bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating dual harm and misconduct in Northern Ireland: A 1‐year follow‐up
Authors: Butler Michelle , Kelly Dominic , McNamee Catherine B.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study investigates whether men who engage in dual harm while imprisoned are disproportionately involved in committing misconduct during a 1‐year follow‐up period. It also examines whether dual harm is significantly associated with future involvement in misconduct, when other known risk factors for misconduct are considered, and whether this relationship varies depending on the type of misconduct examined.

Methods

Drawing on the administrative records of 430 men who were imprisoned during the 1‐year follow‐up period, a combination of descriptive statistics and negative binominal regressions was used to analyse the data.

Results

Roughly one‐in‐four men engaged in dual harm while imprisoned and were responsible for over half of all misconduct incidents recorded during the follow‐up period. A significant relationship between dual harm, as well as violence‐only harm compared to no harm, and future involvement in misconduct was also observed even when other known risk factors for misconduct were considered but only for violent and disorder‐related misconduct, demonstrating this relationship varied by harm history and type of misconduct examined.

Conclusion

These findings address previous gaps in knowledge, advancing our understanding of the relationship between dual harm and misconduct. Possible explanations for why, compared to no‐harm history, dual harm as well as violence‐only harm was only related to violent and disorder‐related misconduct are offered, alongside possible implications of this research for policy and practice.
Comparing nursing workload for critically ill adults with and without COVID‐19: Retrospective cohort study
Authors: Batassini Érica , Beghetto Mariur Gomes
Published: September 2023

Background

Intensive care environments already required complex work, and, furthermore, the recent COVID‐19 pandemic increased health care demands, disorganized work teams and limited resources. Nonetheless, the real workload of nursing workers in the care for critical patients during this period was seldom investigated.

Aim

To compare the workload of nursing workers, estimated using the Nursing Activities Score (NAS), in patients with and without COVID‐19 who had been hospitalized in an adult intensive care unit (ICU).

Study Design

This study was developed in the ICU of a public university hospital in the south of Brazil. The workload of nursing workers was estimated using the NAS, which was developed through a retrospective cohort using reports of the assistance registered in electronic records, including the first 10 days of hospitalization of all patients admitted into the ICU in 2020 and 2021, who had at least one NAS evaluation; then, the workload was compared between patients with and without COVID‐19. Generalized estimating equations models were used. The project was approved by the research ethics committee of the institution where the study took place.

Results

The follow‐up of 3485 patients resulted in 20 506 days of observation during the first 10 days of ICU hospitalization. The mean NAS score for the entire patient/day sample was 85.6 ± 18.1%, with 87.8 ± 17.8% in the COVID‐19 group and 82.6 ± 18.2% in the non‐COVID‐19 group (p < .001). The use of mechanical ventilation, noradrenaline, sedation and neuromuscular blocking drugs, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and haemodialysis increased the value of NAS for patients with or without COVID‐19.

Conclusions

The workload of nursing professionals was higher for COVID‐19 patients than for patients who did not present the disease in the first 10 days of ICU hospitalization.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study presents the impact of COVID‐19 on the ICU nursing workload in Brazil. The high workload found can support management decisions regarding quantity and quality of workforce composition.
Experience and insights from a prolonged electrocardiographic monitorization with a wearable system after an embolic stroke of unknown source
Authors: de Castro Daniel , Toquero‐Ramos Jorge , Jiménez‐Sánchez Diego , García‐Izquierdo Eusebio , Castro‐Urda Víctor , Aguilera‐Agudo Cristina , Domínguez Fernando , García‐Rodríguez Daniel , Vela‐Martín Paula , Remior Paloma , Gómez‐Porro Pablo , Carneado‐Ruiz Joaquín , Fernández‐Lozano Ignacio
Published: September 2023

Background

Embolic cerebrovascular events that remain of unknown etiology after a thorough diagnostic evaluation, are known as Embolic Strokes of Undetermined Source (ESUS). Subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF) represents a significant underlying cause of ESUS. Our aims were to examine the overall diagnostic yield of a prolonged cardiac monitoring wearable system (PCMw) after an ESUS to detect AF and factors associated with it, including the time frame from the ESUS event to PCMw initiation. Additionally, to evaluate the frequency of unexpected arrhythmic events (UAE) and their prognostic implications.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 200 ECG recordings (3‐leads, 30 days duration) by means of a PCMw in patients with an ESUS to detect AF lasting longer than 30 s, between 2017 and 2021. UAE were defined as arrhythmia events that were not correlated to the main reason of prolonged cardiac monitoring.

Results

AF was detected in 21 patients (10.5%). Patients with AF had more left atrial enlargement (OR = 4.22 [1.59–6.85]; p = .01) and atrial arrythmias in the initial 24‐h Holter during hospitalization (OR = 5.73 [2.03–16.49]; p = .001). The detection of AF was significatively higher if the PCMw was worn within the first 30 days after the ESUS compared to beyond 30 days (17% vs. 10.3%; p = .002). Fifty three patients (26.5%) had UAE during PCMw. In six of them these findings led to targeted treatment.

Conclusion

PCMw represents a feasible non‐invasive device that could reliably detect subclinical AF episodes after an ESUS. Diagnostic yield was significatively higher when used within the first 30 days after the event, especially in selected patients. UAE were common, but did not impact prognosis.
Clinical and immunological phenotypes of selective IgM deficiency in children: Results from a multicenter study
Authors: Castagnoli Riccardo , Taietti Ivan , Votto Martina , Naso Matteo , De Filippo Maria , Marseglia Alessia , Montagna Lorenza , De Amici Mara , Avanzini Maria Antonietta , Montagna Daniela , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Licari Amelia ,   the Italian Primary Immunodeficiency NETwork (IPINET)
Published: September 2023

Background

A few studies assessed the clinical and immunological features of selective IgM deficiency (SIgMD), especially in the pediatric age. We aimed to characterize the clinical and immunological phenotypes of a cohort of pediatric patients with SIgMD according to the different diagnostic criteria available.

Methods

In this multicenter study, we evaluated pediatric SIgMD patients diagnosed at the Pediatric Clinic in Pavia, Italy, or through the Italian Primary Immunodeficiency NETwork (IPINET) and monitored changes in their diagnosis over a time frame that ranges from several months to several years.

Results

Forty‐eight patients with SIgMD were included (mean serum IgM: 33 mg/dL). The most common clinical manifestations were recurrent infections (67%) and allergies (48%). Subgroup analysis according to SIgMD definition criteria of the European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID) showed no significant difference in clinical manifestations, also considering the group with additional immunological abnormalities. Sixteen patients had long‐term follow‐up, during which 87% preserved their SIgMD diagnosis, while two patients showed a reduction in IgA in addition to low IgM.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the identification of a reduction in serum IgM in children should lead to a complete immunological work‐up to obtain a comprehensive clinical and immunological characterization of the patient. The follow‐up of these patients is fundamental to define the disease evolution and appropriate management.
Optimization of platelet‐rich fibrin
Authors: Miron Richard J. , Fujioka‐Kobayashi Masako , Sculean Anton , Zhang Yufeng
Published: September 2023

The use of platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) has gained tremendous popularity in recent years owing to its ability to speed wound healing postsurgery. However, to date, many clinicians are unaware of methods designed to optimize the technology. This overview article will discuss the advancements and improvements made over the years aimed at maximizing cell and growth factor concentrations. First, a general understanding explaining the differences between RPM and RCF (g‐force) is introduced. Then, the low‐speed centrifugation concept, fixed angle versus horizontal centrifugation, and methods to maximize platelet concentrations using optimized protocols will be discussed in detail. Thereafter, the importance of chemically modified PRF tubes without the addition of chemical additives, as well as regulation of temperature to induce/delay clotting, will be thoroughly described. This article is a first of its kind summarizing all recent literature on PRF designed to optimize PRF production for clinical treatment.
Individual prediction tendencies do not generalize across modalities
Authors: Schubert Juliane , Suess Nina , Weisz Nathan
Published: September 2023

Predictive processing theories, which model the brain as a “prediction machine”, explain a wide range of cognitive functions, including learning, perception and action. Furthermore, it is increasingly accepted that aberrant prediction tendencies play a crucial role in psychiatric disorders. Given this explanatory value for clinical psychiatry, prediction tendencies are often implicitly conceptualized as individual traits or as tendencies that generalize across situations. As this has not yet explicitly been shown, in the current study, we quantify to what extent the individual tendency to anticipate sensory features of high probability generalizes across modalities. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), we recorded brain activity while participants were presented with a sequence of four different (either visual or auditory) stimuli, which changed according to predefined transitional probabilities of two entropy levels: ordered vs. random. Our results show that, on a group‐level, under conditions of low entropy, stimulus features of high probability are preactivated in the auditory but not in the visual modality. Crucially, the magnitude of the individual tendency to predict sensory events seems not to correlate between the two modalities. Furthermore, reliability statistics indicate poor internal consistency, suggesting that the measures from the different modalities are unlikely to reflect a single, common cognitive process. In sum, our findings suggest that quantification and interpretation of individual prediction tendencies cannot be generalized across modalities.
A comparison of stakeholder engagement practices in voluntary sustainability standards
Authors: van der Ven Hamish
Published: September 2023

Practices of stakeholder engagement vary widely across voluntary sustainability standard setters. This study examines how the sponsorship structure of standard setters affects the diversity of stakeholders included in consultations and the influence of stakeholder input on standards. I compare six sustainability standard setters through an original dataset of 7945 stakeholder comments submitted during public comment periods between 2012 and 2019 to answer two research questions. First, are some standard setters better at balancing stakeholder representation than others? And second, does stakeholder influence vary across standard setters? I find that industry‐sponsored standards tend to attract more industry input than multistakeholder initiatives, but both tend to over‐represent legacy stakeholders. I also find that sponsorship is a poor predictor of which comments will be influential. Comments that seek to weaken or clarify the rules in voluntary sustainability standards are more likely to exert influence irrespective of the sponsorship of the standard setter.
The impact of agricultural minimum wages on worker flows in South Africa
Authors: Piek Marlies , von Fintel Dieter , Kirsten Johann
Published: September 2023

This paper is the first to provide estimates of how minimum wages affect worker flows and employment growth rates in an employment scarce developing country context. We investigate the effects of a large, exogenous increase in agricultural minimum wages in South Africa. We find that changes occurred primarily among non‐seasonal workers. Non‐seasonal agricultural employment growth decreased in the initial periods after the minimum wage hike. This was mainly driven by slower rates of entry. The effect on the rate of entry decreases over time. While farms also responded by shedding non‐seasonal workers at higher rates, this negative effect was limited to 1 year directly after the minimum wage hike. Employment growth recovers 4 years after the policy shock, indicating that firms adjusted relatively quickly despite the large legislated minimum wage increase. Seasonal employment growth and rates of entry and exit of seasonal workers were for the most part unaffected. Descriptive statistics, however, suggest a slight compositional change among seasonal workers: Farms replaced the worst paid seasonal workers with other low‐income workers who were slightly better paid and presumably more productive.
Moderating masculinity in women‐dominated digital spaces: Men and masculinity in the sims 4 online community
Authors: Palmer Zachary D.
Published: September 2023

This article examines gender dynamics within a women‐dominated online community centered around The Sims, a feminine‐coded simulation computer game in which women are the majority of players. Based on qualitative analysis of 10 threads and approximately 400 comments from both the official Sims 4 forums and unofficial Sims 4 subreddit, as well as online ethnography, I find that some men responded to their minority status within the Sims community by arguing that men were neglected by the developers at the expensive the inclusion of women and LGBTQ players, for instance, due to an imbalance of content designed for men versus women. However, these men experienced pushback against these ideas in such a way that minimized their voices. I argue that this pushback is a form of moderating masculinity to defend the safety of the community for women. This study contributes to our understanding of gender dynamics in digital spaces, particularly those dominated by women.
An informative prior distribution on functions with application to functional regression
Authors: Abraham Christophe
Published: September 2023

We provide a prior distribution for a functional parameter so that its trajectories are smooth and vanish on a given subset. This distribution can be interpreted as the distribution of an initial Gaussian process conditioned to be zero on a given subset. Precisely, we show that the initial Gaussian process is the sum of the conditioned process and an independent process with probability one and that all the processes have the same almost sure regularity. This prior distribution is use to provide an interpretable estimate of the coefficient function in the linear scalar‐on‐function regression; by interpretable, we mean a smooth function that may possibly be zero on some intervals. We apply our model in a simulation and real case studies with two different priors for the null region of the coefficient function. In one case, the null region is known to be an unknown single interval. In the other case, it can be any unknown unions of intervals.
A spatiotemporal analysis of metro‐stop based accessibility to bus services in Shanghai, China
Authors: Shi Yuji , Yan Zhuofan
Published: September 2023

Ground‐level bus offers flexible services with relatively inexpensive fares and high‐level accessibility, thus is the dominant feeder mode for metro in the majority of metropolitan areas in China. Intermodal transfer between the metro and bus networks is therefore a crucial element in the successful operation of an integrated transit system. In this circumstance, a key challenge is lack of appropriate methodologies to evaluate the spatial–temporal disparities of intermodal transfers between metro and bus. To address this issue, this research aims to promote an existing two‐step floating catchment area (2SFCA) model by incorporating the temporal variability of service supply, demand, and travel time to provide a more realistic estimation of accessibility using smart card data and automatic vehicle location data. The proposed methodology was applied in a case study of the metropolitan area of Shanghai in the specific context of metro‐stop based accessibility to bus services. The results of the case study show that the daily fluctuations in output metro‐to‐bus transfer accessibility values are highly sensitive to temporal dynamics of transfer time, service supply, and demand. It is hoped the results output here could give planners and policymakers greater insight into spatiotemporal dynamics on transfer accessibility, and help to establish an effective and efficient integrated transit system.
Infectious complications of car T‐cell therapy: A longitudinal risk model
Authors: Czapka Michael T. , Riedell Peter A. , Pisano Jennifer C.
Published: September 2023

Background

CAR T‐cell therapy, where a patient's own T cells are re‐engineered to express a receptor to a target of interest, is becoming an increasingly utilized cancer‐directed therapy. There are significant toxicities that contribute to a novel state of immunocompromise, leading to new patterns of infectious complications that require further detailed study.

Methods

We created a single‐center cohort of adult recipients of CD19‐directed CAR T‐cell therapy and assessed infectious outcomes, supportive care received, toxicities, and markers of immune function up to 2 years following CAR T‐cell therapy. Descriptive statistics were used as appropriate for analysis. We additionally conducted time‐to‐event analysis assessing time‐to‐first infection with either log‐rank testing or Cox regression with univariate analysis, before including significant predictors into a multivariate Cox model of time to infection.

Results

We identified 73 patients who received CD19‐directed CAR T‐cell therapy who predominantly had diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. Within 30 days of cell infusion, bacterial and Candida infections were the most common, with 64% of infections due to these organisms. Between 30 days and 2 years postinfusion, respiratory viruses and pneumonia were the most frequent infections, with 68% of infections due to these etiologies. Receipt of tocilizumab, development of immune effector cell‐associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), or lower neutrophil count were associated with quicker onset of infection in a multivariate Cox model.

image

Conclusions

Respiratory viruses remain an important infectious complication of CAR T‐cell therapy following the first year. The model may be a useful tool to identify patients at the highest risk of infection.
Perfect points of abelian varieties
Authors: Ambrosi Emiliano
Published: September 2023

Let $p$ be a prime number, $k$ a finite field of characteristic $p>0$ and $K/k$ a finitely generated extension of fields. Let $A$ be a $K$-abelian variety such that all the isogeny factors are neither isotrivial nor of $p$-rank zero. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for the finite generation of $A(K^{\mathrm {perf}})$ in terms of the action of $\mathrm {End}(A)\otimes \mathbb {Q}_p$ on the $p$-divisible group $A[p^{\infty }]$ of $A$. In particular, we prove that if $\mathrm {End}(A)\otimes \mathbb {Q}_p$ is a division algebra, then $A(K^{\mathrm {perf}})$ is finitely generated. This implies the ‘full’ Mordell–Lang conjecture for these abelian varieties. In addition, we prove that all the infinitely $p$-divisible elements in $A(K^{\mathrm {perf}})$ are torsion. These reprove and extend previous results to the non-ordinary case.
Robust Design of Herringbone Grooved Journal Bearings Using Multi-Objective Optimization With Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Massoudi Soheyl , Schiffmann Jürg
Published: September 2023

Herringbone grooved journal bearings (HGJBs) are widely used in micro-turbocompressor applications due to their high load-carrying capacity, low friction, and oil-free solution. However, the performance of these bearings is sensitive to manufacturing deviations, which can lead to significant variations in their performance and stability. In this study, design guidelines for robust design against manufacturing deviations of HGJB supported micro-turbocompressors are proposed. These guidelines are based on surrogate model-assisted multi-objective optimization using ensembles of artificial neural networks trained on a large dataset of rotor and bearing designs as well as operating conditions. The developed framework is then applied to a series of case studies representative of heat-pump and fuel-cell micro-turbomachines. To highlight the importance of rotor geometry and bearing aspect ratio in the robustness of HGJBs, two types of optimizations are performed: one focusing on optimizing the bearing geometry, and the other focusing on both the bearing and rotor geometries. The analysis of the Pareto fronts and Pareto optima of each type of optimization and case study allows for the derivation of design guidelines for the robust design of HGJB supported rotors. Results suggest that by following these guidelines, it is possible to significantly improve the robustness of herringbone grooved journal bearings against manufacturing deviations, resulting in stable operation. The best design achieved ±8 μm tolerance on the bearing clearance, and designs optimized for both rotor and bearing geometry outperformed those optimized for bearing geometry alone. This work successfully identifies guidelines for the robust design of herringbone grooved journal bearings in micro-turbocompressor applications, demonstrating the strength of surrogate model-assisted multi-objective optimization. It provides a valuable tool for engineers seeking to optimize the performance and reliability of these bearings.
How to Support Athlete Autonomy in University Sports: Coaches’ Experience of the reROOT Program
Authors: Lemelin Emilie , Kil Hali , Petit Élodie , Carpentier Joëlle , Forest Jacques , Gadoury Sophie , Richard Jean-Paul , Joussemet Mireille , Mageau Geneviève A.
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study was to evaluate coaches’ experience of the reROOT program, a program aiming to increase coaches’ autonomy-supportive skills, structure, and involvement. We delivered the program to 32 university sports coaches, and of these coaches, 13 participated in three semistructured focus groups 2 weeks postprogram and discussed their experience of the program. Guiding questions aimed at assessing participants’ responsiveness to the program and its perceived usefulness. Classical content analyses were performed and organized based on the guiding questions when applicable. Results suggest that coaches appreciated the program, believed that they could implement its skills in their day-to-day coaching, and observed positive impacts on themselves and their athletes despite the COVID-19 pandemic. It thus appears that coaches are responsive to the reROOT program and that it could be a useful part of their training.
Single-cycle influenza virus vaccine generates lung CD8
+
Trm that cross-react against viral variants and subvert virus escape mutants
Authors: Zheng Ming Z. M. , Tan Tiong Kit , Villalon-Letelier Fernando , Lau Hilda , Deng Yi-Mo , Fritzlar Svenja , Valkenburg Sophie A. , Gu Haogao , Poon Leo L. M. , Reading Patrick C. , Townsend Alain R. , Wakim Linda M.
Published: September 2023

Influenza virus–specific tissue-resident memory (Trm) CD8
+
T cells located along the respiratory tract provide cross-strain protection against a breadth of influenza viruses. We show that immunization with a single-cycle influenza virus vaccine candidate (S-FLU) results in the deposition of influenza virus nucleoprotein (NP)–specific CD8
+
Trm along the respiratory tract that were more cross-reactive against viral variants and less likely to drive the development of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) escape mutants, as compared to the lung memory NP-specific CD8
+
T cell pool established following influenza infection. This immune profile was linked to the limited inflammatory response evoked by S-FLU vaccination, which increased TCR repertoire diversity within the memory CD8
+
T cell compartment. Cumulatively, this work shows that S-FLU vaccination evokes a clonally diverse, cross-reactive memory CD8
+
T cell pool, which protects against severe disease without driving the virus to rapidly evolve and escape, and thus represents an attractive vaccine for use against rapidly mutating influenza viruses.
Requirement of WDR70 for POLE3-mediated DNA double-strand breaks repair
Authors: Mao Xiaobing , Wu Jian , Zhang Qin , Zhang Su , Chen Xiaoshuang , Liu Xueqin , Wei Mingtian , Wan Xiaowen , Qiu Lei , Zeng Ming , Lei Xue , Liu Cong , Han Junhong
Published: September 2023

H2BK120ub1 triggers several prominent downstream histone modification pathways and changes in chromatin structure, therefore involving it into multiple critical cellular processes including DNA transcription and DNA damage repair. Although it has been reported that H2BK120ub1 is mediated by RNF20/40 and CRL4WDR70, less is known about the underlying regulation mechanism for H2BK120ub1 by WDR70. By using a series of biochemical and cell-based studies, we find that WDR70 promotes H2BK120ub1 by interacting with RNF20/40 complex, and deposition of H2BK120ub1 and H3K79me2 inPOLE3loci is highly sensitive toPOLE3transcription. Moreover, we demonstrate that POLE3 interacts CHRAC1 to promote DNA repair by regulation on the expression of homology-directed repair proteins and KU80 recruitment and identify CHRAC1 D121Y mutation in colorectal cancer, which leads to the defect in DNA repair due to attenuated the interaction with POLE3. These findings highlight a previously unknown role for WDR70 in maintenance of genomic stability and imply POLE3 and CHRAC1 as potential therapeutic targets in cancer.
Role of sesquiterpenes in biogenic new particle formation
Authors: Dada Lubna , Stolzenburg Dominik , Simon Mario , Fischer Lukas , Heinritzi Martin , Wang Mingyi , Xiao Mao , Vogel Alexander L. , Ahonen Lauri , Amorim Antonio , Baalbaki Rima , Baccarini Andrea , Baltensperger Urs , Bianchi Federico , Daellenbach Kaspar R. , DeVivo Jenna , Dias Antonio , Dommen Josef , Duplissy Jonathan , Finkenzeller Henning , Hansel Armin , He Xu-Cheng , Hofbauer Victoria , Hoyle Christopher R. , Kangasluoma Juha , Kim Changhyuk , Kürten Andreas , Kvashnin Aleksander , Mauldin Roy , Makhmutov Vladimir , Marten Ruby , Mentler Bernhard , Nie Wei , Petäjä Tuukka , Quéléver Lauriane L. J. , Saathoff Harald , Tauber Christian , Tome Antonio , Molteni Ugo , Volkamer Rainer , Wagner Robert , Wagner Andrea C. , Wimmer Daniela , Winkler Paul M. , Yan Chao , Zha Qiaozhi , Rissanen Matti , Gordon Hamish , Curtius Joachim , Worsnop Douglas R. , Lehtipalo Katrianne , Donahue Neil M. , Kirkby Jasper , El Haddad Imad , Kulmala Markku
Published: September 2023

Biogenic vapors form new particles in the atmosphere, affecting global climate. The contributions of monoterpenes and isoprene to new particle formation (NPF) have been extensively studied. However, sesquiterpenes have received little attention despite a potentially important role due to their high molecular weight. Via chamber experiments performed under atmospheric conditions, we report biogenic NPF resulting from the oxidation of pure mixtures of β-caryophyllene, α-pinene, and isoprene, which produces oxygenated compounds over a wide range of volatilities. We find that a class of vapors termed ultralow-volatility organic compounds (ULVOCs) are highly efficient nucleators and quantitatively determine NPF efficiency. When compared with a mixture of isoprene and monoterpene alone, adding only 2% sesquiterpene increases the ULVOC yield and doubles the formation rate. Thus, sesquiterpene emissions need to be included in assessments of global aerosol concentrations in pristine climates where biogenic NPF is expected to be a major source of cloud condensation nuclei.
Characterization of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
resistance to ceftolozane-tazobactam due to
ampC
and/or
ampD
mutations observed during treatment using semi-mechanistic PKPD modeling
Authors: Deroche Luc , Aranzana-Climent Vincent , Rozenholc Albane , Prouvensier Laure , Darnaud Léa , Grégoire Nicolas , Marchand Sandrine , Ploy Marie-Cécile , François Bruno , Couet William , Barraud Olivier , Buyck Julien M.
Published: September 2023

A double
ampC
(AmpC
G183D
) and
ampD
(AmpD
H157Y
) genes mutations have been identified by whole genome sequencing in a
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(PaS) that became resistant (PaR) in a patient treated by ceftolozane/tazobactam (C/T). To precisely characterize the respective contributions of these mutations on the decreased susceptibility to C/T and on the parallel increased susceptibility to imipenem (IMI), mutants were generated by homologous recombination in PAO1 reference strain (PAO1- AmpC
G183D
, PAO1-AmpD
H157Y
, PAO1-AmpC
G183D
/AmpD
H157Y
) and in PaR (PaR-AmpC
PaS
/AmpD
PaS
). Sequential time-kill curve experiments were conducted on all strains and analyzed by semi-mechanistic PKPD modeling. A PKPD model with adaptation successfully described the data, allowing discrimination between initial and time-related (adaptive resistance) effects of mutations. With PAO1 and mutant-derived strains, initial EC
50
values increased by 1.4, 4.1, and 29-fold after AmpC
G183D
,
AmpD
H157Y
and AmpC
G183D
/AmpD
H157Y
mutations, respectively. EC
50
values were increased by 320, 12.4, and 55-fold at the end of the 2 nd experiment. EC
50
of PAO1-AmpC
G183D
/AmpD
H157Y
was higher than that of single mutants at any time of the experiments. Within the PaR clinical background, reversal of AmpC
G183D
, and AmpD
H157Y
mutations led to an important decrease of EC
50
value, from 80.5 mg/L to 6.77 mg/L for PaR and PaR-AmpC
PaS
/AmpD
PaS
, respectively. The effect of mutations on IMI susceptibility mainly showed that the AmpC
G183D
mutation prevented the emergence of adaptive resistance. The model successfully described the separate and combined effect of AmpC
G183D
and AmpD
H157Y
mutations against C/T and IMI, allowing discrimination and quantification of the initial and time-related effects of mutations. This method could be reproduced in clinical strains to decipher complex resistance mechanisms.
Recovery of 52 bacterial genomes from the fecal microbiome of the domestic cat (
Felis catus
) using Hi-C proximity ligation and shotgun metagenomics
Authors: Rojas Connie A. , Gardy Jennifer , Eisen Jonathan A. , Ganz Holly H.
Published: September 2023

We used Hi-C proximity ligation with shotgun sequencing to retrieve metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from the fecal microbiomes of two domestic cats (
Felis catus
). The genomes were assessed for completeness and contamination, classified taxonomically, and annotated for putative antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes.
Identification and characterization of novel alphacoronaviruses in
Tadarida brasiliensis
(Chiroptera, Molossidae) from Argentina: insights into recombination as a mechanism favoring bat coronavirus cross-species transmission
Authors: Cerri Agustina , Bolatti Elisa M. , Zorec Tomaz M. , Montani Maria E. , Rimondi Agustina , Hosnjak Lea , Casal Pablo E. , Di Domenica Violeta , Barquez Ruben M. , Poljak Mario , Giri Adriana A.
Published: September 2023

Bats are reservoirs of various coronaviruses that can jump between bat species or other mammalian hosts, including humans. This article explores coronavirus infection in three bat species (
Tadarida brasiliensis, Eumops bonariensis
, and
Molossus molossus
) of the family Molossidae from Argentina using whole viral metagenome analysis. Fecal samples of 47 bats from three semiurban or highly urbanized areas of the province of Santa Fe were investigated. After viral particle enrichment, total RNA was sequenced using the Illumina NextSeq 550 instrument; the reads were assembled into contigs and taxonomically and phylogenetically analyzed. Three novel complete Alphacoronavirus (AlphaCoV) genomes (Tb1–3) and two partial sequences were identified in
T. brasiliensis
(Tb4–5), and an additional four partial sequences were identified in
M. molossus
(Mm1–4). Phylogenomic analysis showed that the novel AlphaCoV clustered in two different lineages distinct from the 15 officially recognized AlphaCoV subgenera. Tb2 and Tb3 isolates appeared to be variants of the same virus, probably involved in a persistent infectious cycle within the
T. brasiliensis
colony. Using recombination analysis, we detected a statistically significant event in Spike gene, which was reinforced by phylogenetic tree incongruence analysis, involving novel Tb1 and AlphaCoVs identified in
Eptesicus fuscus
(family Vespertilionidae) from the U.S. The putative recombinant region is in the S1 subdomain of the Spike gene, encompassing the potential receptor-binding domain of AlphaCoVs. This study reports the first AlphaCoV genomes in molossids from the Americas and provides new insights into recombination as an important mode of evolution of coronaviruses involved in cross-species transmission.

IMPORTANCE

This study generated three novel complete AlphaCoV genomes (Tb1, Tb2, and Tb3 isolates) identified in individuals of
Tadarida brasiliensis
from Argentina, which showed two different evolutionary patterns and are the first to be reported in the family Molossidae in the Americas. The novel Tb1 isolate was found to be involved in a putative recombination event with alphacoronaviruses identified in bats of the genus
Eptesicus
from the U.S., whereas isolates Tb2 and Tb3 were found in different collection seasons and might be involved in persistent viral infections in the bat colony. These findings contribute to our knowledge of the global diversity of bat coronaviruses in poorly studied species and highlight the different evolutionary aspects of AlphaCoVs circulating in bat populations in Argentina.
Early Paleozoic oblique convergence from subduction to collision: Insights from timing and structural style of the transpressional dextral shear zone in the Qilian orogen, northern Tibet of China
Authors: Wu Yawei , Zhang Jianxin , Zhang Bo , Mao Xiaohong , Lu Zenglong , Zhou Guisheng , Teng Xia , Guo Qi
Published: September 2023

Transpressional shear zones commonly occur in ancient and modern convergent plate boundaries to accommodate oblique plate convergence. The early Paleozoic Qilian orogen in northeastern Tibet records the subduction of Proto-Tethyan Ocean lithosphere and the accretion-collision of various magmatic arcs and continental terranes. This study focused on the Datong ductile shear zone, which represents the central part of the WNW-ESE−striking ductile shear zone along the northern margin of the Qilian block in the Qilian orogen. This structure bears key information about the evolution of oblique convergence during the early Paleozoic orogeny. The kinematics and timing of the Datong ductile shear zone were investigated via field-based, microstructural, and mica 40Ar/39Ar dating analyses. Mesostructural and microstructural data showed predominantly dextral strike-slip shearing within the Datong ductile shear zone. Microstructural features and quartz c-axis crystallographic preferred orientation patterns indicated that dextral ductile shearing occurred under lower-amphibolite-facies conditions (∼500−550 °C and ∼5.6 kbar) within the shear zone. Microstructures of quartz showed subgrain rotation (SGR) and grain boundary migration (GBM), suggesting dislocation creep−dominated deformation. A strain rate of 10−12 s−1 and a differential stress of 25−39 MPa were estimated by the rheological flow law and quartz paleopiezometry. Finite strain measurements indicated that all deformed rocks of the Datong ductile shear zone exhibit a weakly oblate ellipsoid near the plane strain. Kinematic vorticity (ranging 0.47−0.83) analysis suggested the coexistence of simple shear and pure shear strains within the Datong ductile shear zone, indicating a transpressional setting. Biotite and muscovite 40Ar/39Ar data showed that transpressional shearing deformation started in the Ordovician (before 453 Ma) and lasted to the Silurian (ca. 430 Ma). Our new data combined with regional geological data show that the deformation type, kinematics, and dynamics of the Datong ductile shear zone were controlled by the southward oblique subduction of the Paleo-Qilian Ocean (Proto-Tethyan Ocean) and the following oblique collision between the Qilian block and the Alxa block. The intensive transpressional deformation along the northern Qilian block may reflect strong coupling between the subducting Paleo-Qilian oceanic slab and the overriding Qilian block as well as a high degree of convergence obliquity during the ongoing early Paleozoic convergence.
Two Dynamical Regimes of Coherent Columnar Vortices in a Rotating Fluid
Authors: Tumachev D. D. , Filatov S. V. , Vergeles S. S. , Levchenko A. A.
Published: September 2023

Vortex flow generation in an incompressible fluid was investigated experimentally inside a rotating closed cubic aquarium. The flow was excited by producing small-scale eddies near the side edges of the cube. Coherent columnar vortices-cyclones extending from the bottom to the lid of the cube were observed in the liquid volume. The lifetime of the cyclones was much longer than the attenuation time due to the viscous friction on the bottom and the lid. It was found that there are two regimes of quasi-two-dimensional turbulence, which are characterized by different ways of interaction between quasi two-dimensional flow and inertial waves. The radial profiles of the time- averaged azimuth velocity in the coherent vortices in these two regimes are investigated. It is shown that the vortices differ in size and in vorticity distribution along the radius.
Twin Bound States in the Continuum in a Waveguide Fabry–Pérot Resonator
Authors: Shubin N. M. , Kapaev V. V. , Gorbatsevich A. A.
Published: September 2023

We study bound states in the continuum (BICs) in a Fabry–Pérot (FP) resonator within a quantum-mechanical waveguide. We show that besides typical FP BICs corresponding to a discrete set of cavity lengths, there is a pair of symmetric and antisymmetric twin BICs (TBICs) if isolated mirrors possess BIC themselves. In contrast to the FP BIC, the TBIC does not require the formation of standing waves of the FP resonance between the mirrors. Therefore, the energy and parameters of TBICs are almost independent of the length of the FP resonator, and their wavefunctions have an exponentially small amplitude between the mirrors. Results of the numerical simulation of the 2D quantum-mechanical waveguide with attractive potentials (“impurities”) playing the role of mirrors of an FP resonator are supported by the illustrative analytical model.
Leadless pacemaker in heart transplantation: a case report and literature review
Authors: Yan Crystal Lihong , Chaparro Sandra , Thakkar Rivera Nina
Published: September 2023

Our case demonstrates the safe and effective use of a leadless pacemaker in a heart transplant recipient. A man in his 60s with a history of heart transplantation with biatrial anastomosis 7 months prior presented to the emergency department after several syncopal episodes. Telemetry monitoring revealed a paroxysmal complete atrioventricular block. Given his immunocompromised state and prior dual chamber pacemaker extraction at the time of heart transplantation, the patient underwent successful implantation of a leadless pacemaker. Over the past 5 years since device implantation, the patient has not had any syncopal events nor has he had any device-related complications, such as infection.
Soft scattering evaporation of dark matter subhalos by inner galactic gases
Authors: Bi Xiao-jun , Gao Yu , Jin Mingjie , Lin Yugen , Xiang Qian-Fei
Published: September 2023

The large gap between a galactic dark matter subhalo’s velocity and its own gravitational binding velocity creates the situation that small subhalos can be evaporated before dark matter thermalize with baryons due to the low binding velocity. In case dark matter acquires an electromagnetic dipole moment, the survival of low-mass subhalos requires stringent limits on the photon-mediated soft scattering. The current stringent direct detection limits indicate for a small dipole moment, which lets DM decouple early and allows small subhalos to form. We calculate the DM kinetic decoupling temperature in the Early Universe and evaluate the smallest protohalo mass. In the late Universe, low-mass subhalos can be evaporated via soft collision by ionized gas and accelerated cosmic rays. We calculate the subhalos evaporation rate and show that subhalos lighter than $$10^{-5}M_{\odot }$$

10

-
5

M
⊙

in the gaseous inner galactic region are subject to evaporation via dark matter’s effective electric and magnetic dipole moments below current direct detection limits, which potentially affects the low-mass subhalos distribution in the galactic center.
FOUNDERS’ NETWORKING ABILITY AND THE INNOVATION INTENSITY OF NEW VENTURES: THE MEDIATION EFFECT OF COLLABORATION NETWORK
Authors: SEDITA SILVIA RITA , LAJÇI RREZON , BLASI SILVIA
Published: September 2023

This work aims to reveal the impact of founders’ networking ability on the innovation intensity of new ventures. Additionally, it sheds light on the underpinning mechanism of this nexus by examining the mediating role of firm collaboration network. The empirical analysis is based on an original survey data of 173 new ventures operating in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector in Italy, collected in 2018. Results suggest that higher individual networking ability is not necessarily translated into higher innovation intensity for new ventures. Notwithstanding, the mediation analysis informs that the relationship between founders’ networking ability and the innovation intensity of new ventures is mediated by the firm collaboration network. Implications for both practitioners and academics are also discussed.
Recent Advances in Multi-Pass Graph Streaming Lower Bounds
Authors: Assadi Sepehr
Published: September 2023

Wait! What does an article on 'multi-pass graph streaming' has anything to do with a column for 'distributed computing'?
Impacts of Climate Change on Marine Foundation Species
Authors: Wernberg Thomas , Thomsen Mads S. , Baum Julia K. , Bishop Melanie J. , Bruno John F. , Coleman Melinda A. , Filbee-Dexter Karen , Gagnon Karine , He Qiang , Murdiyarso Daniel , Rogers Kerrylee , Silliman Brian R. , Smale Dan A. , Starko Samuel , Vanderklift Mathew A.
Published: September 2023

Marine foundation species are the biotic basis for many of the world's coastal ecosystems, providing structural habitat, food, and protection for myriad plants and animals as well as many ecosystem services. However, climate change poses a significant threat to foundation species and the ecosystems they support. We review the impacts of climate change on common marine foundation species, including corals, kelps, seagrasses, salt marsh plants, mangroves, and bivalves. It is evident that marine foundation species have already been severely impacted by several climate change drivers, often through interactive effects with other human stressors, such as pollution, overfishing, and coastal development. Despite considerable variation in geographical, environmental, and ecological contexts, direct and indirect effects of gradual warming and subsequent heatwaves have emerged as the most pervasive drivers of observed impact and potent threat across all marine foundation species, but effects from sea level rise, ocean acidification, and increased storminess are expected to increase. Documented impacts include changes in the genetic structures, physiology, abundance, and distribution of the foundation species themselves and changes to their interactions with other species, with flow-on effects to associated communities, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning. We discuss strategies to support marine foundation species into the Anthropocene, in order to increase their resilience and ensure the persistence of the ecosystem services they provide.
New Therapeutic Approaches to Large-Vessel Vasculitis
Authors: Kaymakci Mahmut S. , Warrington Kenneth J. , Kermani Tanaz A.
Published: September 2023

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK) are large-vessel vasculitides affecting the aorta and its branches. Arterial damage from these diseases may result in ischemic complications, aneurysms, and dissections. Despite their similarities, the management of GCA and TAK differs. Glucocorticoids are used frequently but relapses are common, and glucocorticoid toxicity contributes to significant morbidity. Conventional immunosuppressive therapies can be beneficial in TAK, though their role in the management of GCA remains unclear. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors improve remission rates and appear to limit vascular damage in TAK; these agents are not beneficial in GCA. Tocilizumab is the first biologic glucocorticoid-sparing agent approved for use in GCA and also appears to be effective in TAK. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of both conditions and the availability of targeted therapies hold much promise for future management.
Structural, Optical, Magnetic and Dielectric Properties of Ce-Doped MgFe2O4 Prepared by Microwave Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Kumar T. Suresh , Sriramulu G. , Raju P. , Ramesh T. , Praveena K. , Katlakunta S.
Published: September 2023

The microwave hydrothermal method has been used to synthesize MgFe2-x
Ce
x
O4 (x = 0.0 – 0.10) nanoparticles, which have been characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–vis spectrometer, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and dielectric properties. XRD investigation confirms the cubic spinel structure, and the Debye–Scherrer formula was used to determine the crystallite size, showing values of 19 – 108 nm. FTIR confirms the presence of all functional groups and FE-SEM displays particle-like morphology. The UV-visible analysis was used to explain the variation of the optical bandgap as Ce3+ doping increased. VSM analysis of MgFe2-x
Ce
x
O4 showed ferromagnetic behaviour. The samples exhibit low magnetization values ranging from 8.83 emu g−1 to 18.91 emu g−1. The values of the dielectric constant (ε′) and the dielectric loss (tanδ) decreased with frequency due to the influence of space-charge polarization and showed a dispersive behaviour at higher frequencies.
Coronary artery endothelial function and aging in people with HIV and HIV-negative individuals
Authors: Ziogos Efthymios , Kwapong Yaa A. , Weiss Robert G. , Schär Michael , Brown Todd T. , Bagchi Shashwatee , Soleimanifard Alborz , Harb Tarek , Piggott Damani A. , Gerstenblith Gary , Leucker Thorsten M. , Hays Allison G.
Published: September 2023

This is the first study to examine the relationship between age and coronary endothelial function (CEF) in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PWH). CEF was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in people with and without HIV. Although age and CEF were significantly inversely related in individuals without HIV, there was no association between age and CEF in PWH.