bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole-Ecosystem Experiment Illustrates Short Timescale Hydrodynamic, Light, and Nutrient Control of Primary Production in a Terminal Slough
Authors: Loken Luke C. , Sadro Steven , Lenoch Leah E. K. , Stumpner Paul R. , Dahlgren Randy A. , Burau Jon R. , Van Nieuwenhuyse Erwin E.
Published: August 2022

Estuaries are among the most productive of aquatic ecosystems. Yet the collective understanding of patterns and drivers of primary production in estuaries is incomplete, in part due to complex hydrodynamics and multiple controlling factors that vary at a range of temporal and spatial scales. A whole-ecosystem experiment was conducted in a deep, pelagically dominated terminal channel of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (California, USA) that seasonally appears to become nitrogen limited, to test whether adding calcium nitrate would stimulate primary productivity or increase phytoplankton density. Production did not respond consistently to fertilization, in part because nitrate and phytoplankton were dispersed away from the manipulated area within 1–3 days. Temporal and spatial patterns of gross primary production were more strongly related to stratification and light availability (i.e., turbidity) than nitrogen, highlighting the role of hydrodynamics in regulating system production. Similarly, chlorophyll was positively related not only to stratification but also to nitrogen—with a positive interaction—suggesting stratification may trigger nutrient limitation. The average rate of primary production (4.3 g O2 m−2 d−1), metabolic N demand (0.023 mg N L−1 d−1), and ambient dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentration (0.03 mg N L−1) indicate that nitrogen can become limiting in time and space, especially during episodic stratification events when phytoplankton are isolated within the photic zone, or farther upstream where water clarity increases, dispersive flux decreases, and stratification is stronger and more frequent. The role of hydrodynamics in organizing habitat connectivity and regulating physical and chemical processes at multiple temporal and spatial scales is critical for determining resource availability and evaluating biogeochemical processes in estuaries.
The first fossil false click beetle larva preserved in amber
Authors: Zippel Ana , Haug Carolin , Müller Patrick , Haug Joachim T.
Published: August 2022

We report a new and unusual beetle larva preserved in ca. 100 million-year-old Kachin amber. Larvae of many modern lineages of beetles are associated with wood, breaking it into smaller pieces or directly digesting it. With such a lifestyle, beetle larvae are important for carbon cycling. We can assume that this is not only the case in modern ecosystems, but was similar in the past. Yet, wood-associated beetle larvae seem so far rare in Kachin amber despite its otherwise rich record of many different ecotypes. Only recently, solid-wood-boring larvae and those living in decaying wood have been reported from this amber deposit. Larvae of the group Eucnemidae, false click beetles, which are also wood-associated, have so far been only known from sedimentary rock deposits. Here we report the first larva of a false click beetle preserved in amber. The fossil larva combines features of different modern lineages of Eucnemidae in a unique morphology that is not known in the modern fauna. The fossil adds to the growing number of wood-associated holometabolan larvae in Kachin amber and with this contributes to a more complete view on this now extinct community and ecosystem.
Creative actions in team sports are rooted in motor skills rather than in a divergent thinking ability
Authors: Zahno Stephan , Hossner Ernst-Joachim
Published: August 2022

Creative actions are considered decisive in team sports. In most empirical studies on the topic so far, creativity has been understood as a player’s divergent thinking (DT) ability. Sport-specific DT has been assessed by the number, variety and originality of ideas a player is able to generate in response to game situations. Numerous studies indicate that DT can be improved with training. However, the fundamental assumption that enhanced DT transfers to creative on-field actions has yet to be examined. Alternatively, we argue that players’ potential to perform creative actions is foremost rooted in their motor-skill repertoire rather than in DT. In a field-based experiment, predictions deduced from both explanations were put to test. Elite youth football players participated in training interventions to enhance either football-specific DT (DT group) or their motor-skill repertoire (functional skills; FS group). Before and after the interventions, we assessed players’ football-specific DT as well as the functionality and creativity of actions performed on-field using expert ratings. As expected, in DT, the DT group improved more than the FS group. On the field, however, improvements in DT did not manifest in more creative actions. Rather, the FS group showed more pronounced improvements not only in the functionality but also in the creativity of on-field actions. This pattern of results challenges the so far predominant theoretical framework for creativity in sports. For sports practice, our findings suggest that on-field creativity is better fostered by enhancing players’ motor skills—and thus expanding their own action repertoire—than by improving DT.
New software to analyze hydraulic incidents in Algeria
Authors: Ali Rahmani Salah Eddine , Chibane Brahim
Published: August 2022

Fifteen percent of the total volume produced is lost, which has become a major problem for water resource management in Algeria. The number of high leakages reduces the performance of the drinking water supply network. The disturbance of the drinking water supply observed by the citizens resulted from several incidents occurring mainly on the axis of production or distribution (e.g., breakage, leakage, pollution, electrical problems, and drought). To manage these incidents and for water distribution monitoring in the high-level strategic plan, monitoring and control software was developed for the Algerian Water Company (ADE). This software is an essential tool that helps managers of water resources to monitor the water supply situation throughout the national territory to ameliorate water public services. This dynamic software has been in use since 2016.
Teacher of mathematics identity as a predictor of teacher wellbeing
Authors: Yeigh Tony , Willis Royce , James Sarah , Lake Warren , Lynch David , Peddell Lewes , Knight Bruce , Lee Megan , Samojlowicz Darius
Published: August 2022

This article reports on original research investigating teacher wellbeing while teaching mathematics in relation to teacher identity. Using survey data from mathematics teachers (N = 402) participating in a teacher of mathematics support initiative, teacher wellbeing was operationally defined as the experience of wellbeing whilst teaching, allowing an applied understanding of wellbeing in relation to the activity of teaching. Teacher identity was construed from prior research by the authors (Willis et al., in: Math Educ Res J, 10.1007/s13394-021-00391-w, 2021) and operationalised for the current study in terms of a specific teacher of mathematics identity (ToMI) construct. The main research question for this investigation was directed at how well the ToMI construct, as a wellbeing variable, was able to predict teacher wellbeing while teaching, viewed as an ‘in situ’ or ‘active’ (applied) measure of wellbeing. Identity-Based Motivation (IBM) theory was used to frame the research, as it helps explain how the degree of congruency between identity and wellbeing may influence motivation to teach. Results indicated that although several important factors relate significantly to teacher of mathematics wellbeing, the ToMI construct predicted teacher wellbeing far above the ability of all other study factors combined, suggesting that a focus on the development of a professional identity for teachers is fundamental to the support of teacher wellbeing in schools. Suggestions for investigating this focus at the school level are also provided.
Optimized strain performance in <001>-textured Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-based ceramics with ergodic relaxor state and core—shell microstructure
Authors: Zhou Xuefan , Yang Huiping , Xue Guoliang , Luo Hang , Zhang Dou
Published: August 2022

Herein, a high strain of ∼0.3% with a small hysteresis of 43% is achieved at a low electric field of 4 kV/mm in the highly <001>-textured 0.97(0.76Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3−0.24SrTiO3)−0.03NaNbO3 (BNT−ST−0.03NN) ceramics with an ergodic relaxor (ER) state, leading to a large normalized strain (d33*) of 720 pm/V. The introduction of NN templates into BNT−ST induces the grain orientation growth and enhances the ergodicity. The highly <001>-textured BNT−ST−0.03NN ceramics display a pure ergodic relaxor state with coexisted ferroelectric $$R\bar 3c$$

R

3
¯

c

and antiferroelectric P4bm polar nanoregions (PNRs) on nanoscale. Moreover, due to the incomplete interdiffusion between the NN template and BNT−ST matrix, the textured ceramics present a core-shell structure with the antiferroelectric NN core, and thus the BNT-based matrix owns more $$R\bar 3c$$

R

3
¯

c

PNRs relative to the homogeneous nontextured samples. The high <001> crystallographic texture and more $$R\bar 3c$$

R

3
¯

c

PNRs both facilitate the relaxor-to-ferroelectric transition, leading to the low-field-driven high strain, while the ergodic relaxor state ensures a small hysteresis. Furthermore, the d33* value remains high up to 518 pm/V at 100 °C with an ultra-low hysteresis of 6%.
Substitution and size effect for factor demand revisited
Authors: Bröcker Johannes , Requate Till
Published: August 2022

We reconsider the decomposition of the comparative statics effect of a factor price increase on (unconditional) factor demand into a substitution and a size (or level) effect. While for the own price effect the substitution effect and the size effect go into the same negative direction, the cross price effect cannot be signed unambiguously, in general. But for two cases of regularity, homotheticity and complementarity, the size effect is negative. We furthermore show by example that in both special cases the cross substitution effects are still ambiguous, but that under complementarity the unconditional effect is always negative. Hence, if the cross substitution effect happens to be positive, it is dominated by the negative size effect in this case. We further show by example that without such regularity assumptions the cross price effect is ambiguous. Finally, we study the impact of a factor price increase on the cost, which can also increase or decrease.
Influence of structural depth of laser-patterned steel surfaces on the solid lubricity of carbon nanoparticle coatings
Authors: Maclucas Timothy , Daut Lukas , Grützmacher Philipp , Guitar Maria Agustina , Presser Volker , Gachot Carsten , Suarez Sebastian , Mücklich Frank
Published: August 2022

Carbon nanoparticle coatings on laser-patterned stainless-steel surfaces present a solid lubrication system where the pattern’s recessions act as lubricant-retaining reservoirs. This study investigates the influence of the structural depth of line patterns coated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon onions (COs) on their respective potential to reduce friction and wear. Direct laser interference patterning (DLIP) with a pulse duration of 12 ps is used to create line patterns with three different structural depths at a periodicity of 3.5 µm on AISI 304 steel platelets. Subsequently, electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is applied to form homogeneous carbon nanoparticle coatings on the patterned platelets. Tribological ball-on-disc experiments are conducted on the as-described surfaces with an alumina counter body at a load of 100 mN. The results show that the shallower the coated structure, the lower its coefficient of friction (COF), regardless of the particle type. Thereby, with a minimum of just below 0.20, CNTs reach lower COF values than COs over most of the testing period. The resulting wear tracks are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. During friction testing, the CNTs remain in contact, and the immediate proximity, whereas the CO coating is largely removed. Regardless of structural depth, no oxidation occurs on CNT-coated surfaces, whereas minor oxidation is detected on CO-coated wear tracks.
Water-immersion softening mechanism of coal rock mass based on split Hopkinson pressure bar experiment
Authors: Liu Zhiyuan , Wang Gang , Li Jinzhou , Li Huaixing , Zhao Haifeng , Shi Hongwei , Lan Jianli
Published: August 2022

The coal mining process is affected by various water sources such as groundwater and coal seam water injection. Understanding the dynamic mechanical parameters of water-immersed coal is helpful for coalmine safe production. The impact compression tests were performed on coal with different moisture contents by using the ϕ50 mm Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) experimental system, and the dynamic characteristics and energy loss laws of water-immersed coal with different compositions and water contents were analyzed. Through analysis and discussion, it is found that: (1) When the moisture content of the coal sample is 0%, 30%, 60%, the stress, strain rate and energy first increase and then decrease with time. (2) When the moisture content of the coal sample increases from 30% to 60%, the stress “plateau” of the coal sample becomes more obvious, resulting in an increase in the compressive stress stage and a decrease in the expansion stress stage. (3) The increase of moisture content of the coal sample will affect its impact deformation and failure mode. When the moisture content is 60%, the incident rod end and the transmission rod end of the coal sample will have obvious compression failure, and the middle part of the coal sample will also experience expansion and deformation. (4) The coal composition ratio suitable for the coal immersion softening impact experiment is optimized.
Dimensionality Reduction in Surrogate Modeling: A Review of Combined Methods
Authors: Hou Chun Kit Jeffery , Behdinan Kamran
Published: August 2022

Surrogate modeling has been popularized as an alternative to full-scale models in complex engineering processes such as manufacturing and computer-assisted engineering. The modeling demand exponentially increases with complexity and number of system parameters, which consequently requires higher-dimensional engineering solving techniques. This is known as the curse of dimensionality. Surrogate models are commonly used to replace costly computational simulations and modeling of complex geometries. However, an ongoing challenge is to reduce execution and memory consumption of high-complexity processes, which often exhibit nonlinear phenomena. Dimensionality reduction algorithms have been employed for feature extraction, selection, and elimination for simplifying surrogate models of high-dimensional problems. By applying dimensionality reduction to surrogate models, less computation is required to generate surrogate model parts while retaining sufficient representation accuracy of the full process. This paper aims to review the current literature on dimensionality reduction integrated with surrogate modeling methods. A review of the current state-of-the-art dimensionality reduction and surrogate modeling methods is introduced with a discussion of their mathematical implications, applications, and limitations. Finally, current studies that combine the two topics are discussed and avenues of further research are presented.
An improved deep echo state network inspired by tissue-like P system forecasting for non-stationary time series
Authors: Yang Xiaojian , Liu Qian , Liu Xiyu , Xue Jie
Published: August 2022

As a recurrent neural network, ESN has attracted wide attention because of its simple training process and unique reservoir structure, and has been applied to time series prediction and other fields. However, ESN also has some shortcomings, such as the optimization of reservoir and collinearity. Many researchers try to optimize the structure and performance of deep ESN by constructing deep ESN. However, with the increase of the number of network layers, the problem of low computing efficiency also follows. In this paper, we combined membrane computing and neural network to build an improved deep echo state network inspired by tissue-like P system. Through analysis and comparison with other classical models, we found that the model proposed in this paper has achieved great success both in predicting accuracy and operation efficiency.
A real-time mix-adjusted median property price index enabled by an efficient nearest neighbour approximation data structure
Authors: Miller Robert , Maguire Phil
Published: August 2022

Homeowners, first-time buyers, banks, governments and construction companies are highly interested in following the state of the property market. Currently, property price indexes are published several months out of date and hence do not offer the up-to-date information which housing market stakeholders need in order to make informed decisions. In this article, we present an enhanced version of a mix-adjusted median based property price index which uses geospatial property data and stratification in order to compare similar houses sold in different trading periods. The expansion of the algorithm to include additional parameters, enabled by both a richer dataset and the introduction of a new, efficient data structure for nearest neighbour approximation, allows for the construction of a far smoother and more robust index than the original algorithm produced.
The Matthew Effect in Running: An Analysis of Elite Endurance Athletes Over 23 Years
Authors: Thuany Mabliny , Knechtle Beat , Kipchumba Kevin , Hill Lee , Gomes Thayse Natacha
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of countries represented in the TOP20 long-distance elite runners ranking during 1997–2020, taking into account the countries’ Human Development Index (HDI), and to verify if the Matthew effect can be observed regarding countries’ representativeness in the raking alongside the years.

Methods

The sample comprised 1852 professional runner athletes, ranked in the Senior World TOP20 half-marathon (403 female and 487 male) and marathon (480 female and 482 male) races, between the years 1997–2020. Information about the countries’ HDI was included, and categorized as “low HDI”, “medium HDI”, “high HDI”, and “very-high HDI”. Athletes were categorized according to their ranking positions (1st–3rd; 4th–10th; > 10th), and the number of athletes per country/year was summed and categorized as “total number of athletes 1997–2000”; “total number of athletes 2001–2010”; and “total number of athletes 2011–2020”. The Chi-square test and Spearman correlation were used to verify potential associations and relationships between variables.

Results

Most of the athletes were from countries with medium HDI, followed by low HDI and very-high HDI. Chi-square test results showed significant differences among females (χ2 = 15.52;P = 0.017) and males (χ2 = 9.03;P = 0.014), in half-marathon and marathon, respectively. No significant association was verified between HDI and the total number of athletes, but the association was found for the number of athletes alongside the years (1997–2000 to 2001–2010:r = 0.60;P < 0.001; 2001–2010 to –2011–2020:r = 0.29;P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Most of the athletes were from countries with medium HDI, followed by those with low HDI and very-high HDI. The Matthew effect was observed, but a generalization of the results should not be done.
Selective aqueous oxidation of aromatic alcohols under solar light in the presence of TiO2 modified with different metal species
Authors: Bellardita Marianna , Feilizadeh Mansoor , Fiorenza Roberto , Scirè Salvatore , Palmisano Leonardo , Loddo Vittorio
Published: August 2022

A set of metals modified TiO2 photocatalysts were prepared starting from titanium tetraisopropoxyde and different metal precursors to study the influence of the addition of the various foreign agents on the physico-chemical and photocatalytic properties of the catalysts. The powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, specific surface area measurements, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence, temperature programmed desorption after CO2 adsorption. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated using as probe reactions the partial oxidation of three aromatic alcohols: benzyl alcohol (BA), 4-methoxy benzyl alcohol (4-MBA), and 4-hydroxy benzyl alcohol (4-HBA) under simulated solar light irradiation. Different oxidation and selectivity values were obtained for the three substrates depending not only on the type of metals but also on the nature and position of the substituent in the phenyl ring of benzyl alcohol. As a general behaviour, the doped samples allowed the achievement of a greater selectivity especially for 4-MBA even if sometimes with minor conversions. The presence of W or Nb was beneficial for both conversion and selectivity for all the substrates with respect to bare TiO2.

Graphical abstract
Optimal fiscal policy under capital overaccumulation
Authors: Chien YiLi , Wen Yi
Published: August 2022

In a canonical model of heterogeneous agents with precautionary saving motives, Aiyagari [(1995) Journal of Political Economy103(6), 1158–1175.] breaks the classical result of zero capital tax obtained in representative-agent models. Aiyagari argues that with capital overaccumulation the optimal long-run capital tax should be strictly positive in order to achieve aggregate allocative efficiency suggested by the modified golden rule (MGR). In this paper, we find that, depending on the sources of capital overaccumulation, capital taxation may not be the most efficient means to restore the MGR when government debt is feasible. To demonstrate our point, we study optimal policy mix in achieving the socially optimal (MGR) level of aggregate capital stock in an infinite horizon heterogeneous-agents incomplete-markets economy where capital may be overaccumulated for two distinct reasons: (i) precautionary savings and (ii) production externalities. By solving the Ramsey problem analytically along the entire transitional path, we reveal that public debt and capital taxation play very distinct roles in dealing with the overaccumulation problem. The Ramsey planner opts neither to use a capital tax to correct the overaccumulation problem if it is caused solely by precautionary saving—regardless of the feasibility of public debt—nor to use debt (financed by consumption tax) to correct the overaccumulation problem if it is caused solely by production externality (such as pollution)—regardless of the feasibility of a capital tax. The key is that the MGR has two margins: an intratemporal margin pertaining to the marginal product of capital (MPK) and an intertemporal margin pertaining to the time discount rate. To achieve the MGR, the Ramsey planner needs to equate not only the private MPK with the social MPK but also the interest rate with the time discount rate—neither of which is equalized in a competitive equilibrium. Yet public debt and a capital tax are each effective only in calibrating one of the two margins, respectively, but not both.
Sell a Song of Safety: Children, Radio, and the Safety Patrol
Authors: Krawetz Alexandra
Published: August 2022

Amid nationwide discussion on the importance of accident prevention and safety education, Tin Pan Alley songwriters Irving Caesar and Gerald Marks wrote and advertisedSing a Song of Safety(1937), a book of songs that taught children domestic, playtime, and traffic safety lessons, illustrated by Rose O'Neill. Caesar secured a recurring guest segment to perform the songs on the variety programThe Royal Gelatin Hourin 1938. Focusing on Caesar's segments, this article examines the role of children's music on the radio in the 1930s. Placing these songs in their historical context, I show how they both portray and challenge citizenship and community roles with regard to age, gender, and race. After unpacking the context ofThe Royal Gelatin Hourand the relationship between protection and innocence in safety education, I describe the portrayal of parenting in the segments. Taking one of Caesar's segments as a case study, I examine boyhood and race in the program's adaption of the safety patrol. By investigating the role of children and the construction of childhood in these initiatives, this paper addresses the relationship between children and media and early uses of media as a surrogate for parenting. It examines the use of popular culture in public safety efforts, the synergy of and tensions between service and profit, and the use of music to convey societal duties in everyday life as they shift throughout the life course.
Magnitude of terminological bias in international health services research: a disambiguation analysis in mental health
Authors: Gutierrez-Colosia M. R. , Hinck P. , Simon J. , Konnopka A. , Fischer C. , Mayer S. , Brodszky V. , Hakkart-van Roijen L. , Evers S. , Park A. , König H. H , Hollingworth W. , Salinas-Perez J. A ,   the PECUNIA Group, Salvador-Carulla L.
Published: August 2022

Aims

Health services research (HSR) is affected by a widespread problem related to service terminology including non-commensurability (using different units of analysis for comparisons) and terminological unclarity due to ambiguity and vagueness of terms. The aim of this study was to identify the magnitude of the terminological bias in health and social services research and health economics by applying an international classification system.

Methods

This study, that was part of the PECUNIA project, followed an ontoterminology approach (disambiguation of technical and scientific terms using a taxonomy and a glossary of terms). A listing of 56 types of health and social services relevant for mental health was compiled from a systematic review of the literature and feedback provided by 29 experts in six European countries. The disambiguation of terms was performed using an ontology-based classification of services (Description and Evaluation of Services and DirectoriEs – DESDE), and its glossary of terms. The analysis focused on the commensurability and the clarity of definitions according to the reference classification system. Interrater reliability was analysed using κ.

Results

The disambiguation revealed that only 13 terms (23%) of the 56 services selected were accurate. Six terms (11%) were confusing as they did not correspond to services as defined in the reference classification system (non-commensurability bias), 27 (48%) did not include a clear definition of the target population for which the service was intended, and the definition of types of services was unclear in 59% of the terms: 15 were ambiguous and 11 vague. The κ analyses were significant for agreements in unit of analysis and assignment of DESDE codes and very high in definition of target population.

Conclusions

Service terminology is a source of systematic bias in health service research, and certainly in mental healthcare. The magnitude of the problem is substantial. This finding has major implications for the international comparability of resource use in health economics, quality and equality research. The approach presented in this paper contributes to minimise differentiation between services by taking into account key features such as target population, care setting, main activities and type and number of professionals among others. This approach also contributes to support financial incentives for effective health promotion and disease prevention. A detailed analysis of services in terms of cost measurement for economic evaluations reveals the necessity and usefulness of defining services using a coding system and taxonomical criteria rather than by ‘text-based descriptions’.
Leitlinienbasierte Standards zur Struktur- und Prozessqualität neuropsychologischer Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Maurer-Karattup Petra , Neumann Oliver , Danneil Wolfgang , Thöne-Otto Angelika I. T.
Published: August 2022

Zusammenfassung: Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht die aktuelle wissenschaftliche Evidenz zur Diagnostik und Therapie neuropsychologischer Störungen nach Hirnschädigung, wie sie bis 2020 in Leitlinien publiziert wurde. Deren Umsetzung ist nur möglich, wenn die institutionellen Rahmenbedingungen dies erlauben. Unter Einbezug der klinischen Erfahrung wurden daher auf Basis der Leitlinien Standards für eine wissenschaftlich fundierte neuropsychologische Diagnostik und Therapie erarbeitet. Es entstanden Best-Practice-Empfehlungen zu Struktur- und Prozessqualität, insbesondere zu Intensität und Häufigkeit der Interventionen. Diese werden für die wichtigsten neuropsychologischen Funktionsbereiche vorgestellt. Sowohl die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neuropsychologie e. V. (GNP) als auch die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurologie e. V. (DGN) unterstützen diese Empfehlungen. Sie richten sich an Neuropsycholog_innen sowie an Einrichtungsleitende und Sozialversicherungsträger und definieren die Rahmenbedingungen für eine auf den individuellen Fall angepasste leitliniengerechte neuropsychologische Behandlung.
Thermal State of the Guaymas Basin Derived From Gas Hydrate Bottom Simulating Reflections and Heat Flow Measurements
Authors: Sarkar Sudipta , Moser Manuel , Berndt Christian , Doll Mechthild , Böttner Christoph , Chi Wu‐Cheng , Klaeschen Dirk , Galerne Christophe , Karstens Jens , Geilert Sonja , Mortera‐Gutierrez C. , Hensen Christian
Published: August 2022

Seafloor heat flow provides information about the thermal evolution of the lithosphere, the magnitude and timing of volcanic activity, and hydrothermal circulation patterns. In the central Gulf of California, the Guaymas Basin is part of a young marginal spreading rift system that experiences high sedimentation (1–5 km/Myr) and widespread magmatic intrusions in the axial troughs and the off‐axis regions. Heat flow variations record magmatic and sedimentary processes affecting the thermal evolution of the basin. Here, we present new seismic evidence of a widespread bottom‐simulating reflection (BSR) in the northwestern Guaymas Basin. Using the BSR depths and thermal conductivity measurements, we determine geothermal gradient and surface heat flow variations. The BSR‐derived heat flow values are less than the conductive lithospheric heat flow predictions for mid‐oceanic ridges. They suggest that high sedimentation (0.3–1 km/Myr) suppresses the lithospheric heat flow. In the central and southeastern regions of the basin, the BSR‐derived geothermal gradient increases as the intruded magmatic units reach shallower subsurface depths. Thermal modeling shows that recent (<5,000 years) igneous intrusions (<500 m below the seafloor) and associated fluid flow elevate the surface heat flow up to five times. BSR‐derived geothermal gradients correlate little with the depth of the shallowest magmatic emplacements to the north, where the intrusions have already cooled for some time, and the associated hydrothermal activity is about to shut down.
Parametric Sensitivity of Electron Scattering Effects by Electrostatic Electron Cyclotron Harmonic Waves
Authors: Lou Yuequn , Cao Xing , Wu Mingyu , Ni Binbin , Zhang Tielong
Published: August 2022

It is well known that electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) waves can effectively precipitate hundreds of eV to tens of keV electrons into the upper atmosphere, resulting in the production of diffuse aurora. To deepen our outstanding of the contributions of ECH waves to diffuse aurora, in this study we perform a detailed analysis of the sensitivity of ECH wave‐induced electron scattering to ambient magnetic field intensity, total electron density and density ratio between hot and cold electrons. Our results show that for various parameter sets, ECH waves can cause the precipitation loss of diffuse auroral electrons at energies of 100 eV to several keV and are capable of accelerating 100 eV to keV electrons at intermediate pitch angle, therefore contributing to the formation of butterfly pitch angle distribution. We also find that the variations of background parameters significantly change the magnitude of diffusion coefficients and resonant pitch angle range of < ∼1 keV electrons, while the scattering efficiency of >∼1 keV electrons is almost unaffected. For <∼1 keV electrons, an increase of magnetic field intensity or density ratio between hot and cold electrons weakens the electron scattering efficiency and narrows the resonant region to lower pitch angles, while an increase of total electron density generally plays an opposite role. In addition, the momentum diffusion can be stronger than pitch angle diffusion at large pitch angles for <∼1 keV electrons, while it can be negligible at higher energies.
Splicing QTL analysis focusing on coding sequences reveals mechanisms for disease susceptibility loci
Authors: Yamaguchi Kensuke , Ishigaki Kazuyoshi , Suzuki Akari , Tsuchida Yumi , Tsuchiya Haruka , Sumitomo Shuji , Nagafuchi Yasuo , Miya Fuyuki , Tsunoda Tatsuhiko , Shoda Hirofumi , Fujio Keishi , Yamamoto Kazuhiko , Kochi Yuta
Published: August 2022

Splicing quantitative trait loci (sQTLs) are one of the major causal mechanisms in genome-wide association study (GWAS) loci, but their role in disease pathogenesis is poorly understood. One reason is the complexity of alternative splicing events producing many unknown isoforms. Here, we propose two approaches, namely integration and selection, for this complexity by focusing on protein-structure of isoforms. First, we integrate isoforms with the same coding sequence (CDS) and identify 369-601 integrated-isoform ratio QTLs (i2-rQTLs), which altered protein-structure, in six immune subsets. Second, we select CDS incomplete isoforms annotated in GENCODE and identify 175-337 isoform-ratio QTL (i-rQTL). By comprehensive long-read capture RNA-sequencing among these incomplete isoforms, we reveal 29 full-length isoforms with unannotated CDSs associated with GWAS traits. Furthermore, we show that disease-causal sQTL genes can be identified by evaluating their trans-eQTL effects. Our approaches highlight the understudied role of protein-altering sQTLs and are broadly applicable to other tissues and diseases.
Rational design of a sensitivity-enhanced tracer for discovering efficient APC–Asef inhibitors
Authors: Zhong Jie , Guo Yuegui , Lu Shaoyong , Song Kun , Wang Ying , Feng Li , Zheng Zhen , Zhang Qiufen , Wei Jiacheng , Sang Peng , Shi Yan , Cai Jianfeng , Chen Guoqiang , Liu Chen-Ying , Yang Xiuyan , Zhang Jian
Published: August 2022

The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC)–Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 4 (Asef) protein–protein interaction (PPI) is essential for colorectal cancer metastasis, making it a promising drug target. Herein, we obtain a sensitivity-enhanced tracer (tracer 7) with a high binding affinity (Kd = 0.078 μM) and wide signal dynamic range (span = 251 mp). By using tracer 7 in fluorescence-polarization assays for APC–Asef inhibitor screening, we discover a best-in-class inhibitor, MAI-516, with an IC50 of 0.041 ± 0.004 μM and a conjugated transcriptional transactivating sequence for generating cell-permeable MAIT-516. MAIT-516 inhibits CRC cell migration by specifically hindering the APC–Asef PPI. Furthermore, MAIT-516 exhibits no cytotoxic effects on normal intestinal epithelial cell and colorectal cancer cell growth. Overall, we develop a sensitivity-enhanced tracer for fluorescence polarization assays, which is used for the precise quantification of high-activity APC–Asef inhibitors, thereby providing insight into PPI drug development.
Human expansion into Asian highlands in the 21st Century and its effects
Authors: Yang Chao , Liu Huizeng , Li Qingquan , Wang Xuqing , Ma Wei , Liu Cuiling , Fang Xu , Tang Yuzhi , Shi Tiezhu , Wang Qibiao , Xu Yue , Zhang Jie , Li Xuecao , Xu Gang , Chen Junyi , Su Mo , Wang Shuying , Wu Jinjing , Huang Leping , Li Xue , Wu Guofeng
Published: August 2022

Most intensive human activities occur in lowlands. However, sporadic reports indicate that human activities are expanding in some Asian highlands. Here we investigate the expansions of human activities in highlands and their effects over Asia from 2000 to 2020 by combining earth observation data and socioeconomic data. We find that ∼23% of human activity expansions occur in Asian highlands and ∼76% of these expansions in highlands comes from ecological lands, reaching 95% in Southeast Asia. The expansions of human activities in highlands intensify habitat fragmentation and result in large ecological costs in low and lower-middle income countries, and they also support Asian developments. We estimate that cultivated land net growth in the Asian highlands contributed approximately 54% in preventing the net loss of the total cultivated land. Moreover, the growth of highland artificial surfaces may provide living and working spaces for ∼40 million people. Our findings suggest that highland developments hold dual effects and provide new insight for regional sustainable developments.
Omicron SARS-CoV-2 mutations stabilize spike up-RBD conformation and lead to a non-RBM-binding monoclonal antibody escape
Authors: Zhao Zhennan , Zhou Jingya , Tian Mingxiong , Huang Min , Liu Sheng , Xie Yufeng , Han Pu , Bai Chongzhi , Han Pengcheng , Zheng Anqi , Fu Lutang , Gao Yuanzhu , Peng Qi , Li Ying , Chai Yan , Zhang Zengyuan , Zhao Xin , Song Hao , Qi Jianxun , Wang Qihui , Wang Peiyi , Gao George F.
Published: August 2022

Omicron SARS-CoV-2 is rapidly spreading worldwide. To delineate the impact of emerging mutations on spike’s properties, we performed systematic structural analyses on apo Omicron spike and its complexes with human ACE2 or S309 neutralizing antibody (NAb) by cryo-EM. The Omicron spike preferentially adopts the one-RBD-up conformation both before and after ACE2 binding, which is in sharp contrast to the orchestrated conformational changes to create more up-RBDs upon ACE2 binding as observed in the prototype and other four variants of concern (VOCs). Furthermore, we found that S371L, S373P and S375F substitutions enhance the stability of the one-RBD-up conformation to prevent exposing more up-RBDs triggered by ACE2 binding. The increased stability of the one-RBD-up conformation restricts the accessibility of S304 NAb, which targets a cryptic epitope in the closed conformation, thus facilitating the immune evasion by Omicron. These results expand our understanding of Omicron spike’s conformation, receptor binding and antibody evasion mechanism.
Maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index and mental health problems in early adolescents from the 2004 Pelotas birth cohort
Authors: Quinte Gabriela Callo , Munhoz Tiago N. , Matijasevich Alicia , Santos Ina S.
Published: August 2022

Possible mechanisms by which maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) programs offspring mental disorders in late childhood are not fully clarified. To assess the association between maternal BMI and mental health problems at 11 years old, we used data from the 2004 Pelotas birth cohort which comprised 4231 newborns. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was analyzed as underweight (< 18.5), normal (18.5–24.9), overweight (25.0–29.9), and obesity (≥ 30.0). Mental health problems were assessed at the child’s age of 11 years by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, total difficulties score and subscale scores (emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, and peer relationship problems), dichotomized into normal/borderline and abnormal category. The associations between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and mental health problems in the whole sample and stratified by sex were estimated using crude and adjusted linear and logistic regression. Both linear and logistic regression showed that pre-pregnancy weight was associated with mental problems in early adolescents. Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity was associated with increased odds of total difficulty score among the whole sample. Boys whose mothers were pre-pregnancy overweight had higher odds of conduct problems (OR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.95), when compared to children of normal pre-pregnancy weight mothers, even after adjustments. Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity was associated with mental health problems in early adolescents; specifically, pre-pregnancy overweight increased the risk for conduct problems in 11 years old boys.
Unraveling the multi-targeted curative potential of bioactive molecules against cervical cancer through integrated omics and systems pharmacology approach
Authors: Aarthy Murali , Muthuramalingam Pandiyan , Ramesh Manikandan , Singh Sanjeev Kumar
Published: August 2022

Molecular level understanding on the role of viral infections causing cervical cancer is highly essential for therapeutic development. In these instances, systems pharmacology along with multi omics approach helps in unraveling the multi-targeted mechanisms of novel biologically active compounds to combat cervical cancer. The immuno-transcriptomic dataset of healthy and infected cervical cancer patients was retrieved from the array express. Further, the phytocompounds from medicinal plants were collected from the literature. Network Analyst 3.0 has been used to identify the immune genes around 384 which are differentially expressed and responsible for cervical cancer. Among the 87 compounds reported in plants for treating cervical cancer, only 79 compounds were targeting the identified immune genes of cervical cancer. The significant genes responsible for the domination in cervical cancer are identified in this study. The virogenomic signatures observed from cervical cancer caused by E7 oncoproteins serve as the potential therapeutic targets whereas, the identified compounds can act as anti-HPV drug deliveries. In future, the exploratory rationale of the acquired results will be useful in optimizing small molecules which can be a viable drug candidate.
H-ABC tubulinopathy revealed by label-free second harmonic generation microscopy
Authors: Alata Milvia , Piazza Valeria , Jaramillo-Restrepo Carla , Eguibar Jose R. , Cortes Carmen , Hernandez Victor H.
Published: August 2022

Hypomyelination with atrophy of the basal ganglia and cerebellum is a recently described tubulinopathy caused by a mutation in the tubulin beta 4a isoform, expressed in oligodendrocytes. The taiep rat is the only spontaneous tubulin beta 4a mutant available for the study of this pathology. We aimed to identify the effects of the tubulin mutation on freshly collected, unstained samples of the central white matter of taiep rats using second harmonic generation microscopy. Cytoskeletal differences between the central white matter of taiep rats and control animals were found. Nonlinear emissions from the processes and somata of oligodendrocytes in tubulin beta 4a mutant rats were consistently detected, in the shape of elongated structures and cell-like bodies, which were never detected in the controls. This signal represents the second harmonic trademark of the disease. The tissue was also fluorescently labeled and analyzed to corroborate the origin of the nonlinear signal. Besides enabling the description of structural and molecular aspects of H-ABC, our data open the door to the diagnostic use of nonlinear optics in the study of neurodegenerative diseases, with the additional advantage of a label-free approach that preserves tissue morphology and vitality.
The effect of the very low dosage diltiazem on tacrolimus exposure very early after kidney transplantation: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Susomboon Teerada , Kunlamas Yotsaya , Vadcharavivad Somratai , Vongwiwatana Attapong
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of the very low dosage of diltiazem on tacrolimus exposure during the first week post-kidney transplantation, among cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A5 expressers who did not receive diltiazem (EXplb), CYP3A5 expressers who received the very low dose diltiazem (EXdtz), CYP3A5 nonexpressers who did not receive diltiazem (NEplb), and CYP3A5 nonexpressers who received the very low dose diltiazem (NEdtz). Forty kidney recipients who receive tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimen were randomly assigned, with stratification on the CYP3A5 genotypes, to receive either diltiazem 30 mg every 12 h or a matched placebo. The observed median dose-adjusted area under the 12-h curve of tacrolimus concentration (AUC/D) at day 7 post-transplantation was lowest in the EXplb group followed by EXdtz, NEplb, and NEdtz at 34.9, 43.6, 49.4, and 71.1 ng*h/mL per mg, respectively. A Kruskal–Wallis test showed a significant difference in the mean ranks of AUC/D among groups. Significant differences between EXplb and NEplb, and between EXplb and NEdtz were demonstrated, whereas no sufficient evidence of significant differences was detected between the other pairs. In conclusion, coadministration of diltiazem 30 mg twice daily may be advantageous for increasing tacrolimus exposure early after kidney transplantation among CYP3A5 expressers.
Genetic diversity of Brazilian Bacillus thuringiensis isolates with toxicity against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: da Costa Fernandes Geysla , de Prado Costa Dalton Kaynnan , de Oliveira Nayanne Santos , de Sousa Emanuelle Cristine Pereira , Machado Déborah Heloísa Bittencourt , Polanczyk Ricardo Antonio , de Siqueira Herbert Álvaro Abreu , da Silva Maria Cleoneide
Published: August 2022

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) isolates native to Maranhão (BtMA) that are highly toxic to Aedes aegypti larvae and seven standard subspecies of Bt were analyzed for genetic diversity using the rep-PRC technique with BOX, ERIC, REP, MB1, and GTG5 markers. The rep-PCR technique is considered an extremely reliable, reproducible, fast and highly discriminatory technique that may be used even among populations of the same species. These five markers revealed a total of 38 polymorphic DNA fragments for 30 BtMA isolates. Eight groups were obtained with the dendrogram generated through Pearson's correlation analysis, with four groups formed only with BtMA isolates and four comprised of isolates of BtMA and the standard subspecies toxic to dipterans and lepidopterans. Despite the high genetic diversity of BtMA, a low correlation between the collection site, gene content and mortality against A. aegypti larvae was evidenced. The clustering of the standard subspecies of Bt that were toxic against dipterans with BtMA isolates confirm the mosquitocidal action of the native isolates from Maranhão, and they can be used as an alternative for A. aegypti control and other insects of medical importance and for the control of agricultural pests.
Foliar application of alpha-ketoglutarate plus nitrogen improves drought resistance in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.)
Authors: Gai Zhijia , Liu Jingqi , Cai Lijun , Zhang Jingtao , Liu Lei
Published: August 2022

The aim of the present research was to understand the impacts of foliar nitrogen and α-oxoglutarate on proline accumulation, photosynthesis, and ammonium assimilation of soybean seedlings subjected to drought stress. The data in the present study demonstrated that foliar α-oxoglutarate and nitrogen significantly enhanced leaf glutamine synthetase (GS) activity, glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activity, glutamate content, proline content, relative water content (RWC) and photosynthesis of soybean seedlings exposed to drought stress at each stage. Accordingly, the ammonium content was significantly reduced by foliar α-oxoglutarate and nitrogen. These results suggested that a combination of foliar nitrogen plus α-oxoglutarate had an advantage over either foliar nitrogen or foliar α-oxoglutarate in increasing the proline accumulation under drought stress and a combination of foliar nitrogen plus α-oxoglutarate could better mitigate the adverse impacts of drought stress.