bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spirituality for Coping with the Trauma of a Loved One’s Death During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Italian Qualitative Study
Authors: Biancalani Gianmarco , Azzola Claudia , Sassu Raluca , Marogna Cristina , Testoni Ines
Published: February 2022

Spirituality may be a key factor in reducing the negative psychological effects of traumatic events and a means by which the experience of grief can be processed.

The objective of the present research is to assess whether and how spirituality provided concrete support in those who lost a loved one during the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants are 8 people from the most affected cities in northern Italy. They were interviewed in depth, the interviews were transcribed and the texts were analyzed through Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. The results show that spirituality has been found to be a protective factor with regard to the processing of grief in crisis situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular with regard to the belief that the deceased loved one is now in an otherworldly dimension. In addition, the celebration of a funeral rite offers support to the grieving person in the early stages of mourning thus laying the foundation for a healthy grieving process. It is therefore important to support individual spirituality, which can be a useful tool for processing the traumatic experience, especially in difficult times such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Assessing Pre-service Teachers’ Views of Scientists, Their Activities, and Locations: the VoSAL Instrument
Authors: Reinisch Bianca , Krell Moritz
Published: February 2022

In science education, learners’ conceptions of scientists and their work are often assessed by the Draw-A-Scientist Test (DAST). Due to validity concerns, methodical literature demands the development of alternative instruments to measure learners’ conceptions validly and efficiently. This study presents an instrument with 29 rating scale items to assess pre-service teachers’ (PSTs) Views of Scientists, their Activities, and Locations (VoSAL). The items were developed based on theoretical considerations, previous findings, and repeated discussions by biology education experts. After several steps of test development, PSTs filled out the questionnaire (N = 1,098). Exploratory factor analyses and reliability measurements mostly confirm the proposed structure. Groups comparisons were performed regarding the results from pre-service biology teachers of three different study stages (nfreshmen = 114; nsecond and third years = 124; ngraduates = 107). Analyses of variance and corresponding post-hoc tests showed that undergraduates (freshmen, second and third years) differ significantly from graduates regarding the scales stereotypical appearance, inquiry location, and scientific activity, with undergraduates having more stereotypical conceptions than graduates. In sum, the VoSAL can be utilized to gain valid data of PSTs’ conceptions about scientists and their work. Also, the VoSAL can be considered efficient since the test time is between 5 and 10 min. Thus, the questionnaire is valuable in studies that aim to introduce and expose PSTs to realistic science images.
Effect of CPAP on blood glucose fluctuation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Zhao Xin , Zhang Wei , Xin Sixu , Yu Xiaofeng , Zhang Xiaomei
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on blood glucose fluctuation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

Patients with T2DM and OSA were divided into an intervention group and a control group. All patients were treatment naïve. The intervention group was given CPAP therapy. The subjects were monitored using a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) for 2 weeks.

Results

Of 60 patients, 30 were selected to receive CPAP intervention while 30 without CPAP served as controls. The CPAP tolerance of the intervention group was good, with average time on CPAP therapy of 55.2 ± 4.3 days, and average daily time on CPAP therapy of 8.3 ± 2.8 h. The postprandial blood glucose (PBG), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and HbA1c levels in the intervention group decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Significant variations in 24-h mean blood glucose and night-time mean blood glucose were significantly lower with CPAP therapy than without therapy (P < 0.05, respectively). The mean of daily differences and mean ambulatory glucose excursions were both considerably lower with treatment than without (P < 0.05, respectively). There was also a significant difference in time in range and time above range (P < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion

CPAP treatment may significantly improve the blood glucose level and blood glucose stability in patients with T2DM and OSA. CPAP is an effective treatment method beyond lifestyle intervention and drug therapy.
Maternal Nutritional Status and Pregnancy Outcomes Post-bariatric Surgery
Authors: Alamri Sara H. , Abdeen Ghalia N.
Published: February 2022

Obesity in childbearing women leads to pregnancy-related complications such as gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy-associated hypertensive disorders, and macrosomia. Weight loss helps reduce these complications. Studies show bariatric surgery reduces obesity-related complications during and after pregnancy. However, bariatric surgery might be associated with adverse outcomes, such as low birth weight and small-for-gestational-age infants. In addition, several studies suggest pregnancy occurring less than a year post-bariatric surgery adversely affects pregnancy outcomes and causes micronutrients deficiency since the dramatic weight loss occurs in the first year. These adverse outcomes may lead to nutritional malabsorption, such as anemia and low vitamin B12 and folic acid levels. The review aims to overview obesity-related complications during pregnancy and the benefits and risks of bariatric surgery on pregnancy outcomes and maternal nutrition status.

Graphical abstract
Fast Multivariate Probit Estimation via a Two-Stage Composite Likelihood
Authors: Ting Bryan , Wright Fred , Zhou Yi-Hui
Published: February 2022

The multivariate probit is popular for modeling correlated binary data, with an attractive balance of flexibility and simplicity. However, considerable challenges remain in computation and in devising a clear statistical framework. Interest in the multivariate probit has increased in recent years. Current applications include genomics and precision medicine, where simultaneous modeling of multiple traits may be of interest, and computational efficiency is an important consideration. We propose a fast method for multivariate probit estimation via a two-stage composite likelihood. We explore computational and statistical efficiency, and note that the approach sets the stage for extensions beyond the purely binary setting.
Electro-sequence analysis and natural resources potential of a transitional environment in central swamp depobelt, Niger delta, Nigeria
Authors: Akaerue Emmanuel I. , Nnakuba Joseph N. , Urang Job G. , Ebong Ebong D. , Eradiri Joseph N. , Ugbaja Anthony N.
Published: February 2022

Sequence stratigraphy and Electrosequence of the Don-Field Central Swamp depobelt of the Niger Delta Basin, was carried out using well logs, biostratigraphic and core data. The aim of this study is to re-characterise and revalidate the reservoirs within the study area and provide an optimum framework for predicting reservoir character, development and reservoir quality distribution. Detailed petrophysical evaluation reveals proficient hydrocarbon reservoir units with variable parameters (i.e. porosity, permeability and shale volume) that can accommodate productive hydrocarbon reserve. Core data analyses revealed heavy minerals like pyrites and glauconites that can be of economic interest. The gamma wireline signatures of the wells show reservoir units that are predominantly blocky in shape indicative of fluvial channels. Fluvial channels are typically associated with coastal and/or marginal marine environments. More so, the aforementioned observations were validated using palaeoenvironmental interpretation of strata penetrated by Well-1, Well-2, and Well-3 via the sidewall core analyses. Sequence stratigraphic surfaces such as maximum flooding surfaces (MFS) and sequence boundary (SB) were observed to show good correlation with palynological and foraminiferal zones. The stacking patterns (i.e. progradation, retrogradation and aggradation) encountered gave acumen into systems tracts (i.e. lowstand system tract (LST), transgressıve system tract (TST) and highstand system tract (HST) interpretation. These system tracts constitute a depositional sequence set of middle—late Miocene age bounded chronologically by MFS of 9.5 Ma, 12.8 Ma, 15.0 Ma, 15.9 Ma and SB of 12.1 Ma, 13.1 Ma, 15.5 Ma, 15.9 Ma. The SB and MFS were delineated based on Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) biozonation scheme: F-zone and P-zone were within P820-P680 and F9500-F9600/F9700 as contained in the biofacies interpreted data of index fossils (Globorotalia foshi S.I; Globorotalia praefohsi; Globorotalia peripheroacuta; Orbulina spp; Praeorbulina sicana; Paragloborotalia mayeri; Neogloboquadrina acostaensis) which corresponded to the alphanumeric code N8–N16 planktonic foraminiferal zones of Blow.
Uncertainty handling in wellbore trajectory design: a modified cellular spotted hyena optimizer-based approach
Authors: Biswas Kallol , Rahman Md. Tauhidur , Almulihi Ahmed H. , Alassery Fawaz , Al Askary Md. Abu Hasan , Hai Tasmia Binte , Kabir Shihab Shahriar , Khan Asif Irshad , Ahmed Rasel
Published: February 2022

It is vital to optimize the drilling trajectory to reduce the possibility of drilling accidents and boosting the efficiency. Previously, the wellbore trajectory was optimized using the true measured depth and well profile energy as objective functions without considering uncertainty between the actual and planned trajectories. Without an effective management of the uncertainty associated with trajectory planning, the drilling process becomes more complex. Prior techniques have some drawbacks; for example, they could not find isolated minima and have a slow convergence rate when dealing with high-dimensional problems. Consequently, a novel approach termed the “Modified Multi-Objective Cellular Spotted Hyena Optimizer” is proposed to address the aforesaid concerns. Following that, a mechanism for eliminating outliers has been developed and implemented in the sorting process to minimize uncertainty. The proposed algorithm outperformed the standard methods like cellular spotted hyena optimizer, spotted hyena optimizer, and cellular grey wolf optimizer in terms of non-dominated solution distribution, search capability, isolated minima reduction, and pareto optimal front. Numerous statistical analyses were undertaken to determine the statistical significance of the algorithm. The proposed algorithm achieved the lowest inverted generational distance, spacing metric, and error ratio, while achieving the highest maximum spread. Finally, an adaptive neighbourhood mechanism has been presented, which outperformed fixed neighbourhood topologies such as L5, L9, C9, C13, C21, and C25. Afterwards, the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution and linear programming technique for multidimensional analysis of preference were used to provide the best pareto optimal solution.
High strength glass beads coated with CNT/rGO incorporated urethane coating for improved crush resistance for effective hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Ishtiaq Umair , Aref Ali , Muhsan Ali Samer , Rashid Ahmed , Hamdi Sinan S.
Published: February 2022

Hydraulic fracturing is a widely employed well stimulation technique in which a synthesized fracking fluid is pumped into the well bore at high pressures to propagate fractures in rock formation matrix for hydrocarbon production. Proppant being one of the essential component of fracturing fluid is used to keep the hydraulically induced fractures open and conductive by acting as a mechanically strong support particle. Hydraulic fracturing operations are gradually shifting into deeper and low permeability (tight) formation at elevated temperature and pressure conditions at which conventionally used silica sand is becoming unviable as proppant due to its crushing. For resin-coated sand (RCS), temperatures greater than 60°C under high pressures, the glass transition temperature (Tg) threshold limit of polyurethane-based resin coating is reached at which this applied coating tends to soften that results reduction in the mechanical strength of the coated sand pack. Glass beads are also considered as good contestant for proppant that were selected in this study due to their high roundness and sphericity. They were drip coated with urethane resin incorporated with three different concentrations of 0.1 wt%, 0.5 wt% and 1 wt% carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanofillers, respectively. Crush test analysis by means of Universal Testing Machine (UTM) revealed significant improvement in the mechanical strength of coated glass bead proppants. 0.5 wt% loading of CNTs into urethane resin proved to be the best optimum concentration at which the mechanical strength of the coated glass bead improved by 84% along with 40% reduction in fines generation due to its containment within the applied coating. Crush test results also further revealed that nanofillers concentration loadings greater than the optimum threshold limit into urethane resin promoted their mutual agglomeration that resulted in profound reduction in mechanical strength of coated glass beads therefore resulting in more crushing and higher generation of undesired and detrimental fine particles.
An integrated approach of reservoir characterization of Y gas field in Central Bredasdorp Basin, South Africa
Authors: Masindi Rotondwa , Trivedi K. B. , Opuwari M.
Published: February 2022

The study attempts to address the knowledge gap in the Bredasdorp Basin Offshore South Africa by using newly acquired seismic data with an enhanced resolution, integrating core and well log to provide a solution. The main objective of this study was a volumetric sandstone reservoir characterization of the 13At1 and 10At1 sandstones deposited in the upper shallow marine environment. The results reveal four facies grouped as facies 1(claystone), facies 2(intercalation of claystone and sandstone, facies 3(medium sandstone), and facies 4 fine-medium sandstone grain deposited in a deep marine environment. Facies 3, the medium-grained sandstone, has the best reservoir quality rock, while facies 1, which is predominantly claystone, has the least rock quality. The study has produced a calculated volume of gas in the 10At1 sand (upper and lower sand is 30.01 billion cubic feet (bcf)) higher than that of the 13At1 sand (27.22 bcf of gas). Improved seismic resolution enhanced the accuracy of results. It is advisable to focus further field development in the eastern part of the Y gas field because of good reservoir quality and production developed due to the sand in the 10At1 sequence.
A Probabilistic Approach to the Evaluation of Seismic Resilience in Road Asset Management
Authors: Nicolosi Vittorio , Augeri Maria , D’Apuzzo Mauro , Evangelisti Azzurra , Santilli Daniela
Published: February 2022

Road networks are classified as critical infrastructure systems. Their loss of functionality not only hinders residential and commercial activities, but also compromises evacuation and rescue after disasters. Dealing with risks to key strategic objectives is not new to asset management, and risk management is considered one of the core elements of asset management. Risk analysis has recently focused on understanding and designing strategies for resilience, especially in the case of seismic events that present a significant hazard to highway transportation networks. Following a review of risk and resilience concepts and metrics, an innovative methodology to stochastically assess the economic resources needed to restore damaged infrastructures, one that is a relevant and complementary element within a wider resilience-based framework, is proposed. The original methodology is based on collecting and analyzing ex post reconstruction and hazard data and was calibrated on data measured during the earthquake that struck central Italy in 2016 and collected in the following recovery phase. Although further improvements are needed, the proposed approach can be used effectively by road managers to provide useful information in developing seismic retrofitting plans.
Functionalized Fiber-Based Strain Sensors: Pathway to Next-Generation Wearable Electronics
Authors: Liu Zekun , Zhu Tianxue , Wang Junru , Zheng Zijian , Li Yi , Li Jiashen , Lai Yuekun
Published: February 2022

Wearable strain sensors are arousing increasing research interests in recent years on account of their potentials in motion detection, personal and public healthcare, future entertainment, man–machine interaction, artificial intelligence, and so forth. Much research has focused on fiber-based sensors due to the appealing performance of fibers, including processing flexibility, wearing comfortability, outstanding lifetime and serviceability, low-cost and large-scale capacity. Herein, we review the latest advances in functionalization and device fabrication of fiber materials toward applications in fiber-based wearable strain sensors. We describe the approaches for preparing conductive fibers such as spinning, surface modification, and structural transformation. We also introduce the fabrication and sensing mechanisms of state-of-the-art sensors and analyze their merits and demerits. The applications toward motion detection, healthcare, man–machine interaction, future entertainment, and multifunctional sensing are summarized with typical examples. We finally critically analyze tough challenges and future remarks of fiber-based strain sensors, aiming to implement them in real applications.
A Critical Analysis of Reporting in Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses in the Peyronie’s Disease Literature
Authors: Bole Raevti , Gottlich Harrison Chase , Ziegelmann Matthew J. , Corrigan Dillon , Levine Laurence A. , Mulhall John P. , Bajic Petar
Published: February 2022

Background

Despite an increasing number of publications on Peyronie’s disease (PD), evidence-based clinical decision-making remains challenging due to the small number of well-designed clinical trials.

Aim

To perform a critical analysis of reporting quality in PD systematic reviews (SR) and meta-analyses (MA).

Methods

Study protocol registration was performed on the Open Science Framework platform. In January 2021, a systematic electronic search of the Medline/PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Scopus, Joanne Briggs Institute, and Cochrane databases was performed. Search terms included “Peyronie’s disease” and “systematic review OR meta-analysis OR meta-analysis.” Eligibility criteria were English-language, relevance to PD and specification of “systematic review” or “meta-analysis” in the title or abstract. Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine levels of evidence were used to classify original studies reviewed within each publication. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROBIS tool. Data were tabulated and reported as means with standard deviation, median with interquartile range and t-testing as appropriate. Strength of association between variables was calculated using Pearson correlation coefficient. Statistical analyses were performed on RStudio (version 1.4.1106).

Outcomes

Outcomes included review type, level of evidence, authorship, journal, publication date, “A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews” (AMSTAR-2) score and “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” (PRISMA) score.

Results

From 1974 to 2021, 340 articles were identified. After review, 17 full length articles were included. Thirteen were SR, 2 MA and 2 was combined. Significant heterogeneity was seen in evidence level of included studies. There was median 54% adherence to AMSTAR-2 criteria and 74% adherence to PRISMA criteria. Overall AMSTAR-2 confidence rating was Critically Low in 11 of 17 studies. Correlation analysis revealed very high positive association between AMSTAR 2 and PRISMA adherence (+0.95). ROBIS revealed “High” concern regarding methods used to collect data and appraise 12/17 studies (71%), and “High” concern regarding synthesis and findings in 8 of 17 studies (47%).

Clinical Implications

Many SR include markedly heterogenous levels of evidence and fail to meet accepted methodological criteria for reporting.

Strengths and Limitations

Main strengths include extensive literature review and analysis of standardized study reporting. One limitation is that aggregate scoring of AMSTAR-2 and PRISMA is not intended as primary method of quality assessment; however effect was minimized by reporting critical domains, overall quality assessments and specifics on globally poorly reported domains.

Conclusion

More high quality randomized controlled PD trials are necessary; SR and MA should focus on these studies alone.
Generalised quasilinear approximations of turbulent channel flow. Part 1. Streamwise nonlinear energy transfer
Authors: Hernández Carlos G. , Yang Qiang , Hwang Yongyun
Published: February 2022

A generalised quasilinear (GQL) approximation (Marston et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 116, 2016, 104502) is applied to turbulent channel flow at

$Re_\tau \simeq 1700$

(

$Re_\tau$

is the friction Reynolds number), with emphasis on the energy transfer in the streamwise wavenumber space. The flow is decomposed into low- and high-streamwise-wavenumber groups, the former of which is solved by considering the full nonlinear equations whereas the latter is obtained from the linearised equations around the former. The performance of the GQL approximation is subsequently compared with that of a QL model (Thomas et al., Phys. Fluids, vol. 26, 2014, 105112), in which the low-wavenumber group only contains zero streamwise wavenumber. It is found that the QL model exhibits a considerably reduced multi-scale behaviour at the given moderately high Reynolds number. This is improved significantly by the GQL approximation which incorporates only a few more streamwise Fourier modes into the low-wavenumber group, and it reasonably well recovers the distance-from-the-wall scaling in the turbulence statistics and spectra. Finally, it is proposed that the energy transfer from the low- to the high-wavenumber group in the GQL approximation, referred to as the ‘scattering’ mechanism, depends on the neutrally stable leading Lyapunov spectrum of the linearised equations for the high-wavenumber group. In particular, it is shown that if the threshold wavenumber distinguishing the two groups is sufficiently high, the scattering mechanism can be completely absent due to the linear nature of the equations for the high-wavenumber group.
BUILDING A MASTER CHRONOLOGY FOR THE WESTERN LAKE BONNEVILLE BASIN WITH STRATIGRAPHIC AND ELEMENTAL DATA FROM MULTIPLE SITES, USA
Authors: Hart Isaac , Jones Kaylee B , Brunelle Andrea , DeGraffenried Jennifer , Oviatt Charles G Jack , Nash Barbara , Duke Daron , Young D Craig
Published: February 2022

We present a novel approach to developing a unified radiocarbon-based chronology for multiple sediment cores from a location where radiocarbon dating is challenging. We used 36 radiocarbon ages from eight terminal Pleistocene and Holocene sediment cores with correlated stratigraphies. Stratigraphic correlation was accomplished using a combination of high-resolution photography, high-resolution X-ray fluorescence-based elemental composition data, and volcanic tephra identification. Results show that despite problems associated with potential contamination or radiocarbon reservoir effect, a useful age-depth model has been created for the correlated lacustrine sections of these eight sediment cores, providing chronological controls for future paleoenvironmental analyses of the cores.
Influence of rhizosphere activity on litter decomposition in subtropical forest: implications of estimating soil organic matter contributions to soil respiration
Authors: Wu Xiaoqing , Huang Changjiang , Sha Liqing , Wu Chuansheng
Published: February 2022

Litter decomposition plays an important role in the carbon cycle and is affected by many factors in forest ecosystems. This study aimed to quantify the rhizosphere priming effect on litter decomposition in subtropical forest southwestern China. A litter decomposition experiment including control and trenching treatments was conducted using the litter bag method, and the litter decomposition rate was calculated by litter dry mass loss. Trenching did not change soil temperature, but increased the soil water content by 14.5%. In this study, the interaction of soil temperature and soil water content controlled the litter decomposition rate, and explained 87.4 and 85.5% of the variation in litter decomposition in the control and trenching treatments, respectively. Considering changes in soil environmental factors due to trenching, the litter decomposition rates were corrected by regression models. After correction, the litter decomposition rates of the control and trenching treatments were 32.47 ± 3.15 and 25.71 ± 2.72% year–1, respectively, in the 2-year period. Rhizosphere activity significantly primed litter decomposition by 26.3%. Our study suggested a priming effect of rhizosphere activity on litter decomposition in the subtropical forest. Combining previous interaction effect results, we estimated the contributions of total soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition, total litter decomposition, and root respiration to soil respiration in the subtropical forest, and our new method of estimating the components of soil respiration provided basic theory for SOM decomposition research.
ENVISIONING THE ART OF EMPIRE IN THELETTER OF ARISTEAS
Authors: Leventhal Max
Published: February 2022

This article examines two ‘digressions’ within theLetter of Aristeas: the description of the gifts which Ptolemy sends to the Jerusalem Temple (§§51–82) and the survey of the Jerusalem Temple, the city and the Judaean countryside, including the final comments on Persian mining on the Arabian border (§§83–120). I propose that Aristeas envisions the Alexandrian artworks as an imperial subject and that, by juxtaposing the two passages, he comments on the imperial machinations that attend the production of artworks. In concluding I suggest that this anxiety aboutmaterialcultural production in an imperial context has ramifications for theLetter's central narrative ofliterarycultural production: the Alexandrian creation of the Septuagint.
The Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory – Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ) and its Relationship with Everyday Behaviors
Authors: Contreras Milena , Cupani Marcos , Corr Philip
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to adapt and validate the Spanish version of the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory–Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ; Corr & Cooper, 2016) and to demonstrate how RST constructs are associated with a variety of everyday behaviors. To achieve this goal, three studies have been conducted. In Study 1, a direct translation of the items from English to Spanish was pilot-tested in a sample of 139 students and a descriptive analysis of items was conducted. Moreover, a reverse translation and comparison between the two English versions were carried out by the lead author of the original questionnaire and the items were refined accordingly. In Study 2, the questionnaire’s internal structure was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and the predictive validity was assessed using the Criterion Set of Act Clusters in a sample of 1,281 participants. Finally, a study of convergent validity with other measures of personality was performed in Study 3 with 190 participants. The obtained results suggested that the RST-PQ has adequate psychometric properties and the convergent validity results with other personality measures replicate findings from previous research. Having a Spanish language version of the RST-PQ is important, not only to advance RST research but also to demonstrate that this theoretical approach contributes to the prediction and explanation of different behaviors whether they are healthy or pathological ones.
An Appraisal of CFOSAT Wave Spectrometer Products in the South China Sea
Authors: Tang Shilin , Chu Xiaoqing , Jia Yongjun , Li Junmin , Liu Yiting , Chen Qiong , Li Bo , Liu Junliang , Chen Wuyang
Published: February 2022

The China‐France ocean satellite (CFOSAT) has obtained synchronized observations of sea winds and sea waves for the first time in the world, providing accurate data support for the study of swells. In this paper, the accuracy of key parameters and the wave spectrum of CFOSAT surface waves investigation and monitoring (SWIM) L2 data are analyzed and evaluated using a spatial‐temporal matching criterion. The accuracies of the significant wave height (SWH), spectrum peak period (Tp) and dominant azimuth (Azi) are 0.76 m, 2.89 s and −24.02°, respectively, in the coastal area of the South China Sea (SCS) and 0.30 m, 0.97 s and 13.02° in the offshore area of the SCS. Calculated based on CFOSAT SWIM data, the annual average SWH of mixed waves in the SCS is 1.47 m, and 80% of them are between 0.5 and 3 m. There are high value areas in the central, northeastern and southwestern parts of the SCS. The average annual SWH of swells is 0.93 m, and 99% of swells are less than 2 m. A high swell SWH also exists in the central part of the SCS.
The Effect of Correlated Permeability on Fluid‐Induced Seismicity
Authors: Khajehdehi Omid , Karimi Kamran , Davidsen Jörn
Published: February 2022

One of the challenges associated with subsurface high‐pressure fluid injections is the estimation of the seismic hazard and its spatial footprint. Field data have shown that the spatial footprint typically varies significantly between injections into the basement and injections above basement. Here, we show that varying degrees of spatial correlations in porosity or log(permeability) can explain this observation. Using high‐resolution well‐log data, we first show that porosity within the basement tends to follow a power‐law scaling, S(k) ∼ 1/kβ, with β ≈ 0.9, while above basement β > 1.4. Using this in a novel conceptual model, we show that β controls the spatial footprint of fluid‐induced seismicity such that large values of β lead to more seismic activity at large distances and a higher variability in the spatio‐temporal migration of seismic events, hence, explaining the field observations. Our findings indicate that correlations in log(permeability) need to be incorporated in the seismic hazard assessment.
Understanding the Geodetic Signature of Large Aquifer Systems: Example of the Ozark Plateaus in Central United States
Authors: Larochelle Stacy , Chanard Kristel , Fleitout Luce , Fortin Jérôme , Gualandi Adriano , Longuevergne Laurent , Rebischung Paul , Violette Sophie , Avouac Jean‐Philippe
Published: February 2022

The continuous redistribution of water involved in the hydrologic cycle leads to deformation of the solid Earth. On a global scale, this deformation is well explained by the loading imposed by hydrological mass variations and can be quantified to first order with space‐based gravimetric and geodetic measurements. At the regional scale, however, aquifer systems also undergo poroelastic deformation in response to groundwater fluctuations. Disentangling these related but distinct 3D deformation fields from geodetic time series is essential to accurately invert for changes in continental water mass, to understand the mechanical response of aquifers to internal pressure changes as well as to correct time series for these known effects. Here, we demonstrate a methodology to accomplish this task by considering the example of the well‐instrumented Ozark Plateaus Aquifer System (OPAS) in the central United States. We begin by characterizing the most important sources of groundwater level variations in the spatially heterogeneous piezometer dataset using an Independent Component Analysis. Then, to estimate the associated poroelastic displacements, we project geodetic time series corrected for hydrological loading effects onto the dominant groundwater temporal functions. We interpret the extracted displacements in light of analytical solutions and a 2D model relating groundwater level variations to surface displacements. In particular, the relatively low estimates of elastic moduli inferred from the poroelastic displacements and groundwater fluctuations may be indicative of aquifer layers with a high fracture density. Our findings suggest that OPAS undergoes significant poroelastic deformation, including highly heterogeneous horizontal poroelastic displacements.
Pain management for necrotizing enterocolitis: getting the balance right
Authors: ten Barge Judith A. , Vermeulen Marijn J. , Simons Sinno H. P. , van den Bosch Gerbrich E.
Published: February 2022

Background

Adequate pain management for preterm born neonates suffering from the extremely painful disease necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is essential, since neonatal exposure to pain is related to negative short-term and long-term consequences. The aim of this study was to describe the current pain management and its effectiveness in NEC patients.

Methods

In this single-center, retrospective study, neonates (gestational age < 32 weeks and/or birth weight < 1500 g) with NEC Bell’s stage II or III were included. Information on pain (based on COMFORTneo and NRS scores) and analgesic therapy was collected and analyzed for the acute disease period.

Results

Of 79 patients included, 74 (94%) received intravenous analgesic therapy: most commonly morphine, fentanyl, and acetaminophen. The median COMFORTneo score was 11 (IQR 10–11), however, 49 patients had at least one COMFORTneo score ≥ 14 indicating pain. Nineteen patients had persistent high pain scores ≥ 14 with a median duration of 7.2 h (IQR 2.8–14.0).

Conclusions

This study showed that despite analgesic therapy, most NEC patients showed signs of pain, and in some, pain persisted for several hours. It suggests that current analgesic therapy frequently failed to prevent pain and existing pain was often insufficiently treated. This supports the urgent need for individualized pain management guidelines for NEC patients.

Impact

This study is unique in reporting on pain management in neonates suffering from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) during the full acute disease period.

Despite analgesic therapy, the majority of NEC patients experience pain, and in some patients, pain persists for several hours.

These findings highlight the need for improvement of neonatal pain management in NEC patients, including better pain monitoring and guidelines for individualized analgesic therapy.

Improved pain management guidelines may help to prevent short-term and long-term consequences of neonatal exposure to pain, as well as excessive exposure to opioids.
The oral protease inhibitor (PF-07321332) protects Syrian hamsters against infection with SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern
Authors: Abdelnabi Rana , Foo Caroline S. , Jochmans Dirk , Vangeel Laura , De Jonghe Steven , Augustijns Patrick , Mols Raf , Weynand Birgit , Wattanakul Thanaporn , Hoglund Richard M. , Tarning Joel , Mowbray Charles E. , Sjö Peter , Escudié Fanny , Scandale Ivan , Chatelain Eric , Neyts Johan
Published: February 2022

There is an urgent need for potent and selective antivirals against SARS-CoV-2. Pfizer developed PF-07321332 (PF-332), a potent inhibitor of the viral main protease (Mpro, 3CLpro) that can be dosed orally and that is in clinical development. We here report that PF-332 exerts equipotent in vitro activity against the four SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns (VoC) and that it can completely arrest replication of the alpha variant in primary human airway epithelial cells grown at the air-liquid interface. Treatment of Syrian Golden hamsters with PF-332 (250 mg/kg, twice daily) completely protected the animals against intranasal infection with the beta (B.1.351) and delta (B.1.617.2) SARS-CoV-2 variants. Moreover, treatment of SARS-CoV-2 (B.1.617.2) infected animals with PF-332 completely prevented transmission to untreated co-housed sentinels.
Cancer patient survival can be parametrized to improve trial precision and reveal time-dependent therapeutic effects
Authors: Plana Deborah , Fell Geoffrey , Alexander Brian M. , Palmer Adam C. , Sorger Peter K.
Published: February 2022

Individual participant data (IPD) from oncology clinical trials is invaluable for identifying factors that influence trial success and failure, improving trial design and interpretation, and comparing pre-clinical studies to clinical outcomes. However, the IPD used to generate published survival curves are not generally publicly available. We impute survival IPD from ~500 arms of Phase 3 oncology trials (representing ~220,000 events) and find that they are well fit by a two-parameter Weibull distribution. Use of Weibull functions with overall survival significantly increases the precision of small arms typical of early phase trials: analysis of a 50-patient trial arm using parametric forms is as precise as traditional, non-parametric analysis of a 90-patient arm. We also show that frequent deviations from the Cox proportional hazards assumption, particularly in trials of immune checkpoint inhibitors, arise from time-dependent therapeutic effects. Trial duration therefore has an underappreciated impact on the likelihood of success.
Gut metagenome associations with extensive digital health data in a volunteer-based Estonian microbiome cohort
Authors: Aasmets Oliver , Krigul Kertu Liis , Lüll Kreete , Metspalu Andres , Org Elin
Published: February 2022

Microbiome research is starting to move beyond the exploratory phase towards interventional trials and therefore well-characterized cohorts will be instrumental for generating hypotheses and providing new knowledge. As part of the Estonian Biobank, we established the Estonian Microbiome Cohort which includes stool, oral and plasma samples from 2509 participants and is supplemented with multi-omic measurements, questionnaires, and regular linkages to national electronic health records. Here we analyze stool data from deep metagenomic sequencing together with rich phenotyping, including 71 diseases, 136 medications, 21 dietary questions, 5 medical procedures, and 19 other factors. We identify numerous relationships (n = 3262) with different microbiome features. In this study, we extend the understanding of microbiome-host interactions using electronic health data and show that long-term antibiotic usage, independent from recent administration, has a significant impact on the microbiome composition, partly explaining the common associations between diseases.
Global patterns in functional rarity of marine fish
Authors: Trindade-Santos Isaac , Moyes Faye , Magurran Anne E.
Published: February 2022

Rare species, which represent a large fraction of the taxa in ecological assemblages, account for much of the biological diversity on Earth. These species make substantial contributions to ecosystem functioning, and are targets of conservation policy. Here we adopt an integrated approach, combining information on the rarity of species trait combinations, and their spatial restrictedness, to quantify the biogeography of rare fish (a taxon with almost 13,000 species) in the world’s oceans. We find concentrations of rarity, in excess of what is predicted by a null expectation, near the coasts and at higher latitudes. We also observe mismatches between these rarity hotspots and marine protected areas. This pattern is repeated for both major groupings of fish, the Actinopterygii (bony fish) and Elasmobranchii (sharks, skates and rays). These results uncover global patterns of rarity that were not apparent from earlier work, and highlight the importance of using metrics that incorporate information on functional traits in the conservation and management of global marine fishes.
Structural basis for SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant recognition of ACE2 receptor and broadly neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Wang Yifan , Liu Caixuan , Zhang Chao , Wang Yanxing , Hong Qin , Xu Shiqi , Li Zuyang , Yang Yong , Huang Zhong , Cong Yao
Published: February 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant is currently the dominant circulating strain in the world. Uncovering the structural basis of the enhanced transmission and altered immune sensitivity of Delta is particularly important. Here we present cryo-EM structures revealing two conformational states of Delta spike and S/ACE2 complex in four states. Our cryo-EM analysis suggests that RBD destabilizations lead to population shift towards the more RBD-up and S1 destabilized fusion-prone state, beneficial for engagement with ACE2 and shedding of S1. Noteworthy, we find the Delta T478K substitution plays a vital role in stabilizing and reshaping the RBM loop473-490, enhancing interaction with ACE2. Collectively, increased propensity for more RBD-up states and the affinity-enhancing T478K substitution together contribute to increased ACE2 binding, providing structural basis of rapid spread of Delta. Moreover, we identify a previously generated MAb 8D3 as a cross-variant broadly neutralizing antibody and reveal that 8D3 binding induces a large K478 side-chain orientation change, suggesting 8D3 may use an “induced-fit” mechanism to tolerate Delta T478K mutation. We also find that all five RBD-targeting MAbs tested remain effective on Delta, suggesting that Delta well preserves the neutralizing antigenic landscape in RBD. Our findings shed new lights on the pathogenicity and antibody neutralization of Delta.
Incidence of COVID-19 infection in hospital workers from March 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021 routinely tested, before and after vaccination with BNT162B2
Authors: Larese Filon Francesca , Rui Francesca , Ronchese Federico , De Michieli Paola , Negro Corrado
Published: February 2022

To evaluate the incidence of COVID-19 infection in health care workers from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in NE Italy, vaccination with BNT162b2. This was a retrospective cohort study. Healthcare workers were routinely tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection using real-time polymerase chain reaction tests in nasopharyngeal swabs. Logistic regression was used to calculate the incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of the factors associated with COVID-19. A total of 4251 workers were followed up, and the prevalence of COVID-19 was 13.6%. In March 2021 the incidence of infection was 4.88 and 103.55 cases for 100,000 person-days in vaccinated and non-vaccinated workers, respectively, with an adjusted IRRs of 0.05 (95% CI 0.02–0.08). Our study evaluated the monthly incidence in health care workers in Trieste hospitals before and after vaccination, finding an estimated vaccine effectiveness of 95% in health care workers routinely tested.
Ion transport and current rectification in a charged conical nanopore filled with viscoelastic fluids
Authors: Trivedi Mohit , Nirmalkar Neelkanth
Published: February 2022

The ionic current rectification (ICR) is a non-linear current-voltage response upon switching the polarity of the potential across nanopore which is similar to the I–V response in the semiconductor diode. The ICR phenomenon finds several potential applications in micro/nano-fluidics (e.g., Bio-sensors and Lab-on-Chip applications). From a biological application viewpoint, most biological fluids (e.g., blood, saliva, mucus, etc.) exhibit non-Newtonian visco-elastic behavior; their rheological properties differ from Newtonian fluids. Therefore, the resultant flow-field should show an additional dependence on the rheological material properties of viscoelastic fluids such as fluid relaxation time $$(\lambda )$$

(
λ
)

and fluid extensibility $$(\varepsilon )$$

(
ε
)

. Despite numerous potential applications, the comprehensive investigation of the viscoelastic behavior of the fluid on ionic concentration profile and ICR phenomena has not been attempted. ICR phenomena occur when the length scale and Debye layer thickness approaches to the same order. Therefore, this work extensively investigates the effect of visco-elasticity on the flow and ionic mass transfer along with the ICR phenomena in a single conical nanopore. The Poisson–Nernst–Planck (P–N–P) model coupled with momentum equations have been solved for a wide range of conditions such as, Deborah number, $$1\le De \le 100$$

1
≤
D
e
≤
100

, Debye length parameter, $$1\le \kappa R_t \le 50$$

1
≤
κ

R
t

≤
50

, fluid extensibility parameter, $$0.05\le \varepsilon \le 0.25$$

0.05
≤
ε
≤
0.25

, applied electric potential, $$-40\le V \le 40$$

-
40
≤
V
≤
40

, and surface charge density $$\sigma = -10$$

σ
=
-
10

and $$-50$$

-
50

. Limited results for Newtonian fluid ($$De = 0$$

D
e
=
0

, and $$\varepsilon = 0$$

ε
=
0

) have also been shown in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of non-Newtonian fluid behaviour over the Newtonian fluid behaviour. Four distinct novel characteristics of electro-osmotic flow (EOF) in a conical nanopore have been investigated here, namely (1) detailed structure of flow field and velocity distribution in viscoelastic fluids (2) influence of Deborah number and fluid extensibility parameter on ionic current rectification (ICR) (3) volumetric flow rate calculation as a function of Deborah number and fluid extensibility parameter (4) effect of viscoelastic parameters on concentration distribution of ions in the nanopore. At high applied voltage, both the extensibility parameter and Deborah number facilitate the ICR phenomena. In addition, the ICR phenomena are observed to be more pronounced at low values of $$\kappa R_t$$

κ

R
t

than the high values of $$\kappa R_t$$

κ

R
t

. This effect is due to the overlapping of the electric double layer at low values of $$\kappa R_t$$

κ

R
t

.
Closing the yellow gap with Eu- and Tb-doped GaN: one luminescent host resulting in three colours
Authors: Braun Cordula , Mereacre Liuda , Chen Zheng , Slabon Adam
Published: February 2022

Gallium nitride (GaN) is a key material when it comes to light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and has pushed the LED revolution in lighting and displays. The concept of down-conversion of a GaN-based blue LED offers the possibility to provide efficient generation of monochromatic, high-color purity light resulting in a highly efficient warm-white all-nitride phosphor-converted light emitting diode (pc-LED). Although the down conversion of blue light from InGaN LEDs has become a dominant technique for producing white light, there are still some technical challenges, e.g. the immiscibility of GaN and InN and the lattice mismatch between the substrate and InGaN, that have to be overcome. Here we demonstrate the doping of bulk GaN with europium, terbium and the combination of both resulting in intriguing luminescence properties, pushing the role of GaN:Eu,Tb as a chief component in future light emitting diodes. This colour tuning proves that one luminescence host can provide three colours (red, green and orange) and that even the so called “yellow gap” could be closed with a III-nitride. By using one material for all colours, it will be possible to overcome the technical challenges in building up LED devices, which will open up new capabilities for modern highly efficient phosphors.