bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defining COVID-19 as a Disaster Helps Guide Public Mental Health Policy
Authors: Alkhayyat Abdulaziz , Pankhania Kishan
Published: August 2020

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues to be a devastating chapter in history. The consequences of the pandemic unfold daily and they extend beyond physical health. Current research suggests that it is a public mental health crisis. With regard to the physical effects of COVID-19, policy-makers have drawn from past experiences, such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak of 2003, to craft unique responses. A similar approach must be taken to address the mental health effects of the pandemic. Because COVID-19 can fit the definitions of a mental health disaster, it can be addressed using the principles of disaster mental health management. This letter to the editor presents arguments for defining COVID-19 as a mental health disaster, the challenges facing policy-makers in addressing it as such, and calls upon researchers to fill this gap in the literature.
Reduced Emergency Department Utilization During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Viral Fear or Lockdown Effect?
Authors: Barten Dennis G. , Latten Gideon H.P. , van Osch Frits H.M.
Published: August 2020

Objective:

Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, several frontline workers have expressed their concerns about reduced emergency department (ED) utilization. We aimed to examine the changes in ED utilization during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, in a country with a well-developed primary care system.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of ED utilization was performed in 3 Dutch hospitals during a 60-day period, starting on February 15, 2020. The identical period in 2019 was used as a reference. ED visits were labeled as COVID-related (defined as COVID-19 suspected) or non-COVID-related. Admission rates were compared using chi-square tests, and the reduction in ED visits was assessed descriptively.

Results:

During the study period, daily ED volume was 18% lower compared to that of 2019. ED utilization further declined (-29%) during lockdown. Combined admission rates were higher in 2020 compared to those in 2019 (P < 0.001), and they were higher for COVID-19 versus non-COVID-19 ED visits (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

ED utilization was markedly reduced during the local rise of COVID-19 in a region with a well-developed primary care system and relatively low ED self-referral rates. Although it cannot directly be concluded from the findings of our study, this observation likely reflects a complex interaction between pure lockdown effects and viral fear, which warrants further research.
Introduction to the Utilities
Authors: Bol Peter
Published: August 2020

A variety of databases, tools and platforms have created the foundation for digital scholarship in Chinese studies. The creators of some open-access projects introduce their work below, but first I offer some notes on the kinds of utilities that make up the expanding digital universe.
DocuSky, A Personal Digital Humanities Platform for Scholars
Authors: Tu Hsieh-Chang , Hsiang Jieh , Hung I-Mei , Hu Chijui
Published: August 2020

DocuSky is a personal digital humanities platform for humanities scholars, which aims to become a platform on which a scholar can satisfy all her digital needs with no direct IT assistance. To this end, DocuSky provides tools for a scholar to download material from the Web and prepare (annotating, building metadata) her material, a one-click function to build a full-text searchable database, and tools for analysis and visualization. DocuSky advocates the separation of digital content and tools. Being an open platform, it encourages IT developers to build tools to suit scholars’ needs, and it has already incorporated several popular Web resources and external tools into its environment. Interoperability is ensured through the format DocuXML. In addition to describing the design principles of DocuSky, we will show its main features, together with several important tools and examples. DocuSky was originally developed for Sinological studies. We are enriching it to work in other languages.
Marine20—The Marine Radiocarbon Age Calibration Curve (0–55,000 cal BP)
Authors: Heaton Timothy J , Köhler Peter , Butzin Martin , Bard Edouard , Reimer Ron W , Austin William E N , Bronk Ramsey Christopher , Grootes Pieter M , Hughen Konrad A , Kromer Bernd , Reimer Paula J , Adkins Jess , Burke Andrea , Cook Mea S , Olsen Jesper , Skinner Luke C
Published: August 2020

The concentration of radiocarbon (14C) differs between ocean and atmosphere. Radiocarbon determinations from samples which obtained their14C in the marine environment therefore need a marine-specific calibration curve and cannot be calibrated directly against the atmospheric-based IntCal20 curve. This paper presents Marine20, an update to the internationally agreed marine radiocarbon age calibration curve that provides a non-polar global-average marine record of radiocarbon from 0–55 cal kBP and serves as a baseline for regional oceanic variation. Marine20 is intended for calibration of marine radiocarbon samples from non-polar regions; it is not suitable for calibration in polar regions where variability in sea ice extent, ocean upwelling and air-sea gas exchange may have caused larger changes to concentrations of marine radiocarbon. The Marine20 curve is based upon 500 simulations with an ocean/atmosphere/biosphere box-model of the global carbon cycle that has been forced by posterior realizations of our Northern Hemispheric atmospheric IntCal2014C curve and reconstructed changes in CO2obtained from ice core data. These forcings enable us to incorporate carbon cycle dynamics and temporal changes in the atmospheric14C level. The box-model simulations of the global-average marine radiocarbon reservoir age are similar to those of a more complex three-dimensional ocean general circulation model. However, simplicity and speed of the box model allow us to use a Monte Carlo approach to rigorously propagate the uncertainty in both the historic concentration of atmospheric14C and other key parameters of the carbon cycle through to our final Marine20 calibration curve. This robust propagation of uncertainty is fundamental to providing reliable precision for the radiocarbon age calibration of marine based samples. We make a first step towards deconvolving the contributions of different processes to the total uncertainty; discuss the main differences of Marine20 from the previous age calibration curve Marine13; and identify the limitations of our approach together with key areas for further work. The updated values forΔR, the regional marine radiocarbon reservoir age corrections required to calibrate against Marine20, can be found at the data basehttp://calib.org/marine/.
UNDER THE SIGN OF THE DISTAFF:AETIA1.5, SPINNING AND ERINNA
Authors: Gutzwiller Kathryn
Published: August 2020

Scholars continue to make progress addressing the lacunae in our papyrological sources for Callimachus’ prologue to theAetia, both by lending additional support to old supplements and by discounting others or demonstrating their weaknesses. To the first category belongs the crucial verb at the end of line 5, where, in my view, Callimachus first characterizes the making of his poetry (Aet. 1–6):πολλάκι μοι Τελχῖνες ἐπιτρύζουσιν ἀοιδῇ,νήιδες οἳ Μούσης οὐκ ἐγένοντο φίλοι,εἵνεκε]ν οὐχ ἓν ἄεισμα διηνεκὲς ἢ βασιλ[η⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅]ας ἐν πολλαῖς ἤνυσα χιλιάσινἢ⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅]⋅ους ἥρωας, ἔπος δ᾽ ἐπὶ τυτθὸν ἑλ[ίσσωπαῖς ἅτε, τῶν δ᾽ ἐτέων ἡ δεκὰς οὐκ ὀλίγη.Often the Telchines mutter at my poetry,being ignorant and no friends of the Muse,because I have not completed one continuous poemin many thousands … on kings and …… heroes, but I … my poem only a littlelike a child, though the decades of my years are not few.
Acute mastoiditis in infants aged six months or younger
Authors: Zavras P , Potamianos S , Psarommati M-Z , Psarommatis I
Published: August 2020

Objective

Bibliographic data for the management of acute mastoiditis in infants aged six months or less are very limited. This study investigated the presenting symptomatology, diagnostic and treatment options, and final outcomes in this age group.

Method

A retrospective review was conducted of all infants aged six months or less suffering from acute mastoiditis, admitted to our department between 2007 and 2017.

Results

Eleven infants were identified. All of them developed the typical symptomatology of acute mastoiditis, while a higher rate of subperiosteal abscess formation was observed. Imaging was necessary in three cases only. Parenteral antibiotics and myringotomy were applied in all infants. A drainage procedure was also included in the infants with a subperiosteal abscess. Antrotomy was reserved for non-responsive cases. No intracranial complications were observed. All infants were cured without further complications or sequelae.

Conclusion

Acute mastoiditis in infants aged six months or less can be safely diagnosed and treated using a standardised algorithmic approach, similar to that used for older children.
Philosophical Speech Acts
Authors: Shields Matthew
Published: August 2020

The prevailing view among contemporary analytic philosophers seems to be that, as philosophers, we primarily issue assertions. Following certain suggestions from the work of Rudolf Carnap and Sally Haslanger, I argue that the non-assertoric speech act of stipulation plays a key role in philosophical inquiry. I give a detailed account of the pragmatic structure of stipulations and argue that they are best analyzed as generating a shared inferential entitlement for speaker and audience, a license to censure those who give uptake to the stipulation but do not abide by this entitlement, and as justified on the basis of the speaker and audience's shared ends. In presenting this account, I develop a novel taxonomy for making sense of criticisms of speech act performances generally and clarify the notions of successful speech act performance and uptake. To demonstrate the fruitfulness of this view of stipulation for recasting and advancing philosophical disputes, I apply my account to two case studies – the first concerns Iris Marion Young's analysis of the concept of oppression and the second involves Saul Kripke's and Hilary Putnam's accounts of the concept of reference.
Development of health care workers' mental health during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Switzerland: two cross-sectional studies
Authors: Spiller Tobias R. , Méan Marie , Ernst Jutta , Sazpinar Onur , Gehrke Samuel , Paolercio Francesca , Petry Heidi , Pfaltz Monique C. , Morina Naser , Aebischer Oriane , Gachoud David , von Känel Roland , Weilenmann Sonja
Published: August 2020

Background

Virus outbreaks such as the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic are challenging for health care workers (HCWs), affecting their workload and their mental health. Since both, workload and HCW's well-being are related to the quality of care, continuous monitoring of working hours and indicators of mental health in HCWs is of relevance during the current pandemic. The existing investigations, however, have been limited to a single study period. We examined changes in working hours and mental health in Swiss HCWs at the height of the pandemic (T1) and again after its flattening (T2).

Methods

We conducted two cross-sectional online studies among Swiss HCWs assessing working hours, depression, anxiety, and burnout. From each study, 812 demographics-matched participants were included into the analysis. Working hours and mental health were compared between the two samples.

Results

Compared to prior to the pandemic, the share of participants working less hours was the same in both samples, whereas the share of those working more hours was lower in the T2 sample. The level of depression did not differ between the samples. In the T2 sample, participants reported more anxiety, however, this difference was below the minimal clinically important difference. Levels of burnout were slightly higher in the T2 sample.

Conclusions

Two weeks after the health care system started to transition back to normal operations, HCWs' working hours still differed from their regular hours in non-pandemic times. Overall anxiety and depression among HCWs did not change substantially over the course of the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Constructing a hero–victim identity through reminiscing: a phenomenological study on rural Chinese elders
Authors: Liu Yanping , van Schalkwyk Gertina J.
Published: August 2020

Reminiscing contributes to the formulation of identity in later adulthood through integrating individuals’ recomposed past, perceived present and envisioned future. Aiming to understand rural Chinese elders’ identity construction through reminiscing, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 elders living in ShiGo, a village located in the south-west of China. Data analysis suggests the rural elders in this study constructed a hero–victim identity through telling stories about the hardships they went through and the sacrifices they made. The participants narrated suffering from lack of basic living needs in the past, in particular before the 1980s while they were involved in turmoil brought on by wars and national movements, from destructive relationships, from making sacrifices for the country and their families, and from adapting to challenges brought on by the hardships. The rural elders shared life experiences with other villagers in daily life through bitter-sweet telling and wanted their suffering and sacrifices to be witnessed. Witnessing connects suffering, sacrifice, hero and victim into a self-enforcing system that helps the elders maintain interdependence and defence against existential concerns like death anxiety. A hero–victim dialectic model was presented to capture the self-enforcing attribute of the hero–victim identity. Findings of this study could be used to make sense of rural ageing in China and benefit clinical professionals working with rural Chinese elders.
A Closed-Loop Framework for the Inverse Kinematics of the 7 Degrees of Freedom Manipulator
Authors: Song Guoli , Su Shun , Li Yingli , Zhao Xingang , Du Huibin , Han Jianda , Zhao Yiwen
Published: August 2020

The 7 degrees of freedom (DOF) redundant manipulator greatly improves obstacle/singularity avoidance capability and operational flexibility. However, the inverse kinematics problem of this manipulator is very difficult to solve because it has an infinite number of solutions. This paper uses a new numerical sequence processing method with a closed-loop framework to solve the inverse kinematics of the 7-DOF redundant manipulator. Simulation and experiment show that this method has high commonality. No special structure of the robot is required, and this method has improved computational efficiency and reliability.
Treatment outcomes among children treated for uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition: a retrospective study in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Takyi Abena , Tette Edem , Goka Bamenla , Insaidoo Genevieve , Alhassan Yakubu , Nyarko Mame Yaa , Stepniewska Kasia
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

The objectives of the study were to describe outcomes of children with uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition (SAM) attending community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) treatment centres in Accra Metropolitan Area (AMA) and explore factors associated with non-adherence to clinic visits and defaulting from the treatment programme.

Design:

A retrospective cohort study analysing routinely collected data on children with uncomplicated SAM enrolled into CMAM in 2017 was conducted.

Setting:

Study was conducted at seven sites comprising Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital, three sub-metropolitan health facilities and three community centres, located in five sub-metropolitan areas in AMA.

Participants:

Children with uncomplicated SAM aged 6–59 months, enrolled from community-level facilities (pure uncomplicated SAM, PUSAM) or transferred after completing inpatient care (post-stabilisation uncomplicated SAM, PSSAM), participated in the study.

Results:

Out of 174 cases studied (105 PUSAM, sixty-nine PSSAM), 56·3 % defaulted, 34·5 % recovered and 8·6 % were not cured by 16 weeks. No deaths were recorded. Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) increased by 2·2 (95 % CI 1·8, 2·5) mm/week with full compliance and 0·9 (95 % CI 0·6, 1·2) mm/week with more than two missed visits. In breast-feeding children, MUAC increased at a slower rate than in other children by 1·3 (95 % CI 1·0, 1·5) mm/week. Independent predictors of subsequent missed visits were diarrhoea and fever, while children with MUAC < 110 mm on enrolment were at increased risk of defaulting.

Conclusion:

A high default rate and a long time to recovery are challenges for CMAM in AMA. Efforts must be made to improve adherence to treatment to improve outcomes.
Azospirillum brasilense increases corn growth and yield in conventional low input cropping systems
Authors: Coelho Steliane Pereira , Galvão João Carlos Cardoso , Giehl Jeferson , de Jesus Édio Vicente , Mendonça Beatriz Ferreira , Campos Silvane de Almeida , Brito Lamara Freitas , dos Santos Tamara Rocha , Dourado Emuriela da Rocha , Kasuya Maria Catarina Megumi , Silva Marliane de Cássia Soares , Cecon Paulo Roberto
Published: August 2020

The supplementation of nitrogen can be increased by the use of nitrogen-fixing, diazotrophic bacteria such as Azospirillum brasilense. These bacteria can act to promote plant growth in various plant species, including corn (Zea mays L.). However, there is a need to understand the behavior of these bacteria in different agricultural systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect on the growth and yield of corn inoculated with A. brasilense, and to identify the type of farming system which benefited most from the use of A. brasilense-based inoculants. The experiment conducted over two corn crop seasons was arranged in a 6 × 2 factorial scheme, consisting of six farming systems and the presence or absence of inoculation with the bacteria A. brasilense. The farming systems were derived from a long-term experiment with different fertilization systems that has been conducted since 1984. Among these systems, there were three conventional systems (CNT1: conventional no-till without fertilizer; CNT2: conventional no-till with 150 kg ha−1 of mineral fertilizer + 50 kg ha−1 of urea; CNT3: conventional no-till with 300 kg ha−1 of mineral fertilizer + 100 kg ha−1 of urea), and three organic systems (ONT1: organic no-till with 40 m3 ha−1 of organic compost; ONT2: organic no-till with 20 m3 ha−1 of organic compost; ONT3: organic no-till with 40 m3 ha−1 of organic compost and intercropped with Canavalia ensiformis). Although the Azospirillum population in the soil before planting was the same for all six systems, the count in the rhizospheric soil was higher in the organic systems, and there was no increase in that count due to inoculation. In this study, the only difference observed was within the CNT1 system, between the inoculated (CNT1-I) and uninoculated (CNT1-NI) treatments. In this system, inoculation resulted in an increase in plant height, in addition to higher concentrations of foliar N and P, and a higher plant survival rate, which culminated in higher yield. Corn inoculated with A. brasilense in the CNT1-I treatment showed a significant increase in yield—2839 kg ha−1 higher than that recorded for CNT1-NI. This study shows that, in the conventional low input treatment CNT1-I, inoculation with A. brasilense resulted in an increase in corn growth and yield.
Promoting the Community's Ability to Detect and Respond to Suicide Risk Through an Online Bystander Intervention Model-Informed Tool
Authors: Hill Karien , Somerset Shawn , Schwarzer Ralf , Chan Carina
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Background: The public health sector has advocated for more innovative, technology-based, suicide prevention education for the community, to improve their ability to detect and respond to suicide risk. Emerging evidence suggests addressing the bystander effect through the Bystander Intervention Model (BIM) in education material may have potential for suicide prevention. Aims: The current study aimed to assess whether BIM-informed tools can lead to improved readiness, confidence and intent in the community to detect and respond to suicide risk in others. Method: A sample of 281 adults recruited from the community participated in a randomized controlled trial comprising a factsheet designed according to the BIM (intervention group) and a standard factsheet about suicide and mental health (control group). Participants' self-reported detecting and responding to suicide risk readiness, confidence, and intent when presented with a suicidal peer was tested pre- and postintervention and compared across time and between groups. Results: The intervention group had significantly higher levels of detecting and responding to suicide risk readiness, confidence, and intent than the control group at postintervention (all p < .001) with moderate-to-large effect sizes. Limitations: The study was limited by a homogenous sample, too low numbers at follow-up to report, and self-report data only. Conclusion: This study demonstrates BIM-informed suicide prevention training may enhance the community's intervention readiness, confidence, and intent better than current standard material. Further testing in this area is recommended. While results were statistically significant, clinical significance requires further exploration.
Defining Surface Types of Mars Using Global CRISM Summary Product Maps
Authors: Kamps O. M. , Hewson R. D. , van Ruitenbeek F. J. A. , van der Meer F. D.
Published: August 2020

For many regions on Mars, the surface composition and its geological history have been debated in the literature. Because of the limited surface coverage of in situ measurements, either new data or new processing methodologies are required to get a better understanding of the Martian geology. This paper presents the results of a multivariate, unsupervised, analysis on underutilized CRISM (Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer) multispectral mapping mode data set for surface type analysis. The devised summary products of Pelkey et al. (2007) and Viviano‐Beck et al. (2014) are averaged for the CRISM ~5° × 5° mosaic grids and used to analyze the variability in this data set. The averaged summary product values are studied using correlation coefficients calculated between summary products, as well as the correlation with dust coverage and elevation. The degree of correlation is used to interpret the summary products for the global distribution of mafic and secondary minerals and the effect of external factors such as ice, atmosphere, and dust coverage. With unsupervised clustering, all grid pixels are classified based on the spectral variability. These clusters are plotted as global maps and interpreted for geological variations in the CRISM data. Some clusters spatially correspond with previously recognized compositional distinct regions Northern Lowlands, Southern Highlands, Meridiani Planum, Syrtis Major, and Nili Fossae. Several other clusters are described here for the first time such as Solis Planum, Ophir Planum, and Hellas Basin. These regions cover known geological units, but the interpretation of the spectral variability is uncertain whether it relates to geological or external factors.
A New Digital Terrain Model of the Huygens Landing Site on Saturn's Largest Moon, Titan
Authors: Daudon C. , Lucas A. , Rodriguez S. , Jacquemoud S. , Escalante López A. , Grieger B. , Howington‐Kraus E. , Karkoschka E. , Kirk R. L. , Perron J. T. , Soderblom J. M. , Costa M.
Published: August 2020

River valleys have been observed on Titan at all latitudes by the Cassini‐Huygens mission. Just like water on Earth, liquid methane carves into the substrate to form a complex network of rivers, particularly stunning in the images acquired near the equator by the Huygens probe. To better understand the processes at work that form these landscapes, one needs an accurate digital terrain model (DTM) of this region. The first and to date the only existing DTM of the Huygens landing site was produced by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) from high‐resolution images acquired by the DISR (Descent Imager/Spectral Radiometer) cameras on board the Huygens probe and using the SOCET SET photogrammetric software. However, this DTM displays inconsistencies, primarily due to nonoptimal viewing geometries and to the poor quality of the original data, unsuitable for photogrammetric reconstruction. We investigate a new approach, benefiting from a recent reprocessing of the DISR images correcting both the radiometric and geometric distortions. For the DTM reconstruction, we use MicMac, a photogrammetry software based on automatic open‐source shape‐from‐motion algorithms. To overcome challenges such as data quality and image complexity (unusual geometric configuration), we developed a specific pipeline that we detailed and documented in this article. In particular, we take advantage of geomorphic considerations to assess ambiguity on the internal calibration and the global orientation of the stereo model. Besides the novelty in this approach, the resulting DTM obtained offers the best spatial sampling of Titan's surface available and a significant improvement over the previous results.
New Insights From Long‐Term Measurements of Inner Belt Protons (10s of MeV) by SAMPEX, POES, Van Allen Probes, and Simulation Results
Authors: Li Xinlin , Xiang Zheng , Zhang Kun , Khoo Lengying , Zhao Hong , Baker Daniel N. , Temerin Michael A.
Published: August 2020

The Solar, Anomalous, and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer (SAMPEX) mission provided long‐term measurements of 10s of megaelectron volt (MeV) inner belt (L < 2) protons (1992–2009) as did the Polar‐orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite‐18 (POES‐18, 2005 to present). These long‐term measurements at low‐Earth orbit (LEO) showed clear solar cycle variations which anticorrelate with sunspot number. However, the magnitude of the variation is much greater than the solar cycle variation of galactic cosmic rays (>GeV) that are regarded as a source of these trapped protons. Furthermore, the proton fluxes and their variations sensitively depend on the altitude above the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) region. With respect to protons (>36 MeV) mirroring near the magnetic equator, both POES measurements and simulations show no obvious solar cycle variations at L > 1.2. This is also confirmed by recent measurements from the Van Allen Probes (2012–2019), but there are clear solar cycle variations and a strong spatial gradient of the proton flux below L = 1.2. A direct comparison between measurements and simulations leads to the conclusion that energy loss of trapped protons due to collisions with free and bound electrons in the ionosphere and atmosphere is the dominant mechanism for the strong spatial gradient and solar cycle variation of the inner belt protons. This fact is also key of importance for spacecraft and instrument design and operation in near‐Earth space.
Flat Subduction Versus Big Mantle Wedge: Contrasting Modes for Deep Hydration and Overriding Craton Modification
Authors: Li Zhong‐Hai
Published: August 2020

Subduction‐induced deep hydration and water cycling may strongly control the modification of overriding cratonic lithosphere. Two contrasting modes are generally proposed: (1) flat subduction (FS) regime with slab subducting subhorizontally beneath the overriding lithosphere and (2) big mantle wedge (BMW) regime with slab flattening at the bottom of mantle transition zone. Here, systematic numerical models are built to study the subduction‐induced deep hydration processes in the contrasting FS and BMW regimes as well as their effects on the modification of overriding lithosphere. The model results indicate that the dehydration process in the FS regime can significantly modify the overriding lithosphere for a region of about 600 km from the trench. During the progressive flat subduction, the partial melting and magmatism migrate toward the inner land of the overriding plate, which will be reversed and backward to the trench during the transition from flat to steep slab subduction. On the other hand, the deep hydration in the BMW regime is strongly dependent on the subcrustal serpentinite layer in the subducting slab, whereas the oceanic crust cannot carry water to the transition zone. The modification of the overriding lithosphere in the BMW regime occurs in a larger region of >1,000 km from trench, which is, however, generally slower and weaker. Thus, the flat subduction of Izanagi plate may play a more significant role in the modification of North China Craton in the late Jurassic to early Cretaceous, which could be accompanied by the effects of deep water cycling in the BMW regime.
Anthropogenic and Biophysical Controls on Low Flow Hydrology in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Ledford Sarah H. , Zimmer Margaret , Payan Denise
Published: August 2020

The original paradigm of urban hydrology identified links between urbanization and changes in hydrologic processes. One of the prominent relationships identified was increased impervious surface coverage decreased subsurface recharge and subsequently low flows. This does not consider watershed‐specific biophysical or anthropogenic characteristics that could increase low flows, such as direct discharge from wastewater treatment plants and indirect recharge to groundwater from leaking pipes and infiltration‐based green infrastructure. Here, in an effort to sharpen this original paradigm, we take a statistical approach to evaluate relationships between natural and human‐impacted watershed characteristics and a suite of low flow metrics that describe mean annual low flow magnitudes and interannual variability in 54 watersheds over 15 years in the Piedmont physiographic region of the southeastern United States. We find that annual low flow magnitudes are most strongly correlated to biophysical watershed factors, including positive relationships with topography and precipitation and negative relationships with poorly drained soils. In contrast, interannual variability is positively correlated to land use characteristics, including forest, and negatively related to urbanization. Similarities in best fit models across long‐term average, wet, and dry years indicate a robustness of hydrologic drivers across watershed wetness conditions. Our results also showcase that while the original paradigm of urban hydrology may hold across traditional low flow metrics, such as baseflow index, extreme low flow drivers are complex and counterintuitive. Understanding these first‐order controls on baseflow magnitude and variability across an urbanization gradient is needed to conceptualize the impacts that continued, rapid urbanization will have on low flow dynamics.
RUNX2-modifying enzymes: therapeutic targets for bone diseases
Authors: Kim Woo-Jin , Shin Hye-Lim , Kim Bong-Soo , Kim Hyun-Jung , Ryoo Hyun-Mo
Published: August 2020

RUNX2 is a master transcription factor of osteoblast differentiation. RUNX2 expression in the bone and osteogenic front of a suture is crucial for cranial suture closure and membranous bone morphogenesis. In this manner, the regulation of RUNX2 is precisely controlled by multiple posttranslational modifications (PTMs) mediated by the stepwise recruitment of multiple enzymes. Genetic defects in RUNX2 itself or in its PTM regulatory pathways result in craniofacial malformations. Haploinsufficiency in RUNX2 causes cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), which is characterized by open fontanelle and hypoplastic clavicles. In contrast, gain-of-function mutations in FGFRs, which are known upstream stimulating signals of RUNX2 activity, cause craniosynostosis (CS) characterized by premature suture obliteration. The identification of these PTM cascades could suggest suitable drug targets for RUNX2 regulation. In this review, we will focus on the mechanism of RUNX2 regulation mediated by PTMs, such as phosphorylation, prolyl isomerization, acetylation, and ubiquitination, and we will summarize the therapeutics associated with each PTM enzyme for the treatment of congenital cranial suture anomalies.
The potent roles of salt-inducible kinases (SIKs) in metabolic homeostasis and tumorigenesis
Authors: Sun Zicheng , Jiang Qiwei , Li Jie , Guo Jianping
Published: August 2020

Salt-inducible kinases (SIKs) belong to AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) family, and functions mainly involve in regulating energy response-related physiological processes, such as gluconeogenesis and lipid metabolism. However, compared with another well-established energy-response kinase AMPK, SIK roles in human diseases, especially in diabetes and tumorigenesis, are rarely investigated. Recently, the pilot roles of SIKs in tumorigenesis have begun to attract more attention due to the finding that the tumor suppressor role of LKB1 in non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) is unexpectedly mediated by the SIK but not AMPK kinases. Thus, here we tend to comprehensively summarize the emerging upstream regulators, downstream substrates, mouse models, clinical relevance, and candidate inhibitors for SIKs, and shed light on SIKs as the potential therapeutic targets for cancer therapies.
Correction: Identification and replication of RNA-Seq gene network modules associated with depression severity
Authors: Le Trang T. , Savitz Jonathan , Suzuki Hideo , Misaki Masaya , Teague T. Kent , White Bill C. , Marino Julie H. , Wiley Graham , Gaffney Patrick M. , Drevets Wayne C. , McKinney Brett A. , Bodurka Jerzy
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Costello syndrome model mice with a Hras G12S mutation are susceptible to develop house dust mite-induced atopic dermatitis
Authors: Katata Yu , Inoue Shin-ichi , Asao Atsuko , Kobayashi Shuhei , Terui Hitoshi , Inoue-Shibui Aya , Abe Taiki , Niihori Tetsuya , Aiba Setsuya , Ishii Naoto , Kure Shigeo , Aoki Yoko
Published: August 2020

Costello syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder that is caused by germline HRAS mutations. Patients with Costello syndrome present craniofacial abnormalities, cardiac defects, and cancer predisposition, as well as skin abnormalities, including papillomas, keratosis pilaris, and eczematous dermatitis. However, the mechanisms underlying the dermatological abnormalities remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated that knock-in mice expressing an Hras G12S mutation (HrasG12S/+ mice) are susceptible to develop atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions, including eczema, pruritus, elevated serum IgE levels, acanthosis, and the infiltration of mast cells, basophils, and type-2 innate lymphoid cells in the dermis, after stimulation with house dust mite allergens (Dermatophagoides farinae, Dfb). Reduced skin barrier function, increased proliferation of phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK)-positive epidermal cells, and increased Th2-type cytokines as well as epithelial cell-derived cytokines, including IL-33, were observed in the skin tissue of HrasG12S/+ mice compared with Hras+/+ mice. Cultured HrasG12S/+ keratinocytes exhibited increased IL-33 expression after Dfb stimulation. PD0325901, an MEK inhibitor, ameliorated AD-like symptoms in HrasG12S/+ mice, showing decreased proliferation of p-ERK-positive epidermal cells and decreased expression of IL-33. Our findings indicate that the epidermis of HrasG12S/+ mice stimulated by Dfb strongly induced IL-33 expression and type-2 innate lymphoid cells, resulting in AD-like skin lesions. These results suggest that the epidermis of HrasG12S/+ mice are prone to development of eczematous dermatitis stimulated with house dust mite allergens.
Venetoclax causes metabolic reprogramming independent of BCL-2 inhibition
Authors: Roca-Portoles Alba , Rodriguez-Blanco Giovanny , Sumpton David , Cloix Catherine , Mullin Margaret , Mackay Gillian M. , O’Neill Katelyn , Lemgruber Leandro , Luo Xu , Tait Stephen W. G.
Published: August 2020

BH3-mimetics are a new class of anti-cancer drugs that inhibit anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. In doing so, BH3-mimetics sensitise to cell death. Venetoclax is a potent, BCL-2 selective BH3-mimetic that is clinically approved for use in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Venetoclax has also been shown to inhibit mitochondrial metabolism, this is consistent with a proposed role for BCL-2 in metabolic regulation. We used venetoclax to understand BCL-2 metabolic function. Similar to others, we found that venetoclax inhibited mitochondrial respiration. In addition, we also found that venetoclax impairs TCA cycle activity leading to activation of reductive carboxylation. Importantly, the metabolic effects of venetoclax were independent of cell death because they were also observed in apoptosis-resistant BAX/BAK-deficient cells. However, unlike venetoclax treatment, inhibiting BCL-2 expression had no effect on mitochondrial respiration. Unexpectedly, we found that venetoclax also inhibited mitochondrial respiration and the TCA cycle in BCL-2 deficient cells and in cells lacking all anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family members. Investigating the basis of this off-target effect, we found that venetoclax-induced metabolic reprogramming was dependent upon the integrated stress response and ATF4 transcription factor. These data demonstrate that venetoclax affects cellular metabolism independent of BCL-2 inhibition. This off-target metabolic effect has potential to modulate venetoclax cytotoxicity.
Hederagenin potentiated cisplatin- and paclitaxel-mediated cytotoxicity by impairing autophagy in lung cancer cells
Authors: Wang Kun , Liu Xiaodong , Liu Quanmeng , Ho Idy ht , Wei Xianli , Yin Ting , Zhan Yujuan , Zhang Wenjing , Zhang Wenbo , Chen Bonan , Gu Jiangyong , Tan Yuhui , Zhang Lin , Chan Matthew Tv , Wu William Kk , Du Biaoyan , Xiao Jianyong
Published: August 2020

Autophagy inhibition has been demonstrated to increase the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy. In this study, we identified hederagenin, a triterpenoid derived fromHedera helix, as a potent inhibitor of autophagy and then hypothesized that hederagenin might synergize with chemotherapeutic drugs (e.g., cisplatin and paclitaxel) to kill lung cancer cells. Firstly, we observed that hederagenin induced the increased autophagosomes in lung cancer cells concomitantly with the upregulation of LC3-II and p62, which indicated the impairment of autophagic flux. The colocalization assay indicated hederagenin could not block the fusion of lysosomes and autophagosomes, whereas the lysosomal acidification might be inhibited by hederagenin as revealed by the reduced staining of acidity-sensitive reagents (i.e., Lysotracker and acridine orange). The aberrant acidic environment then impaired the function of lysosome, which was evidenced by the decrease of mature cathepsin B and cathepsin D. Lastly, hederagenin, in agree with our hypothesis, promoted pro-apoptotic effect of cisplatin and paclitaxel with the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS); while the synergistic effect could be abolished by the ROS scavenger, N-acetyl-L-cysteine. These data summarily demonstrated hederagenin-induced accumulation of ROS by blocking autophagic flux potentiated the cytotoxicity of cisplatin and paclitaxel in lung cancer cells.
Piezochromism in the magnetic chalcogenide MnPS3
Authors: Harms Nathan C. , Kim Heung-Sik , Clune Amanda J. , Smith Kevin A. , O’Neal Kenneth R. , Haglund Amanda V. , Mandrus David G. , Liu Zhenxian , Haule Kristjan , Vanderbilt David , Musfeldt Janice L.
Published: August 2020

van der Waals materials are exceptionally responsive to external stimuli. Pressure-induced layer sliding, metallicity, and superconductivity are fascinating examples. Inspired by opportunities in this area, we combined high-pressure optical spectroscopies and first-principles calculations to reveal piezochromism in MnPS3. Dramatic color changes (green → yellow → red → black) take place as the charge gap shifts across the visible regime and into the near infrared, moving systematically toward closure at a rate of approximately −50 meV/GPa. This effect is quenched by the appearance of the insulator–metal transition. In addition to uncovering an intriguing and tunable functionality that is likely to appear in other complex chalcogenides, the discovery that piezochromism can be deterministically controlled at room temperature accelerates the development of technologies that take advantage of stress-activated modification of electronic structure.
Publisher Correction: A global database of Holocene paleotemperature records
Authors: Kaufman Darrell , McKay Nicholas , Routson Cody , Erb Michael , Davis Basil , Heiri Oliver , Jaccard Samuel , Tierney Jessica , Dätwyler Christoph , Axford Yarrow , Brussel Thomas , Cartapanis Olivier , Chase Brian , Dawson Andria , de Vernal Anne , Engels Stefan , Jonkers Lukas , Marsicek Jeremiah , Moffa-Sánchez Paola , Morrill Carrie , Orsi Anais , Rehfeld Kira , Saunders Krystyna , Sommer Philipp S. , Thomas Elizabeth , Tonello Marcela , Tóth Mónika , Vachula Richard , Andreev Andrei , Bertrand Sebastien , Biskaborn Boris , Bringué Manuel , Brooks Stephen , Caniupán Magaly , Chevalier Manuel , Cwynar Les , Emile-Geay Julien , Fegyveresi John , Feurdean Angelica , Finsinger Walter , Fortin Marie-Claude , Foster Louise , Fox Mathew , Gajewski Konrad , Grosjean Martin , Hausmann Sonja , Heinrichs Markus , Holmes Naomi , Ilyashuk Boris , Ilyashuk Elena , Juggins Steve , Khider Deborah , Koinig Karin , Langdon Peter , Larocque-Tobler Isabelle , Li Jianyong , Lotter André , Luoto Tomi , Mackay Anson , Magyari Eniko , Malevich Steven , Mark Bryan , Massaferro Julieta , Montade Vincent , Nazarova Larisa , Novenko Elena , Pařil Petr , Pearson Emma , Peros Matthew , Pienitz Reinhard , Płóciennik Mateusz , Porinchu David , Potito Aaron , Rees Andrew , Reinemann Scott , Roberts Stephen , Rolland Nicolas , Salonen Sakari , Self Angela , Seppä Heikki , Shala Shyhrete , St-Jacques Jeannine-Marie , Stenni Barbara , Syrykh Liudmila , Tarrats Pol , Taylor Karen , van den Bos Valerie , Velle Gaute , Wahl Eugene , Walker Ian , Wilmshurst Janet , Zhang Enlou , Zhilich Snezhana
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Blood levels of microRNAs associated with ischemic heart disease differ between Austrians and Japanese: a pilot study
Authors: Wakabayashi Ichiro , Eguchi Ryoji , Sotoda Yoko , von Lewinski Dirk , Sourij Harald , Daimon Takashi , Groschner Klaus , Rainer Peter P.
Published: August 2020

Mortality from ischemic heart disease (IHD) is significantly lower in Japan than in Western countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in circulating microRNA (miRNA) levels related to IHD in Austrians and Japanese. Participants were middle-aged healthy male Austrians (n = 20) and Japanese (n = 20). Total miRNAs in serum from each participant were analyzed using the 3D-Gene miRNA Oligo chip. Twenty-one miRNAs, previously reported as associated with IHD, were compared between Austrians and Japanese. The expression levels of miR-106a-5p, miR-135a-3p, miR-150-3p, miR-16-5p, miR-17-5p. miR-191-5p, miR-320b, miR-451a, miR-486-5p, miR-663b, and miR-92a-3p were significantly higher, while the miR-2861 expression level was significantly lower in Austrians as compared to Japanese. Both in Austrians and Japanese, there were significant positive correlations between serum expression levels of each pair of the above miRNAs except for miR-2861. The expression level of miR-2861 showed significant positive correlations with the expression levels of miR-106a-5p, miR-150-3p, miR-17-5p, miR-486-5p, miR-663b and miR-92a-3p in Austrians but not in Japanese. In pathway analysis, proinflammatory cytokine production in foam cells and collagen synthesis in vascular smooth muscle cells were associated with differentially expressed miRNAs. Difference in miRNA levels may contribute to lower cardiovascular risk in Japan than in Western countries.
Environmental unpredictability shapes glucocorticoid regulation across populations of tree swallows
Authors: Zimmer Cedric , Taff Conor C. , Ardia Daniel R. , Rose Alexandra P. , Aborn David A. , Johnson L. Scott , Vitousek Maren N.
Published: August 2020

The ability to respond appropriately to challenges is an important contributor to fitness. Variation in the regulation of glucocorticoid hormones, which mediate the phenotypic response to challenges, can therefore influence the ability to persist in a given environment. We compared stress responsiveness in four populations of tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) breeding under different environmental conditions to evaluate support for different selective pressures in driving the evolution of glucocorticoid regulation. In accordance with the environmental unpredictability hypothesis, stronger stress responses were seen in more unpredictable environments. Contrary to the reproductive value hypothesis, the stress response was not lower in populations engaging in more valuable reproductive attempts. Populations with stronger stress responses also had stronger negative feedback, which supports a “mitigating” rather than a “magnifying” effect of negative feedback on stress responses. These results suggest that combining a robust stress response with strong negative feedback may be important for persisting in unpredictable or rapidly changing environments.
Dynamical heart beat correlations during running
Authors: Molkkari Matti , Angelotti Giorgio , Emig Thorsten , Räsänen Esa
Published: August 2020

Fluctuations of the human heart beat constitute a complex system that has been studied mostly under resting conditions using conventional time series analysis methods. During physical exercise, the variability of the fluctuations is reduced, and the time series of beat-to-beat RR intervals (RRIs) become highly non-stationary. Here we develop a dynamical approach to analyze the time evolution of RRI correlations in running across various training and racing events under real-world conditions. In particular, we introduce dynamical detrended fluctuation analysis and dynamical partial autocorrelation functions, which are able to detect real-time changes in the scaling and correlations of the RRIs as functions of the scale and the lag. We relate these changes to the exercise intensity quantified by the heart rate (HR). Beyond subject-specific HR thresholds the RRIs show multiscale anticorrelations with both universal and individual scale-dependent structure that is potentially affected by the stride frequency. These preliminary results are encouraging for future applications of the dynamical statistical analysis in exercise physiology and cardiology, and the presented methodology is also applicable across various disciplines.
Transthyretin interacts with actin regulators in a Drosophila model of familial amyloid polyneuropathy
Authors: I. Oliveira da Silva Marina , Lopes Carla S. , Liz Márcia A.
Published: August 2020

Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) is a neurodegenerative disorder whose major hallmark is the deposition of mutated transthyretin (TTR) in the form of amyloid fibrils in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The exposure of PNS axons to extracellular TTR deposits leads to an axonopathy that culminates in neuronal death. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying TTR-induced neurodegeneration are still unclear, despite the extensive studies in vertebrate models. In this work we used a Drosophila FAP model, based on the expression of the amyloidogenic TTR (V30M) in the fly retina, to uncover genetic interactions with cytoskeleton regulators. We show that TTR interacts with actin regulators and induces cytoskeleton alterations, leading to axonal defects. Moreover, our study pinpoints an interaction between TTRV30M and members of Rho GTPase signaling pathways, the major actin regulators. Based on these findings we propose that actin cytoskeleton alterations may mediate the axonopathy observed in FAP patients, and highlight a molecular pathway, mediated by Rho GTPases, underlying TTR-induced neurodegeneration. We expect this work to prompt novel studies and approaches towards FAP therapy.