bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A distributed gradient algorithm based on randomized block-coordinate and projection-free over networks
Authors: Zhu Junlong , Wang Xin , Zhang Mingchuan , Liu Muhua , Wu Qingtao
Published: June 2022

The computational bottleneck in distributed optimization methods, which is based on projected gradient descent, is due to the computation of a full gradient vector and projection step. This is a particular problem for large datasets. To reduce the computational complexity of existing methods, we combine the randomized block-coordinate descent and the Frank–Wolfe techniques, and then propose a distributed randomized block-coordinate projection-free algorithm over networks, where each agent randomly chooses a subset of the coordinates of its gradient vector and the projection step is eschewed in favor of a much simpler linear optimization step. Moreover, the convergence performance of the proposed algorithm is also theoretically analyzed. Specifically, we rigorously prove that the proposed algorithm can converge to optimal point at rate of $${\mathcal {O}}(1/t)$$

O
(
1
/
t
)

under convexity and $${\mathcal {O}}(1/t^2)$$

O
(
1
/

t
2

)

under strong convexity, respectively. Here, t is the number of iterations. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm can converge to a stationary point, where the “Frank-Wolfe” gap is equal to zero, at a rate $${\mathcal {O}}(1/\sqrt{t})$$

O
(
1
/

t

)

under non-convexity. To evaluate the computational benefit of the proposed algorithm, we use the proposed algorithm to solve the multiclass classification problems by simulation experiments on two datasets, i.e., aloi and news20. The results shows that the proposed algorithm is faster than the existing distributed optimization algorithms due to its lower computation per iteration. Furthermore, the results also show that well-connected graphs or smaller graphs leads to faster convergence rate, which can confirm the theoretical results.
A robust target tracking algorithm based on spatial regularization and adaptive updating model
Authors: Chen Kansong , Guo Xiang , Xu Lijun , Zhou Tian , Li Ran
Published: June 2022

The correlation filtering-based target tracking method has impressive tracking performance and computational efficiency. Nevertheless, a few issues limit the accuracy of the correlation filter-based tracking methods including the object deformation, boundary effects, scale variations, and the target occlusion. This article proposes a robust target tracking algorithm to solve these issues. First, a feature fusion method is used to enhance feature response discrimination between the target and others. Second, a spatial weight function is introduced to penalize the magnitude of filter coefficients and an ADMM algorithm is employed to reduce the iteration of filter coefficients when tracking. Third, an adaptive scale filter is designed to make the algorithm adaptable to the scale variations. Finally, the correlation peak average difference ratio is applied to realize the adaptive updating and improve the stability. The experiment’s result demonstrates the proposed algorithm improved tracking results compared to the state-of-the-art correlation filtering-based target tracking method.
On Existence and Admissibility of Singular Solutions for Systems of Conservation Laws
Authors: Kalisch Henrik , Mitrovic Darko
Published: June 2022

A weak notion of solution for systems of conservation laws in one dimension is put forward. In the framework introduced here, it can be shown that the Cauchy problem for any$$n\times n$$n×nsystem of conservation laws has a solution. The solution concept is an extension of the notion of singular$$\delta $$δ-shocks which have been used to provide solutions for Riemann problems in various systems, for example in cases where strict hyperbolicity or the genuine-nonlinearity condition are not satisfied, or in cases where initial conditions have large variation. We also introduce admissibility conditions which eliminate a wide range of unreasonable solutions. Finally, we provide an example from the shallow water system which justifies introduction of$$\delta $$δ-distributions as a part of solutions to systems of conservation laws.
Broken Promises – The Probable Futurity of the Laboring Class (Re-Assessed)
Authors: Aßländer Michael S.
Published: June 2022

Over the past two decades, work relations have changed dramatically. New phenomena like “gig-economy” or “crowd work” not only constitute precarious working conditions but also contradict with our social esteem of work resulting from the social theories of the classical economy of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The central focus of classical economists on building an educated and disciplined workforce provided not only the base for the upcoming industrial society but also resulted in a work-based society where “being employed” became the precondition for social security and social participation. It is the aim of this contribution to show how our positive attitudes towards work, established by the political economic theories of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, are jeopardized by the social changes in post-industrialized societies, due to the effects of globalized economies, digitalization and changed industrial relations. This has also far-reaching consequences for managerial theories based on conceptions like meaningful work or discussions about social responsibilities vis-à-vis employees as primary stakeholder groups.
Exploring the impact of air pollution on COVID-19 admitted cases
Authors: Alsaber Ahmad R. , Setiya Parul , Al-Sultan Ahmad T. , Pan Jiazhu
Published: June 2022

In urban areas, air pollution is one of the most serious global environmental issues. Using time-series approaches, this study looked into the validity of the relationship between air pollution and COVID-19 hospitalization. This time series research was carried out in the state of Kuwait; stationarity test, cointegration test, Granger causality and stability test, and test on multivariate time-series using the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) technique. The findings reveal that the concentration rate of air pollutants ($$\hbox {O}_3$$

O
3

, $$\hbox {SO}_2$$

SO
2

, $$\hbox {NO}_2$$

NO
2

, $$\hbox {CO}$$
CO
, and $$\hbox {PM}_{10}$$

PM
10

) has an effect on COVID-19 admitted cases via Granger-cause. The Granger causation test shows that the concentration rate of air pollutants ($$\hbox {O}_3$$

O
3

, $$\hbox {PM}_{10}$$

PM
10

, $$\hbox {NO}_2$$

NO
2

, temperature and wind speed) influences and predicts the COVID-19 admitted cases. The findings suggest that sulfur dioxide ($$\hbox {SO}_2$$

SO
2

), $$\hbox {NO}_2$$

NO
2

, temperature, and wind speed induce an increase in COVID-19 admitted cases in the short term according to VECM analysis. The evidence of a positive long-run association between COVID-19 admitted cases and environmental air pollution might be shown in the cointegration test and the VECM. There is an affirmation that the usage of air pollutants ($$\hbox {O}_3$$

O
3

, $$\hbox {SO}_2$$

SO
2

, $$\hbox {NO}_2$$

NO
2

, $$\hbox {CO}$$
CO
, and $$\hbox {PM}_{10}$$

PM
10

) has a significant impact on COVID-19-admitted cases’ prediction and its explained about 24% of increasing COVID-19 admitted cases in Kuwait.
Effect of birth month on educational attainment and adult cognition in Rural China
Authors: Chen Lijun , Ren Qiang
Published: June 2022

The association of season of birth with cognitive development, academic performance and educational attainment has been well documented in western countries. However, little research has been conducted in developing countries to examine the seasonality of cognitive achievement. In this study, we analyzed data of a nationally representative sample of over 8500 rural adults born in the 1960s and early 1970s from the 2010 China Family Panel Studies survey. The results of logistic regression models demonstrate a significant association of birth month with educational attainment even with relevant individual and parental information controlled. Specially, we found that rural respondents born in the months of March and April are much less likely to obtain a high school degree than those born late in the year from October to December. The seasonal pattern is also found to significantly affect current cognitive achievements of the respondents even after their educational attainment and family social economic conditions are taken into account. Finally, we discussed the merits of age position theory and fetal origin interpretation as potential mechanisms for the seasonal pattern of education attainment, and suggest that seasonal changes of nutritional intake for pregnant mothers are the most likely cause.
Visualizing Point Density on Geometry Objects: Application in an Urban Area Using Social Media VGI
Authors: Zahtila Moris , Knura Martin
Published: June 2022

Point datasets that relate to highly populated places, such as ones retrieved from social media or volunteered geographic information in general, can often result in dense point clusters when presented on maps. Therefore, it can be useful to visualize the relevant point density information directly on the urban geometry to tackle the problem of point counting and density range identification in highly cluttered areas. One solution is to relate each point to the nearest geometry object. While this is a straightforward approach, its major drawback is that local point clusters could disappear by assigning them to larger objects, e.g., long roads. To address this issue, we introduce two new point density visualization approaches by which points are related to the underlying geometry objects. In this process, we use grid cells and heatmap contour lines to divide roads, squares, and pedestrian zones into subgeometry units. Comparison of our visualization approaches with conventional density visualization methods shows that our approaches provide a more comprehensive insight into the point distribution over space, i.e., over existing urban geometry.
A 3D Lagrangian stochastic particle model for the concentration variance dispersion
Authors: Ferrero Enrico , Alessandrini Stefano , Meech Scott , Rozoff Christopher
Published: June 2022

A new scheme for the concentration variance calculation is assessed using field experiment data. The scheme is introduced in a Lagrangian stochastic particle model. The model provides run-time mean concentrations and concentrations’ variance 3D fields; thus, it does not need any off-line post-processing. The model is tested against the FFT-07 field experiment which involves a series of tracer releases. It is a short-range (500 m) highly instrumented experiment. In this work, measurement of tracer concentrations, emitted from a ground level point source is used to assess the ability of the new model in predicting the mean concentration, concentration variance, and the concentration fluctuation intensity at the ground level with a high spatial resolution. The results of the intercomparison are shown and discussed in terms of statistical plots and indices.
The use of inotropes and not hyperchloremia is an independent risk factor for acute kidney injury during the postoperative period of cardiac surgery. A prospective cohort-study
Authors: Hernández-Leiva Edgar , Hernández-Huertas Felipe
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a marker of poor prognostic after cardiac surgery. Recent studies suggest that hyperchloraemia may be significantly associated with the development of this complication. However, there is little information regarding the prevalence of abnormal chloride concentrations after cardiac surgery and its relationship to postoperative AKI. On the other hand, the use of inotropes in postoperative cardiac surgery patients has been associated with several types of adverse outcomes.

Aims:

Determine the relationship between hyperchloraemia and AKI in patients following cardiac surgery and to evaluate whether variables associated with tissue hypoperfusion or the use of inotropes are related to the development of this complication.

Methods:

An observational cohort study was performed at a hospital with a focus on high-complexity cardiovascular patients. We included 464 adult patients who had undergone heart surgery.

Results:

AKI was found in 12.7% of the patients. Additionally, 76% had had hyperchloraemia at least once during the first 48 h after surgery. The highest serum chloride level recorded postoperatively was significantly higher in the patients with AKI. However, when the results were adjusted for covariables, the association was not significant. In the assessment of secondary outcomes, the analysis identified a significant association between AKI and arterial lactate levels on admission to the intensive care unit, but the most notable association was between AKI and the use of inotropes.

Conclusions:

Postoperative hyperchloraemia is common but is not independently associated with AKI. This complication is mainly related to tissue hypoperfusion or the need for postoperative inotrope use.

Graphical abstract

Highlights
Hydrodynamic performance of oscillating elastic propulsors with tapered thickness
Authors: Demirer Ersan , Oshinowo Oluwafikayo A. , Erturk Alper , Alexeev Alexander
Published: June 2022

Using fluid–structure interaction computational modelling, the hydrodynamic performance of bio-inspired elastic propulsors with tapered thickness that oscillate in an incompressible Newtonian fluid at Reynolds number$Re = 2000$is investigated. The thickness tapering leads to an acoustic black hole effect at the trailing edge of the propulsor that slows down and attenuates flexural waves, thereby minimizing the flexural wave reflection and enhancing travelling wave propulsion. The simulations reveal that, by tuning the propulsor thickness profile modulating the acoustic black hole effect, the tapered propulsors can be designed to vastly outperform the uniformly thick propulsors in terms of the hydrodynamic efficiency and thrust, especially for the post-resonance frequencies. The enhanced hydrodynamic performance is directly linked to the ability of the tapered propulsors to generate travelling waves with a large amplitude displacement at the trailing edge. The results have implications for the development of highly efficient bio-mimetic robotic swimmers and, more generally, the better understanding of the undulatory aquatic locomotion.
On the large-Weissenberg-number scaling laws in viscoelastic pipe flows
Authors: Wan Dongdong , Dong Ming , Zhang Mengqi
Published: June 2022

This work explains a scaling law of the first Landau coefficient of the derived Ginzburg–Landau equation in the weakly nonlinear analysis of axisymmetric viscoelastic pipe flows in the large-Weissenberg-number ($Wi$) limit, recently reported in Wanet al.(J. Fluid Mech., vol. 929, 2021, A16). Using an asymptotic method, we derive a reduced system, which captures the characteristics of the linear centre-mode instability near the critical condition in the large-$Wi$limit. Based on the reduced system we then conduct a weakly nonlinear analysis using a multiple-scale expansion method, which readily explains the aforementioned scaling law of the Landau coefficient and some other scaling laws. Particularly, the equilibrium amplitude of disturbance near linear critical conditions is found to scale as$Wi^{-1/2}$, which may be of interest to experimentalists. The current analysis reduces the numbers of parameters and unknowns and exemplifies an approach to studying the viscoelastic flow at large$Wi$, which could shed new light on the understanding of its nonlinear dynamics.
Droplet impacts on cold surfaces
Authors: Gorin B. , Bonn D. , Kellay H.
Published: June 2022

We study drop impact for the case where the impacted surface is cooled below the freezing temperature of the liquid droplet. The freezing is found to affect the spreading dynamics of the impacting drops and, thus, the degree of surface coverage. The cooling of the surface leads to the arrest of the three-phase contact line, impeding droplet spreading and, thus, drastically reducing the maximum spreading diameter. Besides the surface temperature, the impact speed is also an important parameter: the higher the impact speed, the more the droplet spreads before arrest. Based on experimental observations of droplet impacts using two different liquids and two different substrates, we show using a combination of experiments and a one-dimensional freezing model, that droplet arrest occurs when a solid layer of the liquid forms on the substrate: droplet arrest occurs when this solid layer reaches a well-defined critical thickness. We then devise a simple model that efficiently predicts the maximum spreading diameter of droplets impinging, at different velocities, and freezing onto surfaces maintained at different temperatures below the liquid freezing point.
Leverage point in high-performance work systems
Authors: Zhai Xiaoxuan , Tian Xiaowen
Published: June 2022

Drawing on systems theory, this paper aims to search for a leverage point in a high-performance work system (HPWS) wherein a small change of a constituent part significantly enhances the effect of the whole system on organizational performance (OP). Based on meta-analysis of 59,207 firms and establishments from 240 sample studies up to December 2021, the paper examines the effect of HPWS composition, coupled with country of origin and industrial affiliation, on the HPWS–OP relationship. The paper finds that training and development serves as a leverage point to significantly strengthen the synergy of HPWS. However, this leverage point works in advanced countries rather than developing countries, and in service industries rather than manufacturing industries. The finding indicates that a leverage point is not omnipresent, but contingent on country of origin and industrial affiliation. This study has practical implications for managers, highlighting the importance of a leverage point to the HPWS–OP relationship and the contingency nature of the leverage point.
Increasing radiation doses in Anastrepha obliqua (Diptera: Tephritidae) larvae improve parasitoid mass-rearing attributes
Authors: Cancino Jorge , Ayala Amanda , Ríos Laura , López Patricia , Suárez Lorena , Ovruski Sergio M. , Hendrichs Jorge
Published: June 2022

Doses of 40, 80, 120, and 160 Gy were applied to 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-day-old Anastrepha obliqua larvae, which were exposed to the Neotropical-native braconids Doryctobracon crawfordi and Utetes anastrephae and the Asian braconid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata. These tests were performed to know the effect of the increase in host radiation on the emergence of the aforementioned parasitoids and the related consequences of oviposition on the host. The study was based on the fact that higher radiation doses may cause a decrease in the host immune activity. There was a direct relationship between the increase in radiation dose and the parasitoid emergence. Both, the weight and the mortality of the host larvae were not affected by radiation. Although the larval weight of the larvae was lower and the mortality was higher in the younger larvae. Both, the number of scars and immature stages per host puparium originated from the younger larvae were lower than those from older larvae. Only U. anastrephae superparasitized more at lower radiation. Superparasitism by D. longicaudata was more frequent at 160 Gy. Qualitative measurements of melanin in the larvae parasitized showed that the levels were lower with increasing radiation. As radiation doses increased, the antagonistic response of the A. obliqua larva was reduced. Host larvae aged 5- and 6-day-old irradiated at 120–160 Gy significantly improve parasitoid emergence. This evidence is relevant for the mass production of the three tested parasitoid species.
Antioxidant depletion during seed storage under ambient conditions
Authors: Stegner Moritz , Wagner Johanna , Roach Thomas
Published: June 2022

Cumulative oxidative damage from the unavoidable formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) contributes to seed ageing. Low-molecular-weight (LMW) antioxidants, such as water-soluble glutathione (GSH) and lipid-soluble tocochromanols, can prevent ROS from causing damage, especially when antioxidant enzymes are inactive due to desiccation. However, loss of tocochromanols does not always accompany seed ageing, such as during accelerated ageing or controlled deterioration, despite the presence of oxygen and prevalent loss of GSH. To assess relationships between total germination (TG) and antioxidant changes under storage conditions with practical relevance, commercial seeds of Cucumis sativus, Daucus carota, Helianthus cucumerifolius, Latuca sativa, Lepidium sativum, Phaseolus vulgaris and Raphinus sativus of the same cultivar were obtained over multiple years and stored under ambient conditions (21.9 ± 2.1°C; 36.8 ± 6.6% relative humidity). Sigmoidal fitting of TG revealed time to when 50% of seeds had lost viability, which ranged from <5 years (D. carota) to >15 years (C. sativus). Cellular redox states were quantified via the half-cell reduction potential of LMW thiol/disulphide couples. These negatively correlated with TG (i.e. cell redox states were more oxidized in lots with lower TG), with an average R2 value of 0.62 for the most abundant thiol (GSH, or γ-glutamyl-cysteine in P. vulgaris). Concentrations of tocochromanols positively correlated with TG, with an average R2 value of 0.50 for the most abundant tocochromanol (γ or α in L. sativa and H. cucumerifolius). Therefore, during viability loss under ambient ageing conditions leading to the cytoplasm having a glassy state, the lipid domain in all species experienced oxidative damage.
Suspect narratives: “Sinifying” an “Indianized” Japanese story
Authors: Van Fleit Krista
Published: June 2022

In 2013, the Malayalam filmDrishyam, a suspenseful story of the cover up of an accidental murder, became a huge hit in India that inspired remakes in many regional languages including one in Hindi that, as with other recent Bollywood hits, traveled to China. This time, though, instead of screening the Hindi film in theaters, the narrative reached Chinese audiences with a Chinese language remake, titledSheep Without A Shepherd《误杀》. The original film has been accused of lifting its story from a popular Japanese detective novel,The Devotion of Suspect X, which was also made into films in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. This essay traces the many versions of the narrative to explore how comparing the Indian and Chinese films can recenter our understanding of global cinema and film circulation. When considering the many version ofDrishyam, instead of focusing on tensions between center and periphery, we can examine both the anxieties and the creative power of cultural borrowing and the retelling of narratives in an increasingly inter-connected Asian film market
Wie Pflegeexpert_innen in Deutschschweizer Pflegeheimen ihre Rollenentwicklung gestalten
Authors: Zúñiga Franziska , Wicki Ruth , Staudacher Sandra , Basinska Kornelia
Published: June 2022

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Die Entwicklung und Aufrechterhaltung der Pflegequalität wird in Schweizer Pflegeheimen oft von Pflegeexpert_innen übernommen. Dabei handelt es sich um diplomierte Pflegefachpersonen mit heterogenem Bildungshintergrund und langjähriger Berufserfahrung. Wie diese ihre Rollenentwicklung in den Pflegeheimen gestalten, ist nicht bekannt. Fragestellung/Ziel: Ziel der Studie ist es darzulegen, wie Pflegeexpert_innen in Pflegeheimen ihre berufliche Rollenentwicklung gestalten. Methode: Wir führten eine qualitative, konstruktivistische Sekundärdatenanalyse von 14 semistrukturierten Interviews mit Pflegeexpert_innen aus Deutschschweizer Pflegeheimen durch. Die Daten wurden induktiv mit einer reflexiven thematischen Analyse ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: Aus den Berichten der 14 Pflegeexpert_innen konnten wir das konstituierende Thema „Vision als Motivation“ und drei Phasen der Rollenentwicklung ableiten. Die Vision, eine gute Pflegequalität für die Bewohner_innen sicherzustellen, motiviert Pflegeexpert_innen zum Rollenaufbau und zur Weiterentwicklung in drei Phasen: 1) „Rolle sukzessive gestalten“; 2) „Rolle kontinuierlich weiterentwickeln“; 3) „Rolle neu ausrichten“. Schlussfolgerungen: Pflegeexpert_innen passen ihre Rolle kontinuierlich an den sich verändernden Kontext an, um an der Pflegequalität arbeiten zu können. Zum Gelingen benötigen sie eine gemeinsame Vision mit ihren Vorgesetzten für die Pflegequalität.
Climate Change and Weather Extremes in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East
Authors: Zittis G. , Almazroui M. , Alpert P. , Ciais P. , Cramer W. , Dahdal Y. , Fnais M. , Francis D. , Hadjinicolaou P. , Howari F. , Jrrar A. , Kaskaoutis D. G. , Kulmala M. , Lazoglou G. , Mihalopoulos N. , Lin X. , Rudich Y. , Sciare J. , Stenchikov G. , Xoplaki E. , Lelieveld J.
Published: June 2022

Observation‐based and modeling studies have identified the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East (EMME) region as a prominent climate change hotspot. While several initiatives have addressed the impacts of climate change in parts of the EMME, here we present an updated assessment, covering a wide range of timescales, phenomena and future pathways. Our assessment is based on a revised analysis of recent observations and projections and an extensive overview of the recent scientific literature on the causes and effects of regional climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions in the EMME are growing rapidly, surpassing those of the European Union, hence contributing significantly to climate change. Over the past half‐century and especially during recent decades, the EMME has warmed significantly faster than other inhabited regions. At the same time, changes in the hydrological cycle have become evident. The observed recent temperature increase of about 0.45°C per decade is projected to continue, although strong global greenhouse gas emission reductions could moderate this trend. In addition to projected changes in mean climate conditions, we call attention to extreme weather events with potentially disruptive societal impacts. These include the strongly increasing severity and duration of heatwaves, droughts and dust storms, as well as torrential rain events that can trigger flash floods. Our review is complemented by a discussion of atmospheric pollution and land‐use change in the region, including urbanization, desertification and forest fires. Finally, we identify sectors that may be critically affected and formulate adaptation and research recommendations toward greater resilience of the EMME region to climate change.
A Machine Learning Approach to Predicting SEP Events Using Properties of Coronal Mass Ejections
Authors: Torres Jesse , Zhao Lulu , Chan Philip K. , Zhang Ming
Published: June 2022

Solar energetic particles (SEPs) can cause severe damage to astronauts and their equipment, and can disrupt communications on Earth. A lack of thorough understanding the eruption processes of solar activities and the subsequent acceleration and transport processes of energetic particles makes it difficult to forecast the occurrence of an SEP event and its intensity using conventional modeling with physics‐based parameters. Therefore, in order to provide an advance warning for astronauts to seek shelter in a timely manner, we apply neural networks to forecast the occurrence of SEP events. We use the properties of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) archived in the Coordinated Data Analysis Workshops catalog based on SOHO Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph Experiment observations. We also derive some features based on these properties associated with the CME, and analyze the contribution of each feature to the overall prediction. Our algorithm achieves an average True Skill Statistic of 0.906, an average F1 score of 0.246, an average probability of detection of 0.920, and an average false alarm rate of 0.882. An analysis of the features shows that sunspot number and a feature based on Type II radio bursts contribute the most, but when grouped together, CME speed‐related features are the most important features.
Understanding Earthquakes Triggered by Wastewater Injection
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: June 2022

A deep dive into a 2015 Oklahoma earthquake reveals new insights into the dynamics of quakes induced by wastewater injection, and could help inform future earthquake hazard modeling.
A New Organization Metric for Synoptic Scale Tropical Convective Aggregation
Authors: Jin Daeho , Oreopoulos Lazaros , Lee Dongmin , Tan Jackson , Kim Kyu‐myong
Published: June 2022

Organization metrics were originally developed to measure how densely convective clouds are arranged at mesoscales. In this work, we apply organization metrics to describe tropical synoptic scale convective activity. Such activity is identified by cloud‐precipitation (hybrid) regimes defined at 1‐degree and 1‐hourly resolution. Existing metrics were found to perform inadequately for such convective regime aggregates because the large domain size and co‐existence of sparse aggregate occurrences with noisy isolated convection often violate assumptions inherent in these metrics. In order to capture these characteristics, in this study the existing “convective organization potential” (COP) metric was modified so as to focus on local organization and provide increased weight to aggregate size. The resulting “area‐based COP” (ABCOP) follows the principle that the more numerous the objects, the higher the chance of organization. It is thus optimized to capture large‐scale convective events occurring during phenomena such as ENSO and MJO, while also performs as well as existing metrics for small domain sizes.
High Inter‐ and Intra‐Lake Variation in Sediment Phosphorus Pools in Shallow Lakes
Authors: Albright Ellen A. , Rachel Fleck King , Shingai Quin K. , Wilkinson Grace M.
Published: June 2022

Phosphorus (P) release from lakebed sediments may fuel phytoplankton blooms, especially in shallow waterbodies. A primary mechanism that controls internal P loading is the size and chemical composition of the sediment P pool. However, variation in sediment P within and among shallow lakes remains poorly quantified. We measured the degree of spatial heterogeneity in the size and composition of sediment P pools, both within and among seven shallow lakes. There was a 1.6× difference in total sediment P among the study lakes, and P composition varied across lakes based on differences in watershed soils and land cover and lake basin morphology. Differences in sediment P composition among lakes imply that the dominant mechanisms of internal loading will also vary among lakes. We also found that higher mobile P (as a fraction of total P) in the profundal sediments was positively correlated with long‐term mean chlorophyll‐aconcentrations (p = 0.04), indicating the reciprocal relationship between sediment P composition and phytoplankton biomass in shallow lakes. Additionally, we measured substantial within‐lake heterogeneity in total and loosely‐bound sediment P within each lake. Concentrations were positively correlated with water depth such that extrapolating measurements from the deep site alone could overestimate whole‐lake mean P concentrations, reinforcing that single station methods produce unreliable estimates of mean sediment P stocks. Our results provide insight into the magnitude and pattern of inter‐ and intra‐lake variation in sediment P pools that should be accounted for when sampling, scaling measurements, and modeling sediment P dynamics.
Hypoxia-induced LncRNA DACT3-AS1 upregulates PKM2 to promote metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma through the HDAC2/FOXA3 pathway
Authors: Wang Liyan , Li Bin , Bo Xiaotong , Yi Xiaoyuan , Xiao Xuhua , Zheng Qinghua
Published: June 2022

Growing evidence has revealed that hypoxia is involved in multiple stages of cancer development. However, there are limited reports on the effects of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression under hypoxia. The main purposes of this study were to analyze the effect of the novel lncRNA DACT3-AS1 on metastasis in HCC and to elucidate the related molecular mechanism. Bioinformatics tools were employed. RT–qPCR or western blot assays were conducted to detect RNA or protein expression. Clinical samples and in vivo assays were utilized to reveal the role of DACT3-AS1 in HCC. Other mechanism and functional analyses were specifically designed and performed as well. Based on the collected data, this study revealed that HIF-1α transcriptionally activates DACT3-AS1 expression under hypoxia. DACT3-AS1 was verified to promote metastasis in HCC. Mechanistically, DACT3-AS1 promotes the interaction between HDAC2 and FOXA3 to stimulate FOXA3 deacetylation, which consequently downregulates the FOXA3 protein. Furthermore, FOXA3 serves as a transcription factor that can bind to the PKM2 promoter region, thus hindering PKM2 expression. To summarize, this study uncovered that HIF-1α-induced DACT3-AS1 promotes metastasis in HCC and can upregulate PKM2 via the HDAC2/FOXA3 pathway in HCC cells.
Experimental verification of generalized eigenstate thermalization hypothesis in an integrable system
Authors: Wang Qin-Qin , Tao Si-Jing , Pan Wei-Wei , Chen Zhe , Chen Geng , Sun Kai , Xu Jin-Shi , Xu Xiao-Ye , Han Yong-Jian , Li Chuan-Feng , Guo Guang-Can
Published: June 2022

Identifying the general mechanics behind the equilibration of a complex isolated quantum system towards a state described by only a few parameters has been the focus of attention in non-equilibrium thermodynamics. And several experimentally unproven conjectures are proposed for the statistical description of quantum (non-)integrable models. The plausible eigenstate thermalization hypothesis (ETH), which suggests that each energy eigenstate itself is thermal, plays a crucial role in understanding the quantum thermalization in non-integrable systems; it is commonly believed that it does not exist in integrable systems. Nevertheless, integrable systems can still relax to the generalized Gibbs ensemble. From a microscopic perspective, understanding the origin of this generalized thermalization that occurs in an isolated integrable system is a fundamental open question lacking experimental investigations. Herein, we experimentally investigated the spin subsystem relaxation in an isolated spin–orbit coupling quantum system. By applying the quantum state engineering technique, we initialized the system with various distribution widths in the mutual eigenbasis of the conserved quantities. Then, we compared the steady state of the spin subsystem reached in a long-time coherent dynamics to the prediction of a generalized version of ETH and the underlying mechanism of the generalized thermalization is experimentally verified for the first time. Our results facilitate understanding the origin of quantum statistical mechanics.
Mitochondrial modulators for obsessive–compulsive and related disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kishi Taro , Sakuma Kenji , Iwata Nakao
Published: June 2022

It remains unclear whether mitochondrial modulators (MMs) are beneficial in the treatment of obsessive–compulsive and related disorders. Thus, in an attempt to answer this clinical question, we performed a systematic review and a random-effects meta-analysis of double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials. The primary outcome was change in overall symptoms as measured using standardized rating scales. Other outcomes were response to treatment; improvement in anxiety-related scales scores, depression-related scale scores, Clinical Global Impression Severity Scale (CGI-S) scores, and Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) scores; all-cause discontinuation; and individual adverse events. We calculated the standardized mean differences for continuous outcomes and risk ratios for dichotomous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals. We reviewed 17 studies (n = 629, 72.62% female; duration = 2–20 weeks; mean age = 30.47 years) of MMs: eicosapentaenoic acid (K = 1), folic acid (K = 1), lithium (K = 1), N-acetylcysteine (K = 10), inositol (K = 3), and silymarin (K = 1). MMs outperformed placebo in overall improvement in symptoms (p < 0.01) and in improving anxiety-related scale scores (p = 0.05). Subgroup analysis of individual MMs revealed that although overall symptoms were better improved by N-acetylcysteine (p < 0.01) and lithium (p = 0.04), no MMs outperformed placebo in terms of improving anxiety-related scale scores. Neither pooled nor individual MMs outperformed placebo in improving response to treatment, depression-related scale scores, CGI-S scores, SDS scores, or all-cause discontinuation. N-acetylcysteine was no more associated with a higher incidence of individual adverse events including gastrointestinal symptoms, than placebo. In conclusion, N-acetylcysteine was beneficial in the treatment of obsessive–compulsive and related disorders. However, further study with larger samples is necessary to confirm this finding.
Cell fate determining molecular switches and signaling pathways in Pax7-expressing somitic mesoderm
Authors: Fung Cheuk Wang , Zhou Shaopu , Zhu Han , Wei Xiuqing , Wu Zhenguo , Wu Angela Ruohao
Published: June 2022

During development, different cell types originate from a common progenitor at well-defined time points. Previous lineage-tracing of Pax7+ progenitors from the somitic mesoderm has established its developmental trajectory towards the dermis, brown adipocytes, and skeletal muscle in the dorsal trunk; yet the molecular switches and mechanisms guiding the differentiation into different lineages remain unknown. We performed lineage-tracing of Pax7-expressing cells in mouse embryos at E9.5 and profiled the transcriptomes of Pax7-progenies on E12.5, E14.5, and E16.5 at single-cell level. Analysis of single-cell transcriptomic data at multiple time points showed temporal-specific differentiation events toward muscle, dermis, and brown adipocyte, identified marker genes for putative progenitors and revealed transcription factors that could drive lineage-specific differentiation. We then utilized a combination of surface markers identified in the single-cell data, Pdgfra, Thy1, and Cd36, to enrich brown adipocytes, dermal fibroblasts, and progenitors specific for these two cell types at E14.5 and E16.5. These enriched cell populations were then used for further culture and functional assays in vitro, in which Wnt5a and Rgcc are shown to be important factors that could alter lineage decisions during embryogenesis. Notably, we found a bipotent progenitor population at E14.5, having lineage potentials towards both dermal fibroblasts and brown adipocytes. They were termed eFAPs (embryonic fibro/adipogenic progenitors) as they functionally resemble adult fibro/adipogenic progenitors. Overall, this study provides further understanding of the Pax7 lineage during embryonic development using a combination of lineage tracing with temporally sampled single-cell transcriptomics.
Phase separation of insulin receptor substrate 1 drives the formation of insulin/IGF-1 signalosomes
Authors: Gao Xiu Kui , Rao Xi Sheng , Cong Xiao Xia , Sheng Zu Kang , Sun Yu Ting , Xu Shui Bo , Wang Jian Feng , Liang Yong Heng , Lu Lin Rong , Ouyang Hongwei , Ge Huiqing , Guo Jian-sheng , Wu Hang-jun , Sun Qi Ming , Wu Hao-bo , Bao Zhang , Zheng Li Ling , Zhou Yi Ting
Published: June 2022

As a critical node for insulin/IGF signaling, insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) is essential for metabolic regulation. A long and unstructured C-terminal region of IRS-1 recruits downstream effectors for promoting insulin/IGF signals. However, the underlying molecular basis for this remains elusive. Here, we found that the C-terminus of IRS-1 undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Both electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions were seen to drive IRS-1 LLPS. Self-association of IRS-1, which was mainly mediated by the 301–600 region, drives IRS-1 LLPS to form insulin/IGF-1 signalosomes. Moreover, tyrosine residues of YXXM motifs, which recruit downstream effectors, also contributed to IRS-1 self-association and LLPS. Impairment of IRS-1 LLPS attenuated its positive effects on insulin/IGF-1 signaling. The metabolic disease-associated G972R mutation impaired the self-association and LLPS of IRS-1. Our findings delineate a mechanism in which LLPS of IRS-1-mediated signalosomes serves as an organizing center for insulin/IGF-1 signaling and implicate the role of aberrant IRS-1 LLPS in metabolic diseases.
The timing of unprecedented hydrological drought under climate change
Authors: Satoh Yusuke , Yoshimura Kei , Pokhrel Yadu , Kim Hyungjun , Shiogama Hideo , Yokohata Tokuta , Hanasaki Naota , Wada Yoshihide , Burek Peter , Byers Edward , Schmied Hannes Müller , Gerten Dieter , Ostberg Sebastian , Gosling Simon Newland , Boulange Julien Eric Stanslas , Oki Taikan
Published: June 2022

Droughts that exceed the magnitudes of historical variation ranges could occur increasingly frequently under future climate conditions. However, the time of the emergence of unprecedented drought conditions under climate change has rarely been examined. Here, using multimodel hydrological simulations, we investigate the changes in the frequency of hydrological drought (defined as abnormally low river discharge) under high and low greenhouse gas concentration scenarios and existing water resource management measures and estimate the time of the first emergence of unprecedented regional drought conditions centered on the low-flow season. The times are detected for several subcontinental-scale regions, and three regions, namely, Southwestern South America, Mediterranean Europe, and Northern Africa, exhibit particularly robust results under the high-emission scenario. These three regions are expected to confront unprecedented conditions within the next 30 years with a high likelihood regardless of the emission scenarios. In addition, the results obtained herein demonstrate the benefits of the lower-emission pathway in reducing the likelihood of emergence. The Paris Agreement goals are shown to be effective in reducing the likelihood to the unlikely level in most regions. However, appropriate and prior adaptation measures are considered indispensable when facing unprecedented drought conditions. The results of this study underscore the importance of improving drought preparedness within the considered time horizons.
Long COVID burden and risk factors in 10 UK longitudinal studies and electronic health records
Authors: Thompson Ellen J. , Williams Dylan M. , Walker Alex J. , Mitchell Ruth E. , Niedzwiedz Claire L. , Yang Tiffany C. , Huggins Charlotte F. , Kwong Alex S. F. , Silverwood Richard J. , Di Gessa Giorgio , Bowyer Ruth C. E. , Northstone Kate , Hou Bo , Green Michael J. , Dodgeon Brian , Doores Katie J. , Duncan Emma L. , Williams Frances M. K. ,   OpenSAFELY Collaborative, Walker Alex J. , MacKenna Brian , Inglesby Peter , Rentsch Christopher T. , Curtis Helen J. , Morton Caroline E. , Morley Jessica , Mehrkar Amir , Bacon Seb , Hickman George , Bates Chris , Croker Richard , Evans David , Ward Tom , Cockburn Jonathan , Davy Simon , Bhaskaran Krishnan , Schultze Anna , Williamson Elizabeth J. , Hulme William J. , McDonald Helen I. , Tomlinson Laurie , Mathur Rohini , Eggo Rosalind M. , Wing Kevin , Wong Angel Y. S. , Forbes Harriet , Tazare John , Parry John , Hester Frank , Harper Sam , Douglas Ian J. , Evans Stephen J. W. , Smeeth Liam , Goldacre Ben , Steptoe Andrew , Porteous David J. , McEachan Rosemary R. C. , Tomlinson Laurie , Goldacre Ben , Patalay Praveetha , Ploubidis George B. , Katikireddi Srinivasa Vittal , Tilling Kate , Rentsch Christopher T. , Timpson Nicholas J. , Chaturvedi Nishi , Steves Claire J.
Published: June 2022

The frequency of, and risk factors for, long COVID are unclear among community-based individuals with a history of COVID-19. To elucidate the burden and possible causes of long COVID in the community, we coordinated analyses of survey data from 6907 individuals with self-reported COVID-19 from 10 UK longitudinal study (LS) samples and 1.1 million individuals with COVID-19 diagnostic codes in electronic healthcare records (EHR) collected by spring 2021. Proportions of presumed COVID-19 cases in LS reporting any symptoms for 12+ weeks ranged from 7.8% and 17% (with 1.2 to 4.8% reporting debilitating symptoms). Increasing age, female sex, white ethnicity, poor pre-pandemic general and mental health, overweight/obesity, and asthma were associated with prolonged symptoms in both LS and EHR data, but findings for other factors, such as cardio-metabolic parameters, were inconclusive.
Maternal immune response and placental antibody transfer after COVID-19 vaccination across trimester and platforms
Authors: Atyeo Caroline G. , Shook Lydia L. , Brigida Sara , De Guzman Rose M. , Demidkin Stepan , Muir Cordelia , Akinwunmi Babatunde , Baez Arantxa Medina , Sheehan Maegan L. , McSweeney Erin , Burns Madeleine D. , Nayak Ruhi , Kumar Maya K. , Patel Chinmay D. , Fialkowski Allison , Cvrk Dana , Goldfarb Ilona T. , Yonker Lael M. , Fasano Alessio , Balazs Alejandro B. , Elovitz Michal A. , Gray Kathryn J. , Alter Galit , Edlow Andrea G.
Published: June 2022

The availability of three COVID-19 vaccines in the United States provides an unprecedented opportunity to examine how vaccine platforms and timing of vaccination in pregnancy impact maternal and neonatal immunity. Here, we characterize the antibody profile after Ad26.COV2.S, mRNA-1273 or BNT162b2 vaccination in 158 pregnant individuals and evaluate transplacental antibody transfer by profiling maternal and umbilical cord blood in 175 maternal-neonatal dyads. These analyses reveal lower vaccine-induced functions and Fc receptor-binding after Ad26.COV2.S compared to mRNA vaccination and subtle advantages in titer and function with mRNA-1273 versus BN162b2. mRNA vaccines have higher titers and functions against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. First and third trimester vaccination results in enhanced maternal antibody-dependent NK-cell activation, cellular and neutrophil phagocytosis, and complement deposition relative to second trimester. Higher transplacental transfer ratios following first and second trimester vaccination may reflect placental compensation for waning maternal titers. These results provide novel insight into the impact of platform and trimester of vaccination on maternal humoral immune response and transplacental antibody transfer.
Senescent cells limit p53 activity via multiple mechanisms to remain viable
Authors: Sturmlechner Ines , Sine Chance C. , Jeganathan Karthik B. , Zhang Cheng , Fierro Velasco Raul O. , Baker Darren J. , Li Hu , van Deursen Jan M.
Published: June 2022

Super-enhancers regulate genes with important functions in processes that are cell type-specific or define cell identity. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts establish 40 senescence-associated super-enhancers regardless of how they become senescent, with 50 activated genes located in the vicinity of these enhancers. Here we show, through gene knockdown and analysis of three core biological properties of senescent cells that a relatively large number of senescence-associated super-enhancer-regulated genes promote survival of senescent mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Of these, Mdm2, Rnase4, and Ang act by suppressing p53-mediated apoptosis through various mechanisms that are also engaged in response to DNA damage. MDM2 and RNASE4 transcription is also elevated in human senescent fibroblasts to restrain p53 and promote survival. These insights identify key survival mechanisms of senescent cells and provide molecular entry points for the development of targeted therapeutics that eliminate senescent cells at sites of pathology.