bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on European rust fungi, Pucciniales: molecular phylogeny, taxonomy, and nomenclature of miscellaneous genera and species in Pucciniastraceae and Coleosporiaceae
Authors: Scholler Markus , Braun Uwe , Buchheit Ramona , Schulte Thomas , Bubner Ben
Published: July 2022

Using molecular phylogenetic analyses (ITS) and morphological data obtained from light and electron microscopy, some European and North American species and genera placed or formerly placed in the genus Pucciniastrum in the Coleosporiaceae and Pucciniastraceae (Pucciniales) were taxonomically revised. The ITS analyses confirmed recent familiar concepts based on less variable markers except for the genus Hyalopsora. The family Pucciniastraceae is characterized by Abietoideae (Abies, Tsuga) aecial hosts. Pucciniastrum is described as a genus that consists of host-alternating species forming aecia on needles of Abies hosts, with special features of aeciospore morphology, and Onagraceae telial hosts. Other genera in the Pucciniastraceae are Calyptospora, Melampsorella, and additional taxa, which are currently provisionally placed in Pucciniastrum, but must be revised in future studies. Pucciniastrum epilobii (s. lat.), the type species of Pucciniastraceae, represents at least two species with different life cycles and urediniospore characteristics and is lecto- and epitypified. The family Coleosporiaceae, characterized by Pinoideae (Pinus) and Piceoideae (Picea) aecial hosts, contains Rosaceae rusts from three well-supported clades represented by three genera, Thekopsora, Quasipucciniastrum, and Aculeastrum gen. nov. Aculeastrum is characterized by coarsely arcuate ostiolar peridial cells and infects Rubus spp. telial hosts. The following new taxonomic combinations are proposed: Calyptospora ornamentalis comb. nov., Quasipucciniastrum ochraceum comb. nov., Q. potentillae comb. nov, Aculeastrum americanum comb. nov., and A. arcticum comb. nov. The results are discussed with emphasis on future studies in Pucciniastrum and the P. epilobii complex and on nomenclatural changes necessary for rust fungi due to the Shenzhen Code.
Findings From A Qualitative Field Study with An Autonomous Robot in Public: Exploration of User Reactions and Conflicts
Authors: Babel Franziska , Kraus Johannes , Baumann Martin
Published: July 2022

Soon service robots will be employed in public spaces with frequent human-robot interaction (HRI). To achieve a safe, trustworthy and acceptable HRI, service robots need to be equipped with interaction strategies suitable for the robot, user, and context. To gain realistic insights into the initial user reactions and challenges that arise when a mechanoid, autonomous service robot in public is applied, a field study with three data sources was conducted. In a first step, lay users’ intuitive reactions to a cleaning robot at a train station were observed ($$N = 344$$N=344). Second, passersby’s preferences for HRI interaction strategies were explored in interviews ($$n = 54$$n=54). As a third step, trust and acceptance of the robot were assessed with questionnaires ($$n = 32$$n=32). Identified challenges were social robot navigation in crowded places also applicable to vulnerable passersby, inclusive communication modalities, information of staff and public about the service robot application and the need for conflict resolution strategies to avoid an inefficient robot (e.g., testing behavior, path is blocked). This study provides insights into naive HRI in public and illustrates challenges, provides recommendations supported by literature and highlights aspects for future research to inspire a research agenda in the field of public HRI.
The Effect of a Short Mindfulness Meditation on Somatosensory Attention
Authors: Bokk Orsolya , Forster Bettina
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Mindfulness training has been theorised to have beneficial effects on mental health through initially changes in attention mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of a short mindfulness meditation on the P300 event-related potential (ERP), a neural marker of attention, in meditation-naïve participants.

Methods

As mindfulness practice is based on monitoring bodily sensations and breathing, we applied somatosensory stimuli to investigate attention changes. We employed an oddball paradigm with frequent tactile stimuli delivered to the tip of the index finger and infrequent stimuli to the base of the index and the little finger of the right hand to elicit the somatosensory P300. Forty-six participants counted the infrequent stimuli in two separate sessions before and after a 10-min guided meditation, or a control audio clip. We also measured participants’ trait mindfulness (FFMQ) and anxiety (STAI-T) to ensure similar levels in the meditation and control group prior to the intervention.

Results

In line with previous research, we show decreased somatosensory P300 amplitudes to infrequent tactile target stimuli after compared to before the audio clip in the control group. Such a decrease in P300 amplitudes was not present in the mindfulness meditation group as confirmed in a significant group by time interaction.

Conclusions

Even a short mindfulness meditation leads to preservation of attention resources in meditation-naïve participants. The preservation (or lack of habituation) of the amplitude of the somatosensory P300 across repeated presentations may reflect the underlying, early neural mechanism by which mindfulness meditation training modulates executive attention.

Trial Registration

Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/pkxm3.
Efficient Separation of Nd(III) and La(III) Via Supported Liquid Membrane Using EHEHPA (P507) as a Carrier
Authors: Li Lin , Davis Krystal , King Aaron , Dal-Cin Mauro , Nicalek Andrzej , Yu Ben
Published: July 2022

This work tested an effective and efficient Nd/La extraction and separation via flat-sheet supported liquid membrane. A microporous polypropylene film was used as the solid support for the liquid membrane and P507 as the extractant. The effect of Nd(III) and La(III) concentration in the feed, the concentration of P507, and acid solution concentration in the stripping phase on Nd and La extraction and separation were studied. The results suggest the extraction of La and Nd increases with the initial pH of the feed solution and P507 concentration. Maximum separation factor of 44.25 was obtained at the low P507 concentration of 5% (v/v).

Graphical Abstract
Diverging ecological traits between the Balkan lynx and neighbouring populations as a basis for planning its genetic rescue
Authors: Melovski Dime , Krofel Miha , Avukatov Vasko , Fležar Ursa , Gonev Andrej , Hočevar Lan , Ivanov Gjorge , Leschinski Lisa , Pavlov Aleksandar , Stojanov Aleksandar , Veapi Ekrem , Mengüllüoğlu Deniz
Published: July 2022

Selecting appropriate candidates for genetic rescue mostly relies on previous genetic research and monitoring, while ecological and behavioural traits of the remnant and source populations are rarely considered for such conservation measures. Because of their slow recovery, Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx populations in Central and Western Europe have been a repeated target of genetic reinforcements and reintroductions in the past 50 years. Once inhabiting much of south-eastern Europe, the Balkan lynx L. l. balcanicus is now critically endangered and confined to a small population. Long-term isolation has caused loss of genetic diversity and has possibly led to inbreeding depression. Immediate actions need to consider genetic reinforcement to increase the genetic diversity and secure population viability. Here, we compared the Balkan lynx with two neighbouring populations: Dinaric population originating from the Carpathian subspecies (L.l. carpathicus) and Anatolian population of Caucasian subspecies (L.l. dinniki) to determine is better suited source from an ecological standpoint. Main findings suggest that the L.l. carpathicus is ecologically more similar to the L.l. balcanicus and therefore likely better suited for the environment of south-western Balkans on the basis of prey preference (roe deer being the main prey), local prey availability (lower lagomorph and higher ungulate availability) and habitat use (predominant use of the mixed and broadleaved forests). We discuss the contrasting results of genetic and ecological analyses from both the evolutionary and conservation perspective and provide potential solutions that would take into account both aspects to pave the road towards potential genetic rescue of the Balkan lynx.
Recreational Physical Activity in Urban India: Perceptions and a Pilot Intervention
Authors: Rathi Neha , Bhandarkar Renuka , Kulkarni Mrinmoyi
Published: July 2022

The inactive lifestyle of urban Indians has increased their risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). A qualitative study was designed to explore barriers and facilitators related to exercise participation among urban Indians. Underpinned by the developmental life course theory, nine focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 29 women and 26 men residing in Mumbai, India. Focus groups were gender and age stratified. Both thematic analysis and content analysis techniques were used to analyse the data. While the lack of time was mentioned as a barrier by all groups, an unstructured schedule was mentioned specifically by women and awareness of physical health benefits emerged as the most popular facilitator for recreational physical activity. Based on the results of the FGDs, a pilot exercise intervention for sedentary women (N = 6) was conducted which consisted of a morning walk six days a week for 10 weeks. Post-intervention, an FGD was conducted to explore participants’ perspectives on their experience in the intervention. The participants reported that the intervention enhanced exercise self-efficacy and well-being. Exercise as relaxation, spousal support, and need for peers to exercise with emerged as primary themes during the follow-up FGD. These findings can inform the development of age and gender-specific as well as culturally appropriate interventions to facilitate active living.
Wavenumber lock-in and spatial parametric resonance in convection
Authors: Hossain M.Z. , Floryan J.M.
Published: July 2022

Analysis of convection driven by spatial periodic heating shows a wealth of responses due to Prandtl number dependence. The primary convection is delineated by the heating wavenumber and the secondary convection is characterized by the critical wavenumber established by an instability process. The resulting two-wavenumber dynamical system involves spatial parametric resonance leading to the wavenumber lock-in and the Rayleigh–Bénard (RB) instability producing unlocked states. Heating conditions leading to the co-existence of both types of states have been identified. Transition from the locked to the unlocked states produces states with a wide range of wavelengths and diverse patterns of movement. The possible secondary states are driven by a competition between the RB mechanism and the spatial parametric resonance. The relative strengths of these mechanisms change with Prandtl number

$Pr$

resulting in four types of system responses. In the type A response occurring for

$Pr>0.4$

, parametric resonance dominates for the heating wavenumber

$\alpha < 4.5$

resulting in the pattern lock-in between the primary and secondary convections whereas RB occurs for

$\alpha > 10$

. There is a wealth of possible convection patterns in the in-between zone where a small change of

$\alpha$

results in a major change of flow pattern. In the type B response, which occurs for

$0.19< Pr< 0.4$

, the RB effect dominates eliminating the lock-in. The type C response, which occurs for

$0.08 < Pr< 0.19$

, is similar to type A but stronger spatial modulation extends the range of dominance of parametric resonance up to

$\alpha =7$

while the RB effect dominates for

$\alpha >10$

as in the type A response. A wealth of possible patterns occurs in the transition zone (

$7<\alpha <10$

). In the type D response, which occurs for

$Pr<0.08$

, the strong spatial modulation results in the formation of two separate critical stability curves, one resulting from the dominance of the spatial parametric resonance leading to the lock-in effect, and the other one corresponding to the dominance of the RB effect producing unlocked states. No continuous transition between both states can occur. Conditions where both distinct states can arise simultaneously were identified. Morphing between different patterns of secondary convection may occur in response to small changes in the heating pattern in types A and C, while such processes are not possible in types B and D.
Ethnic disparities in clozapine prescription for service-users with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders: a systematic review
Authors: Ventura Anita Margarette Bayya , Hayes Richard D. , Fonseca de Freitas Daniela
Published: July 2022

Clozapine is the only licenced medication for treating treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Previous studies have suggested unequal rates of clozapine treatment by ethnicity among individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. One previous review has investigated this topic but was restricted to studies from the USA. This current review aims to synthesise the international literature regarding ethnic disparities in clozapine prescription amongst individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. We searched CINAHL, PubMed, Medline, Embase, APA PsycINFO and Open Grey and reviewed studies reporting on the proportion of service-users prescribed clozapine separately for different ethnic groups, in individuals with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia or any schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. A narrative synthesis was conducted to integrate information from included studies. The review was registered in PROSPERO (Number: CRD42020221731). From 24 studies, there is strong, consistent evidence that Black and Hispanic service-users in the UK and the USA are significantly less likely to receive clozapine than White/Caucasian service-users after controlling for multiple demographic and clinical potential confounders. In New Zealand, Māori service-users were reported to be more likely to receive clozapine than those of White/European ethnicity. There is mixed evidence regarding Asian service-users in the UK. The mentioned disparities were observed in studies with TRS and non-TRS cohorts. The results imply that access to clozapine treatment varies among ethnic groups. These findings raise an ethical concern as they suggest a compromise of the standards of care in schizophrenia treatment practices. Interventions are needed to reduce clozapine prescribing disparities among ethnic communities.
Engendering China–Africa Encounters: Chinese Family Firms, Black Women Workers and the Gendered Politics of Production in South Africa
Authors: Xu Liang
Published: July 2022

This article highlights the centrality of family and gender in Chinese factories in Africa through a case study of Chinese garment production in Newcastle, South Africa. The data used in the article were collected through field research in 2015 and 2016 and several follow-up interviews in 2020 and 2021. The study presents a twofold argument. First, Chinese garment firms in Newcastle can be characterized as “translocal” family firms. Unlike Chinese state enterprises and large transnational companies, these translocal family firms represent a particular kind of private capital that prioritizes a diversified source of income and that is economically embedded but less concessionary to labour pressures. Second, the racial and class encounters between Chinese employers and African women workers are constructed and contested through gender. While Chinese employers attempt to impose racial hierarchy and increase production, Zulu women workers respond to managerial control and demands in creative and gendered ways.
Digital Footprints and Data-Security Risks for Political Scientists
Authors: Henry Colin , Gohdes Anita , Dorff Cassy
Published: July 2022

As greater shares of research and data are digitized, political scientists are increasingly confronted with questions pertaining to data security. Yet, data-management plans rarely evaluate the risks pertaining to a researcher’s data across all project phases. This article highlights distinct risks related to key phases of the research process that deserve more attention by scholars. We emphasize risks during a project’s inception and pre-data-collection phases, as well as risks associated with data publication and its afterlife. We discuss how shifts in political context and (re)newed politicization of topics can present new security risks for both the researcher and the researched communities long after a project has been completed. We provide a framework for recognizing and mitigating data risks, thereby contributing to the growing interest in data-security best practices.
An ASP Approach for Reasoning on Neural Networks under a Finitely Many-Valued Semantics for Weighted Conditional Knowledge Bases
Authors: GIORDANO LAURA , THESEIDER DUPRÉ DANIELE
Published: July 2022

Weighted knowledge bases for description logics with typicality have been recently considered under a “concept-wise” multipreference semantics (in both the two-valued and fuzzy case), as the basis of a logical semantics of multilayer perceptrons (MLPs). In this paper we consider weighted conditional
$\mathcal{ALC}$
knowledge bases with typicality in the finitely many-valued case, through three different semantic constructions. For the boolean fragment
$\mathcal{LC}$
of
$\mathcal{ALC}$
we exploit answer set programming and asprin for reasoning with the concept-wise multipreference entailment under a
$\varphi$
-coherent semantics, suitable to characterize the stationary states of MLPs. As a proof of concept, we experiment the proposed approach for checking properties of trained MLPs.
On the Prediction of the Characteristic Times of River Meander Cutoff Sequence: Theoretical Model and Comparison With Laboratory and Field Observations
Authors: Pannone M. , De Vincenzo A.
Published: July 2022

River meander dynamics inevitably interferes with a number of human activities and productive processes. Therefore, investigating the involved physical processes and modeling their space‐time evolution represent a crucial requirement in terms of sustainable river management and restoration planning. In the present study, a deterministic integral‐differential equation that governs river‐bend growth and death in the absence of natural or anthropic forcing is for the first time derived and solved by resorting to cardinal fluid‐mechanical equations such as Navier‐Stokes’ in the Lamb‐Oseen version. The related 1‐D model, which accounts for morphology and sedimentology via the meander migration rate and its radius of curvature, proves to be able to grasp the periodic nature of the phenomenon. Additionally, it exhibits an overall very good agreement with field pre‐cutoff and post‐cutoff observations, as well as with the outcome of an ad hoc‐designed laboratory experiment that simulated near‐cutoff conditions. Hence, it may represent a fast and easy tool to monitor river bend hydro‐geomorphological evolution, particularly when the signs of the incipient instability suggest quantifying the time left to its routine exploitation and to timely plan, where needed, suitable management and restoration interventions.
Continental Magmatism: The Surface Manifestation of Dynamic Interactions Between Cratonic Lithosphere, Mantle Plumes and Edge‐Driven Convection
Authors: Duvernay Thomas , Davies D. Rhodri , Mathews Christopher R. , Gibson Angus H. , Kramer Stephan C.
Published: July 2022

Several of Earth's intra‐plate volcanic provinces lie on or adjacent to continental lithosphere. Although many are believed to mark the surface expression of mantle plumes, our limited understanding of how buoyant plumes interact with heterogeneous continental lithosphere prevents further progress in identifying mechanisms at the root of continental volcanism. In this study, using a suite of 3‐D geodynamical models, we demonstrate that the magmatic expression of plumes in continental settings is complex and strongly sensitive to the location of plume impingement, differing substantially from that expected beneath more homogeneous oceanic lithosphere. Within Earth's continents, thick cratonic roots locally limit decompression melting. However, they deflect plume conduits during their ascent, with plume material channeled along gradients in lithospheric thickness, activating magmatism away from the plume conduit, sometimes simultaneously at locations more than a thousand kilometres apart. This magmatism regularly concentrates at lithospheric steps, where it may be difficult to distinguish from that arising through edge‐driven convection. At times, the flow field associated with the plume enhances melting at these steps long before plume material enters the melting zone, implying that differentiating geochemical signatures will be absent. Beneath regions of thinner lithosphere, plume‐related flow can force material downwards at lithospheric steps, shutting off pre‐existing edge‐related magmatism. Additionally, variations in lithospheric structure can induce internal destabilization of ponding plume material, driving intricate magmatic patterns at the surface. Our analysis highlights the challenges associated with linking continental magmatism to underlying mantle dynamics, motivating an inter‐disciplinary approach in future studies.
An Improved Cluster‐Wise Typhoon Rainfall Forecasting Model Based on Machine Learning and Deep Learning Models Over the Northwestern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Uddin Md. Jalal , Li Yubin , Sattar Md. Abdus , Liu Mingyang , Yang Nan
Published: July 2022

Though large amounts of work with artificial intelligence are used in typhoon rainfall forecasting, the predictive skills of existing models are unsatisfactory. To address this problem, this study aims to propose an improved cluster‐wise typhoon rainfall forecasting model that integrates the grid‐search cross‐validation method with machine learning and deep learning (DL) models including support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), adaptive boosting (AdaBoost), convolutional neural network (CNN), and long short‐term memory (LSTM). Grid‐search cross‐validation is a modified parameterization technique that helps to find the best parameters for machine/DL models. In the first stage, a second‐order polynomial regression model was used to cluster the typhoon track; and in the second stage, cluster‐wise typhoon rainfall was recognized within a 500 km radius from each typhoon center. After that, a modified cluster‐wise typhoon rainfall forecasting model was proposed using cluster‐wise antecedent hourly typhoon rainfall within this distance for 1–6 hr lead time. Results show that the proposed model based on the SVM, RF, AdaBoost, CNN, and LSTM is capable of providing more accurate forecasts (the efficiency of the forecast is increased by 45%–90%) than the existing typhoon rainfall forecasting models that are based on SVM with a genetic algorithm, RF, artificial neural network, multilayer perceptron network, and deep neural network. Therefore, the current study recommends using cluster‐wise typhoon rainfall forecasting model with a grid‐search cross‐validation method for disaster prevention and mitigation.
Single-cell system using monolithic PMUTs-on-CMOS to monitor fluid hydrodynamic properties
Authors: Ledesma Eyglis , Zamora Iván , Yanez Jesús , Uranga Arantxa , Barniol Núria
Published: July 2022

In this work, a single cell capable of monitoring fluid density, viscosity, sound velocity, and compressibility with a compact and small design is presented. The fluid measurement system is formed by a two-port AlScN piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (PMUT) with an 80 μm length monolithically fabricated with a 130 nm complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process. The electrode configuration allows the entire system to be implemented in a single device, where one electrode is used as an input and the other as an output. Experimental verification was carried out by exploiting the features of piezoelectric devices such as resonators and acoustic transducers, where a frequency shift and amplitude variation are expected because of a change in density and viscosity. A sensitivity of 482 ± 14 Hz/kg/m3 demonstrates the potential of the system compared to other dual-electrode PMUTs. In addition, according to the acoustic measurement, the sound velocity, fluid compressibility, and viscosity coefficient can be extracted, which, to the best of our knowledge, is novel in these PMUT systems.
Personalized treatment supported by automated quantitative fluid analysis in active neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD)—a phase III, prospective, multicentre, randomized study: design and methods
Authors: Coulibaly Leonard M. , Sacu Stefan , Fuchs Philipp , Bogunovic Hrvoje , Faustmann Georg , Unterrainer Christian , Reiter Gregor S. , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula
Published: July 2022

Introduction

In neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) the exact amount of fluid and its location on optical coherence tomography (OCT) have been defined as crucial biomarkers for disease activity and therapeutic decisions. Yet in the absence of quantitative evaluation tools, real-world care outcomes are disappointing. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers a practical option for clinicians to enhance point-of-care management by analysing OCT volumes in a short time. In this protocol we present the prospective implementation of an AI-algorithm providing automated real-time fluid quantifications in a clinical real-world setting.

Methods

This is a prospective, multicentre, randomized (1:1) and double masked phase III clinical trial. Two-hundred-ninety patients with active nAMD will be randomized between a study arm using AI-supported fluid quantifications and another arm using conventional qualitative assessments, i.e. state-of-the-art disease management. The primary outcome is defined as the mean number of injections over 1 year. Change in BCVA is defined as a secondary outcome.

Discussion

Automated measurement of fluid volumes in all retinal compartments such as intraretinal fluid (IRF), and subretinal fluid (SRF) will serve as an objective tool for clinical investigators on which to base retreatment decisions. Compared to qualitative fluid assessment, retreatment decisions will be plausible and less prone to error or large variability. The underlying hypothesis is that fluid should be treated, while residual persistent or stable amounts of fluid may not benefit from further therapy. Reducing injection numbers without diminishing the visual benefit will increase overall patient safety and relieve the burden for healthcare providers.

Trial-registration

EudraCT-Number: 2019-003133-42
Inferring the epidemiological benefit of indoor vector control interventions against malaria from mosquito data
Authors: Sherrard-Smith Ellie , Ngufor Corine , Sanou Antoine , Guelbeogo Moussa W. , N’Guessan Raphael , Elobolobo Eldo , Saute Francisco , Varela Kenyssony , Chaccour Carlos J. , Zulliger Rose , Wagman Joseph , Robertson Molly L. , Rowland Mark , Donnelly Martin J. , Gonahasa Samuel , Staedke Sarah G. , Kolaczinski Jan , Churcher Thomas S.
Published: July 2022

The cause of malaria transmission has been known for over a century but it is still unclear whether entomological measures are sufficiently reliable to inform policy decisions in human health. Decision-making on the effectiveness of new insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and the indoor residual spraying of insecticide (IRS) have been based on epidemiological data, typically collected in cluster-randomised control trials. The number of these trials that can be conducted is limited. Here we use a systematic review to highlight that efficacy estimates of the same intervention may vary substantially between trials. Analyses indicate that mosquito data collected in experimental hut trials can be used to parameterize mechanistic models for Plasmodium falciparum malaria and reliably predict the epidemiological efficacy of quick-acting, neuro-acting ITNs and IRS. Results suggest that for certain types of ITNs and IRS using this framework instead of clinical endpoints could support policy and expedite the widespread use of novel technologies.
Potential impacts of climate change on agriculture and fisheries production in 72 tropical coastal communities
Authors: Cinner Joshua E. , Caldwell Iain R. , Thiault Lauric , Ben John , Blanchard Julia L. , Coll Marta , Diedrich Amy , Eddy Tyler D. , Everett Jason D. , Folberth Christian , Gascuel Didier , Guiet Jerome , Gurney Georgina G. , Heneghan Ryan F. , Jägermeyr Jonas , Jiddawi Narriman , Lahari Rachael , Kuange John , Liu Wenfeng , Maury Olivier , Müller Christoph , Novaglio Camilla , Palacios-Abrantes Juliano , Petrik Colleen M. , Rabearisoa Ando , Tittensor Derek P. , Wamukota Andrew , Pollnac Richard
Published: July 2022

Climate change is expected to profoundly affect key food production sectors, including fisheries and agriculture. However, the potential impacts of climate change on these sectors are rarely considered jointly, especially below national scales, which can mask substantial variability in how communities will be affected. Here, we combine socioeconomic surveys of 3,008 households and intersectoral multi-model simulation outputs to conduct a sub-national analysis of the potential impacts of climate change on fisheries and agriculture in 72 coastal communities across five Indo-Pacific countries (Indonesia, Madagascar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, and Tanzania). Our study reveals three key findings: First, overall potential losses to fisheries are higher than potential losses to agriculture. Second, while most locations (> 2/3) will experience potential losses to both fisheries and agriculture simultaneously, climate change mitigation could reduce the proportion of places facing that double burden. Third, potential impacts are more likely in communities with lower socioeconomic status.
Spatial regulation of AMPK signaling revealed by a sensitive kinase activity reporter
Authors: Schmitt Danielle L. , Curtis Stephanie D. , Lyons Anne C. , Zhang Jin-fan , Chen Mingyuan , He Catherine Y. , Mehta Sohum , Shaw Reuben J. , Zhang Jin
Published: July 2022

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a master regulator of cellular energetics which coordinates metabolism by phosphorylating a plethora of substrates throughout the cell. But how AMPK activity is regulated at different subcellular locations for precise spatiotemporal control over metabolism is unclear. Here we present a sensitive, single-fluorophore AMPK activity reporter (ExRai AMPKAR), which reveals distinct kinetic profiles of AMPK activity at the mitochondria, lysosome, and cytoplasm. Genetic deletion of the canonical upstream kinase liver kinase B1 (LKB1) results in slower AMPK activity at lysosomes but does not affect the response amplitude at lysosomes or mitochondria, in sharp contrast to the necessity of LKB1 for maximal cytoplasmic AMPK activity. We further identify a mechanism for AMPK activity in the nucleus, which results from cytoplasmic to nuclear shuttling of AMPK. Thus, ExRai AMPKAR enables illumination of the complex subcellular regulation of AMPK signaling.
Detection of relativistic fermions in Weyl semimetal TaAs by magnetostriction measurements
Authors: Cichorek T. , Bochenek Ł. , Juraszek J. , Sharlai Yu. V. , Mikitik G. P.
Published: July 2022

Thus far, a detection of the Dirac or Weyl fermions in topological semimetals remains often elusive, since in these materials conventional charge carriers exist as well. Here, measuring a field-induced length change of the prototype Weyl semimetal TaAs at low temperatures, we find that its c-axis magnetostriction amounts to relatively large values whereas the a-axis magnetostriction exhibits strong variations with changing the orientation of the applied magnetic field. It is discovered that at magnetic fields above the ultra-quantum limit, the magnetostriction of TaAs contains a linear-in-field term, which, as we show, is a hallmark of the Weyl fermions in a material. Developing a theory for the magnetostriction of noncentrosymmetric topological semimetals and applying it to TaAs, we additionally find several parameters characterizing the interaction between the relativistic fermions and elastic degrees of freedom in this semimetal. Our study shows how dilatometry can be used to unveil Weyl fermions in candidate topological semimetals.
Co-occurrence networks reveal more complexity than community composition in resistance and resilience of microbial communities
Authors: Gao Cheng , Xu Ling , Montoya Liliam , Madera Mary , Hollingsworth Joy , Chen Liang , Purdom Elizabeth , Singan Vasanth , Vogel John , Hutmacher Robert B. , Dahlberg Jeffery A. , Coleman-Derr Devin , Lemaux Peggy G. , Taylor John W.
Published: July 2022

Plant response to drought stress involves fungi and bacteria that live on and in plants and in the rhizosphere, yet the stability of these myco- and micro-biomes remains poorly understood. We investigate the resistance and resilience of fungi and bacteria to drought in an agricultural system using both community composition and microbial associations. Here we show that tests of the fundamental hypotheses that fungi, as compared to bacteria, are (i) more resistant to drought stress but (ii) less resilient when rewetting relieves the stress, found robust support at the level of community composition. Results were more complex using all-correlations and co-occurrence networks. In general, drought disrupts microbial networks based on significant positive correlations among bacteria, among fungi, and between bacteria and fungi. Surprisingly, co-occurrence networks among functional guilds of rhizosphere fungi and leaf bacteria were strengthened by drought, and the same was seen for networks involving arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the rhizosphere. We also found support for the stress gradient hypothesis because drought increased the relative frequency of positive correlations.
Metaproteomics reveals enzymatic strategies deployed by anaerobic microbiomes to maintain lignocellulose deconstruction at high solids
Authors: Chirania Payal , Holwerda Evert K. , Giannone Richard J. , Liang Xiaoyu , Poudel Suresh , Ellis Joseph C. , Bomble Yannick J. , Hettich Robert L. , Lynd Lee R.
Published: July 2022

Economically viable production of cellulosic biofuels requires operation at high solids loadings—on the order of 15 wt%. To this end we characterize Nature’s ability to deconstruct and utilize mid-season switchgrass at increasing solid loadings using an anaerobic methanogenic microbiome. This community exhibits undiminished fractional carbohydrate solubilization at loadings ranging from 30 g/L to 150 g/L. Metaproteomic interrogation reveals marked increases in the abundance of specific carbohydrate-active enzyme classes. Significant enrichment of auxiliary activity family 6 enzymes at higher solids suggests a role for Fenton chemistry. Stress-response proteins accompanying these reactions are similarly upregulated at higher solids, as are β-glucosidases, xylosidases, carbohydrate-debranching, and pectin-acting enzymes—all of which indicate that removal of deconstruction inhibitors is important for observed undiminished solubilization. Our work provides insights into the mechanisms by which natural microbiomes effectively deconstruct and utilize lignocellulose at high solids loadings, informing the future development of defined cultures for efficient bioconversion.
Potentiating hypoxic microenvironment for antibiotic activation by photodynamic therapy to combat bacterial biofilm infections
Authors: Xiu Weijun , Wan Ling , Yang Kaili , Li Xiao , Yuwen Lihui , Dong Heng , Mou Yongbin , Yang Dongliang , Wang Lianhui
Published: July 2022

Traditional antibiotic treatment has limited efficacy for the drug-tolerant bacteria present in biofilms because of their unique metabolic conditions in the biofilm infection microenvironment. Modulating the biofilm infection microenvironment may influence the metabolic state of the bacteria and provide alternative therapeutic routes. In this study, photodynamic therapy is used not only to eradicate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms in the normoxic condition, but also to potentiate the hypoxic microenvironment, which induces the anaerobic metabolism of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and activates the antibacterial activity of metronidazole. Moreover, the photodynamic therapy-activated chemotherapy can polarize the macrophages to a M2-like phenotype and promote the repair of the biofilm infected wounds in mice. This biofilm infection microenvironment modulation strategy, whereby the hypoxic microenvironment is potentiated to synergize photodynamic therapy with chemotherapy, provides an alternative pathway for efficient treatment of biofilm-associated infections.
Multi-year El Niño events tied to the North Pacific Oscillation
Authors: Ding Ruiqiang , Tseng Yu‐Heng , Di Lorenzo Emanuele , Shi Liang , Li Jianping , Yu Jin-Yi , Wang Chunzai , Sun Cheng , Luo Jing-Jia , Ha Kyung‑Ja , Hu Zeng-Zhen , Li Feifei
Published: July 2022

Multi-year El Niño events induce severe and persistent floods and droughts worldwide, with significant socioeconomic impacts, but the causes of their long-lasting behaviors are still not fully understood. Here we present a two-way feedback mechanism between the tropics and extratropics to argue that extratropical atmospheric variability associated with the North Pacific Oscillation (NPO) is a key source of multi-year El Niño events. The NPO during boreal winter can trigger a Central Pacific El Niño during the subsequent winter, which excites atmospheric teleconnections to the extratropics that re-energize the NPO variability, then re-triggers another El Niño event in the following winter, finally resulting in persistent El Niño-like states. Model experiments, with the NPO forcing assimilated to constrain atmospheric circulation, reproduce the observed connection between NPO forcing and the occurrence of multi-year El Niño events. Future projections of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phases 5 and 6 models demonstrate that with enhanced NPO variability under future anthropogenic forcing, more frequent multi-year El Niño events should be expected. We conclude that properly accounting for the effects of the NPO on the evolution of El Niño events may improve multi-year El Niño prediction and projection.
Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis of the developing mouse inner ear identifies molecular logic of auditory neuron diversification
Authors: Petitpré Charles , Faure Louis , Uhl Phoebe , Fontanet Paula , Filova Iva , Pavlinkova Gabriela , Adameyko Igor , Hadjab Saida , Lallemend Francois
Published: July 2022

Different types of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) are essential for auditory perception by transmitting complex auditory information from hair cells (HCs) to the brain. Here, we use deep, single cell transcriptomics to study the molecular mechanisms that govern their identity and organization in mice. We identify a core set of temporally patterned genes and gene regulatory networks that may contribute to the diversification of SGNs through sequential binary decisions and demonstrate a role for NEUROD1 in driving specification of a Ic-SGN phenotype. We also find that each trajectory of the decision tree is defined by initial co-expression of alternative subtype molecular controls followed by gradual shifts toward cell fate resolution. Finally, analysis of both developing SGN and HC types reveals cell-cell signaling potentially playing a role in the differentiation of SGNs. Our results indicate that SGN identities are drafted prior to birth and reveal molecular principles that shape their differentiation and will facilitate studies of their development, physiology, and dysfunction.
High output mode-locked laser empowered by defect regulation in 2D Bi2O2Se saturable absorber
Authors: Liu Junting , Yang Fang , Lu Junpeng , Ye Shuai , Guo Haowen , Nie Hongkun , Zhang Jialin , He Jingliang , Zhang Baitao , Ni Zhenhua
Published: July 2022

Atomically thin Bi2O2Se has emerged as a novel two-dimensional (2D) material with an ultrabroadband nonlinear optical response, high carrier mobility and excellent air stability, showing great potential for the realization of optical modulators. Here, we demonstrate a femtosecond solid-state laser at 1.0 µm with Bi2O2Se nanoplates as a saturable absorber (SA). Upon further defect regulation in 2D Bi2O2Se, the average power of the mode-locked laser is improved from 421 mW to 665 mW, while the pulse width is decreased from 587 fs to 266 fs. Moderate Ar+ plasma treatments are employed to precisely regulate the O and Se defect states in Bi2O2Se nanoplates. Nondegenerate pump-probe measurements show that defect engineering effectively accelerates the trapping rate and defect-assisted Auger recombination rate of photocarriers. The saturation intensity is improved from 3.6 ± 0.2 to 12.8 ± 0.6 MW cm−2 after the optimized defect regulation. The enhanced saturable absorption and ultrafast carrier lifetime endow the high-performance mode-locked laser with both large output power and short pulse duration.
Atomic-scale insights on hydrogen trapping and exclusion at incoherent interfaces of nanoprecipitates in martensitic steels
Authors: Zhang Binglu , Zhu Qisi , Xu Chi , Li Changtai , Ma Yuan , Ma Zhaoxiang , Liu Sinuo , Shao Ruiwen , Xu Yuting , Jiang Baolong , Gao Lei , Pang Xiaolu , He Yang , Chen Guang , Qiao Lijie
Published: July 2022

Hydrogen is well known to embrittle high-strength steels and impair their corrosion resistance. One of the most attractive methods to mitigate hydrogen embrittlement employs nanoprecipitates, which are widely used for strengthening, to trap and diffuse hydrogen from enriching at vulnerable locations within the materials. However, the atomic origin of hydrogen-trapping remains elusive, especially in incoherent nanoprecipitates. Here, by combining in-situ scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy and aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy, we unveil distinct scenarios of hydrogen-precipitate interaction in a high-strength low-alloyed martensitic steel. It is found that not all incoherent interfaces are trapping hydrogen; some may even exclude hydrogen. Atomic-scale structural and chemical features of the very interfaces suggest that carbon/sulfur vacancies on the precipitate surface and tensile strain fields in the nearby matrix likely determine the hydrogen-trapping characteristics of the interface. These findings provide fundamental insights that may lead to a better coupling of precipitation-strengthening strategy with hydrogen-insensitive designs.
Interrogating breast cancer heterogeneity using single and pooled circulating tumor cell analysis
Authors: Rothé Françoise , Venet David , Peeters Dieter , Rouas Ghizlane , Rediti Mattia , Smeets Dominiek , Dupont Floriane , Campbell Peter , Lambrechts Diether , Dirix Luc , Sotiriou Christos , Ignatiadis Michail
Published: July 2022

Single cell technologies allow the interrogation of tumor heterogeneity, providing insights into tumor evolution and treatment resistance. To better understand whether circulating tumor cells (CTCs) could complement metastatic biopsies for tumor genomic profiling, we characterized 11 single CTCs and 10 pooled CTC samples at the mutational and copy number aberration (CNA) levels, and compared these results with matched synchronous tumor biopsies from 3 metastatic breast cancer patients with triple-negative (TNBC), HER2-positive and estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) tumors. Similar CNA profiles and the same patient-specific driver mutations were found in bulk tissue and CTCs for the HER2-positive and TNBC tumors, whereas different CNA profiles and driver mutations were identified for the ER+ tumor, which presented two distinct clones in CTCs defined by mutations in ESR1 Y537N and TP53, respectively. Furthermore, de novo mutational signatures derived from CTCs described patient-specific biological processes. These data suggest that tumor tissue and CTCs provide complementary clinically relevant information to map tumor heterogeneity and tumor evolution.
Characteristics of rapid eye movement-related obstructive sleep apnea in Thai patients
Authors: Sattaratpaijit Nithita , Kulalert Prapasri , Wongpradit Wadee
Published: July 2022

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that has been associated with cardiovascular consequences. Rapid eye movement (REM)-related obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a subtype of OSA which is characterized by apneas or hypopneas predominately during REM sleep. The factors associated with REM-related OSA are still unclear. We aimed to determine the prevalence and associated characteristics of REM-related OSA in Thai patients. A total of 408 patients’ charts were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and anthropometric characteristics, comorbidities and polysomnographic data were obtained. The patients were divided into two groups: REM-related OSA and non-stage specific OSA. REM-related OSA was defined as an apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5 per hour, with a ratio of REM-AHI to NREM-AHI > 2, and NREM-AHI < 15 per hour. The prevalence of REM-related OSA was 21.6%. AHI and arousal index were both lower in REM-related OSA than in non-stage specific OSA. REM-related OSA was significantly associated with females (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.25–4.42, p = 0.008), age < 60 years (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.15–5.55, p = 0.021), and mild OSA (OR 17.46, 95% CI 9.28–32.84, p < 0.001). In conclusion, age < 60 years, female gender, and mild severity of OSA were associated with REM-related OSA.
LiDAR–camera fusion for road detection using a recurrent conditional random field model
Authors: Wang Lele , Huang Yingping
Published: July 2022

Reliable road detection is an essential task in autonomous driving systems. Two categories of sensors are commonly used, cameras and light detection and ranging (LiDAR), each of which can provide corresponding supplements. Nevertheless, existing sensor fusion methods do not fully utilize multimodal data. Most of them are dominated by images and take point clouds as a supplement rather than making the best of them, and the correlation between modalities is ignored. This paper proposes a recurrent conditional random field (R-CRF) model to fuse images and point clouds for road detection. The R-CRF model integrates results (information) from modalities in a probabilistic way. Each modality is independently processed with its semantic segmentation network. The probability scores obtained are considered a unary term for individual pixel nodes in a random field, while RGB images and the densified LiDAR images are used as pairwise terms. The energy function is then iteratively optimized by mean-field variational inference, and the labelling results are refined by exploiting fully connected graphs of the RGB image and LiDAR images. Extensive experiments are conducted on the public KITTI-Road dataset, and the proposed method achieves competitive performance.