bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Recurrent Neural Network Model Accounts for Both Timing and Working Memory Components of an Interval Discrimination Task
Authors: Chinoy Rehan B. , Tanwar Ashita , Buonomano Dean V.
Published: October 2022

Interval discrimination is of fundamental importance to many forms of sensory processing, including speech and music. Standard interval discrimination tasks require comparing two intervals separated in time, and thus include both working memory (WM) and timing components. Models of interval discrimination invoke separate circuits for the timing and WM components. Here we examine if, in principle, the same recurrent neural network can implement both. Using human psychophysics, we first explored the role of the WM component by varying the interstimulus delay. Consistent with previous studies, discrimination was significantly worse for a 250 ms delay, compared to 750 and 1500 ms delays, suggesting that the first interval is stably stored in WM for longer delays. We next successfully trained a recurrent neural network (RNN) on the task, demonstrating that the same network can implement both the timing and WM components. Many units in the RNN were tuned to specific intervals during the sensory epoch, and others encoded the first interval during the delay period. Overall, the encoding strategy was consistent with the notion of mixed selectivity. Units generally encoded more interval information during the sensory epoch than in the delay period, reflecting categorical encoding of short versus long in WM, rather than encoding of the specific interval. Our results demonstrate that, in contrast to standard models of interval discrimination that invoke a separate memory module, the same network can, in principle, solve the timing, WM, and comparison components of an interval discrimination task.
Assimilation of Radio Occultation Data Using Measurement-Based Observation Error Specification: Preliminary Results
Authors: Zhang Hailing , Kuo Ying-Hwa , Sokolovskiy Sergey
Published: October 2022

The local spectral width (LSW) of a radio occultation (RO) observation in impact parameter representation is a useful parameter for providing information on the uncertainty associated with the RO bending angle measurement. The LSW can potentially be used to specify the bending angle observation error (BaOE) in the lower troposphere for each individual sounding. This study assesses the usefulness and limitations of LSW in representing BaOE for a global data assimilation system. A two-step scheme is proposed to derive profile-dependent BaOE from LSW. Since the LSW-based BaOE varies with each individual RO observation, it is here designated as a dynamic BaOE (DBOE) in contrast to the traditional statistics-based BaOE specification. A benchmark control run and two sensitivity experiments are conducted with continuous cycling data assimilation using the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) and Global Forecast System (GFS). The usefulness and impact of the LSW-based DBOE are evaluated using radiosonde observations and global analyses. Results show that DBOE is able to improve the assimilation of RO data, leading to better forecast skill scores. Another experiment, in which the GSI statistical observation error of the benchmark run is replaced by the average of LSW-based DBOE, shows that the ability to assign larger weighting for high-quality observation and lower weighting for low-quality observation is the key factor for the success of the LSW-based DBOE.
A Deep Learning Model for Estimating Tropical Cyclone Wind Radius from Geostationary Satellite Infrared Imagery
Authors: Wang Chong , Li Xiaofeng
Published: October 2022

This article developed a deep learning (DL) model for estimating tropical cyclone (TC) 34-, 50-, and 64-kt (1 kt ≈ 0.51 m s−1) wind radii in four quadrants from infrared images in the global ocean. We collected 63 675 TC images from 2004 to 2016 and divided them into three periods (2004–12, 2013–14, and 2015–16) for model training, validation, and testing. First, four DL-based radius estimation models were developed to estimate the TC wind radius for each of the four quadrants. Then, the entire original images and the one-quarter-quadrant subimages were included in the model training for each quadrant. Last, we modified the mean absolute error (MAE) loss function in these DL-based models to reduce the side effect of an unbalanced distribution of wind radii and developed an asymmetric TC wind radius estimation model globally. The comparison of model results with the best-track data of TCs shows that the MAEs of 34-kt wind radius are 18.8, 19.5, 18.6, and 18.8 n mi (1 n mi = 1.852 km) for the northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest quadrants, respectively. The MAEs of 50-kt wind radius are 11.3, 11.3, 11.1, and 10.8 n mi, respectively, and the MAEs of 64-kt wind radius are 8.9, 9.9, 9.2, and 8.7 n mi, respectively. These results represent a 12.1%–35.5% improvement over existing methods in the literature. In addition, the DL-based models were interpreted with two deep visualization toolboxes. The results indicate that the TC eye, cloud, and TC spiral structure are the main factors that affect the model performance.
Characteristics of Warm Season Heavy Rainfall in Minnesota
Authors: Laiho Rory , Friedrich Katja , Winters Andrew C.
Published: October 2022

Warm season heavy rainfall in Minnesota can lead to flooding with serious impacts on life and infrastructure. Situated in a transition zone between humid eastern and semiarid western conditions in the United States, Minnesota experiences large spatial variability in precipitation. Previous research has often lacked spatiotemporal detail important for heavy rainfall analysis for Minnesota. This research used Stage-IV hourly precipitation data with 4-km grid spacing during May–September 2004–20 to analyze Minnesota spatial, seasonal, and event-based characteristics. Rain event frequency, accumulation, hours, and intensities were compared for all rain events (>2.5 mm) and heavy rain events (>36 mm). For all rain events, results showed the highest regional median monthly rain event frequency (>6 events) in June and the lowest (<5 events) in September. Median monthly accumulations were largest (∼75 mm) in June, followed by July and August. Monthly total rain event hours at a point peaked around 20 h in May in southeastern Minnesota. Smaller event accumulations occurred more frequently than larger accumulations, and event mean intensities were higher in summertime (June–August) than in May and September for rain events and heavy rain events. Heavy rain event region-based analyses showed monthly peaks for frequency in July–August, accumulation in July, and event hours in June–July and September. Median heavy rain event durations were shorter during June–August than in May and September. Monthly heavy rain event accumulation as a percent of all rain event accumulation was greatest in September (24%). These results establish a foundation for future research into precipitation patterns and trends.

Significance Statement

Climate analysis has indicated that Minnesota is in a region where increases in heavy rainfall are anticipated for the future. Heavy rainfall in Minnesota has led to flooding with severe adverse impacts. This study addresses a gap in information about heavy precipitation in Minnesota and provides heavy rainfall analyses useful for climate-related planning. Stage-IV hourly precipitation data for the warm season (May–September) during 2004–20 enabled the identification of rain events and heavy rain events, as well as their characteristic frequency, rainfall accumulation, duration, and intensity. The results help establish a baseline for past and future analyses of precipitation patterns and trends. They also build a foundation for future research investigating the weather patterns that lead to heavy rainfall.
Examining the Effects of Physical Environment and Structural Characteristics on the Spatial Patterns of Crime in Daegu, South Korea
Authors: Kim Young-An , Kim Joonggon
Published: October 2022

The current study examines the relationship between the features of physical and social environments and neighborhood crime in a large Korean city. We utilized the 112 Crime Calls Data from May 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019, aggregated at the ¼-mile egohood level. We estimated a series of negative binomial regression models to test the effects of social and physical environmental features on crime rates. Furthermore, we examine potential moderating effects between the measures of physical and social environments. The results indicate that incorporating the physical and social environmental features based on the theoretical framework of criminal opportunities and social disorganization can be useful for understanding the spatial patterns of crime in Korean context.
Global social work working conditions and wellbeing
Authors: Ravalier Jermaine , Jones David , Truell Rory , McFadden Paula
Published: October 2022

This research explores the working conditions of social workers around the globe, using a mixed-methods approach. A survey of working conditions and wellbeing was distributed to social workers via email and social media. Results subsequently informed the interview schedule for individual semi-structured interviews with social work leaders from across the world. Results confirm that social workers have among the most difficult working conditions of all equivalent professions, with detrimental effects on services for individuals and communities due to burnout and retention. Suggested solutions include legal recognition of the social work profession, improved management support and better pay and conditions.
Achilles Tendons Display Region-Specific Transcriptomic Signatures Associated With Distinct Mechanical Properties
Authors: Disser Nathaniel P. , Piacentini Alexander N. , De Micheli Andrea J. , Schonk Martin M. , Yao Vincent J.H. , Deng Xiang-Hua , Oliver David J. , Rodeo Scott A.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Previous studies have examined the transcriptomes and mechanical properties of whole tendons in different regions of the body. However, less is known about these characteristics within a single tendon.

Purpose:

To develop a regional transcriptomic atlas and evaluate the region-specific mechanical properties of Achilles tendons.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Achilles tendons from 2-month-old male Sprague Dawley rats were used. Tendons were isolated and divided into proximal, middle, and distal thirds for RNA sequencing (n = 5). For mechanical testing, the Achilles muscle-tendon-calcaneus unit was mounted in a custom-designed materials testing system with the unit clamped over the musculotendinous junction (MTJ) and the calcaneus secured at 90° of dorsiflexion (n = 9). Tendons were stretched to 20 N at a constant speed of 0.0167 mm/s. Cross-sectional area, strain, stress, and Young modulus were determined in each tendon region.

Results:

An open-access, interactive transcriptional atlas was generated that revealed distinct gene expression signatures in each tendon region. The proximal and distal regions had the largest differences in gene expression, with 2596 genes significantly differentially regulated at least 1.5-fold ( q < .01). The proximal tendon displayed increased expression of genes resembling a tendon phenotype and increased expression of nerve cell markers. The distal region displayed increases in genes involved in extracellular matrix synthesis and remodeling, immune cell regulation, and a phenotype similar to cartilage and bone. There was a 3.72-fold increase in Young modulus from the proximal to middle region ( P < .01) and an additional 1.34-fold increase from the middle to distal region ( P = .027).

Conclusion:

Within a single tendon, there are region-specific transcriptomic signatures and mechanical properties, and there is likely a gradient in the biological and functional phenotype from the proximal origin at the MTJ to the distal insertion at the enthesis.

Clinical Relevance:

These findings improve our understanding of the underlying biological heterogeneity of tendon tissue and will help inform the future targeted use of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering strategies for patients with tendon disorders.
Examination of Within-Headset Sports Media Experiences
Authors: Wilson Ragan , Mayhorn Christopher B.
Published: October 2022

With the many varied options for media presentation available within virtual reality devices today, it is important to start comparing these different formats to determine how different they are from each other. This project examined the differences between 180-Degree and 2D presentations of sports media within virtual reality headsets (HMD). Additionally, it also examined how much including individual differences helped explain participant experiences of presence, suspense, and enjoyment. Participants were asked to watch a piece of sports media footage presented either in 180-Degree or 2D formats within their own headset and then complete surveys on presence, suspense, enjoyment, team disposition, and fanship post-watching the video clip. This data was analyzed using a MANOVA and hierarchical linear regression. Results showed that there were no differences between the two types of media presentation, but fanship did help to understand more of the variance within participants’ enjoyment.
Methods of Training to Overcome Distraction Via Diminished Reality
Authors: Murph I. , Richardson K. , McLaughlin A.C.
Published: October 2022

Combining theories of learning and a novel technology, diminished reality (DR), may aid in the creation of training for complex tasks in distracting environments. DR can de-emphasize elements of an environment to improve attention and there may be a benefit in extending these effects to training methods. One method of diminishment, called emphasis training, aids learning by directing attention to a specific part of a task, rather than the whole task, which may improve performance. However, high initial performance can hinder learning, suggesting that “desirable difficulties,” such as outside stressors during a task, are key to designing training that scaffolds learners to be able to work with distractions. However, there may be a level of distraction that is an impediment to learning. We hypothesize that using DR to gradually introduce desirable difficulties will train the operator to perform in distracting environments, enhance long term retention, and promote transfer of skills.
Mitigating the risk of musculoskeletal disorders during human robot collaboration: a reinforcement learning approach
Authors: Xie Ziyang , Lu Lu , Wang Hanwen , Su Bingyi , Liu Yunan , Xu Xu
Published: October 2022

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are often observed in human-robot collaboration (HRC), a common work configuration in modern factories. In this study, we aim to reduce the risk of MSDs in HRC scenarios by developing a novel model-free reinforcement learning (RL) method to improve workers’ postures. Our approach follows two steps: first, we adopt a 3D human skeleton reconstruction method to calculate workers’ Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) scores; next, we devise an online gradient-based RL algorithm to dynamically improve the RULA score. Compared with previous model-based studies, the key appeals of the proposed RL algorithm are two-fold: (i) the model-free structure allows it to “learn” the optimal worker postures without need any specific biomechanical models of tasks or workers, and (ii) the data-driven nature makes it accustomed to arbitrary users by providing personalized work configurations. Results of our experiments confirm that the proposed method can significantly improve the workers’ postures.
The TRUSTS Work System Resilience Framework: A Foundation for Resilience-Aware Development and Transition
Authors: Neville Kelly J. , Pires Bianica , Madhavan Poornima , Booth Matthew , Rosfjord Kris , Patterson Emily S.
Published: October 2022

Despite decades of effort to improve information technology (IT) transition, the success rate remains low with each failure representing substantial losses of time, money, and resources. When technologies do transition, they often are ignored and worked around. Worse, they may disrupt work or interfere with work-system responses to challenges. We posit that a systems-centered approach to transition grounded in complex-systems science and resilience engineering can significantly improve technology adoption rates. To serve as the foundation for this approach, we developed a framework that specifies resilience characteristics of high-consequence work systems. The framework, called the Transform with Resilience during Upgrades to Socio-Technical Systems (TRUSTS) Framework, is the basis for IT development tools and guidance that enable resilience-aware development and transition. The tools and guidance will help development teams design and evaluate technologies that contribute to work system performance during escalated and nonroutine demands and conditions, i.e., to work system resilience.
Visual Search in Augmented Reality: Effect of Target Cue Type and Location
Authors: Warden Amelia C. , Wickens Christopher D. , Mifsud Domenick , Ourada Shannon , Clegg Benjamin A. , Ortega Francisco R.
Published: October 2022

The current experiment examined the relative benefit of different cueing aids during a visual target search task, and the tradeoff between reduced information access effort and increased overlay clutter. Using an augmented reality head-mounted display (AR-HMD), participants completed a 180-degree visual search task with three different cue types (world-referenced arrow, screen-referenced icon target image, and screen-referenced minimap) compared to a control condition (no cueing aid). Target cues differed in terms of display proximity and where they were presented on the AR-HMD (the central field of view or approximately 15 degrees downward from the center). We found an overall performance benefit when searching for an object in the far domain with a target cue compared to searching with no cue, and the arrow cue (highest display proximity) showed the greatest overall benefit. We also found a performance benefit for cues located at the center of the AR-HMD compared to the downward location, but this benefit was offset by the higher clutter of the icon image and the minimap. These findings suggest that target cues with higher display proximity that also reduce information access effort (scanning) may be more suitable cueing aids when searching for an object in the far domain.
Screen Reader Voices: Effects of Pauses and Voice Changes on Comprehension
Authors: Henderson Cecelia A. , He Yingchen
Published: October 2022

This study seeks to investigate the effects of manipulating aspects of a text-to-speech (TTS) voice on the learning and comprehension of a short passage, as well as detection of aspects of the passage such as its organization and key information. Pauses and pitch changes were used to demarcate this type of information. Participants listened to the passages and answered a series of cued and uncued recall questions to measure comprehension and learning, followed by a task to identify header structure. Preliminary results show trends that adding pauses might be beneficial, but more participants are needed to provide conclusive evidence. This study will contribute to the body of research surrounding technology adoption, assistive technology, and how to improve AI voices for the purposes of learning, as well as our understanding of how we process auditory information.
Application of Differential Privacy to the 2020 U.S. Census and American Community Survey: Researchers’ Understanding and Reactions
Authors: Zhong Qi , Proctor Robert W. , Blocki Jeremiah , Li Ninghui , Xiong Aiping
Published: October 2022

The U.S. Census and the related American Community Survey (ACS) are used for studies of many types by researchers in a variety of domains. The U.S. Census Bureau discovered that the methods intended to preserve the privacy of individuals used for the 2010 survey were not adequate. Thus, a decision was made to apply differential privacy (DP) to the data from the 2020 Census. DP methods introduce noise into the data set with the intention of allowing the group statistics still to be useful, while protecting the individual data by way of random perturbation. Researchers expressed concern as to how much this application of DP will impact research. We report results of a survey conducted of researchers who published studies based on the 2010 U.S. Census data or the ACS data to assess their understanding of and concerns about DP.
The Impact of Chair Design on Trunk Sway Parameters During Computer-Based Tasks Over a Prolonged Bout of Sitting
Authors: Houghton Frederick C. , Afterman Melissa , Honan Meg , Barr Alan , Harris-Adamson Carissa
Published: October 2022

Prolonged sedentary behavior has increased due to computer use for work and leisure activities. Prolonged bouts of sitting have been associated with health risks such as low back pain. Prior studies have suggested that chair design characteristics, such as the presence of arm or back rests, are associated with sitting posture, movement patterns, and low back pain. The purpose of this within-subjects study was to examine the effects of armrest adjustments and tilt mechanisms on user-chair interfacial pressure variables and micromotion while performing computer tasks. Preliminary findings indicate that proper armrest adjustments increased average displacement and in-chair movements (p < 0.04) which may reduce low back pain while sitting. Further research is needed to understand the temporality of these relationships over long bouts of sitting.
Combining Lean Methodology with Functional Resonance Analysis Method to Understand Blood Product Administration
Authors: Kandaswamy Swaminathan , Jones Jennifer , Laporte Debra , Orenstein Evan
Published: October 2022

Blood productadministrationis a safety critical, complex dynamic sociotechnicalprocess. This study aimsto combinelean analysis with Functional ResonanceAnalysis Method to understand blood product administration at a large pediatric health system. We identified a number of resonance phenomenon and variabilitywithin functionsthat can lead to waste in the process.The results from the study can help with process simplification and developing interventions to reduce safety risks associated with transfusion.
Operators over-rely even more when automated decision support is the exception and not the norm
Authors: Hoesterey Steffen , Onnasch Linda
Published: October 2022

Previous findings indicate that operator’s reliance towards a static automated aid increases with the degree of automation (DOA) especially when decision-making is affected. In this data reexamination of a previously conducted study, operators’ automation verification was investigated comparing a static automation supporting decision selection with an automation which in most trials only narrowed down possible diagnoses. Thus, in the majority of trials information sampling was essential for task completion in the latter condition. However, in a few trials the automation provided a diagnosis, too – giving participants the rare opportunity to fully rely on the automation. The question was investigated how participants behave in the exceptional occasions in which reliance is possible compared to participants who always have the opportunity to rely. Results show that when reliance was possible as an exception, participants verified their aid significantly less compared to the group who could rely throughout all trials. Implications for approaches of flexible automation are discussed.
Capturing Driver Status Using Naturalistic Driving Study Data: Implications for Assessing Health and Safety
Authors: Binjolkar Mayuree , Boyle Linda Ng
Published: October 2022

The design of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADASs) and driving monitoring systems can be improved with a better understanding of on-road driving behavior. Information on traffic environment, health, engagement in secondary tasks, and corresponding eye glance locations can provide important insights into driver’s in-vehicle movements and status. This study examines the in-vehicle head movement of the driver and the factors affecting it using data from a naturalistic driving study. Linear mixed models were used to examine head position at a given point in time, and hierarchical clustering with dynamic time warping (DTW) was used to explore the trajectories of the head position. The findings show that some health conditions (e.g., limited flexibility, cancer) were correlated to restrictive head position during driving, and vehicle acceleration and traffic environment factors contributed to the variation in head positions.
Feasibility of Acupuncture and Exploration of Metabolomic Alterations for Psychoneurological Symptoms Among Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Li Hongjin , Schlaeger Judith M. , Patil Crystal L. , Danciu Oana C. , Xia Yinglin , Sun Jun , Doorenbos Ardith Z.
Published: October 2022

Objective

Approximately 24–68% of breast cancer survivors report co-occurring psychoneurological symptoms of pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression, and anxiety during and after cancer treatment. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of acupuncture for the treatment of multiple psychoneurological symptoms among breast cancer survivors and explore metabolomic changes before and after acupuncture.

Methods

We conducted a single-arm, prospective pilot study of breast cancer survivors with at least two moderate to severe psychoneurological symptoms (>3 on a 0–10 scale). Acupuncture was administered twice weekly for 5 weeks, for 30 minutes per session. Along with Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) questionnaires, a fasting serum comprehensive hydrophilic metabolites panel was analyzed at baseline and after acupuncture.

Results

Eight participants (mean age 52.5 ± 10.9 years; 62.5% Black) were enrolled. Feasibility was supported, with 67% recruitment, 87.5% retention, and 98% acceptability. Post intervention, PROMIS T-scores were reduced for all psychoneurological symptoms. Significant differences in serum metabolites before and after acupuncture were F-1,6/2,6-DP, glutathione disulfide, phosphorylcholine, 6-methylnicotinamide, glutathione, and putrescine (variable importance of projection values larger than 1.5 and p values <0.05). Pathway analysis indicated that glutathione metabolism ( p = 0.002, q = 0.071), and arginine and proline metabolisms ( p = 0.009, q = 0.166) were potentially involved in mechanisms of acupuncture.

Conclusions

Acupuncture to reduce multiple psychoneurological symptoms among breast cancer survivors was feasible and acceptable. Study findings also shed light on the metabolic pathways involved in the acupuncture response and will be tested in future studies.
Kratom-Associated Mixed Cholestatic-Hepatocellular Liver Injury in a Patient With Long COVID: A case Report
Authors: Thewjitcharoen Yotsapon , Krittiyawong Sirinate , Nakasatien Soontaree , Himathongkam Thep
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

Mitragyna speciosa (commonly known as kratom) has both opioid and stimulant-like effects. Recently, Thailand decriminalized the possession and sale of kratom which led people in many areas to seek income from the sale of kratom at a time of widespread unemployment due to COVID-19. Here, we report a patient with post-COVID syndrome who developed a mixed cholestatic-hepatocellular liver injury secondary to kratom.

Case presentation:

A 23-year-old Thai man was seen for an evaluation of fatigue and nausea which was soon followed by pruritus, dark urine and jaundice. The patient had no known underlying disease but had been treated with mild COVID-19 pneumonia in the past 2 months. He reported taking kratom recreationally for 2 weeks as a treatment for his post-COVID insomnia. Kratom was purchased from a friend and used in a homemade iced cocktail called “4 × 100” consisting of Coca-Cola, tea made from boiled kratom leaves, and diphenhydramine-containing cough syrup which has been popular in Southernmost provinces of Thailand. His lab workup showed his total bilirubin to be 10.6 mg/dL, aspartate aminotransferase was 642 U/L, and alanine aminotransferase was 1635 U/L. Extensive workups including viral etiologies was negative. Abdominal ultrasound revealed normal liver and no cirrhosis. The case was managed conservatively for 5 days in the hospital by giving intravenous fluid and stopping all medications. Urine toxicology screening confirmed the presence of mitragynine and diphenhydramine. He was in a stable condition with normalized liver function tests at 3 months after discharge.

Conclusion:

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to health consequences and this case highlights the importance of kratom as potential cause of acute liver injury. Future studies should accumulate further case series and identify kratom-user subgroups or the polydrug patterns of kratom use that are at heightened risk of severe liver injury.
Bolt-loosening detection using vision technique based on a gray gradient enhancement method
Authors: Luo Jun , Zhao Jie , Sun Yi , Liu Xinpeng , Yan Zhitao
Published: October 2022

The bolt-loosening detection method using vision-based technique is summarized and a new gray gradient enhancement method is proposed to improve the stability of the nut edge detection and bolt-loosening detection. The Influence of the thresholds in Canny edge detector is studied and a new gray gradient enhancement method is proposed to enhance the gray gradient at the pixels on the outer boundary of the nut. Meanwhile, the suggestion on the high threshold value in Canny edge detector is given and can be used to reduce the subjectivity of parameter determination in Canny detector and the interference of uninterested edge lines. The proposed method is verified using a bolt connection in laboratory. The results show that the proposed method can effectively highlight the outer boundary of the nut and improve the stability of the nut edge detection and bolt-loosening detection.
Do Party Rules Matter? An Examination of State Party Bylaws and Congressional Nominations
Authors: Geras Matthew J.
Published: October 2022

This paper considers whether the rules governing state political parties help to explain primary election outcomes. I theorize political parties will see lower levels of competition during primary elections when they have bylaws that centralize power within the state central committee. To test this expectation, I created a dataset of state-level party rules by collecting and coding provisions within the bylaws of all 100 state-level Republican and Democratic parties. I operationalize party centralization of power as whether or not elected officials are represented within each party’s formal membership, their state central committee, and whether or not each party has an endorsement or neutrality policy when it comes to contested primaries. I find the centralization of party power does correlate with lower levels of competition in primary elections for the House of Representatives in 2018 and 2020. Specifically, parties are more likely to see uncontested primaries when they guarantee ex-officio state committee membership to their co-partisan elected officials and are more likely to see fewer candidates in general when they guarantee ex-officio state committee membership to their co-partisan elected officials and when they do not have rules that require the state central committee to remain neutral during contested primary elections. While evaluating the causes of this trend is beyond the scope of this paper, these findings appear to be driven by Republican primaries.
Bone Mineral Density Reference Values in 18- to 95-Year-Old Population in Lombardy Region, Italy
Authors: Rondanelli Mariangela , Gasparri Clara , Perdoni Federica , Riva Antonella , Petrangolini Giovanna , Peroni Gabriella , Faliva Milena Anna , Naso Maurizio , Perna Simone
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study is to assess the bone mineral density (BMD) and T-score reference values in a population from 18 to 95 years old in Lombardy region, Italy. This study also investigates the association between BMD values and body mass index (BMI) divided by gender and age. The evaluation of BMD was analyzed by T-score and BMD in each site, femur, and column. A total of 10,503 patients (9,627 females and 876 males, 65.04±12.18 years) have been enrolled in this study. The women hip femur reference values associated with a situation of osteopenia highlighted in-line with the class of age of 45 to 55 years were: mean values: −1.3132 T-score; 95% confidence interval (CI): −1.3600 to −1.2664 and of osteoporosis from the class of age 85 to 95 years, mean values: −2.6591 T-score, 95% CI: −2.7703 to −2.5479. The men hip femur reference values associated with a situation of osteopenia highlighted in-line with the class of age of 45 to 55 years were: mean values: 1.2986 T-score; 95% CI: −1.5454 to −1.0518. A positive association between BMI and the two sites of BMD was recorded ( p > .05). This study provides an Italian overview of national and regional reference values about the BMD and T-score values divided by age and gender as reference values for clinicians for a correct assessment and monitoring.
Did destructive leadership help create the conditions for the spread of Covid-19, and what are the early warning signs?
Authors: Sadler Smith Eugene , Akstinaite Vita
Published: October 2022

This research asks: ‘were there any objectively identifiable signals in the words leaders used in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic that can be associated with ineffective management of the crisis?’ We chose to focus on the leaders of the two English-speaking nations that fared worst and best in the pandemic, the United States and New Zealand. By way of background and in order to contextualise the research, we compared and contrasted Trump’s and Ardern’s leaderships using the toxic triangle framework of destructive leadership. We then focused on the leader behaviour element of the triangle by using computerised text analysis (CTA) to analyse Trump’s and Ardern’s public pronouncements during the critical early stages of the pandemic. Based on a similarity index ( S), we identified linguistic markers associated with destructive leader behaviours and negative outcomes (Trump) and non-destructive leader behaviours and positive outcomes (Ardern). We discuss future applications of these linguistic markers for the diagnosis both of incumbent and potential leaders’ responses to crises management.
Safety of Intravenous Iron in CKD Stage 3-5 Patients Not on Dialysis: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: AlSahow Ali , AlYousef Anas , Nawar Hani , AlHelal Bassam , AlQallaf Ahmed , AlMuhaiteeb Abdullah , ElSharkawi Yasser , AlRajab Heba , Ali Hamad , Kumar Rajeev
Published: October 2022

Background:

Iron deficiency is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients not on dialysis (ND). Restoring depleted iron stores through intravenous (IV) route is faster and associated with less side effects. There is conflicting data regarding intravenous iron use and its impact on clinical outcomes in this population.

Objective:

This study aims at evaluating any negative clinical impact associated with IV iron use in CKD patients at stages (3-5) before dialysis.

Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Setting and Population:

Chart analysis of ND CKD 3-5 (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) patients who received IV iron between January 2013 and January 2018 in 3 major hospitals in Kuwait.

Methods:

Outcomes analyzed were rates of all-cause hospitalizations, infection-related hospitalizations, mortality rates, and eGFR decline over 12 months after IV iron infusion in this population divided into 3 groups according to CKD stage.

Results:

A total of 738 patients were included in our analysis. Mean initial hemoglobin concentration was 111.5 ± 15.0 g/L in group 1 (CKD 3: eGFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2), 103.6 ± 17.7 g/L in group 2 (CKD 4: eGFR 15-29 mL/min/1.73 m2), and 99.4 ± 14.5 g/L in group 3 (CKD 5: eGFR < 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 but not on dialysis). All-cause hospitalization and infection-related hospitalization were more common among group 3 subjects (adjusted odds ratio =2.12 [95% confidence interval, CI: 1.32-3.41] and 2.02 [95% CI: 1.15-3.55]), respectively. No deaths occurred during 12 months of follow-up.

Limitations:

Lack of control group, retrospective study.

Conclusion:

Intravenous iron use in CKD 3-5 ND is generally safe. Higher hospitalization rates in patients with eGFR <30 mL/min are possibly associated with lower baseline hemoglobin, lower baseline eGFR, and higher comorbidity burden, and not related to iron infusion.
CD11c regulates neutrophil maturation
Authors: Hou Lifei , Voit Richard A. , Shibamura-Fujiogi Miho , Koutsogiannaki Sophia , Li Yunan , Chen Yue , Luo Hongbo , Sankaran Vijay G. , Yuki Koichi
Published: October 2022

Sepsis continues to be associated with high morbidity and mortality. Currently, sepsis is managed only conservatively. In sepsis, a substantial number of neutrophils is required, leading to accelerated neutrophil production. Immature neutrophils are released into the circulation to meet a demand, despite their less effective functioning in microbial eradication. Although an intervention to provide more mature neutrophils may serve as a potential sepsis treatment, the mechanism of neutrophil differentiation and maturation remains poorly understood. We discovered that CD11c, traditionally known as a dendritic cell marker, was expressed in neutrophils and regulated neutrophil maturation and effector functions. In the absence of CD11c, neutrophil maturation was impaired in the bone marrow, concomitant with a significant increase in the proliferation and apoptosis of preneutrophils, associated with less effector functions. Under lipopolysaccharide challenge, inducing an emergent neutrophil production in the bone marrow, CD11c deficiency exaggerated the release of immature neutrophils into the circulation, associated with a significant proliferation and apoptosis of preneutrophils. In contrast, constitutively active CD11c knock-in mice showed accelerated neutrophil maturation associated with enhanced effector functions, which further supports the notion that CD11c regulates neutrophil maturation. Furthermore, the constitutively active CD11c knock-in mice offered enhanced bacterial eradication. Taken together, we discovered that CD11c was critical for the regulation of neutrophil maturation, and CD11c activation could serve as a potential target for sepsis treatment.
The impact of in utero transfusions on perinatal outcomes in patients with alpha thalassemia major: the UCSF registry
Authors: Schwab Marisa E. , Lianoglou Billie R. , Gano Dawn , Gonzalez Velez Juan , Allen Isabel E. , Arvon Regina , Baschat Ahmet , Bianchi Diana W. , Bitanga Melissa , Bourguignon Anne , Brown Richard N. , Chen Bruce , Chien May , Davis-Nelson Shareece , de Laat Monique W. M. , Ekwattanakit Supachai , Gollin Yvonne , Hirata Greigh , Jelin Angie , Jolley Jennifer , Meyer Paul , Miller Jena , Norton Mary E. , Ogasawara Keith K. , Panchalee Tachjaree , Schindewolf Erica , Shaw Steven W. , Stumbaugh Tammy , Thompson Alexis A. , Towner Dena , Tsai Pai-Jong Stacy , Viprakasit Vip , Volanakis Emmanuel , Zhang Li , Vichinsky Elliott , MacKenzie Tippi C.
Published: October 2022

Alpha thalassemia major (ATM) is a hemoglobinopathy that usually results in perinatal demise if in utero transfusions (IUTs) are not performed. We established an international registry (NCT04872179) to evaluate the impact of IUTs on survival to discharge (primary outcome) as well as perinatal and neurodevelopmental secondary outcomes. Forty-nine patients were diagnosed prenatally, 11 were diagnosed postnatally, and all 11 spontaneous survivor genotypes had preserved embryonic zeta-globin levels. We compared 3 groups of patients; group 1, prenatally diagnosed and alive at hospital discharge (n = 14), group 2, prenatally diagnosed and deceased perinatally (n = 5), and group 3, postnatally diagnosed and alive at hospital discharge (n = 11). Group 1 had better outcomes than groups 2 and 3 in terms of the resolution of hydrops, delivery closer to term, shorter hospitalizations, and more frequent average or greater neurodevelopmental outcomes. Earlier IUT initiation was correlated with higher neurodevelopmental (Vineland-3) scores (r = −0.72, P = .02). Preterm delivery after IUT was seen in 3/16 (19%) patients who continued their pregnancy. When we combined our data with those from 2 published series, patients who received ≥2 IUTs had better outcomes than those with 0 to 1 IUT, including resolution of hydrops, delivery at ≥34 weeks gestation, and 5-minute appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration scores ≥7. Neurodevelopmental assessments were normal in 17/18 of the ≥2 IUT vs 5/13 of the 0 to 1 IUT group (OR 2.74; P = .01). Thus, fetal transfusions enable the survival of patients with ATM and normal neurodevelopment, even in those patients presenting with hydrops. Nondirective prenatal counseling for expectant parents should include the option of IUTs.
Insertion/deletion hotspots in the Nsp2, Nsp3, S1, and ORF8 genes of SARS-related coronaviruses
Authors: Akaishi Tetsuya , Fujiwara Kei , Ishii Tadashi
Published: October 2022

The genome of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) contains many insertions/deletions (indels) from the genomes of other SARS-related coronaviruses. Some of the identified indels have recently reported to involve relatively long segments of 10–300 consecutive bases and with diverse RNA sequences around gaps between virus species, both of which are different characteristics from the classical shorter in-frame indels. These non-classical complex indels have been identified in non-structural protein 3 (Nsp3), the S1 domain of the spike (S), and open reading frame 8 (ORF8). To determine whether the occurrence of these non-classical indels in specific genomic regions is ubiquitous among broad species of SARS-related coronaviruses in different animal hosts, the present study compared SARS-related coronaviruses from humans (SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2), bats (RaTG13 and Rc-o319), and pangolins (GX-P4L), by performing multiple sequence alignment. As a result, indel hotspots with diverse RNA sequences of different lengths between the viruses were confirmed in the Nsp2 gene (approximately 2500–2600 base positions in the overall 29,900 bases), Nsp3 gene (approximately 3000–3300 and 3800–3900 base positions), N-terminal domain of the spike protein (21,500–22,500 base positions), and ORF8 gene (27,800–28,200 base positions). Abnormally high rate of point mutations and complex indels in these regions suggest that the occurrence of mutations in these hotspots may be selectively neutral or even benefit the survival of the viruses. The presence of such indel hotspots has not been reported in different human SARS-CoV-2 strains in the last 2 years, suggesting a lower rate of indels in human SARS-CoV-2. Future studies to elucidate the mechanisms enabling the frequent development of long and complex indels in specific genomic regions of SARS-related coronaviruses would offer deeper insights into the process of viral evolution.
Characteristics and potential functional effects of long insertions in Asian butternuts
Authors: Chen Yidan , Miao Yating , Bai Weining , Lin Kui , Pang Erli
Published: October 2022

Background

Structural variants (SVs) play important roles in adaptation evolution and species diversification. Especially, in plants, many phenotypes of response to the environment were found to be associated with SVs. Despite the prevalence and significance of SVs, long insertions remain poorly detected and studied in all but model species.

Results

We used whole-genome resequencing of paired reads from 80 Asian butternuts to detect long insertions and further analyse their characteristics and potential functional effects. By combining of mapping-based and de novo assembly-based methods, we obtained a multiple related species pangenome representing higher taxonomic groups. We obtained 89,312 distinct contigs totaling 147,773,999 base pair (bp) of new sequences, of which 347 were putative long insertions placed in the reference genome. Most of the putative long insertions appeared in multiple species; in contrast, only 62 putative long insertions appeared in one species, which may be involved in the response to the environment. 65 putative long insertions fell into 61 distinct protein-coding genes involved in plant development, and 105 putative long insertions fell into upstream of 106 distinct protein-coding genes involved in cellular respiration. 3,367 genes were annotated in 2,606 contigs. We propose PLAINS (https://github.com/CMB-BNU/PLAINS.git), a streamlined, comprehensive pipeline for the prediction and analysis of long insertions using whole-genome resequencing.

Conclusions

Our study lays down an important foundation for further whole-genome long insertion studies, allowing the investigation of their effects by experiments.
Between allopatry and secondary contact: differentiation and hybridization among three sympatric Gentiana species in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Fu Pengcheng , Favre Adrien , Wang Rui , Huang Yizhuo , Sun Shanshan
Published: October 2022

Background

Mountains of the world host a significant portion of all terrestrial biodiversity, and the region of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) stands as one of the most remarkable mountain regions on Earth.  Because many explosive radiations occurred there, the QTP is a natural laboratory which is ideal to investigate patterns and processes linked to speciation and diversification. Indeed, understanding how closely related and sympatric species diverged is vital to explore drivers fostering speciation, a topic only rarely investigated in the QTP. By combining genomic and environmental data, we explored the speciation process among three closely related and sympatric species, Gentiana hexaphylla, G. lawrencei and G. veitchiorum in the QTP region.

Results

Combining genome sizes and cytological data, our results showed that G. hexaphylla and G. veitchiorum are diploid, whereas G. lawrencei is tetraploid. Genetic clustering and phylogenetic reconstruction based on genomic SNPs indicated a clear divergence among the three species. Bayesian clustering, migrant, and D-statistic analyses all showed an obvious signature of hybridization among the three species, in particular between G. lawrencei and both G. hexaphylla and G. veitchiorum in almost all populations. Environmental variables related to precipitation and particularly temperature showed significant differences among the three gentians, and in fact a redundancy analysis confirmed that temperature and precipitation were the major climatic factors explaining the genetic differentiation among the three species.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that ancient hybridization, polyploidization, geological isolation and the evolution of different climatic preferences were all likely to be involved in the divergence of the three Gentiana species, as may be the case for many other taxa in the QTP region.