bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ballistic impact response of reinforced honeycomb sandwich panels
Authors: Rayhan Saiaf Bin , Chowdhury Mahtab Uddin , Pu Xue
Published: February 2022

Honeycomb sandwich panels are extensively adopted in a wide range of structures including aircraft, ships, automobiles, and infrastructure for being lightweight and occupying high out-of-plane compression and out-of-plane shear properties. They are evenly popular for their attractive energy absorption capability and resistance to ballistic impacts. Reinforcement of the hexagonal honeycomb panels is an efficient way to improve the impact resistance. However, a detailed study on the reinforcement types against ballistic impacts has not yet been reported. Therefore, the current research investigates the improvement of total energy absorption, ballistic limit velocity, and specific energy absorption (SEA) of three different reinforced hexagonal honeycombs, namely, triangular, circular, and hexagonal reinforcements against high-velocity blunt impacts. A parallel study is also carried out without any reinforcement and only thickening the cell wall of the non-reinforced hexagonal honeycomb panel. A numerical approach is adopted with commercial finite element code Ansys Explicit to analyze the virtual impact cases. The plate of the honeycomb panel is assumed as aluminum alloy Al-7075-T6, while the honeycomb core is made of Al-5083-H116. For both the alloy variants, Johnson-Cook flow stress parameters are utilized. For the projectile, a blunt cylindrical-shaped structural steel bullet is considered. It is found that, for the current investigations, triangular and circular reinforcements can significantly improve the overall ballistic performance of the sandwich panels with a penalty of weight increment. However, thickening the cell wall of the hexagonal core without any reinforcement exhibits the best ballistic performance.
PERIOD – PERASPERA In-Orbit Demonstration toward the transition into the in-space services, assembly and manufacturing paradigm
Authors: Estable Stéphane , Ampe Annelies , Chamos Apostolos , Aridon Gwenaelle , Silveira Daniel , Lechuga Francisco Javier Colmenero , Soto Isabel , Gancet Jeremi , Shilton Mark , Jankovic Marko , Vogel Torsten
Published: February 2022

Space robotics technologies are maturing, bringing new capabilities for In-orbit Services, Manufacturing and Assembly (ISMA). These capabilities will generate on-orbit services improving the orbital infrastructure, creating in turn a very promising business opportunity in terms of market volume. The establishment of a European capacity is necessary for building this new space infrastructure and to capture a fair part of this market. The concrete objectives of the PERIOD project are focusing on the main levers to generate the capabilities, which are the further maturation of the space robotics technologies and the definition of an in-orbit demonstration to be implemented as early as 2026. In the frame of the PERASPERA Strategic Research Cluster (SRC), key enabling products have been selected for technology maturation aiming at an increased technology readiness level (TRL). In support of the PERIOD activities, ESROCOS, ERGO and InFuse will be developed to TRL5 after an alignment of their perimeter to the demonstration objectives. The Standard Interconnects (SI), already at TRL5 at project start, will be tested in a benchmark for evaluating their performance. These SRC building blocks will be integrated in a breadboard at Airbus for supporting the system definition work. The PERIOD Consortium bringing together the competencies of Airbus Defence and Space, DFKI, EASN-TIS, GMV, ISISPACE, SENER Aerospacial and Space Application Services is proposing a very ambitious demonstration scenario and Factory concept. A satellite will be manufactured in an Orbital Factory to be designed in the study at SRR level and injected in LEO for operations. The manufacturing includes the fabrication of an antenna, the assembly of the satellite components and its reconfiguration and inspection in the Factory. Throughout the demonstration mission, the PERIOD facility will be upgraded to extend the level of capability validation from assembly and manufacturing of structures to attachment and refuelling experiments. Dissemination activities will maximize the impact of the project toward the Space Community. This demonstration covers the short and mid-to-long term ISMA business cases and will support the transition into the in-space services, assembly and manufacturing paradigm.
The TecALSens project: new solutions for load sensors in aeronautics
Authors: Carli Valerio
Published: February 2022

In this paper the TecALSens project, developed within the Systems ITD of the Clean Sky 2 programme, is presented. The objective of the project is to design and validate a novel load sensor for aeronautic application based on thin-film sensing technology. So far, thin-film as sensing element has not been used in commercial aeronautic products: The outcome of this project tries to close this gap by providing a new class of load sensors complying with demanding aeronautic requirements. More and all electric aircraft configuration can benefit from the implementation of force measurement. This is an example of revolutionary approach to A/C design and a key enabler for achieving the environmental goals set by the European agenda up to 2050. Current project activities show very promising results: TecALSens provides a new approach to the design and manufacturing of load sensors for aeronautic applications. Especially, this new class of load sensors overcomes some of the drawbacks of strain gauge-based solutions. The final outcome of the project complies with the expected technology readiness level (TRL) 5. TecALSens outcome widens the possibilities offered by force sensing in aeronautics and strongly supports the evolution of aircraft design toward a more environmental friendly approach.
Fault-tolerant control via four-leg inverter of a full-electric propulsion system for lightweight fixed-wing UAVs
Authors: Rito Gianpietro Di , Suti Aleksander , Galatolo Roberto
Published: February 2022

The work deals with the development and the performance characterization of a novel control strategy for the detection, isolation and accommodation of coil faults in a three-phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), used to drive the propeller of a modern lightweight fixed-wing UAV. The health-monitoring algorithms on motor currents (used to detect the open-circuit fault and to activate the control reconfiguration) are based on a slope method, associated to the evaluation of the current phasor trajectory in the Clarke plane. Actually, when an open-circuit fault occurs in PMSM driven by a standard three-leg converter, the typical circular trajectory of the current phasor in the Clarke plane collapses into a linear track and relevant torque ripples are generated. On the other hand, if the PMSM is driven by a four-leg converter, a control reconfiguration can be applied: the fourth leg of the power bridge is in stand-by when the system operates without faults, but it is enabled to regulate the current flowing at the central point of the Y connection of the 3-phase PMSM. The performances of the fault-tolerant algorithms are assessed via detailed nonlinear simulation of the propulsion system (including propeller loads, electrical faults, mechanical transmission compliance, digital signal processing and sensors errors). The results demonstrate that the health-monitoring algorithms and the fault-tolerant control strategies permit to obtain extremely small detection and isolation latencies, and negligible performance degradation in terms PMSM torque.
Enabling In-Flight Connectivity with the new Generation of Electronically Steered Antennas
Authors: Gonzalez Manuel J , Ruiz Ana , Pellon Alberto , Flores Jose Luis , Garcia Palma , Howland Keith , Silverthorn Nigel , Perez-de-Diego Jaime
Published: February 2022

In-flight communication (IFC) services offered to passengers and crew are of great importance to the air transport sector. The improvement of the satellite capacity with High Throughput Satellites (HTS) in GEO and the advent of MEO and LEO constellations will support the forecast growth of the IFC market. Antenna equipment for satellite communications will need to address multiple scenarios from G2G (Gate-to-Gate) to multi-operation under GEO-MEO-LEO systems. Under these conditions, antennas with the ability to track multiple satellites and having superior performance and reliability will play a key role. Electronically steered antennas (ESA) have emerged as a viable solution in response to these demands. The EU-funded LESAF project proposes an ESA solution of reduced size and greater efficiency for the next generation of in-flight connectivity services. This will be managed through the requirements definition, system analysis, technology assessment, prototyping and validation of ESAs. The project has successfully passed the first milestone corresponding to requirements consolidation, baseline architecture definition and candidate technology trade-offs. Multi-beam Electronically Steered Antennas, separated apertures for both transmission and reception, a flexible modular approach coupled with planar multilayer integration and an advanced beamformer design are the basis for the proposed concept. The following project phase will be focused on the design and validation of an antenna demonstrator aimed at proving the superior added value of ESAs technological solution for the aviation industry needs.
Quantum capacitive coupling between large-angle twisted graphene layers
Authors: Mreńca-Kolasińska Alina , Rickhaus Peter , Zheng Giulia , Richter Klaus , Ihn Thomas , Ensslin Klaus , Liu Ming-Hao
Published: February 2022

Large-angle twisted bilayer graphene (tBLG) is known to be electronically decoupled due to the spatial separation of the Dirac cones corresponding to individual graphene layers in the reciprocal space. The close spacing between the layers causes strong capacitive coupling, opening possibilities for applications in atomically thin devices. Here, we present a self-consistent quantum capacitance model for the electrostatics of decoupled graphene layers, and further generalize it to deal with decoupled tBLG at finite magnetic field and large-angle twisted double bilayer graphene at zero magnetic field. We probe the capacitive coupling through the conductance, showing good agreement between simulations and experiments for all the systems considered. We also propose a new experiment utilizing the decoupling effect to induce a huge and tunable bandgap in bilayer graphene by applying a moderately low bias. Our model can be extended to systems composed of decoupled graphene multilayers as well as non-graphene systems, opening a new realm of quantum-capacitively coupled materials.
Embodied Prosodic Training Helps Improve Accentedness and Suprasegmental Accuracy
Authors: Baills Florence , Alazard-Guiu Charlotte , Prieto Pilar
Published: February 2022

With increasing evidence in favour of embodied learning techniques, more research is needed to explore eventual applications in the field of second language acquisition, for example, the effect of embodied training on phonological learning. This study investigated how pronunciation was affected by visuospatial hand gestures depicting speech rhythm and intonation during the oral repetition of logatomes (i.e. a series of identical nonsense CV syllables that maintain prosodic structure intact). Seventy-five Catalan learners of French participated in three training sessions with short dialogues, in one of three conditions: speech-only, non-embodied logatome, and embodied logatome. Before and after the training period, participants carried out an identical pre- and posttest which consisted of reading four dialogues aloud. Their oral output was evaluated in terms of fluency, comprehensibility, accentedness, and suprasegmental and segmental features by three native French speakers. While all three groups significantly improved in all measures after training, the embodied logatome group improved significantly more in terms of accentedness and suprasegmental features compared with the speech-only group, while the non-embodied logatome group did not.
Librator: a platform for the optimized analysis, design, and expression of mutable influenza viral antigens
Authors: Li Lei , Changrob Siriruk , Fu Yanbin , Stovicek Olivia , Guthmiller Jenna J , McGrath Joshua J C , Dugan Haley L , Stamper Christopher T , Zheng Nai-Ying , Huang Min , Wilson Patrick C
Published: February 2022

Artificial mutagenesis and protein engineering have laid the foundation for antigenic characterization and universal vaccine design for influenza viruses. However, many methods used in this process require manual sequence editing and protein expression, limiting their efficiency and utility in high-throughput applications. More streamlined in silico tools allowing researchers to properly analyze and visualize influenza viral protein sequences with accurate nomenclature are necessary to improve antigen design and productivity. To address this need, we developed Librator, a system for analyzing and designing custom protein sequences of influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) glycoproteins. Within Librator’s graphical interface, users can easily interrogate viral sequences and phylogenies, visualize antigen structures and conservation, mutate target residues and design custom antigens. Librator also provides optimized fragment design for Gibson Assembly of HA and NA expression constructs based on peptide conservation of all historical HA and NA sequences, ensuring fragments are reusable and compatible across related subtypes, thereby promoting reagent savings. Finally, the program facilitates single-cell immune profiling, epitope mapping of monoclonal antibodies and mosaic protein design. Using Librator-based antigen construction, we demonstrate that antigenicity can be readily transferred between HA molecules of H3, but not H1, lineage viruses. Altogether, Librator is a valuable tool for analyzing influenza virus HA and NA proteins and provides an efficient resource for optimizing recombinant influenza antigen synthesis.
Fréchet sufficient dimension reduction for random objects
Authors: Ying Chao , Yu Zhou
Published: February 2022

We consider Fréchet sufficient dimension reduction with responses being complex random objects in a metric space and high-dimensional Euclidean predictors. We propose a novel approach, called the weighted inverse regression ensemble method, for linear Fréchet sufficient dimension reduction. The method is further generalized as a new operator defined on reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces for nonlinear Fréchet sufficient dimension reduction. We provide theoretical guarantees for the new method via asymptotic analysis. Intensive simulation studies verify the performance of our proposals, and we apply our methods to analyse handwritten digit data and real-world affective face data to demonstrate its use in real applications.
Perspectives on Coping with Post-traumatic Stress and Substance Use Disorders: A Photovoice Study
Authors: Dell Nathaniel A , Brandt-Lubart Kyle , Maynard Brandy R
Published: February 2022

This photovoice study explores the experiences of adaptive coping and safety amongst adults with co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD). Participants (n = 6) were purposively sampled from Seeking Safety groups at a community mental health centre in the United States of America. Participants identified primarily as women (83 per cent), white (50 per cent) and had a mean age of 42 years (standard deviation = 11). Data were gathered through individual photo-elicitation interviews. Through reflexive thematic analysis, the authors generated five themes related to coping safely with distress: (1) similar to other views on mental health recovery, the process of learning to cope with distress was framed as a journey; (2) participants cited several behavioural and meaning-making strategies for coping with distress; (3) feelings of agency were promoted through mastery of wellness skills; (4) healthy personal and professional relationships contributed to positive growth and use of adaptive coping strategies; and (5) participants’ social and physical environments greatly impacted perceptions of safety. Findings provide new evidence on the range of adaptive coping strategies persons with SUD and PTSD employ to realise feelings of safety and the assets relationships and communities can provide to support post-traumatic growth and recovery.
The effect of external stimulation on functional networks in the aging healthy human brain
Authors: Escrichs Anira , Sanz Perl Yonatan , Martínez-Molina Noelia , Biarnes Carles , Garre-Olmo Josep , Fernández-Real José Manuel , Ramos Rafel , Martí Ruth , Pamplona Reinald , Brugada Ramon , Serena Joaquin , Ramió-Torrentà Lluís , Coll-De-Tuero Gabriel , Gallart Luís , Barretina Jordi , Vilanova Joan C , Mayneris-Perxachs Jordi , Saba Luca , Pedraza Salvador , Kringelbach Morten L , Puig Josep , Deco Gustavo
Published: February 2022

Understanding the brain changes occurring during aging can provide new insights for developing treatments that alleviate or reverse cognitive decline. Neurostimulation techniques have emerged as potential treatments for brain disorders and to improve cognitive functions. Nevertheless, given the ethical restrictions of neurostimulation approaches, in silico perturbation protocols based on causal whole-brain models are fundamental to gaining a mechanistic understanding of brain dynamics. Furthermore, this strategy could serve to identify neurophysiological biomarkers differentiating between age groups through an exhaustive exploration of the global effect of all possible local perturbations. Here, we used a resting-state fMRI dataset divided into middle-aged (N =310, <65 years) and older adults (N =310, $\geq $65) to characterize brain states in each group as a probabilistic metastable substate (PMS) space. We showed that the older group exhibited a reduced capability to access a metastable substate that overlaps with the rich club. Then, we fitted the PMS to a whole-brain model and applied in silico stimulations in each node to force transitions from the brain states of the older- to the middle-aged group. We found that the precuneus was the best stimulation target. Overall, these findings could have important implications for designing neurostimulation interventions for reversing the effects of aging on whole-brain dynamics.
Environmental enrichment recruits activin A to recalibrate neural activity in mouse hippocampus
Authors: Dahlmanns Marc , Dahlmanns Jana Katharina , Schmidt Carla C , Valero-Aracama Maria Jesus , Zheng Fang , Alzheimer Christian
Published: February 2022

The TGF-β family member activin A modulates neural underpinnings of cognitive and affective functions in an activity-dependent fashion. We have previously shown that exploration of a novel and enriched environment (EE) strongly enhanced activin signaling. Whereas the many beneficial effects of EE are amply documented, the underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. Here, we examined the hypothesis that EE recruits activin to regulate synaptic plasticity in a coordinated, cognition-promoting manner. Elevated activin levels after EE enhanced CA1 pyramidal cell excitability, facilitated synaptic transmission, and promoted long-term potentiation. These EE-induced changes were largely absent in mice expressing a dominant-negative mutant of activin receptor IB. We then interrogated the impact of activin on network oscillations and functional connectivity, using high-speed Ca 2+ imaging to study spike routing within networks formed by dissociated primary hippocampal cultures. Activin facilitated Ca2+ signaling, enhanced the network strength, and shortened the weighted characteristic path length. In the slice preparation, activin promoted theta oscillations during cholinergic stimulation. Thus, we advance activin as an activity-dependent and very early molecular effector that translates behavioral stimuli experienced during EE exposure into a set of synchronized changes in neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, and network activity that are all tuned to improve cognitive functions.
Management of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the United States: Summary of Evidence From the Development of the 2020 Gonorrhea Treatment Recommendations and the 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sexually Transmitted Infection Treatment Guidelines
Authors: Barbee Lindley A , St. Cyr Sancta B
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Neisseria gonorrhoeae has developed resistance to all first-line recommended therapies, making gonococcal antimicrobial resistance a major public health concern given limited antibiotic options currently and an even smaller antimicrobial development pipeline. Since the release of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2015 STD Treatment Guidelines, azithromycin, part of the 2015 dual-drug treatment regimen, has had a rapid rise in resistance. The 2020 CDC Gonorrhea Treatment Recommendations and the 2021 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Treatment Guidelines were developed weighing the priorities of treating the individual, protecting the population, and preventing antimicrobial resistance.

Methods

Gonorrhea subject matter experts (SME) generated 8 key questions and conducted a literature review of updated data from 2013 to 2019 on gonorrhea antimicrobial resistance, treatment failures, clinical trials, and other key topics. More than 2200 abstracts were assessed, and 248 clinically relevant articles were thoroughly reviewed. SMEs also evaluated N gonorrhoeae antimicrobial resistance data from the Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project (GISP).

Evidence

Although there have been reports of ceftriaxone treatment failures internationally, GISP data suggest that ceftriaxone minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) have remained stable in the United States, with < 0.1% exhibiting an “alert value” MIC (> 0.25 mcg/mL). However, GISP documented a rapid rise in the proportion of isolates with an elevated MIC (≥ 2.0 mcg/mL) to azithromycin—nearly 5% in 2018. At the same time, new pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data are available, and there is greater recognition of the need for antimicrobial stewardship.

The 2021 CDC STI Treatment Guidelines now recommend 500mg ceftriaxone intramuscularly once for the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea at all anatomic sites. If coinfection with chlamydia has not been excluded, cotreatment with doxycycline 100mg twice daily for 7 days should be added. Few alternative therapies exist for persons with cephalosporin allergies; there are no recommended alternative therapies for N gonorrhoeae infection of the throat.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection by Intranasal or Intratesticular Route Induces Testicular Damage
Authors: Li Can , Ye Zhanhong , Zhang Anna Jin Xia , Chan Jasper Fuk Woo , Song Wenchen , Liu Feifei , Chen Yanxia , Kwan Mike Yat Wah , Lee Andrew Chak Yiu , Zhao Yan , Wong Bosco Ho Yin , Yip Cyril Chik Yan , Cai Jian Piao , Lung David Christopher , Sridhar Siddharth , Jin Dongyan , Chu Hin , To Kelvin Kai Wang , Yuen Kwok Yung
Published: February 2022

Background

The role of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the pathogenesis of testicular damage is uncertain.

Methods

We investigated the virological, pathological, and immunological changes in testes of hamsters challenged by wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and its variants with intranasal or direct testicular inoculation using influenza virus A(H1N1)pdm09 as control.

Results

Besides self-limiting respiratory tract infection, intranasal SARS-CoV-2 challenge caused acute decrease in sperm count, serum testosterone and inhibin B at 4–7 days after infection; and chronic reduction in testicular size and weight, and serum sex hormone at 42–120 days after infection. Acute histopathological damage with worsening degree of testicular inflammation, hemorrhage, necrosis, degeneration of seminiferous tubules, and disruption of orderly spermatogenesis were seen with increasing virus inoculum. Degeneration and death of Sertoli and Leydig cells were found. Although viral loads and SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein expression were markedly lower in testicular than in lung tissues, direct intratesticular injection of SARS-CoV-2 demonstrated nucleocapsid expressing interstitial cells and epididymal epithelial cells, While intranasal or intratesticular challenge by A(H1N1)pdm09 control showed no testicular infection or damage. From 7 to 120 days after infection, degeneration and apoptosis of seminiferous tubules, immune complex deposition, and depletion of spermatogenic cell and spermatozoa persisted. Intranasal challenge with Omicron and Delta variants could also induce similar testicular changes. This testicular damage can be prevented by vaccination.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 can cause acute testicular damage with subsequent chronic asymmetric testicular atrophy and associated hormonal changes despite a self-limiting pneumonia in hamsters. Awareness of possible hypogonadism and subfertility is important in managing convalescent coronavirus disease 2019 in men.
Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis Using Interaction Matrix And Global Attention Neural Network
Authors: Wang Xiaodi , Pan Xiaoge , Yang Tian , Xie Jianhua , Tang Mingwei
Published: February 2022

Aspect-based sentiment analysis aims to identify the sentiment polarity of aspects in a given sentence. Although existing neural network models show promising results, they cannot meet the expectations in the case of a single network structure and limited dataset. When an aspect term composes more than one word, many models use the coarse-grained attention mechanism but lead to the unsatisfactory results. Besides, the relative distance between words in a sentence is always out of consideration. In this paper, we propose a model based on the interaction matrix and global attention mechanism to improve the ability of aspect-based sentiment analysis. First of all, the relative distance features of words in a sentence are initialized to enrich word embedding. Second, classic neural networks are applied to extract the essential features of word embedding in a sentence, such as long short-term memory and convolutional neural network. Third, an interaction matrix and global attention mechanism are combined to calculate weighted scores and measure relationships between aspect terms and context words. Finally, sentiment polarity is represented through a softmax layer. Experimental results on restaurant, laptop and twitter datasets show that the performance of the proposed model is superior to other methods.
Zebrafish information network, the knowledgebase for Danio rerio research
Authors: Bradford Yvonne M , Van Slyke Ceri E , Ruzicka Leyla , Singer Amy , Eagle Anne , Fashena David , Howe Douglas G , Frazer Ken , Martin Ryan , Paddock Holly , Pich Christian , Ramachandran Sridhar , Westerfield Monte
Published: February 2022

The Zebrafish Information Network (zfin.org) is the central repository for Danio rerio genetic and genomic data. The Zebrafish Information Network has served the zebrafish research community since 1994, expertly curating, integrating, and displaying zebrafish data. Key data types available at the Zebrafish Information Network include, but are not limited to, genes, alleles, human disease models, gene expression, phenotype, and gene function. The Zebrafish Information Network makes zebrafish research data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable through nomenclature, curatorial and annotation activities, web interfaces, and data downloads. Recently, the Zebrafish Information Network and 6 other model organism knowledgebases have collaborated to form the Alliance of Genome Resources, aiming to develop sustainable genome information resources that enable the use of model organisms to understand the genetic and genomic basis of human biology and disease. Here, we provide an overview of the data available at the Zebrafish Information Network including recent updates to the gene page to provide access to single-cell RNA sequencing data, links to Alliance web pages, ribbon diagrams to summarize the biological systems and Gene Ontology terms that have annotations, and data integration with the Alliance of Genome Resources.
Fully resolved assembly of Cryptosporidium parvum
Authors: Menon Vipin K , Okhuysen Pablo C , Chappell Cynthia L , Mahmoud Medhat , Mahmoud Medhat , Meng Qingchang , Doddapaneni Harsha , Vee Vanesa , Han Yi , Salvi Sejal , Bhamidipati Sravya , Kottapalli Kavya , Weissenberger George , Shen Hua , Ross Matthew C , Hoffman Kristi L , Cregeen Sara Javornik , Muzny Donna M , Metcalf Ginger A , Gibbs Richard A , Petrosino Joseph F , Sedlazeck Fritz J
Published: February 2022

Background

Cryptosporidium parvum is an apicomplexan parasite commonly found across many host species with a global infection prevalence in human populations of 7.6%. Understanding its diversity and genomic makeup can help in fighting established infections and prohibiting further transmission. The basis of every genomic study is a high-quality reference genome that has continuity and completeness, thus enabling comprehensive comparative studies.

Findings

Here, we provide a highly accurate and complete reference genome of Cryptosporidium parvum. The assembly is based on Oxford Nanopore reads and was improved using Illumina reads for error correction. We also outline how to evaluate and choose from different assembly methods based on 2 main approaches that can be applied to other Cryptosporidium species. The assembly encompasses 8 chromosomes and includes 13 telomeres that were resolved. Overall, the assembly shows a high completion rate with 98.4% single-copy BUSCO genes.

Conclusions

This high-quality reference genome of a zoonotic IIaA17G2R1 C. parvum subtype isolate provides the basis for subsequent comparative genomic studies across the Cryptosporidium clade. This will enable improved understanding of diversity, functional, and association studies.
Central and Eastern European Infrasound Network: contribution to infrasound monitoring
Authors: Bondár István , Šindelářová Tereza , Ghica Daniela , Mitterbauer Ulrike , Liashchuk Alexander , Baše Jiří , Chum Jaroslav , Czanik Csenge , Ionescu Constantin , Neagoe Cristian , Pásztor Marcell , Pichon Alexis Le
Published: February 2022

The Central and Eastern European Infrasound Network (CEEIN) has been established in 2018 with the collaboration of four research institutes, the Zentralanstalt für Meteorologie and Geodynamik (ZAMG), Vienna, Austria; the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS IAP), Prague, Czech Republic; the Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences of the Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH CSFK), Budapest, Hungary; and the National Institute for Earth Physics (NIEP), Magurele, Romania. The Main Centre of Special Monitoring National Center for Control and Testing of Space Facilities, State Agency of Ukraine joined CEEIN in 2019. We show how the CEEIN infrasound arrays improve the detection capability of the European infrasound network and discuss coherent noise sources observed at CEEIN stations. We present the first CEEIN bulletin (2017–2020) of infrasound-only and seismo-acoustic events and using ground truth events, we demonstrate how adding infrasound observations to seismic data in the location algorithm improves location accuracy.
Are we leaving money on the table in infertility RCTs? Trialists should statistically adjust for prespecified, prognostic covariates to increase power
Authors: Wilkinson J , Showell M , Taxiarchi V P , Lensen S
Published: February 2022

Infertility randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are often too small to detect realistic treatment effects. Large observational studies have been proposed as a solution. However, this strategy threatens to weaken the evidence base further, because non-random assignment to treatments makes it impossible to distinguish effects of treatment from confounding factors. Alternative solutions are required. Power in an RCT can be increased by adjusting for prespecified, prognostic covariates when performing statistical analysis, and if stratified randomization or minimization has been used, it is essential to adjust in order to get the correct answer. We present data showing that this simple, free and frequently necessary strategy for increasing power is seldom employed, even in trials appearing in leading journals. We use this article to motivate a pedagogical discussion and provide a worked example. While covariate adjustment cannot solve the problem of underpowered trials outright, there is an imperative to use sound methodology to maximize the information each trial yields.
Food-Related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents With Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Brown Stephanie C , Whelan Kevin , Frampton Chris , Wall Catherine L , Gearry Richard B , Day Andrew S
Published: February 2022

Background

Food-related quality of life (FRQoL) encompasses the psychosocial elements of eating and drinking. The FRQoL of children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease has not yet been assessed. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of the validated FR-Qol-29 instrument in children with Crohn’s disease (CD).

Methods

Children diagnosed with CD, a shared home environment healthy sibling, and healthy control subjects 6 to 17 years of age were recruited to this single-center, prospective, cross-sectional study. Children or their parent or guardian completed the FR-QoL-29 instrument. Internal consistency was assessed by completing Cronbach’s α. Construct validity was established by correlating the CD FR-QoL-29 sum scores with the Physician Global Assessment and Pediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index scores. The discriminant validity was analyzed using a 1-way analysis of variance, and a Spearman’s correlation coefficient test was completed to identify any correlations associated with FRQoL.

Results

Sixty children or their parent or guardian completed the FR-QoL-29 instrument (10 children in each subgroup). The internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach’s α = 0.938). The mean FR-QoL-29 sum scores were 94.3 ± 27.6 for CD, 107.6 ± 20 for siblings, and 113.7 ± 13.8 for control subjects (P = .005). Those with higher disease activity had worse FRQoL (Physician Global Assessment P = .021 and Pediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index P = .004). Inflammatory bowel disease FR-QoL-29 sum scores correlated with weight (P = .027), height (P = .035), body mass index (P = .023), and age (P = .015).

Conclusions

FRQoL is impaired in children with CD. Healthy siblings also have poorer FRQoL than control subjects. Several clinical factors are associated with poorer FRQoL in children with CD including age and level of nutritional risk (weight, height, and body mass index). Further research is required validate these findings and to develop strategies for the prevention or treatment of impaired FRQoL in children with CD.
Characterization of the Immune Resistance of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Mu Variant and the Robust Immunity Induced by Mu Infection
Authors: Uriu Keiya , Cárdenas Paúl , Muñoz Erika , Barragan Veronica , Kosugi Yusuke , Shirakawa Kotaro , Takaori-Kondo Akifumi ,   Ecuador-COVID19 Consortium, The Genotype to Phenotype Japan (G2P-Japan) Consortium, Ito Jumpei , Yamasoba Daichi , Kimura Izumi , Suganami Mai , Oide Akiko , Yokoyama Miyabishara , Chiba Mika , Nakagawa So , Wu Jiaqi , Takahashi Miyoko , Kazuma Yasuhiro , Nomura Ryosuke , Horisawa Yoshihito , Nagata Kayoko , Yanagida Yohei , Kawai Yugo , Tashiro Yusuke , Kaneda Atsushi , Nakada Taka-aki , Seki Motoaki , Fujiki Ryoji , Shimada Tadanaga , Hirahara Kiyoshi , Yokote Koutaro , Nakayama Toshinori , Irie Takashi , Kawabata Ryoko , Morizako Nanami , Fukuhara Takasuke , Shimizu Kenta , Tsushima Kana , Kubo Haruko , Ikeda Terumasa , Motozono Chihiro , Nasser Hesham , Shimizu Ryo , Yuan Yue , Kitazato Kazuko , Hasebe Haruyo , Ueno Takamasa , Saito Akatsuki , Butlertanaka Erika P , Tanaka Yuri L , Tokunaga Kenzo , Ozono Seiya , Sadamasu Kenji , Asakura Hiroyuki , Yoshida Isao , Nagashima Mami , Yoshimura Kazuhisa , Márquez Sully , Prado-Vivar Belén , Becerra-Wong Mónica , Carvajal Mateo , Trueba Gabriel , Rojas-Silva Patricio , Grunauer Michelle , Gutierrez Bernardo , Guadalupe Juan José , Fernández-Cadena Juan Carlos , Andrade-Molina Derly , Baldeon Manuel , Pinos Andrea , Sato Kei
Published: February 2022

Background

We have recently revealed that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Mu variant shows a pronounced resistance to antibodies elicited by natural SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination.

Methods

However, it remains unclear which mutations determine the resistance of SARS-CoV-2 Mu to antiviral sera. In addition, it is unclear how SARS-CoV-2 Mu infection induces antiviral immunity.

Results

In this study, we reveal that the 2 mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 Mu spike protein, YY144-145TSN and E484K, are responsible for the resistance to coronavirus disease 2019 convalescent sera during early 2020 and vaccine sera.

Conclusions

It is notable that the convalescent sera of SARS-CoV-2 Mu-infected individuals are broadly antiviral against Mu as well as other SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and interest.
Trends in Rotavirus Laboratory Detections and Internet Search Volume Before and After Rotavirus Vaccine Introduction and in the Context of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic—United States, 2000–2021
Authors: Burnett Eleanor , Parashar Umesh D , Winn Amber , Tate Jacqueline E
Published: February 2022

Background

Since rotavirus vaccines became available in the United States in 2006, there have been reductions in rotavirus hospitalizations, changes in seasonality, and the emergence of a biennial trend of rotavirus activity. Reductions in other pathogens have been associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mitigation measures. We assessed ongoing rotavirus disease trends during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We report a 3-week moving average of the number of rotavirus tests, positive tests, and the percent positivity from laboratories reporting to the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) from July 2000 through June 2021. To complement NREVSS data, we analyzed Google internet search interest in “rotavirus” from July 2004 to June 2021.

Results

Declines in rotavirus activity following vaccine introduction and the biennial trend are evident through the 2018–2019 surveillance year. In 2019–2021, rotavirus test positivity was below the historic ranges during the months of typically high rotavirus activity, and precipitous declines were noted in March 2020.

Conclusions

In the 15 years since rotavirus vaccine was introduced, the number of laboratory-detected rotavirus infections has been consistently lower than during the prevaccine era. During the COVID-19 pandemic, rotavirus activity was suppressed. There may be many rotavirus-susceptible children during the 2021–2022 rotavirus season.
Determination of Highly Polar and Ionic Pesticides in Grape and Pomegranate Using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Shinde Raviraj , Banerjee Kaushik
Published: February 2022

Background

Residues of polar pesticides cannot be determined by QuEChERS-based multiresidue extractions because of their non-amenability to reverse-phase chromatographic separation and poor recoveries. On the other hand, single-residue methods pose limitations because of the various requirements of sample preparation and LC-MS/MS conditions. A new multiresidue method is thus warranted for rapid and simultaneous analysis of polar pesticides.

Objective

The study developed a multiresidue method for the simultaneous analysis of glyphosate and its metabolite (aminomethylphosphonic acid, AMPA), glufosinate and its metabolites (3-methylphosphinicopropionic acid and N-acetyl-glufosinate), ethephon, fosetyl-aluminum and its metabolite (phosphonic acid), and trimesium in grape and pomegranate by LC-MS/MS.

Method

The homogenized samples (10 g) were extracted with acidified methanol (20 mL). An aliquot of the extract was diluted with acetonitrile (1 + 1) and measured by LC-MS/MS using a Torus DEA column. The performance of a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) column and an “anionic polar pesticides” (APP) column was also evaluated.

Results

The method performance on the Torus DEA column was satisfactory for all compounds (recoveries = 77–104%, repeatability-RSD, <11%) at limit of quantification (LOQ) (0.01 mg/kg), and with higher levels in grape and pomegranate. The only exception was AMPA, which had an LOQ of 0.05 mg/kg. In the APP column, AMPA could be determined with an LOQ of 0.01 mg/kg. Trimesium, which had poor retention in Torus DEA, performed better in an XBridge HILIC column (retention time = 4.2 min, LOQ = 0.01 mg/kg). The inter-laboratory validation experiment yielded comparable results with high accuracy and precision.

Conclusions

The method could screen the residues of all compounds on a Torus DEA column. For AMPA and trimesium, the APP and XBridge HILIC columns provided superior method performances. Since isotopically labeled internal standards were not required, the method appeared cost-effective. Considering its compliance with the SANTE/12682/2019 validation guidelines and EU-MRLs, the method can be recommended for regulatory testing purposes.

Highlights

A high-throughput residue analysis method targeting nine polar and ionic compounds in grape and pomegranate involved a single multiresidue extraction, followed by direct analysis using LC-MS/MS. A satisfactory method performance was achieved through intra- and inter-laboratory validation. The method sensitivity met the EU-MRLs and the SANTE/12682/2019 analytical quality control criteria.
Experiences, Difficulties, and Coping Methods of Burn Nurses: An Exploratory-Descriptive Qualitative Study
Authors: Karahan Sabri , Erbas Atiye , Tuncbilek Zahide
Published: February 2022

Caring for burn patients is both physically and emotionally exhausting for nurses. Each nurse can experience different emotions and make different senses of these experiences. This study was conducted to determine the experiences of nurses who care for burn patients. The study conducted as an exploratory-descriptive qualitative study. Six nurses participated in the study who work in the burn units of a university hospital. Data were obtained by the semistructured face-to-face interviews. The transcription of audio records from interviews was performed, and these transcriptions were analyzed using the thematic analysis method. Codes and subthemes were extracted and the main themes were reached. These themes were gathered under two contexts and reported. Under the context of experience, the themes of “emotional challenge,” “physical difficulties,” and “psychological difficulties,” and nine subthemes were created. Under the context of coping, the themes of “coping methods” and “motivation” as well as eight subthemes, were created under these themes. It was found that nurses who provide care to burn patients face emotional and physical difficulties; however, they do not have effective coping methods and adequate support. The biggest source of support for nurses was again seen to be nurses. In line with these results, it is important that nurses experienced in burn care support junior nurses, nurses who work in such clinics are allowed to use coping mechanisms, and professional support should be provided to these nurses.
Humor Reduces Online Incivility
Authors: Elsayed Yomna , Hollingshead Andrea B
Published: February 2022

Online incivility is a persistent issue facing many news and social media platforms. To better understand it, we examined whether humorous content reduced online incivility and whether the (in)civility of another user might mitigate or amplify this effect in two experiments (Study 1, N = 122; Study 2, N = 208). Participants in both experiments read an online opinion article about an instance of negative stereotyping and provided a comment on a simulated online news forum. The first study manipulated article humor (humorous vs. not humorous). The second study manipulated humor and the (in)civility of a previous user’s comment (civil vs. uncivil). In both studies, humor-reduced incivility. Anger mediated this effect. Source liking mediated the positive effect of humor on reducing anger. The (in)civility of a previous comment did not affect these results. Overall, the findings point to the value of humor and anger reduction in managing online incivility.

Lay Summary

Online incivility is a common occurrence in online public forums. This article investigated factors that may reduce incivility in two online experiments. The first experiment tested whether humor reduced anger and subsequently the incivility of participants’ comments towards a negative stereotype-challenging op-ed article. The second experiment tested whether exposure to civil and uncivil previous user comments influenced the civility of participants’ comments. Humor was found to reduce online incivility by reducing feelings of anger and increasing liking towards the author in both experiments. Exposure to another user’s comment, whether civil or uncivil, did not appear to influence the civility of participants’ comments, suggesting that article content is a more likely trigger for online incivility.
The real-world safety of atezolizumab as second-line or later treatment in Japanese patients with non-small-cell lung cancer: a post-marketing surveillance study
Authors: Ohe Yuichiro , Yamazaki Naoya , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Murakami Haruyasu , Yoh Kiyotaka , Kitano Shigehisa , Hashimoto Hideyuki , Murayama Ayako , Nakane Sayuri , Gemma Akihiko
Published: February 2022

Background

We conducted a post-marketing surveillance study to evaluate the clinical tolerability and safety of atezolizumab in Japanese patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

This prospective, observational post-marketing cohort study was conducted in NSCLC patients who received atezolizumab 1200 mg every 3 weeks at 770 facilities in Japan between April 18, 2018, and March 31, 2020 (study number UMIN000031978). Case report forms were completed, recording patient characteristics, treatment details, adverse events, adverse drug reactions (ADRs), their severity, onset and outcomes. Follow-up was for 12 months or until atezolizumab discontinuation.

Results

Overall, 2570 patients were included, median age was 69.0 years, and 69.9% were males. ADRs were reported in 29.1% of patients, most commonly pyrexia (4.2%). Grade ≥ 3 ADRs occurred in 9.7% of patients aged <75 and 9.7% of those aged ≥75 years. The incidence of Grade ≥ 3 ADRs was not affected by the number of lines of previous treatment or the presence or history of an autoimmune disorder. Immune-related ADRs of interest that occurred in >1% of patients were interstitial lung disease (ILD; 4.4%), endocrine disorder (4.3%), and hepatic dysfunction (2.8%). ILD was significantly more common in patients with a history of, or concurrent, ILD versus those without (P ≤ 0.001). Risk factors of Grade ≥ 3 ADRs were a history of, or concurrent, ILD. Grade 5 ADRs occurred in 35 patients, 11 of whom had concurrent ILD.

Conclusions

This large cohort study confirmed the clinical tolerability of atezolizumab in a real-world group of Japanese patients with NSCLC.