bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fully-staggered-array bulk Re-Ba-Cu-O short-period undulator: large-scale 3D electromagnetic modelling and design optimization using A-V and H-formulation methods
Authors: Zhang Kai , Ainslie Mark , Calvi Marco , Kinjo Ryota , Schmidt Thomas
Published: August 2021

The development of a new hard x-ray beamline I-TOMCAT equipped with a 1 m long short-period bulk high-temperature superconductor undulator (BHTSU) has been scheduled for the upgrade of the Swiss Light Source at the Paul Scherrer Institute. The very hard x-ray source generated by the BHTSU will increase the brilliance at the beamline by over one order of magnitude in comparison to other state-of-the-art undulator technologies and allow experiments to be carried out with photon energies in excess of 60 keV. One of the key challenges for designing a 1 m long (100 periods) BHTSU is the large-scale simulation of the magnetization currents inside 200 staggered-array bulk superconductors. A feasible approach to simplify the electromagnetic model is to retain five periods from both ends of the 1 m long BHTSU, reducing the number of degrees of freedom to the scale of millions. In this paper, the theory of the recently-proposed 2D
A

-V formulation-based backward computation method is extended to calculate the critical state magnetization currents in the ten-period staggered-array BHTSU in 3D. The simulation results of the magnetization currents and the associated undulator field along the electron beam axis are compared with the well-known 3D
H
-formulation and the highly efficient 3D
H
-ϕ formulation method, all methods showing excellent agreement with each other as well as with experimental results. The mixed
H
-ϕ formulation avoids computing the eddy currents in the air subdomain and is significantly faster than the full
H
-formulation method, but is slower in comparison to the
A

-V formulation-based backward computation. Finally, the fastest and the most efficient
A

-V formulation, implemented in ANSYS 2020R1 Academic, is adopted to optimize the integrals of the undulator field along the electron beam axis by optimizing the sizes of the end bulks.
Electromigration tuning of the voltage modulation depth in YBa2Cu3O

7−δ

nanowire-based SQUIDs
Authors: Trabaldo E , Garibaldi A , Lombardi F , Bauch T
Published: August 2021

Oxygen electromigration applied to a YBa2Cu3O

7
−
δ

nanowire can be used to tune its electrical properties. Here, we apply electromigration to YBCO nanowire-based superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) and study its effect on the voltage modulation depth of the devices. Using a dc electromigration current we replenish the oxygen of the weak links, improving the critical current symmetry of the SQUIDs. AC current electromigration is used to reduce the doping level of the weak links, thus reducing their critical current and increasing differential resistance. Both type of electromigration processes are found to improve the SQUIDs performance, although the best results are obtained with ac biased electromigration, which improved the voltage modulations of the SQUIDs by a factor as high as 8. This procedure can be instrumental to fine tune ex-situ the properties of superconducting electronics where a large number of weak links are required.
Influence of asphaltene esterification conditions on product composition
Authors: Korneev D S , Dvoeglazova D E , Kudrevatykh A A , Klimenko L S , Vtorushina E A , Kapustyanskaya P A
Published: August 2021

The article is devoted to the study of reactivity and composition of oil asphaltene esterification products formed in reactions of various duration with and without solvent. As a result of the study, high reactivity of asphaltenes in reaction of esterification with isopropyl alcohol for 40 hours was first shown. Products contain 40 % wt. of fractions soluble in n-heptane and isopropyl alcohol. The increase in the duration of the reaction from 40 to 120 hours leads to counter reaction with the decrease in forming less polar substances by 5-6 % wt. Adding solvent (benzene) into the reaction mixture also negatively influences the effectiveness of asphaltene esterification for 40 hours. The results obtained show that the suggested approach is promising for chemical processing of asphaltene concentrates into less polar low-molecular products.
Ultrasonic Assisted Friction Stir Welding of Ti-Al Bimetals
Authors: Ermakova S A , Eliseev A A , Vorontsov A V , Savchenko N L
Published: August 2021

High performance and reduced weight and cost are gaining importance in the aviation industry. There are different approaches to meet these requirements. In this study, titanium and aluminum alloys were welded using friction stir welding. The samples were divided into two groups, one of which was welded using ultrasound. Studies have shown that the strength of samples is influenced by many factors that are usually not taken into account. For example, the complexity of the interface between dissimilar materials and its roughness. It was found that the application of ultrasound during welding often increases the complexity of the interface and decreases its roughness, which generally leads to strengthening. This effect can neutralize the increase in the volume fraction of intermetallic compounds during the intensification of the welding process. The final strength consists of the number of defects, the volume fraction of intermetallics and the complexity of the interface.
Synthesis of stable sols based on titanium dioxide, silicon and metal ion for use in photocatalysis
Authors: Buzaev A A , Rogacheva A O , Zharkova V V , Kozik V V
Published: August 2021

The paper presents the study of physicochemical processes occurring during the preparation of film-forming solutions, as well as the effect of the component composition on the stability of film-forming solutions over time. Compositions of stable film-forming solutions of TBT, TBT-TEOS, TBT-TEOS-AgNO3 suitable for the formation of thin-film coatings have been developed, and the time periods of stability of rheological properties have been determined. It was found that the addition of tetrabutoxytitanium after the establishment of chemical equilibrium in the solution increases the stability of the film-forming solutions. Optimization of the method of solutions preparation for obtaining films with reproducible physicochemical properties has been carried out.
Study of keff values of different distributions and types of burnable poisons in VVER-1000 reactor using SuperMC
Authors: Xu Y B , Bedenko S V
Published: August 2021

This paper presents the impact of different types of burnable poisons and filling methods on burnup in the VVER-1000 reactor. In this study, SuperMC was used to visually model the fuel assembly of the VVER-1000 reactor, perform burnup calculations and compare the results. Five groups (Homogeneous Gd2O3, Heterogeneous Gd2O3 1and 2, Homogeneous AmO2, Pure UO2) of different burnable poisons are modeled with fuel assembly as a unit, and the results will be analyzed by comparing the difference of keff.
Formation of gradient porous composites from preceramic papers with Ti3SiC2 powder filler
Authors: Mingazova Y R , Kashkarov E B , Syrtanov M S , Sedanova E P , Krotkevich D G , Travitzky N
Published: August 2021

This article is devoted to fabrication of gradient Ti3SiC2-based composites using preceramic papers as a feedstock. The initial raw material is a stack of preceramic paper with a Ti3SiC2 powder filler, the content of which varies from 60 to 90% every three layers. The composites were obtained by spark plasma sintering (SPS) method at 10 MPa pressure for 10 min holding time. The sintering temperature was 1250 °C. The microstructure and phase composition of the obtained gradient composites were analyzed.
Mathematical modeling of the interaction of a model water molecule with a membrane based on cells of double-walled open carbon nanotubes
Authors: Demidenko I S , Khilchuk M D , Tarasov E A
Published: August 2021

In this work, the process of interaction of a cell of four double-walled nanotubes with a water molecule was numerically simulated. The simulation results show that under normal conditions, water molecules pass through a cell of nanotubes in a plane parallel to the length of the tubes, and in a plane perpendicular to the length, the structure for such molecules is not passable.
Structure and properties of silumin irradiated with a pulse electron beam
Authors: Ustinov A M , Klopotov A A , Zagulyaev D V , Ivanov Yu F , Abzaev Yu A , Nikonenko E L , Tsvetkov N A
Published: August 2021

The samples of silumin were irradiated with a pulsed electron beam. Studies of the structure and phase composition of the modified layer have been carried out. The formation of a submicro-nanocrystalline multiphase structure, formed as a result of high-speed crystallization of the surface layer, is revealed. Mechanical tensile tests were performed on samples of irradiated silumin, and an increase in the plasticity of the material by 1.2 times was revealed. It is shown that this effect is caused by stabilization of local macroregions with the compression deformation.
Graph Neural Network and its applications
Authors: Gao Jiawei , Hao Lexin
Published: August 2021

In recent years, people have become more interested in expanding deep learning methods on graphs, and a lot of progress has been made in the field. Although traditional deep learning methods have been applied to extract the features of Euclidean spatial data with great success, the data in many practical application scenarios are generated from non-Euclidean spaces. The performance of traditional deep learning methods in processing non-Euclidean spatial data is still not optimistic. Driven by the success of many factors, the researchers used the ideas of convolutional networks, recurrent networks, and deep autoencoders to define and design the neural network structure for processing graph data. This is a new research hotspot— Graph Neural Networks (GNNs). It is necessary to summarize the latest GNNs-related studies and propose improved algorithms to further promote breakthroughs in more applications of GNNs. This paper mainly provides an overview of the current research status of graph neural networks and proposes future work from three aspects.
Comprehensive Analysis Based on Massive Taxi Trajectory Data
Authors: Tan Longyan
Published: August 2021

With the increasing demand for taxis, a large number of taxi trajectory data have been used for in-depth analysis. However, most early studies only used limited data or simulations to analyze the route choice behavior or traffic congestion problems. To extract more useful information from taxi trajectory data, this paper analyzes massive raw dates collected in Chengdu from 4 different perspectives. To begin with, passenger demand is analyzed by counting the number of orders in each period. K-means clustering is used for regional planning and provides appropriate boarding points for passengers. Furthermore, this paper focus on quantity duration of order duration, which presents an approximate Poisson distribution. Finally, the ratio of driving distance to the linear distance between the start and end points is defined as the overtravel ratio. Through the comprehensive analysis of the taxi trajectory data, it can provide assistance to the travel demand of passengers and the scheduling of taxi drivers, and maximize resource efficiency. Moreover, the data collected in Chengdu are very representative and large, so the corresponding suggestions can also provide hints for public transport problems.
Stock selection strategy based on double objective programming
Authors: Zhang Qi , Yang FanYi , Wang YuBo
Published: August 2021

This paper studies the securities market in which the stock market fluctuates. Because the market fluctuation plays an important role in the analysis of people’s risk return, the maximization of shareholders’ equity and the effective supervision of the regulators, how to study the law of the securities market fluctuation and what are the causes of the market fluctuation have become the necessary problems in the current study of the securities market.Lagrange interpolation is used to complete the data, and the time series prediction model is established to predict the closing of the next 100 days. The multi-objective programming is carried out by using the prediction data. Under the consideration of multiple constraints, lingo programming is used to solve the equations. The final portfolio is as follows: stock 2 accounts for 0.18, stock 3 accounts for 0.3, stock 5 accounts for 0.22, and stock 10 accounts for 0.29.The model was evaluated and five groups of data were selected.Using MAPE index to judge the error between the predicted result and the real value, the accuracy of the predicted result can be judged if the calculated result is about 0.1.By analyzing the new portfolio and processing the attachments, the investment benefits of the newly selected portfolio are all positive, and the expected income is also positive, which verifies the effectiveness of the model.
A insider threat detection system based on user and entity behavior analysis
Authors: Liu Haowei
Published: August 2021

Under the background of “digital new era”, the trend of network environment diversification and personnel technical requirements complexity is becoming more and more intense. After the “Prism Gate” incident was exposed, the public began to think deeply about insider security. At present, most organizations adopt security information and event management (SIEM) security policies and the rules to carry out insider security detection. However, with the surge of insider information data, the number of false alarms and false alarms due to the lack of context increases, which consumes a lot of time and human and material resources. Based on these problems, it is particularly important to develop a new insider safety inspection system and tools. This work proposes to develop an insider threat detection system based on the security strategy of user and entity behavior analysis to realize the detection and analysis of insider threat with high precision. The main work is as follows:This work abandons the traditional SIEM combined rules to determine the anomaly, but adopts the detection strategy of User and Entity Behavior Analysis (UEBA).This work proposes an improved LSTM-GaN insider threat detection algorithm.
Hemodynamic and Functional Correlates of Concentric vs. Eccentric LVH in a Community-Based Sample With Prevalent Volume-Dependent Hypertension
Authors: Bello Hamza , Norton Gavin R , Peterson Vernice R , Libhaber Carlos D , Mmopi Keneilwe N , Mthembu Nonhlanhla , Masiu Mohlabani , Da Silva Fernandes Daniel , Bamaiyi Adamu J , Peters Ferande , Sareli Pinhas , Woodiwiss Angela J
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Whether in volume-dependent primary hypertension, concentric left ventricular (LV) remodeling beyond hypertrophy (LVH) represents the impact of a pressure rather than a volume overload, is unclear.

METHODS

Using central arterial pressure, and aortic velocity and diameter measurements in the outflow tract (echocardiography), we determined the factors that associate with concentric LVH or remodeling in a community of African ancestry (n = 709) with prevalent volume-dependent primary hypertension.

RESULTS

Both left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT) were positively and independently associated with end diastolic volume (EDV), stroke volume (SV), and peak aortic flow (Q) (P < 0.05 to <0.0001). However, neither LVMI nor RWT were positively and independently associated with systemic vascular resistance (SVR), or aortic characteristic impedance (Zc) or inversely associated with total arterial compliance (TAC). Consequently, both concentric (P < 0.0001) and eccentric (P < 0.0001) LVH were associated with similar increases in EDV, SV, and either office brachial, central arterial, or 24-hour blood pressures (BP), but neither increases in SVR or Zc nor decreases in TAC. LV RWT, but not LVMI was nevertheless independently and inversely associated with myocardial systolic function (midwall shortening and s′) (P < 0.05 to <0.005) and decreases in LV systolic function were noted in concentric (P < 0.05), but not eccentric LVH.

CONCLUSIONS

In volume-dependent primary hypertension, concentric LVH is determined as much by volume-dependent increases in systemic flow and an enhanced BP as eccentric LVH. Concentric remodeling nevertheless reflects decreases in systolic function beyond LVH.
Using high-throughput multi-omics data to investigate structural balance in elementary gene regulatory network motifs
Authors: Zenere Alberto , Rundquist Olof , Gustafsson Mika , Altafini Claudio
Published: August 2021

Motivation

The simultaneous availability of ATAC-seq and RNA-seq experiments allows to obtain a more in-depth knowledge on the regulatory mechanisms occurring in gene regulatory networks. In this article, we highlight and analyze two novel aspects that leverage on the possibility of pairing RNA-seq and ATAC-seq data. Namely we investigate the causality of the relationships between transcription factors, chromatin and target genes and the internal consistency between the two omics, here measured in terms of structural balance in the sample correlations along elementary length-3 cycles.

Results

We propose a framework that uses the a priori knowledge on the data to infer elementary causal regulatory motifs (namely chains and forks) in the network. It is based on the notions of conditional independence and partial correlation, and can be applied to both longitudinal and non-longitudinal data. Our analysis highlights a strong connection between the causal regulatory motifs that are selected by the data and the structural balance of the underlying sample correlation graphs: strikingly, >97% of the selected regulatory motifs belong to a balanced subgraph. This result shows that internal consistency, as measured by structural balance, is close to a necessary condition for 3-node regulatory motifs to satisfy causality rules.

Availability and implementation

The analysis was carried out in MATLAB and the code can be found at https://github.com/albertozenere/Multi-omics-elementary-regulatory-motifs.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The Phenomenon of Repeat Payday Loan Borrowing in the United States: Assessing Risk and Protective Factors among the Financially Vulnerable
Authors: Lim Younghee , Kim Youn Kyoung , Maleku Arati , Conner Austin , Lee Na Youn , Yang Mi Youn
Published: August 2021

Payday lenders provide high-cost short-term loans to those who have limited access to traditional financial institutions. Although an overwhelming majority of payday loan customers are repeat borrowers, studies examining the phenomenon of repeat borrowing is scant. Our study aimed to assess risk and protective factors among repeat payday loan borrowers. Using Bankruptcy filers' data obtained through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records database of the United States Bankruptcy Court of a Southern district, we conducted a multinomial logistic regression analysis to compare one-time and repeat borrowers with non-borrowers (N = 453). Findings revealed that medical debt and the number of children are associated with an increased risk of repeat borrowing. Homeownership is associated with a decreased risk of both one-time and repeat borrowing. In contrast, student loans are associated with an increased risk of one-time borrowing. Implications for social work practice, policy, research, and education to engage with financially vulnerable households, build assets and financial capability, and address risk and protective factors of alternative financial services such as repeat payday loan borrowing toward achieving socio-economic justice goals are discussed.
Remdesivir for the Prevention of Invasive Mechanical Ventilation or Death in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Post Hoc Analysis of the Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial-1 Cohort Data
Authors: Paules Catharine I , Gallagher Shannon K , Rapaka Rekha R , Davey Richard T , Doernberg Sarah B , Grossberg Robert , Hynes Noreen A , Ponce Philip O , Short William R , Voell Jocelyn , Wang Jing , Yang Otto O , Wolfe Cameron R , Lye David C , Dodd Lori E , Benson Constance A
Published: August 2021

This post hoc analysis of the Adaptive Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Treatment Trial-1 (ACTT-1) shows a treatment effect of remdesivir (RDV) on progression to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) or death. Additionally, we create a risk profile that better predicts progression than baseline oxygen requirement alone. The highest risk group derives the greatest treatment effect from RDV.
Measurement Biases Distort Cell-Free DNA Fragmentation Profiles and Define the Sensitivity of Metagenomic Cell-Free DNA Sequencing Assays
Authors: Chang Adrienne , Mzava Omary , Lenz Joan S , Cheng Alexandre P , Burnham Philip , Motley S Timothy , Bennett Crissa , Connelly John T , Dadhania Darshana M , Suthanthiran Manikkam , Lee John R , Steadman Amy , De Vlaminck Iwijn
Published: August 2021

Background

Metagenomic sequencing of microbial cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in blood and urine is increasingly used as a tool for unbiased infection screening. The sensitivity of metagenomic cfDNA sequencing assays is determined by the efficiency by which the assay recovers microbial cfDNA vs host-specific cfDNA. We hypothesized that the choice of methods used for DNA isolation, DNA sequencing library preparation, and sequencing would affect the sensitivity of metagenomic cfDNA sequencing.

Methods

We characterized the fragment length biases inherent to select DNA isolation and library preparation procedures and developed a model to correct for these biases. We analyzed 305 cfDNA sequencing data sets, including publicly available data sets and 124 newly generated data sets, to evaluate the dependence of the sensitivity of metagenomic cfDNA sequencing on pre-analytical variables.

Results

Length bias correction of fragment length distributions measured from different experimental procedures revealed the ultrashort (<100 bp) nature of microbial-, mitochondrial-, and host-specific urinary cfDNA. The sensitivity of metagenomic sequencing assays to detect the clinically reported microorganism differed by more than 5-fold depending on the combination of DNA isolation and library preparation used.

Conclusions

Substantial gains in the sensitivity of microbial and other short fragment recovery can be achieved by easy-to-implement changes in the sample preparation protocol, which highlights the need for standardization in the liquid biopsy field.
T Cell Response After SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Immunocompromised Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Reuken P A , Andreas N , Grunert P C , Glöckner S , Kamradt T , Stallmach A
Published: August 2021

Background

Vaccination is a promising strategy to protect vulnerable groups like immunocompromised inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] patients from an infection with SARS-CoV-2. These patients may have lower immune responses. Little is known about the cellular and humoral immune response after a SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in IBD patients.

Methods

Totals of 28 patients with IBD and 27 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited at Jena University Hospital. Blood samples were taken before, after the first, and in a subgroup of 11 patients after second dose of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Cellular immune response, including IFN-γ and TNF-α response and antibody titres, were analysed.

Results

Overall, 71.4% of the IBD patients and 85.2% of the controls showed levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies above the cutoff of 33.8 BAU/ml [p = 0.329] after the first dose. Even in the absence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, IBD patients showed significant T cell responses after first SARS-CoV-2 vaccination compared with healthy controls, which was not influenced by different immunosuppressive regimens. Associated with the vaccination, we could also detect a slight increase of the TNF production among SARS-CoV-2-reactive TH cells in healthy donorsn [HD] and IBD patients. After the second dose of vaccination, in IBD patients a further increase of humoral immune response in all but one patient was observed.

Conclusions

Already after the first dose of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, cellular immune response in IBD patients is comparable to controls, indicating a similar efficacy. However, close monitoring of long-term immunity in these patients should be considered.
New anatomical frozen elephant trunk graft for zone 0: endovascular technology reduces invasiveness of open surgery to the max
Authors: Pichlmaier Maximilian , Tsilimparis Nikolaos , Hagl Christian , Peterss Sven
Published: August 2021

The first-in-man implant of a custom-made branched frozen elephant trunk graft designed for an anastomosis in aortic arch zone 0 is reported. Combining endovascular technology with open surgical techniques has allowed for simplification of the open procedure with substantial reduction in circulatory arrest time and in the extent of the surgical preparations.
Understanding the life experiences of people with multiple complex needs: peer research in a health needs assessment
Authors: Harland Jill M , Adams Emma A , Boobis Sophie , Cheetham Mandy , Wiseman Alice , Ramsay Sheena E
Published: August 2021

Background

Multiple complex needs (MCN) describe a population experiencing a combination of homelessness, substance use, offending and/or mental ill-health. Using peer researchers, this study aimed to explore the perspectives of individuals with lived experience of MCN with regards to (i) issues leading to MCN and (ii) key intervention opportunities.

Methods

As part of a health needs assessment in Gateshead (North East England), trained peer researchers interviewed 27 adults (aged ≥18 years) with experience of MCN, identified using purposive sampling methods. Peer researchers designed a topic guide for interviews which were audio recorded and thematically analyzed.

Results

Interviewees reported adverse childhood experiences leading to MCN including abuse, bereavement, parental imprisonment, family break-up and inadequate support. Mental ill-health, substance use, poverty, early experiences of unstable housing and acute homelessness were identified as major precedents for adulthood experiences of MCN. Between 16 and 20 years, access to housing, social and mental health support was perceived as having the potential to prevent circumstances worsening. Individuals perceived removing barriers to mental health, housing and welfare and financial supports could help.

Conclusions

This study highlights the perceived role austerity, adverse childhood events and current service provision have in current and future experiences of MCN. Individuals expressed a need for future interventions and support to be judgement free and provided by workers who are educated about MCN and related adversity. Involving peer researchers and individuals with experience of MCN in future research and service provision could ensure appropriate measures and supports are put in place.
Evolution of the Insect PPK Gene Family
Authors: Latorre-Estivalis Jose Manuel , Almeida Francisca C , Pontes Gina , Dopazo Hernán , Barrozo Romina B , Lorenzo Marcelo Gustavo
Published: August 2021

Insect pickpocket (PPK) receptors mediate diverse functions, among them the detection of mechano- and chemo-sensory stimuli. Notwithstanding their relevance, studies on their evolution only focused on Drosophila. We have analyzed the genomes of 26 species of eight orders including holometabolous and hemimetabolous insects (Blattodea, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Phthiraptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Diptera), to characterize the evolution of this gene family. PPKs were detected in all genomes analyzed, with 578 genes distributed in seven subfamilies. According to our phylogeny, ppk17 is the most divergent member, composing the new subfamily VII. PPKs evolved under a gene birth-and-death model that generated lineage-specific expansions usually located in clusters, while purifying selection affected several orthogroups. Subfamily V was the largest, including a mosquito-specific expansion that can be considered a new target for pest control. PPKs present a high gene turnover generating considerable variation. On one hand, Musca domestica (59), Aedes albopictus (51), Culex quinquefasciatus (48), and Blattella germanica (41) presented the largest PPK repertoires. On the other hand, Pediculus humanus (only ppk17), bees, and ants (6–9) had the smallest PPK sets. A subset of prevalent PPKs was identified, indicating very conserved functions for these receptors. Finally, at least 20% of the sequences presented calmodulin-binding motifs, suggesting that these PPKs may amplify sensory responses similarly as proposed for Drosophila melanogaster ppk25. Overall, this work characterized the evolutionary history of these receptors revealing relevant unknown gene sequence features and clade-specific expansions.
Mitochondrial mutations in Caenorhabditis elegans show signatures of oxidative damage and an AT-bias
Authors: Waneka Gus , Svendsen Joshua M , Havird Justin C , Sloan Daniel B
Published: August 2021

Rapid mutation rates are typical of mitochondrial genomes (mtDNAs) in animals, but it is not clear why. The difficulty of obtaining measurements of mtDNA mutation that are not biased by natural selection has stymied efforts to distinguish between competing hypotheses about the causes of high mtDNA mutation rates. Several studies which have measured mtDNA mutations in nematodes have yielded small datasets with conflicting conclusions about the relative abundance of different substitution classes (i.e., the mutation spectrum). We therefore leveraged Duplex Sequencing, a high-fidelity DNA sequencing technique, to characterize de novo mtDNA mutations in Caenorhabditis elegans. This approach detected nearly an order of magnitude more mtDNA mutations than documented in any previous nematode mutation study. Despite an existing extreme AT bias in the C. elegans mtDNA (75.6% AT), we found that a significant majority of mutations increase genomic AT content. Compared to some prior studies in nematodes and other animals, the mutation spectrum reported here contains an abundance of CG→AT transversions, supporting the hypothesis that oxidative damage may be a driver of mtDNA mutations in nematodes. Furthermore, we found an excess of G→T and C→T changes on the coding DNA strand relative to the template strand, consistent with increased exposure to oxidative damage. Analysis of the distribution of mutations across the mtDNA revealed significant variation among protein-coding genes and as well as among neighboring nucleotides. This high-resolution view of mitochondrial mutations in C. elegans highlights the value of this system for understanding relationships among oxidative damage, replication error, and mtDNA mutation.
Feeling Younger in Rural Burkina Faso: Exploring the Role of Subjective Age in the Light of Previous Research From High-Income Countries
Authors: Schönstein Anton , Ngo Dinh Thao Trinh , Stephan Yannick , Siè Ali , Harling Guy , Bärnighausen Till , Wahl Hans-Werner
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Previous research on subjective age (SA), that is, how young or old a person feels relative to their chronological age, has shown that older adults tend to feel younger than they are (by about 15%–20%), but the extent of this effect depends, in part, on their health. However, as most of the studies have been conducted in Western countries, it is unclear how well these results generalize to culturally different samples. Objectives, therefore, were to examine SA in middle-aged and older adults from a very low-income setting in rural Burkina Faso, to examine associations between SA and health/quality of life-related measures, and to compare findings with Western studies.

Methods

Representative, cross-sectional sample of N = 3,028 adults (≥40 years, recruited in 2018) from north-western Burkina Faso. Data included questionnaires on depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life scale, including subjective health) as well as performance-based and objective health-related measures (Community Screening Instrument for Dementia as cognitive screening, walking speed).

Results

Respondents felt on average 3% younger (SD = 0.13) than their chronological age, with 48% (95% confidence interval: 0.46–0.50) feeling younger—27 percentage points lower than seen in representative Western studies. Lower depression, better walking speed, cognition, and quality of life were all associated with younger SA.

Discussion

Middle-aged and older adults in Nouna felt less young than similar age groups in Western studies. One of the reasons may be that youthfulness is less of a value outside Western cultures. As in Western studies, parts of the variation in SA can be explained by health parameters.
Sepsis-Induced Immunosuppression Is Marked by an Expansion of a Highly Suppressive Repertoire of FOXP3+ T-Regulatory Cells Expressing TIGIT
Authors: de Lima Mikhael Haruo Fernandes , Hiroki Carlos Hiroji , de Fátima Borges Vanessa , Cebinelli Guilherme Cesar Martelossi , Santos Jessica , Rosa Marcos Henrique , Silva Camila Meirelles S , Wanderley Carlos Wagner S , Gonçalves Augusto Velozo , Quirino Gustavo Fernando Silva , Zamboni Dario S , Cunha Thiago M , Filho José-Carlos A , Cunha Fernando Q
Published: August 2021

Background

Although the literature shows that an increase in both the number and suppressive function of CD4+forkhead box P3 (FOXP3)+ T-regulatory cells (Tregs) during sepsis contributes to an immunosuppressed state, little is known about the identity of these cells.

Methods

Using the sepsis mouse model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), we analyzed the frequency and molecular signature of the T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT)+ and TIGIT− Treg subsets, using flow cytometry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In addition, ST2−/− and signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6)−/− mice were submitted to CLP or recombinant interleukin 33 (IL-33) treatment to investigate the mechanism whereby TIGIT+ Tregs differentiate during sepsis.

Results

Sepsis was marked by the sustained expansion of the highly suppressive TIGIT+ Treg subset, which expresses Helios, neuropilin 1, and high levels of Tnfrsf18 and Pdcd1 at 15 days after CLP. The increase in TIGIT+ Tregs was accompanied by higher susceptibility to nosocomial bacteria challenge, suggesting their association with post sepsis immunosuppression. Mechanistically, we found that the ST2 deletion abrogated the expansion of the TIGIT+ Treg subset during sepsis. Furthermore, treatment with recombinant IL-33 resulted in the expansion of TIGIT+ Tregs depending on the STAT6 and M2 macrophages.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrated that only the TIGIT+ Tregs remain stably expanded at the late phase of sepsis. Moreover, the expansion of TIGIT+ Tregs is dependent on the IL-33/ST2/STAT6/M2 macrophage axis.
Combined lumbar spine MRI and CT appropriateness checklist: a quality improvement project in Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Madani larijani Maryam , Azizian Amir , Carr Tracey , Adams Scott j , Groot Gary
Published: August 2021

Background

As rates of advanced imaging for lower back pain (LBP) continue to increase, there is a need to ensure the appropriateness of imaging.

Objective

The goal of this project was to reduce the number of inappropriate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) requests for LBP patients and facilitate appropriate imaging by developing a combined imaging appropriateness checklist for lumbar spine MRI and CT.

Methods

In prior work, we developed and adopted individual evidence-based lumbar spine MRI and CT checklists into the radiology requisition process. In the current project, a combined checklist was developed and trialed in one of the former Saskatchewan health regions (Five Hills) beginning in May 2018. Using statistical process control, control charts compared the monthly number of imaging requests pre-checklist implementation and post-checklist implementation from May 2017 to February 2020. The monthly number of lumbar spine MRI and CT requisitions in the nearby former Saskatchewan Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region, in which the combined checklist was not trialed, was also plotted and compared as a balancing measure.

Results

In Five Hills, a shift (decrease) was observed in the monthly number of lumbar spine MRI requisitions 7 months following the implementation of the combined checklist. However, the monthly number of lumbar spine CT requisitions did not change significantly. In the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region, there was a shift (increase) in the monthly number of lumbar spine MRI requisitions, while the monthly number of lumbar spine CT requests decreased after the implementation of the combined checklist.

Conclusions

The combined checklist with evidence-based indications for lumbar spine MRI and CT imaging in LBP patients appeared to reduce the complexity associated with two previous individual checklists and facilitate imaging appropriateness. Accountable benefits may include the reduction of radiation exposure as a result of unnecessary and repeated imaging and reduction in wait times for CT and/or MRI.
OpenNotes: Anticipatory Guidance and Ethical Considerations for Pediatric Psychologists in Interprofessional Settings
Authors: Fogler Jason M , Ratliff-Schaub Karen , McGuinn Laura , Crutchfield Parker , Schwartz Justin , Soares Neelkamal
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The 21st Century Cures Act included an “OpenNotes” mandate to foster transparent communication among patients, families, and clinicians by offering rapid electronic access to clinical notes. This article seeks to address concerns about increased documentation burden, vulnerability to patient complaints, and other unforeseen consequences of patients having near-real-time access to their records.

Methods

This topical review explores both extant literature, and case examples from the authors’ direct experience, about potential responses/reactions to OpenNotes.

Results

The ethics of disclosing medical information calls for nuanced approaches: Although too little access can undermine a patient’s autonomy and the capacity for truly egalitarian shared decision-making, unfettered access to all medical information has significant potential to harm them. Suggested strategies for mitigating risks in premature disclosure include patient and provider education and “modularizing” sensitive information in notes.

Conclusion

The OpenNotes era has ushered in the possibilities of greater patient and family collaboration in shared decision-making and reduced barriers to documentation sharing. However, it has raised new ethical and clinician documentation considerations. In addition to clinician education, patients and families could benefit from education around the purpose of clinical documentation, how to utilize OpenNotes, and the benefits of engaging in dialogue regarding the content and tone of documentation.
Electronic Cigarette Terminology: Where Does One Generation End and the Next Begin?
Authors: Ozga Jenny E , Felicione Nicholas J , Douglas Ashley , Childers Margaret , Blank Melissa D
Published: August 2021

Implications: The electronic cigarette (ECIG) research community faces several challenges when it comes to regulatory science; not only is the ECIG market changing at a rapid pace, but the terms used by researchers, health organizations, ECIG users, and ECIG manufacturers/distributors to describe devices are inconsistent. These discrepancies make it difficult to advance science and develop regulations. Although researchers have used “generations” to categorize ECIG device types based on various characteristics, with the constantly evolving ECIG market, it is unclear where one “generation” of devices ends and the next begins.
Inflation trends in Asia: implications for central banks
Authors: Garcia Juan Angel , Poon Aubrey
Published: August 2021

This article shows that trend inflation estimation offers crucial insights for the analysis of inflation dynamics and long-term inflation expectations. Focusing on the 12 largest Asian economies, a sample comprising both advanced and emerging economies and different monetary policy regimes, we show that trend inflation analysis can help explain the different impact of the disinflationary shocks across countries. Among countries with inflation below target in recent years, in those with trend inflation low but constant (Australia, New Zealand) low inflation may be lasting, but temporary, while those in which trend inflation has declined (South Korea, Thailand) risk low inflation to become entrenched and a de-anchoring of expectations. Countries like India, Philippines, and Indonesia instead experienced a moderation in inflation and lower trend inflation, while others (China, Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia) were impacted very mildly. That diverse international evidence offers important insights for central banks worldwide.
Durable Cognitive Gains and Symptom Improvement Are Observed in Individuals With Recent-Onset Schizophrenia 6 Months After a Randomized Trial of Auditory Training Completed Remotely
Authors: Loewy Rachel , Fisher Melissa , Ma Sisi , Carter Cameron , Ragland J Daniel , Niendam Tara A , Stuart Barbara , Schlosser Danielle , Amirfathi Felix , Yohannes Seghel , Vinogradov Sophia
Published: August 2021

Objective

Cognitive impairment in schizophrenia predicts functional outcomes and is largely unresponsive to pharmacology or psychotherapy; it is thus a critical unmet treatment need. This article presents the impact of remotely completed, intensive, targeted auditory training (AT) vs control condition computer games (CG) in a double-blind randomized trial in young adults with recent-onset schizophrenia.

Method

Participants (N = 147) were assessed for cognition, symptoms, and functioning at baseline, post-intervention, and at 6-month follow-up. All participants were provided with laptop computers and were instructed to complete 40 hours remotely of training or computer games. An intent-to-treat analysis (N = 145) was performed using linear mixed models with time modeled as a continuous variable. Planned contrasts tested the change from baseline to post-training, baseline to 6-month follow-up, and post-training to 6-month follow-up.

Results

Global Cognition, which had improved in the AT group relative to the CG group at post-training, showed durable gains at 6-month follow-up in an omnibus group-by-time interaction test (F(1,179) = 4.80, P = .030), as did Problem-Solving (F(1,179) = 5.13, P = .025), and Speed of Processing improved at trend level significance (F(1,170) = 3.80, P = .053). Furthermore, the AT group showed significantly greater improvement than the CG group in positive symptoms (F(1,179) = 4.06, P = .045).

Conclusions

These results provide the first evidence of durable cognitive gains and symptom improvement at follow-up of cognitive training (CT) in early schizophrenia completed independently and remotely. While functioning did not show significant improvement, these findings suggest that intensive targeted CT of auditory processing is a promising component of early intervention to promote recovery from psychosis.
Making AIMS Explicit: Establishing Intersectionality Criteria for Gender Equity Analyses
Authors: Goodkind Sara , Gartner Rachel E , Jacobs Leah A , Branson Dominique , King Jorden , Meaux Siera , Miller Elizabeth
Published: August 2021

Social work researchers often conduct population-level analyses of equity, sometimes focusing on how social and economic well-being are differently experienced depending on gender. In response to the United States’ refusal to ratify the United Nations’ Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, city-level campaigns began conducting gender equity analyses to highlight and address inequality. To date, these analyses have largely focused on gender alone, affording little attention to other axes of inequality. This article argues that theories of intersectionality offer a conceptual antidote to this narrow focus on gender. Drawing on extant literature, authors developed four criteria to guide intersectional gender equity analyses: (1) analyzes power, (2) interprets population and phenomena in context, (3) mutually constituted and interdependent category use, and (4) strategic and transparent social justice goals (which can be abbreviated as AIMS). Taking a metaevaluation approach, they applied the AIMS criteria to assess existing gender equity analyses. Results indicate ways in which these criteria can be met and the implications of taking intersectional approaches. Ultimately, the AIMS criteria offer guidance to social work research that can systematically and intentionally integrate core intersectionality principles and, in turn, support efforts to promote equity in our systems and institutions.
Updated Management Protocol for Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)
Authors: Takia Lalit , Angurana Suresh Kumar , Nallasamy Karthi , Bansal Arun , Muralidharan Jayashree
Published: August 2021

The multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a post-viral immunological or hyper-inflammatory complication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection commonly seen in older children, who commonly present with fever, multi-systemic involvement including myocardial dysfunction and shock, and hyper-inflammation. The treatment of MIS-C is adapted from the treatment of other immunological or hyper-inflammatory conditions and these treatment protocols are not uniform across the globe, and more so, in India. We propose a uniform management protocol for MIS-C based on our experience of treating MIS-C cases, available evidence till now, and recent guidelines. The aims are to identify children with MIS-C with high sensitivity, recognize other infections or inflammatory processes, stratify treatment based on severity, and manage hyper-inflammatory syndrome.