bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of a spatially explicit individual-based model to predict population trajectories and habitat connectivity for a reintroduced ursid
Authors: Andersen Desiree , Yi Yoonjung , Borzée Amaël , Kim Kyungmin , Moon Kwang-Seon , Kim Jeong-Jin , Kim Tae-Wook , Jang Yikweon
Published: April 2021

Reintroductions of large carnivore species present unique opportunities to model population dynamics as populations can be monitored from the beginning of a reintroduction. However, analysis of the population dynamics of such reintroduced populations is rare and may be limited in incorporating the complex movements and environmental interactions of large carnivores. Starting in 2004, Asiatic black bears Ursus thibetanus were reintroduced and tracked in the Republic of Korea, along with their descendants, using radio telemetry, yielding 33,924 tracking points over 12 years. Along with information about habitat use, landscape, and resource availability, we estimated the population equilibrium and dispersal capability of the reintroduced population. We used a mixed modelling approach to determine suitable habitat areas, population equilibria for three different resources-based scenarios, and least-cost pathways (i.e. corridors) for dispersal. Our population simulations provided a mean population equilibrium of 64 individuals at the original reintroduction site and a potential maximum of 1,438 individuals in the country. The simulation showed that the bear population will disperse to nearby mountainous areas, but a second reintroduction will be required to fully restore U. thibetanus. Northern suitable habitats are currently disconnected and natural re-population is unlikely to happen unless supported. Our methodologies and findings are also relevant for determining the outcome and trajectories of reintroduced populations of other large carnivores.
Forgiveness out of control
Authors: López Roger
Published: April 2021

This article challenges the widespread assumption that forgiveness transpires under voluntary control. I explain that that assumption underlies the lively debate of the question of whether forgiveness is or ought to be free or conditional. I then critically examine two accounts of forgiveness, those of Avishai Margalit and Pamela Hieronymi, to which the assumption of control is pivotal, and argue that they are compromised by that assumption. The premise that forgiveness is voluntary leads Margalit to incorrectly dissociate it from forgetting, and Hieronymi to grant judgment a role it can't reliably fulfill on its own. Drawing on works of theory and literature, I suggest that elements outside our control, such as time, other persons, identification and circumstances can play significant parts in bringing forgiveness about. I thus try to pave the way for a more complete view of forgiveness.
Overgeneral and specific autobiographical memory predict the course of depression: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Hallford D. J. , Rusanov D. , Yeow J. J. E. , Barry T. J.
Published: April 2021

Impairments in retrieving event-level, specific autobiographical memories, termed overgeneral memory (OGM), are recognised as a feature of clinical depression. A previous meta-analytic review assessing how OGM predicts the course of subsequent depressive symptoms showed small effects for correlations and regression analyses when baseline depressive symptoms were controlled for. We aimed to update this study and examine whether their findings replicate given the decade of research that has been published since. A systematic literature review using the same eligibility criteria as the previous meta-analysis led to a doubling of eligible studies (32 v. 15). The results provided more precise estimates of effect sizes, and largely support the finding that OGM predicts the course of depressive symptoms. The effects were generally small, but significantly larger among clinical samples, compared to studies with non-clinical samples. There was some evidence that higher age was associated with stronger effects, and longer follow-up was associated with weaker effects. The findings on other moderating variables that were analysed were mixed. Continued research into this modifiable cognitive process may help to provide an avenue to better understand and treat highly prevalent and impactful depressive disorders.
Perverse Leray filtration and specialisation with applications to the Hitchin morphism
Authors: DE CATALDO MARK ANDREA A.
Published: April 2021

We initiate and develop a framework to handle the specialisation morphism as a filtered morphism for the perverse, and for the perverse Leray filtration, on the cohomology with constructible coefficients of varieties and morphisms parameterised by a curve. As an application, we use this framework to carry out a detailed study of filtered specialisation for the Hitchin morphisms associated with the compactification of Dolbeault moduli spaces in [de 2018].
Susanna Newcome and the Origins of Utilitarianism
Authors: Connolly Patrick J.
Published: April 2021

This article provides the first systematic interpretation of the moral theory developed in Newcome's Enquiry into the Evidence of the Christian Religion (1728, revised 1732). More importantly, it shows that Newcome's views constitute a valuable but overlooked contribution to the development of utilitarianism. Indeed, she is arguably the first utilitarian. Her ethical views are considered in two stages. The article first explores her hedonist approach to the good and then turns to her consequentialist account of right action. The article then situates Newcome's work within the context of the pre-Bentham utilitarian movement. Strikingly, Newcome lived and worked in close proximity to other prominent early utilitarians and was well positioned to have exerted an influence on the development of their views. Newcome has never been discussed in connection with the history of ethics. This article constitutes an argument for her inclusion in our narratives about the development of a major moral theory.
Is biventricular vascular coupling a better indicator of ventriculo-ventricular interaction in congenital heart disease?
Authors: Yang Emily L , Kutty Shelby , Soriano Brian D , Mallenahalli Sathish , Ferguson Mark R , Lewin Mark B , Buddhe Sujatha
Published: April 2021

Background:

Ventriculo-ventricular interactions are known to exist, though not well quantified. We hypothesised that the ventricular–vascular coupling ratio assessed by cardiovascular MRI would provide insight into this relationship. We also sought to compare MRI-derived ventricular–vascular coupling ratio to echocardiography and patient outcomes.

Methods:

Children with cardiac disease and biventricular physiology were included. Sanz’s and Bullet methods were used to calculate ventricular–vascular coupling ratio by MRI and echocardiography, respectively. Subgroup analysis was performed for right and left heart diseases. Univariate and multivariate regressions were performed to determine associations with outcomes.

Results:

A total of 55 patients (age 14.3 ± 2.5 years) were included. Biventricular ventricular–vascular coupling ratio by MRI correlated with each other (r = 0.41; p = 0.003), with respect to ventricle’s ejection fraction (r = −0.76 to −0.88; p < 0.001) and other ventricle’s ejection fraction (r = −0.42 to −0.47; p < 0.01). However, biventricular ejection fraction had only weak correlation with each other (r = 0.31; p = 0.02). Echo underestimated ventricular–vascular coupling ratio for the left ventricle (p < 0.001) with modest correlation to MRI-derived ventricular–vascular coupling ratio (r = 0.43; p = 0.002). There seems to be a weak correlation between uncoupled right ventricular–vascular coupling ratio with the need for intervention and performance on exercise testing (r = 0.33; p = 0.02).

Conclusion:

MRI-derived biventricular ventricular–vascular coupling ratio provides a better estimate of ventriculo-ventricular interaction in children and adolescents with CHD. These associations are stronger than traditional parameters and applicable to right and left heart conditions.
Expedition turned Invasion: The 1888 Sikkim Expedition through British, Indian and Chinese eyes
Authors: CHENG YI MENG
Published: April 2021

A fresh look at the 1888 Sikkim Expedition using both Chinese and English language sources yields very different conclusions from that of previous research on the subject. During the course of policymaking, the British Foreign Office and the British Government of India did not collaborate to devise a plan to invade Tibet; conversely, their aims differed and clashed frequently. During the years leading to war, the largest newspapers in British India gave plenty of coverage to the benefits of trade with Tibet, thus influencing British foreign policy and contributing indirectly to the outbreak of war. The Tibetan army was soundly defeated in the war, while the British troops suffered only light casualties. Although the Tibetan elites remained committed to the war, the lower classes of Tibetan society quickly grew weary of it. During the war, the British made much use of local spies and enjoyed an advantage in intelligence gathering, which contributed greatly to their victory. Finally, although the war was initially fought over trade issues, the demarcation of the Tibetan-Sikkim border replaced trade issues as the main point of contention during the subsequent peace negotiations. During the negotiations, Sheng Tai, the newly appointed Amban of Tibet, tried his best to defend China's interests.
Diet scores and prediction of general and abdominal obesity in the Melbourne collaborative cohort study
Authors: Hodge Allison M , Karim Md Nazmul , Hébert James R , Shivappa Nitin , Milne Roger L , de Courten Barbora
Published: April 2021

Objective:

To ascertain which of the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) 2010, Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®) and Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) best predicted BMI and waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR).

Design:

Body size was measured at baseline (1990–1994) and in 2003–2007. Diet was assessed at baseline using a FFQ, along with age, sex, socio-economic status, smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity and country of birth. Regression coefficients and 95 % CI for the association of baseline dietary scores with follow-up BMI and WHR were generated using multivariable linear regression, adjusting for baseline body size, confounders and energy intake.

Setting:

Population-based cohort in Melbourne, Australia.

Participants:

Included were data from 11 030 men and 16 774 women aged 40–69 years at baseline.

Results:

Median (IQR) follow-up was 11·6 (10·7–12·8) years. BMI and WHR at follow-up were associated with baseline DII® (Q5 v. Q1 (BMI 0·41, 95 % CI 0·21, 0·61) and WHR 0·009, 95 % CI 0·006, 0·013)) and AHEI (Q5 v. Q1 (BMI −0·51, 95 % CI −0·68, −0·35) and WHR −0·011, 95 % CI −0·013, −0·008)). WHR, but not BMI, at follow-up was associated with baseline MDS (Group 3 most Mediterranean v. G1 (BMI −0·05, 95 % CI −0·23, 0·13) and WHR −0·004, 95 % CI −0·007, −0·001)). Based on Akaike’s Information Criterion and Bayesian Information Criterion statistics, AHEI was a stronger predictor of body size than the other diet scores.

Conclusions:

Poor quality or pro-inflammatory diets predicted overall and central obesity. The AHEI may provide the best way to assess the obesogenic potential of diet.
Parental considerations during complementary feeding in higher income countries: a systematic review of qualitative evidence
Authors: Spyreli Eleni , McKinley Michelle C , Dean Moira
Published: April 2021

Objective:

Worldwide data suggest a clash between parental complementary feeding practices and recommendations. Understanding the circumstances under which parents form their feeding practices is a crucial step to improve such practices. This paper aimed to systematically review the existing qualitative literature and synthesise the factors that parents take into consideration in relation to complementary feeding.

Design:

A systematic review was undertaken. Four electronic databases were searched for qualitative studies published after 2001 exploring parental experiences during complementary feeding. A framework that included authors’ outcomes of interest was used to extract and synthesise study findings. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research were used to critically assess the included studies.

Setting:

Upper-middle- and high-income countries.

Participants:

Parents with a child below the age of 3 years.

Results:

A total of forty-seven studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this systematic review. The themes were organised into three main categories: (1) factors related to introduction of complementary foods; (2) factors related to the type of complementary foods and (3) factors related to both timing and type. The selected literature highlights: prevalent baby cues that prompt parents to introduce solid foods; parents’ views on the recommended timing of complementary feeding; factors that drive the choice of complementary foods and perceived value in advice received from health professionals and grandmothers.

Conclusions:

This systematic review indicates factors that can be barriers to complying with the complementary feeding guidelines, and therefore, its findings are pertinent to improving parental feeding practices through intervention studies and through infant feeding education in a primary care setting.
Four-element pentaband MIMO antenna for multiple wireless application including dual-band circular polarization characteristics
Authors: Saxena Gaurav , Awasthi Y. K. , Jain Priyanka
Published: April 2021

In this article, a meander line-shaped pentaband (2.18–2.24, 2.38–2.46, 2.65–2.70, 3.10–3.32, 3.38–3.46 GHz) four-element multiple-input–multiple-output antenna is presented. The proposed antenna is also circularly polarized in two bands (at 2.2 and 2.4 GHz) with dual-polarization like right-handed at port 1 or 3 and left-handed at port 2 or 4, which is widely used for mobile satellite services (MSS) and Internet of Things applications. This antenna is designed and fabricated with compact size 50 × 70 × 1.6 mm3 on the FR-4 substrate with good diversity performance in pentaband. Simulated results of antenna-like return loss, isolation, and parameters-related diversity have also been tested experimentally in a controlled environment, which is within the permissible limit. The designed antenna will be appropriate for MSS, industrial scientific and medical (ISM), broadband radio services and educational broadband services, WiMAX radio location services, and amateur radio services. Meanwhile, specific absorption rate of the designed antenna has been examined in an empirical environment for the Fresnel radiating near-field applications.
Numerical Simulation and the Underlying Mechanism of a Severe Hail‐Producing Convective System in East China
Authors: Yin Lei , Ping Fan , Xu Huanbin , Chen Baojun
Published: April 2021

A severe convective system that produced egg‐sized hail in Jiangsu province in eastern China on April 28, 2015 was simulated using a cloud‐resolving Weather Research and Forecasting model with the spectral bin microphysics scheme. The simulation reproduced the two stages of the convective system: the linear convective system (LCS) and the bow echo system (BES) stages. During the LCS stage, the intensity of updrafts was slightly stronger than that in the BES stage, with abundant supercooled water above the −20°C layer, and graupel and hail mainly generated in this period. The microphysical budget analyses and size distribution characteristics of hail were studied within one cell that produced hail during the LCS. It was suggested that hail mainly formed through water‐graupel collision and increased in size by collecting liquid water. Hail particles with smaller diameter were located around the perimeter of the main updrafts, while larger ones were distributed at the left edge of the updrafts. Trajectories and size growth processes of hailstones within the chosen cell were calculated by a three‐dimensional hail growth model, and it was found that hail originated from the middle levels on the east side of the updrafts, and were transformed westward and downward to the lower levels. They continued to ascend along the left edge of the updrafts and experienced one or more up‐down recycles and fell down to the ground on the west side of the updrafts.
Shallow Convection and Precipitation Over the Southern Ocean: A Case Study During the CAPRICORN 2016 Field Campaign
Authors: Lang F. , Huang Y. , Protat A. , Truong S. C. H. , Siems S. T. , Manton M. J.
Published: April 2021

Marine boundary layer clouds and precipitation observed in a sustained period of open mesoscale cellular convection (MCC) over the Southern Ocean (SO) are investigated using Clouds, Aerosols, Precipitation, Radiation, and atmospherIc Composition Over the southeRn oceaN 2016 observations, Himawari‐8 products, and numerical simulations. The shallow convection was characterized by the presence of supercooled liquid water and mixed‐phase clouds in the sub‐freezing temperature range, consistent with earlier in‐situ observations where ice multiplication is found to be active in producing large quantities of ice in open MCC clouds. Ice‐phase precipitation was observed to melt below cloud base with evidence of cold pools produced in a decoupled boundary layer. Convection‐permitting simulations using the weather research and forecasting model were able to reproduce many of the surface meteorological features and their evolution. However, the evolution of the boundary layer height and the degree of decoupling were poorly simulated, along with the absence of cold pools. The observed cloud morphology and microphysical characteristics were also not well reproduced in the control simulation with the Thompson microphysics scheme, where too much supercooled water was simulated in a too homogenous cloud field. Sensitivity experiments with modified microphysical parameters led to a higher production of glaciated clouds and precipitation. Sensitivity experiments with different boundary layer schemes and vertical resolution, however, showed a smaller impact. A bias of ∼4°C in the initial boundary conditions of the sea surface temperature is discussed. This study highlights the challenge of representing the complex physical processes that underpin the cloud, precipitation, and boundary layer characteristics of the open MCC over the SO.
Reimagining STEM Workforce Development as a Braided River
Authors: Batchelor Rebecca , Ali Hendratta , Gardner-Vandy Kathryn , Gold Anne , MacKinnon Jennifer , Asher Pranoti
Published: April 2021

A contemporary approach to today’s science careers looks less like a structured pipeline and more like a collection of paths that change and adapt to the needs of the individual.
Paediatric research in the times of COVID-19
Authors: Fleming Paul F. , Gale Chris , Molloy Eleanor J. , Faust Saul N. , Costeloe Kate , Juszczak Edmund , Roehr Charles C.
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic poses many direct and indirect consequences for children’s health and associated research. Direct consequences include participation of children in COVID-19 research trials, pausing other research in children and the potential implications of a global economic downturn on future research funding. Collaborative and networked research together with streamlined research processes and use of remote technology have been central to efforts by clinicians and scientists around the world and have proved essential for reducing COVID-19 morbidity and mortality.

Impact

Maintain streamlined and efficient approaches to research governance and data sharing to facilitate high-quality collaborative research.

Ensure early inclusion of children in trials of therapies for diseases that affect all age groups.

Paediatric Research Societies should co-ordinate effective processes to define key research questions and develop multinational clinical trials for diagnostics, therapeutics and preventative strategies for infants, children and young people.
Effect of TAAR1/5-HT1A agonist SEP-363856 on REM sleep in humans
Authors: Hopkins Seth C. , Dedic Nina , Koblan Kenneth S.
Published: April 2021

SEP-363856 is a trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) and 5-hydroxytryptamine type 1A (5-HT1A) agonist, currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of schizophrenia. Although SEP-363856 activates TAAR1 and 5-HT1A receptors in vitro, an accessible marker of time- and concentration-dependent effects of SEP-363856 in humans is lacking. In rodents, SEP-363856 has been shown to suppress rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The aim of the current study was to translate the REM sleep effects to humans and determine pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationships of SEP-363856 on a measure of brain activity. The effects of SEP-363856 were evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-way crossover study of single oral doses (50 and 10 mg) on REM sleep in healthy male subjects (N = 12 at each dose level). Drug concentrations were sampled during sleep to interpolate individual subject’s pharmacokinetic trajectories. SEP-363856 suppressed REM sleep parameters with very large effect sizes (>3) following single doses of 50 mg and plasma concentrations ≥100 ng/mL. Below that effective concentration, the 10 mg dose elicited much smaller effects, increasing only the latency to REM sleep (effect size = 1). The PK/PD relationships demonstrated that REM sleep probability increased as drug concentrations declined below 100 ng/mL over the course of the night. SEP-363856 was generally safe and well tolerated at both doses. The REM sleep-suppressing effects of SEP-363856 provide an accessible marker of brain activity, which can aid in dose selection and help elucidate its therapeutic potential in further clinical trials.
RAC1B modulates intestinal tumourigenesis via modulation of WNT and EGFR signalling pathways
Authors: Gudiño Victoria , Pohl Sebastian Öther-Gee , Billard Caroline V. , Cammareri Patrizia , Bolado Alfonso , Aitken Stuart , Stevenson David , Hall Adam E. , Agostino Mark , Cassidy John , Nixon Colin , von Kriegsheim Alex , Freile Paz , Popplewell Linda , Dickson George , Murphy Laura , Wheeler Ann , Dunlop Malcolm , Din Farhat , Strathdee Douglas , Sansom Owen J. , Myant Kevin B.
Published: April 2021

Current therapeutic options for treating colorectal cancer have little clinical efficacy and acquired resistance during treatment is common, even following patient stratification. Understanding the mechanisms that promote therapy resistance may lead to the development of novel therapeutic options that complement existing treatments and improve patient outcome. Here, we identify RAC1B as an important mediator of colorectal tumourigenesis and a potential target for enhancing the efficacy of EGFR inhibitor treatment. We find that high RAC1B expression in human colorectal cancer is associated with aggressive disease and poor prognosis and deletion of Rac1b in a mouse colorectal cancer model reduces tumourigenesis. We demonstrate that RAC1B interacts with, and is required for efficient activation of the EGFR signalling pathway. Moreover, RAC1B inhibition sensitises cetuximab resistant human tumour organoids to the effects of EGFR inhibition, outlining a potential therapeutic target for improving the clinical efficacy of EGFR inhibitors in colorectal cancer.
Genomic architecture and prediction of censored time-to-event phenotypes with a Bayesian genome-wide analysis
Authors: Ojavee Sven E. , Kousathanas Athanasios , Trejo Banos Daniel , Orliac Etienne J. , Patxot Marion , Läll Kristi , Mägi Reedik , Fischer Krista , Kutalik Zoltan , Robinson Matthew R.
Published: April 2021

While recent advancements in computation and modelling have improved the analysis of complex traits, our understanding of the genetic basis of the time at symptom onset remains limited. Here, we develop a Bayesian approach (BayesW) that provides probabilistic inference of the genetic architecture of age-at-onset phenotypes in a sampling scheme that facilitates biobank-scale time-to-event analyses. We show in extensive simulation work the benefits BayesW provides in terms of number of discoveries, model performance and genomic prediction. In the UK Biobank, we find many thousands of common genomic regions underlying the age-at-onset of high blood pressure (HBP), cardiac disease (CAD), and type-2 diabetes (T2D), and for the genetic basis of onset reflecting the underlying genetic liability to disease. Age-at-menopause and age-at-menarche are also highly polygenic, but with higher variance contributed by low frequency variants. Genomic prediction into the Estonian Biobank data shows that BayesW gives higher prediction accuracy than other approaches.
Epigenomic landscape of human colorectal cancer unveils an aberrant core of pan-cancer enhancers orchestrated by YAP/TAZ
Authors: Della Chiara Giulia , Gervasoni Federica , Fakiola Michaela , Godano Chiara , D’Oria Claudia , Azzolin Luca , Bonnal Raoul Jean Pierre , Moreni Giulia , Drufuca Lorenzo , Rossetti Grazisa , Ranzani Valeria , Bason Ramona , De Simone Marco , Panariello Francesco , Ferrari Ivan , Fabbris Tanya , Zanconato Francesca , Forcato Mattia , Romano Oriana , Caroli Jimmy , Gruarin Paola , Sarnicola Maria Lucia , Cordenonsi Michelangelo , Bardelli Alberto , Zucchini Nicola , Ceretti Andrea Pisani , Mariani Nicolò Maria , Cassingena Andrea , Sartore-Bianchi Andrea , Testa Giuseppe , Gianotti Luca , Opocher Enrico , Pisati Federica , Tripodo Claudio , Macino Giuseppe , Siena Salvatore , Bicciato Silvio , Piccolo Stefano , Pagani Massimiliano
Published: April 2021

Cancer is characterized by pervasive epigenetic alterations with enhancer dysfunction orchestrating the aberrant cancer transcriptional programs and transcriptional dependencies. Here, we epigenetically characterize human colorectal cancer (CRC) using de novo chromatin state discovery on a library of different patient-derived organoids. By exploring this resource, we unveil a tumor-specific deregulated enhancerome that is cancer cell-intrinsic and independent of interpatient heterogeneity. We show that the transcriptional coactivators YAP/TAZ act as key regulators of the conserved CRC gained enhancers. The same YAP/TAZ-bound enhancers display active chromatin profiles across diverse human tumors, highlighting a pan-cancer epigenetic rewiring which at single-cell level distinguishes malignant from normal cell populations. YAP/TAZ inhibition in established tumor organoids causes extensive cell death unveiling their essential role in tumor maintenance. This work indicates a common layer of YAP/TAZ-fueled enhancer reprogramming that is key for the cancer cell state and can be exploited for the development of improved therapeutic avenues.
How deep ocean-land coupling controls the generation of secondary microseism Love waves
Authors: Le Pape Florian , Craig David , Bean Christopher J.
Published: April 2021

Wind driven ocean wave-wave interactions produce continuous Earth vibrations at the seafloor called secondary microseisms. While the origin of associated Rayleigh waves is well understood, there is currently no quantified explanation for the existence of Love waves in the most energetic region of the microseism spectrum (3–10 s). Here, using terrestrial seismic arrays and 3D synthetic acoustic-elastic simulations combined with ocean wave hindcast data, we demonstrate that, observed from land, our general understanding of Rayleigh and Love wave microseism sources is significantly impacted by 3D propagation path effects. We show that while Rayleigh to Love wave conversions occur along the microseism path, Love waves predominantly originate from steep subsurface geological interfaces and bathymetry, directly below the ocean source that couples to the solid Earth. We conclude that, in contrast to Rayleigh waves, microseism Love waves observed on land do not directly relate to the ocean wave climate but are significantly modulated by continental margin morphologies, with a first order effect from sedimentary basins. Hence, they yield rich spatio-temporal information about ocean-land coupling in deep water.
Hierarchical nickel valence gradient stabilizes high-nickel content layered cathode materials
Authors: Lin Ruoqian , Bak Seong-Min , Shin Youngho , Zhang Rui , Wang Chunyang , Kisslinger Kim , Ge Mingyuan , Huang Xiaojing , Shadike Zulipiya , Pattammattel Ajith , Yan Hanfei , Chu Yong , Wu Jinpeng , Yang Wanli , Whittingham M. Stanley , Xin Huolin L. , Yang Xiao-Qing
Published: April 2021

High-nickel content cathode materials offer high energy density. However, the structural and surface instability may cause poor capacity retention and thermal stability of them. To circumvent this problem, nickel concentration-gradient materials have been developed to enhance high-nickel content cathode materials’ thermal and cycling stability. Even though promising, the fundamental mechanism of the nickel concentration gradient’s stabilization effect remains elusive because it is inseparable from nickel’s valence gradient effect. To isolate nickel’s valence gradient effect and understand its fundamental stabilization mechanism, we design and synthesize a LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 material that is compositionally uniform and has a hierarchical valence gradient. The nickel valence gradient material shows superior cycling and thermal stability than the conventional one. The result suggests creating an oxidation state gradient that hides the more capacitive but less stable Ni3+ away from the secondary particle surfaces is a viable principle towards the optimization of high-nickel content cathode materials.
Light-driven continuous rotating Möbius strip actuators
Authors: Nie Zhen-Zhou , Zuo Bo , Wang Meng , Huang Shuai , Chen Xu-Man , Liu Zhi-Yang , Yang Hong
Published: April 2021

Twisted toroidal ribbons such as the one-sided Möbius strip have inspired scientists, engineers and artists for many centuries. A physical Möbius strip exhibits interesting mechanical properties deriving from a tendency to redistribute the torsional strain away from the twist region. This leads to the interesting possibility of building topological actuators with continuous deformations. Here we report on a series of corresponding bi-layered stripe actuators using a photothermally responsive liquid crystal elastomer as the fundamental polymeric material. Employing a special procedure, even Möbius strips with an odd number of twists can be fabricated exhibiting a seamless homeotropic and homogeneous morphology. Imposing a suitable contraction gradient under near-infrared light irradiation, these ribbons can realize continuous anticlockwise/clockwise in-situ rotation. Our work could pave the way for developing actuators and shape morphing materials that need not rely on switching between distinct states.
Extreme melt season ice layers reduce firn permeability across Greenland
Authors: Culberg Riley , Schroeder Dustin M. , Chu Winnie
Published: April 2021

Surface meltwater runoff dominates present-day mass loss from the Greenland Ice Sheet. In Greenland’s interior, porous firn can limit runoff by retaining meltwater unless perched low-permeability horizons, such as ice slabs, develop and restrict percolation. Recent observations suggest that such horizons might develop rapidly during extreme melt seasons. Here we present radar sounding evidence that an extensive near surface melt layer formed following the extreme melt season in 2012. This layer was still present in 2017 in regions up to 700 m higher in elevation and 160 km further inland than known ice slabs. We find that melt layer formation is driven by local, short-timescale thermal and hydrologic processes in addition to mean climate state. These melt layers reduce vertical percolation pathways, and, under appropriate firn temperature and surface melt conditions, encourage further ice aggregation at their horizon. Therefore, the frequency of extreme melt seasons relative to the rate at which pore space and cold content regenerates above the most recent melt layer may be a key determinant of the firn’s multi-year response to surface melt.
Single-cell multi-omics analysis of the immune response in COVID-19
Authors:   Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease-National Institute of Health Research (CITIID-NIHR) COVID-19 BioResource Collaboration, Stephenson Emily , Reynolds Gary , Botting Rachel A. , Calero-Nieto Fernando J. , Morgan Michael D. , Tuong Zewen Kelvin , Bach Karsten , Sungnak Waradon , Worlock Kaylee B. , Yoshida Masahiro , Kumasaka Natsuhiko , Kania Katarzyna , Engelbert Justin , Olabi Bayanne , Spegarova Jarmila Stremenova , Wilson Nicola K. , Mende Nicole , Jardine Laura , Gardner Louis C. S. , Goh Issac , Horsfall Dave , McGrath Jim , Webb Simone , Mather Michael W. , Lindeboom Rik G. H. , Dann Emma , Huang Ni , Polanski Krzysztof , Prigmore Elena , Gothe Florian , Scott Jonathan , Payne Rebecca P. , Baker Kenneth F. , Hanrath Aidan T. , Schim van der Loeff Ina C. D. , Barr Andrew S. , Sanchez-Gonzalez Amada , Bergamaschi Laura , Mescia Federica , Barnes Josephine L. , Kilich Eliz , de Wilton Angus , Saigal Anita , Saleh Aarash , Janes Sam M. , Smith Claire M. , Gopee Nusayhah , Wilson Caroline , Coupland Paul , Coxhead Jonathan M. , Kiselev Vladimir Yu , van Dongen Stijn , Bacardit Jaume , King Hamish W. , Rostron Anthony J. , Simpson A. John , Hambleton Sophie , Laurenti Elisa , Lyons Paul A. , Meyer Kerstin B. , Nikolić Marko Z. , Duncan Christopher J. A. , Smith Kenneth G. C. , Teichmann Sarah A. , Clatworthy Menna R. , Marioni John C. , Göttgens Berthold , Haniffa Muzlifah
Published: April 2021

Analysis of human blood immune cells provides insights into the coordinated response to viral infections such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We performed single-cell transcriptome, surface proteome and T and B lymphocyte antigen receptor analyses of over 780,000 peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a cross-sectional cohort of 130 patients with varying severities of COVID-19. We identified expansion of nonclassical monocytes expressing complement transcripts (CD16+C1QA/B/C+) that sequester platelets and were predicted to replenish the alveolar macrophage pool in COVID-19. Early, uncommitted CD34+hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells were primed toward megakaryopoiesis, accompanied by expanded megakaryocyte-committed progenitors and increased platelet activation. Clonally expanded CD8+T cells and an increased ratio of CD8+effector T cells to effector memory T cells characterized severe disease, while circulating follicular helper T cells accompanied mild disease. We observed a relative loss of IgA2 in symptomatic disease despite an overall expansion of plasmablasts and plasma cells. Our study highlights the coordinated immune response that contributes to COVID-19 pathogenesis and reveals discrete cellular components that can be targeted for therapy.
Hierarchical disentanglement of contextual from compositional risk factors of diarrhoea among under-five children in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Fagbamigbe Adeniyi Francis , Uthman A. Olalekan , Ibisomi Latifat
Published: April 2021

Several studies have documented the burden and risk factors associated with diarrhoea in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). To the best of our knowledge, the contextual and compositional factors associated with diarrhoea across LMIC were poorly operationalized, explored and understood in these studies. We investigated multilevel risk factors associated with diarrhoea among under-five children in LMIC. We analysed diarrhoea-related information of 796,150 under-five children (Level 1) nested within 63,378 neighbourhoods (Level 2) from 57 LMIC (Level 3) using the latest data from cross-sectional and nationally representative Demographic Health Survey conducted between 2010 and 2018. We used multivariable hierarchical Bayesian logistic regression models for data analysis. The overall prevalence of diarrhoea was 14.4% (95% confidence interval 14.2–14.7) ranging from 3.8% in Armenia to 31.4% in Yemen. The odds of diarrhoea was highest among male children, infants, having small birth weights, households in poorer wealth quintiles, children whose mothers had only primary education, and children who had no access to media. Children from neighbourhoods with high illiteracy [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.07, 95% credible interval (CrI) 1.04–1.10] rates were more likely to have diarrhoea. At the country-level, the odds of diarrhoea nearly doubled (aOR = 1.88, 95% CrI 1.23–2.83) and tripled (aOR = 2.66, 95% CrI 1.65–3.89) among children from countries with middle and lowest human development index respectively. Diarrhoea remains a major health challenge among under-five children in most LMIC. We identified diverse individual-level, community-level and national-level factors associated with the development of diarrhoea among under-five children in these countries and disentangled the associated contextual risk factors from the compositional risk factors. Our findings underscore the need to revitalize existing policies on child and maternal health and implement interventions to prevent diarrhoea at the individual-, community- and societal-levels. The current study showed how the drive to the attainment of SDGs 1, 2, 4, 6 and 10 will enhance the attainment of SDG 3.
Automatic 3D dense phenotyping provides reliable and accurate shape quantification of the human mandible
Authors: Verhelst Pieter-Jan , Matthews H. , Verstraete L. , Van der Cruyssen F. , Mulier D. , Croonenborghs T. M. , Da Costa O. , Smeets M. , Fieuws S. , Shaheen E. , Jacobs R. , Claes P. , Politis C. , Peeters H.
Published: April 2021

Automatic craniomaxillofacial (CMF) three dimensional (3D) dense phenotyping promises quantification of the complete CMF shape compared to the limiting use of sparse landmarks in classical phenotyping. This study assesses the accuracy and reliability of this new approach on the human mandible. Classic and automatic phenotyping techniques were applied on 30 unaltered and 20 operated human mandibles. Seven observers indicated 26 anatomical landmarks on each mandible three times. All mandibles were subjected to three rounds of automatic phenotyping using Meshmonk. The toolbox performed non-rigid surface registration of a template mandibular mesh consisting of 17,415 quasi landmarks on each target mandible and the quasi landmarks corresponding to the 26 anatomical locations of interest were identified. Repeated-measures reliability was assessed using root mean square (RMS) distances of repeated landmark indications to their centroid. Automatic phenotyping showed very low RMS distances confirming excellent repeated-measures reliability. The average Euclidean distance between manual and corresponding automatic landmarks was 1.40 mm for the unaltered and 1.76 mm for the operated sample. Centroid sizes from the automatic and manual shape configurations were highly similar with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of > 0.99. Reproducibility coefficients for centroid size were < 2 mm, accounting for < 1% of the total variability of the centroid size of the mandibles in this sample. ICC’s for the multivariate set of 325 interlandmark distances were all > 0.90 indicating again high similarity between shapes quantified by classic or automatic phenotyping. Combined, these findings established high accuracy and repeated-measures reliability of the automatic approach. 3D dense CMF phenotyping of the human mandible using the Meshmonk toolbox introduces a novel improvement in quantifying CMF shape.
Hepatic differentiation of human embryonic stem cells by coupling substrate stiffness and microtopography
Authors: Luo Chunhua , Lü Dongyuan , Zheng Lu , Zhang Fan , Zhang Xiao , Lü Shouqin , Zhang Chen , Jia Xiaohua , Shu Xinyu , Li Peiwen , Li Zhan , Long Mian
Published: April 2021

Substrate stiffness dominates and topography assists hepatic differentiation of hESCs, and the resulting HLCs exhibit hepatocyte functions and repair liver injury.
Crystalline assembly of metal–organic polyhedra driven by ionic interactions with polyoxometalates
Authors: Le Ouay Benjamin , Yoshino Haruka , Sasaki Kenta , Ohtsubo Yuta , Ohtani Ryo , Ohba Masaaki
Published: April 2021

A series of crystalline porous materials was prepared by self-assembly of cationic metal–organic polyhedra with polyoxometalates.
Transparent and flexible resins functionalized by lanthanide-based upconversion nanocrystals
Authors: Wang Yao , Low Jingxiang , Bi Yafei , Bai Yu , Chen Yonghu , Long Ran , Xiong Yujie
Published: April 2021

This study functionalizes transparent and flexible resins with upconversion nanocrystals to endow them with the unique ability of converting near-infrared (NIR) radiation into visible light, which are expected to accelerate the utilization of NIR.
A novel visible light sensing and recording system enabled by integration of photodetector and electrochromic devices
Authors: Wu Wenqiang , Zhou Mengmeng , Li Dong , Li Shengman , Yang Zheng , Huo Zhihao , Wu Yanqing , Tan Yongwen , Han Xun , Pan Caofeng , Pan Anlian
Published: April 2021

A novel visible light sensing and recording system was fabricated by the integration of photodetectors with electrochromic devices, which achieves the recording of visible light patterns in the form of color display.
Linking melem with conjugated Schiff-base bonds to boost photocatalytic efficiency of carbon nitride for overall water splitting
Authors: Liu Hu , Shen Mengqi , Zhou Peng , Guo Zhi , Liu Xinyang , Yang Weiwei , Gao Manyi , Chen Min , Guan Huanqin , Padture Nitin P. , Yu Yongsheng , Guo Shaojun , Sun Shouheng
Published: April 2021

The g-CxN4-based photocatalyst with melem rings conjugated by Schiff-base bonds, in which the melem rings and Schiff-base bonds act as oxidizing and reducing centers, respectively, achieves record-high overall water splitting photocatalysis.
Synthesis of alkyl polyglycosides using SO3H-functionalized ionic liquids as catalysts
Authors: Wu Wenliang , Gao Hongshuai , Hai Bin , Wang Binqi , Yu Min , Nie Yi
Published: April 2021

Alkyl polyglycosides (APG), produced from glucose and fatty alcohols, are one kind of renewable green non-ionic surfactants. It is of great significance to develop a green catalyst reaction system for synthesis of alkyl polyglycosides.
Rational design of Ti-based oxygen redox layered oxides for advanced sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Lee Jaewoon , Koo Sojung , Lee Jinwoo , Kim Duho
Published: April 2021

Rational design of Ti-based layered oxides, enabling the utilization of oxygen redox for advanced sodium-ion batteries.
Evidence for limited compositional and particle size variation on asteroid (101955) Bennu from thermal infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Hamilton V. E. , Christensen P. R. , Kaplan H. H. , Haberle C. W. , Rogers A. D. , Glotch T. D. , Breitenfeld L. B. , Goodrich C. A. , Schrader D. L. , McCoy T. J. , Lantz C. , Hanna R. D. , Simon A. A. , Brucato J. R. , Clark B. E. , Lauretta D. S.
Published: April 2021

Context.Asteroid (101955) Bennu is the target of NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security–Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission. The spacecraft’s instruments have characterized Bennu at global and local scales to select a sampling site and provide context for the sample that will be returned to Earth. These observations include thermal infrared spectral characterization by the OSIRIS-REx Thermal Emission Spectrometer (OTES).

Aims.To understand the degree of compositional and particle size variation on Bennu, and thereby predict the nature of the returned sample, we studied OTES spectra, which are diagnostic of these properties.

Methods.We created and mapped spectral indices and compared them with the distribution of geomorphic features. Comparison to laboratory spectra of aqueously altered carbonaceous chondrites constrains the amount of compositional variability that is observable.

Results.The OTES spectra exhibit two end-member shapes (or types), and compositional variability appears limited at the spatial resolution of the observations. The global distribution of these spectral types corresponds with the locations of regions composed of (i) large, dark, relatively rough boulders and (ii) relatively smooth regions lacking large boulders.

Conclusions.The two spectral types appear to be diagnostic primarily of particle size variations, with contributions from other properties. The spectra resemble experimental data of solid substrates with very thin accumulations (a few to tens of microns) of fine particles (<~65–100 μm). The dustier surfaces commonly correspond with rougher rocks that may produce and/or act as traps for the particles. Anhydrous silicates are limited in abundance, and the bulk mineralogy is consistent with the most aqueously altered carbonaceous chondrites. We expect the returned samples to include these physical and mineralogical characteristics.
Population synthesis on ultra-luminous X-ray sources with an accreting neutron star: Wind Roche-lobe overflow cases
Authors: Zuo Zhao-Yu , Song Hao-Tian , Xue Han-Chen
Published: April 2021

Very recently, wind Roche-lobe overflow (WRLOF) has been suggested as a possible mass transfer mechanism for ultra-luminous X-ray sources (ULXs) and, to date, two neutron-star (NS) ULXs (i.e., NGC 7793 P13 and NGC 300 ULX-1) are remarkable and hard to understand in the current, usual RLOF picture. In this work, we test if the two sources could fit into the WRLOF paradigm. By using an evolutionary population synthesis method, we modeled the population of NS ULXs with (super)giant donors, taking the WRLOF accretion mode into account. We find that the population of wind-fed NS ULXs in the WRLOF mode is distinct in numbers and binary parameters from that in the traditional Bondi-Hoyle-Lyttleton mode, and it is strongly metallicity dependent. The number of NS ULXs with (super)giant donors can be enhanced greatly, by one or two orders of magnitude, depending on the metallicity adopted. Sources with massive (∼15−40 M⊙) (super)giant donors dominate wind-fed NS ULXs in the very low metallicities, while sources in near solar cases are dominated by a red supergiant with a lower mass M2 <  10 M⊙ instead. Moreover, the two NS ULXs can be well reproduced in the WRLOF paradigm, which significantly enriches our understanding of the nature of ULXs and the population. We also present the current distributions of binary parameters of wind-fed NS ULXs, which may be further testified by future high-resolution optical and X-ray observations of these populations.
The perigranitic W-Au Salau deposit (Pyrenees, France): polyphase genesis of a late Variscan intrusion related deposit
Authors: Poitrenaud Thomas , Marcoux Éric , Augier Romain , Poujol Marc
Published: April 2021

A field study combined with a laboratory study and 3D modeling have been performed in order to decipher the genesis of the Salau deposit W-Au mineralization (Pyrenees, France), one of the most important for tungsten in Europe. Results show the existence of two superimposed ore types, emplaced ca. 10 km depth and within decreasing temperature conditions: a calcic silicates skarn with rare scheelite and disseminated sulphides followed by a mineralized breccia with massive sulphides (pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite dominant), coarse-grained scheelite and gold, representing the main part of the ore mined in the past. This breccia is localized in ductile-brittle shear-zones which crosscut the granodiorite. U/Pb dating on zircon, apatite and scheelite, previously realized, confirmed this polyphase evolution. These two types of mineralization, linked to the emplacement of two successive intrusions as confirmed by sulphur isotopic analysis, granodioritic then leucogranitic, can be classified as belonging to the Intrusion-Related Gold Deposit type (IRGD). The emplacement of the high-grade gold and scheelite breccia was initiated by the progressive localization of the regional deformation in the Axial Zone of the Pyrenees during the Permian within E-W dextral-reverse faults.