bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling air pollution around nuclear power plants: validation of dispersion models using tracer data
Authors: Božnar Marija Zlata , Mlakar Primož , Grašič Boštjan , Gršić Zoran , Hettrich Sebastian , Mancini Francesco , Patryl Luc , Thiessen Kathleen M
Published: July 2022

The Šoštanj exercise of the Modelling and Data for Radiological Impact Assessments I Urban Environments Working Group took advantage of a set of measurement data from a 1991 tracer experiment to test atmospheric dispersion models for emissions from point sources over complex terrain. The data set included emissions of SO2 from the stacks of the Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant in Slovenia, measurements of the SO2 at a number of locations in the surrounding area up to 7 km from the plant, and meteorological data from several monitoring stations, all as measured half-hour average values. Two sets of meteorological conditions were modelled: (a) a simple situation with a strong wind blowing from a point source directly towards a monitoring station; and (b) a complex situation involving a temperature inversion and convective mixing. The modelling results enable the assessment of the capabilities of various dispersion models in handling both complex terrain and complex meteorological situations.
Fabricating Z-scheme C-doped TiO2/rGO nanocomposites for enhanced photocatalytic NO removal
Authors: Chen Meijuan , Wang Wei , Huang Yu , Han Jichang , Zhang Yang , Yang Tongxi , Zhao Jinghan , Zhao Liyun , Ho Wingkei
Published: July 2022

It is attractive to explore practical approaches to optimize the photodegraded NO property of TiO2. Herein, a typical Z-shaped heterojunction C-TiO2/rGO composed of carbon-doped TiO2 and reductive graphene oxide (rGO) was constructed to optimize the NO removal efficiency through an in situ one-pot hydrothermal process with glucose as reductant and dopant. The C-TiO2/rGO (0.11%) composite displays a remarkable NO removal performance of 40.6% under visible light illumination. It was found that the C-TiO2 nanoparticles were tightly attached to the rGO sheets and had strong interactions with rGO, which induced a positive impact on not only the light absorption and photo-generated charge separation but also the NO adsorption and reactive oxygen species formation, resulting in boosted photodegrade NO activity. As to the photodegrade NO process over the C-TiO2/rGO, the HO• and O2
•− were the dominant radicals, of which the O2
•− radical originated from the interactions between C-TiO2 and rGO. We proposed a Z-scheme mechanism to illuminate the advanced photocatalytic activity of C-TiO2/rGO. This work affords an approach to developing effective photocatalysts in the NO purification field.
Study of the band-gap energy of radiation-damaged silicon
Authors: Klanner R , Martens S , Schwandt J , Vauth A
Published: July 2022

The transmission of silicon crystals irradiated by 24 GeV/c protons and reactor neutrons has been measured for photon energies, E

γ
, between 0.95 and 1.3 eV. From the transmission data the absorption coefficient α is calculated, and from α(E

γ
) the fluence dependence of the band-gap energy, E
gap, and the energy of transverse optical phonons, E
ph, determined. It is found that within the experimental uncertainties of about 1 meV neither E
gap nor E
ph depend on fluence up to the maximum fluence of 1 × 1017 cm−2 of the measurements. The value of E
gap agrees within about 1 meV with the generally accepted value, if an exciton-binding energy of 15 meV is assumed. A similar agreement is found for E
ph. For the extraction of E
gap and E
ph the second derivative of

α

(

E

γ

)

smoothed with a Gaussian kernel has been used.
Wavelength tunable continuous wave single-frequency 1342 nm amplifier exceeding 44 W
Authors: Zhou Zi-Han , Wang Zhi-Min , Zhang Yi-Xuan , Zhang Feng-Feng , Zhao Wen-Cheng , Bo Yong , Peng Qin-Jun , Cui Da-Fu
Published: July 2022

A high-power single-frequency tunable continuous-wave 1342 nm laser was demonstrated based on a master-oscillator power amplifier system consisted of a polarized seed laser, and a five-stage dual-rod Nd:YVO4 power amplifier. An output power of 44.1 W at 1341.6 nm was obtained. The beam quality factors of M2
were measured to be

M
x
2

 = 1.165 along the x axis direction and

M
y
2

 = 1.178 along the y axis direction, respectively. Its wavelength tunable range is 1341.0 nm–1343.0 nm. To the best of our knowledge, it is the highest power for the single-frequency 1341.6 nm laser.
Laser bioprinting without donor plate
Authors: Cheptsov Vladimir , Minaev Nikita , Zhigarkov Vyacheslav , Tsypina Svetlana , Krasilnikov Maxim , Gulyashko Alexander , Larionov Igor , Tyrtyshnyy Valentin , Gonchukov Sergey , Yusupov Vladimir
Published: July 2022

A promising laser bioprinting technology based on the effect of laser-induced direct transfer is rapidly developing and is already actively used in biotechnology and medicine today. Typically, such technologies use donor plates with an absorbent coating, from which gel microdroplets with living cells and microorganisms are transferred to an acceptor substrate under the action of a laser pulse. This article proposes a new bioprinting technology that makes it possible to transfer microdroplet not only without an absorbing coating, but also without the donor plate itself. The essence of this method is that the transfer to the surface of the acceptor is carried out by a series of nanosecond pulse with a wavelength of 3 μm directly from the surface of a liquid with microorganisms. The mechanism of a liquid jet and microdroplets formation upon absorption of a laser pulse in a thin surface liquid layer is discussed in detail. It has been shown that microorganisms transferred using the new bioprinting technology are viable and can be successfully cultivated on a dense nutrient medium.
Modified double-double bend achromat lattice for an ultra-low emittance design of the HLS
Authors: Ren Z. , Wei B. , Xu H. , Liu G. , Bai Z.
Published: July 2022

The storage ring of the present Hefei Light Source (HLS)
consists of four double-bend achromat lattice cells, each with two
straight sections. In this paper, a modified double-double bend
achromat (DDBA) lattice is proposed for an ultra-low emittance
design of HLS, where the circumference of the storage ring and the
lengths of all straight sections remain the same. Compared to the
typical DDBA lattice, this modified lattice can obtain both lower
emittance and lower dispersion in the mid-straight section, thus
providing higher brightness of insertion device radiation. The
natural emittance of the HLS designed with the modified DDBA lattice
is 3.9 nm·rad, about one order of magnitude lower than that
of the present HLS.
Second order microstrip bandpass filter design based on square resonator for 5G sub-6 GHz band
Authors: Slimani A. , Das S. , Ali W.A.E. , El Alami A. , Bennani S.D. , Jorio M.
Published: July 2022

A simple procedure for designing a highly selective
microstrip bandpass filter of second order is presented in this
paper. The proposed filter is composed of two principal square
open-loop resonators and designed with planar structures on a Roger
substrate. It is intended for 5G applications, especially for
Sub-6 GHz range frequency [3.5–3.8 GHz]. The suggested band pass
filter has a very attractive compact size of
7 mm × 15.46 mm. The performance of this
simple miniaturized filter, which is characterized by high
selectivity in the band of interest, can be seen from its important
characteristics: Adaptation, Transmission and Coupling
Coefficients. The electromagnetic simulations and measurement
results are in good agreement, which validates the design idea and
procedure.
Utilization of Waste Sole Leather with Fly Ash for Self-Compacting Concrete
Authors: Thakre Ankush , Rajak Tarun Kumar
Published: July 2022

The majority of solid waste from leather industries comes from various processes after manufacturing leather products, and it has been gathered separately from industries. Sole leathers were also emitted in the leather industry. After used, sole leather is thrown at dump yard and the dumping of sole leather on the ground is highly damaging to the environment’s health, and the recycling procedure is approximately expensive, therefore this research examines the creation of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) mix using Fly Ash and Sole Leathers. This article examines that utilization of waste sole leather including F.A. (Fly Ash) and superplasticizer (S.P.) in self-compacting concrete (SCC) mixtures. fly Ash & sole leather is a novel research concept with high deformability and moderate viscosity, which is required to provide consistent solid particle dispersion during shipping, installation, and until the concrete sets. As per obtained the findings of the current research, the addition with sole leather and fly ash in conjunction with a superplasticizer appears to improve the fresh, hardened characteristics developed strength & proper durability qualities in SCC. The maximum compressive strength was obtained for SCC5%F.A.+5%S.L. i.e., 41.10 MPa as compare to other mix proportions i.e. SCC10%F.A.+7.5%S.L. (39.95 MPa) & SCC15%F.A.+10%S.L. (36.70 MPa).
An Experimental Study of concrete by Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregate with Bakelite Waste
Authors: Bhopi R R , Sinha M
Published: July 2022

Bakelite is a industrial waste produce in manufacturing process like in Auto Industries etc. Nowadays the waste increases rapidly because of these modern living and thus creates a waste management problem. It is necessary to overcome such waste related problem in a meaningful manner. The purpose of this study is to find whether the Bakelite gives us that much Compressive strength as compared to conventional M25 grade concrete by replacing fine aggregate with Bakelite waste. So, this research examines the utilization of waste Bakelite in concrete with varying percentage like 0%,17%,20%30%,40%,50%,60% and 70%. Different percentages of Bakelite are added and tests like the slump cone test, compaction factor test were conducted to investigate the fresh properties like workability and compression test were performed to find out the 7, 14 and 28 days compressive strength. It is found that the replacement of fine aggregate with Bakelite can be done up to 20% without compromising the compressive strength of the M25 grade concrete.
Impact of directional effect of strong ground motion on scenario-based earthquake hazards: preliminary results
Authors: Kumar A , Pasari S , Mehta A , Verma H
Published: July 2022

Scenario-based earthquake hazards are useful for social planning and disaster mitigation. In this study, general attenuation properties of earthquake events are analysed empirically with respect to the direction of seismic rupture from the epicentre. The study is primarily focused on presenting a relationship between fault source characteristics and the most credible direction of any earthquake that occurs at that source. Since such a direction is not only a function of source but also is dependent on site parameters, several ground motion prediction equations are utilised in congregation with methods to evaluate site parameters. The method involves a graphical relationship between scenario spectral ordinates and polar coordinates to estimate the most credible direction for that scenario. An analysis illustrating the method is presented here for the Himalayan megathrust fault, the Main Boundary Thrust.
Assessment of Air Pollution before and during COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Chhattisgarh State, India
Authors: Rajput H , Barde S
Published: July 2022

Air pollution is known to be the most common problem worldwide. Most cities have air pollution, and new pollutants are being added to the atmosphere, making it more toxic. Air quality prediction is a complex task because of the dynamics, volatility, and high temporal and spatial variability of pollutants and particles. Intending to control the expansion of COVID–19, the Indian government has announced a strict and total lockdown beginning March 25, 2020, in all countries, besides essentials. The goal of this research work is to find out the effect of lockdown on air quality in the four cities of Chhattisgarh state: Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg-Bhilai, and Korba. For that, we are using data from the official site of the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB). The data is divided into two phases before the three months of lockdown (December 2019 to February 2020) and during the three months of lockdown (March to May 2020). We compared the data and performed a detailed analysis using SPSS software of the impact of COVID-19 on air quality and, as a result, found a major change in the Air Quality Index (AQI), geographical circulation levels, and concentration of various parameters: PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, and CO.
Hands-on reservoir computing: a tutorial for practical implementation
Authors: Cucchi Matteo , Abreu Steven , Ciccone Giuseppe , Brunner Daniel , Kleemann Hans
Published: July 2022

This manuscript serves a specific purpose: to give readers from fields such as material science, chemistry, or electronics an overview of implementing a reservoir computing (RC) experiment with her/his material system. Introductory literature on the topic is rare and the vast majority of reviews puts forth the basics of RC taking for granted concepts that may be nontrivial to someone unfamiliar with the machine learning field (see for example reference Lukoševičius (2012 Neural Networks: Tricks of the Trade (Berlin: Springer) pp 659–686). This is unfortunate considering the large pool of material systems that show nonlinear behavior and short-term memory that may be harnessed to design novel computational paradigms. RC offers a framework for computing with material systems that circumvents typical problems that arise when implementing traditional, fully fledged feedforward neural networks on hardware, such as minimal device-to-device variability and control over each unit/neuron and connection. Instead, one can use a random, untrained reservoir where only the output layer is optimized, for example, with linear regression. In the following, we will highlight the potential of RC for hardware-based neural networks, the advantages over more traditional approaches, and the obstacles to overcome for their implementation. Preparing a high-dimensional nonlinear system as a well-performing reservoir for a specific task is not as easy as it seems at first sight. We hope this tutorial will lower the barrier for scientists attempting to exploit their nonlinear systems for computational tasks typically carried out in the fields of machine learning and artificial intelligence. A simulation tool to accompany this paper is available online
7

7

https://github.com/stevenabreu7/handson_reservoir.

.
Affective domain predictors of PharmD student pursuit of and successful matching for postgraduate pharmacy residency training
Authors: Oswald Madison , Maxwell Whitney D , Fierke Kerry K , Griffith Nicole , Davis Sarah Elizabeth , Catchings Erin , Worrall Cathy L , Grant Amy D , Magagnoli Joe , Bookstaver P Brandon
Published: July 2022

Purpose

A study was conducted to identify significant associations between affective domain (AD) features identified using the Birkman Method assessment and students’ likelihood to pursue and to successfully match for postgraduate residency training (PGRT), while controlling for demographic and academic variables known to impact PGRT match rates.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 3 graduating classes of PharmD students from 2 colleges of pharmacy was performed. Data points such as PGRT match results, PGRT pursuit, student demographics, academic performance information, and AD data from the Birkman assessment were analyzed. Regression analysis was used to identify statistically significant associations between demographic, academic performance, and AD variables with both pursuit of PGRT and successful matching for PGRT.

Results

Data from 503 students were evaluated, with 211 (42%) pursuing PGRT. A variety of AD variables were significantly associated with pursuing PGRT and matching for PGRT. Two groups of actionable variables emerged: (1) variables associated with a lesser likelihood of pursuing PGRT but a greater likelihood of successful matching, and (2) variables associated with a greater likelihood of pursuing PGRT and a lesser likelihood of successful matching.

Conclusion

Early identification of students’ AD features along with specific interventions to promote PGRT pursuit in those less likely to pursue but more likely to match, as well as interventions to promote successful matching in students most likely to pursue but less likely to match for PGRT, is a strategy for possibly optimizing PharmD student career path planning and PGRT match success that merits further evaluation.
The Influence of Cerebrovascular Pathology on Cluster Analysis of Neuropsychological Scores in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Romero Kristoffer , Ladyka-Wojcik Natalia , Heir Arjan , Bellana Buddhika , Leach Larry , Proulx Guy B
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The diagnostic entity of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is heterogeneous, highlighting the need for data-driven classification approaches to identify patient subgroups. However, these approaches can be strongly determined by sample characteristics and selected measures. Here, we applied a cluster analysis to an MCI patient database from a neuropsychology clinic to determine whether the inclusion of patients with MCI with vascular pathology would result in a different classification of subgroups.

Methods

Participants diagnosed with MCI (n = 166), vascular cognitive impairment—no dementia (n = 26), and a group of older adults with subjective cognitive concerns but no objective impairment (n = 144) were assessed using a full neuropsychological battery and other clinical measures. Cognitive measures were analyzed using a hierarchical cluster analysis and then a k-means approach, with resulting clusters compared on a range of demographic and clinical variables.

Results

We found a 4-factor solution: a cognitively intact cluster, a globally impaired cluster, an amnestic/visuospatial impairment cluster, and a mild, mixed-domain cluster. Interestingly, group differences in self-reported multilingualism emerged in the derived clusters that were not observed when comparing diagnostic groups.

Conclusions

Our results were generally consistent with previous studies using cluster analysis in MCI. Including patients with primarily cerebrovascular disease resulted in subtle differences in the derived clusters and revealed new insights into shared cognitive profiles of patients beyond diagnostic categories. These profiles should be further explored to develop individualized assessment and treatment approaches.
The Impact of Universal Glove and Gown Use on Clostridioides Difficile Acquisition: A Cluster-Randomized Trial
Authors: Morgan Daniel J , Dubberke Erik R , Hink Tiffany , Paszkiewicz Gwen , Burnham Carey-Ann D , Pineles Lisa , Magder Larry , Johnson J Kristie , Leekha Surbhi , Harris Anthony D
Published: July 2022

Background

Clostridioides difficile is the most common cause of healthcare-associated infections in the United States. It is unknown whether universal gown and glove use in intensive care units (ICUs) decreases acquisition of C. difficile.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of a cluster-randomized trial in 20 medical and surgical ICUs in 20 US hospitals from 4 January 2012 to 4 October 2012. After a baseline period, ICUs were randomized to standard practice for glove and gown use versus the intervention of all healthcare workers being required to wear gloves and gowns for all patient contact and when entering any patient room (contact precautions). The primary outcome was acquisition of toxigenic C. difficile determined by surveillance cultures collected on admission and discharge from the ICU.

Results

A total of 21 845 patients had both admission and discharge perianal swabs cultured for toxigenic C. difficile. On admission, 9.43% (2060/21 845) of patients were colonized with toxigenic C. difficile. No significant difference was observed in the rate of toxigenic C. difficile acquisition with universal gown and glove use. Differences in acquisition rates in the study period compared with the baseline period in control ICUs were 1.49 per 100 patient-days versus 1.68 per 100 patient-days in universal gown and glove ICUs (rate difference, −0.28; generalized linear mixed model, P = .091).

Conclusions

Glove and gown use for all patient contact in medical and surgical ICUs did not result in a reduction in the acquisition of C. difficile compared with usual care.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT01318213.
PHILM2Web: A high-throughput database of macromolecular host–pathogen interactions on the Web
Authors: Le Tuan-Dung , Nguyen Phuong D , Korkin Dmitry , Thieu Thanh
Published: July 2022

During infection, the pathogen’s entry into the host organism, breaching the host immune defense, spread and multiplication are frequently mediated by multiple interactions between the host and pathogen proteins. Systematic studying of host–pathogen interactions (HPIs) is a challenging task for both experimental and computational approaches and is critically dependent on the previously obtained knowledge about these interactions found in the biomedical literature. While several HPI databases exist that manually filter HPI protein–protein interactions from the generic databases and curated experimental interactomic studies, no comprehensive database on HPIs obtained from the biomedical literature is currently available. Here, we introduce a high-throughput literature-mining platform for extracting HPI data that includes the most comprehensive to date collection of HPIs obtained from the PubMed abstracts. Our HPI data portal, PHILM2Web (Pathogen–Host Interactions by Literature Mining on the Web), integrates an automatically generated database of interactions extracted by PHILM, our high-precision HPI literature-mining algorithm. Currently, the database contains 23 581 generic HPIs between 157 host and 403 pathogen organisms from 11 609 abstracts. The interactions were obtained from processing 608 972 PubMed abstracts, each containing mentions of at least one host and one pathogen organisms. In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we also utilized PHILM to process 25 796 PubMed abstracts obtained by the same query as the COVID-19 Open Research Dataset. This COVID-19 processing batch resulted in 257 HPIs between 19 host and 31 pathogen organisms from 167 abstracts. The access to the entire HPI dataset is available via a searchable PHILM2Web interface; scientists can also download the entire database in bulk for offline processing.

Database URL: http://philm2web.live
Contribution of Lexical Quality and Sign Language Variables to Reading Comprehension
Authors: Sehyr Zed Sevcikova , Emmorey Karen
Published: July 2022

The lexical quality hypothesis proposes that the quality of phonological, orthographic, and semantic representations impacts reading comprehension. In Study 1, we evaluated the contributions of lexical quality to reading comprehension in 97 deaf and 98 hearing adults matched for reading ability. While phonological awareness was a strong predictor for hearing readers, for deaf readers, orthographic precision and semantic knowledge, not phonology, predicted reading comprehension (assessed by two different tests). For deaf readers, the architecture of the reading system adapts by shifting reliance from (coarse-grained) phonological representations to high-quality orthographic and semantic representations. In Study 2, we examined the contribution of American Sign Language (ASL) variables to reading comprehension in 83 deaf adults. Fingerspelling (FS) and ASL comprehension skills predicted reading comprehension. We suggest that FS might reinforce orthographic-to-semantic mappings and that sign language comprehension may serve as a linguistic basis for the development of skilled reading in deaf signers.
A case report of rescue of a patient with a left ventricular free wall rupture associated with a small subtle ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Nakahara Miyuki , Takemoto Masao , Arai Yoshio , Tsuchihashi Takuya
Published: July 2022

Background

Left ventricular (LV) free wall ruptures (LVFWRs) of myocardial infarctions (MIs) are still one of the most fatal mechanical complications after an acute MI (AMI). LVFWRs are estimated to occur in 0.01% to 0.52% of patients following an ST-elevation MI (STEMI) and are rarely reported in the setting of a non- or subtle-ST-elevation MI.

Case summary

We herein present a report of a 92-year-old male rescue case with an LVFWR following a small subtle-STEMI. Contrast cardiac computed tomography was useful to diagnose the LVFWR. An emergent cardiac surgery was performed. Finally, the patient’s life was saved.

Discussion

This case demonstrates that even without clinical evidence of transmural infarction such as non- or subtle-STEMI, those patients may carry a risk of fatal complications including LVFWR, especially in older age and a first lateral wall AMI without collateral flow, as in this present case. Thus, the physicians should be aware of the possibility of LVFWRs even in the setting of an AMI without or with subtle-ST-elevation. High clinical suspicion and vigilance are the cornerstones of a timely and accurate diagnosis of LVFWR. This is the first report of a rescue case of a patient with an LVFWR associated with a subtle-STEMI.
Early- and mid-term outcomes following redo surgical aortic valve replacement in patients with previous transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Marin-Cuartas Mateo , Hoyer Alexandro , Naumann Stefanie , Deo Salil V , Noack Thilo , Abdel-Wahab Mohamed , Thiele Holger , Lauten Philipp , Holzhey David M , Borger Michael A , Kiefer Philipp
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to analyse the early- and mid-term outcomes after redo surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with previous transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

METHODS

Retrospective single-centre analysis of early- and mid-term outcomes following redo SAVR in patients with previous TAVI between 2013 and 2020. Primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and mid-term survival.

RESULTS

During the study period, a total of 5756 patients underwent TAVI. Among them, 28 (0.5%) patients required redo SAVR after TAVI. During periods 2013–2016 and 2017–2020, 4/2184 (0.2%) patients and 24/3572 (0.7%) patients required SAVR after TAVI, respectively. The median logistic EuroSCORE was significantly higher at the time of SAVR than at the time of the index TAVI (5.9% vs 11.6%; P < 0.001). The median elapsed time between TAVI and redo SAVR was 7 months (3.5–14 months). Infective endocarditis (IE) was the most frequent indication for surgery [19 (67.8%) patients]. A total of 11 (39.3%) patients underwent isolated SAVR and 17 (60.7%) SAVR + additional cardiac surgical procedures. The overall in-hospital mortality was 14.3% (4/28). In-hospital mortality was 15.8% (3/19) among IE patients and 11.1% (1/9) among non-IE patients (P = 0.7). Overall estimated survival was 66.5%, 59.9% and 48.0% at 12, 18 and 24 months, respectively. Patients with IE showed a trend towards a lower estimated mid-term survival compared to non-IE patients [41.6% (95% confidence interval: 22.0–78.0%) vs 58.3% (95% confidence interval: 30.0–100%) survival at 24 months (P = 0.3)].

CONCLUSIONS

SAVR can be successfully performed in patients with prior TAVI despite the increased surgical risk and technical difficulty. IE is associated with decreased mid-term survival.
Lifestyle and metabolic risk factors in patients with early-onset myocardial infarction: a case-control study
Authors: Wienbergen Harm , Boakye Daniel , Günther Kathrin , Schmucker Johannes , Mata Marín Luis Alberto , Kerniss Hatim , Nagrani Rajini , Struß Luise , Rühle Stephan , Retzlaff Tina , Fach Andreas , Osteresch Rico , Hambrecht Rainer , Ahrens Wolfgang
Published: July 2022

Aims

Family history is a known risk factor for early-onset myocardial infarction (EOMI). However, the role of modifiable lifestyle and metabolic factors in EOMI risk is unclear and may differ from that of older adults.

Methods

This case-control study included myocardial infarction (MI) patients aged ≤45 years from the Bremen ST-elevation MI Registry and matched controls randomly selected from the general population (German National Cohort) at the same geographical region. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the individual and combined associations of lifestyle and metabolic factors with EOMI risk, overall and according to family history for premature MI.

Results

A total of 522 cases and 1191 controls were included. Hypertension, current smoking, elevated waist-to-hip ratio, and diabetes mellitus were strongly associated with the occurrence of EOMI. By contrast, higher frequency of alcohol consumption was associated with decreased EOMI risk. In a combined analysis of the risk factors hypertension, current smoking, body mass index ≥25.0 kg/sqm, and diabetes mellitus, participants having one (OR = 5.4, 95%CI = 2.9–10.1) and two or more risk factors (OR = 42.3, 95%CI = 22.3–80.4) had substantially higher odds of EOMI compared to those with none of these risk factors, regardless of their family history.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a strong association of smoking and metabolic risk factors with the occurrence of EOMI. The data suggest that the risk of EOMI goes beyond family history and underlines the importance of primary prevention efforts to reduce smoking and metabolic syndrome in young persons.
A chromosome-level genome assembly of Neotoxoptera formosana (Takahashi, 1921) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Ye Shuai , Zeng Chen , Liu Jian-Feng , Wu Chen , Song Yan-Fei , Qin Yao-Guo , Yang Mao-Fa
Published: July 2022

Neotoxoptera formosana (Takahashi), the onion aphid, is an oligophagous pest that mainly feeds on plants from the Allium genus. It sucks nutrients from the plants and indirectly acts as a vector for plant viruses. This aphid causes severe economic losses to Allium tuberosum agriculture in China. To better understand the host plant specificity of N. formosana on Allium plants and provide essential information for the control of this pest, we generated the entire genome using Pacific Biosciences long-read sequencing and Hi-C data. Six chromosomes were assembled to give a final size of 372.470 Mb, with an N50 scaffold of 66.911 Mb. The final draft genome assembly, from 192 Gb of raw data, was approximately 371.791 Mb in size, with an N50 contig of 24.99 Kb and an N50 scaffold of 2.637 Mb. The average GC content was 30.96%. We identified 73 Mb (31.22%) of repetitive sequences, 14,175 protein-coding genes, and 719 noncoding RNAs. The phylogenetic analysis showed that N. formosana and Pentalonia nigronervosa are sister groups. We found significantly expanded gene families that were involved in the THAP domain, the DDE superfamily endonuclease, zinc finger, immunity (ankyrin repeats), digestive enzyme (serine carboxypeptidase) and chemosensory receptor. This genome assembly could provide a solid foundation for future studies on the host specificity of N. formosana and pesticide-resistant aphid management.
New reversible relationships between ground motion parameters and macroseismic intensity for Italy and their application in ShakeMap
Authors: Oliveti Ilaria , Faenza Licia , Michelini Alberto
Published: July 2022

We derived new, reversible relationships between macroseismic intensity (I), expressed in either the European Macroseismic (EMS-98) or the Mercalli–Cancani–Sieberg (MCS) scales and peak ground acceleration (PGA), peak ground velocity (PGV) and the spectral acceleration (SA) at 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 s [SA(0.3), SA(1.0) and SA(3.0)] for Italy. We adopted the orthogonal distance regression technique to fit a quadratic function. This research aims to improve ground motion and intensity estimates for earthquake hazard applications, and for the calculation of shakemaps in Italy. To this end, the recently published INGe data set was used (https://doi.org/10.13127/inge.2). The new relations are: $$\begin{equation*} I = 3.01 \pm 0.12 + 0.86 \pm 0.04 \log ^2 \mathrm{ PGA},~\sigma = 0.30,~~\sigma _{\mathrm{ PGA}} = 0.25,~~\sigma _{I} = 0.16 \end{equation*}$$$$\begin{equation*} I = 4.31 \pm 0.15 + 1.99 \pm 0.18 \log \mathrm{ PGV} + 0.58 \pm 0.18 \log ^2 \mathrm{ PGV},~\sigma = 0.34,~~\sigma _{\mathrm{ PGV}} \\ = 0.31,~~\sigma _{I} = 0.15 \end{equation*}$$$$\begin{equation*} I = 2.77 \pm 0.15 + 0.68 \pm 0.03 \log ^2 \mathrm{ SA}(0.3),~\sigma = 0.31,~~\sigma _{\mathrm{ SA}(0.3)} = 0.28,~~\sigma _{I} = 0.14 \end{equation*}$$$$\begin{equation*} I = 3.00 \pm 0.28 + 0.91 \pm 0.55 \log \mathrm{ SA}(1.0) + 0.51 \pm 0.20 \log ^2 \mathrm{ SA}(1.0),~\sigma = 0.40,~~\sigma _{\mathrm{ SA}(1.0)} \\ = 0.38,~~\sigma _{I} = 0.14 \end{equation*}$$$$\begin{equation*} I = 4.04 \pm 0.20 + 1.63 \pm 0.19 \log \mathrm{ SA}(3.0) + 0.66 \pm 0.20 \log ^2 \mathrm{ SA}(3.0),~\sigma = 0.38,~~\sigma _{\mathrm{ SA}(3.0)} \\ = 0.35,~~\sigma _{I} = 0.14 \end{equation*}$$where PGA and SAs are expressed in cm s−2 and PGV is expressed in cm s−1. Tests performed to assess the robustness and the accuracy of the results demonstrate that adoption of quadratic relationships for this regression problem is a suitable choice within the range of values of the available data set. Comparison with similar published regressions for Italy evidences that the proposed relations provide statistically significant improved fits to the data. The new relations are also tested by inserting them in the ShakeMap system of the Italian configuration evidencing a significant improvement when compared to those implemented.
Biot-spherical squirt (BISSQ) model for wave attenuation and dispersion
Authors: Chen Yu , Zong Zhaoyun , Zhu Hejun
Published: July 2022

It has been widely recognized that seismic attenuation and dispersion can be induced by various mechanisms. Wave induced fluid flow (WIFF) is one of the popular mechanisms to interpret seismic wave attenuation and dispersion, especially at microscopic scale. In this study, we focus on the local flow induced by different compliances of adjacent pores and develop a unified model called BISSQ (Biot-spherical squirt) model based upon the Biot and spherical squirt flow theories. The proposed model is an extension of BISQ (Biot-squirt) model. The P-wave velocity and attenuation of BISSQ model are influenced by two mechanisms: the Biot and spherical squirt-flow mechanisms. To evaluate the impact of these two mechanisms on seismic wave propagation, we use different parameters (e.g. squirt flow length, fluid viscosity, permeability, saturation and so on) to simulate wave attenuation and dispersion. We then apply the proposed model to Fox Hills Sandstone, which shows that the model can realistically predict P-wave velocity dispersion. To sum up, our proposed model offers an alternative squirt flow attenuation mechanism, which can describe fluid state of squirt flow reasonably and help us to assess the effect of different parameters on seismic wave attenuation.
Crustal and uppermost mantle structure of Cape Verde from ambient noise tomography
Authors: Carvalho J , Silveira G , Kiselev S , Custódio S , Ramalho R S , Stutzmann E , Schimmel M
Published: July 2022

We present a seismic ambient noise tomography of the Cape Verde archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 600 km west of Senegal. We used 38 seismic broad-band stations that continuously recorded for 10 months, in order to construct the first 3-D model of Sv-wave velocities for the crust and uppermost mantle beneath the Cape Verde region. We started by computing phase cross-correlations for vertical component recordings using all possible inter-island station pairs. Next, a time–frequency phase-weighted stack was applied to obtain robust Rayleigh-wave group-velocity dispersion curves in the period band between 10 and 24 s. Group-velocity maps at different periods are obtained by inverting the dispersion curves. We then inverted the group-velocity maps to obtain the 3-D shear wave velocity structure of the crust and uppermost mantle beneath Cape Verde. The final 3-D model extends from 8 km down to 23 km and has a lateral resolution of about 50 km. The crust in the southwestern sector, encompassing Fogo, presents lower S-wave velocities that may be caused by the presence of melt pockets and/or hydrothermal fluids circulation. The uppermost mantle beneath the northwestern sector is characterized by higher S-wave velocities in agreement with previous results obtained from Ps and Sp receiver functions. Those high-velocity anomalies can reflect non-altered crust or remnants of magma chambers or solidified basaltic intrusions, which fed the volcanism in these islands. Our maps revealed the presence of crustal underplating across the entire archipelago, yet stronger beneath the groups Santo Antão—São Vicente—São Nicolau and Fogo—Santiago—Maio.
Functional studies of lung cancer GWAS beyond association
Authors: Long Erping , Patel Harsh , Byun Jinyoung , Amos Christopher I , Choi Jiyeon
Published: July 2022

Fourteen years after the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) of lung cancer was published, approximately 45 genomic loci have now been significantly associated with lung cancer risk. While functional characterization was performed for several of these loci, a comprehensive summary of the current molecular understanding of lung cancer risk has been lacking. Further, many novel computational and experimental tools now became available to accelerate the functional assessment of disease-associated variants, moving beyond locus-by-locus approaches. In this review, we first highlight the heterogeneity of lung cancer GWAS findings across histological subtypes, ancestries and smoking status, which poses unique challenges to follow-up studies. We then summarize the published lung cancer post-GWAS studies for each risk-associated locus to assess the current understanding of biological mechanisms beyond the initial statistical association. We further summarize strategies for GWAS functional follow-up studies considering cutting-edge functional genomics tools and providing a catalog of available resources relevant to lung cancer. Overall, we aim to highlight the importance of integrating computational and experimental approaches to draw biological insights from the lung cancer GWAS results beyond association.
Developmental genome-wide occupancy analysis of bZIP transcription factor NRL uncovers the role of c-Jun in early differentiation of rod photoreceptors in the mammalian retina
Authors: Liang Xulong , Brooks Matthew J , Swaroop Anand
Published: July 2022

The basic motif-leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor neural retina leucine zipper (NRL) determines rod photoreceptor cell fate during retinal development, and its loss leads to cone-only retina in mice. NRL works synergistically with homeodomain protein Cone-Rod Homeobox and other regulatory factors to control the transcription of most genes associated with rod morphogenesis and functional maturation, which span over a period of several weeks in the mammalian retina. We predicted that NRL gradually establishes rod cell identity and function by temporal and dynamic regulation of stage-specific transcriptional targets. Therefore, we mapped the genomic occupancy of NRL at four stages of mouse photoreceptor differentiation by CUT&RUN analysis. Dynamics of NRL binding revealed concordance with the corresponding changes in transcriptome of the developing rods. Notably, we identified c-Jun proto-oncogene as one of the targets of NRL, which could bind to specific cis-elements in the c-Jun promoter and modulate its activity in HEK293 cells. Coimmunoprecipitation studies showed the association of NRL with c-Jun, also a bZIP protein, in transfected cells as well as in developing mouse retina. Additionally, shRNA-mediated knockdown of c-Jun in the mouse retina in vivo resulted in altered expression of almost 1000 genes, with reduced expression of phototransduction genes and many direct targets of NRL in rod photoreceptors. We propose that c-Jun-NRL heterodimers prime the NRL-directed transcriptional program in neonatal rod photoreceptors before high NRL expression suppresses c-Jun at later stages. Our study highlights a broader cooperation among cell-type restricted and widely expressed bZIP proteins, such as c-Jun, in specific spatiotemporal contexts during cellular differentiation.
Rocks and Vegetation Cover Improve Body Condition of Desert Lizards during Both Summer and Winter
Authors: Stark Gavin , Ma Liang , Zeng Zhi-Gao , Du Wei-guo , Levy Ofir
Published: July 2022

Microhabitats provide ecological and physiological benefits to animals, sheltering them from predation and extreme temperatures and offering an additional supply of water and food. However, most studies have assumed no energetic costs of searching for microhabitats or moving between them, or considered how the availability of microhabitats may affect the energy reserves of animals and how such effects may differ between seasons. To fill these gaps, we studied how the body condition of lizards is affected by microhabitat availability in the extreme environment of the Judean Desert. In particular, we quantified how vegetation and rock cover in the vicinity of these lizards affect their body condition during summer and winter. First, we used aerial imagery to map the vegetation/rock cover at two study sites. Next, we collected 68 adult lizards and examined how their body condition varies across seasons and availability of vegetation and rock cover. In addition, we examined how vegetation and rock cover may differ in their effective distance (i.e., the distance that best explains body condition of lizards). We found that lizards body condition was better if they were collected closer to a higher availability of vegetation or rocks. However, while close proximity (within 10 m) was the best predictor for the positive effect of rocks, a greater distance (up to 90 m) was the best predictor for the effect of the vegetation cover. Moreover, the positive effect of vegetation was 12-fold higher than the effect of rocks. Interestingly, although the lizards’ body condition during winter was poorer than during summer, the positive effects of rock and vegetation cover remained constant between the seasons. This similarity of benefits across seasons suggests that shaded microhabitats have important additional ecological roles regardless of climate, and that they may provide thermoregulatory benefits in winter too. We also found a synergic effect of vegetation and rock cover on the lizards’ body condition, suggesting that their roles are complementary rather than overlapping. Our research has revealed the importance of shade- and shelter-providing microhabitats in both summer and winter. We suggest that proximity to microhabitat diversity may contribute to better body condition in lizards or, alternatively, facilitates competition and attracts lizards with better body condition. Comprehending the complex interactions between animals and different microhabitats is critical for developing better conservation plans, understanding the risks of climate change, and suggesting mitigation strategies.
Point Prevalence Estimates of Activity-Limiting Long-term Symptoms Among United States Adults ≥1 Month After Reported Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection, 1 November 2021
Authors: Tenforde Mark W , Devine Owen J , Reese Heather E , Silk Benjamin J , Iuliano A Danielle , Threlkel Ryan , Vu Quan M , Plumb Ian D , Cadwell Betsy L , Rose Charles , Steele Molly K , Briggs-Hagen Melissa , Ayoubkhani Daniel , Pawelek Piotr , Nafilyan Vahé , Saydah Sharon H , Bertolli Jeanne
Published: July 2022

Background

Although most adults infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) fully recover, a proportion have ongoing symptoms, or post-COVID conditions (PCC), after infection. The objective of this analysis was to estimate the number of United States (US) adults with activity-limiting PCC on 1 November 2021.

Methods

We modeled the prevalence of PCC using reported infections occurring from 1 February 2020 to 30 September 2021, and population-based, household survey data on new activity-limiting symptoms ≥1 month following SARS-CoV-2 infection. From these data sources, we estimated the number and proportion of US adults with activity-limiting PCC on 1 November 2021 as 95% uncertainty intervals, stratified by sex and age. Sensitivity analyses adjusted for underascertainment of infections and uncertainty about symptom duration.

Results

On 1 November 2021, at least 3.0–5.0 million US adults, or 1.2%–1.9% of the US adult population, were estimated to have activity-limiting PCC of ≥1 month’s duration. Population prevalence was higher in females (1.4%–2.2%) than males. The estimated prevalence after adjusting for underascertainment of infections was 1.7%–3.8%.

Conclusions

Millions of US adults were estimated to have activity-limiting PCC. These estimates can support future efforts to address the impact of PCC on the US population.
Comparing the variability of ingredient, strength, and dose form information from electronic prescriptions with RxNorm drug product descriptions
Authors: Lester Corey A , Flynn Allen J , Marshall Vincent D , Rochowiak Scott , Rowell Brigid , Bagian James P
Published: July 2022

Objective

To determine the variability of ingredient, strength, and dose form information from drug product descriptions in real-world electronic prescription (e-prescription) data.

Materials and Methods

A sample of 10 399 324 e-prescriptions from 2019 to 2021 were obtained. Drug product descriptions were analyzed with a named entity extraction model and National Drug Codes (NDCs) were used to get RxNorm Concept Unique Identifiers (RxCUI) via RxNorm. The number of drug product description variants for each RxCUI was determined. Variants identified were compared to RxNorm to determine the extent of matching terminology used.

Results

A total of 353 002 unique pairs of drug product descriptions and NDCs were analyzed. The median (1st–3rd quartile) number of variants extracted for each standardized expression in RxNorm, was 3 (2–7) for ingredients, 4 (2–8) for strength, and 41 (11–122) for dosage forms. Of the pairs, 42.35% of ingredients (n = 328 032), 51.23% of strengths (n = 321 706), and 10.60% of dose forms (n = 326 653) used matching terminology, while 16.31%, 24.85%, and 13.05% contained nonmatching terminology, respectively.

Discussion

A wide variety of drug product descriptions makes it difficult to determine whether 2 drug product descriptions describe the same drug product (eg, using abbreviations to describe an active ingredient or using different units to represent a concentration). This results in patient safety risks that lead to incorrect drug products being ordered, dispensed, and used by patients. Implementation and use of standardized terminology may reduce these risks.

Conclusion

Drug product descriptions on real-world e-prescriptions exhibit large variation resulting in unnecessary ambiguity and potential patient safety risks.