bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Location in the Spread of SARS-CoV-2: Examination of Cases and Exposed Contacts in South Texas, Using Social Network Analysis
Authors: Jones Eric C. , Rodriguez Daniella , Gimeno Ruiz de Porras David , Kurian Anita , Tsai Jack
Published: October 2023

Objective:

This study sought to better understand the types of locations that serve as hubs for the transmission of COVID-19.

Methods:

Contact tracers interviewed individuals who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 between November 2020 and March 2021, as well as the people with whom those individuals had contact. We conducted a 2-mode social network analysis of people by the types of places they visited, focusing on the forms of centrality exhibited by place types.

Results:

The most exposed locations were grocery stores, commercial stores, restaurants, commercial services, and schools. These types of locations also have the highest “betweenness,” meaning that they tend to serve as hubs between other kinds of locations since people would usually visit more than 1 location in a day or when infected. The highest pairs of locations were grocery store/retail store, restaurant/retail store, and restaurant/grocery store. Schools are not at the top but are 3 times in the top 7 pairs of locations and connected to the 3 types of locations in those top pairs.

Conclusions:

As the pandemic progressed, location hotspots shifted between businesses, schools, and homes. In this social network analysis, certain types of locations appeared to be potential hubs of transmission.
Impact of compliant coating on Mack-mode evolution in hypersonic boundary layers
Authors: Ji Xiaoyang , Dong Ming , Zhao Lei
Published: October 2023

This paper focuses on the linear evolution of Mack instability modes in a hypersonic boundary layer over a flat plate that is partially coated by a compliant section. The compliant section is a thin, flexible membrane covering on a porous wall consisting of micro holes. The instability pressure could induce a vibration of the membrane, leading to a feedback to the boundary-layer fluids through the transverse velocity fluctuation. Such a process is formulated by an admittance boundary condition for the boundary-layer perturbation, which is dependent on the thickness and tension of the membrane, the properties of the porous wall, and the frequency of the Mack-mode perturbation. Using this admittance condition, the impact of the compliant coating on the Mack growth rate is studied systematically by solving the compressible Orr–Sommerfeld equations. It is found that the compliant coating could suppress the Mack instability with a frequency band in the neighbourhood of the most unstable frequency, and the stabilising frequency band widens as the membrane thickness and tension decrease, indicating a more favourable effect of a softer membrane. For a Mack mode with a specified dimensional frequency – since its dimensionless frequency, normalised by the local boundary-layer thickness and oncoming velocity, increases as it propagates downstream – the second-mode frequency band usually appears in downstream locations, and so does the stabilising effect of the membrane. Thus it is favourable to apply a compliant panel at a downstream region. In this situation, the solid–compliant junction could produce an additional scattering effect on the evolution of the Mack mode due to the sudden change of its boundary condition. The scattering effect is quantified by a transmission coefficient defined by the equivalent amplitude of the compliant-wall perturbation to the solid-wall perturbation, which can be obtained by the harmonic linearised Navier–Stokes (HLNS) approach. If the admittance is weak, then the transmission coefficient can also be predicted by an analytical solution based on the residue theorem. It is found that most of the second modes are suppressed by the scattering effect as long as the argument of the admittance is in the interval

$[150^\circ, 210^\circ ]$

, agreeing with most of the physical situation. The analytical predictions agree well with the HLNS calculations when the modulus of the admittance is less than

$O(0.1)$

.
Edge-driven collapse of fluid holes
Authors: Zhao Huanlei , Zhang Bin , Lv Cunjing
Published: October 2023

We study the stability and collapse of holes at the wall in liquid layers on circular bounded containers with various wettabilities. Three distinct wetting modes of the hole are observed, which are related to the wettability of the container: when the substrate and the inner wall of the container are superhydrophobic, a stable hole remains as the liquid volume is continuously increased until the liquid layer covers the entire substrate; when the substrate and the inner wall are hydrophobic, an eye-shaped hole remains stable as the projected area of the hole exceeds a critical value

$A_c$

, however, the hole collapses if the liquid volume is further increased; when the substrate is superhydrophobic but the wall is hydrophilic, on increasing the liquid volume, the hole suddenly transfers into a circular hole and is pushed against the wall, leaving the hole dwelling around the centre of the container. Theoretical analyses and numerical simulations are conducted to establish the phase diagram for different wetting modes. It is found that, in the second mode,

$A_c$

increases with the size of the container but decreases with the contact angle of the substrate and the wall. Furthermore, we experimentally investigate the dynamics of the hole. The time evolution of the area of the hole obeys a scaling relationship

$A \sim (t_0 - t)^{1.1}$

after the hole collapses at time

$t_0$

.
Dispersion with a pinch of salt
Authors: Khair Aditya S.
Published: October 2023

Ding (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 970, 2023, A27) analysed the dispersion of a multicomponent electrolyte solution flowing through a channel. An inequality in ionic diffusion coefficients induces a spontaneous electric field that leads to nonlinear coupling of species fluxes. Ding presented an effective equation for the long-time evolution of the ionic concentration distributions, which revealed novel features compared with the classic case of an uncharged solute. This work highlights the rich physics of ion diffusion and electro-migration in non-uniform flows.
The Cruel Optimism of International Prison Regulation: Prison Ontologies and Carceral Harms
Authors: Kemp Tom , Tomczak Philippa
Published: October 2023

This article examines the development of international human rights standards and oversight mechanisms directed at addressing the negative effects of imprisonment. We identify this as the rules-based prison-regulation project, widely endorsed by international organizations and legal scholars. However, with a focus on the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, we argue that this project has inherent limitations, as it is based on (a) a reductive understanding of carceral harms and (b) a rule-centric ontology of prisons. By challenging these foundations, we explore whether the project exemplifies “cruel optimism” (Berlant, 2011), where the pursuit of improved prison regulation could inadvertently hinder societal flourishing. We argue that the continuous search for new and better prison standards may perpetuate rather than alleviate the problems associated with imprisonment unless accompanied by explicit strategies for countering prison growth and dramatically reducing prisoner numbers, for building the democratic power of prisoners and communities targeted by imprisonment, and continual linkages between prison conditions and the wider political-economic institution of imprisonment. We conclude that engaging with prisons as sites of relational power in practice must underlie any quest to reduce the harms of imprisonment.
Causal Explanation and Revealed Preferences
Authors: Vredenburgh Kate
Published: October 2023

This article tackles the objection that revealed preferences cannot causally explain. I mount a causal explanatory defense by drawing out three conditions under which such preferences can explain well, using an example of a successful explanation employing behavioral preferences. When behavioral preferences are multiple realizable, they can causally explain behavior well. Behavioral preferences also explain when agential preferences cannot be analytically separated from the environment that produces the relevant behavior (Condition 2) and when the environment is a significant causal factor (Condition 3). Thus, there are not causal explanatory grounds to completely bar revealed preference explanations from social science.
Does the Best System Need the Past Hypothesis?
Authors: Dorst Chris
Published: October 2023

Many philosophers sympathetic with Humeanism about laws have thought that the fundamental laws will include not only the traditional dynamical equations, but also two additional principles: the Past Hypothesis (PH) and the Statistical Postulate (SP). PH says that the universe began in a particular very-low-entropy macrostate M(0), and SP posits a uniform probability distribution over the microstates compatible with M(0). This view is arguably vindicated by the orthodox Humean Best System Account (BSA). However, I argue that recent developments of the BSA render the Past Hypothesis otiose. In particular, Pragmatic Humeanism does not support the idea that PH is a law.
Subjectivity and Dialectic: Hegel in Dialogue with Gadamer
Authors: Liu Chunge
Published: October 2023

In this article, I defend the contemporary significance of Hegel's thought on subjectivity and dialectic by involving Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and Hans-Georg Gadamer in a dialogue, and then, by clarifying the characteristics of spirit and concept. Hegel's theory of subjectivity and his thought on dialectic face many criticisms. One such critic is Gadamer; however, Gadamer's philosophy is, in fact, quite close to Hegel's. I take the Hegel-Gadamer relationship as one illustration of Hegel's relevance and influence. I then further demonstrate Hegel's contemporary importance by analyzing the characteristics of spirit and concept. Finally, I propose that Hegel's absolute spirit and concept remain significant.
Divine hiddenness, the demographics of theism, and mutual epistemic dependence: a response to Max Baker-Hytch
Authors: Blanton Andrew
Published: October 2023

In his article ‘Divine Hiddenness and the Demographics of Theism’ Stephen Maitzen (2006) develops a permutation of the argument from divine hiddenness which focuses on the uneven distribution of theistic belief around the globe. Max Baker-Hytch (2016) responds to this argument by providing a theodicy which appeals to the fact that humans are epistemically interdependent. In this article I argue that Baker-Hytch's response is at best incomplete and at worst relies on a faulty modal judgement. After exploring some ways Baker-Hytch might salvage his theodicy and maintaining their failure, I conclude with the success of Maitzen's argument.
Prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infections among adolescent men who have sex with men and transgender women in Salvador, Northeast Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Caio Marcellus , Marques Lucas Miranda , Medeiros Danielle Souto de , Salgado Valdiele de Jesus , Soares Fabiane , Magno Laio , Dourado Inês , da Silva Ághata Morgana Bertoti , Brito Henrique Inácio Lima de , Figueiredo Tiana Baqueiro , Campos Guilherme Barreto
Published: October 2023

Adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) and transgender women (ATGW) enrolled as part of the PrEP1519 study between April 2019 and February 2021 in Salvador were tested for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections.We performed real-time polymerase chain reaction using oropharyngeal, anal, and urethral swabs; assessed factors associated with NG and CT infections using multivariable Poisson regression analysis with robust variance; and estimated the prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). In total, 246 participants were included in the analyses (median age: 18.8; IQR: 18.2–19.4 years). The overall oropharyngeal, anal, and urethral prevalence rates of NG were 17.9%, 9.4%, 7.6%, and 1.9%, respectively. For CT, the overall, oropharyngeal, anal, and urethral prevalence rates were 5.9%, 1.2%, 2.4%, and 1.9%, respectively. A low level of education, clinical suspicion of STI (and coinfection with Mycoplasma hominis were associated with NG infection. The prevalence of NG and CT, especially extragenital infections, was high in AMSM and ATGW. These findings highlight the need for testing samples from multiple anatomical sites among adolescents at a higher risk of STI acquisition, implementation of school-based strategies, provision of sexual health education, and reduction in barriers to care.
Long-term effects of physical training on cardiopulmonary exercise parameters in young patients with congenital heart diseases
Authors: Ferrero Paolo , Piazza Isabelle , Poggioli Giacomo , Chessa Massimo , Lorenzelli Fabio
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

Physical activity is recognised as an important intervention in patients with CHD. However, more data on the actual magnitude of physical training impact on functional capacity in this group of patients are still warranted. We aim to assess effort tolerance in a contemporary cohort of patients with congenital heart disease, regularly following a training programme, in comparison with a matched control group.

Methods:

Patients with CHD followed at the sports medicine department, who had undergone cardiopulmonary exercise test between 2011 and 2019, were included. Variables recorded were maximum workload, absolute and indexed maximum oxygen consumption, maximum heart rate, absolute and indexed maximum O2 pulse, ventilatory equivalent of CO2 and oxygen consumption/Work. Trend of cardiopulmonary parameters was analysed over time. Maximal workload, maximum oxygen consumption and ventilatory equivalent of CO2 were compared with a control group of patients with a more sedentary lifestyle, matched for diagnosis, gender, age, and body mass index.

Results:

Among one hundred and eleven patients, 73 males (66%) were analysed. Median age was 14 (12–17) years. Twenty-nine patients (27%) were practising sports at competitive level. Maximum oxygen consumption and oxygen consumption % of maximum predicted were not significantly different at follow-up as compared with baseline. Follow-up of maximum oxygen consumption was 38.2 ± 9 ml/kg/min versus 38.6 ± 9.2 ml/kg/min (p = NS) and follow-up of %oxygen consumption was 88 ± 20 versus 87 ± 15 (p = NS). Ventilatory equivalent of CO2 significantly improved in the last test as compared with the baseline: 30 ± 4 versus 33 ± 5 (p = 0.002). As compared with the control group, trained patients displayed a significantly higher maximum workload and oxygen consumption, while ventilatory equivalent of CO2 was not significantly different.

Conclusions:

In our cohort, patients following a regular training programme displayed a significantly higher functional capacity as compared with not trained control group, irrespective of NYHA class. Objective functional capacity was stable over a median follow-up of 3 years.
Herbicide effects on dormant and postdormant hybrid bermudagrass putting green turf
Authors: Peppers John M. , Askew Shawn D.
Published: October 2023

Herbicide resistance coupled with a dearth of selective herbicide options has increased the complexity of annual bluegrass control in hybrid bermudagrass putting greens. Cumyluron, endothall, and methiozolin are herbicides that control annual bluegrass by inhibiting novel sites of action compared with the herbicides currently used for turfgrass management in the United States. However, peer-reviewed literature contains no information on hybrid bermudagrass putting green tolerance to these herbicides. Sixteen field studies were established on eight golf greens in Midlothian, VA, in 2021 and 2022 to evaluate effects of cumyluron, endothall, methiozolin, pronamide, and trifloxysulfuron on bermudagrass spring transition. The 16 studies were split equally between initiation during full dormancy versus mid-spring transition. Methiozolin applied at 500 and 1,000 g ai ha−1 typically increased the heat units (growing degree days with a base temperature of 15 C) required for hybrid bermudagrass to visibly achieve 90% green coverage (T90) when applied to fully dormant hybrid bermudagrass. This delay in green coverage was more pronounced at sites where hybrid bermudagrass vigor was seemingly reduced via abiotic stressors. Endothall was generally more injurious than all other treatments when applied to hybrid bermudagrass during mid-transition. Endothall applied at 840 g ai ha−1 injured hybrid bermudagrass for 0 to 9 d over a threshold of 30% (DOT30), depending on location. In two site-years characterized by increased abiotic stress, methiozolin applied at 1,000 g ai ha−1 caused 44 DOT30. Cumyluron never injured hybrid bermudagrass by more than 30% or delayed T90 regardless of application timing. These results indicate that methiozolin should be applied only within labeled rates to actively growing hybrid bermudagrass putting greens, cumyluron can be safely applied at 6,450 g ai ha−1 to dormant or actively growing bermudagrass greens, and endothall applications should be limited to dormant bermudagrass greens unless transient phytotoxicity is acceptable.
Burnout und Erschöpfungsdepression
Authors: Hochstrasser Barbara
Published: October 2023

Burnout bezeichnet einen Risikozustand, der bei Chronifizierung einer andauernden Stressbelastung zu psychischen und somatischen Folgeerkrankungen führen kann. Gekennzeichnet ist das Burnout-Syndrom durch eine ausgeprägte Erschöpfung bei gleichzeitig beeinträchtigter Erholungsfähigkeit, begleitet von Stresssymptomen. Reduzierte Belastbarkeit, vegetative Symptome und kognitive Störungen können damit einhergehen. Bisher existieren nur wenige umfassende Studien zur Therapie von Burnout, obwohl Behandlungsempfehlungen angesichts seiner Verbreitung unbedingt benötigt werden.
Barbara Hochstrasser hat innerhalb der Schweiz das erste integrierte Behandlungsprogramm für Patientinnen und Patienten mit Burnout und Erschöpfungsdepression entwickelt, implementiert und beforscht. Basierend auf dem aktuellen Erkenntnisstand der Forschung, der klinischen Praxis und ihrer jahrelangen Erfahrung erläutert sie Grundlegendes zum Burnout-Syndrom, wobei neben verschiedenen Modellen und Risikofaktoren auch die komplexe Symptomatik und Aspekte bei der Diagnose thematisiert werden. Davon ausgehend präsentiert und bewertet Barbara Hochstrasser mögliche Therapieformen und deren Wirksamkeit.
Die Autorin berücksichtigt dabei nicht nur psychotherapeutische Interventionen, sondern auch körper- und erlebnisorientierte Therapien, Achtsamkeitsübungen, Yoga, Meditation, Qigong, Shiatsu, Sport, Biofeedback, komplementärmedizinische Anwendungen oder beruf-iche Rehabilitations- und Reintegrationsprogramme. Dieses Buch ist ein umfassendes Referenzwerk zur Orientierung bei der Behandlung von Burnout.
Die in diesem Buch enthaltenen Arbeitsblätter können nach erfolgter Registrierung von der Hogrefe Website heruntergeladen werden.
Qualifikationsmix in der Pflege
Authors: Müller Barbara
Published: October 2023

Mit erfolgreichem Qualifikationsmix (Skill-Grade-Mix) zu einer neuen Teamkultur und modernisierten Arbeitsmodellen

Qualifizierte und gute besetzte Pflegeteams verbessern die Qualität der Gesundheitsversorgung und sorgen für die Sicherheit der Patient_innen. Der Qualifikationsmix hat dabei eine stärkere Auswirkung als der Personalschlüssel - so das Ergebnis einer Studie, das angesichts des bestehenden Fachkräftemangels aufhorchen lässt. Ein erfolgreicher Qualifikationsmix integriert alle Mitarbeitenden eines Pflegeteams und unterstützt Arbeitsmodelle der Autonomie und Selbstgestaltung. Er beruht auf einer gemeinsamen Haltung der Fürsorge und kompetenzgeleiteten Kultur und stützt sich auf evidenzbasiertes Pflegewissen. Gute Teams zeichnen sich aus durch Empathie, Ruhe und ein ausgeprägtes Wir-Gefühl.
Das Fachbuch stellt umfassendes Wissen zum Qualifikationsmix bereit, bietet Impulse für das eigene Führungsverhalten und gibt Anregungen, wie eine Teambildung im Qualifikationsmix durch Change Management gelingen kann. Der theoretische Hintergrund wird erweitert um übergeordnete Perspektiven und Praxisberichte von Expert_innen des Pflegemanagements aus dem In- und Ausland.
Teil 1: Den Qualifikationsmix neu denken: Grundlagen, Chancen, RisikenTeil 2: Impulse aus der Pflegewissenschaft: Forschung, Wissenschaft, StudienergebnisseTeil 3: Best-Practice im Pflegealltag: Evidenzbasierte Pflege in Projekten verschiedener Kliniken
Orthorektisches Ernährungsverhalten
Authors: Barthels Friederike , Pietrowsky Reinhard
Published: October 2023

Wenn der Wunsch nach gesunder Ernährung so groß ist, dass die tägliche Beschäftigung mit dem eigenen Essverhalten zum Lebensinhalt wird, spricht man von orthorektischem Ernährungsverhalten oder auch Orthorexia nervosa. Ob es sich dabei um eine weitere Variante der bisher bekannten Essstörungen handelt, wird seit einigen Jahren vermehrt diskutiert. Der vorliegende Band bietet einen umfangreichen und wissenschaftlich fundierten Einblick zum Thema Orthorexie.
Zunächst wird gesundes Essverhalten aus ernährungsphysiologischer und psychologischer Sicht von orthorektischem Ernährungsverhalten abgegrenzt. Die ausführliche Darstellung von Symptomen und Konsequenzen, auch anhand zahlreicher Fallbeispiele, vermittelt einen guten Eindruck von den unterschiedlichen Erscheinungsformen der Orthorexie. Um Fachkräften die Einordnung der Symptome zu erleichtern, werden darüber hinaus sowohl Diagnoseinstrumente als auch mögliche Diagnosekriterien besprochen. Auch der aktuelle Forschungsstand zur Prävalenz in unterschiedlichen Bevölkerungsgruppen und zu denkbaren Einflussfaktoren (z. B. restriktives Essverhalten und
Diäten, Diagnose einer anderen Essstörung, sportliche Aktivität) wird ausführlich vorgestellt. Die mögliche Einordnung in die gängigen Klassifikationssysteme psychischer Störungen wird ebenso diskutiert wie die Frage, inwiefern die Orthorexie ein eigenständiges Störungsbild darstellt. Ein vorläufiges Ätiologiemodell erläutert potenzielle Entstehungsmechanismen orthorektischen Ernährungsverhaltens. Behandlungsindikationen und Vorschläge für eine multimodale therapeutische Behandlung runden den Band ab.
Spatio‐Temporal Variations in Sediment Delivery as a Response to Rapid Quaternary Climate Change in the Lake Malawi Rift, East Africa
Authors: Wright Lachlan J. M. , Scholz Christopher A.
Published: October 2023

The interplay of rapid climate change and tectonics drives landscape development, sediment routing, and deposition in early‐stage continental rift systems. The Lake Malawi Rift, in the Western Branch of the East African Rift, is an archetype of a juvenile rift and an ideal natural laboratory for evaluating lacustrine source‐to‐sink systems on orbital or shorter timescales. We examine the interplay of these processes over the past 140 kyr using observations from nested seismic reflection data sets tied to scientific drill cores, which calibrate numerical forward models of this closed sedimentary system. Fault slip rates measured from seismic data drive tectonic displacements in the model. Satellite‐derived precipitation maps constrain modern precipitation and are scaled to previous hydrologic balance studies to reconstruct past climates. Our model reproduces known sediment thicknesses across the rift and accounts for 96% of the estimated siliciclastic sediment deposited over the past 140 kyr. The results demonstrate that the onset of arid climate conditions (140–95 kyr BP) causes extreme drainage adjustments downstream and the formation of mega‐catchments that flow axially into a shallow restricted paleo‐lake. Sedimentation rates during this time are twice the present values due to increased sediment focusing via these axial systems into a much smaller, hydrologically closed lake. As the climate became wetter (95–50 kyr BP), the lake rapidly expanded, decreasing both erosion and sedimentation rates across the rift. This closed‐loop approach allows us to evaluate the role of high‐frequency climate change in modulating basin physiography as well as sediment fluxes in juvenile rift systems.
Secondary Gravity Waves From the Tonga Volcano Eruption: Observation and Modeling Over New Zealand and Australia
Authors: Figueiredo C. A. O. B. , Vadas S. L. , Becker E. , Wrasse C. M. , Takahashi H. , Nyassor P. K. , Barros D.
Published: October 2023

The biggest volcanic eruption since 1991 happened on 15 January 2022 on the island of Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Haʻapai (20.6°S; 175.4°W) in the South Pacific between 4:00 and 4:16 UT. The updrafts from the eruption reached 58 km height. In order to observe its ionospheric effects, approximately 750 GNSS receivers in New Zealand and Australia were used to calculate the detrended total electron content (dTEC). Traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) were observed over New Zealand 1.0–1.5 hr after the volcano eruption, with a horizontal wavelength () of 1,525 km, horizontal phase velocity () of 635 m/s, period (τ) of 40 min, and azimuth (α) of 214°. On the other hand, TIDs were observed 2–3 hr after the eruption in Australia with , , τ, and α of 922 km, 375 m/s, 41 min, and 266°, respectively. Using reverse ray tracing, we found that these GWs originated at z > 100 km at a location ∼500 km south of Tonga, in agreement with model results for the location of a large amplitude body force created from the breaking of primary GWs from the eruption. Thus, we found that these fast GWs were secondary, not primary GWs from the Tonga eruption.
Postseismic Deformation in the Northern Antarctic Peninsula Following the 2003 and 2013 Scotia Sea Earthquakes
Authors: Nield Grace A. , King Matt A. , Koulali Achraf , Samrat Nahidul
Published: October 2023

Large earthquakes in the vicinity of Antarctica have the potential to cause postseismic viscoelastic deformation affecting measurements of displacement that are used to constrain models of glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA). In November 2013, a Mw 7.7 strike‐slip earthquake occurred in the Scotia Sea, 650 km from the Antarctic Peninsula. GPS time series from the northern Peninsula show a change in rate after this event, indicating a far‐field postseismic deformation signal is present. In this study, we use a finite element model with a suite of 1D and 3D Earth structures to investigate the extent of postseismic deformation in the Antarctic Peninsula. Model output is compared with GPS time series to place constraints on the Earth structure in this region. The preferred Earth structure has a thin lithosphere combined with a Burgers rheology with steady‐state viscosity of 4 × 1018 Pa s and transient viscosity one order of magnitude lower. Our study shows that including 3D Earth structure does not improve the fit. Using the best fitting Earth structure, we run a forward model of the nearby 2003 Mw 7.6 strike‐slip earthquake and combine the predictions for both earthquakes. We show that postseismic deformation is widespread across the northern Peninsula with rates of horizontal deformation up to 1.65 mm/yr for the period 2015–2020, a signal that persists for decades. These results suggest that much of Antarctica may be deforming due to recent postseismic deformation and this signal needs to be accounted for when using GPS observations to constrain geophysical models.
Uncertainty Quantification for the Noah‐MP Land Surface Model: A Case Study in a Grassland and Sandy Soil Region
Authors: Wang Heng , Huo Xueli , Duan Qingyun , Liu Rui , Luo Shiwei
Published: October 2023

Land surface models rely on a multitude of parameters to simulate land‐atmosphere interactions, but the parameter uncertainty can limit the reliability of model predictions. This study utilizes a parameter uncertainty quantification (UQ) framework to quantify and reduce the parameter uncertainty of the Noah‐MP land surface model in a grassland and sandy soil region in the Midwest of the USA. First, the sparse polynomial chaos expansion method which can quantify the interaction effect of parameters, is employed. A relatively small parameter sample size (i.e., 20 times of the number of parameters) was sufficient to identify the sensitive parameters; an additional sensitive parameter, the saturated soil hydraulic conductivity, was screened out compared to previous study. Then, based on the selected sensitive parameters, the weighted multi‐objective adaptive surrogate modeling‐based optimization algorithm is used as the parameter optimization method. The optimization results showed that the root mean square error of flux of latent heat (FLH) on about 82% of the total grids was reduced, and the number was about 57% for gross primary production (GPP) compared to the results using the original parameter settings, indicating that the Pareto parameter set by the UQ framework improved the Noah‐MP model in simulating FLH and GPP in a grassland and sandy soil region in the Midwest of the USA.
Modeling Slope Microclimates in the Mars Planetary Climate Model
Authors: Lange L. , Forget F. , Dupont E. , Vandemeulebrouck R. , Spiga A. , Millour E. , Vincendon M. , Bierjon A.
Published: October 2023

A large number of surface features (e.g., frost, gullies, slope streaks, recurring slope lineae) are observed on Martian slopes. Their activity is often associated with the specific microclimates on these slopes, which have been mostly studied with one‐dimensional radiative balance models to date. We develop here a parameterization to simulate these microclimates in 3D Global Climate Models. We first demonstrate that any Martian slope can be thermally represented by a poleward or equatorward slope, that is, the daily average, minimum, and maximum surface temperatures depend on the North‐South component of the slope. Based on this observation, we implement here a subgrid‐scale parameterization to represent slope microclimates (radiative fluxes, volatile condensation, ignoring slope winds for now) in the Mars Planetary Climate Model and validate it through comparisons with surface temperature measurements and frost detections on sloped terrains. With this new model, we show that slope microclimates do not have a significant impact on the seasonal CO2 and H2O cycles on a global scale. Furthermore, short‐scale slopes (i.e., less than ∼1 km in length) do not significantly impact the thermal state of the atmosphere. Ninety‐one percent of the active gullies are found where our model predicts CO2 frost, suggesting that their activity is related to processes involving CO2 ice. However, the low thicknesses (≤tens of cm) predicted at mid‐latitudes rule out mechanisms involving large amounts (∼meters) of ice. This model opens the way to new studies on surface‐atmosphere interactions in present and past climates.
Establishing safe high hydrostatic pressure devitalization thresholds for autologous head and neck cancer vaccination and reconstruction
Authors: Maletzki Claudia , Freiin Grote Vivica , Kalle Friederike , Kleitke Thoralf , Zimpfer Annette , Becker Anne-Sophie , Bergmann-Ewert Wendy , Jonitz-Heincke Anika , Bader Rainer , Vollmar Brigitte , Hackenberg Stephan , Scherzad Agmal , Mlynski Robert , Strüder Daniel
Published: October 2023

High hydrostatic pressure specifically devitalizes cells and tissues without major changes in their molecular structure. Hence, high hydrostatic pressure may enhance the development of whole-cell anti-tumor vaccines, representing tumor heterogeneity and thus (neo-) antigen diversity. Moreover, safe devitalization of tumor-infiltrated supporting tissue may facilitate reimplantation for functional reconstruction. However, precise high hydrostatic pressure thresholds for safe cancer cell killing are unknown. Here, we show that high hydrostatic pressure of at least 315 MPa is necessary to safely devitalize head and neck squamous cell cancer. A pressure of 210 MPa, which has been used frequently in cancer vaccine preparation, resulted in partial devitalization with 27% live cells in flow cytometry and 4% remaining autofluorescence in cell culture after one week. The remaining cells could form vital tumors in the chorioallantoic membrane assay. In contrast, 315 MPa killed all cells in vitro and prevented tumor outgrowth in ovo. The effectiveness of 315 MPa was attributed to the induction of DNA double-strand breaks, independent of apoptosis, autophagy, or methuosis. Furthermore, 315 MPa continued to induce immunogenic cell death. Our results demonstrate that 315 MPa of high hydrostatic pressure induces safe and sustained devitalization of head and neck cancer cells and tissues. Because of the heterogeneity in pressure resistance, we propose our approach as a starting point for determining the precise thresholds for other cancer entities. Further studies on head and neck cancer should focus on immunological co-cultures, combinations of immune checkpoint inhibition, and accurate anatomical reconstruction with pressure-treated autografts.
C-type lectin receptor 2d forms homodimers and heterodimers with TLR2 to negatively regulate IRF5-mediated antifungal immunity
Authors: Li Fan , Wang Hui , Li Yan-Qi , Gu Yebo , Jia Xin-Ming
Published: October 2023

Dimerization of C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) or Toll-like receptors (TLRs) can alter their ligand binding ability, thereby modulating immune responses. However, the possibilities and roles of dimerization between CLRs and TLRs remain unclear. Here we show that C-type lectin receptor-2d (CLEC2D) forms homodimers, as well as heterodimers with TLR2. Quantitative ligand binding assays reveal that both CLEC2D homodimers and CLEC2D/TLR2 heterodimers have a higher binding ability to fungi-derived β-glucans than TLR2 homodimers. Moreover, homo- or hetero-dimeric CLEC2D mediates β-glucan-induced ubiquitination and degradation of MyD88 to inhibit the activation of transcription factor IRF5 and subsequent IL-12 production. Clec2d-deficient female mice are resistant to infection with Candida albicans, a human fungal pathogen, owing to the increase of IL-12 production and subsequent generation of IFN-γ-producing NK cells. Together, these data indicate that CLEC2D forms homodimers or heterodimers with TLR2, which negatively regulate antifungal immunity through suppression of IRF5-mediated IL-12 production. These homo- and hetero-dimers of CLEC2D and TLR2 provide an example of receptor dimerization to regulate host innate immunity against microbial infections.
Broad-spectrum kinome profiling identifies CDK6 upregulation as a driver of lenvatinib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Leung Carmen Oi Ning , Yang Yang , Leung Rainbow Wing Hei , So Karl Kam Hei , Guo Hai Jun , Lei Martina Mang Leng , Muliawan Gregory Kenneth , Gao Yuan , Yu Qian Qian , Yun Jing Ping , Ma Stephanie , Zhao Qian , Lee Terence Kin Wah
Published: October 2023

Increasing evidence has demonstrated that drug resistance can be acquired in cancer cells by kinase rewiring, which is an obstacle for efficient cancer therapy. However, it is technically challenging to measure the expression of protein kinases on large scale due to their dynamic range in human proteome. We employ a lysine-targeted sulfonyl fluoride probe, named XO44, which binds to 133 endogenous kinases in intact lenvatinib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. This analysis reveals cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) upregulation, which is mediated by ERK/YAP1 signaling cascade. Functional analyses show that CDK6 is crucial in regulation of acquired lenvatinib resistance in HCC via augmentation of liver cancer stem cells with clinical significance. We identify a noncanonical pathway of CDK6 in which it binds and regulates the activity of GSK3β, leading to activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Consistently, CDK6 inhibition by palbociclib or degradation by proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) is highly synergistic with lenvatinib in vitro. Interestingly, palbociclib not only exerts maximal growth suppressive effect with lenvatinib in lenvatinib-resistant HCC models but also reshapes the tumor immune microenvironment. Together, we unveil CDK6 as a druggable target in lenvatinib-resistant HCC and highlight the use of a chemical biology approach to understand nongenetic resistance mechanisms in cancer.
Dissolved organic matter thiol concentrations determine methylmercury bioavailability across the terrestrial-marine aquatic continuum
Authors: Seelen Emily , Liem-Nguyen Van , Wünsch Urban , Baumann Zofia , Mason Robert , Skyllberg Ulf , Björn Erik
Published: October 2023

The most critical step for methylmercury (MeHg) bioaccumulation in aquatic food webs is phytoplankton uptake of dissolved MeHg. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) has been known to influence MeHg uptake, but the mechanisms have remained unclear. Here we show that the concentration of DOM-associated thiol functional groups (DOM-RSH) varies substantially across contrasting aquatic systems and dictates MeHg speciation and bioavailability to phytoplankton. Across our 20 study sites, DOM-RSH concentrations decrease 40-fold from terrestrial to marine environments whereas dissolved organic carbon (DOC), the typical proxy for MeHg binding sites in DOM, only has a 5-fold decrease. MeHg accumulation into phytoplankton is shown to be directly linked to the concentration of specific MeHg binding sites (DOM-RSH), rather than DOC. Therefore, MeHg bioavailability increases systematically across the terrestrial-marine aquatic continuum as the DOM-RSH concentration decreases. Our results strongly suggest that measuring DOM-RSH concentrations will improve empirical models in phytoplankton uptake studies and will form a refined basis for modeling MeHg incorporation in aquatic food webs under various environmental conditions.
SIgA structures bound to Streptococcus pyogenes M4 and human CD89 provide insights into host-pathogen interactions
Authors: Liu Qianqiao , Stadtmueller Beth M.
Published: October 2023

Immunoglobulin (Ig) A functions as monomeric IgA in the serum and Secretory (S) IgA in mucosal secretions. Host IgA Fc receptors (FcαRs), including human FcαR1/CD89, mediate IgA effector functions; however, human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes has evolved surface-protein virulence factors, including M4, that also engage the CD89-binding site on IgA. Despite human mucosa serving as a reservoir for pathogens, SIgA interactions with CD89 and M4 remain poorly understood. Here we report cryo-EM structures of M4-SIgA and CD89-SIgA complexes, which unexpectedly reveal different SIgA-binding stoichiometry for M4 and CD89. Structural data, supporting experiments, and modeling indicate that copies of SIgA bound to S. pyogenes M4 will adopt similar orientations on the bacterium surface and leave one host FcαR binding site open. Results suggest unappreciated functional consequences associated with SIgA binding to host and bacterial FcαRs relevant to understanding host-microbe co-evolution, IgA effector functions and improving the outcomes of group A Streptococcus infection.
Phase separation of BuGZ regulates gut regeneration and aging through interaction with m6A regulators
Authors: Zhang Qiaoqiao , Deng Kai , Liu Mengyou , Yang Shengye , Xu Wei , Feng Tong , Jie Minwen , Liu Zhiming , Sheng Xiao , Chen Haiyang , Jiang Hao
Published: October 2023

Exploring the role of phase separation in intracellular compartment formation is an active area of research. However, the associations of phase separation with intestinal stem cell (ISC)-dependent regeneration and aging remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that BuGZ, a coacervating mitotic effector, shows age- and injury-associated condensation in Drosophila ISC nuclei during interphase. BuGZ condensation promotes ISC proliferation, affecting Drosophila gut repair and longevity. Moreover, m6A reader YT521-B acts as the transcriptional and functional downstream of BuGZ. The binding of YT521-B promotor or m6A writer Ime4/ Mettl14 to BuGZ controls its coacervation, indicating that the promotor may accelerate the phase transition of its binding transcription factor. Hence, we propose that phase separation and m6A regulators may be critical for ameliorating ISC-dependent gut regeneration and aging and requires further study.
Acylation of glycerolipids in mycobacteria
Authors: Angala Shiva Kumar , Carreras-Gonzalez Ana , Huc-Claustre Emilie , Anso Itxaso , Kaur Devinder , Jones Victoria , Palčeková Zuzana , Belardinelli Juan M. , de Sousa-d’Auria Célia , Shi Libin , Slama Nawel , Houssin Christine , Quémard Annaïk , McNeil Michael , Guerin Marcelo E. , Jackson Mary
Published: October 2023

We report on the existence of two phosphatidic acid biosynthetic pathways in mycobacteria, a classical one wherein the acylation of the sn-1 position of glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) precedes that of sn-2 and another wherein acylations proceed in the reverse order. Two unique acyltransferases, PlsM and PlsB2, participate in both pathways and hold the key to the unusual positional distribution of acyl chains typifying mycobacterial glycerolipids wherein unsaturated substituents principally esterify position sn-1 and palmitoyl principally occupies position sn-2. While PlsM selectively transfers a palmitoyl chain to the sn-2 position of G3P and sn-1-lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), PlsB2 preferentially transfers a stearoyl or oleoyl chain to the sn-1 position of G3P and an oleyl chain to sn-2-LPA. PlsM is the first example of an sn-2 G3P acyltransferase outside the plant kingdom and PlsB2 the first example of a 2-acyl-G3P acyltransferase. Both enzymes are unique in their ability to catalyze acyl transfer to both G3P and LPA.
MSH2 stimulates interfering and inhibits non-interfering crossovers in response to genetic polymorphism
Authors: Dluzewska Julia , Dziegielewski Wojciech , Szymanska-Lejman Maja , Gazecka Monika , Henderson Ian R. , Higgins James D. , Ziolkowski Piotr A.
Published: October 2023

Meiotic crossovers can be formed through the interfering pathway, in which one crossover prevents another from forming nearby, or by an independent non-interfering pathway. In Arabidopsis, local sequence polymorphism between homologs can stimulate interfering crossovers in a MSH2-dependent manner. To understand how MSH2 regulates crossovers formed by the two pathways, we combined Arabidopsis mutants that elevate non-interfering crossovers with msh2 mutants. We demonstrate that MSH2 blocks non-interfering crossovers at polymorphic loci, which is the opposite effect to interfering crossovers. We also observe MSH2-independent crossover inhibition at highly polymorphic sites. We measure recombination along the chromosome arms in lines differing in patterns of heterozygosity and observe a MSH2-dependent crossover increase at the boundaries between heterozygous and homozygous regions. Here, we show that MSH2 is a master regulator of meiotic DSB repair in Arabidopsis, with antagonistic effects on interfering and non-interfering crossovers, which shapes the crossover landscape in relation to interhomolog polymorphism.
A transcriptional activator effector of Ustilago maydis regulates hyperplasia in maize during pathogen-induced tumor formation
Authors: Zuo Weiliang , Depotter Jasper R. L. , Stolze Sara Christina , Nakagami Hirofumi , Doehlemann Gunther
Published: October 2023

Ustilago maydis causes common smut in maize, which is characterized by tumor formation in aerial parts of maize. Tumors result from the de novo cell division of highly developed bundle sheath and subsequent cell enlargement. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis are still largely unknown. Here, we characterize the U. maydis effector Sts2 (Small tumor on seedlings 2), which promotes the division of hyperplasia tumor cells. Upon infection, Sts2 is translocated into the maize cell nucleus, where it acts as a transcriptional activator, and the transactivation activity is crucial for its virulence function. Sts2 interacts with ZmNECAP1, a yet undescribed plant transcriptional activator, and it activates the expression of several leaf developmental regulators to potentiate tumor formation. On the contrary, fusion of a suppressive SRDX-motif to Sts2 causes dominant negative inhibition of tumor formation, underpinning the central role of Sts2 for tumorigenesis. Our results not only disclose the virulence mechanism of a tumorigenic effector, but also reveal the essential role of leaf developmental regulators in pathogen-induced tumor formation.
Atmospheric-moisture-induced polyacrylate hydrogels for hybrid passive cooling
Authors: Galib Roisul Hasan , Tian Yanpei , Lei Yue , Dang Saichao , Li Xiaole , Yudhanto Arief , Lubineau Gilles , Gan Qiaoqiang
Published: October 2023

Heat stress is being exacerbated by global warming, jeopardizing human and social sustainability. As a result, reliable and energy-efficient cooling methods are highly sought-after. Here, we report a polyacrylate film fabricated by self-moisture-absorbing hygroscopic hydrogel for efficient hybrid passive cooling. Using one of the lowest-cost industrial materials (e.g., sodium polyacrylate), we demonstrate radiative cooling by reducing solar heating with high solar reflectance (0.93) while maximizing thermal emission with high mid-infrared emittance (0.99). Importantly, the manufacturing process utilizes only atmospheric moisture and requires no additional chemicals or energy consumption, making it a completely green process. Under sunlight illumination of 800 W m−2, the surface temperature of the film was reduced by 5 °C under a partly cloudy sky observed at Buffalo, NY. Combined with its hygroscopic feature, this film can simultaneously introduce evaporative cooling that is independent of access to the clear sky. The hybrid passive cooling approach is projected to decrease global carbon emissions by 118.4 billion kg/year compared to current air-conditioning facilities powered by electricity. Given its low-cost raw materials and excellent molding feature, the film can be manufactured through simple and cost-effective roll-to-roll processes, making it suitable for future building construction and personal thermal management needs.
Local decorin delivery via hyaluronic acid microrods improves cardiac performance, ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction
Authors: Mohindra Priya , Zhong Justin X. , Fang Qizhi , Cuylear Darnell L. , Huynh Cindy , Qiu Huiliang , Gao Dongwei , Kharbikar Bhushan N. , Huang Xiao , Springer Matthew L. , Lee Randall J. , Desai Tejal A.
Published: October 2023

Heart failure (HF) remains a global public health burden and often results following myocardial infarction (MI). Following injury, cardiac fibrosis forms in the myocardium which greatly hinders cellular function, survival, and recruitment, thus severely limits tissue regeneration. Here, we leverage biophysical microstructural cues made of hyaluronic acid (HA) loaded with the anti-fibrotic proteoglycan decorin to more robustly attenuate cardiac fibrosis after acute myocardial injury. Microrods showed decorin incorporation throughout the entirety of the hydrogel structures and exhibited first-order release kinetics in vitro. Intramyocardial injections of saline (n = 5), microrods (n = 7), decorin microrods (n = 10), and free decorin (n = 4) were performed in male rat models of ischemia-reperfusion MI to evaluate therapeutic effects on cardiac remodeling and function. Echocardiographic analysis demonstrated that rats treated with decorin microrods (5.21% ± 4.29%) exhibited significantly increased change in ejection fraction (EF) at 8 weeks post-MI compared to rats treated with saline (−4.18% ± 2.78%, p < 0.001) and free decorin (−3.42% ± 1.86%, p < 0.01). Trends in reduced end diastolic volume were also identified in decorin microrod-treated groups compared to those treated with saline, microrods, and free decorin, indicating favorable ventricular remodeling. Quantitative analysis of histology and immunofluorescence staining showed that treatment with decorin microrods reduced cardiac fibrosis (p < 0.05) and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy (p < 0.05) at 8 weeks post-MI compared to saline control. Together, this work aims to contribute important knowledge to guide rationally designed biomaterial development that may be used to successfully treat cardiovascular diseases.