bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecohydrology and flood risk management under climate vulnerability in relation to the sustainable development goals (SDGs): a case study in Nagaa Mobarak Village, Egypt
Authors: Aly Marwa M. , Refay Neveen H. , Elattar Hoda , Morsy Karim M. , Bandala Erick R. , Zein Samir A. , Mostafa Mohamed K.
Published: February 2022

This article aims to provide a thorough assessment of water quality and quantity incorporating the estimation of future patterns as a result of climate change from economic, environmental and social perspectives. Its scope extends from studying the physical parameters and rainfall patterns to maintaining an environmental flow with a better water quality using ecohydrological techniques. The village of Nagaa Mobarak in Souhag, Egypt, is taken as a case study being in a critical location that is vulnerable to flash floods. This paper managed to quantify change in water quantity and quality due to the impacts of flash floods and climate change. Several traditional engineering alternatives are proposed for flood management such as constructing a dam, a storage pond and a routing channel to the nearest water body; as well as non-traditional ecohydrological alternatives such as constructing a dam with vegetated foreshore, natural levees and constructed wetlands. The results of applying these methods for our case study showed that a hybrid solution that employs both traditional and non-traditional solutions for flood management is optimal. A constructed wetland along a section of the constructed channel for diverting flow into the Nagaa Hammade Canal would decrease the runoff volume and peak time so that the capacity of the Canal is not exceeded in a flood event and purifies the incoming stormwater improving its quality and the health of the ecosystem within the canal. Moreover, our proposed approach was investigated and found to target 10 out of the 17 UN SDGs.
Topological duals of locally convex function spaces
Authors: Pennanen Teemu , Perkkiö Ari-Pekka
Published: February 2022

This paper studies topological duals of locally convex function spaces that are natural generalizations of Fréchet and Banach function spaces. The dual is identified with the direct sum of another function space, a space of purely finitely additive measures and the annihilator of $$L^\infty $$

L
∞

. This allows for quick proofs of various classical as well as new duality results e.g. in Lebesgue, Musielak–Orlicz, Orlicz–Lorentz space and spaces associated with convex risk measures. Beyond Banach and Fréchet spaces, we obtain completeness and duality results in general paired spaces of random variables.
Effectiveness of a patient-centred sleep study report in the management of obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Srinivasan Meera , Duncan Joseph M. , Hibbert Michael W. O. , Joffe David , Mohammadieh Anna M. , Cohen Gary L. , Cistulli Peter A. , Chan Andrew S. L.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common condition with a range of short- and long-term health implications. Providing patient-centred care is a key principle to ensure patients are well informed and empowered to participate in clinical decision making. This study aimed to develop a patient-centred sleep study report for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea and to determine whether or not its implementation led to improved patient understanding of their disease.

Methods

The study was performed in two phases. The first phase utilised the Delphi-survey technique to develop and critically appraise a patient-centred sleep study report (PCSR) for patients with OSA, to accurately and simply convey key components of the patient’s diagnosis and management. The second phase was a prospective, randomised controlled trial to assess the effect of the PCSR on patient knowledge, self-efficacy, and understanding as measured through validated patient questionnaires.

Results

The PCSR was developed on key concepts deemed to be important by the surveyed physicians, senior sleep scientists and patients. This included ensuring the results were customised, highlighting the patient’s apnoea-hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation index and arousal index and limiting technical information to a few key pieces. Patients randomised to receive the PCSR had improved understanding and perceived patient-physician interaction compared to those randomised to standard care.

Conclusion

The development and implementation of the PCSR was feasible and improved patient understanding and perceived patient-physician interaction in patients with moderate to severe OSA. Whether or not use of the PCSR will translate to improved compliance with therapy will require further evaluation.
Thiel embalming in neonates: methodology and benefits in medical training
Authors: Sanchez-Ferrer Francisco , Grima-Murcia Maria Dolores , Sánchez-del-Campo Francisco , Sánchez-Ferrer Maria Luisa , Fernández-Jover Eduardo
Published: February 2022

Current teaching and training methods for surgical techniques in the pediatric population involve artificial models (manikins), animals or adult human cadavers embalmed using various techniques. We found no references in the literature concerning the use of the Thiel method in the pediatric population. The aim of this study, therefore, was to assess the viability of using pediatric human cadavers embalmed through Thiel’s technique and to compare them with standard pediatric manikins. After donation of a 24-week stillborn, the Thiel technique was carried out for fixation following the usual protocol. A video recording with eye-tracking glasses was used to perform an examination, and techniques. The same procedures were conducted on a pediatric manikin. Medical students, medical residents and physicians were asked to respond to questions in an online survey after being shown the video. A total of 92 responses were obtained. The Thiel-embalmed stillborn was assessed as superior to the manikin in all items. Our study confirmed that this technique is feasible even with extremely small donors. The value of this form of preservation for medical training is not widely known though it is receiving increasing interest. Our results show that Thiel fixation in pediatrics is clearly more highly valued than a manikin and offers great potential. This innovative application of the Thiel method in the pediatric population is technically possible. It poses no additional difficulties and is very positively assessed for undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.
Condylar Reshape in Orthognathic Surgery: Morphovolumetric and Densitometric Analysis Based on 3D Imaging and Digital Workflow
Authors: Abbate Vincenzo , Audino Giovanni , Dell’Aversana Orabona Giovanni , Friscia Marco , Bonavolontà Paola , Lo Faro Carmelo , Committeri Umberto , Cuéllar Carlos Navarro , Iaconetta Giorgio , Califano Luigi
Published: February 2022

Background

Condylar remodelling (CR) is a complex of phenomena that generates in response of the temporo-mandibular joint to forces and stress to maintain a morphological, functional and occlusal homeostasis. The most worrying aspect of the condylar reshape is the condylar resorption which implies fast loss of vertical dimension (>6% of pre-surgical value), mandibular retraction and open bite with preserved articular function.

Materials and Methods

Six parameters were analysed to study the condyles of twelve patients that underwent orthognathic surgery. The digital workflow was then described to make it reproducible enabling a more in-depth study of the reshaping processes that involving the condyle after a great stress like the surgery.

Results

The results of our study showed many statistically significant variations of the studied parameters. In all patients, it was noticed a decreased bone density (p = 0,002 per side).

Objectives

The aim of our study, with the aid of the contemporary 3D imaging and digital modelling and workflow technologies, is to investigate and analyse quantitatively and qualitatively the adaptative processes occurring in CR following bimaxillary repositioning. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only paper that investigates the CR considering six different variables at once.
Does the Brain Think?
Authors: Owesen Erlend Winderen Finke
Published: February 2022

It is common in cognitive science to ascribe psychological predicates to the brain, i.e. to assert that the brain sees, feels, thinks, etc. This has prompted philosophical debate. According to the Nonsense View, the relevant locutions of cognitive scientists are nonsensical or false (Bennett and Hacker 2003, 2007). According to the Literal View, they are literal truths and report the psychological properties of brains (Dennett 2007; Crane 2015; Figdor 2018). In this paper, I propose the Synecdoche View, according to which cognitive scientists’ locutions are figurative, with ‘brain’ referring to the human being, such that ‘the brain thinks’ reports the thinking of the human being, not the thinking of the brain. I compare this view to the dominant views in the literature and argue that it is a plausible alternative. One consequence of this is that there is no reason to believe that the locutions of cognitive scientists indicate empirical support for the claim that brains possess psychological properties.
Human microglial models to study HIV infection and neuropathogenesis: a literature overview and comparative analyses
Authors: Gumbs Stephanie B. H. , Kübler Raphael , Gharu Lavina , Schipper Pauline J. , Borst Anne L. , Snijders Gijsje J. L. J. , Ormel Paul R. , van Berlekom Amber Berdenis , Wensing Annemarie M. J. , de Witte Lot D. , Nijhuis Monique
Published: February 2022

HIV persistence in the CNS despite antiretroviral therapy may cause neurological disorders and poses a critical challenge for HIV cure. Understanding the pathobiology of HIV-infected microglia, the main viral CNS reservoir, is imperative. Here, we provide a comprehensive comparison of human microglial culture models: cultured primary microglia (pMG), microglial cell lines, monocyte-derived microglia (MDMi), stem cell–derived microglia (iPSC-MG), and microglia grown in 3D cerebral organoids (oMG) as potential model systems to advance HIV research on microglia. Functional characterization revealed phagocytic capabilities and responsiveness to LPS across all models. Microglial transcriptome profiles of uncultured pMG showed the highest similarity to cultured pMG and oMG, followed by iPSC-MG and then MDMi. Direct comparison of HIV infection showed a striking difference, with high levels of viral replication in cultured pMG and MDMi and relatively low levels in oMG resembling HIV infection observed in post-mortem biopsies, while the SV40 and HMC3 cell lines did not support HIV infection. Altogether, based on transcriptional similarities to uncultured pMG and susceptibility to HIV infection, MDMi may serve as a first screening tool, whereas oMG, cultured pMG, and iPSC-MG provide more representative microglial culture models for HIV research. The use of current human microglial cell lines (SV40, HMC3) is not recommended.
Memory-based variable neighborhood search for green vehicle routing problem with passing-by drivers: a comprehensive perspective
Authors: Cao Lei , Ye Chun-ming , Cheng Ran , Wang Zhen-kun
Published: February 2022

A business delivery model with professional vehicles as well as occasional passing-by vehicles is investigated in this paper. The drivers deliver parcels from the distribution center to customers and the passing-by driver can get a certain amount of compensation in return. To give a satisfactory solution from the perspective of platform owner, customers, professional drivers, occasional drivers, and authority, a multi-layer comprehensive model is proposed. To effectively solve the proposed model, we introduce an improved variable neighborhood search (VNS) with a memory-based restart mechanism. The new algorithm is evaluated on instances derived from Solomon’s benchmark and real-life beer delivery instances. Taguchi experiment is used to tune parameters in the proposed VNS, followed by component analysis and real-life experiments. Experimental results indicate that the proposed strategies are effective and the new delivery model in this paper has some advantages over traditional and single-delivery ones from the comprehensive perspectives of stakeholders in the crowdsourcing logistics system.
Oscillating simply connected wandering domains
Authors: EVDORIDOU VASILIKI , RIPPON PHILIP J. , STALLARD GWYNETH M.
Published: February 2022

Although detailed descriptions of the possible types of behaviour inside periodic Fatou components have been known for over 100 years, a classification of wandering domains has only recently been given. Recently, simply connected wandering domains were classified into nine possible types and examples of escaping wandering domains of each of these types were constructed. Here we consider the case of oscillating wandering domains, for which only six of these types are possible. We use a new technique based on approximation theory to construct examples of all six types of oscillating simply connected wandering domains. This requires delicate arguments since oscillating wandering domains return infinitely often to a bounded part of the plane. Our technique is inspired by that used by Eremenko and Lyubich to construct the first example of an oscillating wandering domain, but with considerable refinements which enable us to show that the wandering domains are bounded, to specify the degree of the mappings between wandering domains and to give precise descriptions of the dynamical behaviour of these mappings.
Gravitational clearing of natural satellite orbits
Authors: Hill Roderick J.
Published: February 2022

The distribution of diameters and orbital distances from the parent body of 156 named moons of the planets in the Solar System is not random. All 11 moons with diameters larger than

$1\,000\,\mathrm{km}$

are positioned between

$400\,000\,\mathrm{km}$

and 4 million km from the parent, whereas the far more numerous small moons are distributed on both sides of this central region and are largely absent from the region in between. This small-satellite ‘exclusion region’ is particularly evident for the gas giants since they have multiple satellites spanning a wide range of distances from the parent. Application of mathematical criteria analogous to those that have been used to help define the ‘gravitational clearing’ of planetary orbits around the Sun suggests that the absence of small satellites in this region around the planets may be a result (atleast in part) of gravitational clearing by the large moons present at these distances from the parent. The most significant exception to the observed diameter-distance distribution—Hyperion, on Saturn—is attributed to its 3:4 orbital resonance with Titan, while other obvious exceptions are the Trojan satellites of Saturn’s moons Tethys and Dione. The smallest satellite diameter that seems necessary for clearing of its ‘sphere of influence’ is around

$400\,\mathrm{km}$

.
ON A -ADDITIVE UNIQUENESS SET FOR MULTIPLICATIVE FUNCTIONS
Authors: HASANALIZADE ELCHIN
Published: February 2022

Let
$k\geq 2$
be an integer. We prove that the 2-automatic sequence of odious numbers
$\mathcal {O}$
is a k-additive uniqueness set for multiplicative functions: if a multiplicative function f satisfies a multivariate Cauchy’s functional equation
$f(x_1+x_2+\cdots +x_k)=f(x_1)+f(x_2)+\cdots +f(x_k)$
for arbitrary
$x_1,\ldots ,x_k\in \mathcal {O}$
, then f is the identity function
$f(n)=n$
for all
$n\in \mathbb {N}$
.
On the spread of infinite groups
Authors: Cox Charles Garnet
Published: February 2022

A group is $\frac 32$-generated if every non-trivial element is part of a generating pair. In 2019, Donoven and Harper showed that many Thompson groups are $\frac 32$-generated and posed five questions. The first of these is whether there exists a 2-generated group with every proper quotient cyclic that is not $\frac 32$-generated. This is a natural question given the significant work in proving that no finite group has this property, but we show that there is such an infinite group. The groups we consider are a family of finite index subgroups $G_1,\, G_2,\, \ldots$ of the Houghton group $\operatorname {FSym}(\mathbb {Z})\rtimes \mathbb {Z}$. We then show that $G_1$ and $G_2$ are $\frac 32$-generated and investigate the related notion of spread for these groups. We are able to show that they have finite spread at least 2. These are, therefore, the first infinite groups to be shown to have finite positive spread, and the first to be shown to have spread at least 2 (other than $\mathbb {Z}$ and the Tarski monsters, which have infinite spread). As a consequence, for each $k\in \{2,\, 3,\, \ldots \}$, we also have that $G_{2k}$ is index $k$ in $G_2$ but $G_2$ is $\frac 32$-generated whereas $G_{2k}$ is not.
Data-inspired co-design for museum and gallery visitor experiences
Authors: Darzentas Dimitrios , Cameron Harriet , Wagner Hanne , Craigon Peter , Bodiaj Edgar , Spence Jocelyn , Tennent Paul , Benford Steve
Published: February 2022

The capture and analysis of diverse data is widely recognized as being vital to the design of new products and services across the digital economy. We focus on its use to inspire the co-design of visitor experiences in museums as a distinctive case that reveals opportunities and challenges for the use of personal data. We present a portfolio of data-inspired visiting experiences that emerged from a 3-year Research Through Design process. These include the overlay of virtual models on physical exhibits, a smartphone app for creating personalized tours as gifts, visualizations of emotional responses to exhibits, and the data-driven use of ideation cards. We reflect across our portfolio to articulate the diverse ways in which data can inspire design through the use of ambiguity, visualization, and inter-personalization; how data inspire co-design through the process of co-ideation, co-creation, and co-interpretation; and how its use must negotiate the challenges of privacy, ownership, and transparency. By adopting a human perspective on data, we are able to chart out the complex and rich information that can inform design activities and contribute to datasets that can drive creativity support systems.
A study on the link between design brief structure and stimulus fidelity to optimize novelty and usefulness
Authors: Koronis Georgios , Silva Arlindo , Kang Kai Siang Jacob , Yogiaman Christine
Published: February 2022

This academic-based investigation is focused on identifying elements that contribute toward the generation of efficient design briefs and their correlation with design outcomes of a sketching exercise. Four conditions are compared: a baseline group, an abstract group, a contextual information group, and a group that was given various example solutions. Via more in-depth surveys, we sought to elicit correlations between the students’ design creativity and stimuli permutations of the different design conditions. Results show that the contextual information groups, which were presented with higher levels of stimulus fidelity, had higher novelty scores, while abstract groups performed well in usefulness. These findings contribute to the formulation of design briefs where the goal is to stimulate the creativity of design outcomes and examine their relationships with student's perceptions of design exercises.
Decisions to attend holiday gatherings during COVID-19 and engagement in key prevention strategies: United States, January 2021
Authors: Pomeroy Mary A. , Hoover Edward R. , Dumas Brianna L. , Kennedy Katrina S. , Wittry Beth , Laughlin Mark E. , Harris Diane M. , Gieraltowski Laura , Yellman Merissa A. , Garcia-Williams Amanda G. , Marshall Katherine E.
Published: February 2022

Gatherings where people are eating and drinking can increase the risk of getting and spreading SARS-CoV-2 among people who are not fully vaccinated; prevention strategies like wearing masks and physical distancing continue to be important for some groups. We conducted an online survey to characterise fall/winter 2020–2021 holiday gatherings, decisions to attend and prevention strategies employed during and before gatherings. We determined associations between practicing prevention strategies, demographics and COVID-19 experience. Among 502 respondents, one-third attended in person holiday gatherings; 73% wore masks and 84% practiced physical distancing, but less did so always (29% and 23%, respectively). Younger adults were 44% more likely to attend gatherings than adults ≥35 years. Younger adults (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 1.53, 95% CI 1.19–1.97), persons who did not experience COVID-19 themselves or have relatives/close friends experience severe COVID-19 (aPR 1.56, 95% CI 1.18–2.07), and non-Hispanic White persons (aPR 1.57, 95% CI 1.13–2.18) were more likely to not always wear masks in public during the 2 weeks before gatherings. Public health messaging emphasizing consistent application of COVID-19 prevention strategies is important to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The Metalworker as Social Agent: Alongue duréeApproach from Northwestern Iberia Atlantic Façade (Ninth–First Centuriesbce)
Authors: Nión-Álvarez Samuel
Published: February 2022

The aim of this paper is to analyse the role of the metalworker in the northwest Iberian Iron Age. By adopting a holistic and diachronic perspective, a broad review of the influence of metalworking and its agents on the social structuring of the communities of the Atlantic seaboard is presented. With the aim of exploring the implications of metallurgy and the blacksmith's activity, a new perspective of metalworking is suggested. Thus, an exploration of perspectives beyond the technical aspects will be addressed, considering the ‘technological dimension’ as part of all the elements that define this activity. The objective of the work is to present a narrative that allows analysis of the role of the metalworker throughout different historical periods, focusing on the social, technical and symbolic dynamics that have shaped its development.
Benedictus es domine, the Ambrosian Canticle of the Three Children in the Fiery Furnace
Authors: BAILEY TERENCE
Published: February 2022

The hymn of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the Book of Daniel was sung in Milan as the first canticle of Ambrosian Matins on all Sundays and festivals. The Benedictus es domine had a special importance in the Milanese liturgy: it was not only the first lection of the day, but was also seen as providing a common theme unifying the morning office. Those who study Milanese chant will be interested in the details of its performance, but the hope is that even those who do not usually take note of things Ambrosian will welcome an illustration of the extraordinary complexity that characterises the Rite in its final stage.
Fostering Social Interaction Through Sound Feedback: Sentire
Authors: Rizzonelli Marta , Kim Jin Hyun , Staudt Pascal , Lussana Marcello
Published: February 2022

Sentire is a body–machine interface that sonifies motor behaviour in real time and a participatory, interactive performance in which two people use their physical movements to collaboratively create sound while constantly being influenced by the results. Based on our informal observation that basal social behaviours emerge during Sentire performances, the present article investigates our principal hypothesis that Sentire can foster basic mechanisms underlying non-verbal social interaction. We illustrate how coordination serves as a crucial basic mechanism for social interaction, and consider how it is addressed by various therapeutic approaches, including therapeutic use of real-time auditory feedback. Then we argue that the implementation of Sentire may be fruitful in healthcare contexts and in promoting general well-being. We describe how the Sentire system has been developed further within the scope of the research project ‘Social interaction through sound feedback–Sentire’ that combines human–computer interaction, sound design and real-world research, against the background of the relationship between sound, sociality and therapy. The question concerning how interaction is facilitated through Sentire is addressed through the first results of behavioural analysis using structured observation, which allows for a quasi-quantitative sequential analysis of interactive behaviour.
Creative Agencies in Participatory Sound Art: Two case studies
Authors: Keylin Vadim
Published: February 2022

This article explores the distribution of creative agency between artists and audiences in participatory sound art through the lens of perspective theory. In contemporary creativity studies, perspective is taken to mean the way in which an actor’s perception of the environment is structured by their intention to act. According to Vlad Glaveanu, constructing and taking new perspectives constitutes a necessary condition for creative acts as it reveals new affordances of the creator’s materials. In this article, I investigate the perspectives of sound artists and participants through ethnographic case studies of Katrine Faber’s participatory performance Let Us Sing Your Place and Benoît Maubrey’s interactive Speaker Sculptures. In Faber’s performance, the participants use their voices to recreate the soundscape of a place described by one of them. Maubrey’s sculptures are large structures built out of loudspeakers through which the participants can play their own sounds via Bluetooth, phone lines or directly plugged-in microphone. Analysing ethnographic observations and interviews with artists and participants in the two case studies, I discuss how their perspectives are constructed and communicated through artwork’s materialities. Exploring the particularity of perspectives induced by participatory sound art, I show how it challenges a number of conventional ideas about sound and auditory culture.
Messung der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität 8- bis 11-jähriger psychisch kranker Kinder im Rahmen von Qualitätssicherungsmaßnahmen
Authors: Ertl Sebastian , Vogt Michael , Loew Thomas , Hinterberger Thilo
Published: February 2022

Zusammenfassung. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden die faktorielle Struktur und die Messinvarianz der Kid-KINDL Selbst- und Fremdeinschätzung bei 8- bis 11-jährigen psychisch kranken Kindern untersucht (Kid-KINDLSelbst: N = 441, Mädchen: 52 %, Jungen: 48 %, Alter: M = 9.44, SD = 1.12; Kid-KINDLFremd: N = 462, Mädchen: 55 %, Jungen: 45 %, Alter: M = 9.51, SD = 1.11). An einer ersten Stichprobe ergaben sich in Explorativen Faktorenanalysen Hinweise auf zwei zusätzliche Psychopathologie-Faktoren. Mit konfirmatorischen Faktorenanalysen wurden an einer zweiten Stichprobe unterschiedliche Modelle untersucht. Das Modell mit Doppelladungen krankheitsassoziierter Items auf den HRQoL-Faktoren und Psychopathologie-Faktoren zeigte die beste Modellanpassung, wobei die HRQoL-Dimensionen mit den Pathologie-Faktoren unkorreliert waren. Zwischen Selbst- und Fremdeinschätzung konnte partielle metrische Invarianz nachgewiesen werden. Die Eindimensionalität einiger Items muss aufgrund der Ergebnisse angezweifelt werden, was eine valide Erfassung einiger HRQoL-Dimensionen einschränken dürfte. Für den Einsatz in der Qualitätssicherung empfehlen sich die Kid-KINDL Skalen Selbstwert, Familie und Freunde.
Detectable Human Influence on Changes in Precipitation Extremes Across China
Authors: Xu Huiwen , Chen Huopo , Wang Huijun
Published: February 2022

This study explored the human influence on the observed changes in precipitation extremes across China for the period of 1961–2014 by the latest simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). Changes in observations and CMIP6 simulations under different external forcings for annual total wet‐day precipitation (PRCPTOT), the number of heavy precipitation days (R10 mm), very wet days (R95p), extremely wet days (R99p), the maximum 1‐day precipitation amount (RX1day), and the maximum 5‐day precipitation amount (RX5day) are compared using a regularized optimal fingerprinting method. The results show that both anthropogenic (ANT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) experiments generally exhibit increasing trends in precipitation extremes over China, agreeing with the overall observed increases. The ANT influence is robustly detected for R95p, R99p, RX1day, and RX5day over China, with clear separation from the natural forcing. Additionally, the GHG signal is also detectable for R95p, R99p, and RX1day but separated from the natural and other ANT forcings for only R99p and RX1day and from the natural and ANT aerosol forcings for only RX5day. Thus, the intensified precipitation extremes can be attributed to human influence dominated by the GHG effect. However, detections fail for PRCPTOT and R10 mm. The ANT aerosol forcing may partly offset the role of the GHG responses to observed increases despite being undetectable. Based on the detection and attribution results, the observation‐constrained projections indicate that precipitation extremes are projected to significantly increase under the SSP2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5 scenarios but with a smaller magnitude compared to the raw CMIP6 outputs.
Evolution of the Continental Margin of South to Central Vietnam and Its Relationship to Opening of the South China Sea (East Vietnam Sea)
Authors: Huu Nguyen Hiep , Carter Andrew , Hoang Long Van , Fox Matt , Pham Sang Nhu , Vinh Hau Bui
Published: February 2022

The continental margin of south to central Vietnam is notable for its high elevation plateaus many of which are covered by late Cenozoic basalt flows. It forms the westernmost margin of a wide continental rift of the South China Sea (East Vietnam Sea), and uplift has been considered a result of either rifting or younger intraplate basalt magmatism. To investigate margin development apatite thermochronometry was applied to a dense array of samples collected from across and along the margin of south to central Vietnam. Results, including thermal history models, identified a distinct regional episode of fast cooling between c. 37 and 30 Ma after which cooling rates remained low. The fast cooling coincides with a period of fast extension across the South China Sea (East Sea) region that preceded continental break‐up recorded by Oligocene grabens onshore. A thermal model is used test different processes that might influence the inferred cooling including a distinct pulse of exhumation; a decrease in exhumation followed by an associated transient decrease in geothermal gradients and, underplating coincident with rifting. Thermal relaxation following Mesozoic arc magmatism is ruled out as geotherms returned to background rates within 20 Myrs of emplacement, well before the onset of fast cooling. Models support fast cooling attributed to accelerated erosion during early stages of rifting. Some additional heating from either underplating and/or hot mantle upwellings is also possible. No evidence was found to support regional uplift associated with the intraplate magmatism, enhanced monsoon‐driven erosion, or seafloor spreading dynamics.
Deforestation Is Flooding West African Coasts
Authors: Basilio Humberto
Published: February 2022

The lack of trees is contributing to increased rainfall along the coast of southwest Africa, where communities are already vulnerable to flash flooding.
Subtly altered topological asymmetry of brain structural covariance networks in autism spectrum disorder across 43 datasets from the ENIGMA consortium
Authors: Sha Zhiqiang , van Rooij Daan , Anagnostou Evdokia , Arango Celso , Auzias Guillaume , Behrmann Marlene , Bernhardt Boris , Bolte Sven , Busatto Geraldo F. , Calderoni Sara , Calvo Rosa , Daly Eileen , Deruelle Christine , Duan Meiyu , Duran Fabio Luis Souza , Durston Sarah , Ecker Christine , Ehrlich Stefan , Fair Damien , Fedor Jennifer , Fitzgerald Jacqueline , Floris Dorothea L. , Franke Barbara , Freitag Christine M. , Gallagher Louise , Glahn David C. , Haar Shlomi , Hoekstra Liesbeth , Jahanshad Neda , Jalbrzikowski Maria , Janssen Joost , King Joseph A. , Lazaro Luisa , Luna Beatriz , McGrath Jane , Medland Sarah E. , Muratori Filippo , Murphy Declan G. M. , Neufeld Janina , O’Hearn Kirsten , Oranje Bob , Parellada Mara , Pariente Jose C. , Postema Merel C. , Remnelius Karl Lundin , Retico Alessandra , Rosa Pedro Gomes Penteado , Rubia Katya , Shook Devon , Tammimies Kristiina , Taylor Margot J. , Tosetti Michela , Wallace Gregory L. , Zhou Fengfeng , Thompson Paul M. , Fisher Simon E. , Buitelaar Jan K. , Francks Clyde
Published: February 2022

Small average differences in the left-right asymmetry of cerebral cortical thickness have been reported in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to typically developing controls, affecting widespread cortical regions. The possible impacts of these regional alterations in terms of structural network effects have not previously been characterized. Inter-regional morphological covariance analysis can capture network connectivity between different cortical areas at the macroscale level. Here, we used cortical thickness data from 1455 individuals with ASD and 1560 controls, across 43 independent datasets of the ENIGMA consortium’s ASD Working Group, to assess hemispheric asymmetries of intra-individual structural covariance networks, using graph theory-based topological metrics. Compared with typical features of small-world architecture in controls, the ASD sample showed significantly altered average asymmetry of networks involving the fusiform, rostral middle frontal, and medial orbitofrontal cortex, involving higher randomization of the corresponding right-hemispheric networks in ASD. A network involving the superior frontal cortex showed decreased right-hemisphere randomization. Based on comparisons with meta-analyzed functional neuroimaging data, the altered connectivity asymmetry particularly affected networks that subserve executive functions, language-related and sensorimotor processes. These findings provide a network-level characterization of altered left-right brain asymmetry in ASD, based on a large combined sample. Altered asymmetrical brain development in ASD may be partly propagated among spatially distant regions through structural connectivity.
Breast cancer hypoxia in relation to prognosis and benefit from radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery in a large, randomised trial with long-term follow-up
Authors: Tutzauer Julia , Sjöström Martin , Holmberg Erik , Karlsson Per , Killander Fredrika , Leeb-Lundberg L. M. Fredrik , Malmström Per , Niméus Emma , Fernö Mårten , Jögi Annika
Published: February 2022

Background

Breast-conserving surgery followed by radiotherapy is part of standard treatment for early-stage breast cancer. Hypoxia is common in cancer and may affect the benefit of radiotherapy. Cells adapt to hypoxic stress largely via the transcriptional activity of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α. Here, we aim to determine whether tumour HIF-1α-positivity and hypoxic gene-expression signatures associated with the benefit of radiotherapy, and outcome.

Methods

Tumour HIF-1α-status and expression of hypoxic gene signatures were retrospectively analysed in a clinical trial where 1178 women with primary T1-2N0M0 breast cancer were randomised to receive postoperative radiotherapy or not and followed 15 years for recurrence and 20 years for breast cancer death.

Results

The benefit from radiotherapy was similar in patients with HIF-1α-positive and -negative primary tumours. Both ipsilateral and any breast cancer recurrence were more frequent in women with HIF-1α-positive primary tumours (hazard ratio, HR0–5 yrs1.9 [1.3–2.9], p = 0.003 and HR0–5 yrs = 2.0 [1.5–2.8], p < 0.0001). Tumour HIF-1α-positivity is also associated with increased breast cancer death (HR0–10 years 1.9 [1.2–2.9], p = 0.004). Ten of the 11 investigated hypoxic gene signatures correlated positively to HIF-1α-positivity, and 5 to increased rate/risk of recurrence.

Conclusions

The benefit of postoperative radiotherapy persisted in patients with hypoxic primary tumours. Patients with hypoxic primary breast tumours had an increased risk of recurrence and breast cancer death.
ANGPTL7 is transcriptionally regulated by SP1 and modulates glucocorticoid-induced cross-linked actin networks in trabecular meshwork cells via the RhoA/ROCK pathway
Authors: Sun Mengsha , Liu Wenjia , Zhou Minwen
Published: February 2022

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of worldwide irreversible blindness. Lowering elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is currently the only effective approach for controlling the progress of glaucoma. Angiopoietin-like 7 (ANGPTL7) takes a key part in elevated outflow resistance of aqueous humor in dysfunctional trabecular meshwork (TM), along with the formation of cross-linked actin networks (CLANs), leading to high IOP. In this study, we explored the role of the ANGPTL7 signaling pathway in CLAN formation. We detected the expression of ANGPTL7 in cultured primary TM cells treated with dexamethasone (DEX) and ethanol as a control using qRT-PCR and western blotting. Actin filaments were revealed by phalloidin staining. ANGPTL7 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was applied to TM cells to examine the effect of ANGPTL7 on DEX-induced CLAN formation. Western blotting was used to assess the effect of ANGPTL7 on the RhoA/Rho-associated kinase (Rho-kinase/ROCK) signaling pathway. Bioinformatics, dual-luciferase reporter assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation were employed to identify the transcription factors of ANGPTL7. Transcription factor specificity protein 1 (SP1) overexpression and silencing were performed to determine their roles in the modulation of ANGPTL7 expression. We found DEX-induced ANGPTL7 expression and stress fiber rearrangement in TM cells. ANGPTL7 knockdown effectively inhibited the formation of CLANs. Moreover, it was involved in the regulation of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway, further affecting DEX-induced CLAN formation. SP1 was identified as a transcription factor of ANGPTL7 which regulated ANGPTL7 level to mediate CLAN formation through the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. This study contributes to revealing the molecular mechanisms of ANGPTL7 in CLAN formation, which is involved in TM dysfunction and glaucoma pathogenesis.
Perspectives in machine learning for wildlife conservation
Authors: Tuia Devis , Kellenberger Benjamin , Beery Sara , Costelloe Blair R. , Zuffi Silvia , Risse Benjamin , Mathis Alexander , Mathis Mackenzie W. , van Langevelde Frank , Burghardt Tilo , Kays Roland , Klinck Holger , Wikelski Martin , Couzin Iain D. , van Horn Grant , Crofoot Margaret C. , Stewart Charles V. , Berger-Wolf Tanya
Published: February 2022

Inexpensive and accessible sensors are accelerating data acquisition in animal ecology. These technologies hold great potential for large-scale ecological understanding, but are limited by current processing approaches which inefficiently distill data into relevant information. We argue that animal ecologists can capitalize on large datasets generated by modern sensors by combining machine learning approaches with domain knowledge. Incorporating machine learning into ecological workflows could improve inputs for ecological models and lead to integrated hybrid modeling tools. This approach will require close interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure the quality of novel approaches and train a new generation of data scientists in ecology and conservation.
Highly sensitive strain sensors based on piezotronic tunneling junction
Authors: Yu Qiuhong , Ge Rui , Wen Juan , Du Tao , Zhai Junyi , Liu Shuhai , Wang Longfei , Qin Yong
Published: February 2022

Piezotronics with capacity of constructing adaptive and seamless interactions between electronics/machines and human/ambient are of value in Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and biomedical engineering. Here, we report a kind of highly sensitive strain sensor based on piezotronic tunneling junction (Ag/HfO2/n-ZnO), which utilizes the strain-induced piezoelectric potential to control the tunneling barrier height and width in parallel, and hence to synergistically modulate the electrical transport process. The piezotronic tunneling strain sensor has a high on/off ratio of 478.4 and high gauge factor of 4.8 × 105 at the strain of 0.10%, which is more than 17.8 times larger than that of a conventional Schottky-barrier based strain sensor in control group as well as some existing ZnO nanowire or nanobelt based sensors. This work provides in-depth understanding for the basic mechanism of piezotronic modulation on tunneling junction, and realizes the highly sensitive strain sensor of piezotronic tunneling junction on device scale, which has great potential in advanced micro/nano-electromechanical devices and systems.
Translocated Legionella pneumophila small RNAs mimic eukaryotic microRNAs targeting the host immune response
Authors: Sahr Tobias , Escoll Pedro , Rusniok Christophe , Bui Sheryl , Pehau-Arnaudet Gérard , Lavieu Gregory , Buchrieser Carmen
Published: February 2022

Legionella pneumophila is an intracellular bacterial pathogen that can cause a severe form of pneumonia in humans, a phenotype evolved through interactions with aquatic protozoa in the environment. Here, we show that L. pneumophila uses extracellular vesicles to translocate bacterial small RNAs (sRNAs) into host cells that act on host defence signalling pathways. The bacterial sRNA RsmY binds to the UTR of ddx58 (RIG-I encoding gene) and cRel, while tRNA-Phe binds ddx58 and irak1 collectively reducing expression of RIG-I, IRAK1 and cRel, with subsequent downregulation of IFN-β. Thus, RsmY and tRNA-Phe are bacterial trans-kingdom regulatory RNAs downregulating selected sensor and regulator proteins of the host cell innate immune response. This miRNA-like regulation of the expression of key sensors and regulators of immunity is a feature of L. pneumophila host-pathogen communication and likely represents a general mechanism employed by bacteria that interact with eukaryotic hosts.
Signatures of TOP1 transcription-associated mutagenesis in cancer and germline
Authors: Reijns Martin A. M. , Parry David A. , Williams Thomas C. , Nadeu Ferran , Hindshaw Rebecca L. , Rios Szwed Diana O. , Nicholson Michael D. , Carroll Paula , Boyle Shelagh , Royo Romina , Cornish Alex J. , Xiang Hang , Ridout Kate ,   The Genomics England Research Consortium, Ambrose John C. , Arumugam Prabhu , Bevers Roel , Bleda Marta , Boardman-Pretty Freya , Boustred Christopher R. , Brittain Helen , Caulfield Mark J. , Chan Georgia C. , Elgar Greg , Fowler Tom , Giess Adam , Hamblin Angela , Henderson Shirley , Hubbard Tim J. P. , Jackson Rob , Jones Louise J. , Kasperaviciute Dalia , Kayikci Melis , Kousathanas Athanasios , Lahnstein Lea , Leigh Sarah E. A. , Leong Ivonne U. S. , Lopez Javier F. , Maleady-Crowe Fiona , McEntagart Meriel , Minneci Federico , Moutsianas Loukas , Mueller Michael , Murugaesu Nirupa , Need Anna C. , O’Donovan Peter , Odhams Chris A. , Patch Christine , Pereira Mariana Buongermino , Perez-Gil Daniel , Pullinger John , Rahim Tahrima , Rendon Augusto , Rogers Tim , Savage Kevin , Sawant Kushmita , Scott Richard H. , Siddiq Afshan , Sieghart Alexander , Smith Samuel C. , Sosinsky Alona , Stuckey Alexander , Tanguy Mélanie , Taylor Tavares Ana Lisa , Thomas Ellen R. A. , Thompson Simon R. , Tucci Arianna , Welland Matthew J. , Williams Eleanor , Witkowska Katarzyna , Wood Suzanne M. ,   Colorectal Cancer Domain UK 100,000 Genomes Project, Chubb Daniel , Cornish Alex , Kinnersley Ben , Houlston Richard , Wedge David , Gruber Andreas , Frangou Anna , Cross William , Graham Trevor , Sottoriva Andrea , Caravagna Gulio , Lopez-Bigas Nuria , Arnedo-Pac Claudia , Church David , Culliford Richard , Thorn Steve , Quirke Phil , Wood Henry , Tomlinson Ian , Noyvert Boris , Schuh Anna , Aden Konrad , Palles Claire , Campo Elias , Stankovic Tatjana , Taylor Martin S. , Jackson Andrew P.
Published: February 2022

The mutational landscape is shaped by many processes. Genic regions are vulnerable to mutation but are preferentially protected by transcription-coupled repair1. In microorganisms, transcription has been demonstrated to be mutagenic2,3; however, the impact of transcription-associated mutagenesis remains to be established in higher eukaryotes4. Here we show that ID4—a cancer insertion–deletion (indel) mutation signature of unknown aetiology5 characterized by short (2 to 5 base pair) deletions —is due to a transcription-associated mutagenesis process. We demonstrate that defective ribonucleotide excision repair in mammals is associated with the ID4 signature, with mutations occurring at a TNT sequence motif, implicating topoisomerase 1 (TOP1) activity at sites of genome-embedded ribonucleotides as a mechanistic basis. Such TOP1-mediated deletions occur somatically in cancer, and the ID-TOP1 signature is also found in physiological settings, contributing to genic de novo indel mutations in the germline. Thus, although topoisomerases protect against genome instability by relieving topological stress6, their activity may also be an important source of mutations in the human genome.
Design and optimization of high temperature optocouplers as galvanic isolation
Authors: Sabbar Abbas , Madhusoodhanan Syam , Tran Huong , Dong Binzhong , Wang Jiangbo , Mantooth Alan , Yu Shui-Qing , Chen Zhong
Published: February 2022

The commercial InGaN-based (blue and green) and AlGaInP-based (red) multiple quantum well (MQW) lighting emitting diodes (LEDs) were studied in a wide range of temperatures up to 800 K for their light emission and detection (i.e., LEDs operated under reverse bias as photodiodes (PDs)) characteristics. The results indicate the feasibility of integrating a pair of selected LEDs to fabricate high temperature (HT) optocouplers, which can be utilized as galvanic isolation to replace the bulky isolation transforms in the high-density power modules. A detailed study on LEDs and PDs were performed. The external quantum efficiency (EQE) of the LED and PDs were calculated. Higher relative external quantum efficiency (EQE) and lower efficiency droops with temperatures are obtained from the blue and green LEDs for display compared with the blue one for lighting and red LED for display. The blue for lighting and red for display devices show superior responsivity, specific detectivity (D*), and EQE compared with blue and green for display when operated as PDs. The results suggest that red LED devices for display can be used to optimize HT optocouplers due to the highest wavelength overlapping compared with others.
The superior photocatalytic performance and DFT insights of S-scheme CuO@TiO2 heterojunction composites for simultaneous degradation of organics
Authors: Hamad Hesham , Elsenety Mohamed M. , Sadik Wagih , El-Demerdash Abdel-Ghaffar , Nashed Adel , Mostafa Amr , Elyamny Shaimaa
Published: February 2022

The necessity to resolve the issue of rapid charge carrier recombination for boosting photocatalytic performance is a vigorous and challenging research field. To address this, the construction of a binary system of step-scheme (S-scheme) CuO@TiO2 heterostructure composite has been demonstrated through a facile solid-state route. The remarkably enhanced photocatalytic performance of CuO@TiO2, compared with single TiO2, which can consequence in the more efficient separation of photoinduced charge carriers, reduced the band gap of TiO2, improved the electrical transport performance, and improved the lifetimes, thus donating it with the much more powerful oxidation and reduction capability. A photocatalytic mechanism was proposed to explain the boosted photocatalytic performance of CuO@TiO2 on a complete analysis of physicochemical, DFT calculations, and electrochemical properties. In addition, this work focused on the investigation of the stability and recyclability of CuO@TiO2 in terms of efficiency and its physical origin using XRD, BET, and XPS. It is found that the removal efficiency diminishes 4.5% upon five recycling runs. The current study not only promoted our knowledge of the binary system of S-scheme CuO@TiO2 heterojunction composite photocatalyst but also shed new light on the design of heterostructure photocatalysts with high-performance and high stability.