bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Corrosive Anion-curing Capability of Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH)/Montmorillonite Composites
Authors: Wu Limei , Sun Mingxi , Wang Xiaolong , Lu Yushen , Tang Ning , Gao Lili , Wang Qing , Hu Ling
Published: September 2023

The passive film of reinforcing steel in marine concrete is damaged by the infiltration of chloride and sulfate ions. Layered double hydroxide (LDH) can adsorb anions and release interlayer ions to form passive films due to its ion exchange property. A Mg-Al-NO3 layered double hydroxide/montmorillonite (LDH/Mnt) composite inhibitor was prepared by layer-by-layer self-assembly (LBL) of LDH and Mnt. The structure and morphology of the LDH/Mnt composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser Raman spectroscopy, N2-adsorption/desorption measurements, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The LDH/Mnt composites, as inhibitors of chloride ions and sulfate ions, exhibited high slow-release efficiency. The mass ratio of LDH and Mnt affected the curing capacity of the synthesized composites, and the optimum mass ratio was LDH/Mnt = 1:1 for which slow-release efficiency reached 94.16%.
Evaluation of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra for the Diagnosis of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Analysis in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Slail Mousa J. , Booq Rayan Y. , Al-Ahmad Ibrahim H. , Alharbi Arwa A. , Alharbi Shafi F. , Alotaibi Mutlaq Z. , Aljubran Abdulaziz M. , Aldossary Ahmad M. , Memish Ziad A. , Alyamani Essam J. , Tawfik Essam A. , Binjomah Abdulwahab Z.
Published: September 2023

The incidence of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) in low- and middle-income countries, as well as, high-income countries has increased over the last two decades. The acid-fast bacillus (AFB) smear test is easy to perform and cost-effective with a quick turnaround time but the test has low sensitivity. Culture remains the gold standard for detecting TB; however, it has low sensitivity and slow bacterial growth patterns, as it may take up to 6 to 8 weeks to grow. Therefore, a rapid detection tool is crucial for the early initiation of treatment and ensuring an improved therapeutic outcome. Here, the Xpert Ultra system was developed as a nucleic acid amplification technique to accelerate the detection of MTB in paucibacillary clinical samples and endorsed by the World Health Organization. From March 2020 to August 2021, Xpert Ultra was evaluated for its sensitivity and specificity against EPTB and compared with those of the routinely used Xpert, culture, and AFB tests in 845 clinical samples in Saudi Arabia. The results indicate the overall sensitivity and specificity of Xpert Ultra to be 91% and 95%, respectively, compared with the Xpert (82% and 99%, respectively) and AFB smear (18% and 100%, respectively) tests. The results also indicated that despite the low microbial loads that were categorized as trace, very low, or low on Xpert Ultra, yet, complete detection was achieved with some sample types (i.e., 100% detection). Consequently, Xpert Ultra has great potential to replace conventional diagnostic approaches as a standard detection method for EPTB.
Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Deshmukh P. C.
Published: September 2023

Quantum Mechanics will enthuse graduate students and researchers and equip them with effective methodologies for challenging applications in atomic, molecular, and optical sciences and in condensed matter and nuclear physics also. This book attempts to make fundamental principles intuitively appealing. It will assist readers in learning difficult methods. Exposition of fundamental principles includes a discussion on position-momentum and energy-time uncertainty, angular momentum algebra, parity, bound and unbound eigenstates of an atom, approximation methods, time-reversal symmetry in collisions, and on a measurable time delay in scattering. It also provides an early introduction to Feynman path integrals and to geometric phase. A novel Lambert-W method to solve quantum mechanical problems is also introduced. It seeks to enable readers gain confidence in applying methods of non-relativistic and relativistic quantum theory rigorously to problems on atomic structure and dynamics, spectroscopy and quantum collisions, and problems on introductory quantum information processing and computing.
Political Selection in China
Authors: Manion Melanie
Published: September 2023

Political selection is about how individuals are selected to political office – and this substantially determines the quality of governance. The evidence favors democratic elections as the selection institution that produces high governance quality. Yet authoritarian China, where a communist party monopolizes the selection of all officials of importance, presents a sophisticated and, by some measures, successful contrast to liberal democratic versions of political selection. Understanding how and how much the preferences of the few at the political center in Beijing systematically shape the composition and actions of the tens of thousands of leaders who manage politics, society, and the economy across China is foundational to understanding China. This Element critically reviews the literature on political selection in China to better structure our knowledge on this important question. It clarifies sources of greatly disparate findings in statistical studies and identifies major descriptive challenges to these studies in rich qualitative and quantitative evidence.
Sustainable Development Goal Halftime Project: Benefit-Cost Analysis Using Methods from the Decade of Vaccine Economics Model
Authors: Patenaude Bryan , Sriudomporn Salin , Mak Joshua
Published: September 2023

In 2023, the world will be at “halftime” with respect to the sustainable development goals (SDGs). This midline acts as an important milestone to review the progress of the SDGs and develop policies based on the most effective interventions. To estimate the remaining resources needed to achieve SDG targets for vaccines from 2023 to 2030 as well the resulting economic benefits, in this analysis, the incremental economic benefit-cost ratio (BCR) for immunization programs in 80 low- and middle-income countries targeted by the Global Vaccine Action Plan from 2023 to 2030 is calculated. Of these 80 countries, 27 are classified as low-income countries and 53 are classified as lower-middle-income countries (LMICs). The economic evaluation covers 9 vaccines employed against 10 antigens and delivered through both routine immunization programs and supplemental immunization activities. The vaccines covered in the analysis include pentavalent vaccine, human papillomavirus vaccine, Japanese encephalitis vaccine, measles vaccine, measles-rubella vaccine, meningococcal conjugate A vaccine, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, rotavirus vaccine, and yellow fever vaccine, and correspond to the vaccines covered in the return-on-investment estimates presented in Sim et al., which covered 94 LMICs from 2011 to 2030. For these countries, we estimate program costs from the health system perspective, including vaccine costs such as costs to procure vaccines, which incorporate injection supplies and freight; and immunization delivery costs, which include nonvaccine commodity costs to deliver immunizations to target populations and incorporate labor, cold chain and storage, transportation, facilities, training, surveillance, and wastage. Economic benefits are calculated using a value of statistical life year (VSLY) approach applied to modeled cases, and deaths averted are converted into averted years of life lost using life expectancy data. BCRs are presented as the final output that compares incremental costs and benefits from the baseline of 2022 levels, assuming diminishing returns to scale. Overall, for this period, we estimate total costs of US$ 7,581,837,329.08 with VSLY benefits of US$ 762,172,371,553.54, resulting in a BCR of 100.53.
Particle transport through localized interactions with sharp magnetic field bends in MHD turbulence
Authors: Lemoine Martin
Published: September 2023

When a particle crosses a region of space where the curvature radius of the magnetic field line shrinks below its gyroradius

$r_{g}$

, it experiences a non-adiabatic (magnetic moment violating) change in pitch angle. The present paper carries that observation into magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence to examine the influence of intermittent, sharp bends of the magnetic field lines on particle transport. On the basis of dedicated measurements in a simulation of incompressible turbulence, it is argued that regions of sufficiently large curvature exist in sufficient numbers on all scales to promote scattering. The parallel mean free path predicted by the power-law statistics of the curvature strength scales in proportion to

$r_{g}^{0.3}\,\ell _{c}^{0.7}$

(

$\ell _{c}$

is the coherence scale of the turbulence), which is of direct interest for cosmic-ray phenomenology. Particle tracking in that numerical simulation confirms that the magnetic moment diffuses through localized, violent interactions, in agreement with the above picture. Correspondingly, the overall transport process is non-Brownian up to length scales

$\gtrsim \ell _{c}$

.
A congeneric and non-randomly associated pair of larval trematodes dominates the assemblage of co-infecting parasites in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas)
Authors: Hirtle Sarah V. , Ahn Sangwook , Goater Cameron P.
Published: September 2023

Individual hosts are often co-infected with multiple parasite species. Evidence from theoretical and empirical studies supports the idea that co-occurring parasites can impact each other and their hosts via synergistic or antagonistic interactions. The fundamental aim of understanding the consequences of co-infection to hosts and parasites requires an understanding of patterns of species co-occurrence within samples of hosts. We censused parasite assemblages in 755 adult, male fathead minnows collected from 7 lakes/ponds in southern Alberta, Canada between 2018 and 2020. Fifteen species of endoparasites infected fathead minnows, 98% of which were co-infected with between 2 and 9 parasite species (mean species richness: 4.4 ± 1.4). Non-random pairwise associations were detected within the overall parasite community. There were particularly strong, positive associations in the occurrences and intensities of the 2 congeneric larval trematodes Ornithodiplostomum sp. and Ornithodiplostomum ptychocheilus that comprised >96% of the 100 000+ parasites counted in the total sample of minnows. Furthermore, the occurrence of Ornithodiplostomum sp. was a strong predictor of the occurrence of O. ptychocheilus, and vice versa. Positive covariation in the intensities of these 2 dominants likely arises from their shared use of physid snails as first intermediate hosts in these waterbodies. These 2 species represent a predictable and non-random component within the complex assemblage of parasites of fathead minnows in this region.
Mother–infant interaction and infant development in women at risk of postpartum psychosis with and without a postpartum relapse
Authors: Biaggi Alessandra , Hazelgrove Katie , Waites Freddie , Bind Rebecca H. , Lawrence Andrew J. , Fuste Montserrat , Conroy Susan , Howard Louise M. , Mehta Mitul A. , Miele Maddalena , Seneviratne Gertrude , Pawlby Susan , Pariante Carmine M. , Dazzan Paola
Published: September 2023

Background

This study aimed to investigate mother–infant interaction and infant development in women at-risk of postpartum psychosis (PP), with and without a postpartum relapse.

Methods

103 women (and their offspring) were included, 43 at-risk-of-PP because of a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder or previous PP, and 60 with no current/previous mental illness or family history of PP. Of the at-risk women, 18 developed a psychiatric relapse within 4 weeks after delivery (AR-unwell), while 25 remained symptom-free (AR-well). Mother–infant interaction was assessed using the CARE-Index at 8 weeks' and 12 months' postpartum and infant development using the Bayley-III at 12 months' postpartum.

Results

Women at-risk-of-PP as a group, regardless of whether they developed a psychiatric relapse within 4 weeks after delivery, had less synchronous mother–infant interactions and had infants with less optimal cognitive, language, motor and socio-emotional development than healthy controls. In particular, boys of at-risk women had the lowest scores in cognitive, language and motor development and in mother–infant interaction, while girls of the at-risk women had the lowest scores in socio-emotional development. The synchrony in the dyad predicted infant cognitive and language development. There was no evidence for a difference in mother–infant interaction nor in infant development between the AR-unwell and AR-well groups.

Conclusions

These results suggest that, while there is a lack of evidence that an early postpartum relapse in women at-risk-of-PP could represent a risk for the infant per se, maternal risk for PP may be associated with less optimal mother–infant interaction and infant development.
New Perspectives on Child and Infant Burial in Britain (100 b.c.e.–c.e. 200)
Authors: Matthews Boehmer Thomas
Published: September 2023

Focusing on a period of social shift, from the Late Iron Age to the early Roman period (100 b.c.e.–c.e. 200), this paper examines how the value of juvenile (under 13-year-old) bodies changed. In exploring the fluctuation in burial numbers alongside the altering forms of juvenile graves, the paper details the ways in which children (1- to 12-year-olds) and infants (younger than 1 year in age) were identified in death, as well as the longevity of these identifications. It is argued that juveniles are less common than they should be in the funerary record. Given that this relative absence of juvenile burial was clearly socially mandated, the emphasis here is on better contextualising and interrogating the sporadic presence and deposition of such burials.
The role of cognitive factors in second language writing and writing to learn a second language
Authors: Kormos Judit
Published: September 2023

This article revisits the role of cognitive individual differences in creating synergies between second language (L2) writing and second language acquisition research that were proposed by Kormos (2012). It takes stock of the advances in research findings, in the past decade, on the role of working memory and language learning aptitude in L2 writing processes and performance. The article offers an overview of how cognitive factors can mediate learning gains when L2 users engage in writing. Using theoretical accounts of cognitive individual differences, the article discusses how the characteristics of writing tasks can interact with individual variation in cognitive functioning. The article concludes by proposing a Task-Mediated Cognitive Model of L2 Writing and Writing to Learn that describes the role of cognitive factors in L2 writing processes and in learning through writing, and an outline of a research agenda for future studies.
Los discos de Pizarra de Teotihuacán: caracterización y procedencia de la materia prima
Authors: López Juárez Julieta M. , Ruvalcaba Sil José Luis , Vega González Marina , Aguilar Franco Manuel
Published: September 2023

Desde la antigüedad, los artefactos de pizarra fueron utilizados por sociedades asentadas en diversos puntos del continente americano; su uso abarcó diferentes temporalidades y múltiples formas.

En el caso particular de Teotihuacán, ubicado en el centro de México, los artefactos en cuestión se reportan dentro y fuera de esta ciudad, depositados como ofrenda y asociados directamente al fuego, al agua y al inframundo. Aunque la pizarra fue una materia prima con una presencia constante en Teotihuacán, sólo se reconoce cuando aparece asociada a los espejos, cuando presenta diseños iconográficos, o con evidencia de decoración. Al respecto, en este texto señalamos la importancia de la pizarra en Teotihuacán, su cronología y contexto. De acuerdo con los resultados de los análisis tipológicos, geológicos y de caracterización, proponemos el aprovechamiento de diversas materias primas dentro de un mismo yacimiento, así como la identificación de las áreas de extracción de la pizarra utilizada por los teotihuacanos a través del tiempo.

Estos datos nos permiten inferir las funciones rituales, simbólicas y jerárquicas de esta materia prima dentro de la metrópoli teotihuacana.
Classic Maya mirror conjurors of Waka', Guatemala
Authors: Freidel David A. , Navarro-Farr Olivia C. , Rich Michelle E. , Meléndez Juan Carlos , Pérez Juan Carlos , Robles Griselda Pérez , Kelly Mary Kate
Published: September 2023

The Classic period lowland Maya used iron-ore mosaic mirrors and deposited mirrors in the burials of rulers and other people. Depictions of mirrors suggest that they were used for scrying, as were mirrors in Mesoamerica at the time of the Spanish arrival. Maya mirror users of this kind were conjurors, who used a variety of other divining and conjuring instruments and materials, including plates and shallow bowls. Three rulers at El Peru-Waka', now called Waka' by researchers at the site, an ancient city in northwestern Peten, Guatemala, were buried with mirrors and associated divining and conjuring materials. Following a brief introduction to the city and its temples, we describe the arrangement of mirrors and associated materials in three royal tombs. We suggest that the mirrors in these tombs were used in conjuring supernatural beings into existence, particularly Akan, a death god and wahy spirit who was a patron of the Waka' realm. We propose that the rulers and mirror conjurors of Waka' were oracles and that Waka' was known for prophecy. References to Sihyaj K'ahk' in text and iconography at Waka', and his association with oracular paraphernalia such as mirrors, lead us to propose a prophetic aspect of the visit of Sihyaj K'ahk' to the site eight days prior to his famous arrival at Tikal in a.d. 378. We suggest that the three rulers we discuss were mirror oracles sustained by the prestige of the prophecy of Sihyaj K'ahk'.
How do determinants of health relate to children’s quality of life? A cross-sectional study in Izmir, Turkey
Authors: Duzel Hilal , Ergin Isil , Durusoy Raika
Published: September 2023

Aim:

This study aims to determine health-related quality of life (QoL) and the related factors from the perspective of social determinants of health among children.

Background:

Childhood is the most intense period of life, and environmental factors surrounding children, as well as individual lifestyle factors, are related to the child’s physical and mental well-being. To our knowledge, there is a lack of studies evaluating the relationship between determinants of health and the QoL of healthy children in general.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was executed in the Bayrakli district of Izmir city. Stratified clustered sampling was used including 24 schools and 3367 7th-grade children, and 1284 students were targeted (50% prevalence, 95% CI, %5 margins of error, 2.25 design effect, and 20% replacement). The response rate was 84.9% (n = 1090). The Turkish KID-KINDL Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children was used to assess QoL. Independent variables were examined in four layers using Dahlgren’s Determinants of Health Model: basic characteristics, lifestyle factors, family characteristics, and life conditions.

Results:

The mean QoL score was 71.3 ± 12.6. Our study explained 31.7% of the variance in QoL. Higher QoL scores were associated with better health status, perceived academic achievement, normal/thin body perception, physical activity (PA), and adequate sleep duration. Living with both parents and having fewer siblings positively influenced QoL. Moreover, the presence of structural problems in the household and poorer health perceptions were associated with lower QoL scores (P < 0.05) This study highlighted the multifaceted nature of QoL in Turkish children, revealing the importance of various determinants of health. The results show that in order to improve the general well-being of this population, interventions and policies are required that concentrate on elements including health status, academic accomplishment, body perception, physical activity, family structure, and living situations.
The Metaphysical Universe of Michel ʿAflaq and His Party: A Reappraisal of the Baʿth
Authors: Rapone Spenser R.
Published: September 2023

This article offers a reassessment of Arab Socialist Baʿth Party founder Michel ʿAflaq's thought in the context of decolonization and global intellectual history. Engaging with ʿAflaq's thinking in terms of its metaphysical foundations and its relationship to universality, this work examines four key concepts in his oeuvre: resurrection (baʿth), faith (īmān), spirit (rūḥ), and unity (waḥda). In essence, ʿAflaq's metaphysics links the Arab nation with the past while his universalist aspirations open the way forward for the future. While numerous scholars in recent years have explicated the universal ambitions of anticolonial nationalists, the place of Arab nationalists and their relationship to decolonization are in need of greater scholarly attention. In turn, I argue that ʿAflaq's ambition of national resurrection ought to be understood as such a quest to realize the universal.
How reforms hamper priority-setting in health care: an interview study with local decision-makers in London
Authors: Kieslich Katharina , Coultas Clare , Littlejohns Peter
Published: September 2023

The fair allocation of scarce resources for health remains a salient topic in health care systems. Approaches for setting priorities in an equitable manner include technical ones based on health economic analyses, and ethical ones based on procedural justice. Knowledge on real-world factors that influence prioritisation at a local level, however, remains sparse. This article contributes to the empirical literature on priority-setting at the meso level by exploring how health care planners make decisions on which services to fund and to prioritise, and to what extent they consider principles of fair priority-setting. It presents the findings of an interview study with commissioners and stakeholders in South London between 2017 and 2018. Interviewees considered principles of fair prioritisation such as transparency and accountability important for offering guidance. However, the data show that in practice the adherence to principles is hampered by the difficulty of conceptualising and operationalising principles on the one hand, and the political realities in relation to reform processes on the other. To address this challenge, we apply insights from the policy and political sciences and propose a set of considerations by which current frameworks of priority-setting might be adapted to better incorporate issues of context and politics.
Shocking resilience? Effects of extreme events on constitutional compliance
Authors: Choutagunta Abishek , Gutmann Jerg , Voigt Stefan
Published: September 2023

It is often argued that governments take advantage of extreme events to expand their power to the detriment of the political opposition and citizens at large. Violations of constitutional constraints are a clear indication of such opportunistic behaviour. We study whether natural disasters, conflicts and other extreme events systematically diminish governments' compliance with constitutional constraints. Our results indicate that governments are most likely to overstep their competences or disregard their responsibilities during civil conflicts, at the onset of international sanctions or following successful coups d’état. Interestingly, Cold War interventions by the United States that installed or supported a political leader led to a decrease in constitutional compliance in the target country, whereas Soviet interventions had no such effect. In contrast, banking crises and natural disasters, which threaten societies at large, but not necessarily the political elite, do not cause a significant decline in constitutional compliance.
Estimating Dynamic Non‐Water‐Limited Canopy Resistance Over the Globe: Changes, Contributors, and Implications
Authors: Liu Meixian , Sun Alexander Y. , Lin Kairong , Luo Wei , Tu Xinjun , Chen Xiaohong
Published: September 2023

Non‐water‐limited canopy resistance (rcs, also known as the bulk stomatal resistance or surface resistance) is a critical variable in estimating potential evapotranspiration (PET), which is widely used in ecohydrology related fields. However, quantifying rcs is a challenging work. Here we develop an approach for estimating rcs over the globe. Comparing results over the globe and across 10 ET data sets (used as inputs), which are based on diverse mechanisms and algorithms, we find that the approach can capture canopy resistance well (mean correlation of 0.84 ± 0.04, mean relative Root Mean Squared Error of 4.4% ± 1.0%, and mean relative Mean Absolute Error of 5.8% ± 1.4%), and the estimated rcs are very close to those estimated using another method (R2 = 0.92), which is based on a quite different hypothesis that is only suitable for saturated regions. Based on these, we find that the rcs shows an overall increasing trend (0.43 ± 0.13 s m−1 year−1) over the globe (at 77.6% ± 3.9% of the land grid cells) during 1982–2014, and the air temperature dominates the variabilities of rcs in regions with decreasing rcs (mean relative contribution of 57.9% ± 11.4%), while air CO2 concentration controls the changes in rcs in regions with increasing rcs (mean relative contribution of 47.3% ± 8.0%). Moreover, we also find that the traditional PET estimator explicitly overestimates the increasing trends in PET, and tends to overestimate (underestimate) the increasing (decreasing) trends in regions with increasing (decreasing) PET. These findings can improve our knowledge on the complex water‐vegetation‐environment interactions and would be helpful for developing more accurate models for quantifying the impacts of global change on water resources.
Karst Groundwater Vulnerability Determined by Modeled Age and Residence Time Tracers
Authors: Musgrove MaryLynn , Jurgens Bryant C. , Opsahl Stephen P.
Published: September 2023

Karst aquifers are a vital groundwater resource globally, but features such as rapid recharge and conduit flow make them highly vulnerable to land‐surface contamination. We apply environmental age tracers to the south‐central Texas Edwards aquifer, a karst resource in a rapidly urbanizing and drought‐prone region, to assess vulnerability to land‐surface contamination and risks unique to karst aquifers. We show that vulnerability of Edwards aquifer groundwater follows similar spatial and depth patterns common to porous‐media type aquifers, despite complicated karst hydrogeologic features. Shallow and unconfined parts are more vulnerable to land‐surface contamination than the deeper and confined parts, although even the oldest groundwater is mixed with some recent recharge. When modeled age‐tracer results are coupled with other independent geochemical tracers of water‐rock interaction specific to karst settings, they can yield insight into residence time and associated vulnerability.
Spatial Aggregation of Satellite Observations Leads to an Overestimation of the Radiative Forcing due to Aerosol‐Cloud Interactions
Authors: Goren Tom , Sourdeval Odran , Kretzschmar Jan , Quaas Johannes
Published: September 2023

The estimation of cloud radiative forcing due to aerosol‐cloud interactions, RFaci (also known as the first indirect effect), relies on approximating the cloud albedo susceptibility to changes in droplet concentration, β. β depends on the cloud albedo and droplet concentration, both of which can be observed by satellites. Satellite observations are often spatially aggregated to coarser resolutions, typically 1 × 1° scenes. However, on such spatial scales, the cloud albedo tends to be heterogeneous, whereas the β approximation assumes homogeneity. Here, we demonstrate that the common practice of aggregating satellite data and neglecting cloud albedo heterogeneity results in an average overestimation of 10% in previous estimates of the RFaci. Additionally, we establish a relationship between the magnitude of the bias in β and Stratocumulus morphologies, providing a physical context for cloud heterogeneity and the associated bias. Lastly, we propose a correction method that can be applied to cloud albedo gridded data.
Statistical Characteristics of the Electron Isotropy Boundary
Authors: Wilkins C. , Angelopoulos V. , Runov A. , Artemyev A. , Zhang X.‐J. , Liu J. , Tsai E.
Published: September 2023

Utilizing observations from the Electron Losses and Fields Investigation satellites, we present a statistical study of ∼2,000 events in 2019–2020 characterizing the occurrence in magnetic local time (MLT) and latitude of ≥50 keV electron isotropy boundaries (IBs) and associated electron precipitation. The isotropy boundary of an electron of a given energy is the magnetic latitude poleward of which persistent isotropized pitch angle distributions (Jprec/Jperp ∼ 1) are first observed to occur, interpreted as resulting from magnetic field‐line curvature scattering in the equatorial magnetosphere. We find that energetic electron IBs can be well‐recognized on the nightside from dusk until dawn, under all geomagnetic activity conditions, with a peak occurrence rate of almost 90% near ∼22 hr in MLT, remaining above 80% from 21 to 01 MLT. The observed IBs span International Geophysical Reference Field (IGRF) magnetic latitudes of 60°–74° with a maximum occurrence between 66° and 71° (L of 6–8), trending toward lower latitudes and premidnight local times with activity. The precipitating energy flux of ≥50 keV electrons averaged over the IB‐associated latitudes varies over four orders of magnitude, up to 1 erg/cm2‐s, and often includes wide‐energy electron spectra exceeding 1 MeV. The IB‐associated energies and precipitating fluxes also exhibit peak values near midnight for low activity, shifting toward premidnight for elevated activity. The average total precipitating power deposited over the high‐latitude nightside atmosphere (55°–80°; IGRF L ≥ 3) attributed to IBs is 10%–20%, or 10 MW, but at times can approach 100% of the total ≥50 keV electron energy deposition over the entire subauroral and auroral zone region, exceeding 1 GW.
Quantify the Information Contributions of External Drivers to Global Ionospheric TEC
Authors: Wang Sicheng , Huang Sixun
Published: September 2023

The ionospheric variabilities are influenced by various drivers, and quantifying their relative contributions is beneficial to ionospheric modeling and ionospheric forecasting, but this is still a significant challenge in the ionospheric community. In present paper, the global ionosphere maps, solar indices, solar wind and interplanetary parameters, geomagnetic indices, and lower atmospheric parameters from 2001 to 2021 are collected, and the Liang‐Kleeman information flow is used to measure the amount of information exchanges from external drivers to ionospheric TEC at different geographical regions, and the normalized Liang‐Kleeman information flow is adopted to quantify their relative information contributions. The results show that the geographical distribution of information flow has prominent hemispheric asymmetry, and overall, the information flows from solar indices (solar wind and interplanetary parameters, geomagnetic indices) to ionospheric TEC in the northern hemisphere are larger than those in the southern hemisphere. Ionospheric self‐influence (i.e., internal processes of the ionosphere) has the largest information contribution to ionospheric TEC, accounting for about 46.78%. Solar activity manifested as P index has the second largest contribution (nearly 35.29%). Solar wind and interplanetary activity represented as IMF magnitude contributes around 2.94%, geomagnetic activity characterized as ASYH index accounts for about 1.52%, lower atmospheric forcing contributes nearly 7.75%, and noise accounts for approximately 5.73%. What's more, the performances of the IRI‐2020 model are evaluated from the perspective of information flow.
Bidirectional genetic overlap between autism spectrum disorder and cognitive traits
Authors: Hope Sigrun , Shadrin Alexey A. , Lin Aihua , Bahrami Shahram , Rødevand Linn , Frei Oleksandr , Hübenette Saira J. , Cheng Weiqiu , Hindley Guy , Nag Heidi , Ulstein Line , Efrim-Budisteanu Magdalena , O’Connell Kevin , Dale Anders M. , Djurovic Srdjan , Nærland Terje , Andreassen Ole A.
Published: September 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heritable condition with a large variation in cognitive function. Here we investigated the shared genetic architecture between cognitive traits (intelligence (INT) and educational attainment (EDU)), and risk loci jointly associated with ASD and the cognitive traits. We analyzed data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of INT (n = 269,867), EDU (n = 766,345) and ASD (cases n = 18,381, controls n = 27,969). We used the bivariate causal mixture model (MiXeR) to estimate the total number of shared genetic variants, local analysis of co-variant annotation (LAVA) to estimate local genetic correlations, conditional false discovery rate (cond/conjFDR) to identify specific overlapping loci. The MiXeR analyses showed that 12.7k genetic variants are associated with ASD, of which 12.0k variants are shared with EDU, and 11.1k are shared with INT with both positive and negative relationships within overlapping variants. The majority (59–68%) of estimated shared loci have concordant effect directions, with a positive, albeit modest, genetic correlation between ASD and EDU (rg = 0.21, p = 2e−13) and INT (rg = 0.22, p = 4e−12). We discovered 43 loci jointly associated with ASD and cognitive traits (conjFDR<0.05), of which 27 were novel for ASD. Functional analysis revealed significant differential expression of candidate genes in the cerebellum and frontal cortex. To conclude, we quantified the genetic architecture shared between ASD and cognitive traits, demonstrated mixed effect directions, and identified the associated genetic loci and molecular pathways. The findings suggest that common genetic risk factors for ASD can underlie both better and worse cognitive functioning across the ASD spectrum, with different underlying biology.
Börjeson–Forssman–Lehmann syndrome: delineating the clinical and allelic spectrum in 14 new families
Authors: Jain Vani , Foo Seow Hoong , Chooi Stephen , Moss Celia , Goodwin Richard , Berland Siren , Clarke Angus J. , Davies Sally J. , Corrin Sian , Murch Oliver , Doyle Samantha , Graham Gail E. , Greenhalgh Lynn , Holder Susan E. , Johnson Diana , Kumar Ajith , Ladda Roger L. , Sell Susan , Begtrup Amber , Lynch Sally A. , McCann Emma , Østern Rune , Pottinger Caroline , Splitt Miranda , Fry Andrew E.
Published: September 2023

Börjeson-Forssman-Lehmann syndrome (BFLS) is an X-linked intellectual disability syndrome caused by variants in the PHF6 gene. We ascertained 19 individuals from 15 families with likely pathogenic or pathogenic PHF6 variants (11 males and 8 females). One family had previously been reported. Six variants were novel. We analysed the clinical and genetic findings in our series and compared them with reported BFLS patients. Affected males had classic features of BFLS including intellectual disability, distinctive facies, large ears, gynaecomastia, hypogonadism and truncal obesity. Carrier female relatives of affected males were unaffected or had only mild symptoms. The phenotype of affected females with de novo variants overlapped with the males but included linear skin hyperpigmentation and a higher frequency of dental, retinal and cortical brain anomalies. Complications observed in our series included keloid scarring, digital fibromas, absent vaginal orifice, neuropathy, umbilical hernias, and talipes. Our analysis highlighted sex-specific differences in PHF6 variant types and locations. Affected males often have missense variants or small in-frame deletions while affected females tend to have truncating variants or large deletions/duplications. Missense variants were found in a minority of affected females and clustered in the highly constrained PHD2 domain of PHF6. We propose recommendations for the evaluation and management of BFLS patients. These results further delineate and extend the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of BFLS.
Pro-phagocytic function and structural basis of GPR84 signaling
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Wang Yujing , Supekar Shreyas , Cao Xu , Zhou Jingkai , Dang Jessica , Chen Siqi , Jenkins Laura , Marsango Sara , Li Xiu , Liu Guibing , Milligan Graeme , Feng Mingye , Fan Hao , Gong Weimin , Zhang Cheng
Published: September 2023

GPR84 is a unique orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that can be activated by endogenous medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). The signaling of GPR84 is largely pro-inflammatory, which can augment inflammatory response, and GPR84 also functions as a pro-phagocytic receptor to enhance phagocytic activities of macrophages. In this study, we show that the activation of GPR84 by the synthetic agonist 6-OAU can synergize with the blockade of CD47 on cancer cells to induce phagocytosis of cancer cells by macrophages. We also determine a high-resolution structure of the GPR84-Gi signaling complex with 6-OAU. This structure reveals an occluded binding pocket for 6-OAU, the molecular basis of receptor activation involving non-conserved structural motifs of GPR84, and an unusual Gi-coupling interface. Together with computational docking and simulations studies, this structure also suggests a mechanism for the high selectivity of GPR84 for MCFAs and a potential routes of ligand binding and dissociation. These results provide a framework for understanding GPR84 signaling and developing new drugs targeting GPR84.
Monolayer platform to generate and purify primordial germ-like cells in vitro provides insights into human germline specification
Authors: Vijayakumar Sivakamasundari , Sala Roberta , Kang Gugene , Chen Angela , Pablo Michelle Ann , Adebayo Abidemi Ismail , Cipriano Andrea , Fowler Jonas L. , Gomes Danielle L. , Ang Lay Teng , Loh Kyle M. , Sebastiano Vittorio
Published: September 2023

Generating primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) advances studies of human reproduction and development of infertility treatments, but often entails complex 3D aggregates. Here we develop a simplified, monolayer method to differentiate hPSCs into PGCs within 3.5 days. We use our simplified differentiation platform and single-cell RNA-sequencing to achieve further insights into PGCLC specification. Transient WNT activation for 12 h followed by WNT inhibition specified PGCLCs; by contrast, sustained WNT induced primitive streak. Thus, somatic cells (primitive streak) and PGCLCs are related—yet distinct—lineages segregated by temporally-dynamic signaling. Pluripotency factors including NANOG are continuously expressed during the transition from pluripotency to posterior epiblast to PGCs, thus bridging pluripotent and germline states. Finally, hPSC-derived PGCLCs can be easily purified by virtue of their CXCR4+PDGFRA-GARP- surface-marker profile and single-cell RNA-sequencing reveals that they harbor transcriptional similarities with fetal PGCs.
Germinal center output is sustained by HELLS-dependent DNA-methylation-maintenance in B cells
Authors: Cousu Clara , Mulot Eléonore , De Smet Annie , Formichetti Sara , Lecoeuche Damiana , Ren Jianke , Muegge Kathrin , Boulard Matthieu , Weill Jean-Claude , Reynaud Claude-Agnès , Storck Sébastien
Published: September 2023

HELLS/LSH (Helicase, Lymphoid Specific) is a SNF2-like chromatin remodelling protein involved in DNA methylation. Its loss-of-function in humans causes humoral immunodeficiency, called ICF4 syndrome (Immunodeficiency, Centromeric Instability, Facial anomalies). Here we show by our newly generated B-cell-specificHellsconditional knockout mouse model that HELLS plays a pivotal role in T-dependent B-cell responses. HELLS deficiency induces accelerated decay of germinal center (GC) B cells and impairs the generation of high affinity memory B cells and circulating antibodies. Mutant GC B cells undergo dramatic DNA hypomethylation and massive de-repression of evolutionary recent retrotransposons, which surprisingly does not directly affect their survival. Instead, they prematurely upregulate either memory B cell markers or the transcription factor ATF4, which is driving an mTORC1-dependent metabolic program typical of plasma cells. Treatment of wild type mice with a DNMT1-specific inhibitor phenocopies the accelerated kinetics, thus pointing towards DNA-methylation maintenance by HELLS being a crucial mechanism to fine-tune the GC transcriptional program and enable long-lasting humoral immunity.
Multistage coupling water-enabled electric generator with customizable energy output
Authors: Li Puying , Hu Yajie , He Wenya , Lu Bing , Wang Haiyan , Cheng Huhu , Qu Liangti
Published: September 2023

Constant water circulation between land, ocean and atmosphere contains great and sustainable energy, which has been successfully employed to generate electricity by the burgeoning water-enabled electric generator. However, water in various forms (e.g. liquid, moisture) is inevitably discharged after one-time use in current single-stage water-enabled electric generators, resulting in the huge waste of inherent energy within water circulation. Herein, a multistage coupling water-enabled electric generator is proposed, which utilizes the internal liquid flow and subsequently generated moisture to produce electricity synchronously, achieving a maximum output power density of ~92 mW m−2 (~11 W m−3). Furthermore, a distributary design for internal water in different forms enables the integration of water-flow-enabled and moisture-diffusion-enabled electricity generation layers into mc-WEG by a “flexible building blocks” strategy. Through a three-stage adjustment process encompassing size control, space optimization, and large-scale integration, the multistage coupling water-enabled electric generator realizes the customized electricity output for diverse electronics. Twenty-two units connected in series can deliver ~10 V and ~280 μA, which can directly lighten a table lamp for 30 min without aforehand capacitor charging. In addition, multistage coupling water-enabled electric generators exhibit excellent flexibility and environmental adaptability, providing a way for the development of water-enabled electric generators.
Neurofunctional underpinnings of individual differences in visual episodic memory performance
Authors: Geissmann Léonie , Coynel David , Papassotiropoulos Andreas , de Quervain Dominique J. F.
Published: September 2023

Episodic memory, the ability to consciously recollect information and its context, varies substantially among individuals. While prior fMRI studies have identified certain brain regions linked to successful memory encoding at a group level, their role in explaining individual memory differences remains largely unexplored. Here, we analyze fMRI data of 1,498 adults participating in a picture encoding task in a single MRI scanner. We find that individual differences in responsivity of the hippocampus, orbitofrontal cortex, and posterior cingulate cortex account for individual variability in episodic memory performance. While these regions also emerge in our group-level analysis, other regions, predominantly within the lateral occipital cortex, are related to successful memory encoding but not to individual memory variation. Furthermore, our network-based approach reveals a link between the responsivity of nine functional connectivity networks and individual memory variability. Our work provides insights into the neurofunctional correlates of individual differences in visual episodic memory performance.
Molecular basis of TASL recruitment by the peptide/histidine transporter 1, PHT1
Authors: Custódio Tânia F. , Killer Maxime , Yu Dingquan , Puente Virginia , Teufel Daniel P. , Pautsch Alexander , Schnapp Gisela , Grundl Marc , Kosinski Jan , Löw Christian
Published: September 2023

PHT1 is a histidine /oligopeptide transporter with an essential role in Toll-like receptor innate immune responses. It can act as a receptor by recruiting the adaptor protein TASL which leads to type I interferon production via IRF5. Persistent stimulation of this signalling pathway is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Understanding how PHT1 recruits TASL at the molecular level, is therefore clinically important for the development of therapeutics against SLE and other autoimmune diseases. Here we present the Cryo-EM structure of PHT1 stabilized in the outward-open conformation. By combining biochemical and structural modeling techniques we propose a model of the PHT1-TASL complex, in which the first 16 N-terminal TASL residues fold into a helical structure that bind in the central cavity of the inward-open conformation of PHT1. This work provides critical insights into the molecular basis of PHT1/TASL mediated type I interferon production.
Polyamine detergents tailored for native mass spectrometry studies of membrane proteins
Authors: Zhu Yun , Peng Bo-Ji , Kumar Smriti , Stover Lauren , Chang Jing-Yuan , Lyu Jixing , Zhang Tianqi , Schrecke Samantha , Azizov Djavdat , Russell David H. , Fang Lei , Laganowsky Arthur
Published: September 2023

Native mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful technique for interrogating membrane protein complexes and their interactions with other molecules. A key aspect of the technique is the ability to preserve native-like structures and noncovalent interactions, which can be challenging depending on the choice of detergent. Different strategies have been employed to reduce charge on protein complexes to minimize activation and preserve non-covalent interactions. Here, we report the synthesis of a class of polyamine detergents tailored for native MS studies of membrane proteins. These detergents, a series of spermine covalently attached to various alkyl tails, are exceptional charge-reducing molecules, exhibiting a ten-fold enhanced potency over spermine. Addition of polyamine detergents to proteins solubilized in maltoside detergents results in improved, charge-reduced native mass spectra and reduced dissociation of subunits. Polyamine detergents open new opportunities to investigate membrane proteins in different detergent environments that have thwarted previous native MS studies.
Stromal heterogeneity may explain increased incidence of metaplastic breast cancer in women of African descent
Authors: Kumar Brijesh , Khatpe Aditi S. , Guanglong Jiang , Batic Katie , Bhat-Nakshatri Poornima , Granatir Maggie M. , Addison Rebekah Joann , Szymanski Megan , Baldridge Lee Ann , Temm Constance J. , Sandusky George , Althouse Sandra K. , Cote Michele L. , Miller Kathy D. , Storniolo Anna Maria , Nakshatri Harikrishna
Published: September 2023

The biologic basis of genetic ancestry-dependent variability in disease incidence and outcome is just beginning to be explored. We recently reported enrichment of a population of ZEB1-expressing cells located adjacent to ductal epithelial cells in normal breasts of women of African ancestry compared to those of European ancestry. In this study, we demonstrate that these cells have properties of fibroadipogenic/mesenchymal stromal cells that express PROCR and PDGFRα and transdifferentiate into adipogenic and osteogenic lineages. PROCR + /ZEB1 + /PDGFRα+ (PZP) cells are enriched in normal breast tissues of women of African compared to European ancestry. PZP: epithelial cell communication results in luminal epithelial cells acquiring basal cell characteristics and IL-6-dependent increase in STAT3 phosphorylation. Furthermore, level of phospho-STAT3 is higher in normal and cancerous breast tissues of women of African ancestry. PZP cells transformed with HRasG12V ± SV40-T/t antigens generate metaplastic carcinoma suggesting that these cells are one of the cells-of-origin of metaplastic breast cancers.