bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of polysulfides formed by the inverse vulcanisation of cyclosiloxanes with sulfur
Authors: Park Kun Woo , Tafili Elizabeth A. , Fan Flora , Zujovic Zoran , Leitao Erin M.
Published: July 2022

Polysulfides cross-linked with cyclosiloxanes were synthesized, characterized and tested as solvent sorbents.
Photoinduced oxygen-catalyzed RAFT polymerization using heterogeneous bionic enzymes
Authors: Yang Hongjie , Lu Zhen , Fu Xiaoling , Li Qiuyu , Zhao Yulai , Xiao Longqiang , Hou Linxi
Published: July 2022

A reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization system (COF/H2O/O2) using a heterogeneous photobionic enzyme (TFPPy-azine-COF) is proposed with water and oxygen as feedstocks.
Recent advances in the application of ylide-like species in [4 + 1]-annulation reactions: an updated review
Authors: Ushakov Pavel Yu. , Ioffe Sema L. , Sukhorukov Alexey Yu.
Published: July 2022

In this review, the advances made over the last 6 years in [4 + 1]-annulation reactions involving sulfonium, sulfoxonium and ammonium ylides, as well as diazo compounds and carbenes are summarized.
Evolution of the active species of homogeneous Ru hydrodeoxygenation catalysts in ionic liquids
Authors: Janssens K. , Bugaev A. L. , Kozyr E. G. , Lemmens V. , Guda A. A. , Usoltsev O. A. , Smolders S. , Soldatov A. V. , De Vos D. E.
Published: July 2022

This work establishes structure–property relationships in Ru-based catalytic systems for the selective hydrodeoxygenation of ketones to alkenes.
Accelerating the end-to-end production of cyclic phosphate monomers with modular flow chemistry
Authors: Morodo Romain , Riva Raphaël , van den Akker Nynke M. S. , Molin Daniel G. M. , Jérôme Christine , Monbaliu Jean-Christophe M.
Published: July 2022

A semi-continuous flow platform allows the safer end-to-end production of cyclic phosphate monomers providing an easier access to polyphosphoesters and their applications.
Gradient distribution of functional components in PAN-based electrolytes to endow solid-state lithium sulfur batteries with long cycle life
Authors: Zhang Jizong , Si Yu , Huang Qiumi , Yang Ting , Wang Chengyang , Ji Kemeng , Wang Jin , Chen Mingming
Published: July 2022

Gradient distribution of functional components endows PAN-based CPE with particular function. MoP/MoS2@C specialized in S adsorption and LiTFSI salt for Li+supply boost Li2S conversion. The concentrated PMMA helps Li anode exhibit a uniform morphology.
Machine learning glass caging order parameters with an artificial nested neural network
Authors: Zhang Kaihua , Li Xinyang , Jin Yuliang , Jiang Ying
Published: July 2022

A two-level nested neural network is designed to learn caging order parameters for three transitions in glasses. The method can also identify the order of phase transitions, and distinguish dynamical crossovers from phase transitions.
The miniJPAS survey
Authors: González Delgado R. M. , Rodríguez-Martín J. E. , Díaz-García L. A. , de Amorim A. , García-Benito R. , Martínez-Solaeche G. , Lopes P. A. A. , Maturi M. , Pérez E. , Cid Fernandes R. , Cortesi A. , Finoguenov A. , Carrasco E. R. , Hernán-Caballero A. , Abramo L. R. , Alcaniz J. , Benítez N. , Bonoli S. , Cenarro A. J. , Cristóbal-Hornillos D. , Diego J. M. , Dupke R. A. , Ederoclite A. , Fernández-Ontiveros J. A. , López-Sanjuan C. , Marín-Franch A. , Márquez I. , Mendes de Oliveira C. , Moles M. , Pintos I. , Sodré L. , Taylor K. , Varela J. , Vázquez Ramió H. , Vílchez J. M.
Published: July 2022

The miniJPAS survey has observed ∼1 deg2of the AEGIS field with 60 bands (spectral resolution ofR ∼ 60) in order to demonstrate the scientific potential of the Javalambre-Physics of the Accelerating Universe Astrophysical Survey (J-PAS), which will map ∼8000 deg2of the northern sky over the coming years. In particular, this paper demonstrates the potential of J-PAS in detecting groups with mass of up to 1013M⊙and in characterising their galaxy populations up toz ∼ 1. The parametric code BaySeAGal is used to derive the stellar population properties by fitting the J-PAS spectral energy distribution (SED) of the galaxy members in 80 groups atz ≤ 0.8 previously detected by the AMICO code, and of a galaxy field sample retrieved from the whole miniJPAS down tor <  22.75 (AB). Blue, red, quiescent, and transition (blue quiescent or green valley) galaxy populations are identified through their rest-frame (extinction-corrected) (u − r)intcolour, galaxy stellar mass (M⋆), and specific star formation rate (sSFR). We measure the abundance of these galaxies as a function ofM⋆and environment in order to investigate the role that groups play in quenching star formation. Our findings are as follows. (i) The fraction of red and quiescent galaxies in groups increases withM⋆and is always higher in groups (28% on average) than in the field (5%). (ii) The quenched fraction excess (QFE) in groups shows a strong dependence onM⋆, and increases from a few percent for galaxies withM⋆ <  1010M⊙to higher than 60% for galaxies withM⋆ >  3 × 1011M⊙. (iii) The abundance excess of transition galaxies in groups shows a modest dependence onM⋆, being 5%–10% for galaxies withM⋆ <  1011M⊙. (iv) The fading timescale, defined as the time that galaxies in groups spend in the transition phase, is very short (< 1.5 Gyr), indicating that the star formation of galaxies in groups declines very rapidly. (v) The evolution of the galaxy quenching rate in groups shows a modest but significant evolution sincez ∼ 0.8. This latter result is compatible with the expected evolution with constant QFE = 0.4, which has been previously measured for satellites in the nearby Universe, as traced by SDSS. Further, this evolution is consistent with a scenario where the low-mass star forming galaxies in clusters atz = 1–1.4 are environmentally quenched, as previously reported by other surveys.
Multi-period hub location problem: a review
Authors: Khaleghi Amir , Eydi Alireza
Published: July 2022

In hub-and-spoke systems, due to the changes in the input parameters affecting the system over time, transportation system providers should make the right and timely decisions about hub facilities. For this reason, multi-period hub location problems are especially important. This paper presents a comprehensive review of multi-period hub location problems from 1990 up to the most recent published studies. First, we study the developed models based on some characteristics: type of planning horizon (continuous-time and discrete-time), capacity constraints (uncapacitated, capacitated, and modular), type of problem (median and covering), type of services (single-level and hierarchical), number of commodities and modes, type of hub facility (mobile and virtual), type of assignment (single and multiple), and type of parameters (deterministic and uncertain). Also, practical applications of the models are investigated. Then, we survey the proposed solution methods and real-life case studies. Finally, future suggestions are presented for researchers.
Two billion registered students affected by stereotyped educational environments: an analysis of gender-based color bias
Authors: Santos Jário , Bittencourt Ig , Reis Marcelo , Chalco Geiser , Isotani Seiji
Published: July 2022

According to the literature, educational technologies present several learning benefits to promote online education. However, there are several associated challenges, and some studies illustrate the limitations in elaborating educational technologies, called Design limitations. This aspect is responsible for unleashing various issues in the learning process, such as gender inequality, creating adverse effects on cognitive, motivational, and behavioral mediators, which opposes the fifth UN’s Sustainable Development Goal. Therefore, many studies notice the harmful effects of stereotypes in educational technologies. These effects can be included in the design, like colors or other stereotyped elements, or how the activity is conducted. Based on this, the present study aimed to verify the predominance of color bias in educational technologies available on the WEB. This study developed a computational solution to calculate male and female color bias in the available educational technology web pages. The results suggest the prevalence of the development of educational technologies with a male color bias, with an imbalance among genders, without adequate customization for age groups. Furthermore, some environments, such as Computer Science, present a higher color bias for men when compared to women. Despite both scales being independent, results indicated interesting evidence of a substantial prevalence of colors associated with the male scale. According to the literature, this may be associated with dropout and lack of interest in female students, especially in sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics domains.
The Middle Voice and Connected Constructions in Ibero-Romance
Authors: de Benito Moreno Carlota
Published: July 2022

The reflexive constructions that are the focus of this book are the constructions broadly described with the term “middle”: i.e., those that can appear in all persons, and in which the reflexive marker (RM) cannot be understood as a full referential pronoun. One goal of this study is to provide a corpus-based typology of middle and related uses that allow us to compare the behaviour of the RM in these constructions with previous typological accounts, where competing models (based either on changes of diathesis or on the semantics of the verbal event) can be found. A second goal is to shed light on the evolution of the different functions of the RM, by exploring the factors that affect its productivity, with a specific focus on those verbs where reflexive marking is most variable, that is, anticausative verbs and verbs with no change of valency. These reflexive constructions show a notable difference in productivity in Spanish and Galician, although the languages are closely related and contiguous. The languages are thus good candidates for a contrastive and variationist analysis serving these two goals. The semantic class of the predicate, its aspectual properties and the animacy of the subject are some of the most relevant factors that are taken into account to understand the motivations behind the presence or absence of the RM. By relying on a corpus of interviews from rural communities across peninsular Spain (except Catalonia), space as a relevant extra-linguistic variable is taken into account, helping uncover previously unknown geographical patterns.
Detailed seed cone morpho-anatomy of the Prumnopityoid clade: an insight into the origin and evolution of Podocarpaceae seed cones
Authors: Khan Raees , Hill Robert S , Dörken Veit M , Biffin Ed
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims

Seed cone traits are significant for understanding the evolutionary history of conifers. Podocarpaceae has fleshy cones with a distinct morphology compared with other conifers. However, we have a poor understanding of the seed cone morphology of the Prumnopityoid clade and within Podocarpaceae. This study presents detailed seed cone morpho-anatomy and the evolution of fleshy structures traits in the Prumnopityoid clade.

Methods

We investigated the detailed seed cone morpho-anatomy of selected species from the nine genera using the histological method. The evolution of morpho-anatomical traits was assessed using ancestral state reconstruction methods.

Key Results

The Prumnopityoid clade has evolved fleshy seed cones using different functional structures (e.g. aril, epimatium, bracts or receptaculum) and fleshiness is an ancestral trait in the clade. An epimatium is present in all genera except Phyllocladus, but with different structural morphologies (e.g. a fleshy asymmetrical cup-like epimatium or an epimatium that is fused with the integument, forming a fleshy sarcotesta-like seed coat). In all species with fleshy sarcotesta-like seed coats, the endotesta is hard and woody, forming a sclerotesta-like structure and the epimatium and exotesta are fused, forming a fleshy sarcotesta-like structure.

Conclusions

This study highlights that the Prumnopityoid clade has an amazing diversity of structures and complex evolutionary patterns. Fleshiness is an ancestral trait of the clade and has been achieved via diverse evolutionary pathways and structures. This clade has four distinct seed cone types, i.e. drupe-like, receptaculate, arilloid and dacrydioid cones, based on morpho-anatomical structures and traits. The macrofossil record also demonstrates the presence of several structures and traits.
Phylogeography reveals the origin of the two phenological forms of large blue,Phengaris arion(Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)
Authors: Bereczki Judit , Sielezniew Marcin , Verovnik Rudi , Beshkov Stoyan , Kuznetsov Gennadij , Bonelli Simona , Tóth János Pál
Published: July 2022

Our main goal was to investigate the phylogeography of the butterfly Phengaris arion to reveal the evolutionary origin of its ‘spring’ and ‘summer’ forms. Molecular analyses based on highly variable microsatellites, together with Wolbachia screening, were carried out on 34 populations in Europe. We found three well-defined genetic lineages of different origins: the Apennine, the central and the eastern. The highly distinct Apennine lineage is limited by the Alps and evaluated as an Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU). Therefore, the taxon name ligurica, described from the Ligurian coast (Italy), should not be applied to denote the ‘summer form’ of the Pannonian region. The central lineage is limited by the Carpathians and the most eastern ranges of the Alps, and lacks major range fluctuations related to glaciations, although there is evidence for extra-Mediterranean refugia in the Carpathian Basin. The eastern clade could have had refugia in central Asia. Our results exclude the potential allopatric origin of the ‘spring’ and ‘summer’ arion, and support the hypothesis that the existence of the two forms could be a result of local adaptation to the distinctive phenology of host plant flowering which is manifested in the genetic differences between them. Wolbachia infection has been ruled out as a driver of sympatric speciation in P. arion.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Pain Interference: A Conceptual Model for the Role of Insomnia, Fatigue, and Pain Catastrophizing
Authors: Falling Carrie L , Siegel Corey A , Salwen-Deremer Jessica K
Published: July 2022

Background

People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) commonly experience pain influenced by complex interactions among factors, including disease activity, sleep, psychopathology, and changes in pain processing pathways. Treatments for pain in IBD are limited, highlighting the need for research that explores modifiable factors linked to pain. The aim of this study was to investigate relationships among multiple patient factors and to construct a conceptual model for pain interference in IBD.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of adults with IBD. Study domains included demographic, comorbidity, psychological, IBD, insomnia, fatigue, and pain features. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine relationships and interactions among active IBD, insomnia, fatigue, pain experiences (severity, catastrophizing, and interference), and additional patient factors (demographics and psychological).

Results

One hundred and seventy-four participants, aged 18–85 years, reported the presence of pain. Combining the questionnaire data using SEM resulted in a final model with an excellent fit (χ2(8) = 9.579, P = .297, χ2/N = 1.197, CFIN = 0.997, TLI = 0.987, RMSEA = 0.034). The presence of anxiety and depression was the additional patient factors to be retained in the path analysis. SEM results indicated that greater pain interference was directly influenced by greater fatigue, worse pain catastrophizing, and worse pain severity. Pain interference was indirectly impacted by IBD activity, worse insomnia, and the presence of depression and anxiety.

Conclusions

The proposed conceptual model highlights the role of multiple potentially modifiable factors, including insomnia, pain catastrophizing, and fatigue, contributing to worse pain interference in people with IBD.
A case report of atrial fibrillation in early adulthood: dig deeper
Authors: Masding Abigail , Hoschtitzky Andreas , Gatzoulis Michael
Published: July 2022

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia, which is often associated with underlying risk factors and undiagnosed conditions, including congenital heart disease. Atrial septal defects (ASDs) come to mind, albeit arrhythmias usually present later in life. We present herewith a young patient with cor triatriatum sinister (CTS), with some delay in establishing the diagnosis, following new onset AF in early adulthood.

Case summary

A 31-year-old man presented with pre-syncope and coryzal symptoms and was newly diagnosed with AF in the context of an intercurrent viral illness. After treatment with oral anticoagulation and successful outpatient cardioversion, he was discharged from cardiology review. Two years later he re-presented with exercise intolerance and a 12-lead electrocardiogram revealing recurrence of AF. Subsequent investigation with transthoracic echocardiography revealed the underlying congenital cardiac defect of CTS, together with an ASD and patent foramen ovale. After corrective surgery, which involved membrane resection, a Cox-maze procedure and ASD closure, sinus rhythm was restored and at follow-up the patient had returned to baseline function.

Discussion

Young patients presenting with new onset AF should undergo thorough cardiovascular assessment to identify treatable causes and reversible risk factors. Cor triatriatum sinister is a rare congenital anomaly that may present in adulthood and give rise to symptomatic AF. Surgical correction including a Cox-maze procedure in our patient resulted in restoration of sinus rhythm and a return of the patient’s baseline functional status and improved quality of life.
Phylogenomic analysis and metabolic role reconstruction of mutualistic Rhizobiales hindgut symbionts of Acromyrmex leaf-cutting ants
Authors: Zhukova Mariya , Sapountzis Panagiotis , Schiøtt Morten , Boomsma Jacobus J
Published: July 2022

Rhizobiales are well-known plant-root nitrogen-fixing symbionts, but the functions of insect-associated Rhizobiales are poorly understood. We obtained genomes of three strains associated with Acromyrmex leaf-cutting ants and show that, in spite of being extracellular gut symbionts, they lost all pathways for essential amino acid biosynthesis, making them fully dependent on their hosts. Comparison with 54 Rhizobiales genomes showed that all insect-associated Rhizobiales lost the ability to fix nitrogen and that the Acromyrmex symbionts had exceptionally also lost the urease genes. However, the Acromyrmex strains share biosynthesis pathways for riboflavin vitamin, queuosine and a wide range of antioxidant enzymes likely to be beneficial for the ant fungus-farming symbiosis. We infer that the Rhizobiales symbionts catabolize excess of fungus-garden-derived arginine to urea, supplementing complementary Mollicutes symbionts that turn arginine into ammonia and infer that these combined symbiont activities stabilize the fungus-farming mutualism. Similar to the Mollicutes symbionts, the Rhizobiales species have fully functional CRISPR/Cas and R-M phage defenses, suggesting that these symbionts are important enough for the ant hosts to have precluded the evolution of metabolically cheaper defenseless strains.
Comprehensive Phylogenomics of Methylobacterium Reveals Four Evolutionary Distinct Groups and Underappreciated Phyllosphere Diversity
Authors: Leducq Jean-Baptiste , Sneddon David , Santos Malia , Condrain-Morel Domitille , Bourret Geneviève , Martinez-Gomez N Cecilia , Lee Jessica A , Foster James A , Stolyar Sergey , Shapiro B Jesse , Kembel Steven W , Sullivan Jack M , Marx Christopher J
Published: July 2022

Methylobacterium is a group of methylotrophic microbes associated with soil, fresh water, and particularly the phyllosphere, the aerial part of plants that has been well studied in terms of physiology but whose evolutionary history and taxonomy are unclear. Recent work has suggested that Methylobacterium is much more diverse than thought previously, questioning its status as an ecologically and phylogenetically coherent taxonomic genus. However, taxonomic and evolutionary studies of Methylobacterium have mostly been restricted to model species, often isolated from habitats other than the phyllosphere and have yet to utilize comprehensive phylogenomic methods to examine gene trees, gene content, or synteny. By analyzing 189 Methylobacterium genomes from a wide range of habitats, including the phyllosphere, we inferred a robust phylogenetic tree while explicitly accounting for the impact of horizontal gene transfer (HGT). We showed that Methylobacterium contains four evolutionarily distinct groups of bacteria (namely A, B, C, D), characterized by different genome size, GC content, gene content, and genome architecture, revealing the dynamic nature of Methylobacterium genomes. In addition to recovering 59 described species, we identified 45 candidate species, mostly phyllosphere-associated, stressing the significance of plants as a reservoir of Methylobacterium diversity. We inferred an ancient transition from a free-living lifestyle to association with plant roots in Methylobacteriaceae ancestor, followed by phyllosphere association of three of the major groups (A, B, D), whose early branching in Methylobacterium history has been heavily obscured by HGT. Together, our work lays the foundations for a thorough redefinition of Methylobacterium taxonomy, beginning with the abandonment of Methylorubrum.
Multimorbidity and Mental Health Trajectories Among Middle-Aged and Older U.S. Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Longitudinal Findings From the COVID-19 Coping Study
Authors: Cheng Greta Jianjia , Wagner Abram L , O’Shea Brendan Q , Joseph Carly A , Finlay Jessica M , Kobayashi Lindsay C
Published: July 2022

Background and Objectives

This study aimed to examine the associations between multimorbidity at the COVID-19 pandemic onset and subsequent longitudinal trajectories of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and loneliness in middle-aged and older adults over a 12-month follow-up.

Research Design and Methods

Data were from monthly online questionnaires in the COVID-19 Coping Study of U.S. adults aged ≥55 from April/May 2020 through April/May 2021 (N = 4,024). Multimorbidity was defined as having ≥2 versus <2 chronic conditions at baseline. Mental health outcomes were assessed monthly as depressive symptoms (8-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale), anxiety symptoms (5-item Beck Anxiety Inventory), and loneliness (3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale). We used multivariable-adjusted population- and attrition-weighted mixed-effects linear models to examine the longitudinal associations between multimorbidity and mental health symptoms.

Results

Multimorbidity at the pandemic onset was associated with elevated depressive (b = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.16–0.59) and anxiety (b = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.15–0.62) symptoms at baseline. Changes in symptoms for all three mental health outcomes were nonlinear over time, with worsening symptoms over the first 6 months of the pandemic (April/May to September/October 2020), followed by improvement in symptoms over the subsequent 6 months (September/October 2020 to April/May 2021). Middle-aged and older adults with multimorbidity experienced faster rates of change in anxiety symptoms and loneliness than those without multimorbidity, with persistently elevated mental health symptomatology throughout the follow-up.

Discussion and Implications

Results highlight the unique and persistent mental health risks experienced by middle-aged and older adults with multimorbidity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The observed improvements in symptoms underscore the mental resilience of these individuals, indicating their adaptation to the ongoing pandemic.
Antibiotic resistance genes are differentially mobilized according to resistance mechanism
Authors: Nielsen Tue Kjærgaard , Browne Patrick Denis , Hansen Lars Hestbjerg
Published: July 2022

Background

Screening for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in especially environmental samples with (meta)genomic sequencing is associated with false-positive predictions of phenotypic resistance. This stems from the fact that most acquired ARGs require being overexpressed before conferring resistance, which is often caused by decontextualization of putative ARGs by mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Consequent overexpression of ARGs can be caused by strong promoters often present in insertion sequence (IS) elements and integrons and the copy number effect of plasmids, which may contribute to high expression of accessory genes.

Results

Here, we screen all complete bacterial RefSeq genomes for ARGs. The genetic contexts of detected ARGs are investigated for IS elements, integrons, plasmids, and phylogenetic dispersion. The ARG-MOB scale is proposed, which indicates how mobilized detected ARGs are in bacterial genomes. It is concluded that antibiotic efflux genes are rarely mobilized and even 80% of β-lactamases have never, or very rarely, been mobilized in the 15,790 studied genomes. However, some ARGs are indeed mobilized and co-occur with IS elements, plasmids, and integrons.

Conclusions

In this study, ARGs in all complete bacterial genomes are classified by their association with MGEs, using the proposed ARG-MOB scale. These results have consequences for the design and interpretation of studies screening for resistance determinants, as mobilized ARGs pose a more concrete risk to human health. An interactive table of all results is provided for future studies targeting highly mobilized ARGs.
Are informal healthcare providers knowledgeable in tuberculosis care? A cross-sectional survey using vignettes in West Bengal, India
Authors: Thapa Poshan , Jayasuriya Rohan , Hall John J , Mukherjee Partha Sarathi , Beek Kristen , Briggs Nancy , Das Dipesh Kr , Mandal Tushar , Narasimhan Padmanesan
Published: July 2022

Background

India accounts for one-quarter of the world's TB cases. Despite efforts to engage the private sector in India's National TB Elimination Program, informal healthcare providers (IPs), who serve as the first contact for a significant TB patients, remain grossly underutilised. However, considering the substantial evidence establishing IPs' role in patients' care pathway, it is essential to expand the evidence base regarding their knowledge in TB care.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India. The data were collected using the TB vignette among 331 IPs (165 trained and 166 untrained). The correct case management was defined following India's Technical and Operational Guidelines for TB Control.

Results

Overall, IPs demonstrated a suboptimal level of knowledge in TB care. IPs exhibited the lowest knowledge in asking essential history questions (all four: 5.4% and at least two: 21.7%) compared with ordering sputum test (76.1%), making a correct diagnosis (83.3%) and appropriate referrals (100%). Nonetheless, a statistically significant difference in knowledge (in most domains of TB care) was observed between trained and untrained IPs.

Conclusions

This study identifies gaps in IPs' knowledge in TB care. However, the observed significant difference between the trained and untrained groups indicates a positive impact of training in improving IPs’ knowledge in TB care.
Imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam pharmacokinetics in critically ill patients with augmented renal clearance
Authors: Fratoni Andrew J , Mah John W , Nicolau David P , Kuti Joseph L
Published: July 2022

Background

Imipenem and relebactam are predominantly excreted via glomerular filtration. Augmented renal clearance (ARC) is a common syndrome in critically-ill patients with sepsis, and sub-therapeutic antibiotic concentrations are of concern. Herein, we describe the pharmacokinetics of imipenem/relebactam in critically-ill patients with ARC.

Methods

Infected patients in the ICU with ARC (CLCR ≥ 130 mL/min) received a single dose of imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam 1.25 g as a 30 min infusion. Blood samples were collected over 6 h for concentration determination. Protein binding was assessed by ultrafiltration. An 8 h urine creatinine collection confirmed ARC. Population pharmacokinetic models with and without covariates were fit using the non-parametric adaptive grid algorithm in Pmetrics. A 5000 patient Monte Carlo simulation assessed joint PTA using relebactam fAUC/MIC ≥8 and imipenem ≥40% fT>MIC.

Results

Eight patients with ARC completed the study. A base population pharmacokinetic model with two-compartments fitted the data best. The mean ± SD parameters were: CL, 17.31 ± 5.76 L/h; Vc, 16.15 ± 7.75 L; k12, 1.62 ± 0.99 h−1; and k21, 3.53 ± 3.31 h−1 for imipenem, and 11.51 ± 4.79 L/h, 16.54 ± 7.43 L, 1.59 ± 1.12 h−1, and 2.83 ± 2.91 h−1 for relebactam. Imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam 1.25 g as a 30 min infusion every 6 h achieved 100% and 93% PTA at MICs of 1 and 2 mg/L, respectively.

Conclusions

Despite enhanced clearance of both imipenem and relebactam, the currently approved dosing regimen for normal renal function was predicted to achieve optimal exposure in critically-ill patients with ARC sufficient to treat most susceptible pathogens.
Development and pilot evaluation of an electronic health record usability and safety self-assessment tool
Authors: Pruitt Zoe , Howe Jessica L , Krevat Seth A , Khairat Saif , Ratwani Raj M
Published: July 2022

Objective

Poor electronic health record (EHR) usability contributes to clinician burnout and poses patent safety risks. Site-specific customization and configuration of EHRs require individual EHR system usability and safety testing which is resource intensive. We developed and pilot-tested a self-administered EHR usability and safety assessment tool, focused on computerized provider order entry (CPOE), which can be used by any facility to identify specific issues. In addition, the tool provides recommendations for improvement.

Materials and Methods

An assessment tool consisting of 104 questions was developed and pilot-tested at 2 hospitals, one using a Cerner EHR and the other using Epic. Five physicians at each site participated in and completed the assessment. Participant response accuracy compared to actual EHR interactions, consistency across participants, and usability issues identified through the tool were measured at each site.

Results

Across sites, participants answered an average of 46 questions in 23 min with 89.9% of responses either correct or partially correct. The tool identified 8 usability and safety issues at one site and 7 at the other site across medication, laboratory, and radiology CPOE functions.

Discussion

The tool shows promise as a method to rapidly evaluate EHR usability and safety and provide guidance on specific areas for improvement. Important improvements to the evaluation tool were identified including the need to clarify certain questions and provide definitions for usability terminology.

Conclusion

A self-administered usability and safety assessment tool can serve to identify specific usability and safety issues in the EHR and provide guidance for improvements.
The Date of Codex Sinaiticus
Authors: Nongbri Brent
Published: July 2022

Codex Sinaiticus is generally described as one of ‘the great fourth century majuscule Bibles’, and its construction is often assigned to a more precise date in the middle of the fourth century. This essay surveys the evidence for the date of production of the codex and concludes that it could have been produced at any point from the early fourth century to the early fifth century. This time span may seem uncomfortably wide, but this particular range of dates makes Codex Sinaiticus an ideal candidate for AMS radiocarbon analysis. The shape of the radiocarbon calibration curve during this period means that a well-executed radiocarbon analysis of the codex should have the potential to shed further light on the date the codex was produced.
Galaxy pairs in the three hundred simulations: a study on the performance of observational pair-finding techniques
Authors: Contreras-Santos Ana , Knebe Alexander , Cui Weiguang , Haggar Roan , Pearce Frazer , Gray Meghan , De Petris Marco , Yepes Gustavo
Published: July 2022

Close pairs of galaxies have been broadly studied in the literature as a way to understand galaxy interactions and mergers. In observations, they are usually defined by setting a maximum separation in the sky and in velocity along the line of sight, and finding galaxies within these ranges. However, when observing the sky, projection effects can affect the results, by creating spurious pairs that are not close in physical distance. In this work, we mimic these observational techniques to find pairs in the three hundred simulations of clusters of galaxies. The galaxies’ 3D coordinates are projected into 2D, with Hubble flow included for their line-of-sight velocities. The pairs found are classified into ‘good’ or ‘bad’ depending on whether their 3D separations are within the 2D spatial limit or not. We find that the fraction of good pairs can be between 30 and 60 per cent depending on the thresholds used in observations. Studying the ratios of observable properties between the pair member galaxies, we find that the likelihood of a pair being ‘good’ can be increased by around 40, 20, and 30 per cent if the given pair has, respectively, a mass ratio below 0.2, metallicity ratio above 0.8, or colour ratio below 0.8. Moreover, shape and stellar-to-halo mass ratios, respectively, below 0.4 and 0.2 can increase the likelihood by 50 to 100 per cent. These results suggest that these properties can be used to increase the chance of finding good pairs in observations of galaxy clusters and their environment.
Identifying active galactic nuclei via brightness temperature with sub-arcsecond international LOFAR telescope observations
Authors: Morabito Leah K , Sweijen F , Radcliffe J F , Best P N , Kondapally Rohit , Bondi Marco , Bonato Matteo , Duncan K J , Prandoni Isabella , Shimwell T W , Williams W L , van Weeren R J , Conway J E , Calistro Rivera G
Published: July 2022

Identifying active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and isolating their contribution to a galaxy’s energy budget is crucial for studying the co-evolution of AGNs and their host galaxies. Brightness temperature (Tb) measurements from high-resolution radio observations at GHz frequencies are widely used to identify AGNs. Here, we investigate using new sub-arcsecond imaging at 144 MHz with the International LOFAR Telescope to identify AGNs using Tb in the Lockman Hole field. We use ancillary data to validate the 940 AGN identifications, finding 83 percent of sources have AGN classifications from SED fitting and/or photometric identifications, yielding 160 new AGN identifications. Considering the multiwavelength classifications, brightness temperature criteria select over half of radio-excess sources, 32 percent of sources classified as radio-quiet AGNs, and 20 percent of sources classified as star-forming galaxies. Infrared colour–colour plots and comparison with what we would expect to detect based on peak brightness in 6 arcsec LOFAR maps imply that the star-forming galaxies and sources at low flux densities have a mixture of star-formation and AGN activity. We separate the radio emission from star-formation and AGN in unresolved, Tb-identified AGNs with no significant radio excess and find the AGN comprises 0.49 ± 0.16 of the radio luminosity. Overall, the non-radio excess AGNs show evidence for having a variety of different radio emission mechanisms, which can provide different pathways for AGNs and galaxy co-evolution. This validation of AGN identification using brightness temperature at low frequencies opens the possibility for securely selecting AGN samples where ancillary data are inadequate.
A model to visualize the fate of iron after intracranial hemorrhage using isotopic tracers and elemental bioimaging
Authors: Bücker Patrick , Buzzi Raphael M , Akeret Kevin , Mosberger Leila , Richter Henning , Sperling Michael , Hugelshofer Michael , Schaer Dominik J , Karst Uwe
Published: July 2022

Hemoglobin–iron is a red blood cell toxin contributing to secondary brain injury after intracranial bleeding. We present a model to visualize an intracerebral hematoma and secondary hemoglobin–iron distribution by detecting 58Fe-labeled hemoglobin (Hb) with laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry on mouse brain cryosections after stereotactic whole blood injection for different time periods. The generation of 58Fe-enriched blood and decisive steps in the acute hemorrhage formation and evolution were evaluated. The model allows visualization and quantification of 58Fe with high spatial resolution and striking signal-to-noise ratio. Script-based evaluation of the delocalization depth revealed ongoing 58Fe delocalization in the brain even 6 days after hematoma induction. Collectively, the model can quantify the distribution of Hb-derived iron post-bleeding, providing a methodological framework to study the pathophysiological basis of cell-free Hb toxicity in hemorrhagic stroke.
Pathogen Detection by Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing During Neutropenic Fever in Patients With Hematological Malignancies
Authors: Schulz Eduard , Grumaz Silke , Hatzl Stefan , Gornicec Maximilian , Valentin Thomas , Huber-Kraßnitzer Bianca , Kriegl Lisa , Uhl Barbara , Deutsch Alexander , Greinix Hildegard , Krause Robert , Neumeister Peter
Published: July 2022

Background

Febrile neutropenia (FN) after chemotherapy is a major cause of morbidity during cancer treatment. The performance of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of circulating cell-free deoxyribonucleic acid from plasma may be superior to blood culture (BC) diagnostics for identification of causative pathogens. The aim of this study was to validate mNGS (DISQVER test) for the detection of pathogens in hematologic patients with FN.

Methods

We collected paired whole blood specimens from central venous catheter and peripheral vein during FN for BC and mNGS testing. We repeated paired sampling at the earliest after 3 days of fever, which was defined as 1 FN episode. All clinical data were retrospectively reviewed by an infectious disease expert panel. We calculated percent positive agreement (PPA), percent negative agreement (PNA), percent overall agreement (POA), and sensitivity and specificity.

Results

We analyzed a total of 98 unselected FN episodes in 61 patients who developed predominantly FN after conditioning therapy for allogeneic (n = 22) or autologous (n = 21) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Success rate of mNGS was 99% (97 of 98). Positivity rate of mNGS was 43% (42 of 97) overall and 32% (31 of 97) excluding viruses compared to 14% (14 of 98) in BC. The PPA, PNA, and POA between mNGS and BC were 84.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 54.6% to 98.1%), 63.1% (95% CI, 51.9% to 73.4%), and 66% (95% CI, 55.7% to 75.3%), respectively. Sensitivity for bacteria or fungi was 40% (95% CI, 28.0% to 52.9%) and 18.5% (95% CI, 9.9% to 30.0%), respectively.

Conclusions

Pathogen detection by mNGS (DISQVER) during unselected FN episodes shows 2-fold higher sensitivity and a broader pathogen spectrum than BC.
Market and regulatory frameworks for operational security in decarbonizing electricity systems: from physics to economics
Authors: Billimoria Farhad , Mancarella Pierluigi , Poudineh Rahmat
Published: July 2022

Grid integration of low-carbon resources comes with new, significant technical challenges for keeping a power system secure. Given a multitude of grid services with varying interactions and risks, the economics of power system security are similarly, if not more, complex. In this paper, we discuss the fundamental relationship between the physical and economic aspects of power system security in low-carbon grids. Specifically, we formulate a physics-informed approach for classifying power system security products and services. The approach yields two critical findings. First, we show that these services, rather than being a homogenous set of public goods, are more preferably regarded as a set of products/services (basket of goods) that have both public and private characteristics. Second, the framework reveals that many new system services are consistent with a common pool resource characterization. This implies an enhanced role for more localized network planning and co-ordination of access and service provision.
Genomic variation in the Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) suggests divergence in a disjunct Atlantic Coastal Plain population (S. v. waynei)
Authors: Carpenter John P , Worm Alexander J , Boves Than J , Wood Andrew W , Poston Joseph P , Toews David P L
Published: July 2022

We used whole-genome resequencing to estimate genetic distinctiveness in the Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens)—including S. v. waynei—a putative subspecies that occupies a narrow disjunct breeding range along the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Despite detecting low-global differentiation (FST = 0.027) across the entire species, the principal components analysis of genome-wide differences shows the main axis of variation separates S. v. waynei from all other S. v. virens samples. We also estimated a low-migration rate for S. v. waynei, but found them to be most similar to another disjunct population from the Piedmont of North Carolina, and detected evidence of a historical north-to-south geographic dispersal among the entire species. New World wood warblers (family: Parulidae) can exhibit strong phenotypic differences among species, particularly, in song and plumage; however, within-species variation in these warblers—often designated as subspecies—is much more subtle. The existence of several isolated Black-throated Green Warbler populations across its eastern North American breeding range offers an excellent opportunity to further understand the origin, maintenance, and conservation status of subspecific populations. Our results, combined with previously documented ecological and morphological distinctiveness, support that S. v. waynei be considered a distinct and recognized subspecies worthy of targeted conservation efforts.
Improvement of Osteoporosis in Rats With Hind-Limb Unloading Treated With Pulsed Electromagnetic Field and Whole-Body Vibration
Authors: Liu Xifang , Gao Xiaohang , Tong Jie , Yu Liyin , Xu Minglong , Zhang Jianbao
Published: July 2022

Objective

Physical factors have been used to address disuse osteoporosis, but their effects and mechanism remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) and whole-body vibration (WBV) on disuse osteoporosis to increase knowledge about treating osteoporosis.

Methods

A disuse osteoporosis rat model was developed by hind-limb unloading (HU) for 6 weeks. Forty 4-month-old female Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups and given the following interventions: HU, HU treated with PEMF (HUP), HU treated with WBV (HUW), HU treated with both PEMF and WBV (HUPW), and no intervention (controls). After 8 weeks of intervention, measurements were taken.

Results

HU induced a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD), whereas HUP, HUW, and HUPW increased it. Moreover, the bone resorption markers tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and C-terminal peptide of type 1 collagen in the HU group significantly increased, whereas the osteogenesis markers osteocalcin and N-terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen significantly decreased. The markers osteocalcin and N-terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen significantly increased, but TRAP and C-terminal peptide of type 1 collagen significantly decreased in the HUPW, HUP, and HUW groups compared with the HU group. In particular, HUPW effectively increased osteocalcin and decreased TRAP compared with HUP and WBV. Microcomputed tomography analysis of the femur indicated that HUPW improved trabecular number, bone volume over total volume, bone surface over bone volume, trabecular separation, and the structure model index compared with HUP and that it improved bone surface over bone volume, trabecular separation, and structure model index compared with HUW. The HUPW group showed a significant increase in maximum load compared with the HUW group and a significant increase in elastic modulus compared with the HUP group.

Conclusion

PEMF, WBV, and their combination all attenuated bone resorption and enhanced osteogenesis. WBV and the combination of treatments have great potential to improve osteogenesis compared with PEMF. In addition, HUPW significantly attenuated bone resorption compared with HUW and HUP.

Impact

The results of this study indicated that HUPW could effectively improve disuse osteoporosis compared with HUP, given that trabecular number and bone volume over total volume are associated with disuse osteoporosis. Moreover, BMD recovered well with HUP, HUW, and HUPW but the bone structure—especially mechanical performance—did not, indicating that osteoporosis should be evaluated with BMD and mechanical performance, not with BMD in isolation.
Down syndrome: orofacial pain, masticatory muscle hypotonia, and sleep disorders
Authors: Dicieri-Pereira Bruna , Gomes Monica Fernandes , Giannasi Lilian Chrystiane , Nacif Sérgio Roberto , Oliveira Ezequiel Fernandes , Salgado Miguel Angel Castillo , de Oliveira Amorim José Benedito , Oliveira Wagner , Bressane Adriano , de Mello Rode Sigmar
Published: July 2022

The aim of the present study was to investigate orofacial pain in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and determine possible associations with masticatory muscle hypotonia (MMH), maximum mouth opening (MMO), and sleep disorders. Twenty-three individuals with DS underwent a standardized clinical examination using Axis I of the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, for the diagnosis of pain in the masseter and temporal muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). MMH was investigated using electromyography of the temporal and masseter muscles and the measurement of maximum bite force (MBF). MMO was measured using an analog caliper. Sleep disorders (obstructive sleep apnea [OSA], snoring index [SI], and sleep bruxism index [SBI]) were investigated using type II polysomnography. Statistical analysis was performed. Nonsignificant differences were found in muscle and TMJ pain between the sexes. However, myalgia and referred myofascial pain in the left masseter muscle were more frequent in males (69%) than females (40%). Electrical activity of the temporal (left: p = .002; right: p = .004) and masseter (left: p = .008) muscles was significantly lower in males than in females. MBF range was lower in males than females, indicating the highest MMH among males. OSA, SI, and SBI were identified in both sexes, but with no statistically significant differences. We concluded that myalgia and referred myofascial pain were found in some individuals with DS, especially in males. Arthralgia was found mainly in females. Temporal and masseter myalgia may have exerted an influence on the severity of MMH in males, particularly on the left side.