bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to C2H4 Production by Inhibiting C2H5OH Desorption from Cu2O/C Composite
Authors: Gao Yugang , Yu Shiqiang , Zhou Peng , Ren Xixi , Wang Zeyan , Zheng Zhaoke , Wang Peng , Cheng Hefeng , Liu Yuanyuan , Wei Wei , Dai Ying , Huang Baibiao
Published: December 2021

The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) has great potential in realizing carbon recycling while storing sustainable electricity as hydrocarbon fuels. However, it is still a challenge to enhance the selectivity of the CO2RR to single multi‐carbon (C2+) product, such as C2H4. Here, an effective method is proposed to improve C2H4 selectivity by inhibiting the production of the other competitive C2 products, namely C2H5OH, from Cu2O/C composite. Density functional theory indicates that the heterogeneous structure between Cu2O and carbon is expected to inhibit C2H5OH production and promote CC coupling, which facilitates C2H4 production. To prove this, a composite electrode containing octahedral Cu2O nanoparticles (NPs) (o‐Cu2O) with {111} facets and carbon NPs is constructed, which experimentally inhibits C2H5OH production while strongly enhancing C2H4 selectivity compared with o‐Cu2O electrode. Furthermore, the surface hydroxylation of carbon can further improve the C2H4 production of o‐Cu2O/C electrode, exhibiting a high C2H4 Faradaic efficiency of 67% and a high C2H4 current density of 45 mA cm−2 at −1.1 V in a near‐neutral electrolyte. This work provides a new idea to improve C2+ selectivity by controlling products desorption.
Synergetic Chemistry and Interface Engineering of Hydrogel Electrolyte to Strengthen Durability of Solid‐State Zn–Air Batteries
Authors: Tang Kun , Fu Jimin , Wu Mingzai , Hua Tao , Liu Jun , Song Li , Hu Haibo
Published: December 2021

For the challenging pursuit of high energy efficiency and mechanical tolerance in flexible solid‐state Zn‐air batteries (FSZABs), a hydrogel electrolyte (HE) consisting of dual‐network crosslinked polyacrylic acid‐Fe3+‐chitosan (PAA‐Fe3+‐CS) polymer host infiltrated with a mixed aqueous electrolyte of NH4Cl and ZnCl2 is developed. The absorbed near‐neutral electrolyte renders the HE high ionic conductivity but low corrosiveness to both electrocatalysts and Zn metal anode (ZMA), ensuring more stable Zn‐OH‐O2 chemistry compared to that in strong alkaline electrolyte and thus endowing the assembled FSZABs with a landmark cycle life up to 120 h (5 mA cm−2). More intriguingly, the CS molecular beams introduced into the PAA hydrogel backbone will precipitate and fold subjecting to the Hofmeister effect when saturated with the near‐neutral electrolyte, which can effectively enhance the interfacial adhesion strength of the HE on both air cathode and ZMA, achieving reliable and robust bonding between them. Thus, the FSZABs simultaneously exhibited a superior tolerance to repeated mechanical deformation during operation, allowing more than 360 continuous bending‐recovery cycles without any decline in voltage efficiency. The ingenious chemistry and interface synergetic engineering on the crucial HEs provides a rational methodology to realize boosted electrochemical and mechanical durability of FSZABs forward for future practical implementation.
Circular economy of food waste: A literature review
Authors: Ouro‐Salim Omar , Guarnieri Patrícia
Published: December 2021

The current linear economy, inherited from the 19th‐century industrial revolution, has reached its limit due to the depletion of natural resources. In this context, the notion of circular economy (CE) emerged, which is regenerative and restorative. It deals with the transformation of waste or garbage into other value‐added resources. This paper aims to discuss the issue of food waste from the perspective of the CE. It was evident that there is a more significant accumulation of papers published in developed countries than in developing countries on the CE of food waste. The Systematic Literature Review (SLR) raises research gaps and suggestions for future work and offers actionable inferences for practice. We found that researchers focused their studies more on the economic and environmental impacts of the CE than on the social implications in food supply chains. This paper can contribute to academics and practitioners interested in this area of study because it identifies research gaps and avenues for future studies.
Effects of vitamin D3 injection in close‐up period on insulin resistance and energy balance in transition dairy cows
Authors: Hassanabadi Morteza , Mohri Mehrdad , Seifi Hesam. A.
Published: December 2021

Background

Many studies in dairy cows are towards calcium homeostasis and there is a lack of knowledge about the effect of vitamin D in preventing insulin resistance and improving energy balance in the transition period of dairy cows.

Methods

The trial was conducted in a commercial dairy farm with about 1500 lactating cows in Tehran province, Iran. Twenty‐four Holstein cows had been randomly selected and divided into control and treatment groups. In the treatment group, 12 cows, received a single dose of 8,000,000 IU vitamin D3 intramuscularly and in the control group, 12 cows were injected placebo (distilled water) 2–8 days before the expected calving time. Blood samples were collected between 8 and 10 AM 2 h after feeding on 21 and 7 days before calving and 1,3,7,15 and 30 days after calving. 25(OH)vitamin D, insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), insulin, nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), β‐hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), albumin, total protein, glucose, urea, triglyceride, cholesterol and aspartate amino transferase (AST) were measured by commercially available kits. The insulin resistance index was calculated.

Results

Vitamin D3 injection significantly affected the amounts of 25(OH) vitamin D, urea, insulin and insulin resistance index (p ≤ 0.05). On the other hand, the amounts of glucose, NEFA, BHBA concentration and AST activity were higher in control group (p ≤ 0.05). Time had a significant effect on the amounts of most measured variables except IGF‐1 and insulin. There were no group and time interactions for measured variables.

Conclusion

It seems that injection of vitamin D3 in close up period influenced lipolysis potentially modifying energy metabolism and resulted in reducing insulin resistance.
Experimental Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Aspiration-Based Techniques to Treat Different Types of Acute Thromboembolic Occlusions in the Femoropopliteal Vascular System Using an In Vitro Flow Model
Authors: Aludin Schekeb , Schäfer Philipp Jost , Borzikowsky Christoph , Jansen Olav , Pfarr Julian , Berndt Rouven , Rusch René , Trentmann Jens
Published: December 2021

Purpose

In this in vitro study, the effectiveness and safety of four aspiration-based techniques for thrombectomy are evaluated for three types of thrombi in a flow model simulating the femoropopliteal segment.

Material and Methods

Red, white, and mixed thrombi were produced in a standardized manner and used to simulate occlusion of a superficial femoral artery using a pulsatile flow model. Four techniques were compared: aspiration alone, aspiration + stent retriever, exposing thrombus to laser by an excimer laser system and a laser catheter + aspiration, and aspiration + mechanical fragmentation by a separator. Rate of first-pass recanalization, embolic events, and number of embolized fragments > 1 mm were compared.

Results

Aspiration alone, stent retriever, laser, and separator differed in rates of first-pass recanalization (53.3%; 86.6%; 20%; and 100%) and embolic events (40%; 93.3%; 73.3%; and 60%). Number of embolized fragments was lowest with aspiration and higher with separator, laser, and stent retriever. Rates of first-pass-recanalization (75%; 75%; and 45%) and embolic events (65%; 60%; and 75%) differed for red, white, and mixed thrombi. The mixed thrombus caused the highest number of embolized fragments, which was particularly high using the stent retriever.

Conclusion

Additional use of mechanical techniques significantly enhances the effectiveness of thrombectomy but simultaneously provokes more embolism. Laser seems to negatively alter the structure of a thrombus and thus diminishes the effectiveness, while provoking embolism. All techniques had lowest effectiveness, but highest embolism with the mixed thrombus. This was particularly striking when a stent retriever was used with the mixed thrombus.
Die Verfassungsmäßigkeit der sog. 10-H-Regelung in Art. 82 BayBO: Eine Neubewertung nach dem Klima-Beschluss des BVerfG
Authors: Faßbender Kurt
Published: December 2021

Gegenstand des nachfolgenden Beitrags ist die Frage der Verfassungsmäßigkeit der sog. 10-H-Regelung
in Art. 82 der Bayerischen Bauordnung (BayBO). Dabei weist das Gutachten nach, dass diese – bislang
in der Rechtsprechung nur vom Bayerischen Verfassungsgerichtshof aus der Perspektive der Verfassung des
Freistaates Bayern näher geprüfte – Frage nach dem sog. Klima-Beschluss des BVerfG vom
24.3.2021 neu bewertet werden muss.
Agent-based modeling and life cycle dynamics of COVID-19-related online collective actions
Authors: Zhang Gang , Li Hao , He Rong , Lu Peng
Published: December 2021

The outbreak of COVID-19 has greatly threatened global public health and produced social problems, which includes relative online collective actions. Based on the life cycle law, focusing on the life cycle process of COVID-19 online collective actions, we carried out both macro-level analysis (big data mining) and micro-level behaviors (Agent-Based Modeling) on pandemic-related online collective actions. We collected 138 related online events with macro-level big data characteristics, and used Agent-Based Modeling to capture micro-level individual behaviors of netizens. We set two kinds of movable agents, Hots (events) and Netizens (individuals), which behave smartly and autonomously. Based on multiple simulations and parametric traversal, we obtained the optimal parameter solution. Under the optimal solutions, we repeated simulations by ten times, and took the mean values as robust outcomes. Simulation outcomes well match the real big data of life cycle trends, and validity and robustness can be achieved. According to multiple criteria (spans, peaks, ratios, and distributions), the fitness between simulations and real big data has been substantially supported. Therefore, our Agent-Based Modeling well grasps the micro-level mechanisms of real-world individuals (netizens), based on which we can predict individual behaviors of netizens and big data trends of specific online events. Based on our model, it is feasible to model, calculate, and even predict evolutionary dynamics and life cycles trends of online collective actions. It facilitates public administrations and social governance.
John Lewis and the Durability of Transcendent Race Politics
Authors: Gillespie Andra
Published: December 2021

John Lewis's civil rights activism in the 1960s often obscures the fact that he won elective office as a racially moderate politician. Scholars have long noted the efficacy of using deracialized, or racially transcendent, campaign strategies to get elected, despite normative concerns. These strategies were critical to electing Black governors, senators, and even President Obama. However, in the age of Black Lives Matter, some have questioned the continued usefulness of the strategy. Using Rep. Lewis's life as a guide, I examine the ways that some Black politicians continue to use deracialization, even in this racially charged social and political moment, and I explain how younger cohorts of Black politicians challenge this approach. Ultimately, I argue that while deracialization is a contested strategy, its efficacy has not diminished. Rather, Black politicians have expanded the boundaries of what constitutes racially transcendent politics to include consensus issues like voting rights, which while highly racialized, are not likely to induce an erosion of support among non-Black Democratic voters.
Validated predictive equations based on tibial length in estimating height for children with cerebral palsy for 2–18 years, across all GMFCS levels
Authors: Mokhy Mahnon Suria , Jamaluddin Rosita , Ismail Abd Rasyid , Sulaiman Norhasmah , Adznam Siti Nur ‘Asyura , Ismail Intan Hakimah , Osman Malina
Published: December 2021

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) typically suffer from congenital deformities, such as scoliosis and contractures, therefore, it is a challenge to measure the stature of CP children. Studies have suggested that predictive equations based on tibia length (TL) may be used as an alternative method in measuring the actual height or stature. The present study aimed to develop and validate predictive equations based on TL for CP children in Malaysia across all five levels of gross motor functions (GMFCS I to V) through a cross-sectional study. All subjects were recruited from Hospitals and Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) in the central and southern regions of Malaysia. Two predictive equation models were developed using multiple linear regression. For Model 1, the predictive equation was developed based on TL. On the other hand, Model 2 was developed based on TL with age was included. A flexible Seca measuring tape was used to measure the stature and TL. CP children aged 2–18 years were classified into the equation development group (EDG), n 177 and the validation group (VG), n 139. Model 1, Height = 32⋅3 + 3⋅14 (TL), demonstrated a strong correlation with the actual height (R2 0⋅834), small SEE (1⋅42), and high intra correlation coefficient (0⋅929). The findings suggested that Model 1 was more accurate in estimating the height of CP children aged 2–18 years. This model was shown to suit the Malaysian population and applicable across all GMFCS levels.
Why Pandemics Matter to the History of U.S. State Development
Authors: Colbrook Stephen
Published: December 2021

When a new strain of influenza circled the globe in the fall and winter of 1918, it swept through the United States at terrifying speed, infecting at least 25 million Americans—roughly one-quarter of the population—over the next two years. Based on any metric, the pandemic was the country's largest mass-mortality episode of the twentieth century, killing approximately 675,000 Americans and surpassing the death toll of World War I. Even as the virus struck the United States with unprecedented ferocity, however, the federal government left most public health decisions to the states, producing a disjointed and hyper-localized approach to a crisis that was national and global in scope. In the absence of a strong federal role, state governments carved out their own policy paths, adopting widely divergent strategies to stem the spread of the disease. This preventive playing field was wildly uneven. Some states were well-equipped with robust public health infrastructures; others lacked the tools to manage the disease's rampant spread.
Simulating infrared spectro-photometric surveys with a Spritz
Authors: Bisigello L. , Gruppioni C. , Calura F. , Feltre A. , Pozzi F. , Vignali C. , Barchiesi L. , Rodighiero G. , Negrello M. , Carrera F. J. , Dasyra K. M. , Fernández-Ontiveros J. A. , Giard M. , Hatziminaoglou E. , Kaneda H. , Lusso E. , Pereira-Santaella M. , Pérez González P. G. , Ricci C. , Schaerer D. , Spinoglio L. , Wang L.
Published: December 2021

Mid- and far-infrared (IR) photometric and spectroscopic observations are fundamental to a full understanding of the dust-obscured Universe and the evolution of both star formation and black hole accretion in galaxies. In this work, using the specifications of the SPace Infrared telescope for Cosmology and Astrophysics (SPICA) as a baseline, we investigate the capability to study the dust-obscured Universe of mid- and far-IR photometry at 34 and$70\, {\rm{\mu }}\mathrm{m}$and low-resolution spectroscopy at$17{-}36\, {\rm{\mu }}\mathrm{m}$using the state-of-the-art Spectro-Photometric Realisations of Infrared-selected Targets at all-z(Spritz) simulation. This investigation is also compared to the expected performance of the Origins Space Telescope and the Galaxy Evolution Probe. The photometric view of the Universe of a SPICA-like mission could cover not only bright objects (e.g.$L_{IR}>10^{12}\,{\rm L}_{\odot}$) up to${z}=10$, but also normal galaxies ($L_{IR}<10^{11}\,{\rm L}_{\odot}$) up to$\textit{z}\sim4$. At the same time, the spectroscopic observations of such mission could also allow us to estimate the redshifts and study the physical properties for thousands of star-forming galaxies and active galactic nuclei by observing the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and a large set of IR nebular emission lines. In this way, a cold, 2.5-m size space telescope with spectro-photometric capability analogous to SPICA, could provide us with a complete three-dimensional (i.e. images and integrated spectra) view of the dust-obscured Universe and the physics governing galaxy evolution up to$\textit{z}\sim4$.
Chronic aerobic exercise prevents high-fructose diet-induced impairment in blood pressure in healthy young adults: a double-blind, randomised clinical trial
Authors: Vieira Alexandra Ferreira , Moritz Cesar Eduardo Jacintho , Ramis Thiago Rozales , Boeno Francesco Pinto , dos Santos Gabriela Cristina , Lisboa Salime Chedid , Teodoro Juliana Lopes , Costa Rochelle Rocha , Macedo Rodrigo Cauduro Oliveira , Reischak-Oliveira Alvaro
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the study was to verify the effect of 4 weeks of a high-fructose diet (HFD) associated with aerobic training on the risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. Twenty-one young adults were randomised into three groups: HFD (HFD: 1 g/kg body weight of fructose/day), high-glucose diet (HGD: 1 g/kg body weight of glucose/day) and high-fructose diet and exercise (HFDE: 1 g/kg body weight of fructose/day + 3 weekly 60-minute sessions of aerobic exercise). Before and after the 4 weeks of the intervention, blood samples were taken and flow-mediated dilatation, insulin resistance index, pancreatic beta cell functional capacity index, insulin sensitivity index and 24-h blood pressure were evaluated. HFD showed an increase in uric acid concentrations (P = 0·040), and HGD and HFDE groups showed no changes in this outcome between pre- and post-intervention; however, the HFDE group showed increased uric acid concentrations from the middle to the end of the intervention (P = 0·013). In addition, the HFD group showed increases in nocturnal systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P = 0·022) and nocturnal diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P = 0·009). The HGD group exhibited decreases in nocturnal SBP (P = 0·028) and nocturnal DBP (P = 0·031), and the HFDE group showed a decrease in 24-h SBP (P = 0·018). The consumption of 1 g/kg of fructose per day may increase uric acid concentrations and blood pressure in adults. Additionally, aerobic exercises along with fructose consumption attenuate changes in uric acid concentrations and prevent impairment in nocturnal blood pressure.
Consumption of ultra-processed foods and the eating location: can they be associated?
Authors: Souza Thays Nascimento , Andrade Giovanna Calixto , Rauber Fernanda , Levy Renata Bertazzi , da Costa Louzada Maria Laura
Published: December 2021

Studies indicate that eating locations can influence food choices. However, the relationship with ultra-processed foods has been little explored. The objective was to assess the association between eating locations and ultra-processed foods consumption in the UK in 2014–2016. Data from 2,449 individuals aged 4 years or older from the NDNS were analysed cross-sectionally. Food consumption information was collected through 4-day food diaries. Recorded foods were classified into NOVA system. The eating locations were grouped into nine categories (home, institutional places, sit-down restaurants, on the go, coffee shops, leisure and sports clubs, fast food, friends and relatives’ house, and other places). Linear regression models were carried out. The coefficients represent the increment in the contribution of ultra-processed foods to total energy intake for each percentage point increase in the contribution of each eating location to total energy intake. Among children, consumption at home was inversely associated with ultra-processed foods consumption (β: −0.10; 95% CI −0.17, −0.03), while in leisure and sports places (0.47; 0.20, 0.73) directly associated. For adolescents, eating at home (−0.12; −0.19, −0.05) was inversely associated with the consumption of ultra-processed foods, as well as sit-down restaurants (−0.21; −0.38, −0.03). Fast food (0.29; 0.12, 0.47) were directly associated with the consumption of ultra-processed foods for adolescents. Finally, for adults, sit-down restaurants (−0.13; −0.22, −0.03) showed to be inversely associated with the consumption of ultra-processed foods while in fast food restaurants (0.77; 0.38, 1.17) it was directly associated. Our results showed that the eating locations have different impacts on diet quality.
When the Canaanite Conquest Met the Enlightenment: How Christian Apologists of the English Enlightenment Harmonized the Biblical Canaanite Conquest with the Moral Values of the Eighteenth Century
Authors: Williams Daniel K.
Published: December 2021

This article examines British and American Christian apologists’ reinterpretation of the biblical account of the Canaanite conquest in response to concerns about natural rights and ethical behavior that emerged from the English Enlightenment. Because of Enlightenment-era assumptions about universal rights, a new debate emerged in Britain and America in the eighteenth century about whether the divine order for the biblical Israelites to slaughter the Canaanites was morally right. The article argues that intellectually minded Christians’ appropriation of Enlightenment values to reframe their interpretation of the biblical narrative (often in response to skeptical attacks from writers classified as deists) demonstrates that in the English-speaking world, Enlightenment rationalism and Christian orthodoxy frequently reinforced each other and were not opposing forces. Though many orthodox Christians repudiated traditional Calvinist interpretations of the biblical Canaanite conquest, they defended the authority of the biblical narrative by drawing on Enlightenment-era assumptions about natural rights to provide justifications for what some skeptics considered morally objectionable divine orders in the Bible. By doing so, they set the framework for the continued synthesis of natural rights and rationality with a biblically centered Protestantism in the early nineteenth-century English-speaking world and especially in the United States.
Reformed Monasticism and the Narrative of Cistercian Beginnings
Authors: Newman Martha G.
Published: December 2021

This essay explores the ongoing debates about the character of early Cistercian monasticism, the dating of early Cistercian documents, and assumptions about the Cistercians’ place in eleventh- and twelfth-century monastic “reform.” It analyzes the Cistercians’ narratives of their foundation in relation to particular moments in the twelfth-century history of the order, drawing on and elaborating recent theories about the dating of these documents. Although the Cistercians often seem the quintessential example of “reformed monasticism,” this essay argues that the earliest Cistercians did not present themselves as reformers but only gradually developed a rhetoric of reform over the course of the twelfth century. Finally, it suggests that reform is less a specific set of changes than it is a rhetorical use of the past that authenticates current practices and affirms that these interpretations of the past must be right and true.
Impact of Specific Emergency Measures on Survival in Out-of-Hospital Traumatic Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Savary Dominique , Morin François , Douillet Delphine , Drouet Adrien , Ageron François Xavier , Charvet Romain , Carneiro Bruno , Metton Pierre , Fadel Marc , Descatha Alexis
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

The management of out-of-hospital traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) for professional rescuers entails Advanced Life Support (ALS) with specific actions to treat the potential reversible causes of the arrest: hypovolemia, hypoxemia, tension pneumothorax (TPx), and tamponade. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of specific rescue measures on short-term outcomes in the context of resuscitating patients with a TCA.

Methods:

This retrospective study concerns all TCA patients treated in two emergency medical units, which are part of the Northern French Alps Emergency Network (RENAU), from January 2004 through December 2017. Utstein variables and specific rescue measures in TCA were compiled: fluid expansion, pelvic stabilization, tourniquet application, bilateral thoracostomy, and thoracotomy procedures. The primary endpoint was survival rate at Day 30 with good neurological status (Cerebral Performance Category [CPC] score CPC 1 and CPC 2).

Results:

In total, 287 resuscitation attempts in TCA were included and 279 specific interventions were identified: 262 fluid expansions, 41 pelvic stabilizations, five tourniquets, and 175 bilateral thoracostomies (including 44 with TPx).

Conclusion:

Among the standard resuscitation measures to treat the reversible causes of cardiac arrest, this study found that bilateral thoracostomy and tourniquet application on a limb hemorrhage improve survival in TCA. A larger sample for pelvic stabilization is needed.
Plebiscites: a tool for dictatorship
Authors: Penadés Alberto , Velasco Sergio
Published: December 2021

The comparative study of authoritarianism has neglected plebiscites, and the comparative study of referendums tends to see in them a form of direct democracy regardless of the regime. We conceptualize dictatorial plebiscites as a genuine authoritarian tool, as part of a repressive strategy with the objective of hindering internal regime rivals and discouraging the coordination of the external opposition. We provide empirical evidence from dictatorships for the period 1946–2008 that is compatible with our expectations.
Goal-Based Binding of Irrelevant Stimulus Features for Action Slips
Authors: Foerster Anna , Rothermund Klaus , Parmar Juhi Jayesh , Moeller Birte , Frings Christian , Pfister Roland
Published: December 2021

Abstract. Binding between representations of stimuli and actions and later retrieval of these compounds provide efficient shortcuts in action control. Recent observations indicate that these mechanisms are not only effective when action episodes go as planned, but they also seem to be at play when actions go awry. Moreover, the human cognitive system even corrects traces of error commission on the fly because it binds the intended but not actually executed response to concurrent task-relevant stimuli, thus enabling retrieval of a correct, but not actually executed response when encountering the stimulus again. However, a plausible alternative interpretation of this finding is that error commission triggers selective strengthening of the instructed stimulus–response mapping instead, thus promoting its efficient application in the future. The experiment presented here makes an unequivocal case for episodic binding and retrieval in erroneous action episodes by showing binding between task-irrelevant stimuli and correct responses.
Decadal Variability of Southeast US Rainfall in an Eddying Global Coupled Model
Authors: Zhang Wei , Kirtman Ben , Siqueira Leo , Xiang Baoqiang , Infanti Johnna , Perlin Natalie
Published: December 2021

Ocean variability is a dominant source of remote rainfall predictability, but in many cases the physical mechanisms driving this predictability are not fully understood. This study examines how ocean mesoscales (i.e., the Gulf Stream SST front) affect decadal Southeast US (SEUS) rainfall, arguing that the local imprint of large‐scale teleconnections is sensitive to resolved mesoscale features. Based on global coupled model experiments with eddying and eddy‐parameterizing ocean, we find that a resolved Gulf Stream improves localized rainfall and remote circulation response in the SEUS. The eddying model generally improves the air‐sea interactions in the Gulf Stream and the North Atlantic Subtropical High that modulate SEUS rainfall over decadal timescales. The eddy‐parameterizing simulation fails to capture the sharp SST gradient associated with the Gulf Stream and overestimates the role of tropical Pacific SST anomalies in the SEUS rainfall.
Cyanobacteria and Algae Meet at the Limits of Their Habitat Ranges in Moderately Acidic Hot Springs
Authors: Fecteau Kristopher M. , Boyd Eric S. , Lindsay Melody R. , Amenabar Maximiliano J. , Robinson Kirtland J. , Debes R. Vincent , Shock Everett L.
Published: December 2021

Microbial oxygenic photosynthesis in thermal habitats is thought to be performed by Bacteria in circumneutral to alkaline systems (pH > 6) and by Eukarya in acidic systems (pH < 3), yet the predominant oxygenic phototrophs in thermal environments with pH values intermediate to these extremes have received little attention. Sequencing of 16S and 18S rRNA genes was performed on samples from twelve hot springs in Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, USA) with pH values from 3.0 to 5.5, revealing that Cyanobacteria of the genus Chlorogloeopsis and algae of the genus Cyanidioschyzon (phylum Rhodophyta) coexisted in ten of these springs. Cyanobacterial 16S rRNA genes were more abundant than rhodophyte 18S rRNA genes by 1–7 orders of magnitude, with rhodophyte template abundance approaching that of Cyanobacteria only at the most acidic sites. The ketocarotenoids echinenone and canthaxanthin were identified in samples from all but one spring yielding cyanobacterial sequences and are attributed to pigment synthesis by Cyanobacteria, whereas the absence of detectable chloroplast sequences affiliated with Cyanidioschyzon, pH and temperatures in excess of its limits for growth, and other observations collectively suggested these algae were inactive in many of the springs at the time of sampling. Fluctuations in the supply of meteoric water likely contribute to physicochemical variability in these springs, leading to transitions in microbial community composition. Spatial overlap, but perhaps not temporal overlap, in the habitat ranges of bacterial and eukaryal oxygenic phototrophs indicates that the notion of a sharp transition between these lineages with respect to pH is unwarranted.
Anxiety and depressive symptoms in college students during the late stage of the COVID-19 outbreak: a network approach
Authors: Bai Wei , Cai Hong , Liu Shou , Chen Xu , Sha Sha , Cheung Teris , Lin Jessie Jingxia , Cui Xiling , Ng Chee H. , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: December 2021

Mental health problems are common in college students even in the late stage of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Network analysis is a novel approach to explore interactions of mental disorders at the symptom level. The aim of this study was to elucidate characteristics of depressive and anxiety symptoms network in college students in the late stage of the COVID-19 outbreak. A total of 3062 college students were included. The seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to measure anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively. Central symptoms and bridge symptoms were identified based on centrality and bridge centrality indices, respectively. Network stability was examined using the case-dropping procedure. The strongest direct relation was between anxiety symptoms “Nervousness” and “Uncontrollable worry”. “Fatigue” has the highest node strength in the anxiety and depression network, followed by “Excessive worry”, “Trouble relaxing”, and “Uncontrollable worry”. “Motor” showed the highest bridge strength, followed by “Feeling afraid” and “Restlessness”. The whole network was robust in both stability and accuracy tests. Central symptoms “Fatigue”, “Excessive worry”, “Trouble relaxing” and “Uncontrollable worry”, and critical bridge symptoms “Motor”, “Feeling afraid” and “Restlessness” were highlighted in this study. Targeting interventions to these symptoms may be important to effectively alleviate the overall level of anxiety and depressive symptoms in college students.
Spatiotemporal droplet dispersion measurements demonstrate face masks reduce risks from singing
Authors: Ho Kai Man Alexander , Davies Hywel , Epstein Ruth , Bassett Paul , Hogan Áine , Kabir Yusuf , Rubin John , Shin Gee Yen , Reid Jonathan P. , Torii Ryo , Tiwari Manish K. , Balachandran Ramanarayanan , Lovat Laurence B.
Published: December 2021

COVID-19 has restricted singing in communal worship. We sought to understand variations in droplet transmission and the impact of wearing face masks. Using rapid laser planar imaging, we measured droplets while participants exhaled, said ‘hello’ or ‘snake’, sang a note or ‘Happy Birthday’, with and without surgical face masks. We measured mean velocity magnitude (MVM), time averaged droplet number (TADN) and maximum droplet number (MDN). Multilevel regression models were used. In 20 participants, sound intensity was 71 dB for speaking and 85 dB for singing (p < 0.001). MVM was similar for all tasks with no clear hierarchy between vocal tasks or people and > 85% reduction wearing face masks. Droplet transmission varied widely, particularly for singing. Masks decreased TADN by 99% (p < 0.001) and MDN by 98% (p < 0.001) for singing and 86–97% for other tasks. Masks reduced variance by up to 48%. When wearing a mask, neither singing task transmitted more droplets than exhaling. In conclusion, wide variation exists for droplet production. This significantly reduced when wearing face masks. Singing during religious worship wearing a face mask appears as safe as exhaling or talking. This has implications for UK public health guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deep learning based classification of dynamic processes in time-resolved X-ray tomographic microscopy
Authors: Bührer Minna , Xu Hong , Hendriksen Allard A. , Büchi Felix N. , Eller Jens , Stampanoni Marco , Marone Federica
Published: December 2021

Time-resolved X-ray tomographic microscopy is an invaluable technique to investigate dynamic processes in 3D for extended time periods. Because of the limited signal-to-noise ratio caused by the short exposure times and sparse angular sampling frequency, obtaining quantitative information through post-processing remains challenging and requires intensive manual labor. This severely limits the accessible experimental parameter space and so, prevents fully exploiting the capabilities of the dedicated time-resolved X-ray tomographic stations. Though automatic approaches, often exploiting iterative reconstruction methods, are currently being developed, the required computational costs typically remain high. Here, we propose a highly efficient reconstruction and classification pipeline (SIRT-FBP-MS-D-DIFF) that combines an algebraic filter approximation and machine learning to significantly reduce the computational time. The dynamic features are reconstructed by standard filtered back-projection with an algebraic filter to approximate iterative reconstruction quality in a computationally efficient manner. The raw reconstructions are post-processed with a trained convolutional neural network to extract the dynamic features from the low signal-to-noise ratio reconstructions in a fully automatic manner. The capabilities of the proposed pipeline are demonstrated on three different dynamic fuel cell datasets, one exploited for training and two for testing without network retraining. The proposed approach enables automatic processing of several hundreds of datasets in a single day on a single GPU node readily available at most institutions, so extending the possibilities in future dynamic X-ray tomographic investigations.
Maternal childhood trauma and perinatal distress are related to infants’ focused attention from 6 to 18 months
Authors: Tu Hsing-Fen , Skalkidou Alkistis , Lindskog Marcus , Gredebäck Gustaf
Published: December 2021

Maternal distress is repeatedly reported to have negative impacts on the cognitive development in children and is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g. attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder). However, studies examining the associations between maternal distress and the development of attention in infancy are few. This study investigated the longitudinal relationships between maternal distress (depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and exposure to childhood trauma) and the development of focused attention in infancy in 118 mother-infant dyads. We found that maternal exposure to non-interpersonal traumatic events in childhood was associated with the less focused attention of the infants to audio-visual stimuli at 6, 10, and 18 months. In addition, exposure to interpersonal traumatic events in childhood was identified as a moderator of the negative effect of maternal anxiety during the 2nd trimester on the development of focused attention in infants. We discuss the possible mechanisms accounting for these cross-generational effects. Our findings underscore the importance of maternal mental health to the development of focused attention in infancy and address the need for early screening of maternal mental health during pregnancy.
Computer aided self-regulation learning and cognitive training improve generalization ability of patients with poststroke cognitive impairment
Authors: Youze He , Ting Yang , Yaqi Bao , Tianshen Xiao , Tiecheng Wu , Jingsong Wu
Published: December 2021

Emerging studies suggest the application of self-regulation learning (SRL) to improve generalization abilities in poststroke patients. SRL has been proposed to have an added effect on computer-aided cognitive training (CACT). This study aimed to examine the efficacy of an intervention combining computer-aided SRL (CA-SRL) training and CACT for generalization abilities and cognitive function in patients with poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). A total of 75 patients recruited from a rehabilitation centre were randomly assigned to a CA-SRL group, demonstration learning (DL) group and traditional learning (TL) group. Finally, 72 patients were included in the analysis. Over 3 weeks, the patients in these three groups underwent CA-SRL or DL training combined with cognitive training. After the intervention, all outcomes significantly improved (P < 0.05). The CA-SRL group showed better improvements in all trained tasks among the groups, especially in "wash the dishes" and “change the bed”. The results of the analysis for generalization abilities showed that CA-SRL group patients obtained the highest scores among the groups in untrained tasks. The mean changes in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment in both the CA-SRL and TL groups were significantly higher than those in the DL group (P < 0.001, P = 0.002) after adjusting for education level and Lawton Instrumental ADL Scale score. In general, the combination of CA-SRL and CACT is effective for PSCI patients and has a better effect on promoting skill generalization from cognitive gains than traditional training.
Genomic stability of mouse spermatogonial stem cells in vitro
Authors: Chuma Shinichiro , Kanatsu-Shinohara Mito , Katanaya Ami , Hosokawa Mihoko , Shinohara Takashi
Published: December 2021

Germline mutations underlie genetic diversity and species evolution. Previous studies have assessed the theoretical mutation rates and spectra in germ cells mostly by analyzing genetic markers and reporter genes in populations and pedigrees. This study reported the direct measurement of germline mutations by whole-genome sequencing of cultured spermatogonial stem cells in mice, namely germline stem (GS) cells, together with multipotent GS (mGS) cells that spontaneously dedifferentiated from GS cells. GS cells produce functional sperm that can generate offspring by transplantation into seminiferous tubules, whereas mGS cells contribute to germline chimeras by microinjection into blastocysts in a manner similar to embryonic stem cells. The estimated mutation rate of GS and mGS cells was approximately 0.22 × 10−9 and 1.0 × 10−9 per base per cell population doubling, respectively, indicating that GS cells have a lower mutation rate compared to mGS cells. GS and mGS cells also showed distinct mutation patterns, with C-to-T transition as the most frequent in GS cells and C-to-A transversion as the most predominant in mGS cells. By karyotype analysis, GS cells showed recurrent trisomy of chromosomes 15 and 16, whereas mGS cells frequently exhibited chromosomes 1, 6, 8, and 11 amplifications, suggesting that distinct chromosomal abnormalities confer a selective growth advantage for each cell type in vitro. These data provide the basis for studying germline mutations and a foundation for the future utilization of GS cells for reproductive technology and clinical applications.
BrCNGC gene family in field mustard: genome-wide identification, characterization, comparative synteny, evolution and expression profiling
Authors: Baloch Akram Ali , Raza Agha Muhammad , Rana Shahjahan Shabbir Ahmed , Ullah Saad , Khan Samiullah , Zaib-un-Nisa  , Zahid Humera , Malghani Gohram Khan , Kakar Kaleem U.
Published: December 2021

CNGCs are ligand-gated calcium signaling channels, which participate in important biological processes in eukaryotes. However, the CNGC gene family is not well-investigated in Brassica rapa L. (i.e., field mustard) that is economically important and evolutionary model crop. In this study, we systematically identified 29 member genes in BrCNGC gene family, and studied their physico-chemical properties. The BrCNGC family was classified into four major and two sub phylogenetic groups. These genes were randomly localized on nine chromosomes, and dispersed into three sub-genomes of B. rapa L. Both whole-genome triplication and gene duplication (i.e., segmental/tandem) events participated in the expansion of the BrCNGC family. Using in-silico bioinformatics approaches, we determined the gene structures, conserved motif compositions, protein interaction networks, and revealed that most BrCNGCs can be regulated by phosphorylation and microRNAs of diverse functionality. The differential expression patterns of BrCNGC genes in different plant tissues, and in response to different biotic, abiotic and hormonal stress types, suggest their strong role in plant growth, development and stress tolerance. Notably, BrCNGC-9, 27, 18 and 11 exhibited highest responses in terms of fold-changes against club-root pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae, Pseudomonas syringae pv. maculicola, methyl-jasmonate, and trace elements. These results provide foundation for the selection of candidate BrCNGC genes for future breeding of field mustard.
Ultrasound-activable piezoelectric membranes for accelerating wound healing
Authors: Shi Xingxing , Chen Yingxin , Zhao Yi , Ye Mingzhou , Zhang Shuidong , Gong Shaoqin
Published: December 2021

Piezoelectric membranes activated by ultrasound waves can provide electrical stimulation to promote wound healing.
Identification of source areas of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Ulsan, South Korea, using hybrid receptor models and the conditional bivariate probability function
Authors: Nguyen Tuyet Nam Thi , Vuong Quang Tran , Lee Sang-Jin , Xiao Hang , Choi Sung-Deuk
Published: December 2021

This study identifies the emission source areas for the atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) detected in Ulsan, South Korea.
Assessment and treatment of floodwater in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta using a simple filter system based on silver nanoparticles coated onto activated carbon derived from rice husk
Authors: Dao My Uyen , Hoang Hien Y , Tran Anh Khoa , Cong Hong Hanh
Published: December 2021

In this study, a simple filter system based on silver nanoparticles coated onto activated carbon derived from rice husk (AgNPs@AC) has been proposed for treating floodwater from the Hau Giang River.
Structural, morphological, dielectric and optical properties of double perovskites RBaFeTiO6 (R = La, Eu)
Authors: Boudad L. , Taibi M. , Belayachi A. , Abd-lefdil M.
Published: December 2021

Double perovskites RBaFeTiO6 (R = La, Eu) were successfully synthesized using a solid state reaction route.
Facile synthesis of dual-emission fluorescent carbon nanodots for a multifunctional probe
Authors: Cheng Chin-Wei , Lo Kuan-Min , Li Min-Feng , Chiu Tai-Chia , Hu Cho-Chun
Published: December 2021

The synthetic procedure and the applications of CDs.
Continuous synthesis of Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 nanoparticles in a co-precipitation reaction using a silicon based microfluidic reactor
Authors: Tofighi Ghazal , Lichtenberg Henning , Gaur Abhijeet , Wang Wu , Wild Stefan , Herrera Delgado Karla , Pitter Stephan , Dittmeyer Roland , Grunwaldt Jan-Dierk , Doronkin Dmitry E.
Published: December 2021

A microfluidic reactor enabled continuous co-precipitation synthesis of CuO/ZnO/Al2O3 catalysts for methanol production.
Activatable UCL/CT/MR-enhanced in vivo imaging-guided radiotherapy and photothermal therapy
Authors: Ni Jianming , Xu Huiting , Zhong Yanqi , Zhou Yongping , Hu Shudong
Published: December 2021

A new kind of multifunctional nanoparticles (UCCM NPs) composed of upconversion NPs (UCNPs), copper sulfide NPs (CuS NPs) and manganese dioxide (MnO2) coatings are developed for hypoxic remission and enhanced radiotherapy and photothermal therapy.
Rapid early gas accretion for the inner Galactic disc
Authors: Snaith Owain , Haywood Misha , Di Matteo Paola , Lehnert Matthew , Katz David , Khoperskov Sergey
Published: December 2021

Context. Recent observations of the Milky Way and galaxies at high redshifts suggest that galaxy discs were already in place soon after the Big Bang. While the gas infall history of the Milky Way in the inner disc has long been assumed to be characterised by a short accretion timescale, this has not been directly constrained using observations.

Aims. Using data for the inner regions of the Milky Way recently produced by APOGEE and Gaia and of unprecedented quantity and quality, we aim to derive strong constraints on the infall history of the inner (< 6 kpc) Galaxy (with a focus on stars between 4 and 6 kpc, which we show is an appropriate proxy for the entire inner disc).

Methods. We implemented gas infall into a chemical evolution model of the Galaxy disc, and used a Schmidt–Kennicutt law to connect the infall to the star formation. We explore a number of models, and two different formulations of the infall law. In one formulation, the infall is non-parametric, and in the other the infall has an explicitly exponential form. We fit the model parameters to the time–[Si/Fe] distribution of solar vicinity stars, and the metallicity and [Si/Fe] distribution function of stars with a galactocentric radius of between 4 and 6 kpc from APOGEE.

Results. Our results point to a fast, early gas accretion, and an upper limit on the accretion timescale of around 2 Gyr in the inner disc of the Milky Way. This suggests that at least half the baryons were in place within 2−3 Gyr of the Big Bang, and that half the stars of the inner disc formed within the first 5 Gyr, during the thick disc formation phase. This implies that the stellar mass of the inner disc is dominated by the thick disc, supporting our previous work, and that the gas accretion onto the inner disc was rapid and early.
Was wissen Sie über … schwere Erkrankungen?
Authors: Schmid Eva C.
Published: December 2021

In dieser Ausgabe beschäftigen sich alle Wissensquiz-Fragen mit schweren Erkrankungen.
Trauer – ein Prozess mit vielen Facetten
Authors: Paul Chris
Published: December 2021

In der Trauerforschung wurden im Laufe der Jahre phasenorientierte Trauermodelle von solchen abgelöst, die einzelne Themen benennen und die Prozesse als nicht-linear, multifaktoriell und individuell beschreiben. Das TrauerKaleidoskop beschreibt 6 Facetten des Trauerns, die nach Erfahrung der Autorin in Trauerprozessen immer vorhanden sind: Überleben, Anpassen, Einordnen, Wirklichkeit, Gefühle, Verbunden bleiben. Wie das Fallbeispiel im Beitrag aufzeigt, ist das TrauerKaleidoskop nicht nur ein Modell, sondern lässt sich auch in der Trauerberatung als Instrument der Visualisierung von Prozessen verwenden.