Effectiveness of different booster regimens for preventing infection and adverse outcomes in Puerto Rico

Recent laboratory and observational studies have demonstrated that the COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness wanes over time. In response, several jurisdictions have authorized the administration of booster doses. Since August 13, 2021, Puerto Rico has administered 540,140 booster shots. We used data collected and made public by the Puerto Rico Department of Health (PRDH) to evaluate the effectiveness of four different booster regimens at preventing SARS-CoV-2 laboratory confirmed infections and adverse COVID-19 outcomes. Specifically, we analyzed data from all 115,995 SARS-CoV-2 infections occurring since the vaccination process commenced on December 15, 2020. We combined vaccination status, SARS-CoV-2 test results, and COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths data, and fit a statistical model that adjusted for time-varying incidence rates and age group, to estimate time-varying vaccine effectiveness against infection and adverse outcomes. We find that, after 6 months, the mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2 effectiveness against infection wanes substantially to 61% (58%-63%) and 36% (34%-39%), respectively, while the Ad26.COV2.S wanes to 35% (31%-39%) after two months. However, after a booster shot of the corresponding initial vaccine manufacturer, effectiveness increased to 87% (83%- 91%) and 82% (79%- 85%) for mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2, respectively. The effectiveness for Ad26.COV2.S followed by either a mRNA-1273 or BNT162b2 booster increased to 88% (71%-100%), substantially higher than 65% (59%-70%), the peak effectiveness reached with just one shot. We also found that heterologous booster regimens restored effectiveness. Furthermore, we did not observe waning after two months of the booster shot. Finally, we found that all booster regimens provided increased protection against COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths. Code and data to reproduce the analyses are provided here: https://github.com/rafalab/booster-eff-pr.

Electron beam-plasma discharge in GDT mirror trap: Particle-in-cell simulations

The paper presents the results of numerical simulations of the collective relaxation of an electron beam in a magnetized plasma at the parameters typical to experiments on the ignition of a beam-plasma discharge in the Gas Dynamic Trap. The goal of these simulations is to confirm the ideas about the mechanism of the discharge development, which are used to interpret the results of recent laboratory experiments [Soldatkina et al 2021 {\it Nucl. Fusion}]. In particular, a characteristic feature of these experiments is the localization of the beam relaxation region in the vicinity of the entrance mirror. A strong mirror magnetic field compresses the beam so that its transverse size becomes less than the wavelength it excites. In addition, near the mirror, the electron cyclotron frequency is much higher than the plasma one, which can significantly affect the possibility of propagation of the most unstable waves outside the beam. Particle-in-cell simulations make it possible not only to find how efficiently intense plasma oscillations penetrate the rarefied periphery, but also to prove that the turbulent zone in a realistic nonuniform plasma has regions dominated by transverse electric fields. This creates the necessary conditions for efficient acceleration of the trapped particles to energies much higher than the initial beam energy.

Glyceryl Tribenzoate: A Food Additive with Unique Properties to Be a Substitute for Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a regularly used natural seasoning and flavouring material throughout the world for eras. Recent laboratory studies have demonstrated that oral cinnamon may be beneficial for different neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and Lewy body diseases (LBD). However, cinnamon’s certain limitations (e.g. unavailability of true Ceylon cinnamon throughout the world, impurities in ground cinnamon, etc.) have initiated an interest among researchers to find an alternate of cinnamon that can potentially deliver the same efficacy in the diseases mentioned above. Glyceryl tribenzoate (GTB) is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved flavoring ingredient that is used in food and food packaging industries. It has been found that similar to cinnamon, oral GTB is capable of upregulating regulatory T cells and suppressing the autoimmune disease process of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model of MS. Moreover, both GTB and cinnamon metabolite sodium benzoate (NaB) have the potency to attenuate neurodegenerative pathology in a mouse model of Huntington disease (HD). Here, we have also demonstrated anti-inflammatory property of GTB in astrocytes and macrophages, a property that is also seen with cinnamon and its metabolite sodium benzoate (NaB). Therefore, here, we have made a sincere attempt to discuss the similarities and dissimilarities between cinnamon and GTB with a focus whether GTB has the potential to be considered as a substitute of cinnamon for neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders.

Flocculation in Estuaries: Modeling, Laboratory and In-situ Studies

Modelling the flocculation of particles in a natural environment like an estuary is a challenging task owing to the complex particle-particle and particle-hydrodynamic interactions involved. In this chapter a summary is given of recent laboratory and in-situ studies regarding flocculation. A flocculation model is presented and the way to implement it in an existing sediment transport model is discussed. The model ought to be parametrized, which can be done by performing laboratory experiments which are reviewed. It is found, both from laboratory and in-situ studies, that flocculation between mineral sediment and organic matter is the dominant form of flocculation in estuarine systems. Mineral sediment in the water column is < 20 μm in size and its settling velocity is in the range [0–0.5] mm/s. Flocs can then be categorized in two types: flocs of size [20–200] μm and flocs of size > 200 μm. The origin of these two types is discussed. The two types of flocs are found at different positions in the water column and both have settling velocities in the range [0.5–10] mm/s.

A Review of Commercial Developments and Recent Laboratory Research of Dialyzers and Membranes for Hemodialysis Application

Dialyzers have been commercially used for hemodialysis application since the 1950s, but progress in improving their efficiencies has never stopped over the decades. This article aims to provide an up-to-date review on the commercial developments and recent laboratory research of dialyzers for hemodialysis application and to discuss the technical aspects of dialyzer development, including hollow fiber membrane materials, dialyzer design, sterilization processes and flow simulation. The technical challenges of dialyzers are also highlighted in this review, which discusses the research areas that need to be prioritized to further improve the properties of dialyzers, such as flux, biocompatibility, flow distribution and urea clearance rate. We hope this review article can provide insights to researchers in developing/designing an ideal dialyzer that can bring the best hemodialysis treatment outcomes to kidney disease patients.

Dynamic modeling of ion sputter yields in agreement with recent experimental data

&lt;p&gt;Atmosphere-free celestial bodies are constantly irradiated by solar wind or magnetospheric ions. In the case of Mercury, the intrinsic magnetic field, although weak, leads to localized plasma precipitation around the magnetospheric cusps and nightside precipitation below the magnetotail [1, 2, 3]. The material ejected by the impacting ions (sputtering) thereby contributes to the exosphere and magnetosphere surrounding Mercury [4, 5, 6]. Magnetospheric ions originate from ionization of exospheric atoms or ions directly sputtered from the surface. Those can become part of the magnetospheric plasma, and have trajectories that lead them back to Mercury&amp;#8217;s surface [7, 8].&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;We explored different scenarios of the sputtering of Mercury&amp;#8217;s surface with a strong focus on dynamic surface alteration and sputtering. This includes time varying inputs from varying solar wind conditions as well as contributions of secondary ions originating from Mercury&amp;#8217;s exosphere and magnetosphere. We rely on the dynamic sputter model SDTrimSP [9] and compare the simulation results with more simplistic TRIM [10] simulations as well as recent laboratory results of solar wind ion sputtering on Mercury analogues [11, 12, 13].&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[1] Winslow, R.M., et al. (2017). &lt;em&gt;J. Geophys.Res.-Space&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;122&lt;/em&gt;(5), 4960&amp;#8211;4975.&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[2] Winslow, R.M., et al.&amp;#160; (2014). &lt;em&gt;Geophys. Res. Lett.&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;41&lt;/em&gt;(13), 4463&amp;#8211;4470.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[3] Schmidt, C.A. (2013). &lt;em&gt;J. Geophys.Res.-Space&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;118&lt;/em&gt;(7), 4564&amp;#8211;4571.&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[4] Killen, R.M., &amp; Ip, W. H. (1999). &lt;em&gt;Rev. Geophys.&lt;/em&gt;, 37(3), 361&amp;#8211;406.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[5] Raines, J.M., et al. (2016). &lt;em&gt;Plasma Sources of Solar System Magnetospheres&lt;/em&gt; (pp. 91&amp;#8211;144). Springer.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[6] Wurz, P., et al., (2019). J. &lt;em&gt;Geophys. Res.,&lt;/em&gt; 124, 2603&amp;#8211;2612.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[7] Yagi, M., et al. (2017). &lt;em&gt;J. Geophys.Res.-Space&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;122&lt;/em&gt;(11), 10,990-11,002.&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[8] Delcourt, D.C., et al. (2003). &lt;em&gt;Ann. Geophys.&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;21&lt;/em&gt;(8), 1723&amp;#8211;1736.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[9] Mutzke, A., et al. (2019). &lt;em&gt;SDTrimSP Version 6.00&lt;/em&gt;. Max-Planck-Institut f&amp;#252;r Plasmaphysik.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[10] Ziegler, J.F., et al. (2010). &lt;em&gt;Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. B,&lt;/em&gt; 268, 1818&amp;#8211;1823.&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[11] J&amp;#228;ggi, N., et al. (2021). &lt;em&gt;Icarus,&lt;/em&gt; 365, 114492.&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[12] Biber H., et al. (2020). &lt;em&gt;Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. B,&lt;/em&gt; 480, 10.&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[13] Szabo, P.S., et al. (2018)&lt;em&gt;.&lt;/em&gt; &lt;em&gt;Icarus,&lt;/em&gt; 314, 98&amp;#8211;105.&lt;/p&gt;

Social Tipping Interventions Can Promote the Diffusion or Decay of Sustainable Consumption Norms in the Field. Evidence from a Quasi-Experimental Intervention Study

The diffusion of environmentally sustainable consumption patterns is crucial for reaching net carbon neutrality. As a promising policy tool for reaching this goal, scholars have put forward social tipping interventions (SOTIs). “Social tipping” refers to the phenomenon that a small initial change in a parameter of a social system can create abrupt, nonlinear change via self-reinforcing feedback. If this reduces the burden on the environment, it is of potential interest for environmental policy. SOTIs are attempts to create social tipping intentionally. SOTIs produce rapid norm changes in laboratory experiments. However, little is known about the potential of SOTIs in the field. This research reports on a field intervention promoting the consumption of hot beverages in reusable mugs instead of one-way cups, conducted at Swiss university cafeterias (N = 162,523 consumption decisions). Two SOTIs involved an appeal promoting sustainable consumption with regular feedback about the current prevalence of sustainable consumption. Two control treatments involved either the same appeal without feedback or no intervention. This research offers three key findings. First, SOTIs involving regular normative feedback can transform sustainable consumption from a minority behavior into a social norm within weeks. Second, tipping points in real-world environmental dilemmas may exceed the values found in recent laboratory experiments (≥50% vs. ≥25%). Third, SOTIs can also promote the decay of sustainable consumption. By implication, the risk-free use of SOTIs requires deeper insights into the boundary conditions of these dynamics.

Long-Term Durability of Cold Weather Concrete : Phase II

Recent laboratory results confirm that it is possible to protect concrete from freezing solely using chemical admixtures and indicate that the amount of admixture required may be significantly less than previously recommended. Researchers have also verified that admixture-based freeze protection can produce concrete that is durable to winter exposure for a minimum of 20 years, through petrographic examination of core specimens obtained from past field demonstrations. Freeze protection for concrete using chemical admixtures alone has been an area of active research for 3 decades; however, the most recent methodology recommends very high addition rates of accelerating and corrosion inhibiting admixtures, which result in significant challenges, including slump loss, rapid setting, and potentially excessive temperature rise. As part of a laboratory study, researchers systematically varied the dosage of freeze protection admixtures used in concrete cured in a 23 °F environment. Preliminary findings indicate that a 50% reduction in admixture dose maintained adequate freeze protection and resulted in compressive strengths exceeding those of room-temperature controls at 7 and 28 days. The combination of improved handling, reduced cost, and verified durability associated with the use of admixtures for freeze protection makes a compelling case for broader adoption of this technique in winter operations

Antiphase crew rowing on water: a first case study.

In crew rowing, agents need to mutually coordinate their movements to achieve optimal performance (De Poel, De Brouwer, &amp; Cuijpers, 2016). Traditionally, rowers aim to achieve perfect synchronous (in-phase) coordination. Somewhat counterintuitively, however, crew rowing in an antiphase pattern (i.e., alternating strokes) would actually be mechanically more efficient: it diminishes the within-cycle surge velocity fluctuations of the boat, thereby reducing hydrodynamic drag and hence power losses with 5-6% (Brearly &amp; DeMestre, 1998; De Poel et al., 2016; De Brouwer, De Poel, &amp; Hofmijster, 2013; Cuijpers, Zaal, &amp; De Poel, 2015, Greidanus, Delfos, &amp; Westerweel, 2016). However, from coordination dynamics an antiphase pattern is expected to be less stable, especially at high stroke rates such as in racing, which may even lead to transitions to the more stable in-phase pattern (Haken, Kelso, &amp; Bunz, 1985). Recent laboratory studies in which rower dyads performed antiphase crew coordination on two mechanically coupled ergometers have provided promising results (De Brouwer et al., 2013; De Poel et al., 2016; Cuijpers et al., 2015;). However, counter to ergometer rowing, rowing on-water also requires handling of the oars and boat movements in three dimensions, such as lateral balance and forward speed. Furthermore, the boat has actual forward speed. Therefore, the next step in this endeavour is to examine antiphase crew rowing and associated boat movements on water. Here we report results of the first test case.

The Risk of Systemic Diseases in Those with Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: From Mechanisms to Clinic

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have been recently considered as chronic systemic inflammatory disorders. Over the past decades, enormous evidence indicates that patients with psoriasis and PsA have a higher risk of developing various comorbidities including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, cancers, infections, autoimmune disease, and psychiatric diseases. However, reported risks of some comorbidities in those with psoriasis and PsA are somewhat different according to the research design. Moreover, pathomechanisms underlying comorbidities of those with psoriasis and PsA remain poorly elucidated. The purpose of this review is to provide the most updated comprehensive view of the risk of systemic comorbidities in those with psoriasis and PsA. Molecular mechanisms associated with the development of various comorbidities in those with psoriasis and PsA are also reviewed based on recent laboratory and clinical investigations. Identifying the risk of systemic comorbidities and its associated pathomechanisms in those with psoriasis and PsA could provide a sufficient basis to use a multi-disciplinary approach for treating patients with psoriasis and PsA.