bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Projecting future nitrogen inputs: are we making the right assumptions?
Authors: Vishwakarma Srishti , Zhang Xin , Mueller Nathaniel D
Published: April 2022

Global use of reactive nitrogen (N) has increased over the past century to meet growing food and biofuel demand, while contributing to substantial environmental impacts. Addressing continued N management challenges requires anticipating pathways of future N use. Several studies in the scientific literature have projected future N inputs for crop production under a business-as-usual scenario. However, it remains unclear how using yield response functions to characterize a given level of technology and management practices (TMP) will alter the projections when using a consistent dataset. In this study, to project N inputs to 2050, we developed and tested three approaches, namely ‘Same nitrogen use efficiency (NUE)’, ‘Same TMP’, and ‘Improving TMP’. We found the approach that considers diminishing returns in yield response functions (‘Same TMP’) resulted in 268 Tg N yr−1 of N inputs, which was 61 and 48 Tg N yr−1 higher than when keeping NUE at the current level with and without considering changes in crop mix, respectively. If TMP continue to evolve at the pace of past five decades, projected N inputs reduce to 204 Tg N yr−1, a value that is still 59 Tg N yr−1 higher than the inputs in the baseline year 2006. Overall, our results suggest that assuming a constant NUE may be too optimistic in projecting N inputs, and the full range of projection assumptions need to be carefully explored when investigating future N budgets.
Every drop matters: combining population-based and satellite data to investigate the link between lifetime rainfall exposure and chronic undernutrition in children under five years in rural Burkina Faso
Authors: Yeboah Edmund , Kuunibe Naasegnibe , Mank Isabel , Parisi Diletta , Bonnet Emmanuel , Lohmann Julia , Hamadou Saidou , Picbougoum Bernadette T , Belesova Kristine , Sauerborn Rainer , Baernighausen Till , Danquah Ina , De Allegri Manuela
Published: April 2022

Climate change is projected to induce extreme and irregular rainfall patterns in the West African Sahel region, affecting household food security and income. Children are among the worst affected population groups. Previous studies focusing on rainfall irregularities in specified periods have revealed how child health and nutritional status are impacted, especially in rural settings. However, the aggregated effect of rainfall over a lifetime on chronic child undernutrition remains poorly understood. We conducted a multilevel regression using a 2017 household survey from rural Burkina Faso containing 12 919 under-five-year-old children and their corresponding household rainfall data. The rainfall data originated from the Climate Hazards Infrared Precipitation with Stations monthly dataset with a native resolution of 4.8 km (0.05°). We show that an increase in rainfall below 75 mm monthly average tends to produce poor nutritional outcomes (regression coefficient = −0.11***; 95% CI = −0.13, −0.10; p < 0.001) in rural Burkina Faso children. We found a consistent negative relationship between different sex and household wealth groups, but not age groups. Vulnerable younger children were more affected by the adverse effects of increased rainfall, while older children seemed to handle it better. Our methodological approach tracing the impact of rainfall over children’s lifetimes makes a meaningful contribution to the portfolio of tools for studying the complex relationship between climate change and health outcomes. Our work confirms that rainfall is a risk factor for chronic child undernutrition, highlighting the need for adaptation strategies that boost household and community resilience to counteract the harmful impacts of climate change on child nutritional status.
Evidence of vapor shielding effect on heat flux loaded on flowing liquid lithium limiter in EAST
Authors: LI Chenglong , ZUO Guizhong , MANIGI R , TRITZ K , ANDRUCZYK D , ZHANG Bin , LIANG Ruirong , OLIVER D , SUN Zhen , XU Wei , MENG Xiancai , HUANG Ming , TANG Zhongliang , GAO Binfu , YAN Ning , HU Jiansheng
Published: April 2022

A lithium (Li) vapour layer was formed around a flowing liquid Li limiter to shield against the plasma incident power and reduce limiter heat flux in the EAST tokamak. The results revealed that after a plasma operation of a few seconds, the layer became clear, which indicated a strong Li emission with a decrease in the limiter surface temperature. This emission resulted in a dense vapour around the limiter, and Li ions moved along the magnetic field to form a green shielding layer on the limiter. The plasma heat flux loaded on the limiter, measured by the probe installed on the limiter, was approximately 52% lower than that detected by a fast-reciprocating probe at the same radial position without the limiter in EAST. Additionally, approximately 42% of the parallel heat flux was dissipated directly with the enhanced Li radiation in the discharge with the liquid metal infused trenches (LIMIT) limiter. This observation revealed that the Li vapour layer exhibited an excellent shielding effect to liquid Li on plasma heat flux, which is a possible benefit of liquid-plasma-facing components in future fusion devices.
Radiation shielding design of the CFETR polarimeter interferometer and CO2 dispersion interferometer
Authors: HONG Bo , LAN Changlin , PAN Xiaodong , XU Chao , LIU Haiqing
Published: April 2022

A three-wave based laser polarimeter/interferometer and a CO2 laser dispersion interferometer are used to determine the electron and current density profiles on a Chinese fusion engineering test reactor (CFETR). Radiation shielding is designed for the combination of polarimeter/interferometer and CO2 dispersion interferometer. Furthermore, neutronics models of the two systems are developed based on the engineering-integrated design of CFETR polarimeter/interferometer and CO2 dispersion interferometer and the major material components of CFETR. The polarimeter/interferometer and CO2 dispersion interferometer’s neutron and photon transport simulations were performed using the Monte Carlo neutral transport code to determine the energy deposition and neutron energy spectrum of the optical mirrors. The energy depositions of the first mirrors on the polarimeter/interferometer are reduced by three orders with the whole shielding. Since the mirrors of CO2 dispersion interferometer are very close to the diagnostic first wall, shielding space is limited and the CO2 dispersion interferometer energy deposition is higher than that of the polarimeter/interferometer. The dose rate after shutdown 106 s in the back-drawer structure has been estimated to be 83 μSv h−1 when the radiation shield is filled in the diagnostic shielding modules, which is below the design threshold of 100 μSv h−1. Radiation shielding design plays a key role in successfully applying polarimeter/interferometer and CO2 dispersive interferometer in CFETR.
Effects of three typical grass cultivation patterns on the community structure of soil mites in rocky desertification control area, Guizhou, China
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Authors: Wei Qiang , Zhou Yuanyuan , Xiao Niejia , Huang Ju , Xiao Hua , Chen Hu
Published: April 2022

The use of grass cultivation in the restoration of degraded ecosystems is widespread, in order to reveal the effect of different grass cultivation patterns on the community structure of soil mites in the integrated management area of rocky desertification. In April and July 2021, a total of 2782 soil mites belonging to 3 orders, 42 families, and 73 genera were captured from three typical grass cultivation, Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata and Trifolium repens, and the traditional Zea mays as a control sample, in the integrated management area of potential-light rocky desertification in the karst plateau mountains of Salaxi, Guizhou Province. The soil mite community structure was analyzed using number of taxa (genera), number of individuals, diversity index, community similarity index, MI index of predatory mites, and MGP analysis of oribatid mite ecological taxa. The results showed that: (1) The summer has a more prosperous composition and diversity of soil mites across habitats, while the dominant genera of soil mites show a differential distribution across habitats; the number of soil mite genera, individuals and individual densities was significantly higher in the three grass cultivation habitats than the Zea mays habitat, and surface aggregation of soil mites is more pronounced. (2) There were differences in soil mite community structure among the three grass cultivation patterns, with a regularity of Lolium perenne > Dactylis glomerata > Trifolium repens in the composition of soil mites genera and the number of individuals, and the proportion of shared genera was not high. (3) The diversity of soil mites varied according to the environment and season, with the highest diversity of soil mites in Lolium perenne habitats; both the community similarity analysis and the CCA analysis showed that Lolium perenne and Dactylis glomerata habitats had the highest similarity of soil mite communities (4) Predatory mites were dominated by r-selective ecotypes, and oribatida were dominated by O and P type ecotypes under the three habitat patterns. (5) Soil nutrient conditions were more favorable in Trifolium repens habitats, while soil water content was higher in Dactylis glomerata environment, and correlation analysis indicated that TK was a key environmental factor influencing soil mite community composition and diversity. Based on the above results, it is further elaborated that the artificial grass restoration model not only improves the nutrient supply of soil N, P, and K but also significantly increases the composition and diversity of soil mite species, which is beneficial to the restoration of soil mite communities and is very helpful in terms of achieving self-sustainability and restoration of soil functions in rocky desertification areas.
Recent progress in the use of thermogelling polymers for treatment of ophthalmic conditions
Authors: Omar Jasmin , Dreiss Cécile A , Loh Xian Jun
Published: April 2022

Ocular diseases have serious implications on patients’ lives, with the majority causing blindness if left untreated. In 2020 it was estimated that 43 million people were blind worldwide which is expected to increase to 61 million by 2050. Due to the eye’s complex structure and defence mechanisms, there has been an ongoing challenge to deliver drugs which can penetrate the eyes’ barrier and reside at the site of action. Recent advances focus on the use of hydrogels, in particular temperature-responsive hydrogels, ‘thermogels’, to improve the properties of current therapies. Formulating a hydrogel-based system has shown to increase the bioavailability and biodegradability, provide a sustained release profile, enhance the drug permeation and residence time, as well as reduce the frequency of applications. This article provides a review of progress made over the past 5 years (2017–2021) using ‘thermogels’ for the treatment of some common or life-threatening ophthalmic conditions.
The Euler characteristic and topological phase transitions in complex systems
Authors: de Amorim Filho Edgar C , Moreira Rodrigo A , N Santos Fernando A
Published: April 2022

In this work, we use methods and concepts of applied algebraic topology to comprehensively explore the recent idea of topological phase transitions (TPTs) in complex systems. TPTs are characterized by the emergence of nontrivial homology groups as a function of a threshold parameter. Under certain conditions, one can identify TPTs via the zeros of the Euler characteristic or by singularities of the Euler entropy. Recent works provide strong evidence that TPTs can be interpreted as the intrinsic fingerprint of a complex network. This work illustrates this possibility by investigating various networks from a topological perspective. We first review the concept of TPTs in brain networks and discuss it in the context of high-order interactions in complex systems. We then investigate TPTs in protein–protein interaction networks using methods of topological data analysis for two variants of the duplication–divergence model. We compare our theoretical and computational results to experimental data freely available for gene co-expression networks ofS. cerevisiae, also known as baker’s yeast, as well as of the nematodeC. elegans. Supporting our theoretical expectations, we can detect TPTs in both networks obtained according to different similarity measures. We then perform numerical simulations of TPTs in four classical network models: the Erdős–Rényi, the Watts–Strogatz, the random geometric, and the Barabasi–Albert models. Finally, we discuss the relevance of these insights for network science. Given the universality and wide use of those network models across disciplines, our work indicates that TPTs permeate a wide range of theoretical and empirical networks, offering promising avenues for further research.
Development of pups born to rats established as a model of underweight Japanese women and the onset of impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Takemori Kumiko , Yoshimoto Kaito , Aoki Kana , Matsuo Takuya , Kometani Takashi
Published: April 2022

An increasing number of Japanese women of childbearing age are underweight (BMI <18.5), but the association between this and the increased number of low-birth-weight babies born remains unclear. Here, a rat model was established to mimic the undernutrition (85% of the energy required for those with normal activity levels) experienced by such women, and to evaluate the associated impaired glucose tolerance. The undernourished Wistar rat group showed increased serum corticosterone level reflecting stress, and greater adrenal weight and size. It also showed greater insulin resistance, higher expression of FOXO-1, a transcription factor related to muscle atrophy, and lower expression of p-Akt, an insulin-dependent signaling factor. Overall, this work shows the key role of undernutrition during pregnancy as a cause of impaired glucose tolerance and increased diabetes risk in offspring. The findings of this study may inform pre-emptive measures to prevent the development of metabolic syndrome in offspring of undernourished mothers.
TBC1D21 is an essential factor for sperm mitochondrial sheath assembly and male fertility
Authors: Chen Yongjie , Chen Xiu , Zhang Haihang , Sha Yanwei , Meng Ranran , Shao Tianyu , Yang Xiaoyan , Jin Pengpeng , Zhuang Yinghua , Min Wanping , Xu Dan , Jiang Zhaodi , Li Yuhua , Li Lin , Yue Wentao , Yin Chenghong
Published: April 2022

During spermiogenesis, the formation of the mitochondrial sheath is critical for male fertility. The molecular processes that govern the development of the mitochondrial sheath remain unknown. Whether TBC1D21 serves as a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) for GTP hydrolysis in the testis is unclear, despite recent findings indicating that it collaborates with numerous proteins to regulate the formation of the mitochondrial sheath. To thoroughly examine the property of TBC1D21 in spermiogenesis, we applied the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate the Tbc1d21−/− mice, Tbc1d21D125A R128K mice with mutation in the GAP catalytic residues (IxxDxxR), and Tbc1d21-3xFlag mice. Male Tbc1d21−/− mice were infertile due to the curved spermatozoa flagella. In vitro fertilization is ineffective for Tbc1d21−/− sperm, although healthy offspring were obtained by intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Electron microscopy revealed aberrant ultrastructural changes in the mitochondrial sheath. Thirty-four Rab vectors were constructed followed by co-immunoprecipitation, which identified RAB13 as a novel TBC1D21 binding protein. Interestingly, infertility was not observed in Tbc1d21D125A R128K mice harboring the catalytic residue, suggesting that TBC1D21 is not a typical GAP for Rab-GTP hydrolysis. Moreover, TBC1D21 was expressed in the sperm mitochondrial sheath in Tbc1d21-3xFlag mice. Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry demonstrated the interactions of TBC1D21 with ACTB, TPM3, SPATA19, and VDAC3 to regulate the architecture of the sperm midpiece. The collective findings suggest that TBC1D21 is a scaffold protein required for the organization and stabilization of the mitochondrial sheath morphology.
Male fertility preservation and restoration strategies for patients undergoing gonadotoxic therapies
Authors: Tran Kien T D , Valli-Pulaski Hanna , Colvin Amanda , Orwig Kyle E
Published: April 2022

Medical treatments for cancers or other conditions can lead to permanent infertility. Infertility is an insidious disease that impacts not only the ability to have a biological child but also the emotional well-being of the infertile individuals, relationships, finances, and overall health. Therefore, all patients should be educated about the effects of their medical treatments on future fertility and about fertility preservation options. The standard fertility preservation option for adolescent and adult men is sperm cryopreservation. Sperms can be frozen and stored for a long period, thawed at a later date, and used to achieve pregnancy with existing assisted reproductive technologies. However, sperm cryopreservation is not applicable for prepubertal patients who do not yet produce sperm. The only fertility preservation option available to prepubertal boys is testicular tissue cryopreservation. Next-generation technologies are being developed to mature those testicular cells or tissues to produce fertilization-competent sperms. When sperm and testicular tissues are not available for fertility preservation, inducing pluripotent stem cells derived from somatic cells, such as blood or skin, may provide an alternative path to produce sperms through a process call in vitro gametogenesis. This review describes standard and experimental options to preserve male fertility as well as the experimental options to produce functional spermatids or sperms from immature cryopreserved testicular tissues or somatic cells.
Social Workers’ Attitudes towards Evidence-based Practice: A Multidimensional Perspective
Authors: Kagan Maya
Published: April 2022

The current study presents a multidimensional model that integrates social workers’ demographics, organisational context variables, evidence-based practice (EBP)-related factors and mental health variables and explores their contribution to social workers’ attitudes to implementing EBP. This model aims to fill a gap in the limited empirical knowledge regarding the relative and joint contribution of these factors to explaining social workers’ attitudes towards EBP, with an emphasis on mental health-related factors not sufficiently explored in this context to date. Structured questionnaires were administered to a sample of 560 Israeli social workers. The research findings revealed that length of professional experience, role ambiguity, work overload and burnout were negatively associated with attitudes to EBP. In contrast, possession of professional skills required for EBP implementation, workplace social support, organisational encouragement to implement EBP, exposure to colleagues’ implementation of EBP and subjective well-being were positively associated with social workers’ attitudes to EBP. No association was found between self-reported familiarity with EBP principles and attitudes to EBP. Improving social workers’ organisational climate, remediating necessary EBP-related skills and encouraging the implementation and modelling of EBP at work, as well as addressing social workers’ mental health issues, may significantly improve their attitudes towards implementing EBP in their professional practice.
Sustained Effect on Hepatitis C Elimination Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study: A Systematic Re-Screening for Hepatitis C RNA Two Years Following a Nation-Wide Elimination Program
Authors: Kusejko Katharina , Salazar-Vizcaya Luisa , Shah Cyril , Stöckle Marcel , Béguelin Charles , Schmid Patrick , Ongaro Marie , Darling Katherine , Bernasconi Enos , Rauch Andri , Kouyos Roger D , Günthard Huldrych F , Böni Jürg , Fehr Jan S , Braun Dominique L ,   Swiss HIV Cohort Study, Abela I , Aebi-Popp K , Anagnostopoulos A , Battegay M , Bernasconi E , Braun D L , Bucher H C , Calmy A , Cavassini M , Ciuffi A , Dollenmaier G , Egger M , Elzi L , Fehr J , Fellay J , Furrer H , Fux C A , Günthard H F , Hachfeld A , Haerry D , Hasse B , Hirsch H H , Hoffmann M , Hösli I , Huber M , Kahlert C R , Kaiser L , Keiser O , Klimkait T , Kouyos R D , Kovari H , Kusejko K , Martinetti G , Martinez de Tejada B , Marzolini C , Metzner K J , Müller N , Nemeth J , Nicca D , Paioni P , Pantaleo G , Perreau M , Rauch A , Schmid P , Speck R , Stöckle M , Tarr P , Trkola A , Wandeler G , Yerly S
Published: April 2022

Background

The Swiss HCVree Trial (NCT 02785666) was conducted in 2015–2017 with the goal of implementing a population-based systematic hepatitis C virus (HCV) micro-elimination program among men who have sex with men (MSM) with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) enrolled in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). The trial led to a 91% and 77% decline of HCV prevalence and incidence, respectively. The long-term effect of this HCV micro-elimination program is yet to be explored.

Methods

All MSM enrolled in the SHCS were screened for HCV RNA using stored plasma samples obtained in 2019, termed “Swiss HCVree Post” screen. The incidence of HCV infection over time was assessed using additional information on HCV testing routinely collected in the SHCS. Characteristics of participants with replicating HCV infection were analyzed.

Results

The point-prevalence of “Swiss HCVree Post” (N = 4641) was 0.6%, reflecting a decline of 48% compared to the end of the Swiss HCVree Trial where the prevalence was 1.2%. Further, the incidence of HCV among MSM in the SHCS declined from 0.31/100 person-years (py) (95% confidence interval [CI] [.17, .55]) in 2017 to 0.19/100 py (95% CI [.09, .39]) in 2019.

Conclusions

A systematic HCV RNA-based screening among MSM with HIV conducted 2 years after the Swiss HCVree Trial revealed a sustained effect and further decline of the prevalence and incidence of replicating HCV infection. This indicates that the Swiss HCVree Trial was successful in curbing the HCV epidemic among MSM with HIV in Switzerland.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02785666.
Genotype Distribution and Demographic Characteristics of Hepatitis C Virus Nucleic Acid Testing Yield Cases Among US Blood Donors
Authors: Groves Jamel , Dodd Roger Y , Foster Gregory A , Stramer Susan L
Published: April 2022

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection rates among US blood donors have been well characterized; however, few studies evaluated HCV genotypes among blood donors. Monitoring trends in disease and demographic patterns contributes to understanding the safety of the blood supply. We examined the demographic characteristics and distribution of HCV genotypes/subgenotypes for nearly a 16-year period among blood donors confirmed positive for HCV RNA but antibody negative (defined as nucleic acid testing [NAT] yield).

Methods

A retrospective assessment of demographic characteristics and testing data was used to determine temporal trends and geographical distribution of HCV genotypes/subgenotypes among American Red Cross blood donors confirmed positive as HCV-NAT yield.

Results

From 2003–2018, 343 donors (0.38/100 000 donations; 95% CI, .35–.43) were confirmed positive as HCV-NAT–yield cases. Temporal analysis revealed a significant increase in HCV-NAT–yield cases of 54.1% between 2009 and 2014 (P = .014), followed by a significant decline of 31.4% between 2015 and 2018 (P = .002). Significantly more HCV-NAT–yield cases were detected among first-time donors, non-Hispanic Whites, donors aged 20–29 years, equally likely to be males as females, with the highest frequency in the South (0.52/100 000 donations). Subgenotype 1a (49.6%) was most frequent, followed by 3a (18.7%), 2b (12.5%), 1b (8.5%), and 2a (1.7%).

Conclusions

Voluntary nonremunerated blood donors are at low risk for HCV infection. Since 2015, the frequency of HCV-NAT–yield cases decreased despite an increase in acute HCV infection in the general population. HCV subgenotypes 1a and 3a continue to remain predominant among US blood donors with recent HCV infection.
Risk Factors and Multidimensional Assessment of Long Coronavirus Disease Fatigue: A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Margalit Ili , Yelin Dana , Sagi Moshe , Rahat Maya Merav , Sheena Liron , Mizrahi Nadav , Gordin Yael , Agmon Hadar , Epstein Nitzan Karny , Atamna Alaa , Tishler Ori , Daitch Vered , Babich Tanya , Abecasis Donna , Yarom Yoni , Kazum Shirit , Shitenberg Dorit , Baltaxe Erik , Elkana Odelia , Shapira-Lichter Irit , Leibovici Leonard , Yahav Dafna
Published: April 2022

Background

Fatigue is the most prevalent and debilitating long-COVID (coronavirus disease) symptom; however, risk factors and pathophysiology of this condition remain unknown. We assessed risk factors for long-COVID fatigue and explored its possible pathophysiology.

Methods

This was a nested case-control study in a COVID recovery clinic. Individuals with (cases) and without (controls) significant fatigue were included. We performed a multidimensional assessment evaluating various parameters, including pulmonary function tests and cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and implemented multivariable logistic regression to assess risk factors for significant long-COVID fatigue.

Results

A total of 141 individuals were included. The mean age was 47 (SD: 13) years; 115 (82%) were recovering from mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Mean time for evaluation was 8 months following COVID-19. Sixty-six (47%) individuals were classified with significant long-COVID fatigue. They had a significantly higher number of children, lower proportion of hypothyroidism, higher proportion of sore throat during acute illness, higher proportions of long-COVID symptoms, and of physical limitation in daily activities. Individuals with long-COVID fatigue also had poorer sleep quality and higher degree of depression. They had significantly lower heart rate [153.52 (22.64) vs 163.52 (18.53); P = .038] and oxygen consumption per kilogram [27.69 (7.52) vs 30.71 (7.52); P = .036] at peak exercise. The 2 independent risk factors for fatigue identified in multivariable analysis were peak exercise heart rate (OR: .79 per 10 beats/minute; 95% CI: .65–.96; P = .019) and long-COVID memory impairment (OR: 3.76; 95% CI: 1.57–9.01; P = .003).

Conclusions

Long-COVID fatigue may be related to autonomic dysfunction, impaired cognition, and decreased mood. This may suggest a limbic-vagal pathophysiology.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT04851561.
Using iRNA-seq analysis to predict gene expression regulatory level and activity in Zea mays tissues
Authors: Schulte Lauren M , Koirtyohann Kathryn M , McGinnis Karen M
Published: April 2022

Plants regulate gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels to produce a variety of functionally diverse cells and tissues that ensure normal growth, development, and environmental response. Although distinct gene expression patterns have been characterized between different plant tissues, the specific role of transcriptional regulation of tissue-specific expression is not well-characterized in plants. RNA-seq, while widely used to assay for changes in transcript abundance, does not discriminate between differential expression caused by mRNA degradation and active transcription. Recently, the presence of intron sequences in RNA-seq analysis of libraries constructed with total RNA has been found to coincide with genes undergoing active transcription. We have adapted the intron RNA-sequencing analysis to determine genome-wide transcriptional activity in 2 different maize (Zea mays) tissues: husk and V2-inner stem tissue. A total of 5,341 genes were predicted to be transcriptionally differentially expressed between the 2 tissues, including many genes expected to have biological activity relevant to the functional and developmental identity of each tissue. Correlations with transcriptional enhancer and transcription factor activity support the validity of intron RNA-sequencing predictions of transcriptional regulation. A subset of transcription factors was further analyzed using gene regulatory network analysis to determine the possible impact of their activation. The predicted regulatory patterns between these genes were used to model a potential gene regulatory network of transcription factors and regulatory targets.
An attenuating, isotropic and heterogeneous uppermost inner core: evidence from global PKiKP-PKIKP amplitude ratio tomography
Authors: Ivan Marian , Petrescu Laura , Wang Rongjiang
Published: April 2022

The Earth's inner core is solidifying from the liquid outer core, where convection currents power the geodynamo. Constraining properties of the inner core is fundamentally important, yet seismic models do not reconcile body wave and normal mode attenuation properties. Here, we analyse high signal-to-noise ratio core-refracted (PKIKP) and core-reflected (PKiKP) waves generated by earthquakes recorded globally between 1987 and 2021. These phases are excellent indicators of uppermost inner core (UIC) properties due to their low angular separation at the core–mantle boundary and similar ray paths. We analyse their amplitude ratios (ARs) and time delays (DTs) relative to synthetic waveforms and estimate the required attenuation perturbations in a linearized attenuation tomography. The UIC is cylindrically isotropic and heterogeneous in both seismic velocity and attenuation. Contrary to the paradigm that the inner core is seismically hemispherical, we find more complex patterns of attenuation that correlate with seismic velocities, according to both Akaike criterion and Student's t-test. The UIC beneath NE Asia is weakly attenuating and seismically slower, in contrast to the expected properties associated with the quasi-Eastern Hemisphere. Beneath South America, where the core is thought to grow fastest, AR values are more diverse, possibly reflecting interdendritic melt inclusions, and DTs show an E–W gradient. The UIC is seismically slow and weakly attenuating beneath the Atlantic, but strong anomalies emerge near West Africa. Attenuation slightly changes with depth conceivably implying an increase in melt degree or a change in inner core growth rate with time. These 3-D heterogeneities are inconsistent with simple models of core translation or lopsided growth, indicating that more intricate processes are needed to explain inner core structure and evolution.
Reliability and validity of the PHQ-8 in first-time mothers who used assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Pavlov C , Egan K , Limbers C
Published: April 2022

STUDY QUESTION

Is the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) a valid and reliable measure of depression in first-time mothers who conceived via ART?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The results from this study provide initial support for the reliability and validity of the PHQ-8 as a measure of depression in mothers who have conceived using ART.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Women who achieved a clinical pregnancy using ART experience many stressors and may be at an increased risk of depression. The PHQ-8 is a brief measure designed to detect the presence and severity of depressive symptoms. It has been validated in many populations; however, it has not been validated for use in this population.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This is a cross-sectional study of 171 first-time mothers in the USA, recruited through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk).

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

The reliability of the PHQ-8 was measured through a Cronbach’s alpha, the convergent validity was measured through the correlation between the PHQ-8 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) measure of anxiety symptoms, and the structural validity was measured through a Confirmatory Factor Analysis.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The Cronbach’s alpha for the total PHQ-8 was acceptable (α = 0.922). The correlation between the PHQ-8 and the GAD-7 was large (r = 0.88) indicating good convergent validity. Ultimately, a bifactor model provided the best model fit (χ2(13) = 23.8, P = 0.033; Comparative Fit Index = 0.987; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.07, Tucker–Lewis Index = 0.972).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The results are limited by: the predominantly white and well-educated sample, a lack of causation between the use of artificial reproductive technology and depressive symptoms, including mothers with children up to 5 years old, convergent validity being based on associations with a related construct instead of the same construct, lack of test-retest reliability, divergent validity and criterion-related validity, data collected through MTurk, and the fact that the measures used were all self-report and therefore may be prone to bias.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Consistent with previous literature, a bifactor model for the PHQ-8 was supported. As such, when assessing depression in first-time mothers who conceived via ART, using both the PHQ-8 total score and subdomain scores may yield the most valuable information. The results from this study provide preliminary support for the reliability and validity of the PHQ-8 as a measure of depression in first-time mothers who conceived using ART.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

No specific funding was used for the completion of this study. Throughout the study period and manuscript preparation, the authors were supported by the department funds at Baylor University. The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.
Improving ‘needless’ waits in an obstetric ER: implementing an obstetric triage system in a tertiary hospital in Ghana
Authors: Oduro Frederick , Hillary Otchi Elom , Coleman Jerry , Dodoo Joyce , Srofenyoh Emmanuel
Published: April 2022

Background

Maternal mortality is the bane of obstetric practice in sub-Saharan Africa. The delay in receiving care upon arrival in a hospital is a significant contributor to maternal mortalities. Obstetric triaging allows the prioritization of care based on patient acuity. This allows orderly access to care and reduces delays in the health facility.

Methods

This study was a quality improvement project that set out to establish an obstetric triaging system in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) starting in December 2016, and assess its impact primarily on the pre-implementation waiting time of 4.2 h, 1 year on after implementation. The project was scheduled in phases which included training, development of an Obstetric Emergency System, development of process maps, and reorganization of care, infrastructural works all culminating in the establishment of a Triage System.

Results

Results from data collected 1 year on showed an average reduction in waiting time from 4.2 h (252 min) to an average of 138.8 min.

Conclusions

Triaging has helped to improve the timeliness and has added a patient-centered approach to care offered in the Obstetric Emergency of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Representing narrative evidence as clinical evidence logic statements
Authors: Lacson Ronilda , Eskian Mahsa , Cochon Laila , Gujrathi Isha , Licaros Andro , Zhao Anna , Vetrano Nicole , Schneider Louise , Raja Ali , Khorasani Ramin
Published: April 2022

Objective

Clinical evidence logic statements (CELS) are shareable knowledge artifacts in a semistructured “If-Then” format that can be used for clinical decision support systems. This project aimed to assess factors facilitating CELS representation.

Materials and Methods

We described CELS representation of clinical evidence. We assessed factors that facilitate representation, including authoring instruction, evidence structure, and educational level of CELS authors. Five researchers were tasked with representing CELS from published evidence. Represented CELS were compared with the formal representation. After an authoring instruction intervention, the same researchers were asked to represent the same CELS and accuracy was compared with that preintervention using McNemar’s test. Moreover, CELS representation accuracy was compared between evidence that is structured versus semistructured, and between CELS authored by specialty-trained versus nonspecialty-trained researchers, using χ2 analysis.

Results

261 CELS were represented from 10 different pieces of published evidence by the researchers pre- and postintervention. CELS representation accuracy significantly increased post-intervention, from 20/261 (8%) to 63/261 (24%, P value < .00001). More CELS were assigned for representation with 379 total CELS subsequently included in the analysis (278 structured and 101 semistructured) postintervention. Representing CELS from structured evidence was associated with significantly higher CELS representation accuracy (P = .002), as well as CELS representation by specialty-trained authors (P = .0004).

Discussion

CELS represented from structured evidence had a higher representation accuracy compared with semistructured evidence. Similarly, specialty-trained authors had higher accuracy when representing structured evidence.

Conclusion

Authoring instructions significantly improved CELS representation with a 3-fold increase in accuracy. However, CELS representation remains a challenging task.
Contribution of the anaerobic blood culture vial for the recovery of Candida glabrata: A retrospective multicentric study
Authors: Farfour Eric , Le Brun Cecile , Mizrahi Assaf , Bargain Pauline , Durieux Marie-Fleur , Boquel Frédérique , Corvec Stéphane , Jeddi Fakhri , Muggeo Anaëlle , Huguenin Antoine , Barraud Olivier , Amara Marlène , Fihman Vincent , Bailly Eric , Botterel Françoise , Guillard Thomas , Vasse Marc ,   GMC study group, Guillouzouic Aurélie , d'Epenoux Louise Ruffier , Bémer Pascale , Juvin Marie-Emmanuelle , Woerther Paul-Louis , Foulet Francoise , Ammar Nawel Ait , Le Pape Patrice , Villena Isabelle , Des Champs Christophe , Mereghetti Laurent , Desoubeaux Guillaume , Le Monnier Alban , Ajzenberg Daniel , Maneglier Benjamin
Published: April 2022

Although Candida spp are aerobic microorganisms, some Candida strains, mainly Candida glabrata, can be recovered from anaerobic blood culture vials. We assessed the contribution of the anaerobic vials for the diagnosis of candidemia, especially for C. glabrata. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study including eight university or regional hospitals. A single episode of monomicrobial candidemia per patient was included from September 1st, 2016, to August 31st, 2019. The characteristics of all aerobic and anaerobic blood culture vials sampled within 2 h before and after the first positive blood culture vials were recorded (type of vials, result, and for positive vials time-to-positivity and Candida species). Overall, 509 episodes of candidemia were included. The main species were C. albicans (55.6%) followed by C. glabrata (17.1%), C. parapsilosis (4.9%), and C. tropicalis (4.5%). An anaerobic vial was positive in 76 (14.9%) of all episodes of which 56 (73.8%) were due to C. glabrata. The number of C. glabrata infections only positive in anaerobic vials was 1 (2.6%), 1 (11.1%), and 15 (37.5%) with the BACT/ALERT 3D the BACT/ALERT VIRTUO and the BACTEC FX instrument, respectively (P < 0.01). The initial positivity of an anaerobic vial was highly predictive of the isolation of C. glabrata with the BACTEC FX (sensitivity of 96.8%). C. glabrata time-to-positivity was shorter in anaerobic vial than aerobic vial with all instruments. Anaerobic blood culture vials improve the recovery of Candida spp mainly C. glabrata. This study could be completed by further analyses including mycological and pediatric vials.

Lay summary

Although Candida spp are aerobic microorganisms, C. glabrata is able to grow in anaerobic conditions. In blood culture, the time-to-positivity of C. glabrata is shorter in anaerobic than aerobic vials. Only the anaerobic vial was positive in up to 15 (37.5%) C. glabrata bloodstream infections.
Chemical abundance of z ~ 6 quasar broad-line regions in the XQR-30 sample
Authors: Lai Samuel , Bian Fuyan , Onken Christopher A , Wolf Christian , Mazzucchelli Chiara , Bañados Eduardo , Bischetti Manuela , Bosman Sarah E I , Becker George , Cupani Guido , D’Odorico Valentina , Eilers Anna-Christina , Fan Xiaohui , Farina Emanuele Paolo , Onoue Masafusa , Schindler Jan-Torge , Walter Fabian , Wang Feige , Yang Jinyi , Zhu Yongda
Published: April 2022

The elemental abundances in the broad-line regions of high-redshift quasars trace the chemical evolution in the nuclear regions of massive galaxies in the early Universe. In this work, we study metallicity-sensitive broad emission-line flux ratios in rest-frame UV spectra of 25 high-redshift (5.8 < z < 7.5) quasars observed with the VLT/X-shooter and Gemini/GNIRS instruments, ranging over $\log \left({{M}_{\rm {BH}}/\rm {M}_{\odot }}\right) = 8.4-9.8$ in black hole mass and $\log \left(\rm {L}_{\rm {bol}}/\rm {erg \, s}^{-1}\right) = 46.7-47.7$ in bolometric luminosity. We fit individual spectra and composites generated by binning across quasar properties: bolometric luminosity, black hole mass, and blueshift of the C iv line, finding no redshift evolution in the emission-line ratios by comparing our high-redshift quasars to lower redshift (2.0 < z < 5.0) results presented in the literature. Using cloudy-based locally optimally emitting cloud photoionization model relations between metallicity and emission-line flux ratios, we find the observable properties of the broad emission lines to be consistent with emission from gas clouds with metallicity that are at least 2–4 times solar. Our high-redshift measurements also confirm that the blueshift of the C iv emission line is correlated with its equivalent width, which influences line ratios normalized against C iv. When accounting for the C iv blueshift, we find that the rest-frame UV emission-line flux ratios do not correlate appreciably with the black hole mass or bolometric luminosity.
Preparing for low surface brightness science with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory: Characterization of tidal features from mock images
Authors: Martin G , Bazkiaei A E , Spavone M , Iodice E , Mihos J C , Montes M , Benavides J A , Brough S , Carlin J L , Collins C A , Duc P A , Gómez F A , Galaz G , Hernández-Toledo H M , Jackson R A , Kaviraj S , Knapen J H , Martínez-Lombilla C , McGee S , O’Ryan D , Prole D J , Rich R M , Román J , Shah E A , Starkenburg T K , Watkins A E , Zaritsky D , Pichon C , Armus L , Bianconi M , Buitrago F , Busá I , Davis F , Demarco R , Desmons A , García P , Graham A W , Holwerda B , Hon D S -H , Khalid A , Klehammer J , Klutse D Y , Lazar I , Nair P , Noakes-Kettel E A , Rutkowski M , Saha K , Sahu N , Sola E , Vázquez-Mata J A , Vera-Casanova A , Yoon I
Published: April 2022

Tidal features in the outskirts of galaxies yield unique information about their past interactions and are a key prediction of the hierarchical structure formation paradigm. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is poised to deliver deep observations for potentially millions of objects with visible tidal features, but the inference of galaxy interaction histories from such features is not straightforward. Utilizing automated techniques and human visual classification in conjunction with realistic mock images produced using the NewHorizon cosmological simulation, we investigate the nature, frequency, and visibility of tidal features and debris across a range of environments and stellar masses. In our simulated sample, around 80 per cent of the flux in the tidal features around Milky Way or greater mass galaxies is detected at the 10-yr depth of the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (30–31 mag arcsec−2), falling to 60 per cent assuming a shallower final depth of 29.5 mag arcsec−2. The fraction of total flux found in tidal features increases towards higher masses, rising to 10 per cent for the most massive objects in our sample (M⋆ ∼ 1011.5 M⊙). When observed at sufficient depth, such objects frequently exhibit many distinct tidal features with complex shapes. The interpretation and characterization of such features varies significantly with image depth and object orientation, introducing significant biases in their classification. Assuming the data reduction pipeline is properly optimized, we expect the Rubin Observatory to be capable of recovering much of the flux found in the outskirts of Milky Way mass galaxies, even at intermediate redshifts (z < 0.2).
Shocked jets in CCSNe can power the zoo of fast blue optical transients
Authors: Gottlieb Ore , Tchekhovskoy Alexander , Margutti Raffaella
Published: April 2022

Evidence is mounting that recent multiwavelength detections of fast blue optical transients (FBOTs) in star-forming galaxies comprise a new class of transients, whose origin is yet to be understood. We show that hydrogen-rich collapsing stars that launch relativistic jets near the central engine can naturally explain the entire set of FBOT observables. The jet–star interaction forms a mildly relativistic shocked jet (inner cocoon) component, which powers cooling emission that dominates the high velocity optical signal during the first few weeks, with a typical energy of ∼1050–1051 erg. During this time, the cocoon radial energy distribution implies that the optical light curve exhibits a fast decay of $L \,\, \buildrel\propto \over \sim \,\,t^{-2.4}$. After a few weeks, when the velocity of the emitting shell is ∼0.01 c, the cocoon becomes transparent, and the cooling envelope governs the emission. The interaction between the cocoon and the dense circumstellar winds generates synchrotron self-absorbed emission in the radio bands, featuring a steady rise on a month time-scale. After a few months the relativistic outflow decelerates, enters the observer’s line of sight, and powers the peak of the radio light curve, which rapidly decays thereafter. The jet (and the inner cocoon) becomes optically thin to X-rays ∼day after the collapse, allowing X-ray photons to diffuse from the central engine that launched the jet to the observer. Cocoon cooling emission is expected at higher volumetric rates than gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) by a factor of a few, similar to FBOTs. We rule out uncollimated outflows, however, both GRB jets and failed collimated jets are compatible with all observables.
Implications of a net-zero target for India’s sectoral energy transitions and climate policy
Authors: Chaturvedi Vaibhav , Malyan Ankur
Published: April 2022

The IPCC 1.5°C report highlights the criticality of achieving a net-zero (NZ) greenhouse gas future. Many countries have announced their commitments to achieve a NZ future for their economies. India, while doing much more than its ‘fair share’ of mitigation, has yet to announce a NZ year target, presumably owing to the absence of an India-focused analysis on this issue. This study attempts to address this gap by modelling alternative peaking and NZ-year scenarios for India, and highlighting its implications for transition in energy-intensive sectors. We model four combinations of peaking and NZ-year scenarios for India (2030–50, 2030–60, 2040–70, and 2050–80) and a combination of technology availability scenarios related to carbon capture and storage and hydrogen within each of the policy scenarios. We present the implications of these 16 alternative scenarios for the required sectoral transitions across the electricity, transport, building and industrial sectors in India and provide insights for India’s climate policy.