bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extended instability of kinetic ballooning modes induced by ion temperature gradient and impurity in tokamaks
Authors: Shen Yong , Dong J.Q. , Peng X.D. , Han M.K. , He H.D. , Li J.Q.
Published: July 2022

Kinetic ballooning mode (KBM) instability in tokamak plasmas is studied with gyrokinetic theory. It extends and improves on the theory of higher order KBM which is not subject to second stabilization (Hirose et al 1994 Phys. Rev. Lett.
72 3993). It is verified that increasing ion temperature gradient (η

i
) significantly enhances the instability of KBMs, and causes extended instability in the second MHD stable regime. Especially when η

i
 ≳  1, the mode is unstable almost in the whole β space from an experimental point of view, here β is the ratio of kinetic pressure to magnetic pressure. It is found that for the case with a relatively low safety factor (1 ≲ q ≲ 2) and η

i
≈ 0, which is generally in the central regions of a tokamak plasma, the KBM instability can also be extended to the region of β or α far beyond the second MHD stability boundary due only to impurity effect, here α = −Rq
2(dβ/dr). It has characteristics similar to the extended instability induced by η

i
, while its instability window is narrower than the latter. From the observations, the unstable window of extended instability is finite. As the safety factor q and magnetic shear

s

^

(≡ r dq/q dr) increases, the ‘theoretical’ critical β of the second stable regime decreases and the α threshold increases. When the impurity effect is combined with the η

i
effect, the unstable window of the extended instability induced by η

i
can be greatly reduced by the former. In some cases, for instance as η

i
 ≳  1 and q is larger, and in the presence of impurity with mediate mass number, the impurity effect can even make the second stable regime of ‘experimental significance’ re-appear in KBMs. The influence of η

i
and impurity effects on broadening mode structure of KBMs are smaller than q and

s

^

. The stability boundary based on

s

^

–
α

plane confirms the above results.
The concept of the application of modelling and simulation to simplify and reduce the cost of durability tests of vehicles and their components
Authors: Lozia Zbigniew
Published: July 2022

The paper deals with durability tests of road vehicle components. They may be performed in a real work environment or in the laboratory. New or modified structures of vehicles and their components should and are tested in an accelerated manner in real or simulated conditions, corresponding to the anticipated conditions of use. The work presents the concept of using modelling and simulation to determine the inputs during the tests of the car’s structural components (assemblies, subassemblies, and parts), without the need to test the entire vehicle. The author proposes the use of physical and mathematical models of vehicles to determine the excitations affecting the assembly, subassembly, or element of interest during the research tests of the entire vehicle. This approach reduces the dimensionality of the experimental research and limits its scope to the structural node of interest, which in turn reduces the costs. The next, more extensive publication will present an exemplary application of the presented concept.
Quasi-static research of cornering stiffness for selected tires of UTV/ATV vehicles
Authors: Jackowski J , Żmuda M , Wieczorek M
Published: July 2022

The cornering stiffness is an important feature of the tire influences the dynamic behavior of the vehicle in curvilinear motion. The article presents results of quasi-static research of cornering stiffness. Two non-pneumatic tires (NPTs) of similar size and a pneumatic tire for utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) were selected for the research. The analysis of the research results showed a significant influence of the flexible structure of NPTs on the values of lateral forces.
The influence of seatback reclination on body kinematics during low-speed frontal impact
Authors: Górniak A , Górniak W , Matla J , Zawiślak M
Published: July 2022

Safety tests are generally performed in accordance with strict procedures that involve the use of a carefully positioned dummy. Safety tests are rarely conducted with the occupant being in a non-standard position. In real life driving, occupants, especially passengers, choose a more comfortable reclined position, and in such a case the body dynamics are different from those investigated in the standard safety test. Furthermore, with the rapid development of autonomous vehicles, which provide the possibility of the position of occupants being unrestricted, the investigation of “out of position” body kinetics is becoming more important. The presented study aimed to evaluate body dynamics with various seatback reclinations. Body dynamics were verified by simulating frontal impact on a sled system with the use of a standard 50 percentile Hybrid III dummy. Points of interest located on the dummies head, neck, pelvis, and legs were traced, which allowed its trajectory to be evaluated. Additionally, the maximal extrusion and the time of motion were evaluated. It was found that the maximal extrusion in the longitude direction is the same for semi and fully reclined seats. Furthermore, a reclined seat causes head rotation, which can result in neck injuries.
Driving Simulator as a Tool for Reaction Time Measurement
Authors: Čulík K. , Štefancová V , Kalašová A.
Published: July 2022

The reaction times of a driver were measured in a driving simulator environment in this article. Young drivers under the age of 26 were the focus of the study. They cause many accidents. Each participating driver provided basic information later used for mathematical-statistical analysis. The main advantage of driving simulators is limitless usage. It is possible to simulate situations that would be unacceptable in real road traffic. Therefore, this study could focus also on drivers influenced by alcohol. The main goal of the article is to evaluate the reaction times. Then it was possible to evaluate if gender, practice, and alcohol, statistically significantly affect the reaction time. We also focused on drinking before driving for a smaller number of drivers. For these mathematical-statistical purposes, we used a one-sample t-test, paired-samples t-test, and independent-sample t-test.
Influence of harsh braking parameters on safety of load transport
Authors: Zuska A , Grabski P , Jaśkiewicz M , Jurecki R , Kurczyński D , Łagowski P , Stańczyk T , Szumska E
Published: July 2022

Loads acting on transported cargo are the result of the inertia forces associated with the movement of the motor vehicle. Longitudinal inertia forces acting on the goods transported by a vehicle may result from accelerating or braking the car. The maximum values of acceleration acting on cargo are important in terms of the selection of methods and tools used to secure the transported goods.

The paper presents the results of experimental tests of harsh braking of a tractor unit with a semi-trailer. The experiment was divided into three measurement series. Two of them were carried out on asphalt pavement, while the last one was carried out on concrete pavement. One series consisted of ten braking tests. The values of maximum decelerations recorded during the tests were subjected to statistical analysis and then compared with the values of the average full deceleration of braking determined for individual braking cases.
A three-wheeled vehicle for the disabled people
Authors: Stańko-Pająk K , Bursa B , Seńko J , Detka T , Korczak S , Nowak R , Popiołek K , Lisiecki J , Paczkowski A
Published: July 2022

This article presents the construction of a prototype three-wheeled vehicle for people with disabilities, approved in the L2e category. The vehicle is equipped with a special tilt mechanism that allows people with disabilities, who cannot balance their body, to return to an upright position after completing a driving maneuver on a curve of the road. The tilt angle of the vehicle depends on its speed and steering angle. When designing the vehicle, the availability and price of spare parts for scooters and motorcycles were taken into account to make the vehicle as cheap as possible.
The use of probabilistic networks in the analysis of risks to the components of the bus power system with hydrogen fuel cells
Authors: Kasperek D , Bartnik G , Marciniak A , Małek A , Pieniak D , Gil L
Published: July 2022

Probabilistic networks can be a useful tool for reliability modelling and risk analysis in the operation of technical facilities. In the article, the authors present the method of using probabilistic networks in the analysis of threats to the elements of the electric bus power supply system with a hydrogen fuel cell. Both the use of probabilistic networks as a tool supporting decision-making processes and the use of the latest achievements in the field of non-emission propulsion indicate a new area of research. The article presents the construction of a hydrogen bus with particular emphasis on the hydrogen storage and transmission installation. Next one specific case is considered where there is a leak in the hydrogen system with the simultaneous appearance of an ignition initiator in the form of a short circuit in the electrical system. Authors considered Fault Tree-Event Tree method in context of Bayesian networks technology. The conducted research has shown that there is a real risk of hydrogen explosion in a hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus and that it can be accurately calculated.
On the relationship between Scandinavian extreme precipitation days, atmospheric blocking and Red Sea coral oxygen isotopes
Authors: Rimbu Norel , Felis Thomas
Published: July 2022

In the context of ongoing climate change towards a warmer world, it is important to gain insights into the frequency and intensity of weather and climate extreme events over longer periods of time prior to the start of instrumental observations. Reconstructions of their variability are usually hampered by the rareness of natural archives for the pre-instrumental period that document climate variability at a sub-seasonal resolution. A potential archive for extreme events are annually banded reef corals which incorporate isotopic proxies of temperature and hydrology into their carbonate skeletons at sub-seasonal resolution, grow for centuries, and overlap with the observational period. Here, we investigate the relationship between the frequency of heavy precipitation days in southwestern Scandinavia and colder conditions in the northern Red Sea during winter, as documented by a coral oxygen isotope record from the northernmost area of tropical reef growth in the European sector of the Northern Hemisphere. Statistical analysis of observational data reveals that cold conditions in the northern Red Sea are associated with an increased frequency of heavy precipitation in southwestern Scandinavia. From a synoptic-scale perspective, this teleconnection can be explained by winter atmospheric blocking over mid-latitude Europe, which is a large-scale pattern of atmospheric pressure that can be active for several days or weeks. We show that increased winter blocking activity in the European region is related to an increased frequency of extreme moisture transport by atmospheric rivers affecting southwestern Scandinavia, as well as to an increased meridional advection of cold continental air from the north towards the subtropical northern Red Sea. The coral-based Scandinavian heavy precipitation reconstruction shows strong decadal variations during the pre-instrumental period. Our results provide insights into the frequency of winter atmospheric blocking events and related daily precipitation extremes in the European region, as well as into the impact of mid-latitude climate extremes on coral reef ecosystems in the northern Red Sea, during the last centuries.
Inter-State Conflicts and the Implications for Foreign Intellectual Property Right Holders
Authors: Ferguson Alexander
Published: July 2022

When there is a conflict between states, what happens to a foreigner holding an intellectual property right (IPR) in one of those states? This issue arose recently in the form of economic and diplomatic conflicts. It also arose throughout the 20th Century in the context of armed, economic and diplomatic conflicts. Drawing on those events, I observe three pathways that international law can follow. First, international law can strengthen the hand of the foreign IPR holder. Second, international law can weaken their hand. Third, new or existing protections can be relied upon, but with limited effect. These pathways are illustrated by drawing on mostly well-known treaties and some less well-known disputes brought thereunder.
Comparative health systems analysis of differences in the catastrophic health expenditure associated with non-communicable vs communicable diseases among adults in six countries
Authors: Haakenstad Annie , Coates Matthew , Bukhman Gene , McConnell Margaret , Verguet Stéphane
Published: July 2022

The growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in low- and middle-income countries may have implications for health system performance in the area of financial risk protection, as measured by catastrophic health expenditure (CHE). We compare NCD CHE to the CHE cases caused by communicable diseases (CDs) across health systems to examine whether: (1) disease burden and CHE are linked, (2) NCD CHE disproportionately affects wealthier households and (3) whether the drivers of NCD CHE differ from the drivers of CD CHE. We used the Study on Global Aging and Adult Health survey, which captured nationally representative samples of 44 089 adults in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa. Using two-part regression and random forests, we estimated out-of-pocket spending and CHE by disease area. We compare the NCD share of CHE to the NCD share of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) or years of life lost to disability and death. We tested for differences between NCDs and CDs in the out-of-pocket costs per visit and the number of visits occurring before spending crosses the CHE threshold. NCD CHE increased with the NCD share of DALYs except in South Africa, where NCDs caused more than 50% of CHE cases but only 30% of DALYs. A larger share of households incurred CHE due to NCDs in the lowest than the highest wealth quintile. NCD CHE cases were more likely to be caused by five or more health care visits relative to communicable disease CHE cases in Ghana (P = 0.003), India (P = 0.004) and China (P = 0.093). Health system attributes play a key mediating factor in how disease burden translates into CHE by disease. Health systems must target the specific characteristics of CHE by disease area to bolster financial risk protection as the epidemiological transition proceeds.
HL7 FHIR-based tools and initiatives to support clinical research: a scoping review
Authors: Duda Stephany N , Kennedy Nan , Conway Douglas , Cheng Alex C , Nguyen Viet , Zayas-Cabán Teresa , Harris Paul A
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The HL7® fast healthcare interoperability resources (FHIR®) specification has emerged as the leading interoperability standard for the exchange of healthcare data. We conducted a scoping review to identify trends and gaps in the use of FHIR for clinical research.

Materials and methods

We reviewed published literature, federally funded project databases, application websites, and other sources to discover FHIR-based papers, projects, and tools (collectively, “FHIR projects”) available to support clinical research activities.

Results

Our search identified 203 different FHIR projects applicable to clinical research. Most were associated with preparations to conduct research, such as data mapping to and from FHIR formats (n = 66, 32.5%) and managing ontologies with FHIR (n = 30, 14.8%), or post-study data activities, such as sharing data using repositories or registries (n = 24, 11.8%), general research data sharing (n = 23, 11.3%), and management of genomic data (n = 21, 10.3%). With the exception of phenotyping (n = 19, 9.4%), fewer FHIR-based projects focused on needs within the clinical research process itself.

Discussion

Funding and usage of FHIR-enabled solutions for research are expanding, but most projects appear focused on establishing data pipelines and linking clinical systems such as electronic health records, patient-facing data systems, and registries, possibly due to the relative newness of FHIR and the incentives for FHIR integration in health information systems. Fewer FHIR projects were associated with research-only activities.

Conclusion

The FHIR standard is becoming an essential component of the clinical research enterprise. To develop FHIR’s full potential for clinical research, funding and operational stakeholders should address gaps in FHIR-based research tools and methods.
Tau-binding protein PRMT8 facilitates vacuole degeneration in the brain
Authors: Ishii Ayano , Matsuba Yukio , Mihira Naomi , Kamano Naoko , Saito Takashi , Muramatsu Shin-ichi , Yokosuka Makoto , Saido Takaomi C , Hashimoto Shoko
Published: July 2022

Amyloid-β and tau pathologies are important factors leading to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, the molecular mechanisms that link these pathologies remain unclear. Assuming that important though as yet unidentified factors inhibit/accelerate tau pathology and neuronal cell death under amyloid pathology, we sought to isolate and identify tau-interacting proteins from mouse brains with or without amyloid pathology. Among the proteins that were identified, we focused on protein arginine methyltransferase 8 (PRMT8), which interacts with tau specifically in the absence of amyloid pathology. To investigate the role of PRMT8 in the pathogenesis of AD, we conducted Prmt8 gene deletion and overexpression experiments in AppNL-G-F/MAPT double knock-in mice and analysed the resulting pathological alterations. PRMT8-knockout did not alter the AD pathology in double knock-in mice, whereas PRMT8-overexpression promoted tau phosphorylation, neuroinflammation and vacuole degeneration. To evaluate if such a PRMT8-induced vacuole degeneration depends on tau pathology, PRMT8 was overexpressed in tau-KO mice, which were consequently found to exhibit vacuole degeneration. In addition, proteomic analyses showed that PRMT8 overexpression facilitated the arginine methylation of vimentin. Abnormal protein methylation could be involved in PRMT8-induced brain pathologies. Taken together, PRMT8 may play an important role in the formation of tau pathology and vacuole degeneration.
Cost-Effectiveness of a Telephone-Based Smoking Cessation Randomized Trial in the Lung Cancer Screening Setting
Authors: Cao Pianpian , Smith Laney , Mandelblatt Jeanne S , Jeon Jihyoun , Taylor Kathryn L , Zhao Amy , Levy David T , Williams Randi M , Meza Rafael , Jayasekera Jinani
Published: July 2022

Background

There are limited data on the cost-effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions in lung cancer screening settings. We conducted an economic analysis embedded in a national randomized trial of 2 telephone counseling cessation interventions.

Methods

We used a societal perspective to compare the short-term cost per 6-month bio-verified quit and long-term cost-effectiveness of the interventions. Trial data were used to micro-cost intervention delivery, and the data were extended to a lifetime horizon using an established Cancer Intervention Surveillance and Modeling Network lung cancer model. We modeled the impact of screening accompanied by 8 weeks vs 3 weeks of telephone counseling (plus nicotine replacement) vs screening alone based on 2021 screening eligibility. Lifetime downstream costs (2021 dollars) and effects (life-years gained, quality-adjusted life-years [QALYs]) saved were discounted at 3%. Sensitivity analyses tested the effects of varying quit rates and costs; all analyses assumed nonrelapse after quitting.

Results

The costs for delivery of the 8-week vs 3-week protocol were $380.23 vs $144.93 per person, and quit rates were 7.14% vs 5.96%, respectively. The least costly strategy was a 3-week counseling approach. An 8-week (vs 3-week) counseling approach increased costs but gained QALYs for an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $4029 per QALY. Screening alone cost more and saved fewer QALYs than either counseling strategy. Conclusions were robust in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Telephone-based cessation interventions with nicotine replacement are considered cost-effective in the lung screening setting. Integrating smoking cessation interventions with lung screening programs has the potential to maximize long-term health benefits at reasonable costs.
A newly developed patient fixation system using a dedicated mouthpiece and dental impression materials for head and neck radiotherapy: a preliminary study
Authors: Sakamoto Masataka , Konishi Kenta , Ohira Keiichi , Hirata Masanori , Wakabayashi Kohei , Aramaki Shuhei , Kokubo Ryo , Nakamura Katsumasa
Published: July 2022

We evaluated the basic characteristics and efficacy of our newly developed patient fixation system for head and neck radiotherapy that uses a dedicated mouthpiece and dental impression materials. The present investigation demonstrated that with this system, the changes in the absorbed dose to water depending on the material of the mouthpiece were small, with a maximum of 0.32% for a 10-MV photon beam. For the dental impression material, we selected a silicone material with the lowest Hounsfield unit (HU) value that had little effect on the generation of artifacts and the quality of the X-ray beam. Multiphase magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that the head-up and -down motions in the thermoplastic shell without the mouthpiece were 5.76 ± 1.54 mm, whereas the motion with the mouthpiece decreased significantly to 1.72 ± 0.92 mm (P = 0.006). Similarly, the head-left and -right motion displacement decreased from 6.32 ± 1.86 mm without the mouthpiece to 1.80 ± 0.42 mm with the mouthpiece (P = 0.003). Regarding the tongue depressor function of the mouthpiece, the median distance from the hard palate to the surface of the tongue was 28.42 mm. The present results indicate that the new immobilization device developed herein that uses a mouthpiece and a thermoplastic shell is useful for suppressing patients’ head motions and tongue positions.
The outer stellar mass of massive galaxies: a simple tracer of halo mass with scatter comparable to richness and reduced projection effects
Authors: Huang(黄崧) Song , Leauthaud Alexie , Bradshaw Christopher , Hearin Andrew , Behroozi Peter , Lange Johannes , Greene Jenny , DeRose Joseph , Speagle(沈佳士) Joshua S , Xhakaj Enia
Published: July 2022

Using the weak gravitational lensing data from the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program (HSC survey), we study the potential of different stellar mass estimates in tracing halo mass. We consider galaxies with log10(M⋆/M⊙) > 11.5 at 0.2 < z < 0.5 with carefully measured light profiles, and clusters from the redMaPPer and CAMIRA richness-based algorithms. We devise a method (the ‘Top-N test’) to evaluate the scatter in the halo mass–observable relation for different tracers, and to inter-compare halo mass proxies in four number density bins using stacked galaxy–galaxy lensing profiles. This test reveals three key findings. Stellar masses based on CModel photometry and aperture luminosity within R <30 kpc are poor proxies of halo mass. In contrast, the stellar mass of the outer envelope is an excellent halo mass proxy. The stellar mass within R = [50, 100] kpc, M⋆, [50, 100], has performance comparable to the state-of-the-art richness-based cluster finders at log10Mvir ≳ 14.0 and could be a better halo mass tracer at lower halo masses. Finally, using N-body simulations, we find that the lensing profiles of massive haloes selected by M⋆, [50, 100] are consistent with the expectation for a sample without projection or mis-centring effects. Richness-selected clusters, on the other hand, display an excess at R ∼ 1 Mpc in their lensing profiles, which may suggest a more significant impact from selection biases. These results suggest that M⋆-based tracers have distinct advantages in identifying massive haloes, which could open up new avenues for cluster cosmology. The codes and data used in this work can be found here:
Low-pressure and low-temperature phase equilibria applied to Pluto’s lower atmosphere
Authors: Tan Sugata P
Published: July 2022

While phase equilibria at conditions on Pluto’s surface have been studied, the fate of the equilibria in the lower atmosphere as the altitude increases has not. In this study, the gravitational effect is included in the thermodynamic modelling so that not only the deposition point can be located, but also the vertical pressure and density profiles below the deposition point can be determined, along with the corresponding compositional profiles in the equilibrium phases. The non-ideality of vapour-solid phase equilibria at low pressures and temperatures is also discussed for Pluto’s applications to allow for more accurate calculations if a conventional method, such as modified Raoult’s law, is used.
Quantitative parameters of bacterial RNA polymerase open-complex formation, stabilization and disruption on a consensus promoter
Authors: Bera Subhas C , America Pim P B , Maatsola Santeri , Seifert Mona , Ostrofet Eugeniu , Cnossen Jelmer , Spermann Monika , Papini Flávia S , Depken Martin , Malinen Anssi M , Dulin David
Published: July 2022

Transcription initiation is the first step in gene expression, and is therefore strongly regulated in all domains of life. The RNA polymerase (RNAP) first associates with the initiation factor $\sigma$ to form a holoenzyme, which binds, bends and opens the promoter in a succession of reversible states. These states are critical for transcription regulation, but remain poorly understood. Here, we addressed the mechanism of open complex formation by monitoring its assembly/disassembly kinetics on individual consensus lacUV5 promoters using high-throughput single-molecule magnetic tweezers. We probed the key protein–DNA interactions governing the open-complex formation and dissociation pathway by modulating the dynamics at different concentrations of monovalent salts and varying temperatures. Consistent with ensemble studies, we observed that RNAP-promoter open (RPO) complex is a stable, slowly reversible state that is preceded by a kinetically significant open intermediate (RPI), from which the holoenzyme dissociates. A strong anion concentration and type dependence indicates that the RPO stabilization may involve sequence-independent interactions between the DNA and the holoenzyme, driven by a non-Coulombic effect consistent with the non-template DNA strand interacting with $\sigma$ and the RNAP $\beta$ subunit. The temperature dependence provides the energy scale of open-complex formation and further supports the existence of additional intermediates.
Characterization of sequence contexts that favor alternative end joining at Cas9-induced double-strand breaks
Authors: Hanscom Terrence , Woodward Nicholas , Batorsky Rebecca , Brown Alexander J , Roberts Steven A , McVey Mitch
Published: July 2022

Alternative end joining (alt-EJ) mechanisms, such as polymerase theta-mediated end joining, are increasingly recognized as important contributors to inaccurate double-strand break repair. We previously proposed an alt-EJ model whereby short DNA repeats near a double-strand break anneal to form secondary structures that prime limited DNA synthesis. The nascent DNA then pairs with microhomologous sequences on the other break end. This synthesis-dependent microhomology-mediated end joining (SD-MMEJ) explains many of the alt-EJ repair products recovered following I-SceI nuclease cutting in Drosophila. However, sequence-specific factors that influence SD-MMEJ repair remain to be fully characterized. Here, we expand the utility of the SD-MMEJ model through computational analysis of repair products at Cas9-induced double-strand breaks for 1100 different sequence contexts. We find evidence at single nucleotide resolution for sequence characteristics that drive successful SD-MMEJ repair. These include optimal primer repeat length, distance of repeats from the break, flexibility of DNA sequence between primer repeats, and positioning of microhomology templates relative to preferred primer repeats. In addition, we show that DNA polymerase theta is necessary for most SD-MMEJ repair at Cas9 breaks. The analysis described here includes a computational pipeline that can be utilized to characterize preferred mechanisms of alt-EJ repair in any sequence context.
NURF301 contributes to gypsy chromatin insulator-mediated nuclear organization
Authors: Chen Shue , Rosin Leah F , Pegoraro Gianluca , Moshkovich Nellie , Murphy Patrick J , Yu Guoyun , Lei Elissa P
Published: July 2022

Chromatin insulators are DNA-protein complexes that can prevent the spread of repressive chromatin and block communication between enhancers and promoters to regulate gene expression. In Drosophila, the gypsy chromatin insulator complex consists of three core proteins: CP190, Su(Hw), and Mod(mdg4)67.2. These factors concentrate at nuclear foci termed insulator bodies, and changes in insulator body localization have been observed in mutants defective for insulator function. Here, we identified NURF301/E(bx), a nucleosome remodeling factor, as a novel regulator of gypsy insulator body localization through a high-throughput RNAi imaging screen. NURF301 promotes gypsy-dependent insulator barrier activity and physically interacts with gypsy insulator proteins. Using ChIP-seq, we found that NURF301 co-localizes with insulator proteins genome-wide, and NURF301 promotes chromatin association of Su(Hw) and CP190 at gypsy insulator binding sites. These effects correlate with NURF301-dependent nucleosome repositioning. At the same time, CP190 and Su(Hw) both facilitate recruitment of NURF301 to chromatin. Finally, Oligopaint FISH combined with immunofluorescence revealed that NURF301 promotes 3D contact between insulator bodies and gypsy insulator DNA binding sites, and NURF301 is required for proper nuclear positioning of gypsy binding sites. Our data provide new insights into how a nucleosome remodeling factor and insulator proteins cooperatively contribute to nuclear organization.
Direct adenylation from 5′-OH-terminated oligonucleotides by a fusion enzyme containing Pfu RNA ligase and T4 polynucleotide kinase
Authors: Yang Zhengquan , Zhang Chengliang , Lian Guojun , Dong Shijie , Song Menghui , Shao Hengrong , Wang Jingmei , Zhong Tao , Luo Zhenni , Jin Shengnan , Ding Chunming
Published: July 2022

5′-Adenylated oligonucleotides (AppOligos) are widely used for single-stranded DNA/RNA ligation in next-generation sequencing (NGS) applications such as microRNA (miRNA) profiling. The ligation between an AppOligo adapter and target molecules (such as miRNA) no longer requires ATP, thereby minimizing potential self-ligations and simplifying library preparation procedures. AppOligos can be produced by chemical synthesis or enzymatic modification. However, adenylation via chemical synthesis is inefficient and expensive, while enzymatic modification requires pre-phosphorylated substrate and additional purification. Here we cloned and characterized the Pfu RNA ligase encoded by the PF0353 gene in the hyperthermophilic archaea Pyrococcus furiosus. We further engineered fusion enzymes containing both Pfu RNA ligase and T4 polynucleotide kinase. One fusion enzyme, 8H-AP, was thermostable and can directly catalyze 5′-OH-terminated DNA substrates to adenylated products. The newly discovered Pfu RNA ligase and the engineered fusion enzyme may be useful tools for applications using AppOligos.
Catalyzing industrial decarbonization: the promissory legitimacy of fossil-free Sweden
Authors: Brodén Gyberg Veronica , Lövbrand Eva
Published: July 2022

In 2017, the Swedish parliament adopted a new climate policy framework that lays the foundations for an ambitious decarbonization of all sectors in Swedish society. To live up to the Paris Agreement’s temperature targets, the parliament decided that Sweden should arrive at net zero emissions of greenhouse gases by year 2045 and thereafter aim for net negative emissions. This progressive climate policy agenda is embedded in a strong collaborative discourse. To begin the transition to a fossil-free society, the Swedish government has invited a wide array of actors to join forces in the formulation and implementation of low carbon initiatives. In this article, we examine the fossil-free society as a powerful socio-technical imaginary that underpins this collaborative effort. We trace the promise attached to this future dreamscape and how it is mobilized by the government initiative fossil-free Sweden (FFS) to gain support for industrial decarbonization in the present. Our study draws upon roadmaps produced by FFS together with the Swedish steel, cement and petroleum industry, as well as semi-structured interviews with selected industry actors. We find that the FFS roadmaps work as powerful ‘techniques of futuring’ that invite industry actors to anticipate the risks and opportunities attached to the fossil-free society and at the same time contribute to shaping that society. While effectively involving incumbent actors in the political project of decarbonization, our study suggests that the roadmaps consolidate around an imagined future that is a techno-optimistic extension of the fossil-intensive present.
Efficacy of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Improve Insight in Patients With Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Adam Ondine , Blay Martin , Brunoni Andre R , Chang Hsin-An , Gomes July S , Javitt Daniel C , Jung Do-Un , Kantrowitz Joshua T , Koops Sanne , Lindenmayer Jean-Pierre , Palm Ulrich , Smith Robert C , Sommer Iris E , Valiengo Leandro do Costa Lane , Weickert Thomas W , Brunelin Jérôme , Mondino Marine
Published: July 2022

Background and Hypothesis

Impaired insight into the illness and its consequences is associated with poor outcomes in schizophrenia. While transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may represent a potentially effective treatment strategy to relieve various symptoms of schizophrenia, its impact on insight remains unclear. To investigate whether tDCS would modulate insight in patients with schizophrenia, we undertook a meta-analysis based on results from previous RCTs that investigated the clinical efficacy of tDCS. We hypothesize that repeated sessions of tDCS will be associated with insight improvement among patients.

Study Design

PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were systematically searched to identify RCTs that delivered at least 10 tDCS sessions in patients with schizophrenia. The primary outcome was the change in insight score, assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) item G12 following active tDCS sessions as opposed to sham stimulation. Effect sizes were calculated for all studies and pooled using a random-effects model. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were conducted.

Study Results

Thirteen studies (587 patients with schizophrenia) were included. A significant pooled effect size (g) of −0.46 (95% CI [−0.78; −0.14]) in favor of active tDCS was observed. Age and G12 score at baseline were identified as significant moderators, while change in total PANSS score was not significant.

Conclusions

Ten sessions of active tDCS with either frontotemporoparietal or bifrontal montage may improve insight into the illness in patients with schizophrenia. The effect of this treatment could contribute to the beneficial outcomes observed in patients following stimulation.
Medical Mistrust in Perinatal Mental Health
Authors: Conteh Nkechi , Gagliardi Jane , McGahee Shunda , Molina Rose , Clark Crystal T. , Clare Camille A.
Published: July 2022

Despite the advancement of telemedicine and recent innovations in treatment, minoritized women continue to bear a disproportionate burden of pregnancy-related psychiatric conditions and complications, which the pandemic has further exacerbated. Research demonstrates that medical mistrust and systemic racism play central roles in the underutilization of services by racially and ethnically diverse women during pregnancy and postpartum. To effectively address these disparities, it is imperative to understand the drivers of medical mistrust in perinatal health care systems. This Perspectives article describes the historical context of medical mistrust in psychiatric and obstetric health systems and offers solutions to mitigate mistrust and the impact of systemic racism on perinatal care.
Implications of the presence of private equity in ophthalmology: an academic perspective
Authors: Patel Shriji , Garner Desmond C. , Berkowitz Sean T. , Sternberg Paul
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

Private equity acquisitions of ophthalmology private practices have been steadily increasing over the past decade with far-reaching implications. Ophthalmology departments at academic medical centers are not insulated from the impact of this trend.

Recent findings

The limited data on this subject in the ophthalmology literature identify the growing number of practice acquisitions. However, the lack of transparency obfuscates a clear understanding of the effect on patients and practice patterns.

Leaders at academic medical centers need to be aware of surrounding practice consolidation because of private equity as this could affect revenue streams and patient referral patterns, accelerating expansion. Trainees are entering an uncertain job marketplace that may create a compelling argument to practice in an academic medical center ophthalmology department.
How private equity achieves return on investment in ophthalmology
Authors: Shah Chirag P. , Wolfe Jeremy D.
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

To review how private equity entities generate profit for investors and ophthalmologists.

Recent findings

There is a preponderance of private equity acquisitions and consolidation in ophthalmology. These private equity entities generate revenue by growth, profit improvement, and efficient use of capital structure. Physician partners sell their revenue and assets to a private equity entity while retaining a percentage of future profit. In general, a greater percentage going forward, will result in a smaller initial buyout. Partners typically receive payment in the form of cash and stock in the private equity entity, aligning incentives of both parties to grow and succeed. Junior associates and future partners typically do not benefit from the cash buyout but might have opportunity to buy shares in the private equity entity.

The ophthalmology job market has changed significantly with the rise in private equity. Private equity investors profit from organic growth, economies of scale, and future revenue of ophthalmology practices. Ophthalmology partners benefit from often sizeable buyouts and potentially profitable shares in the private equity entity. Junior and future ophthalmologist may be less likely to succeed financially compared with their contemporaries. Some private equity entities will thrive and other may fail, particularly if they are unable to attract talented new ophthalmologists.
Frequency Mapping of a Precurved Electrode Array in the Internal Auditory Canal for a Pediatric Cochlear Implant Recipient
Authors: Anderson Melissa R. , Dedmon Matthew M. , Thompson Nicholas J. , Park Lisa R. , Brown Kevin D. , Dillon Margaret T.
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Review the effectiveness of an alternative mapping procedure of a precurved electrode array in the internal auditory canal (IAC).

Design

A 7-year-old bilateral cochlear implant (CI) recipient of precurved arrays transferred to the study site and demonstrated no speech recognition with the left CI. Imaging revealed bilateral incomplete partition type III malformations. For the left CI, four contacts were observed in the basal cochlear turn and 18 contacts were coiled in the IAC. The family decided against revision surgery. Pitch ranking was completed to map the contacts in the IAC that were perceptually discrete and tonotopically organized.

Results

For the left CI, PB-K word recognition improved from no recognition to 32% after 1 month and to 52% after 3 months. In the bilateral CI condition, performance improved from 56 to 72% after 1 month and 80% after 3 months.

Conclusion

A precurved array in the IAC creates difficult management decisions. Direct stimulation of the auditory nerve resulted in better monaural and bilateral speech recognition, likely due to better spectral representation of the speech signal. Individualizing the map using imaging and behavioral findings may improve performance for malpositioned arrays when revision surgery is not pursued.
Reported Neurologic, Ocular, and Otic Manifestations Among Syphilis Cases—16 States, 2019
Authors: Jackson David A. , McDonald Robert , Quilter Laura A.S. , Weinstock Hillard , Torrone Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Syphilis can cause neurologic, ocular, or otic manifestations, possibly resulting in permanent disability or death. In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began collecting syphilis clinical manifestation data via the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. We present the first reported US syphilis neurologic, ocular, and otic manifestation prevalence estimates.

Methods

We reviewed 2019 National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System data to identify jurisdictions reporting 70% or greater of syphilis cases 15 years or older with clinical manifestation data (considered “complete reporting”). Among these jurisdictions, we determined reported neurologic, ocular, and otic manifestation prevalence, stratified by demographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics.

Results

Among 41,187 syphilis cases in 16 jurisdictions with complete reporting, clinical manifestations were infrequently reported overall: neurologic (n = 445, 1.1%), ocular (n = 461, 1.1%), otic (n = 166, 0.4%), any (n = 807, 2.0%). Reported clinical manifestation prevalence was highest among cases 65 years or older (neurologic, 5.1%; ocular, 3.5%; otic, 1.2%) and those reporting injection drug use (neurologic: 2.8%; ocular: 3.4%; otic: 1.6%). Although reported neurologic and ocular manifestation prevalence was slightly higher among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected versus HIV-negative persons, approximately 40% of cases with manifestations were HIV-negative. Reported otic manifestation prevalence was similar regardless of HIV status. When stratifying by HIV status and syphilis stage, reported prevalence was highest among HIV-infected persons with unknown duration/late syphilis (neurologic, 3.0%; ocular, 2.3%; otic, 0.7%).

Conclusions

Reported neurologic, ocular, and otic manifestation prevalence was low among syphilis cases, but these data are likely an underestimate given potential underreporting. Reported clinical manifestation frequency, including among HIV-negative persons, emphasizes the importance of evaluating all syphilis cases for signs/symptoms of neurosyphilis, ocular syphilis, and otosyphilis.
Pseudomonas boanensis sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from river water used for household purposes in Boane District, Mozambique
Authors: Nicklasson Matilda , Martín-Rodríguez Alberto J. , Thorell Kaisa , Higdon Shawn M. , Neves Luis , Mussagy Aidate , Rydberg Hanna A. , Hernroth Bodil , Svensson-Stadler Liselott , Sjöling Åsa
Published: July 2022

A Gram-negative rod with a single polar flagellum was isolated from a freshwater reservoir used for household purposes in Boane District, near Maputo, Mozambique, and designated as strain DB1T. Growth was observed at 30–42 °C (optimum, 30–37 °C) and with 0.5–1.5 % NaCl. Whole-genome-, rpoD- and 16S rRNA-based phylogenies revealed this isolate to be distant from other

Pseudomonas

species with

Pseudomonas resinovorans

,

Pseudomonas furukawaii

and

Pseudomonas lalkuanensis

being the closest relatives. Phenotypic analyses of strain DB1T showed marked differences with respect to type strains

P. resinovorans

CCUG 2473T,

P. lalkuanensis

CCUG 73691T,

P. furukawaii

CCUG 75672T and Pseudomonas otiditis CCUG 55592T. Taken together, our results indicate that strain DB1T is a representative of a novel species within the genus

Pseudomonas

for which the name Pseudomonas boanensis is proposed. The type strain is DB1T (=CCUG 62977T=CECT 30359T).
Exogenous expression of both matrix protein and glycoprotein facilitates infectious viral particle production of Borna disease virus 1
Authors: Kanda Takehiro , Sakai Madoka , Makino Akiko , Tomonaga Keizo
Published: July 2022

Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) is a non-segmented, negative-strand RNA virus that is characterized by persistent infection in the nucleus and low production of progeny virions. This feature impedes not only the harvesting of infectious viral particles from infected cells but also the rescue of high titres of recombinant BoDV-1 (rBoDV-1) by reverse genetics. Here, we demonstrate that exogenous expression of both matrix protein (M) and glycoprotein (G), which are constituents of the viral lipid envelope, significantly facilitates the formation of infectious particles and propagation of BoDV-1 without affecting its viral RNA synthesis. Furthermore, simultaneous transfection of M and G expression plasmids with N, P and L helper plasmids by reverse genetics drastically enhances the rescue efficiency of rBoDV-1. On the other hand, we also show that overexpression of M induces obvious cytotoxicity similar to that of other Mononegaviruses. Together with our recent report showing that excess expression of G induces aberrant accumulation of immature G, a potential stimulator of the host innate immune response, it is conceivable that BoDV-1 may suppress excess expression of M and G to reduce the cytopathic effect, thereby leading to maintenance of persistent infection. Our results contribute not only to the establishment of an efficient method to recover high-titre BoDV-1 but also to understanding the unique mechanism of persistent BoDV-1 infection.