat semolina) to 48 in 100% high‐amylose pasta (bread wheat semolina). The inclusion of high‐amylose flour in proportion of 70% combined the best cooking and nutritional properties, but is expectable a further improvement in pasta quality with the adoption of tailored processing protocols.
Cognitive reserve and risk of mobility impairment in older adults
Authors: Holtzer Roee , Zhu Xiaonan , Rosso Andrea L. , Rosano Caterina
Published: August 2022

Background

Cognitive reserve (CR) protects against cognitive decline and dementia but its relation to mobility impairment has not been established. To address this important gap in the literature, we conducted a longitudinal investigation to test the hypothesis that higher baseline CR was associated with a lower risk of developing mobility impairment in older adults.

Methods

Participants were dementia‐free older adults who received brain magnetic resonance imaging and had gait speed assessments during follow‐up. Using the residuals approach, CR was computed as the variance in the Modified Mini‐Mental Status Examination total score, that was left after accounting for structural brain integrity, education, and race. Mobility impairment was defined using a validated cutoff score in gait speed of 0.8 m/s. Logistic regression models using general estimating equations were utilized to examine longitudinal associations between baseline CR and the risk of developing mobility impairment across repeated assessments.

Results

Of the participants (n = 237; mean age = 82 years; %female = 56%) who were free of mobility impairment at baseline, 103 developed mobility impairment during follow‐up (mean = 3.1 years). Higher CR at baseline was associated with a lower risk of developing incident mobility impairment—odds ratio (OR) = 0.819, 0.67–0.98, p = 0.038 (unadjusted); OR = 0.815, 0.67–0.99, p = 0.04 (adjusted for socio‐demographic variables and depression); OR = 0.819, 0.68–0.88, p = 0.035 (adjusted for illness history); OR = 0.824, 0.68–0.99, p = 0.045 (adjusted for white matter hyperintensities); OR = 0.795, 0.65–0.95, p = 0.016 (adjusted for falls history).

Conclusion

Higher CR at baseline was protective against developing incident mobility impairment during follow‐up among community‐residing older adults.
Postcranial skeletal pneumaticity innon‐aquaticneoavians: Insights from accipitrimorphae
Authors: Gutherz Samuel B. , O'Connor Patrick M.
Published: August 2022

Postcranial skeletal pneumaticity, air‐filled bones of the trunk and limbs, is exclusive to birds among extant tetrapods and exhibits significant variation in its expression among different species. Such variation is not random but exhibits relationships with both body mass and locomotor specializations. Most species‐level comparative research to date has focused on aquatic‐oriented taxa (e.g., Anseriformes). The lack of data from non‐aquatic birds constrains our ability to characterize global (i.e., avian‐wide) patterns of this trait complex. To address this gap, the study conducted herein quantified postcranial pneumaticity in Accipitrimorphae, a mostly terrestrial clade composed of species that span a range of body sizes and exhibit diverse flight/foraging behaviors. All examined species (n = 88) invariably pneumatized the postaxial through pre‐caudal vertebrae, sternum, coracoid, humerus, vertebral and sternal ribs, and pelvic girdle, a pattern herein referred to as the accipitrimorph baseline. Of the 88 sampled species, 41 expanded upon this pattern, whereas 10 species exhibited a reduction. No species deviated from the accipitrimorph baseline by more than two anatomical regions. A phylogenetically‐informed regression analysis failed to identify a significant relationship between body mass and pneumaticity. However, specific pneumaticity phenotypes deviating from the baseline were correlated with aspects of wing morphology, tail length, and home range size. Results from this and previous studies provide clarity on two hypotheses: (1) aquatic taxa display distinct pneumaticity expression patterns relative to non‐aquatic birds, notably with reductions in the proportion of the skeleton filled with air in diving specialists and (2) contemporary comparative studies, including the one herein, that explicitly account for phylogenetic relationships consistently fail to support the oft‐cited positive relationship between pneumaticity and body mass. Instead, historical relationships and functional/ecological attributes (e.g., diving, specialized flight behaviors) appear to be the primary drivers underlying patterns of variation in this trait complex.
Building financial capability among low‐income older Asian immigrants: The roles of financial access and locus of control
Authors: Nam Yunju , Sherraden Margaret S. , Lee Eun Jeong , Huang Jin
Published: August 2022

Using qualitative data collected from 13 individuals in the federally funded employment training program for low‐income older adults in Los Angeles, California, the study examines financial capability among low‐income older Asian immigrants, with special attention to the roles of financial access. Based on the conceptual framework of financial capability, the in‐depth interview data show barriers to (external and internal) and facilitators (ethnic banking and social support) of financial access among this population. We expand the conceptual framework of financial capability by adding the concepts of financial locus of control and information‐related behaviors, and describe the dynamic process through which locus of control affects financial access, financial behaviors, and financial outcome. For Asian immigrants with internal locus of control, in‐depth interviews vividly illustrate how newly gained financial access transforms individuals' financial outlook. Research, practice, and policy implications are discussed.
Validity of a combination of periodontal pathogens and salivary biomarkers as predictors of periodontitis
Authors: Go Hyeonjeong , Park Taejun , Shin Ah‐Ra , Jung Yun‐Sook , Amano Atsuo , Song Keun‐Bae , Choi Youn‐Hee
Published: August 2022

Objective

Chronic periodontitis is caused by multiple risk factors. To predict chronic periodontitis in older people, we evaluated the association between a combination of major periodontal pathogens and salivary biomarkers and the presence of periodontitis.

Methods

Stimulated saliva samples were collected to analyze the prevalence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, and Prevotella intermedia, as well as four biomarkers: interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). A total of 201 Japanese patients were recruited. Oral examinations ware performed to determine chronic periodontitis as measured by Community Periodontal Index. The sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics were also obtained, and the parameters were adjusted as potential confounders to employ statistical models.

Results

The odds ratio (OR) for the presence of P. gingivalis and the third tertile level of IL‐1β as compared with the absence of P. gingivalis and the lowest tertile of IL‐1β was highest in individuals with periodontitis (OR = 13.98; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.87–50.52) with the best level (0.79) of area under the curve (AUC) based on the receiver operating characteristic curve. The OR for the presence of P. gingivalis and the third tertile of PGE2 was 7.76 (CI 1.89–31.91) with an AUC of 0.78. The coexistence of more than two periodontal bacteria and the third tertile of PGE2 was also strongly associated with chronic periodontitis (OR = 9.23, 95% CI 2.38–35.79) with an AUC of 0.76.

Conclusions

The combined information of the presence of P. gingivalis in stimulated saliva, and higher levels of salivary IL‐1β may play a vital role in the detection and prediction of chronic periodontitis in older adults.
Uncertainty about uncertainty tolerance: The elephants in the room
Authors: Haas Mary , Stojan Jennifer Nicole
Published: August 2022

Addressing the "elephant in the room," Haas and Stojan argue that medical education must confront several uncomfortable but unavoidable questions before it can effectively teach uncertainty tolerance.
Polluting resource extraction and climate risk
Authors: Hashem Israa , Marrouch Walid
Published: August 2022

Using a fossil fuel extraction model that treats the atmosphere as a depletable resource, we study the optimal price of carbon in the presence of endogenous uncertainty around a climatic regime shift. We find that the optimal carbon tax should account an uncertainty‐adjusted cost term associated with the environment's scarcity. This term is shown to be sensitive to the natural sequestration rate of the atmosphere and to the probability surrounding a climate tail event. Our analysis also shows that in the presence of uncertainty, the shadow price of the environment should grow at a faster rate. Lastly, compared to the endogenous uncertainty case, we find that if the probability surrounding a regime shift is exogenously given, this shadow price should even grow at a higher rate.
How much are we worth? Experiences of nursing assistants in Swedish nursing homes during the first wave of COVID‐19
Authors: Bergqvist Monica , Bastholm‐Rahmner Pia , Gustafsson Lars L , Holmgren Katarina , Veg Anikó , Wachtler Caroline , Schmidt‐Mende Katharina
Published: August 2022

Background

NHs have been severely exposed during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Little is known about how staff who provide practical daily care of older residents experienced work during the pandemic. The aim of this study was to understand how nursing assistants (NAs) experienced their work at nursing homes (NHs) for older people during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study of focus group discussions with in total 20 participants from four NHs in Stockholm, Sweden. Discussions were held in November 2020. Transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

We identified three major themes: 1) We felt abandoned, scared and disrespected, 2) We made sure we made it through, and 3) We can do good work with appropriate resources. NAs felt disregarded as they were often left alone without adequate support from managers, registered nurses and the municipalities. NAs felt distressed and guilty and developed their own strategies to cope and manage their work.

Conclusion and Implication for Practice

During the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic NAs felt abandoned and burdened due to lack of leadership. Organizational improvements are required to protect the wellbeing of NAs and to ensure sustainability of patient safety. NAs are crucial in the care for vulnerable older people and their experiences should constitute a keystone for development of future policy and practice in NHs.
Radiographic Analysis of Pedicle Screw Retractor‐Assisted Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Single‐Segment Spondylolisthesis in Adults: A Retrospective Study and Technical Note
Authors: Xie Hongwei , Ouyang Ziyu , Zhang Hua
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The objective of this study was to introduce a retractor that can be temporarily installed on unilateral pedicle screws to achieve distraction‐reduction and nerve root protection, and to analyze the efficacy and safety of retractor‐assisted transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 125 patients who underwent retractor‐assisted TLIF for single‐segment spondylolisthesis from November 2017 to February 2021. Based on morphology, patients were divided into degenerative (N = 66) and isthmic groups (N = 59). Differences in demographics and preoperative characteristics between the groups were analyzed using the independent samples t‐test and χ2 test. Changes in radiographic parameters (disc height, foramen height, spondylolisthesis degree, slippage length, and segmental lordosis) before and after surgery were compared using the paired samples t‐test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the relationship between facet joint angle (FJA) and degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS).

Results

Unilateral screw retractor‐assisted TLIF significantly corrected spondylolisthesis and improved disc height and segmental lordosis (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in foramen height between the two sides before and after operation (pre: 15.81 ± 3.58 mm vs 15.69 ± 3.68 mm, p = 0.599; post: 18.65 ± 2.31 mm vs 18.74 ± 2.26 mm, p = 0.516). The degree of spondylolisthesis in the DLS group before surgery was significantly lower than that in the isthmic spondylolisthesis group (17.70 ± 5.62% vs 25.18 ± 9.73%, p < 0.001), whereas a similar degree of correction could be achieved after surgery (5.91 ± 3.12% vs 7.16 ± 5.69%, p = 0.135). FJAs from L3/4 to L5/S1 were significantly smaller in patients with DLS than those in with isthmic spondylolisthesis (p < 0.05). Patients with facet sagittalization were more likely to have DLS (β: −0.101, odds ratio [OR]:0.904, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.874–0.934, p < 0.001), while the cut‐off FJA of L4/5 for predicting L4 spondylolisthesis was 53.19.

Conclusions

Pedicle screw retractor‐assisted TLIF is effective and safe in treating both degenerative and isthmic lumbar spondylolisthesis. The unilateral retractor has the capacity to maintain the disc height achieved by paddle distractors, which optimizes the nerve protection and distractor placement. Patients with an FJA on L4/5 <53.19 were more likely to have DLS.
The severe asthma–obesity conundrum: Consequences for exertional dyspnoea and exercise tolerance in men and women
Authors: Neder J. Alberto , O'Donnell Denis E.
Published: August 2022

See related article
A single‐center study points to diverse features and outcome in patients with Hyperimmunoglobulin M Syndrome and Class‐ Switch Recombination defects
Authors: Akarsu Ayşegül , Halaçlı Sevil , Tan Çağman , Kuşkonmaz Barış , Küpesiz Alphan , Çetinkaya Duygu , Sanal Özden , Tezcan İlhan , Çağdaş Deniz
Published: August 2022

Isotype class‐switch recombination (CSR), somatic hypermutation (SHM), B cell signalling and DNA repair mechanisms defects are responsible for high IgM. The hyperimmunoglobulin M (HIGM) phenotype and CSR‐related defects are now classified under primary antibody defects, combined immunodeficiencies or syndromic immunodeficiencies groups. The aim of the study is to evaluate the diverse phenotypic/genotypic/laboratory characteristics and outcome of patients with CSR defects and HIGM‐related defects. We enrolled 50 patients. The most common gene defect was Activation‐induced cytidine deaminase (AID) deficiency (n = 18), followed by CD40 Ligand (CD40L) (n = 14) and CD40 (n = 3) deficiency. Median ages at first symptom and diagnosis were significantly lower in CD40L deficiency (8.5 and 30 months, respectively) than AID deficiency (30 and 114 months, respectively) (p = .001 and p = .008, respectively). Frequent clinical symptoms were recurrent (66%) and severe (14.9%) infections, and/or autoimmune/non‐infectious inflammatory features (48.4%). Eosinophilia and neutropenia were at a higher rate in CD40L deficiency patients (77.8%, p = .002 and 77.8%, p = .002, respectively) when compared to AID deficiency. Median serum IgM level was low in 28.6% of CD40L deficiency patients. It was significantly lower when compared to AID deficiency (p < 0.001). Six patients (CD40L deficiency n = 4, CD40 deficiency n = 2) underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Five were alive at the last visit. Four patients two patients with CD40L deficiency, one with CD40 deficiency and one with AID deficiency had novel mutations. In conclusion; patients with CSR defects and HIGM phenotype may present with a wide range of clinical manifestations and laboratory findings. Low IgM, neutropenia and eosinophilia were prominent in patients with CD40L deficiency. Characterization of genetic defect‐specific clinical and laboratory features may ease the diagnosis, prevent the underdiagnoses of patients and ameliorate the outcome.
Neuroinvasive West Nile virus infections after solid organ transplantation: Single center experience and systematic review
Authors: Abbas Anum , Qiu Fang , Sikyta Adia , Fey Paul D. , Florescu Diana F
Published: August 2022

West Nile virus (WNv) is a major cause of viral encephalitis in the United States. WNv infection is usually asymptomatic or a limited febrile illness in the immunocompetent hosts, although a small percentage can develop neuroinvasive disease. Neuroinvasive disease due to WNv in solid organ transplant recipients occurs at higher rates than observed in the general population and can have long term neurological sequalae.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all solid organ transplant recipients at our institution who tested positive for WNv from 2010 to 2018. Two reviewers performed electronic searches of Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library of literature of WNv infections in SOT. Descriptive statistics were performed on key variables.

Results

Eight recipients (mean age 54, five males) were diagnosed with neuroinvasive WNv infection at our institution. Distribution of infection was as follows: five kidney transplants, one in each kidney‐pancreas, liver, and lung. Diagnoses included meningitis (3), encephalitis (1), meningo‐encephalitis (4). Median time from transplant to infection was 49.8 months (2.7–175.4). No infections were considered donor‐derived. Five patients received treatment with IVIG. Six patients were alive at median follow‐up of 49.5 months (21.7–116.8). We identified 29 studies published from 2002 to 2019. Median time from transplant to infection was 14.2 months, with similar allograft distribution; 53% were donor‐derived infections.

Conclusion

WNv infections in solid organ transplant recipients can be a consequence of organ donation or can be acquired via the community. Infections can be more severe in SOT recipients and lead to neuroinvasive disease.

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The second national anti‐tuberculosis drug resistance survey in Tanzania, 2017–2018
Authors: Mutayoba Beatrice Kemilembe , Ershova Julia , Lyamuya Eligius , Hoelscher Michael , Heinrich Norbert , Kilale Andrew Martin , Range Nyagosya Segere , Ngowi Benard James , Ntinginya Nyanda Elias , Mfaume Saidi Mwinjuma , Nkiligi Emmanuel , Doulla Basra , Lyimo Johnson , Kisonga Riziki , Kingalu Amri , Lema Yakobo , Kondo Zuwena , Pletschette Michel
Published: August 2022

Objective

To determine the levels and patterns of resistance to first‐ and second‐line anti‐tuberculosis (TB) drugs among new and previously treated sputum smear positive pulmonary TB (PTB) patients.

Methods

We conducted a nationally representative cross‐sectional facility‐based survey in June 2017–July 2018 involving 45 clusters selected based on probability proportional to size. The survey aimed to determine the prevalence of anti‐TB drug resistance and associated risk factors among smear positive PTB patients in Tanzania. Sputum samples were examined using smear microscopy, Xpert MTB/RIF, culture and drug susceptibility testing (DST). Logistic regression was used to account for missing data and sampling design effects on the estimates and their standard errors.

Results

We enrolled 1557 TB patients, including 1408 (90.4%) newly diagnosed and 149 (9.6%) previously treated patients. The prevalence of multidrug‐resistant TB (MDR‐TB) was 0.85% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.4–1.3] among new cases and 4.6% (95% CI: 1.1–8.2) among previously treated cases. The prevalence ofMycobacterium tuberculosisstrains resistant to any of the four first‐line anti‐TB drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin, streptomycin and ethambutol) was 1.7% among new TB patients and 6.5% among those previously treated. Drug resistance to all first‐line drugs was similar (0.1%) in new and previously treated patients. None of the isolates displayed poly‐resistance or extensively drug‐resistant TB (XDR‐TB). The only risk factor for MDR‐TB was history of previous TB treatment (odds ratio = 5.7, 95% CI: 1.9–17.2).

Conclusion

The burden of MDR‐TB in the country was relatively low with no evidence of XDR‐TB. Given the overall small number of MDR‐TB cases in this survey, it will be beneficial focusing efforts on intensified case detection including universal DST.
Assessment of Filtered Containment Venting Strategies for Mitigating Severe Accident Consequences at a Generic Single-Unit CANDU
Authors: Shah M. D. , Morreale A. C. , Lebel L. S.
Published: August 2022

In many jurisdictions, filtered containment venting systems are an integral part of severe accident management guidelines but are normally only used as a last resort, to be manually activated when the containment pressure approaches the containment failure limit. This approach fails to utilize the capability of the filtered venting system to better control containment pressure throughout an accident and to create capacity for possible future pressurization based on the accident progression. In this paper, smart venting strategies are explored, using a generic single-unit Canada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) (660 MWel) plant model in MAAP-CANDU, as a means to mitigate the consequences of a severe accident. These strategies are able to account for both current conditions as well as possible future pressurization. The use of strategic venting offers an improvement in maintaining containment integrity, as well as reducing I-131 releases to the environment by about 10% to 31% compared to last-resort venting while being feasible for manual operator actions. Overall, this comprehensive analysis demonstrates the capability of a smart venting strategy paired with a filtered containment venting system as an active mitigation tool.
Surface shape reconstruction from phaseless scattered acoustic data using a random forest algorithm
Authors: Johnson Michael-David , Krynkin Anton , Dolcetti Giulio , Alkmim Mansour , Cuenca Jacques , De Ryck Laurent
Published: August 2022

Recent studies have demonstrated that acoustic waves can be used to reconstruct the roughness profile of a rigid scattering surface. In particular, the use of multiple microphones placed above a rough surface as well as an analytical model based on the linearised Kirchhoff integral equations provides a sufficient base for the inversion algorithm to estimate surface geometrical properties. Prone to fail in the presence of high noise and measurement uncertainties, the analytical approach may not always be suitable in analysing measured scattered acoustic pressure. With the aim to improve the robustness of the surface reconstruction algorithms, here it is proposed to use a data-driven approach through the application of a random forest regression algorithm to reconstruct specific parameters of one-dimensional sinusoidal surfaces from airborne acoustic phase-removed pressure data. The data for the training set are synthetically generated through the application of the Kirchhoff integral in predicting scattered sound, and they are further verified with data produced from laboratory measurements. The surface parameters from the measurement sample were found to be recovered accurately for various receiver combinations and with a wide range of noise levels ranging from 0.1% to 30% of the average scattered acoustical pressure amplitude.
Costing Participation in Sport: The Best Option Dilemma of a Student-Athlete
Authors: Alcorn Michael , Abeza Gashaw , O’Reilly Norm
Published: August 2022

Rebecca Griffin, a student-athlete, is coming off the best off-season training program of her 8 years as a rower. She is highly motivated knowing that a strong summer season could propel her to be both a major contributor to her university team in the fall and a contender to make it to the National Under 23 team. However, before she can pursue her athletic dreams, she needs to decide where she is going to row this summer and figure out if she can afford to pay for it. She needs to assess and consider the benefits and drawbacks of her summer rowing club options. Her considerations include club registration fees, travel, equipment, coaching, and competition entry costs for each, and how they will contribute to her career goals in rowing. Therefore, while working toward her goals, Rebecca must consider the affordability of her options, and make the best decision she can.
Physical Activity Influences Cortisol and Dehydroepiandrosterone (Sulfate) Levels in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: De Nys Len , Ofosu Esther F. , Ryde Gemma C. , Connelly Jenni , Whittaker Anna C.
Published: August 2022

Age-related changes affect the ratio between two steroid hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (sulfate) (DHEA[S]). Physical activity (PA) may buffer the effects of chronic stress and counteract the aging decline of DHEA(S). Therefore, a systematic review was conducted to understand how PA influences physiological markers of cortisol and/or DHEA(S) and whether there is a difference in observational associations or experimental effects in older adults aged 65 years and older. A narrative synthesis was performed on nine observational studies, and meta-analyses were performed on 22 randomized controlled trials. There was low- to moderate-quality evidence that regular PA beneficially reduces cortisol and increases DHEA(S) levels. Subgroup analyses showed no clinically important differences between men and women, different exercise modalities, or health states. The findings cautiously suggest that regular PA of older adults’ own choice that they find enjoyable could be recommended to improve cortisol and/or DHEA(S) levels.
Comment on “The missing ocean plastic sink: Gone with the rivers”
Authors: Mai Lei , Sun Xiang-Fei , Zeng Eddy Y.
Published: August 2022

Weiss
et al
. (Reports, 2 July 2021, p. 107) incorrectly conclude that the residence time for floating microplastic stock at the ocean surface is ~2.4 years. We contend that this conclusion is fundamentally flawed, because the residence time is obtained through dividing a published oceanic stock of plastic debris by a doubtable river microplastic flux estimated by the authors.
Tweezer-programmable 2D quantum walks in a Hubbard-regime lattice
Authors: Young Aaron W. , Eckner William J. , Schine Nathan , Childs Andrew M. , Kaufman Adam M.
Published: August 2022

Quantum walks provide a framework for designing quantum algorithms that is both intuitive and universal. To leverage the computational power of these walks, it is important to be able to programmably modify the graph a walker traverses while maintaining coherence. We do this by combining the fast, programmable control provided by optical tweezers with the scalable, homogeneous environment of an optical lattice. With these tools we study continuous-time quantum walks of single atoms on a square lattice and perform proof-of-principle demonstrations of spatial search with these walks. When scaled to more particles, the capabilities demonstrated can be extended to study a variety of problems in quantum information science, including performing more effective versions of spatial search using a larger graph with increased connectivity.
T cell immunity to COVID-19 vaccines
Authors: Wherry E. John , Barouch Dan H.
Published: August 2022

T cell immunity may be critical for long-term protection by COVID-19 vaccines
Toward preventing Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Mollenhauer Brit , von Arnim Christine A. F.
Published: August 2022

A glycoprotein is a possible biomarker of pathogenic progression for Parkinson’s disease
Unveiling the B cell receptor structure
Authors: Tolar Pavel , Pierce Susan K.
Published: August 2022

Molecular structures provide a road map for understanding and controlling B cell receptor activation
Repurposing the Ionophore, PBT2, for Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections
Authors: Jen Freda E.-C. , Edwards Jennifer L. , El-Deeb Ibrahim M. , Walker Mark J. , von Itzstein Mark , Jennings Michael P.
Published: August 2022

Multidrug-resistant (MDR)
N. gonorrhoeae
is a current public health threat. New therapies are urgently needed. PBT2 is an ionophore that disrupts metal homeostasis. PBT2 administered with zinc is shown to reverse resistance to antibiotics in several bacterial pathogens. Here we show that both
N. meningitidis
and MDR
N. gonorrhoeae
are sensitive to killing by PBT2 alone. PBT2 is, thus, a candidate therapeutic for MDR
N. gonorrhoeae
infections.
UBR5 Acts as an Antiviral Host Factor against MERS-CoV via Promoting Ubiquitination and Degradation of ORF4b
Authors: Zhou Yuzheng , Zheng Rong , Liu Donglan , Liu Sixu , Disoma Cyrollah , Li Shiqin , Liao Yujie , Chen Zongpeng , Du Ashuai , Dong Zijun , Zhang Yongxing , Liu Pinjia , Razzaq Aroona , Chen Dingbin , Chen Xuan , Zhong Xiankezi , Liu Sijie , Tao Siyi , Liu Yuxin , Xu Lunan , Deng Xu , Li Jiada , Jiang Taijiao , Zhao Jincun , Li Shanni , Xia Zanxian
Published: August 2022

ORF4b was an accessory protein unique to MERS-CoV and was not present in SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 which can also cause severe respiratory disease. Moreover, ORF4b inhibited the production of antiviral cytokines in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus, which was likely to be associated with the high lethality of MERS-CoV.
Distribution and Genomic Variation of Thermophilic Cyanobacteria in Diverse Microbial Mats at the Upper Temperature Limits of Photosynthesis
Authors: Kees Eric D. , Murugapiran Senthil K. , Bennett Annastacia C. , Hamilton Trinity L.
Published: August 2022

Oxygenic photosynthesis arose early in microbial evolution—approximately 2.5 to 3.5 billion years ago—and entirely reshaped the biological makeup of Earth. However, despite the span of time in which photosynthesis has been refined, it is strictly limited to temperatures below 73°C, a barrier that many other biological processes have been able to overcome.
RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase of the Second Human Pegivirus Exhibits a High-Fidelity Feature
Authors: Chen Shuyi , Wu Jiqin , Yang Xiaofeng , Sun Qiuli , Liu Su , Rashid Farooq , Dzakah Emmanuel Enoch , Wang Haiying , Wang Jufang , Gong Peng , Tang Shixing
Published: August 2022

RNA viruses represent the most important pathogens for humans and animals and exhibit rapid evolution and high adaptive capacity, which is due to the high mutation rates for using the error-prone RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) during replication. The fidelity of RdRp is closely associated with viral diversity, fitness, and pathogenesis.
Transitional care innovation for Medicaid-insured individuals: early findings
Authors: Brooks Carthon J Margo , Brom Heather , French Rachel , Daus Marguerite , Grantham-Murillo Marsha , Bennett Jovan , Ryskina Kira , Ponietowicz Eileen , Cacchione Pamela
Published: August 2022

Background

Chronically ill adults insured by Medicaid experience health inequities following hospitalisation.

Local problem

Postacute outcomes, including rates of 30-day readmissions and postacute emergency department (ED), were higher among Medicaid-insured individuals compared with commercially insured individuals and social needs were inconsistently addressed.

Methods

An interdisciplinary team introduced a clinical pathway called ‘THRIVE’ to provide postacute wrap-around services for individuals insured by Medicaid.

Intervention

Enrolment into the THRIVE clinical pathway occurred during hospitalisation and multidisciplinary services were deployed into homes within 48 hours of discharge to address clinical and social needs.

Results

Compared with those not enrolled in THRIVE (n=437), individuals who participated in the THRIVE clinical pathway (n=42) experienced fewer readmissions (14.3% vs 28.4%) and ED visits (14.3% vs 28.8 %).

Conclusion

THRIVE is a promising clinical pathway that increases access to ambulatory care after discharge and may reduce readmissions and ED visits.
Population study on diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of critically ill patients with tuberculosis (2008–2018)
Authors: So Christina , Ling Lowell , Wong Wai Tat , Zhang Jack Zhenhe , Ho Chun Ming , Ng Pauline Yeung , Shum Hoi Ping , Yeung Alwin Wai Tak , Sin Kai Cheuk , Chan Jacky , Au Ka Fai , Liong Ting , Ho Eunise , Chow Fu Loi , Ho Laptin , Chan Kai Man , Joynt Gavin Matthew
Published: August 2022

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is a preventable and curable disease, but mortality remains high among those who develop sepsis and critical illness from TB.

Methods

This was a population-based, multicentre retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to all 15 publicly funded Hong Kong adult intensive care units (ICUs) between 1 April 2008 and 31 March 2019. 940 adult critically ill patients with at least one positiveMycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) culture were identified out of 133 858 ICU admissions. Generalised linear modelling was used to determine the impact of delay in TB treatment on hospital mortality. Trend of annual Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) IV-adjusted standardised mortality ratio (SMR) over the 11-year period was analysed by Mann-Kendall’s trend test.

Results

ICU and hospital mortality were 24.7% (232/940) and 41.1% (386/940), respectively. Of those who died in the ICU, 22.8% (53/232) never received antituberculosis drugs. SMR for ICU patients with TB remained unchanged over the study period (Kendall’s τb=0.37, p=0.876). After adjustment for age, Charlson comorbidity index, APACHE IV, albumin, vasopressors, mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy, delayed TB treatment was directly associated with hospital mortality. In 302/940 (32.1%) of patients, TB could only be established from MTB cultures alone as Ziehl-Neelsen staining or PCR was either not performed or negative. Among this group, only 31.1% (94/302) had concurrent MTB PCR performed.

Conclusions

Survival of ICU patients with TB has not improved over the last decade and mortality remains high. Delay in TB treatment was associated with higher hospital mortality. Use of MTB PCR may improve diagnostic yield and facilitate early treatment.
Whole genome sequencing of mesorhizobia isolated from northern Canada
Authors: Duan Yi Fan , Grogan Paul , Walker Virginia K , diCenzo George C
Published: August 2022

Rhizobia are soil-dwelling bacteria that can form N2-fixing symbioses with legume plant species (Fabaceae). These bacteria are globally distributed; however, few studies have examined the genomics of rhizobia that live in cold environments. Here, we isolated and characterized three rhizobial strains from legume nodules collected at a pair of distant low Arctic tundra and boreal forest sites in northern Canada. Phylogenetic and average nucleotide identity measurements suggested that the three strains are members of the genus Mesorhizobium, and that each strain represents a novel genospecies. Intriguingly, whereas most mesorhizobia contain the classical determinants of nodulation and nitrogen fixation on their chromosome, whole genome sequencing revealed that all three strains carry these genes on large symbiotic megaplasmids of ∼750 to ∼1000 kb. Phylogenetic and sequence analyses of the common nodulation genes revealed highly conserved alleles amongst these northern mesorhizobia, leading us to propose that they belong to a novel symbiovar that we termed symbiovar oxytropis. Interestingly, these nod gene alleles are uncommon in mesorhizobia isolated from similar plant hosts in other climatic regions, suggesting potential functional adaptive differences.
Trustworthy AI: From Principles to Practices
Authors: Li Bo , Qi Peng , Liu Bo , Di Shuai , Liu Jingen , Pei Jiquan , Yi Jinfeng , Zhou Bowen
Published: August 2022

The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has enabled the deployment of various systems based on it. However, many current AI systems are found vulnerable to imperceptible attacks, biased against underrepresented groups, lacking in user privacy protection. These shortcomings degrade user experience and erode people’s trust in all AI systems. In this review, we provide AI practitioners with a comprehensive guide for building trustworthy AI systems. We first introduce the theoretical framework of important aspects of AI trustworthiness, including robustness, generalization, explainability, transparency, reproducibility, fairness, privacy preservation, and accountability. To unify currently available but fragmented approaches toward trustworthy AI, we organize them in a systematic approach that considers the entire lifecycle of AI systems, ranging from data acquisition to model development, to system development and deployment, finally to continuous monitoring and governance. In this framework, we offer concrete action items for practitioners and societal stakeholders (e.g., researchers, engineers, and regulators) to improve AI trustworthiness. Finally, we identify key opportunities and challenges for the future development of trustworthy AI systems, where we identify the need for a paradigm shift toward comprehensively trustworthy AI systems.
Android Source Code Vulnerability Detection: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Senanayake Janaka , Kalutarage Harsha , Al-Kadri Mhd Omar , Petrovski Andrei , Piras Luca
Published: August 2022

The use of mobile devices is rising daily in this technological era. A continuous and increasing number of mobile applications are constantly offered on mobile marketplaces to fulfil the needs of smartphone users. Many Android applications do not address the security aspects appropriately. This is often due to a lack of automated mechanisms to identify, test, and fix source code vulnerabilities at the early stages of design and development. Therefore, the need to fix such issues at the initial stages rather than providing updates and patches to the published applications is widely recognized. Researchers have proposed several methods to improve the security of applications by detecting source code vulnerabilities and malicious codes. This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) focuses on Android application analysis and source code vulnerability detection methods and tools by critically evaluating 118 carefully selected technical studies published between 2016 and 2022. It highlights the advantages, disadvantages, applicability of the proposed techniques, and potential improvements of those studies. Both Machine Learning (ML)-based methods and conventional methods related to vulnerability detection are discussed while focusing more on ML-based methods, since many recent studies conducted experiments with ML. Therefore, this article aims to enable researchers to acquire in-depth knowledge in secure mobile application development while minimizing the vulnerabilities by applying ML methods. Furthermore, researchers can use the discussions and findings of this SLR to identify potential future research and development directions.
The Accessibility of Data Visualizations on the Web for Screen Reader Users: Practices and Experiences During COVID-19
Authors: Fan Danyang , Fay Siu Alexa , Rao Hrishikesh , Kim Gene Sung-Ho , Vazquez Xavier , Greco Lucy , O'Modhrain Sile , Follmer Sean
Published: August 2022

Data visualization has become an increasingly important means of effective data communication and has played a vital role in broadcasting the progression of COVID-19. Accessible data representations, however, have lagged behind, leaving areas of information out of reach for many blind and visually impaired (BVI) users. In this work, we sought to understand (1) the accessibility of current implementations of visualizations on the web; (2) BVI users’ preferences and current experiences when accessing data-driven media; (3) how accessible data representations on the web address these users’ access needs and help them navigate, interpret, and gain insights from the data; and (4) the practical challenges that limit BVI users’ access and use of data representations. To answer these questions, we conducted a mixed-methods study consisting of an accessibility audit of 87 data visualizations on the web to identify accessibility issues, an online survey of 127 screen reader users to understand lived experiences and preferences, and a remote contextual inquiry with 12 of the survey respondents to observe how they navigate, interpret, and gain insights from accessible data representations. Our observations during this critical period of time provide an understanding of the widespread accessibility issues encountered across online data visualizations, the impact that data accessibility inequities have on the BVI community, the ways screen reader users sought access to data-driven information and made use of online visualizations to form insights, and the pressing need to make larger strides towards improving data literacy, building confidence, and enriching methods of access. Based on our findings, we provide recommendations for researchers and practitioners to broaden data accessibility on the web.
NiCoAl Ternary Metal Hydroxides Prepared by Fluorine Ion Assisted Electrodeposition Process for Long Lifespan Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Geng Biao , Hu Wenxuan , Wu Xing , Du Miao , Shan Guorong , Zheng Qiang
Published: August 2022

NiCo-based layered double hydroxides (NiCo-LDHs) have plenty of superior properties as electrode materials of supercapacitors, while the poor cycle performance heavily limits their application. An effective strategy to tackle this issue is to dope inactive Al that could stabilize the metallic layers to form ternary hydroxides. However, the desired ternary electrodes with appropriate content of Al3+ can hardly be prepared by conventional electrodeposition due to the great difference in solubility product constants (K
sp) of corresponding hydroxides, where the non-electroactive Al(OH)3 (K
sp = 1.3 × 10‒33) are preferentially deposited than the hydroxides of nickel and cobalt (K
sp = 2.0 × 10‒15, 1.6 × 10‒15). Here, we propose a novel electrodeposition method assisted by F‒ to control Al3+ content in NiCoAl-LDHs. By adjusting the concentration of F‒ in the electrolyte, Al3+ content, as well as the morphology and electrochemical performance of the electrodes, could be manipulated. With the optimum ratio of F− to Al3+, the as-obtained electrode shows high specific capacitance along with a long lifespan (54.1%, 10000 cycles). An asymmetric supercapacitor is assembled using active carbon as the negative electrodes, which displays the maximal energy density of 35.5 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 477.3 W kg−1, with a long lifespan (75%, 10000 cycles).
Competitiveness of Coal Chemical Industry Based on Diamond Model
Authors: Song Meihui , Wang Weicai , Sun Shuoheng
Published: August 2022

Coal chemical industry is one of the main ways of clean coal utilization. The orderly and regulated development of coal chemical industry is an important task in supply-side reform of China’s coal industry. China’s coal chemical industry has a good development foundation and great potentials and has taken the lead in some fields globally. Based on the six elements of the diamond model and qualitative analysis, an evaluation index system is constructed. The weights of different indexes are obtained through the entropy weight method, and the influence of the six elements on the competitiveness of the coal chemical industry is analyzed. The results show that among the six elements of the diamond model, horizontal competition delivers the greatest impact on the competitiveness of the coal chemical industry, followed by production factors, related and supportive industries, and the government, with demand conditions showing the least impact on the competitiveness of this industry.