bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Keeping Each Other Safe: Who Checks on Their Neighbors During Weather Extremes in Summer and Winter?
Authors: Mason Lisa Reyes , Ekenga Christine C.
Published: July 2021

Objective:

Weather extremes are increasing with climate change and associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Promotion of social connections is an emerging area of research and practice for risk reduction during weather extremes. This study examines the practice of checking on neighbors during extreme summer heat and extreme winter weather. Objectives are to (1) describe the extent of neighbor checking during these extremes, and (2) examine factors associated with neighbor checking.

Methods:

We analyze survey data (n = 442) from a primarily low- and moderate- income study sample in a Southeastern U.S. city, using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

Results:

About 17.6% of participants checked on neighbors during extreme summer heat, and 25.2% did so during extreme winter weather. Being middle or older aged and having more adverse physical health impacts were positively associated with neighbor checking, for both extremes. For winter only, having less education was positively associated with neighbor checking.

Conclusions:

Community-based partnerships for reducing risk during weather extremes may consider people who are older or have experienced their own adverse health impacts as initial target groups for promoting neighbor checking. Future research should also examine the motivations for, details about, and impacts of neighbor checking in greater depth.
Women’s Psychological Health, Family Function, and Social Support During Their Third Trimester of Pregnancy Within the COVID-19 Epidemic: A Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: He Dongning , Ren Jianhua , Luo Biru , Xiang Jie , Wang Guoyu , Gu Li , Chen Peng
Published: July 2021

Objective:

This study aims to investigate women’s psychological health, family function, and social support during the third trimester within the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic.

Method:

From January 30, 2020, to February 26, 2020, a total of 177 pregnant women during their third trimester (mean gestation time was 37.05 ± 4.06 wk) in a maternal and children’s hospital were investigated using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Family APGAR Index, and the Perceived Social Support Scale. Nonparametric tests were conducted in the study. The statistical significance was set as P < 0.05.

Result:

The incidence rate of the participants’ anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 epidemic was 19.21% and 24.29%, respectively. The participants’ greatest concerns in the previous week were the risk of virus transmission (79.66%), and the prenatal examination and fetal growth (70.62%). The SAS ranks were higher in the participants who were concerned about the prenatal examination and fetal growth and work-related affairs.

Conclusion:

The participants’ psychological health was indirectly affected by the epidemic through the supply of medical resources and work-related factors. The medical staff should employ family support and social resources to guarantee the accessibility of medical services and living materials to decrease the pregnant women’s stress and further improve their psychological health.
Food Quality in the European Union: Does the Consumer Have Free Choice?
Authors: EL GEMAYEL Maria
Published: July 2021

While it is a consumer’s prerogative to be offered all kinds of food products they can choose from, it is also a consumer’s own responsibility as to what kind of products they choose. It is still argued that free choice is only an illusion due to the general decline in food quality; in this context, the extent of free choice that the consumer has is considered, as well as the factors affecting it. These include fundamental European Union principles that demand strong science to prove safety, observe the lowest applicable quality standards and by extent offer a wide leniency range to food manufacturers when it comes to food quality. Another main factor stems from a food law that intensely focuses on securing food safety, while somehow disregarding quality. In addition to that, major efforts have been concentrated on strengthening food information for the purpose of enabling consumers to make healthier choices by both simplifying information on the front of packaging and increasing it on the back, while no direct changes targeting the composition of food have been proposed. As a result, what healthy food choices are left on the market and how accessible are they to consumers?
The Birth of a Business Icon through Cultural Branding: Ferrari and the Prancing Horse, 1923–1947
Authors: Aversa Paolo , Schreiter Katrin , Guerrini Filippo
Published: July 2021

This article examines the origin of the “Prancing Horse” symbol and its role in helping the racing team Ferrari survive under the fascist regime in Italy. Enzo Ferrari, the company’s founder, adopted the coat of arms of Francesco Baracca, the most renowned Italian military aviator during World War I, as the logo of his new racing team. By repurposing it from military aviation to motorsport, he benefitted from powerful cultural associations and strong political and cultural endorsement of Baracca’s persona. Drawing from scholarship on cultural branding and consumer culture, this study shows how new companies can establish powerful business icons by borrowing symbols connected to populist worlds and national ideologies, and transferring them to various industries. Strategic repurposing thus emerges as a distinct process within cultural branding to obtain institutional support and establish powerful brand identities in challenging contexts.
Surnames and population structure in the Doctrine of Belén, Altos de Arica, Viceroyalty of Peru (1750–1813)
Authors: Alfaro Emma , Inostroza Xochitl , Dipierri José E. , Peña Aguilera Daniela , Hidalgo Jorge , Albeck María Esther
Published: July 2021

The analysis of multiple population structures (biodemographic, genetic and socio-cultural) and their inter-relations contribute to a deeper understanding of population structure and population dynamics. Genetically, the population structure corresponds to the deviation of random mating conditioned by a limited number of ancestors, by restricted migration in the social or geographic space, or by preference for certain consanguineous unions. Through the isonymic method, surname frequency and distribution across the population can supply quantitative information on the structure of a human population, as they constitute universal socio-cultural variables. Using documentary sources to undertake the Doctrine of Belén’s (Altos de Arica, Chile) historical demography reconstruction between 1763 and 1820, this study identified an indigenous population with stable patronymics. The availability of complete marriage, baptism and death records, low rates of migration and the significant percentage of individuals registered and constantly present in this population favoured the application of the isonymic method. The aim of this work was to use given names and surnames recorded in these documentary sources to reconstruct the population structure and migration pattern of the Doctrine of Belén between 1750 and 1813 through the isonymic method. The results of the study were consistent with the ethno-historical data of this ethnic space, where social cohesion was, in multiple ways, related to the regulation of daily life in colonial Andean societies.
Throwing Away the Key: The Unintended Consequences of “Tough-on-Crime” Laws
Authors: Baumgartner Frank R. , Daniely Tamira , Huang Kalley , Johnson Sydney , Love Alexander , May Lyle , Mcgloin Patrice , Swagert Allison , Vattikonda Niharika , Washington Kamryn
Published: July 2021

During the 1980s and 1990s, U.S. policymakers adopted draconian criminal justice polices including widespread use of extremely long sentences, including life without parole. The country is now coming to face the consequences of these policies: a new class of geriatric prisoners posing little threat to public safety as they age into their seventies and beyond. Using a perspective drawn from bounded rationality, framing, and agenda-setting, we recount how policymakers adopted these policies, with key blind spots relating to obvious consequences of these harsh laws. We show how political leaders can over-respond to a perceived public policy crisis, particularly when powerful frames of race, fear, and dehumanization come to dominate the public discourse. We show how these trends are radically changing the demographics and needs of prison populations through a chronological review, mathematical simulation of the prison population, review of statistics about prison population, and personal stories illustrating these themes drawn from inside prison.
ZAINICHIKOREANS, AFRICAN AMERICANS, AND THE RACIAL POLITICS OF COMPARISON
Authors: Robillard-Martel Xavier
Published: July 2021

ZainichiKoreans are the descendants of colonial subjects who migrated to Japan from 1910 to 1945, when Korea was part of the Japanese empire. In 1952, the Japanese state stripped them of their nationality status and left them stateless. Like racial minority groups in other societies, Korean descendants still face systemic discrimination in contemporary Japan. Although they were colonized by a non-European power and are not physically distinct from the dominant Japanese population, their situation is often compared to that of African Americans. Yet, for scholars who think that race is necessarily based on “phenotype,” anti-Korean oppression cannot qualify as an instance of racism in Japan and the comparison with Black Americans is misguided. This article explores the intellectual and political issues at stake in debates over the use of racial comparisons—what I call the “racial politics of comparison.” Examining the views of scholars andZainichiKorean activists, I show how the latter have drawn inspiration from the Black liberation struggle and built alliances with African Americans in order to resist oppression. I argue that their unique situation forces us to revise the role attributed to phenotype in current definitions of race and racism.
The Contrasting Effects of Education on Fertility over Time Casalguidi, 1819–1960
Authors: Manfredini Matteo , Breschi Marco , Fornasin Alessio
Published: July 2021

Education has been frequently claimed to shape demographic outcomes. Mortality, fertility, and nuptiality have all been attested to be affected to some extent by education attainment. This article investigates the effects of education on fertility over time in a rural Italian community once controlled for potential confounders. Using individual-level data drawn from various sources, the study analyzes the role of education in shaping reproductive behaviors not only during the demographic transition (1890–1960) but also in the pretransitional period (1819–59). The results highlight the contrasting effects of literacy on fertility, which passed from a positive association in the ancien régime to a negative one in the transitional phase. Educated couples were therefore forerunners in the process of fertility decline because they were not only in the position to be the most pressed to control reproduction but also because they were likely aware of reproductive mechanisms, had the knowledge of more effective birth-control methods, had the economic possibility to get them, and had the necessary capacity to use them.
Coupled Mg/Ca and Clumped Isotope Measurements Indicate Lack of Substantial Mixed Layer Cooling in the Western Pacific Warm Pool During the Last ∼5 Million Years
Authors: Meinicke N. , Reimi M. A. , Ravelo A. C. , Meckler A. N.
Published: July 2021

The Indo‐Pacific Warm Pool (IPWP) plays a crucial role in influencing climate dynamics both in the tropics and globally. Yet, there is an ongoing controversy concerning the evolution of surface temperatures in the IPWP since the Pliocene, which is fueled by contradictory proxy evidence. Temperature reconstructions using TEX86 indicate a gradual cooling by ∼2°C from the Pliocene to today while Mg/Ca‐based studies using planktonic foraminifera do not report any long‐term trends. A bias in Mg/Ca records due to seawater chemistry changes has been suggested as an explanation for this proxy mismatch. Here, we present data from two independent foraminifera‐based temperature proxies, Mg/Ca and clumped isotopes (Δ47), measured on the same samples from IODP Site U1488 in the IPWP. We reconstructed mixed layer and subsurface temperatures and find very good agreement among Mg/Ca and Δ47 when applying a minor correction for changing Mg/Ca ratios of seawater. Diagenetic effects could influence Δ47 but the evaluation of foraminifera preservation at Site U1488 suggests that this effect is unlikely to have masked a long‐term trend in the data. While remaining uncertainties prevent us from fully ruling out particular hypotheses, our study adds evidence that mixed layer temperatures likely did not cool substantially, while subsurface temperatures cooled more strongly since the Pliocene. The substantial Pleistocene cooling previously observed in TEX86 data is consistent with this finding when interpreting it as a combined surface and subsurface signal.
Ionospheric Echo Detection in Digital Ionograms Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: De La Jara C. , Olivares C.
Published: July 2021

An ionogram is a graph of the time that a vertically transmitted wave takes to return to the earth as a function of frequency. Time is typically represented as virtual height, which is the time divided by the speed of light. The ionogram is shaped by making a trace of this height against the frequency of the transmitted wave. Along with the echoes of the ionosphere, ionograms usually contain a large amount of noise and interference of different nature that must be removed in order to extract useful information. In the present work, we propose a method based on convolutional neural networks to extract ionospheric echoes from digital ionograms. Extraction using the CNN model is compared with extraction using machine learning techniques. From the extracted traces, ionospheric parameters can be determined and electron density profile can be derived.
An Analytical Baseflow Coefficient Curve for Depicting the Spatial Variability of Mean Annual Catchment Baseflow
Authors: Cheng Shujie , Cheng Lei , Liu Pan , Qin Shujing , Zhang Lu , Xu Chong‐Yu , Xiong Lihua , Liu Liu , Xia Jun
Published: July 2021

Catchment baseflow is jointly controlled by climate and landscape properties. Previous studies have recognized that spatial variability of mean annual baseflow coefficient (BFC = , ratio of baseflow to precipitation) is primarily controlled by aridity index and storage capacity. However, an analytical solution of BFC in terms of the dominant controlling factors has not yet been established. The objective of this study was to develop an analytical BFC curve to depict spatial variability of BFC based on the “limit” concept of the Budyko framework. The BFC curve relates the baseflow coefficient to aridity index and storage capacity without resolving complex interactions between evapotranspiration and baseflow generation. The proposed BFC curve showed that, in the arid catchments, baseflow coefficient was primarily limited by available water (precipitation, P) and, in the humid catchments, was jointly controlled by both the available energy (potential evapotranspiration, Ep) and catchment retention capability (ratio of catchment storage capacity to P, i.e., Sp/P). Observed hydrological data from 950 catchments in Australia, the conterminous United States and the United Kingdom with diverse hydro‐climatic conditions (BFC = 0.001–0.650) were collected to demonstrate the capability of the developed curve. Results showed that the BFC curve captured the spatial variability of observed BFC in the 950 study catchments (R2 = 0.75, RMSE = 0.058). Mean annual baseflow estimated by the BFC curve agreed well with observed baseflow (R2 = 0.86, RMSE = 0.19 mm). The developed analytical curve provides an analytical solution for understanding how aridity index and storage capacity control mean annual catchment baseflow, and will improve predictability of baseflow at ungauged basins.
Bias Corrected Estimation of Paleointensity (BiCEP): An Improved Methodology for Obtaining Paleointensity Estimates
Authors: Cych Brendan , Morzfeld Matthias , Tauxe Lisa
Published: July 2021

The assumptions of paleointensity experiments are violated in many natural and archeological materials, leading to Arai plots which do not appear linear and yield inaccurate paleointensity estimates, leading to bias in the result. Recently, paleomagnetists have adopted sets of “selection criteria” that exclude specimens with nonlinear Arai plots from the analysis, but there is little consensus in the paleomagnetic community on which set to use. In this study, we present a statistical method we call Bias Corrected Estimation of Paleointensity (BiCEP), which assumes that the paleointensity recorded by each specimen is biased away from a true answer by an amount that is dependent a single metric of nonlinearity (the curvature parameter) on the Arai plot. We can use this empirical relationship to estimate the recorded paleointensity for a specimen where, that is, a perfectly straight line. We apply the BiCEP method to a collection of 30 sites for which the true value of the original field is well constrained. Our method returns accurate estimates of paleointensity, with similar levels of accuracy and precision to restrictive sets of paleointensity criteria, but accepting as many sites as permissive criteria. The BiCEP method has a significant advantage over using these selection criteria because it achieves these accurate results without excluding large numbers of specimens from the analysis. It yields accurate, albeit imprecise estimates from sites whose specimens all fail traditional criteria. BiCEP combines the accuracy of the strictest selection criteria with the low failure rates of the less reliable “loose” criteria.
Biomass Burning Smoke and Its Influence on Clouds Over the Western U. S.
Authors: Twohy Cynthia H. , Toohey Darin W. , Levin Ezra J. T. , DeMott Paul J. , Rainwater Bryan , Garofalo Lauren A. , Pothier Matson A. , Farmer Delphine K. , Kreidenweis Sonia M. , Pokhrel Rudra P. , Murphy Shane M. , Reeves J. Michael , Moore Kathryn A. , Fischer Emily V.
Published: July 2021

Small cumulus clouds over the western United States were measured via airborne instruments during the wildfire season in summer of 2018. Statistics of the sampled clouds are presented and compared to smoke aerosol properties. Cloud droplet concentrations were enhanced in regions impacted by biomass burning smoke, at times exceeding 3,000 cm−3. Images and elemental composition of individual smoke particles and cloud droplet residuals are presented and show that most are dominantly organic, internally mixed with some inorganic elements. Despite their high organic content and relatively low hygroscopicity, on average about half of smoke aerosol particles >80 nm diameter formed cloud droplets. This reduced cloud droplet size in small, smoke‐impacted clouds. A number of complex and competing climatic impacts may result from wide‐spread reductions in cloud droplet size due to wildfires prevalent across the region during summer months.
Petrogenesis of Himalayan Leucogranites: Perspective From a Combined Elemental and Fe‐Sr‐Nd Isotope Study
Authors: Shi Qingshang , He Yongsheng , Zhao Zhidan , Liu Dong , Harris Nigel , Zhu Di‐Cheng
Published: July 2021

The petrogenesis of Himalayan leucogranites remains crucial for understanding the thermal and tectonic evolution of the Himalayan orogen. To understand whether they are largely pristine melts of crustal anatexis or have experienced a high degree of fractional crystallization (FC), we present Fe isotopic data of 30 representative Himalayan leucogranites and 9 local metasedimentary rocks. Excepting three garnet leucogranites with low δ56Fe (−0.04‰–0.06‰) that are likely affected by garnet accumulation, tourmaline, and two‐mica leucogranites have largely homogeneous δ56Fe from 0.13‰ to 0.24‰ irrespective of their highly variable SiO2, MgO, and FeOt contents. Combined with observed mineral assemblages and available fractionation factors, this does not support a high degree of FC (with or without assimilation) in their petrogenesis. The elevated δ56Fe relative to the supposed source rocks, represented by metasedimentary rocks and/or metabasite with a δ56Fe value of 0.10‰, by ∼0.07‰, may reflect Fe isotope fractionation during crustal anatexis. This study indicates most leucogranites can provide robust constraints on the conditions of crustal anatexis and thus the thermal and tectonic evolution of the Himalayan orogen.
C5aR1-positive neutrophils promote breast cancer glycolysis through WTAP-dependent m6A methylation of ENO1
Authors: Ou Baochi , Liu Yuan , Yang Xiaowei , Xu Xiaojun , Yan Yunwen , Zhang Jingjie
Published: July 2021

Neutrophils are significant compositions of solid tumors and exert distinct functions in different types of tumors. However, the precise role of neutrophils in the progression of breast cancer (BC) is presently unclear. In this study, by investigating the single-cell RNA sequencing data, we identify a new neutrophil subset, C5aR1-positive neutrophils, that correlates with tumor progression and poor survival for BC patients. Furthermore, it is discovered that C5aR1-positive neutrophils enhance BC cell glycolysis via upregulating ENO1 expression. Mechanically, C5aR1-positive neutrophil-secreted IL1β and TNFα cooperatively activate ERK1/2 signaling, which phosphorylates WTAP at serine341 and thereby stabilizes WTAP protein. The stabilization of WTAP further promotes RNA m6A methylation of ENO1, impacting the glycolytic activity of BC cells. Importantly, C5aR1-positive neutrophils also promote breast cancer growth in vivo, and this effect is abolished by WTAP silencing. In clinical BC samples, increased C5aR1-positive neutrophils correlate with elevated IL1β, TNFα, and ENO1 expression. A high co-expression of C5aR1-positive neutrophil gene signature and ENO1 predicts worse prognosis of BC patients compared with a low co-expression. Collectively, our study reveals a novel subset of C5aR1-positive neutrophils that induces breast cancer glycolysis via increasing ERK1/2-WTAP-dependent m6A methylation of ENO1. These findings support the potential for exploration of C5aR1-positive neutrophils as a therapeutic target in breast cancer.
CircPVT1 promotes gallbladder cancer growth by sponging miR-339-3p and regulates MCL-1 expression
Authors: Wang Shouhua , Su Ting ting , Tong Huanjun , Shi Weibin , Ma Fei , Quan Zhiwei
Published: July 2021

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been implicated in modulating biological processes in some tumors. However, the contributions and molecular mechanisms of circRNAs to gallbladder cancer (GBC) remain largely unknown. In the present study, our results showed circPVT1 expression was significantly upregulated in GBC tissues and cells. Higher circPVT1 expression was correlated with lymph node metastasis, advanced TNM stage, and poor overall survival (OS) in patients with GBC. Subsequently, knockdown of circPVT1 significantly impeded GBC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, while induced cell apoptosis in vitro. However, upregulated circPVT1 had the opposite effects. In vivo, we also demonstrated that knockdown of circPVT1 inhibited tumor growth. Furthermore, we confirmed that circPVT1 could regulate Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) expression by sponging to miR-339-3p, which affected tumor progression in GBC cells. In summary, our findings indicated that circPVT1 may serve as a promising prognostic marker and therapeutic target for GBC.
Ferroptosis: a cell death connecting oxidative stress, inflammation and cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Yu Yi , Yan Yuan , Niu Fanglin , Wang Yajun , Chen Xueyi , Su Guodong , Liu Yuru , Zhao Xiling , Qian Lu , Liu Ping , Xiong Yuyan
Published: July 2021

Ferroptosis, a recently identified and iron-dependent cell death, differs from other cell death such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy-dependent cell death. This form of cell death does not exhibit typical morphological and biochemical characteristics, including cell shrinkage, mitochondrial fragmentation, nuclear condensation. The dysfunction of lipid peroxide clearance, the presence of redox-active iron as well as oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-containing phospholipids are three essential features of ferroptosis. Iron metabolism and lipid peroxidation signaling are increasingly recognized as central mediators of ferroptosis. Ferroptosis plays an important role in the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Accumulating evidence suggests that ferroptosis is implicated in a variety of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, stroke, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and heart failure, indicating that targeting ferroptosis will present a novel therapeutic approach against cardiovascular diseases. Here, we provide an overview of the features, process, function, and mechanisms of ferroptosis, and its increasingly connected relevance to oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases.
Nuclear iASPP determines cell fate by selectively inhibiting either p53 or NF-κB
Authors: Ge Wenjie , Wang Yudong , Zheng Shanliang , Zhao Dong , Wang Xingwen , Zhang Xiaoshi , Hu Ying
Published: July 2021

p53 and NF-κBp65 are essential transcription factors (TFs) in the cellular response to stress. Two signaling systems can often be entwined together and generally produce opposing biological outcomes in a cell context-dependent manner. Inhibitor of apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53 (iASPP) has the potential to inhibit both p53 and NF-κBp65, yet how such activities of iASPP are integrated with cancer remains unknown. Here, we utilized different cell models with diverse p53/NF-κBp65 activities. An iASPP(295–828) mutant, which is exclusively located in the nucleus and has been shown to be essential for its inhibitory effects on p53/NF-κBp65, was used to investigate the functional interaction between iASPP and the two TFs. The results showed that iASPP inhibits apoptosis under conditions when p53 is activated, while it can also elicit a proapoptotic effect when NF-κBp65 alone is activated. Furthermore, we demonstrated that iASPP inhibited the transcriptional activity of p53/NF-κBp65, but with a preference toward p53, thereby producing an antiapoptotic outcome when both TFs were simultaneously activated. This may be due to stronger binding between p53 and iASPP than NF-κBp65 and iASPP. Overall, these findings provide important insights into how the activities of p53 and NF-κBp65 are modulated by iASPP. Despite being a well-known oncogene, iASPP may have a proapoptotic role, which will guide the development of iASPP-targeted therapies to reach optimal outcomes in the future.
IMPDH2: a new gene associated with dominant juvenile-onset dystonia-tremor disorder
Authors: Kuukasjärvi Anna , Landoni Juan C. , Kaukonen Jyrki , Juhakoski Mika , Auranen Mari , Torkkeli Tommi , Velagapudi Vidya , Suomalainen Anu
Published: July 2021

The aetiology of dystonia disorders is complex, and next-generation sequencing has become a useful tool in elucidating the variable genetic background of these diseases. Here we report a deleterious heterozygous truncating variant in the inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase gene (IMPDH2) by whole-exome sequencing, co-segregating with a dominantly inherited dystonia-tremor disease in a large Finnish family. We show that the defect results in degradation of the gene product, causing IMPDH2 deficiency in patient cells. IMPDH2 is the first and rate-limiting enzyme in the de novo biosynthesis of guanine nucleotides, a dopamine synthetic pathway previously linked to childhood or adolescence-onset dystonia disorders. We report IMPDH2 as a new gene to the dystonia disease entity. The evidence underlines the important link between guanine metabolism, dopamine biosynthesis and dystonia.
Giving superabsorbent polymers a second life as pressure-sensitive adhesives
Authors: Chazovachii P. Takunda , Somers Madeline J. , Robo Michael T. , Collias Dimitris I. , James Martin I. , Marsh E. Neil G. , Zimmerman Paul M. , Alfaro Jose F. , McNeil Anne J.
Published: July 2021

An estimated 6.3 billion metric tons of post-consumer polymer waste has been produced, with the majority (79%) in landfills or the environment. Recycling methods that utilize these waste polymers could attenuate their environmental impact. For many polymers, recycling via mechanical processes is not feasible and these materials are destined for landfills or incineration. One salient example is the superabsorbent material used in diapers and feminine hygiene products, which contain crosslinked sodium polyacrylates. Here we report an open-loop recycling method for these materials that involves (i) decrosslinking via hydrolysis, (ii) an optional chain-shortening via sonication, and (iii) functionalizing via Fischer esterification. The resulting materials exhibit low-to-medium storage and loss moduli, and as such, are applicable as general-purpose adhesives. A life cycle assessment demonstrates that the adhesives synthesized via this approach outcompete the same materials derived from petroleum feedstocks on nearly every metric, including carbon dioxide emissions and cumulative energy demand.
Irrigated areas drive irrigation water withdrawals
Authors: Puy Arnald , Borgonovo Emanuele , Lo Piano Samuele , Levin Simon A. , Saltelli Andrea
Published: July 2021

A sustainable management of global freshwater resources requires reliable estimates of the water demanded by irrigated agriculture. This has been attempted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) through country surveys and censuses, or through Global Models, which compute irrigation water withdrawals with sub-models on crop types and calendars, evapotranspiration, irrigation efficiencies, weather data and irrigated areas, among others. Here we demonstrate that these strategies err on the side of excess complexity, as the values reported by FAO and outputted by Global Models are largely conditioned by irrigated areas and their uncertainty. Modelling irrigation water withdrawals as a function of irrigated areas yields almost the same results in a much parsimonious way, while permitting the exploration of all model uncertainties. Our work offers a robust and more transparent approach to estimate one of the most important indicators guiding our policies on water security worldwide.
Diversification of mandarin citrus by hybrid speciation and apomixis
Authors: Wu Guohong Albert , Sugimoto Chikatoshi , Kinjo Hideyasu , Azama Chika , Mitsube Fumimasa , Talon Manuel , Gmitter Frederick G. , Rokhsar Daniel S.
Published: July 2021

The origin and dispersal of cultivated and wild mandarin and related citrus are poorly understood. Here, comparative genome analysis of 69 new east Asian genomes and other mainland Asian citrus reveals a previously unrecognized wild sexual species native to the Ryukyu Islands:C. ryukyuensissp. nov. The taxonomic complexity of east Asian mandarins then collapses to a satisfying simplicity, accounting for tachibana, shiikuwasha, and other traditional Ryukyuan mandarin types as homoploid hybrid species formed by combiningC. ryukyuensiswith various mainland mandarins. These hybrid species reproduce clonally by apomictic seed, a trait shared with oranges, grapefruits, lemons and many cultivated mandarins. We trace the origin of apomixis alleles in citrus to mangshanyeju wild mandarins, which played a central role in citrus domestication via adaptive wild introgression. Our results provide a coherent biogeographic framework for understanding the diversity and domestication of mandarin-type citrus through speciation, admixture, and rapid diffusion of apomictic reproduction.
Author Correction: Reduced dispersibility of flushable wet wipes after wet storage
Authors: Harter Thomas , Bernt Ingo , Winkler Stefanie , Hirn Ulrich
Published: July 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Overlimiting current near a nanochannel a new insight using molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Manikandan D. , Nandigana Vishal V. R.
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we report for the first time overlimiting current near a nanochannel using all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Here, the simulated system consists of a silicon nitride nanochannel integrated with two reservoirs. The reservoirs are filled with $${0.1} \, \hbox {M}$$

0.1

M

potassium chloride (KCl) solution. A total of $${\sim } 1.1$$

∼
1.1

million atoms are simulated with a total simulation time of $${\sim } 1 {\mu s}$$

∼
1

μ
s

over $${\sim }$$
∼
30000 CPU hours using 128 core processors (Intel(R) E5-2670 2.6 GHz Processor). The origin of overlimiting current is found to be due to an increase in chloride ($${Cl^-}$$

C

l
-

) ion concentration inside the nanochannel leading to an increase in ionic conductivity. Such effects are seen due to charge redistribution and focusing of the electric field near the interface of the nanochannel and source reservoir. Also, from the MD simulations, we observe that the earlier theoretical and experimental postulations of strong convective vortices resulting in overlimiting current are not the true origin for overlimiting current. Our study may open up new theories for the mechanism of overlimiting current near the nanochannel interconnect devices.
An ultra-portable, self-contained point-of-care nucleic acid amplification test for diagnosis of active COVID-19 infection
Authors: Deng Hao , Jayawardena Asanka , Chan Jianxiong , Tan Sher Maine , Alan Tuncay , Kwan Patrick
Published: July 2021

There is currently a high level of demand for rapid COVID-19 tests, that can detect the onset of the disease at point of care settings. We have developed an ultra-portable, self-contained, point-of-care nucleic acid amplification test for diagnosis of active COVID-19 infection, based on the principle of loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). The LAMP assay is 100% sensitive and specific to detect a minimum of 300 RNA copies/reaction of SARS-CoV-2. All of the required sample transportation, lysing and amplification steps are performed in a standalone disposable cartridge, which is controlled by a battery operated, pocket size (6x9x4cm3) unit. The test is easy to operate and does not require skilled personnel. The total time from sample to answer is approximately 35 min; a colorimetric readout indicates positive or negative results. This portable diagnostic platform has significant potential for rapid and effective testing in community settings. This will accelerate clinical decision making, in terms of effective triage and timely therapeutic and infection control interventions.
All-cause mortality of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a nationwide population-based cohort study in Korea
Authors: Ko Sung Jun , Choi Sun Mi , Han Kyung-Do , Lee Chang-Hoon , Lee Jinwoo
Published: July 2021

Most epidemiologic studies of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have been conducted in North America and Europe. Moreover, there are limited data concerning the cause of death and cause-specific mortality rate of IPF patients in population-based studies. We analyzed information from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database from 2006 to 2016. Patients with a diagnosis code of IPF were extracted from the database and we included those who satisfied the narrow definition of IPF diagnosis. Age- and sex-matched controls were randomly selected at a case-to-control rate of 1:3. We included 42,777 patients newly diagnosed with IPF during the study period. Their mean age was 64.6 years, and 65.4% were male. The age-standardized mortality rates were 85.66 (95% confidence interval [CI] 84.45–86.89) per 1000 person-years. The survival rates of IPF patients 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 years after IPF diagnosis were 84.5%, 77.4%, 71.9%, 62.9%, and 48.4%, respectively. The standardized mortality ratio of IPF patients compared to that of the normal population was 4.66. The leading cause of death in IPF patients was respiratory causes, followed by cancer. Patients with IPF in Korea showed significantly higher mortality compared to the general population.
Commuting in metapopulation epidemic modeling
Authors: Lipshtat Azi , Alimi Roger , Ben-Horin Yochai
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic led authorities all over the world to imposing travel restrictions both on a national and on an international scale. Understanding the effect of such restrictions requires analysis of the role of commuting and calls for a metapopulation modeling that incorporates both local, intra-community infection and population exchange between different locations. Standard metapopulation models are formulated as markovian processes, and as such they do not label individuals according to their original location. However, commuting from home to work and backwards (reverse commuting) is the main pattern of transportation. Thus, it is important to be able to accurately model the effect of commuting on epidemic spreading. In this study we develop a methodology for modeling bidirectional commuting of individuals, without keeping track of each individual separately and with no need of proliferation of number of compartments beyond those defined by the epidemiologic model. We demonstrate the method using a city map of the state of Israel. The presented algorithm does not require any special computation resources and it may serve as a basis for intervention strategy examination in various levels of complication and resolution. We show how to incorporate an epidemiological model into a metapopulation commuting scheme while preserving the internal logic of the epidemiological modeling. The method is general and independent on the details of the epidemiological model under consideration.
Assessment of thoracic aorta in different cardiac phases in patients with non-aorta diseases using cardiac CT
Authors: Zheng Xue , Deng Yu-jiao , Han Fu-Gang , Zhou Jin-Rong , Luo Li , Chen Jing
Published: July 2021

The aim was to evaluate the thoracic aorta in different cardiac phases to obtain the correct cardiac phase for measuring the maximum diameter required to predict aortic disease. Cardiac CT was performed on 97 patients for suspected coronary artery disease. The average diameter of ascending (AAD) and descending aorta (DAD) in the plane of pulmonary bifurcation, in the plane of the sinus junction (AAD [STJ] and DAD [STJ]), descending aorta in the plane of the diaphragm (DAD [Dia]), the diameter of the main pulmonary artery (MPAD), distance from the sternum to the spine (S-SD), and distance from the sternum to the ascending aorta (S-AAD) were assessed at 20 different time points in the cardiac cycle. Differences in aortic diameter in different cardiac phases and the correlation between aortic diameter and traditional risk factors were analyzed by the general linear mixed model. The diameter of the thoracic aorta reached the minimum at the phase of 95–0%, and reached the maximum at 30–35%. The maximum values of AAD, AAD (STJ), DAD, DAD (STJ), and DAD (Dia) were 32.51 ± 3.35 mm, 28.86 ± 3.01 mm, 23.46 ± 2.88 mm, 21.85 ± 2.58 mm, and 21.09 ± 2.66 mm, respectively. The maximum values of MPAD/AAD and DAD/AAD (STJ) were 0.8140 ± 0.1029, 0.7623 ± 0.0799, respectively. The diameter of the thoracic aorta varies with the cardiac phase. Analyzing the changes in aortic diameter, which can be done using cardiac CT, could provide a more accurate clinical measurement for predicting aortic disease.
Comparison of metabolites and variety authentication of Amomum tsao-ko and Amomum paratsao-ko using GC–MS and NIR spectroscopy
Authors: Qin Huiwei , Wang Yuanzhong , Yang Weize , Yang Shaobing , Zhang Jinyu
Published: July 2021

Amomum tsao-ko, as an edible and medicinal variety, has been cultivated for more than 600 years in China. Recently, two cultivars, A. tsao-ko and Amomum paratsao-ko, were found in A. tsao-ko planting area. The two cultivars are often confused because of the similar phenotype and difficult to distinguish through sensory judgment. In this study, the non-targeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) metabolomics combined with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) were used for dissecting the two cultivars with phenotypic differences. According to principal component analysis (PCA) loading diagram and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) S-plot of the metabolites, the accumulation of major components including 1,8-cineole, α-phellandrene, (E)-2-decenal, (−)-β-pinene, (E)-2-octenal, 1-octanal, D-limonene, and decanal, were present differences between the two cultivars. Seven metabolites potential differentiated biomarkers as β-selinene, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, (E,Z)-2,6-dodecadienal, (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-decenal, isogeranial, 1,8-cineole and β-cubebene were determined. Although A. tsao-ko and A. paratsao-ko belong to the same genera and are similar in plant and fruit morphology, the composition and content of the main components were exposed significant discrepancy, so it is necessary to distinguish them. In this study, the discriminant model established by GC–MS or NIRS combined with multivariate analysis has achieved a good classification effect. NIRS has the advantages of simple, fast and nondestructive and can be used for rapid identification of varieties and fruit tissues.
Quasi-phase-matched laser wakefield acceleration of electrons in an axially density-modulated plasma channel
Authors: Sedaghat M. , Barzegar S. , Niknam A. R.
Published: July 2021

Quasi-phase matching in corrugated plasma channels has been proposed as a way to overcome the dephasing limitation in laser wakefield accelerators. In this study, the phase-lock dynamics of a relatively long electron bunch injected in an axially-modulated plasma waveguide is investigated by performing particle simulations. The main objective here is to obtain a better understanding of how the transverse and longitudinal components of the wakefield as well as the initial properties of the beam affect its evolution and qualities. The results indicate that the modulation of the electron beam generates trains of electron microbunches. It is shown that increasing the initial energy of the electron beam leads to a reduction in its final energy spread and produces a more collimated electron bunch. For larger bunch diameters, the final emittance of the electron beam increases due to the stronger experienced transverse forces and the larger diameter itself. Increasing the laser power improves the maximum energy gain of the electron beam. However, the stronger generated focusing and defocusing fields degrade the collimation of the bunch.
Microfluidic integrated capacitive biosensor for C-reactive protein label-free and real-time detection
Authors: Liu Danyang , Zhou Lin , Huang Lihong , Zuo Zhaorui , Ho Vincent , Jin Laidi , Lu Yun , Chen Xianfeng , Zhao Jianlong , Qian Dahong , Liu Huiying , Mao Hongju
Published: July 2021

Microfluidic chip-integrated capacitive bioplatform-based three-dimensional (3D) interdigital electrode arrays were proposed to achieve on-site continuous monitoring of cardiac- and periodontitis-related biomarkers with high sensitivity.
Collaboratively boosting charge transfer and CO2 chemisorption of SnO2 to selectively reduce CO2 to HCOOH
Authors: Yuan Yusheng , Sheng Kai , Zhuang Guilin , Li Qiuyan , Dou Cong , Fang Qiao-jun , Zhan Wen-wen , Gao Hao , Sun Di , Han Xiguang
Published: July 2021

We have developed a SnOx-based CO2RR electrocatalyst (SnO2-VO@N–C), which combine the oxygen vacancies and coating with N-doped carbon layers. The obtained SnO2-VO@N–C showed highly-enhanced catalytic activity and selectivity for HCOOH.
Mn3MnNb2O9: high-pressure triple perovskite with 1 : 2 B-site order and modulated spins
Authors: Solana-Madruga Elena , Ritter Clemens , Aguilar-Maldonado Cintli , Mentré Olivier , Attfield J. Paul , Arévalo-López Ángel M.
Published: July 2021

The HP-Mn3MnNb2O9, is the first triple perovskite with 1 : 2 order of B sites and Mn in the A sites. The A-site Mn2+ spins dictate an AFM phase which modulates into a SDW and locks-in with kL = [1/30–1/6] due to the frustrated B lattice.
Synthesis of hierarchical MoSe2 nanolayers on sodium sulfide crystals for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Chen Xiaoshuang , Ju Meina , Song Kun , Chen Guoli , Yang Rui , Wang Jinping
Published: July 2021

Largely hierarchical MoSe2 nanolayers were successfully prepared by easily removable water solubility sodium sulfide and displayed outstanding HER properties.
A unified cost-effective method for the construction of reliable potential energy surfaces for H2S and H2O clusters
Authors: Monu  , Oram Binod Kumar , Bandyopadhyay Biman
Published: July 2021

PESs of H2S and H2O clusters constructed using the CCSD(T)-F12/cc-pVTZ-F12//ωB97X-D/aug-ccpVDZ level of theory have been shown to closely reproduce existing experimental and high-level theoretical results.
Investigation of the half-metallicity, magnetism and spin transport properties of double half-Heusler alloys Mn2CoCrZ2 (Z = P, As)
Authors: Cui Zhou , Ding Haonan , Feng Yu
Published: July 2021

Projected density of states of Mn2CoCrP2/GaAs/Mn2CoCrP2 magnetic tunnel junction along the transport direction (z-axis).
Mixed-diphosphine-protected chiral undecagold clusters Au11(S,S-DIOP)4(rac-/R-/S-BINAP): effect of the handedness of BINAP on their chiroptical responses
Authors: Sato Yasuhiko , Yao Hiroshi
Published: July 2021

We found a preference of homochiral-type ligation of BINAP that produces SS-type ligand assembly onto the Au11 clusters protected by diphosphine S,S-DIOP.
Active Brownian particle in homogeneous media of different viscosities: numerical simulations
Authors: Lisin E. A. , Vaulina O. S. , Lisina I. I. , Petrov O. F.
Published: July 2021

Simple corrections are proposed to the basic theory of overdamped active Brownian motion, which allow one to calculate the effective diffusion coefficient and the persistence length of a self-propelled particle in a medium with any dynamic viscosity.
Water and oxygen co-induced microstructure relaxation and evolution in CH3NH3PbI3
Authors: Wu Guangcheng , Dong Xuting , Xiu Jingwei , Yu Yao , Gu Min , Tang Tong B. , Zuo Zewen , Liu Yong , Cui Guanglei
Published: July 2021

The dielectric spectrum was used to investigate the perovskite degradation. A Debye-type relaxation was observed under water and oxygen co-existence condition, and was then revealed as dipole reorientation formed by MA+ and O2−.
A unique photochromic UV-A sensor protein, Rc-PYP, interacting with the PYP-binding protein
Authors: Kim Suhyang , Nakasone Yusuke , Takakado Akira , Yamazaki Yoichi , Kamikubo Hironari , Terazima Masahide
Published: July 2021

Photoactive yellow protein (PYP) is one of the typical light sensor proteins. The interaction between PYP and its downstream partner protein PBP (PYP-binding protein) is discovered for the first time and the reaction dynamics are studied.
Doping regulation in transition metal compounds for electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhang An , Liang Yongxiang , Zhang Han , Geng Zhigang , Zeng Jie
Published: July 2021

This review summarizes the recent progress related to the field of doping regulation in transition metal compounds, aiming to give an overview of this strategy for designing high-performance catalysts towards electrocatalytic applications.
Human milk oligosaccharide 2′-fucosyllactose supplementation improves gut barrier function and signaling in the vagal afferent pathway in mice
Authors: Lee Sunhye , Goodson Michael L. , Vang Wendie , Rutkowsky Jennifer , Kalanetra Karen , Bhattacharya Mrittika , Barile Daniela , Raybould Helen E.
Published: July 2021

2’-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL), a predominant human milk oligosaccharide, attenuates HF diet-induced metabolic and intestinal barrier impairment, improves gut hormone resistance, and alters the intestinal microbiota and microbiota-derived metabolites.