bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of different LEDs wavelength and light intensities for in vitro proliferation of cherry rootstock: influence on photosynthesis and photomorphogenesis
Authors: Sarropoulou Virginia , Sperdouli Ilektra , Adamakis Ioannis-Dimosthenis , Grigoriadou Katerina
Published: November 2022

Plant growth and development are strongly influenced by light quality conditions in their environment. In this study, in vitro shoot proliferation, photosynthetic pigments, leaf anatomy and photosystem II photochemistry of Gisela 6 cherry rootstock (Prunus cerasus x Prunus canescens) were investigated. The culture medium used was the MS (Murashige and Skoog) containing 4.4 μΜ 6-benzyladenine (BA), 0.05 μΜ α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 0.3 μM gibberellic acid (GA3) (30 days, 16 h photoperiod, 22 ± 2 °C). Initially, two different light wavelength absorption spectra: 400–700 nm provided by white fluorescent light lamps (mainly blue–green, BG at equal ratio 1:1; WFL-40) and, 430–690 nm provided by two Light Emitting Diodes (LED) types, differing in the spectral ratio of multiple light emitting wavelengths [LED2-40 (blue–red, BR) and LED3-40 (blue–green–yellow–orange–red, BGYOR)] were studied, under 40 μmol m−2 s−1 of light intensity. Following that, three LED intensities-20 (LED1-20), 40 (LED2-40), and 120 μmol m−2 s−1 (LED4-120) were investigated under BR spectrum. WFL-40 exhibited non-significant differences with LED2-40 (shoot number 4.25, proliferation rate 4.30, shoot height 0.91 cm). LED2-40 displayed higher fresh and dry shoot biomass, better PSII functionality, increased Chl a/b, Chl b and carotenoids content as well as decreased number of stressed explants. Leaf anatomy under LED2-40 and WFL-40 was similar. LED4-120 presented the highest rate of stressed explants, with their leaf anatomy being severely affected, as leaves had a reduced mesophyll cell density. In LED4-120, the proportion of the absorbed energy used in photochemistry (ΦPSII) was decreased whereas the increased quantum yield of non-regulated energy loss in PSII (ΦNO) could not be compensated by the increased photoprotective energy dissipation (ΦNPQ). Therefore, LED2-40 is proposed as the most beneficial for growing cherry rootstock Gisela 6 plantlets in vitro.
Identifying and Supporting Academically Low-Performing Schools in a Developing Country: An Application of a Specialized Multilevel IRT Model to PISA-D Assessment Data
Authors: Langi Meredith , Jeon Minjeong
Published: November 2022

Performance-targeted interventions are an important tool in improving educational outcomes and are often applied at the school level, where low-performing schools are selected for participation. In this paper, we aim to identify low-performing schools in Cambodia that are in need of support on improving students’ abilities in formulating math problems. Using data from the PISA for Development project, we present an application of a structured multilevel mixture item response theory (IRT) model that utilizes strategic constraints in order to achieve our research aims. The approach utilized in this application draws on psychometric traditions in multilevel IRT modeling, mixture IRT modeling, and constrained mixture IRT modeling. Results support classifications of Cambodian schools participating in PISA-D as low- and non-low-performing schools, as well as provide insight into these schools various contexts. Implications for future school interventions in Cambodia as well as future extensions to this modeling approach are discussed.
Cross-sectional E-survey on the Incidence of Pre- and Postoperative Chronic Pain in Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Torensma Bart , Hany Mohammed , Bakker Marije J. S. , van Velzen Monique , in ’t Veld Bas A. , Dahan Albert , Swank Dingeman J.
Published: November 2022

Background

To assess the prevalence, incidence, location, and behavior of chronic pre- and postoperative pain in bariatric surgery, and the use of analgesics.

Methods

A cross-sectional e-survey was conducted on 3928 post-bariatric patients and four-time points for pain assessment were evaluated: preoperative, on the ward, day 1 at home postoperatively, and present time (at the time of the e-survey). A numerical rating scale (NRS) was used to assess the level of pain (0 to 10). The general incidence of chronic pain was calculated, as also, subgroups were defined as group A (pre and postoperative chronic pain), B (preoperative pain, and no longer postoperative), and C (preoperative painless, postoperative chronic pain). Besides the pain intensity, location of pain, and the use of analgesics were investigated.

Results

A total of 3279 patients (83.9%) responded to the survey. Preoperative and postoperative chronic pain was found in 343 (10.5%) and 264 (8.1%) patients, respectively. In group A, chronic pain was present in 4.8% of the patients; in group B, it was present in 5.7%; and in group C in 3.3% of the patients. Furthermore, in 4.5% of patients pain was located in the abdomen, which was higher as compared to before surgery (+ 2.3%, p < 0.001). The ORs for present postoperative chronic pain were OR 1.45, 1.7, and 1.71 (p = 0.002, 0.003, 0.003) compared to respectively preoperative chronic pain, pain at the ward, and pain at day 1 after surgery. Among all participants, 4.6% consumed chronic analgesics. Of these, paracetamol was used most frequently (3.8%), followed by tramadol (1.3%) and oxycodone (0.5%).

Conclusions

In this e-survey, chronic postoperative abdominal pain was prominent in patients after bariatric surgery. Of patients, 3.3% that were without preoperative chronic pain developed chronic pain after surgery. Opioid consumption in the queried population was relatively low.

Graphical Abstract
Taking advantage of Li-evaporation in LiCoO2 as cathode for proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Xu Yangsen , Yu Shoufu , Yin Yanru , Bi Lei
Published: November 2022

LiCoO2, a widely used electrode material for Li-ion batteries, was found to be suitable as a cathode material for proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells (H-SOFCs). Although the evaporation of Li in LiCoO2 was detrimental to the Li-ion battery performance, the Li-evaporation was found to be beneficial for the H-SOFCs. The partial evaporation of Li in the LiCoO2 material preparation procedure led to the in-situ formation of the LiCoO2+Co3O4 composite. Compared to the cell using the pure phase LiCoO2 cathode that only generated moderate fuel cell performance, the H-SOFCs using the LiCoO2+Co3O4 cathode showed a high fuel cell performance of 1160 mW·cm−2 at 700 °C, suggesting that the formation of Co3O4 was critical for enhancing the performance of the LiCoO2 cathode. The first-principles calculation gave insights into the performance improvements, indicating that the in-situ formation of Co3O4 due to the Li-evaporation in LiCoO2 could dramatically decrease the formation energy of oxygen vacancies that is essential for the high cathode performance. The evaporation of Li in LiCoO2, which is regarded as a drawback for the Li-ion batteries, is demonstrated to be advantageous for the H-SOFCs, offering new selections of cathode candidates for the H-SOFCs.
Obesità: genetica e dintorni
Authors: Masi Davide , Tozzi Rossella , Watanabe Mikiko
Published: November 2022

Sommario

L’obesità è una malattia metabolica cronica associata a diverse complicanze. Alla base non vi è solo l’alimentazione, poiché il bilancio energetico è regolato da interazioni tra fattori genetici, comportamentali e ambientali. Gli studi di associazione sul genoma identificano diversi geni legati all’obesità, suggerendo nuovi orizzonti terapeutici nel genome editing: la tecnologia CRISPR/Cas9, modificando il DNA o modulando l’espressione genica nelle cellule eucariotiche, fa luce sui meccanismi genetici e potrebbe essere un valido strumento terapeutico. Questa rassegna riassume la genetica dell’obesità e i trattamenti disponibili, discutendo i progressi della ricerca sul genome editing nella conoscenza e terapia dell’eccesso di grasso corporeo.
Different pathways of the second demographic transition in four East Asian societies: evidence from the 2006 and 2016 East Asian Social Surveys
Authors: Lai Weiwen , Song Jing
Published: November 2022

This study uses the 2006 and 2016 East Asian Social Surveys to map value changes related to the second demographic transition in mainland China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The study examines trends in attitudes towards cohabitation, childrearing, and divorce over a 10-year period in the four East Asian societies. The findings suggest that the second demographic transition, if any in East Asia, is an uneven process between societies, and mainland China stands out as the only society in which attitudes had become more conservative, even after controlling for compositional differences in population. In the other three societies, attitudes had shifted to be more liberal. Moreover, the study finds little evidence on the diffusion within societies, given their similar trends across different sociodemographic groups. From an ideational perspective, mainland China and the other three East Asian societies illustrated different patterns of attitude changes regarding marriage and family. From a behavioral perspective, trends in attitudes do not always align with demographic patterns at the macro level, especially in mainland China. More studies are needed to understand the nuanced differences in ideational shifts between societies and the relationship between ideational and behavioral changes in East Asia.
On decay–surge population models
Authors: Goncalves Branda , Huillet Thierry , Löcherbach Eva
Published: November 2022

We consider continuous space–time decay–surge population models, which are semi-stochastic processes for which deterministically declining populations, bound to fade away, are reinvigorated at random times by bursts or surges of random sizes. In a particular separable framework (in a sense made precise below) we provide explicit formulae for the scale (or harmonic) function and the speed measure of the process. The behavior of the scale function at infinity allows us to formulate conditions under which such processes either explode or are transient at infinity, or Harris recurrent. A description of the structures of both the discrete-time embedded chain and extreme record chain of such continuous-time processes is supplied.
Subsidiarity and the Allocation of Governmental Powers
Authors: Da Silva Michael
Published: November 2022

Every country must allocate final decision-making authority over different issues/subjects within its boundaries. Historically, many scholars working on this topic implicitly assumed that identifying the features providing entities with justified claims for authority and the entities possessing those features would also identify which groups should have which powers (or vice versa). However, many candidate allocative principles select multiple entities as candidates for some sub-state authority and yet fail to explain which powers each should possess. Further work must explain which groups should possess which powers when and what to do when two groups can make equally-valid authority claims using the same principle. Subsidiarity, the principle under which authority should presumptively belong to the entity representing those ‘most affected’ by its exercise and capable of addressing underlying problems, is one of the few principles focused on identifying which groups should have which powers. Unfortunately, subsidiarity alone does not provide guidance on many issues/subjects. Useful subsidiarity-related guidance relies on balancing underlying justificatory interests, which do the real allocative work. Another allocative principle remains necessary. A deflationary account of subsidiarity’s allocative potential nonetheless provides insights into how to articulate a new principle and accounts of subsidiarity that can fulfill other moral roles.
Impacto económico de las intervenciones no farmacéuticas adoptadas por la COVID-19: El caso de Paraguay
Authors: Blanco Cesar , Rivas Gustavo
Published: November 2022

El objetivo de este trabajo es cuantificar la relación negativa entre actividad económica y la contención de la COVID-19 mediante la implementación de intervenciones no farmacéuticas en Paraguay. Para esto, calibramos el modelo desarrollado por Eichenbaum, Rebelo y Trabandt con datos de Paraguay. Utilizamos el modelo para simular la trayectoria de la actividad económica, dados distintos escenarios de infección. Consideramos tres casos de estudio. En el primero, consideramos una flexibilización de las medidas de intervención no farmacéuticas aún vigentes. En el segundo, estudiamos el impacto económico de contener una aceleración de la infección. En el tercer caso, analizamos una reducción de la infección y su efecto en la economía. Mediante el estudio de estos casos obtenemos una aproximación del costo económico de contener la infección.
Aporías del Foro Nacional de Agricultura Familiar
Authors: Berger Matías , Ramos Berrondo Jimena
Published: November 2022

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar el Foro Nacional de Agricultura Familiar como dispositivo estatal de participación y encuadramiento de los sujetos subalternos rural-agrarios en Argentina. Para ello, retomamos los estudios y debates nacionales e internacionales sobre comportamiento y participación política en áreas rurales. Luego, desde un enfoque etnográfico, analizamos las tramas organizacionales y el proceso de configuración de este dispositivo describiendo las diferentes perspectivas de los agentes involucrados: funcionarios políticos, agentes estatales y dirigentes. Como resultado, elaboramos una tipología de organizaciones a partir de analizar la estructura y el volumen del capital de sus agentes.
Understanding Russophone Estonian Identity Through Popular Culture: An Analysis of Hip-Hop Hit “für Oksana”
Authors: Cole Michael
Published: November 2022

Since emerging in the early 1990s, Estonian hip-hop has developed in line with other cultural and artistic projects in the country, reflecting attempts to foster a homogeneous society, yet ultimately cultivating one where diversity and multiculturalism prevail. As a genre where minority groups are frequently presented as “authentic,” hip-hop and its visual and performative manifestations provide a valuable platform to examine expressions of identity. To this end, several Estonian hip-hop musicians have explored aspects of being “post-Soviet” in contradistinction to official hegemonic discourses, which outright reject the Soviet past and emphasize titular ethnicity as a cornerstone of national identity.

This article uses Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Multi-Modal Discourse Analysis (MMDA) to examine the lyrics and accompanying video of popular hip-hop song “für Oksana” by “Nublu featuring Gameboy Tetris.” Doing so highlights how the song’s basic narrative acts as a metaphor for experiences of integration processes between ethnic Estonians and Russophones since Estonian independence. I argue that through a combination of linguistic and cultural codeswitching, “für Oksana” constitutes an expression, performance, and negotiation of Russophone Estonian identity from both insider and outsider perspectives, emphasizing the need to understand Russophone Estonians as more than simply “Russians who live in Estonia.”
Complements or Substitutes? How Institutional Arrangements Bind Traditional Authorities and the State in Africa
Authors: HENN SOEREN J.
Published: November 2022

How does the central state affect public goods provision by local actors? I study the effect of state capacity on local governance in sub-Saharan Africa, which I argue depends on whether traditional authorities are integrated in the country’s constitution. I use distance to administrative headquarters as a measure of state capacity and estimate a regression discontinuity design around administrative boundaries. If traditional authorities are not integrated, then the state and traditional authorities compete with each other, working as substitutes. That is, a stronger state undermines the power of traditional authorities. If traditional authorities are integrated, then the two work as complements. A stronger state then increases the power of traditional authorities. I show that these relationships are crucial to understanding the influence of state capacity on local economic development.
MAX-CUT BY EXCLUDING BIPARTITE SUBGRAPHS
Authors: WU SHUFEI , LI AMIN
Published: November 2022

For a graph G, let
$f(G)$
denote the maximum number of edges in a bipartite subgraph of G. Given a positive integer m and a fixed graph H, let
$f(m,H)$
denote the minimum possible cardinality of
$f(G)$
, as G ranges over all graphs on m edges that contain no copy of H. We prove bounds on
$f(m,H)$
for some bipartite graphs H and give a bound for a conjecture of Alon et al. [‘MaxCut in H-free graphs’, Combin. Probab. Comput.14 (2005), 629–647] concerning
$f(m,K_{4,s})$
.
Income inequality and opinion expression gap in the American public: an analysis of policy priorities
Authors: Yildirim Tevfik Murat , Bulut Alper T.
Published: November 2022

Past scholarship has documented that the poor are more likely to withhold their policy preferences in public opinion surveys, suggesting income gaps in political engagement. Despite the wealth of scholarly interest in opinion formation, however, previous studies focused almost exclusively on opinion gaps in preferences, leaving income-related gaps in policy prioritisation virtually unexamined. Drawing on 596 public opinion surveys conducted with nearly 700,000 Americans over 55 years, we make a comprehensive attempt to examine income-level differences in “don’t know” responses to the most important problem (MIP) question. Our results show that the less affluent are more likely to say “don’t know” when asked about the MIP facing their country, even after controlling for various factors including educational attainment and political attention. Importantly, we also show that income-related differences in opinionation cross cut other socio-economic differences in policy prioritisation. These results have important implications for the study of public opinion.
Official discretion, errors, and oversights: legal bureaucracy and the question of justice in twentieth-century India
Authors: Wani Javed Iqbal
Published: November 2022

Late colonial juridical practice in India was prone to bureaucratic errors and shared with the police a fundamental disinterest in the liberty of ordinary people. This article tells the politically marginal but highly revealing story of how a series of errors during the arrest and subsequent detention of an elderly man called Peter Budge—an innocent bystander in a situation of heightened communal tensions—led to a momentary scandal in the United Provinces administration in the year 1947–48. Peter's case disappeared between the cracks of bad record-keeping, leading to his lengthy and unlawful detention. It raises important questions about the complementary relation between law and violence, and the fictitious nature of public-order laws. In contrast to the scholarship that has discussed the spectacular violence of the state, this article looks at the ‘other’ acts of violence of the state and argues that the everyday reality of public-order enforcement is key to understanding the nature and operations of the late colonial and post-colonial state.
Mixed-method assessment of caregiver feeding practices in early care and education centres during COVID-19
Authors: Farrer Mackie Joanna , Gray Heewon , Himmelgreen David , Marshall Jennifer , Alkon Abbey , Kirby Russell
Published: November 2022

Objective:

The COVID-19 pandemic changed early care and education (ECE) mealtimes. Feeding practices that support children’s emerging autonomy may support children’s healthy eating, but it is unknown whether and how COVID-19 changed feeding practices. This paper describes caregiver feeding practices in ECE centres in Florida during COVID-19.

Design:

A mixed-methods design was used to understand mealtime feeding practices. Survey and interview questions were developed based on the Trust Model. More than 7000 surveys were sent to ECE centres. Analysis included descriptive statistics for survey data and thematic analysis for interview data.

Setting:

This statewide study included teachers in all licensed and license-exempt ECE centres.

Participants:

Four hundred and thirty-one teachers completed a survey, and twenty-nine participated in follow-up interviews.

Results:

Surveys showed most teachers engaged in autonomy-supportive behaviours, such as letting children eat until they were finished (90 %). The most common controlling behaviour was praising children for cleaning their plates (70 %). The most common responses about changes to mealtimes were keeping physical distance and serving healthy food. Interview themes were Autonomy Support, Controlling Feeding Practices, Interactions are the Same, Interactions are Different, Physical Distancing and Healthy Eating.

Conclusions:

Mealtimes are a central part of the day for young children and teachers in ECE environments. COVID-19 continues to influence ECE routines as behaviour change remains the primary method of reducing the risk of COVID-19 in the absence of a vaccine for young children. Understanding teachers’ practices and perspectives is important for reducing the risk of COVID-19 and supporting children’s autonomy and healthy eating.
Militant Democracy, Populism, Illiberalism: New Challengers and New Challenges
Authors: Bourne Angela K. , Rijpkema Bastiaan
Published: November 2022

Introduction to the Special Section – ECPR 2021 Joint Sessions ‘Militant Democracy: New Challengers and Challenges’ – metamorphoses of a Cold War concept – new challengers intensify challenges for militant democracy – evaluation of the effects and effectiveness of militant democracy – new conceptual and normative approaches broaden concept of militant democracy – risk of ‘concept stretching’ – minimal common recognisable core
Radical-right Parties in Militant Democracies: How the Alternative for Germany’s Strategic Frontstage Moderation Undermines Militant Measures
Authors: Brandmann Franziska
Published: November 2022

Democratic defence – Germany’s militant democracy – militant measures against radical-right parties – targeted organisations in militant democracies not passive recipients of militant measures – actions taken by targeted organisations – parties engaging in frontstage moderation to shield the party from militant measures – alternative for Germany shielding the party from militant measures by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Advancing rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in humanitarian action: a donor perspective
Authors: Mojtahedi Mina C. , Mikkola Riikka , Saxén Niklas
Published: November 2022

Despite increasing awareness and high-level commitments on disability inclusion by humanitarian donors and actors, persons with disabilities continue to be ignored from humanitarian assistance. Rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities are a foreign policy priority for the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, including in humanitarian assistance. The primary means for donors, such as Finland, to promote disability-inclusive humanitarian action are funding and advocacy. Trade-offs between flexible and earmarked funding for disability inclusion are challenging when reporting on results is inadequate. This article shares examples on how the Ministry promotes inclusion of persons with disabilities in humanitarian action and explores challenges that need to be resolved by stakeholders.
Disentangling Rates, Risk, and Drivers of Suicide in the Construction Industry
Authors: Tyler Simon , Hunkin Hugh , Pusey Kelly , Gunn Kate , Clifford Bob , McIntyre Heather , Procter Nicholas
Published: November 2022

Abstract: Background: Research suggests construction industry workers (CIWs) face increased suicide vulnerability. Aims: The current study synthesizes international evidence examining rates, risk, and drivers of CIW suicide. Method: Comprehensive searches of MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Embase, Emcare, Web of Science, Scopus, and gray literature were undertaken, identifying studies that discussed, theorized about, or demonstrated risks and/or rates and/or drivers of CIW suicide, without inclusion of other industries. Results: A number of included studies statistically analyzed suicide outcomes in a variety of CIW populations, with the majority reporting increased rate and/or risk, however significant heterogeneity limited comparisons. Twenty-five potential drivers were identified and classified as personal- or industry-related. Disentanglement highlighted the relevance of previously understood personal drivers, need for future focus on industry drivers, and potential interplay between drivers. Limitations: Exclusion of non-English articles as well as inability to extend analysis to fully understand rates and/or risk of CIW suicide and tenuous links between suggested drivers and suicide outcomes. Conclusion: Despite limitations, this paper aids understanding in relation to the suggestion that CIWs are at increased suicide vulnerability. Disentanglement of potential drivers demonstrates the importance of future research focused on industry drivers to assist in prevention strategies.
Investigating the Role of Magnetosheath High‐Speed Jets in Triggering Dayside Ground Magnetic Ultra‐Low Frequency Waves
Authors: Wang Boyi , Nishimura Yukitoshi , Hietala Heli , Angelopoulos Vassilis
Published: November 2022

Ultra‐low frequency (ULF) waves significantly contribute to transferring energy and transporting particles in the coupled magnetosphere‐ionosphere system. Recent studies suggested magnetosheath high‐speed jets (HSJs) can drive magnetospheric ULF waves, but whether they can be an important source of dayside ground magnetic ULF oscillations has not been examined thoroughly. Utilizing 5 years of observations by the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions During Substorms satellites and ground‐based magnetometers, we found that 37% of all the observed magnetosheath HSJs can trigger ground magnetic field oscillations and were thus determined as geoeffective HSJs. The occurrence rate has positive relationship with increasing flow speed and dynamic pressure of magnetosheath HSJs. We propose that magnetosheath HSJs can be a source of dayside ground magnetic ULF oscillations. We also identified the different behaviors of isolated and recurrent magnetosheath HSJs in generating ground magnetic ULF oscillations. The recurrence time of recurrent magnetosheath HSJs likely determines the frequencies of the ULF oscillations.
Volcanic Tremor Tracks Changes in Multi‐Vent Activity at Mt. Etna, Italy: Evidence From Analyses of Seismic Array Data
Authors: Zuccarello L. , De Angelis S. , Minio V. , Saccorotti G. , Bean C. J. , Paratore M. , Ibanez J. M.
Published: November 2022

The mild degassing and effusion that characterizes open‐vent volcanoes can be interrupted by episodes of sustained explosive activity known as paroxysms. Here, we present observations from a seismic array deployment during the 2021 eruption of Mt. Etna, Italy. During the observation period, degassing dominated surface activity at the central and northeast summit craters; lava flows, Strombolian explosions, and fire fountaining, accompanied by ash plumes, characterized eruption in the southeast sector of Mt. Etna. Seismic array locations showed changes associated with shifts in the style and location of activity across multiple craters at Mt. Etna. We observed changes in array locations between the north‐northeast and southeast directions that consistently anticipated the onset of paroxysmal activity in the southeast sector. Our results demonstrate the potential of seismic arrays to resolve vent‐specific activity and shed light on precursory patterns leading up to paroxysmal activity.
Model Projections of Increased Severity of Heat Waves in Eastern Europe
Authors: Turnau Roger , Robinson Walter A. , Lackmann Gary M. , Michaelis Allison C.
Published: November 2022

Extreme heat is investigated in a series of high‐resolution time‐slice global simulations comparing the current and late‐21st century climates. An increase in climate‐relative extreme heat is found in the region surrounding the Black Sea. Similarities between the synoptic‐scale flows in current and future heat events combined with a decrease in future summer precipitation suggests that the increased future severity stems from strengthened land‐atmosphere feedbacks driven primarily by the changes in precipitation. The resulting intensification of heat events beyond the mean warming driven by climate change could generate significant future heat hazards in vulnerable regions. Given the continental cool bias in the present‐day simulations, the resulting estimates of future extreme heat are likely to be conservative.
Recent Rapid Increase of Cover Crop Adoption Across the U.S. Midwest Detected by Fusing Multi‐Source Satellite Data
Authors: Zhou Qu , Guan Kaiyu , Wang Sheng , Jiang Chongya , Huang Yizhi , Peng Bin , Chen Zhangliang , Wang Sibo , Hipple James , Schaefer Dan , Qin Ziqi , Stroebel Samuel , Coppess Jonathan , Khanna Madhu , Cai Yaping
Published: November 2022

Cover crops have critical significance for agroecosystem sustainability and have long been promoted in the U.S. Midwest. Knowledge of cover cropping variations and impacts of government policies remains very limited. We developed an accurate and cost‐effective approach utilizing satellite fusion data, environmental variables, and machine learning to quantify cover cropping in corn and soybean fields from 2000 to 2021 in the U.S. Midwest. We found that cover crop adoption in most counties was stagnant from 2000 to 2011, but has significantly increased from 2011 to 2021. The adoption of 2021 is four times that of 2011, which was highly correlated to the funding for conservation programs. However, the percentage of cover crop adoption in the U.S. Midwest is still low (7.2%). Our work fills a critical gap in quantifying long‐term field‐level cover crop adoption at large regions and highlights the potential importance of incentive programs to promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Influence of African Easterly Wave Suppression on Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Activity in a Convection‐Permitting Model
Authors: Danso Derrick K. , Patricola Christina M. , Bercos‐Hickey Emily
Published: November 2022

African easterly waves (AEWs) are strongly linked to Atlantic tropical cyclones (TCs) on the synoptic timescale by serving as seedling disturbances for TC genesis. However, it is unclear whether climatological TC frequency is limited by AEWs. We investigated the impact of suppressing AEWs using a 3‐member ensemble of convection‐permitting regional model simulations, in which AEWs were either retained or removed through the lateral boundary conditions. Suppressing AEWs did not substantially change seasonal TC number, but did influence TC intensity, genesis time and location. Suppressing AEWs produced stronger TCs, shifted peak TC genesis from September to August, and reduced (increased) TC genesis in the eastern Atlantic (Gulf of Mexico). Without AEWs, TCs generated under more favorable large‐scale atmospheric conditions. These results indicate that AEWs may not be reliable predictors of basin‐wide seasonal TC frequency. However, simulations provide evidence that AEWs could influence the large‐scale environment that is important for TCs.
Mechanisms Driving the Dispersal of Hydrothermal Iron From the Northern Mid Atlantic Ridge
Authors: Tagliabue Alessandro , Lough Alastair J. M. , Vic Clément , Roussenov Vassil , Gula Jonathan , Lohan Maeve C. , Resing Joseph A. , Williams Richard G.
Published: November 2022

The dispersal of dissolved iron (DFe) from hydrothermal vents is poorly constrained. Combining field observations and a modeling hierarchy, we find the dispersal of DFe from the Trans‐Atlantic‐Geotraverse vent site occurs predominantly in the colloidal phase and is controlled by multiple physical processes. Enhanced mixing near the seafloor and transport through fracture zones at fine‐scales interacts with the wider ocean circulation to drive predominant westward DFe dispersal away from the Mid‐Atlantic ridge at the 100 km scale. In contrast, diapycnal mixing predominantly drives northward DFe transport within the ridge axial valley. The observed DFe dispersal is not reproduced by the coarse resolution ocean models typically used to assess ocean iron cycling due to their omission of local topography and mixing. Unless biogeochemical models account for fine‐scale physics and colloidal Fe, they will inaccurately represent DFe dispersal from axial valley ridge systems, which make up half of the global ocean ridge crest.
Mars‐Ward Ion Flows in the Martian Magnetotail: Mars Express Observations
Authors: Zhang Chi , Futaana Yoshifumi , Nilsson Hans , Rong Zhaojin , Persson Moa , Klinger Lucy , Wang Xiaodong , Wieser Gabriella Stenberg , Barabash Stas , Dong Chuanfei , Holmström Mats , Soobiah Yasir , Wei Yong
Published: November 2022

We investigate Mars‐ward planetary ions (O+ and O2+) in the Martian magnetotail that potentially reduce the amount of escaping ions. The global properties of Mars‐ward flows in the Martian magnetotail are characterized, based on over 13‐years of ion data (May 2007–December 2020) collected by the Analyzer of Space Plasma and Energetic Atoms instrument on Mars Express. We find that Mars‐ward flows are frequently observed in the vicinity of the crustal fields, implying that crustal fields may play a key role in producing such flows. The occurrence rate and sunward flux are found higher during solar maximum than solar minimum. However, the occurrence rate and flux of Mars‐ward flows are relatively low. This is different from the case at Venus, where the planetward flows can significantly decrease the total escape rates of ions.
Field and Numerical Investigations of Wave Effects on Groundwater Flow and Salt Transport in a Sandy Beach
Authors: Yu Shengchao , Wang Chaoyue , Li Hailong , Zhang Xiaolang , Wang Xuejing , Qu Wenjing
Published: November 2022

Coastal dynamic forces, such as waves and tides, altogether drive groundwater circulation and salt transport in the intertidal zone. However, few numerical studies have ever considered the combined effects of waves and tides. In this study, the fluctuations of wave height are integrated with tidal level together using an iterative least squares fitting method, in which the wave height can be acquired from measured sea level in the surf zone, and this fitted wave height is further verified by wind speed. Groundwater flow and salt transport were then simulated using the MARUN code to evaluate the impacts after considering wave effect. The simulated equivalent freshwater head and salinity of the model with wave effect presented less difference with the measured data compared with the simulated results of the model without wave effect. After incorporating the wave effect in a model, submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) was increased, among which recirculated SGD grew more rapidly than the fresh, leading to the proportion of the fresh SGD accounting for a small proportion (1.1%). The water influx and efflux rates increased greatly especially during the period of high wave height. Most of the influx occurred in the intertidal zone, while a considerable amount of efflux occurred in the subtidal zone. The iterative algorithm to separate the wave height from the mixed field data can be employed to identify and quantify the respective effects of tides and the combined effects of waves and tides on the density‐dependent beach groundwater flow.
Transit Time Estimation in Catchments: Recent Developments and Future Directions
Authors: Benettin Paolo , Rodriguez Nicolas B. , Sprenger Matthias , Kim Minseok , Klaus Julian , Harman Ciaran J. , van der Velde Ype , Hrachowitz Markus , Botter Gianluca , McGuire Kevin J. , Kirchner James W. , Rinaldo Andrea , McDonnell Jeffrey J.
Published: November 2022

Water transit time is now a standard measure in catchment hydrological and ecohydrological research. The last comprehensive review of transit time modeling approaches was published 15+ years ago. But since then the field has largely expanded with new data, theory and applications. Here, we review these new developments with focus on water‐age‐balance approaches and data‐based approaches. We discuss and compare methods including StorAge‐Selection functions, well/partially mixed compartments, water age tracking through spatially distributed models, direct transit time estimates from controlled experiments, young water fractions, and ensemble hydrograph separation. We unify some of the heterogeneity in the literature that has crept in with these many new approaches, in an attempt to clarify the key differences and similarities among them. Finally, we point to open questions in transit time research, including what we still need from theory, models, field work, and community practice.
Extensive metabolic consequences of human glycosyltransferase gene knockouts in prostate cancer
Authors: Rouleau Michèle , Nguyen Van Long Flora , Turcotte Véronique , Caron Patrick , Lacombe Louis , Aprikian Armen , Saad Fred , Carmel Michel , Chevalier Simone , Lévesque Eric , Guillemette Chantal
Published: November 2022

Background

Naturally occurring germline gene deletions (KO) represent a unique setting to interrogate gene functions. Complete deletions and differential expression of the human glycosyltransferase UGT2B17 and UGT2B28 genes are linked to prostate cancer (PCa) risk and progression, leukaemia, autoimmune and other diseases.

Methods

The systemic metabolic consequences of UGT deficiencies were examined using untargeted and targeted mass spectrometry-based metabolomics profiling of carefully matched, treatment-naive PCa cases.

Results

Each UGT KO differentially affected over 5% of the 1545 measured metabolites, with divergent metabolic perturbations influencing the same pathways. Several of the perturbed metabolites are known to promote PCa growth, invasion and metastasis, including steroids, ceramides and kynurenine. In UGT2B17 KO, reduced levels of inactive steroid-glucuronides were compensated by sulfated derivatives that constitute circulating steroid reservoirs. UGT2B28 KO presented remarkably lower levels of oxylipins paralleled by reduced inflammatory mediators, but higher ceramides unveiled as substrates of the enzyme in PCa cells.

Conclusion

The distinctive and broad metabolic rewiring caused by UGT KO reinforces the need to examine their unique and divergent functions in PCa biology.
Intratumoral heterogeneity affects tumor regression and Ki67 proliferation index in perioperatively treated gastric carcinoma
Authors: Kock am Brink Magnus , Dunst Laura Sophie , Behrens Hans-Michael , Krüger Sandra , Becker Thomas , Röcken Christoph
Published: November 2022

Background

Intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH) is a major problem in gastric cancer (GC). We tested Ki67 and tumor regression for ITH after neoadjuvant/perioperative chemotherapy.

Methods

429 paraffin blocks were obtained from 106 neoadjuvantly/perioperatively treated GCs (one to five blocks per case). Serial sections were stained with Masson’s trichrome, antibodies directed against cytokeratin and Ki67, and finally digitalized. Tumor regression and three different Ki67 proliferation indices (PI), i.e., maximum PI (KiH), minimum PI (KiL), and the difference between KiH/KiL (KiD) were obtained per block. Statistics were performed in a block-wise (all blocks irrespective of their case-origin) and case-wise manner.

Results

Ki67 and tumor regression showed extensive ITH in our series (maximum ITH within a case: 31% to 85% for KiH; 4.5% to 95.6% for tumor regression). In addition, Ki67 was significantly associated with tumor regression (p < 0.001). Responders (<10% residual tumor, p = 0.016) exhibited prolonged survival. However, there was no significant survival benefit after cut-off values were increased ≥20% residual tumor mass. Ki67 remained without prognostic value.

Conclusions

Digital image analysis in tumor regression evaluation might help overcome inter- and intraobserver variability and validate classification systems. Ki67 may serve as a sensitivity predictor for chemotherapy and an indicator of ITH.
Neurovascular injury associated non-apoptotic endothelial caspase-9 and astroglial caspase-9 mediate inflammation and contrast sensitivity decline
Authors: Colón Ortiz Crystal , Neal Albertine M. , Avrutsky Maria I. , Choi Monica , Smart Jade , Lawson Jacqueline , Troy Carol M.
Published: November 2022

Retinal neurovascular injuries are a leading cause of vision loss in young adults presenting unmet therapeutic needs. Neurovascular injuries damage homeostatic communication between endothelial, pericyte, glial, and neuronal cells through signaling pathways that remain to be established. To understand the mechanisms that contribute to neuronal death, we use a mouse model of retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Using this model, we previously discovered that after vascular damage, there was non-apoptotic activation of endothelial caspase-9 (EC Casp9); knock-out of EC Casp9 led to a decrease in retinal edema, capillary ischemia, and neuronal death. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of EC Casp9 in vision loss and inflammation. We found that EC Casp9 is implicated in contrast sensitivity decline, induction of inflammatory cytokines, and glial reactivity. One of the noted glial changes was increased levels of astroglial cl-caspase-6, which we found to be activated cell intrinsically by astroglial caspase-9 (Astro Casp9). Lastly, we discovered that Astro Casp9 contributes to capillary ischemia and contrast sensitivity decline after RVO (P-RVO). These findings reveal specific endothelial and astroglial non-apoptotic caspase-9 roles in inflammation and neurovascular injury respectively; and concomitant relevancy to contrast sensitivity decline.
Quantitative evaluation of correlation between lumbosacral lordosis and pelvic incidence in standing position among asymptomatic Asian adults: a prospective study
Authors: Mi Le Jie-Ren , Yeh Kuang-Ting , Chen Chih-Wei , Jaw Fu-Shan , Yang Shu-Hua , Wu Wen-Tien
Published: November 2022

The determination of lumbopelvic alignment is essential for planning adult spinal deformity surgery and for ensuring favorable surgical outcomes. This prospective study investigated the correlation between the lumbar section of lumbar spine lordosis and increasing pelvic incidence in 324 Asian adults with a mean age of 55 ± 13 years (range: 20–80 years), comprising 115 male and 209 female volunteers. Participants were divided into three groups based on pelvic incidence (G1, G2, and G3 had pelvic incidence of < 45°, 45–55°, and ≥ 55°, respectively). We determined that distal and proximal lumbar lordosis contributed differentially to the increase in pelvic incidence, whereas the lordosis ratio of the L3–L4 and L4–L5 segments mostly remained constant. The mean contribution ratio of the segmental lordosis from L1 to S1 was as follows: L1–L2, 2.3%; L2–L3, 11.7%; L3–L4, 18.1%; L4–L5, 25.2%; and L5–S1, 42.7%. Pelvic incidence had a stronger correlation with proximal lumbar lordosis than did distal lumbar lordosis. The ratios of proximal lumbar lordosis to distal lumbar lordosis were 37.8% in G1, 45.8% in G2, and 55.9% in G3. These findings serve as a reference for future lumbar spine correction or fusion surgery for Asian adults.
Rhizosphere bacteria associated with Chenopodium quinoa promote resistance to Alternaria alternata in tomato
Authors: Zahoor Sidra , Naz Rabia , Keyani Rumana , Roberts Thomas H. , Hassan Muhammad N. , Yasmin Humaira , Nosheen Asia , Farman Saira
Published: November 2022

Microorganisms can interact with plants to promote plant growth and act as biocontrol agents. Associations with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) enhance agricultural productivity by improving plant nutrition and enhancing protection from pathogens. Microbial applications can be an ideal substitute for pesticides or fungicides, which can pollute the environment and reduce biological diversity. In this study, we isolated 68 bacterial strains from the root-adhering soil of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) seedlings. Bacterial strains exhibited several PGPR activities in vitro, including nutrient solubilization, production of lytic enzymes (cellulase, pectinase and amylase) and siderophore synthesis. These bacteria were further found to suppress the mycelial growth of the fungal pathogen Alternaria alternata. Nine bacterial strains were selected with substantial antagonistic activity and plant growth-promotion potential. These strains were identified based on their 16S rRNA gene sequences and selected for in planta experiments with tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) to estimate their growth-promotion and disease-suppression activity. Among the selected strains, B. licheniformis and B. pumilus most effectively promoted tomato plant growth, decreased disease severity caused by A. alternata infection by enhancing the activities of antioxidant defense enzymes and contributed to induced systemic resistance. This investigation provides evidence for the effectiveness and viability of PGPR application, particularly of B. licheniformis and B. pumilus in tomato, to promote plant growth and induce systemic resistance, making these bacteria promising candidates for biofertilizers and biocontrol agents.
Machine learning based attribution mapping of climate related discussions on social media
Authors: Kaushal Akshay , Acharjee Animesh , Mandal Anandadeep
Published: November 2022

A united front from all the stakeholders including public, administration and academia alike is required to counter the growing threat of climate change. The recent rise of social media as the new public address system, makes it an ideal source of information to assess public discussions and responses in real time. We mine c.1.7 m posts from 55 climate related subreddits on social media platform Reddit since its inception. Using USE, a state-of-the-art sentence encoder, and K-means clustering algorithm, we develop a machine learning based approach to identify, store, process and classify the posts automatically, and at a scale. In the broad and multifaceted theme of climate change, our approach narrows down the focus to 10 critical underlying themes comprising the public discussions on social media over time. Furthermore, we employ a full order partial correlation analysis to assess the relationship between the different identified themes. We show that in line with Paris Agreement, while the climate science community has been successful in influencing the discussions on both the causes and effects of climate change, the public administration has failed to appropriately communicate the causes of climate change and has been able to influence only the discussions on the effects of it. Hence, our study shows a clear gap in the public communication by the administration, wherein counter-intuitively less emphasis has been given on the drivers of climate change. This information can be particularly beneficial to policymakers and climate activists in decision making as they try to close the gap between public and academia.