bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-chain fatty acids–microbiota crosstalk in the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Authors: Włodarczyk Jakub , Czerwiński Bartłomiej , Fichna Jakub
Published: September 2022

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) still remains a major challenge to the health-care systems worldwide, inciting ongoing search for pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions which could benefit patients already infected with SARS-CoV-2 or at increased risk thereof. Although SARS-CoV-2 primarily affects the respiratory system, it may also infect other organs and systems, including gastrointestinal tract, where it results in microbial dysbiosis. There is an emerging understanding of the role the gut microbiota plays in maintaining immune homeostasis, both inside the gastrointestinal tract and beyond (i.e. through gut–lung and gut–brain axes). One family of compounds with recognized immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties are short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs are believed that they have a protective effect in case of gastrointestinal diseases. Moreover, they are responsible for maintaining proper intestinal barrier and they take part in relevant immune functions. This review presents mechanisms of action and potential benefits of SCFA-based probiotics and direct SCFA supplementation as a strategy to support immune function amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Radical substance-free phonology and feature learning
Authors: Odden David
Published: September 2022

This article argues that phonological features have no substantive properties, instead, segments are assigned features by learning strategies set to the task of devising a computational system for a phonology that is consistent with the requirements of UG. I address two problems for such a substance-free model. The first is the Card-Grammar problem, which has been suggested to argue for universal substantive features, on the premise that, otherwise, language data cannot be stored in a fashion necessary to correct learning errors. The Card Grammar problem disappears, in a suitably modular theory of mind with learned interfaces, where the mind still can retain information not parsed in a particular grammar. The second problem is the need for a demonstration, not just an assertion, that a reasonable theory of grammar and learning which has no access to phonetic substance can yield a coherent system of feature assignments. This is accomplished by modeling the learning of features necessary for the phonology of Kerewe.
How best to improve upon return-to-player information in gambling? A comparison of two approaches in an Australian sample
Authors: Newall Philip W. S. , Walasek Lukasz , Ludvig Elliot A.
Published: September 2022

“Return-to-player” information is used in several jurisdictions to display the long-run cost of gambling, but previous evidence suggests that these messages are frequently misunderstood by gamblers. Two ways of improving the communication of return-to-player information have been suggested: switching to an equivalent “house-edge” format, or via the use of a “volatility warning,” clarifying that the information applies only in the statistical long run. In this study, Australian participants (N = 603) were presented with either a standard return-to-player message, the same message supplemented with a volatility warning, or a house-edge message. The return-to-player plus volatility warning message was understood correctly more frequently than the return-to-player message, but the house-edge message was understood best of all. Participants perceived the lowest chance of winning in the return-to-player plus volatility warning condition. These findings contribute data on the relative merits of two proposed approaches in the design of improved gambling information.
Lost in Translation? The Promises and Challenges of Integrating Empirical Knowledge on Migrants’ Vulnerabilities into Legal Reasoning
Authors: Leboeuf Luc
Published: September 2022

The concept of “vulnerability” has become all-pervasive in EU asylum law and the ECtHR case law on asylum seekers and migrants, where it has acquired various legal meanings and functions. But many controversies remain on the legal nature, definition, and consequences of “vulnerability.” Based on lessons learned in the process of establishing the overall research design of the Horizon 2020 VULNER project and coordinating its implementation, this article identifies the contribution that anthropological knowledge can bring to ongoing legal debates and reflects on the conceptual and practical challenges that emerge when engaging in such an endeavor.

First, the article shows the potential of anthropological research methods and concepts to shed light on the experiences of vulnerability as they are lived by migrants, and to reveal and question the underlying social and political dynamics behind the increased success of vulnerability in legal reasoning. Second, it argues that anthropology can only bring a useful contribution to legal debates on “vulnerability” if the knowledge it produces is adequately translated into legal reasoning—which requires acknowledging the differences between the goals of anthropological analyses, which are all-encompassing and seek to depict human experiences in all their complexities, and legal conceptualizations, which require establishing clearly defined notions that can be operationalized in—relatively—certain ways by decision-makers on the ground and that allow them to strike a balance between competing interests.
“To Leave Is to Die”: States’ Use of Mobility in Anticipation of Land Uninhabitability
Authors: Courtoy Marie
Published: September 2022

Climate change is profoundly modifying the earth’s environment, making certain territories uninhabitable. Faced with this known phenomenon, this article outlines a research approach for assessing the law’s role in encouraging states to preemptively protect individuals who live in deteriorating territories, notably by enabling mobility. The question is, however, far from simple, insofar as most of the ways to adapt to climate change—and particularly mobility, which has important human and social implications—require profound societal choices that anthropology has the tools to study. I therefore accompany my legal research with an anthropological approach centered around ethnography conducted at three sites—France, Guadeloupe, Senegal—where state-sponsored mobility is either being considered or already being used as an option to confront the progressive disappearance of land that is being swept away by the sea.
Adequate vitamin B12 and folate status of Norwegian vegans and vegetarians
Authors: Henjum Sigrun , Groufh-Jacobsen Synne , Lindsay Allen , Raael Ellen , Israelsson Anna Maria , Shahab-Ferdows Setareh , Hampel Daniela
Published: September 2022

Plant-based diets may increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency due to limited intake of animal-source foods, while dietary folate increases when adhering to plant-based diets. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the B12 and folate status of Norwegian vegans and vegetarians using dietary B12 intake, B12 and folic acid supplement use, and biomarkers (serum B12 (B12), plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), plasma methylmalonic acid (MMA) and serum folate). Vegans (n 115) and vegetarians (n 90) completed a 24-h dietary recall and a FFQ and provided a non-fasting blood sample. cB12, a combined indicator for evaluation of B12 status, was calculated. B12 status was adequate in both vegans and vegetarians according to the cB12 indicator; however 4 % had elevated B12. Serum B12, tHcy, MMA concentrations and the cB12 indicator (overall median: 357 pmol/l, 9·0 µmol/l, 0·18 µmol/l, 1·30 (cB12)) did not differ between vegans and vegetarians, unlike for folate (vegans: 25·8 nmol/l, vegetarians: 21·6 nmol/l, P = 0·027). Serum B12 concentration < 221 pmol/l was found in 14 % of all participants. Vegetarians revealed the highest proportion of participants below the recommended daily intake of 2 µg/d including supplements (40 v. 18 %, P < 0·001). Predictors of higher serum B12 concentrations were average daily supplement use and older age. Folate deficiency (< 10 nmol/l) was uncommon overall (< 2·5 %). The combined indicator cB12 suggested that none of the participants was B12-depleted; however, low serum B12 concentration was found in 14 % of the participants. Folate concentrations were adequate, indicating adequate folate intake in Norwegian vegans and vegetarians.
CHANGING THE SAIL: PROPERTIUS 3.21, CATULLUS 64 AND OVID, HEROIDES 5
Authors: Westwood Guy
Published: September 2022

Concentrating on Propertius 3.21 in particular, this article identifies a previously unnoticed network of allusions by three Roman poets (Catullus, Propertius and Ovid) to one another and to Book 1 of Apollonius Rhodius’ Argonautica. It shows that these intertextual links are pivoted on the three poets’ common use of the verse-ending lintea malo in scenes of departure by sea, and on their common interest in framing other aspects of the nautical context (especially the naval equipment involved and the presence of a favourable wind) in specific ways. Highlighting the presence in all three cases of departing male lovers with traditionally compromised or otherwise dubious claims to heroism, the article argues that each of the three instances shows the poet in question interacting competitively and self-consciously with the usages of his predecessor(s) (and with those usages’ immediate contexts) and exploiting the choices made by them to serve his new context and to advertise his personal skill in the creative deployment of revered poetic models.
On the construction of general large-amplitude spherically polarised Alfvén waves
Authors: Squire J. , Mallet A.
Published: September 2022

In a magnetised plasma on scales well above ion kinetic scales, any constant-magnitude magnetic field, accompanied by parallel Alfvénic flows, forms a nonlinear solution in an isobaric, constant-density background. These structures, which are also known as spherically polarised Alfvén waves, are observed ubiquitously in the solar wind, presumably created by the growth of small-amplitude fluctuations as they propagate outwards in the corona. Here, we present a computational method to construct such solutions of arbitrary amplitude with general multidimensional structure, and explore some of their properties. The difficulty lies in computing a zero-divergence, constant-magnitude magnetic field, which leaves a single, quasi-free function to define the solution, while requiring strong constraints on any individual component of the field. Motivated by the physical process of wave growth in the solar wind, our method circumvents this issue by starting from low-amplitude Alfvénic fluctuations dominated by a strong mean field, then ‘growing’ magnetic perturbations into the large-amplitude regime. We present example solutions with non-trivial structure in one, two and three dimensions, demonstrating a clear tendency to form very sharp gradients or discontinuities, unless the solution is one-dimensional. As well as being useful as an input for other calculations, particularly the study of parametric decay, our results provide a natural explanation for the extremely sharp field discontinuities observed across magnetic field switchbacks in the low solar wind.
Primate conservation in the Arc of Deforestation: a case study of Vieira's titi monkey Plecturocebus vieirai
Authors: Costa-Araújo Rodrigo , da Silva Lucas Gonçalves , de Melo Fabiano Rodrigues , Rossi Rogério Vieira , Bottan João Pedro , Silva Diego Afonso , Oliveira do Nascimento Fabio , da Silva Felipe Pessoa , Buss Gerson , Lima-Silva Luan Gabriel , da Silva Luciano Ferreira , Fialho Marcos , de Lázari Patrick Ricardo , Rossato Rafael Suertegaray , Vendramel Rafaela Lumi , de Mendonça Ravena Fernanda Braga , Sampaio Ricardo , Hrbek Tomas , Alencar Raony Macedo de , Junior José de Sousa e Silva , Canale Gustavo Rodrigues
Published: September 2022

Fifty years of deforestation in the Arc of Deforestation have put at risk species survival, ecosystem services and the stability of biogeochemical cycles in Amazonia, with global repercussions. In response, we need to understand the diversity, distribution and abundance of flagship species groups, such as primates, which can serve as umbrella species for broad biodiversity conservation strategies and help mitigate climate change. Here we identify the range, suitable habitat areas and population size of Vieira's titi monkey Plecturocebus vieirai and use it as an emblematic example to discuss biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation in one of the largest deforestation frontiers. Our findings show that deforestation for agriculture and cattle-ranching expansion is the major threat to P. vieirai and is responsible for present (56%) and projected (14%) reductions in habitat area and population size. We also found that human-driven climate change affects the P. vieirai niche negatively, triggering habitat degradation and further population decline even inside protected areas. Primate watching can be a profitable alternative to forest exploitation on private, public or Indigenous lands in the Arc of Deforestation and is a way to shift the traditional, predatory extraction of natural resources from Amazonia towards sustainable land use based on biodiversity conservation at local, regional and global scales, local people's welfare and climate change mitigation. New models of land use and income generation are required to protect the unique natural and human heritages of the Arc of Deforestation and the life-supporting ecosystem services and products provided by Amazonia.
Modulation of resting-state functional connectivity in default mode network is associated with the long-term treatment outcome in major depressive disorder
Authors: Ju Yumeng , Wang Mi , Liu Jin , Liu Bangshan , Yan Danfeng , Lu Xiaowen , Sun Jinrong , Dong Qiangli , Zhang Liang , Guo Hua , Zhao Futao , Liao Mei , Zhang Li , Zhang Yan , Li Lingjiang
Published: September 2022

Background

Treatment non-response and recurrence are the main sources of disease burden in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, little is known about its neurobiological mechanism concerning the brain network changes accompanying pharmacotherapy. The present study investigated the changes in the intrinsic brain networks during 6-month antidepressant treatment phase associated with the treatment response and recurrence in MDD.

Methods

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was acquired from untreated patients with MDD and healthy controls at baseline. The patients' depressive symptoms were monitored by using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD). After 6 months of antidepressant treatment, patients were re-scanned and followed up every 6 months over 2 years. Traditional statistical analysis as well as machine learning approaches were conducted to investigate the longitudinal changes in macro-scale resting-state functional network connectivity (rsFNC) strength and micro-scale resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) associated with long-term treatment outcome in MDD.

Results

Repeated measures of the general linear model demonstrated a significant difference in the default mode network (DMN) rsFNC change before and after the 6-month antidepressant treatment between remitters and non-remitters. The difference in the rsFNC change over the 6-month antidepressant treatment between recurring and stable MDD was also specific to DMN. Machine learning analysis results revealed that only the DMN rsFC change successfully distinguished non-remitters from the remitters at 6 months and recurring from stable MDD during the 2-year follow-up.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that the intrinsic DMN connectivity could be a unique and important target for treatment and recurrence prevention in MDD.
Glial cell response to constant low light exposure in rat retina
Authors: Bruera Manuel G. , Benedetto María M. , Guido Mario E. , Degano Alicia L. , Contin María A.
Published: September 2022

To study the macroglia and microglia and the immune role in long-time light exposure in rat eyes, we performed glial cell characterization along the time-course of retinal degeneration induced by chronic exposure to low-intensity light. Animals were exposed to light for periods of 2, 4, 6, or 8 days, and the retinal glial response was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, western blot and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Retinal cells presented an increased expression of the macroglia marker GFAP, as well as increased mRNA levels of microglia markers Iba1 and CD68 after 6 days. Also, at this time-point, we found a higher number of Iba1-positive cells in the outer nuclear layer area; moreover, these cells showed the characteristic activated-microglia morphology. The expression levels of immune mediators TNF, IL-6, and chemokines CX3CR1 and CCL2 were also significantly increased after 6 days. All the events of glial activation occurred after 5–6 days of constant light exposure, when the number of photoreceptor cells has already decreased significantly. Herein, we demonstrated that glial and immune activation are secondary to neurodegeneration; in this scenario, our results suggest that photoreceptor death is an early event that occurs independently of glial-derived immune responses.
“It just never ends”: Childhood cancer survivors’ perceived psychosocial impacts of recurrence and second cancer
Authors: Lee Andrea E. , McLoone Jordana K. , Touyz Lauren M. , Wakefield Claire E. , Cohn Richard J. , Signorelli Christina
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Childhood cancer survivors are at risk of developing primary recurrences and new second cancers. Experiencing a recurrence and/or second cancer can be highly distressing for survivors and families. We aimed to understand the psychological impacts of experiencing a recurrence or second cancer and how this potentially influences survivors’ engagement with survivorship care.

Methods

We invited childhood cancer survivors or their parents if survivors were ≤16 years of age from 11 tertiary pediatric oncology hospitals across Australia and New Zealand to complete interviews. We conducted a thematic analysis facilitated by NVivo12.

Results

We interviewed 21 participants of whom 16 had experienced a recurrence, 3 had a second cancer, and 2 had both a recurrence and second cancer. Participants reported that a recurrence/second cancer was a stressful sudden disruption to life, accompanied by strong feelings of uncertainty. Participants tended to be less aware of their second cancer risk than recurrence risk. Some participants reported feelings of anxiousness and despair, describing varying responses such as gratitude or avoidance. Participants shared that the fear of cancer recurrence either motivated them to adopt protective health behaviors or to avoid information and disengage from survivorship care.

Significance of results

Some survivors and their parents have a poor understanding and expressed reluctance to receive information about their risk of second cancer and other treatment-related late effects. Improving the delivery of information about late effects to families may improve their engagement with survivorship care and surveillance, although care must be taken to balance information provision and survivors’ anxieties about their future health.
Women’s Support Shaken: A Study of Women’s Political Trust after Natural Disasters
Authors: Kreutzer Willow
Published: September 2022

Women have unique experiences during natural disasters, including higher risks of death, violence, and socioeconomic decline and an increase in specific reproductive health needs. However, government responses often do not directly address these women-specific needs, which can decrease women’s political trust. I investigate women’s trust in government institutions when natural disasters have recently occurred and argue that because of their unique experiences and typical government responses, women’s political trust will decline when there is a natural disaster more than men’s. I find that when there is a high number of disasters and when a larger percentage of the population is affected by disasters, women’s political trust decreases significantly, especially institutional trust. These findings are distinct from previous studies that cluster different types of political trust and support the idea that women’s experiences in a disaster may influence their relationship with institutions differently than men’s.
Shared Decision-Making in der Pädiatrie
Authors: Streuli Jürg C.
Published: September 2022

Zusammenfassung. Shared Decision-Making in der Kinder- und Jugendmedizin ist eine Kompetenz und ein Prozess, um objektive Fakten und subjektive Perspektiven im therapeutischen Dreieck zwischen Eltern, Kind und Fachpersonen sichtbar und verständlich zu machen, und das draus gewonnene gemeinsame Wissen über Fakten und Werte als Handlung zu begründen und umzusetzen. Die Verbindung von subjektiven und objektiven Aspekten findet in einem Spektrum statt, das von der Interpretation der familiären Werte durch Fachpersonen bis hin zur selbstständigen Beurteilung von Informationen durch Kind und/oder Familie reicht. Die Besonderheit von Entscheidungsfindung in der Kinder- und Jugendmedizin liegt dabei in der Kombination von Kindeswohl und Shared Decision-Making unter Berücksichtigung gut begründeter Schadensgrenzen.
Implementierung von Advanced Nursing Practice zur Förderung transkultureller Versorgung
Authors: Schönbächler Marcar Claudia , Keller Marianne
Published: September 2022

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: In einem Kinderspital treffen Patient_innen und Mitarbeitende unterschiedlicher Herkunft mit vielfältigen Sprachen, Vorstellungen, Bedürfnissen und Prägungen aufeinander. Fehlinterpretationen und kulturelle Missverständnisse können Hospitalisationen verlängern und Fehler verursachen. Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP) Transkulturelle Versorgung (TKV) soll entsprechende Herausforderungen angehen. Ziel: Die Absicht dieses Projekts ist, ein gemeinsames Verständnis von transkultureller Versorgung für besseres Empowerment und adäquate Behandlung aller Kinder und Familien zu etablieren. Methoden: Mittels Projektvorgehen wurde ANP TKV konzeptioniert, eine Stakeholder- und Risikoanalyse vorgenommen, Organisation, Meilensteine, Ressourcen und Controlling definiert und ein Informationskonzept erstellt. Ergebnisse: Das Projekt ANP TKV konnte in den Spitalbetrieb integriert und mittels Konzept konsolidiert werden. Ein ANP-Team steht für Beratungen in komplexen transkulturellen Situationen zur Verfügung, sensibilisiert diverse Berufsgruppen und ergreift Initiative für Fachbeiträge. Weitere Aktivitäten sind die Erstellung von Hilfsmitteln und die Antizipation aktueller transkultureller Themen. Diskussion: Die evidenzbasierte Arbeit des ANP-Teams TKV zeigt bereits positive Effekte für Behandlungsteams, Patient_innen und ihre Familien – der Anfang eines Kulturwandels. Es ist eine operative Ergänzung zur strategischen Kommission. Der Umgang mit der Weiterentwicklung des Begriffs Transkulturalität sowie Fragen der Finanzierung und entsprechender Zeitressourcen für Mitglieder des ANP-Teams sind noch offen.
Global Review of Elder Mistreatment Research
Authors: Hancock David , Pillemer Karl
Published: September 2022

Abstract: Elder mistreatment (EM) is a global phenomenon, affecting an estimated 1 in 6 older adults. It is associated with many negative consequences, including worsening physical and mental health. The present work presents a narrative review of the prevalence and incidence of EM from 2014–2022. The studies included provided evidence of prevalence or incidence of elder abuse at national or subnational levels of at least one type of EM, though most studies often report rates of many types of EM. Overall, we retained 35 studies, comprising 41 different prevalence or incidence rates across five continents. The rates of EM varied widely both within and between countries. While less studied, we also present incidence rates, the rates of elder-on-elder mistreatment in institutional settings, and the rates of mistreatment by caregivers and discuss interventions and policy implications.
Seismic Sources in the Aleutian Cradle of Tsunamis
Authors: Witter Rob , Briggs Rich , Dura Tina , Engelhart Simon , Nelson Alan
Published: September 2022

Research over the past decade in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands has offered surprising insights into the pulses of great earthquakes that generate dangerous, often long-distance tsunamis.
Spatial Distribution and Physicochemical Properties of Respirable Volcanic Ash From the 16–17 August 2006 Tungurahua Eruption (Ecuador), and Alveolar Epithelium Response In‐Vitro
Authors: Eychenne Julia , Gurioli Lucia , Damby David , Belville Corinne , Schiavi Federica , Marceau Geoffroy , Szczepaniak Claire , Blavignac Christelle , Laumonier Mickael , Gardés Emmanuel , Le Pennec Jean‐Luc , Nedelec Jean‐Marie , Blanchon Loïc , Sapin Vincent
Published: September 2022

Tungurahua volcano (Ecuador) intermittently emitted ash between 1999 and 2016, enduringly affecting the surrounding rural area and its population, but its health impact remains poorly documented. We aim to assess the respiratory health hazard posed by the 16–17 August 2006 most intense eruptive phase of Tungurahua. We mapped the spatial distribution of the health‐relevant ash size fractions produced by the eruption in the area impacted by ash fallout. We quantified the mineralogy, composition, surface texture, and morphology of a respirable ash sample isolated by aerodynamic separation. We then assessed the cytotoxicity and pro‐inflammatory potential of this respirable ash toward lung tissues in‐vitro using A549 alveolar epithelial cells, by electron microscopy and biochemical assays. The eruption produced a high amount of inhalable and respirable ash (12.0–0.04 kg/m2 of sub‐10 μm and 5.3–0.02 kg/m2 of sub‐4 μm ash deposited). Their abundance and proportion vary greatly across the deposit within the first 20 km from the volcano. The respirable ash is characteristic of an andesitic magma and no crystalline silica is detected. Morphological features and surface textures are complex and highly variable, with few fibers observed. In‐vitro experiments show that respirable volcanic ash is internalized by A549 cells and processed in the endosomal pathway, causing little cell damage, but resulting in changes in cell morphology and membrane texture. The ash triggers a weak pro‐inflammatory response. These data provide the first understanding of the respirable ash hazard near Tungurahua and the extent to which it varies spatially in a fallout deposit.
2D Reconstruction of Magnetotail Electron Diffusion Region Measured by MMS
Authors: Schroeder J. M. , Egedal J. , Cozzani G. , Khotyaintsev Yu. V. , Daughton W. , Denton R. E. , Burch J. L.
Published: September 2022

Models for collisionless magnetic reconnection in near‐Earth space are distinctly characterized as 2D or 3D. In 2D kinetic models, the frozen‐in law for the electron fluid is usually broken by laminar dynamics involving structures set by the electron orbit size, while in 3D models the width of the electron diffusion region is broadened by turbulent effects. We present an analysis of in situ spacecraft observations from the Earth's magnetotail of a fortuitous encounter with an active reconnection region, mapping the observations onto a 2D spatial domain. While the event likely was perturbed by low‐frequency 3D dynamics, the structure of the electron diffusion region remains consistent with results from a 2D kinetic simulation. As such, the event represents a unique validation of 2D kinetic, and laminar reconnection models.
Stratospheric Balloon Observations of Infrasound Waves From the 15 January 2022 Hunga Eruption, Tonga
Authors: Podglajen Aurélien , Le Pichon Alexis , Garcia Raphaël F. , Gérier Solène , Millet Christophe , Bedka Kristopher , Khlopenkov Konstantin , Khaykin Sergey , Hertzog Albert
Published: September 2022

The 15 January 2022 eruption of the Hunga volcano (Tonga) generated a rich spectrum of waves, some of which achieved global propagation. Among numerous platforms monitoring the event, two stratospheric balloons flying over the tropical Pacific provided unique observations of infrasonic wave arrivals, detecting five complete revolutions. Combined with ground measurements from the infrasound network of the International Monitoring System, balloon‐borne observations may provide additional constraint on the scenario of the eruption, as suggested by the correlation between bursts of acoustic wave emission and peaks of maximum volcanic plume top height. Balloon records also highlight previously unobserved long‐range propagation of infrasound modes and their dispersion patterns. A comparison between ground‐ and balloon‐based measurements emphasizes superior signal‐to‐noise ratios onboard the balloons and further demonstrates their potential for infrasound studies.
Wind, Rain, and the Closed to Open Cell Transition in Subtropical Marine Stratocumulus
Authors: Eastman Ryan , McCoy Isabel L. , Wood Robert
Published: September 2022

Lagrangian transitions in mesoscale cellular convective (MCC) clouds beginning as closed cell MCC and transitioning to open cells or disorganized but cellular MCC are explored on timescales from 12 to 72 hr. Potential drivers of MCC transitions are shown to act on multiple timescales. Closed‐to‐open MCC cloud transitions are preceded by strong surface winds and large moisture fluxes at lead times of up to 72 hr; and by high cloud water content, reduced cloud drop concentrations, and intense rain rates at lead times of 12–36 hr. The relationship between intense rain and the formation of open cells is consistent with a cold pool convergence mechanism. A Lagrangian analysis shows that anomalously strong surface winds are associated with higher rain rates as well as subsequent increases in rain rates through modifications to moisture flux and content in the boundary layer. The closed‐open MCC transition contrasts with the closed‐to‐disorganized transition which at long lead times is associated with warm sea surface temperature and at diurnal‐scale lead times is associated with variables related to cloud top entrainment drying such as a deepening boundary layer, weakening subsidence and inversion strength, and a drier free troposphere. A conceptual model is proposed where excess boundary layer moisture associated with wind breaks up stratocumulus through the closed‐to‐open transition, while excess dry‐air entrainment at cloud top breaks up stratocumulus through the closed‐to‐disorganized transition.
Large Eddy Simulation for Investigating Coupled Forest Canopy and Turbulence Influences on Atmospheric Chemistry
Authors: Clifton Olivia E. , Patton Edward G. , Wang Siyuan , Barth Mary , Orlando John , Schwantes Rebecca H.
Published: September 2022

Exchanges of reactive gases between forests and the atmosphere influence tropospheric chemistry, climate, and ecosystems. Chemistry inside canopies can alter these exchanges yet understanding of the chemistry and processes influencing the chemistry is incomplete. Previous work prioritizes complex chemical mechanisms over micrometeorology in the multilayer models of forests used to understand in‐canopy chemistry and its impacts. Instead, here we use a new simplified chemical mechanism and resolve turbulence in a multilayer canopy model. Specifically, we describe a new version of the National Center for Atmospheric Research large eddy simulation (LES) coupled to both a multilayer canopy model and a chemical mechanism. The mechanism has 41 reactions and 19 gases for ozone, NOx (=NO + NO2), HOx (=OH + HO2), and isoprene chemistry. We evaluate the mechanism against two more complex mechanisms using box modeling. We configure the LES for a temperate deciduous forest and summer midday weak‐wind buoyancy‐forced conditions. The multilayer canopy model necessitates estimates of reactant sources and sinks at each canopy level, and thus we describe multilayer parameterizations for dry deposition and biogenic emissions. For the first time with an LES coupled to both a multilayer canopy and chemistry, we demonstrate variability in chemical reactions due to turbulence‐induced segregation of reactants inside and just above the canopy. For the cases examined here, in‐canopy segregation alters reaction rates that only consider well‐mixed conditions by up to −48% to +23%. For many reactions, segregation is stronger when soil NO emissions reflect the upper bound of observed values for temperate forests.
Prolonged Slip on the South Tibetan Detachment Constrains Tectonic Models for Synorogenic Extension in the Central Himalaya
Authors: Pye Alexandra E. , Hodges Kip V. , Keller C. Brenhin , Law Richard D. , van Soest Matthijs C. , Bhandari Basant , McDonald Christopher S.
Published: September 2022

The South Tibetan detachment system (STDS) is one of the most important deformational features in the Himalayan orogen; yet its evolution in space and time remain incompletely understood. Here, we present the results of a new study of the primary, basal strand of the STDS in the Annapurna Himalaya of central Nepal: the Annapurna detachment. The original discovery outcrop of this structure in the Kali Gandaki valley reveals that multiple leucogranite bodies are variably deformed by ductile slip on the detachment. New laser‐ablation (U‐Th)/Pb dating of complex monazite suites from these bodies indicates that leucogranites in this outcrop intruded over a period extending from at least 22.76 ± 0.30–14.95 ± 0.78 Ma. Field relationships and microstructures within studied samples show that ductile slip on the Annapurna detachment was active—at least episodically—throughout this period and also continued into the more recent past. Based on cooling history models for the outcrop constrained by 40Ar/39Ar and (U‐Th)/He data, ductile slip likely continued until at least 12 Ma. These results are at odds with previous inferences that slip on the STDS in central Nepal had ceased by ca. 22 Ma and call into question the popular idea that there was an abrupt geodynamic transition from predominantly N‐S‐directed extension to predominantly E‐W‐directed extension in the central Himalaya in the early Miocene.
Pharmacogenetic profiling via genome sequencing in children with medical complexity
Authors: Pan Amy , Scodellaro Sierra , Khan Tayyaba , Ushcatz Inna , Wu Wendy , Curtis Meredith , Cohen Eyal , Cohn Ronald D. , Hayeems Robin Z. , Meyn M. Stephen , Orkin Julia , Otal Jaskiran , Reuter Miriam S. , Walker Susan , Scherer Stephen W. , Marshall Christian R. , Cohn Iris , Costain Gregory
Published: September 2022

Background

Children with medical complexity (CMC) are a priority pediatric population, with high resource use and associated costs. Genome-wide sequencing is increasingly organized for CMC early in life as a diagnostic test. Polypharmacy becomes common as CMC age. Clinically relevant pharmacogenetic (PGx) information can be extracted from existing genome sequencing (GS) data via GS-PGx profiling. The role of GS-PGx profiling in the CMC population is unclear.

Methods

Prescribed medications were extracted from care plans of 802 eligible CMC enrolled in a structured Complex Care Program over a 10-year period. Drug-gene associations were annotated using curated Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium data. GS-PGx profiling was then performed for a subset of 50 CMC.

Results

Overall, 546 CMC (68%) were prescribed at least one medication with an established PGx association. In the GS-PGx subgroup, 24 (48%) carried variants in pharmacogenes with drug-gene guidelines for one or more of their current medications. All had findings of potential relevance to some medications, including 32 (64%) with variants inCYP2C19that could affect their metabolism of proton-pump inhibitors.

Conclusion

GS-PGx profiling at the time of diagnostics-focused genetic testing could be an efficient way to incorporate precision prescribing practices into the lifelong care of CMC.

Impact

Polypharmacy and genetic test utilization are both common in children with medical complexity.

The role of repurposing genome sequencing data for pharmacogenetic profiling in children with medical complexity was previously unclear.

We identified a high rate of medication use with clinically relevant drug-gene associations in this priority pediatric population and demonstrated that relevant pharmacogenetic information can be extracted from their existing genome sequencing data.

Pharmacogenetic profiling at the time of diagnostics-focused genetic testing could be an efficient way to incorporate precision prescribing practices into the lifelong care of children with medical complexity.
Cryo-EM structures of human m6A writer complexes
Authors: Su Shichen , Li Shanshan , Deng Ting , Gao Minsong , Yin Yue , Wu Baixing , Peng Chao , Liu Jianzhao , Ma Jinbiao , Zhang Kaiming
Published: September 2022

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant ribonucleotide modification among eukaryotic messenger RNAs. The m6A “writer” consists of the catalytic subunit m6A-METTL complex (MAC) and the regulatory subunit m6A-METTL-associated complex (MACOM), the latter being essential for enzymatic activity. Here, we report the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of MACOM at a 3.0-Å resolution, uncovering that WTAP and VIRMA form the core structure of MACOM and that ZC3H13 stretches the conformation by binding VIRMA. Furthermore, the 4.4-Å resolution cryo-EM map of the MACOM–MAC complex, combined with crosslinking mass spectrometry and GST pull-down analysis, elucidates a plausible model of the m6A writer complex, in which MACOM binds to MAC mainly through WTAP and METTL3 interactions. In combination with in vitro RNA substrate binding and m6A methyltransferase activity assays, our results illustrate the molecular basis of how MACOM assembles and interacts with MAC to form an active m6A writer complex.
In situ small-angle X-ray scattering reveals strong condensation of DNA origami during silicification
Authors: Ober Martina F. , Baptist Anna , Wassermann Lea , Heuer-Jungemann Amelie , Nickel Bert
Published: September 2022

Silicification of DNA origami structures increases their stability and provides chemical protection. Yet, it is unclear whether the whole DNA framework is embedded or if silica just forms an outer shell and how silicification affects the origami’s internal structure. Employing in situ small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), we show that addition of silica precursors induces substantial condensation of the DNA origami at early reaction times by almost 10 %. Subsequently, the overall size of the silicified DNA origami increases again due to increasing silica deposition. We further identify the SAXS Porod invariant as a reliable, model-free parameter for the evaluation of the amount of silica formation at a given time. Contrast matching of the DNA double helix Lorentzian peak reveals silica growth also inside the origami. The less polar silica forming within the origami structure, replacing more than 40 % of the internal hydration water, causes a hydrophobic effect: condensation. DNA origami objects with flat surfaces show a strong tendency towards aggregation during silicification, presumably driven by the same entropic forces causing condensation. Maximally condensed origami displayed thermal stability up to 60 °C. Our studies provide insights into the silicification reaction allowing for the formulation of optimized reaction protocols.
Combined IgE neutralization and Bifidobacterium longum supplementation reduces the allergic response in models of food allergy
Authors: An Seong Beom , Yang Bo-Gie , Jang Gyeonghui , Kim Do-Yeon , Kim Jiyoung , Oh Sung-Man , Oh Nahyun , Lee Sanghee , Moon Ji-Yeong , Kim Jeong-Ah , Kim Ji-Hyun , Song Yoo-Jeong , Hyun Hye-Won , Kim Jisoo , Lee Kyungwha , Lee Dajeong , Kwak Min-Jung , Kim Byung Kwon , Park Young-Kyu , Hong Chun-Pyo , Kim Jung Hwan , Lim Hye Seong , Ryu Min Sook , Jin Hyun-Tak , Lee Seung-Woo , Chang Yoon-Seok , Park Hae-Sim , Sung Young Chul , Jang Myoung Ho
Published: September 2022

IgE is central to the development of allergic diseases, and its neutralization alleviates allergic symptoms. However, most of these antibodies are based on IgG1, which is associated with an increased risk of fragment crystallizable-mediated side effects. Moreover, omalizumab, an anti-IgE antibody approved for therapeutic use, has limited benefits for patients with high IgE levels. Here, we assess a fusion protein with extracellular domain of high affinity IgE receptor, FcεRIα, linked to a IgD/IgG4 hybrid Fc domain we term IgETRAP, to reduce the risk of IgG1 Fc-mediated side effects. IgETRAP shows enhanced IgE binding affinity compared to omalizumab. We also see an enhanced therapeutic effect of IgETRAP in food allergy models when combined with Bifidobacterium longum, which results in mast cell number and free IgE levels. The combination of IgETRAP and B. longum may therefore represent a potent treatment for allergic patients with high IgE levels.
Highly reinforced and degradable lignocellulose biocomposites by polymerization of new polyester oligomers
Authors: Oliaei Erfan , Olsén Peter , Lindström Tom , Berglund Lars A.
Published: September 2022

Unbleached wood fibers and nanofibers are environmentally friendly bio-based candidates for material production, in particular, as reinforcements in polymer matrix biocomposites due to their low density and potential as carbon sink during the materials production phase. However, producing high reinforcement content biocomposites with degradable or chemically recyclable matrices is troublesome. Here, we address this issue with a new concept for facile and scalable in-situ polymerization of polyester matrices based on functionally balanced oligomers in pre-formed lignocellulosic networks. The idea enabled us to create high reinforcement biocomposites with well-dispersed mechanically undamaged fibers or nanocellulose. These degradable biocomposites have much higher mechanical properties than analogs in the literature. Reinforcement geometry (fibers at 30 µm or fibrils at 10–1000 nm diameter) influenced the polymerization and degradation of the polyester matrix. Overall, this work opens up new pathways toward environmentally benign materials in the context of a circular bioeconomy.
Gene expression based inference of cancer drug sensitivity
Authors: Chawla Smriti , Rockstroh Anja , Lehman Melanie , Ratther Ellca , Jain Atishay , Anand Anuneet , Gupta Apoorva , Bhattacharya Namrata , Poonia Sarita , Rai Priyadarshini , Das Nirjhar , Majumdar Angshul , Jayadeva  , Ahuja Gaurav , Hollier Brett G. , Nelson Colleen C. , Sengupta Debarka
Published: September 2022

Inter and intra-tumoral heterogeneity are major stumbling blocks in the treatment of cancer and are responsible for imparting differential drug responses in cancer patients. Recently, the availability of high-throughput screening datasets has paved the way for machine learning based personalized therapy recommendations using the molecular profiles of cancer specimens. In this study, we introduce Precily, a predictive modeling approach to infer treatment response in cancers using gene expression data. In this context, we demonstrate the benefits of considering pathway activity estimates in tandem with drug descriptors as features. We apply Precily on single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data associated with hundreds of cancer cell lines. We then assess the predictability of treatment outcomes using our in-house prostate cancer cell line and xenografts datasets exposed to differential treatment conditions. Further, we demonstrate the applicability of our approach on patient drug response data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and an independent clinical study describing the treatment journey of three melanoma patients. Our findings highlight the importance of chemo-transcriptomics approaches in cancer treatment selection.
Structural basis for the activity regulation of a potassium channel AKT1 from Arabidopsis
Authors: Lu Yaming , Yu Miao , Jia Yutian , Yang Fan , Zhang Yanming , Xu Xia , Li Xiaomin , Yang Fan , Lei Jianlin , Wang Yi , Yang Guanghui
Published: September 2022

The voltage-gated potassium channel AKT1 is responsible for primary K+ uptake in Arabidopsis roots. AKT1 is functionally activated through phosphorylation and negatively regulated by a potassium channel α-subunit AtKC1. However, the molecular basis for the modulation mechanism remains unclear. Here we report the structures of AKT1, phosphorylated-AKT1, a constitutively-active variant, and AKT1-AtKC1 complex. AKT1 is assembled in 2-fold symmetry at the cytoplasmic domain. Such organization appears to sterically hinder the reorientation of C-linkers during ion permeation. Phosphorylated-AKT1 adopts an alternate 4-fold symmetric conformation at cytoplasmic domain, which indicates conformational changes associated with symmetry switch during channel activation. To corroborate this finding, we perform structure-guided mutagenesis to disrupt the dimeric interface and identify a constitutively-active variant Asp379Ala mediates K+ permeation independently of phosphorylation. This variant predominantly adopts a 4-fold symmetric conformation. Furthermore, the AKT1-AtKC1 complex assembles in 2-fold symmetry. Together, our work reveals structural insight into the regulatory mechanism for AKT1.
The transcription factor Zfh1 acts as a wing-morph switch in planthoppers
Authors: Zhang Jin-Li , Chen Sun-Jie , Liu Xin-Yang , Moczek Armin P. , Xu Hai-Jun
Published: September 2022

Insect wing polyphenism is characterized by its ability to produce two or more distinct wing morphs from a single genotype in response to changing environments. However, the molecular basis of this phenomenon remains poorly understood. Here, we identified a zinc finger homeodomain transcription factor Zfh1 that acts as an upstream regulator for the development of long-winged (LW) or shorted-winged (SW) morphs in planthoppers. Knockdown of Zfh1 directs SW-destined nymphs to develop into LW morphs by down-regulating the transcriptional level of FoxO, a prominent downstream effector of the insulin/IGF signaling (IIS) pathway. The balance between transcriptional regulation via the Zfh1-FoxO cascade and post-translational regulation via the IIS-FoxO cascade provides a flexible regulatory mechanism for the development of alternative wing morphs. These findings help us understand how phenotypic diversity is generated by altering the activity of conserved proteins, and provide an extended framework for the evolution of wing morphological diversity in insects.
Accelerated sulfate reducing bacteria corrosion of X80 pipeline steel welded joints under organic carbon source starvation
Authors: Wang Qin , Zhou Xiaobao , Su Hui , Zhang Minghua , Li Zhi , Wu Tangqing
Published: September 2022

Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) corrosion of X80 steel welded joint under organic carbon source starvation was investigated in the paper. The results showed that the number of planktonic cells is much less than that of sessile cells after 720 h immersion. The number of sessile cells in the base metal (BM) in the medium with 1% carbon source is the largest. Starving SRB cells accelerated simultaneously the uniform corrosion and localized corrosion of the welded joints, and the acceleration effect on the latter was much higher than that of the former. In all mediums, the density and average depth of pits in the BM and weld zone (WZ) were much larger than those in the heat affected zone (HAZ). SRB corrosion of the welded joint was strongly selective, and organic carbon source starvation further enhanced the selectivity.