bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the effect of unsteady reservoir flow and sand excavation on the channel conditions of the Yangtze River (Yibin-Chongqing)
Authors: Zhang Shuai-shuai , Yang Sheng-fa , Zeng Shi-yu , Liu Xin-yu
Published: April 2022

This paper systematically describes the current research methods for analyzing unsteady flows in an open channel. In particular, it focuses on elaborating a discrete method to solve the one-dimensional Saint–Venant equations for unsteady flow in an open channel, compares the advantages and disadvantages of different discrete methods, and proposes a new implicit iterative mathematical model applicable to the calculation of the multiwavelength unsteady flow in the Yangtze River from Yibin to Chongqing. This paper also simulates three typical unsteady flow processes and analyzes the effect of sand excavation on the water level in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River from Yibin to Chongqing considering flood, normal-water, and low-water conditions. The spreading characteristics of the daily adjusted unsteady flow were obtained in the Shuifu-Chongqing river reach. Under the conditions of the daily minimum unsteady discharge flow rate, the designed water level of the reach from Yibin to Chongqing increases by 0.19 m compared to the natural water level. With the increase in concentrated sand excavation in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, a large number of shingle beaches have disappeared, and the riverbed has been drastically lowered. Affected by the excessive and unordered sand excavation in the river channel, the water level of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River from Chongqing to Yibin has decreased by 0.5–2.0 m.
Improving the quality of traditional Iranian bread by using sourdough and optimizing the fermentation conditions
Authors: Naji-Tabasi Sara , Shahidi-Noghabi Mostafa , Hosseininezhad Marzieh
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to improve the quality and nutritional value of Barbari bread using sourdough and whole wheat-barley flour. To optimize the fermentation condition, the effect of sourdough content (15–30%), temperature (30–45 °C), and time (30–120 min) of fermentation on Barbari bread characteristics (specific volume, porosity, textural characteristics, phytic acid and sensory properties) were investigated. The optimal conditions obtained by the model for the production of Barbari bread were found 30.00% sourdough, 39.39 °C temperature, and 55.81 min fermentation time. Under optimal condition, the overall acceptance, hardness, gumminess, chewability, volume, porosity, and phytic acid were 3.63, 38.58 N, 24.61 N, 193.50 N/mm, 1.69%, 17.71%, and 0.151%, respectively, which was consistent with experimental data. The phytic acid content significantly decreased by increasing sourdough and fermentation time, which resulted in the highest content of zinc and iron content.
Structural behavior of hollow-core reinforced self-compacting concrete beams
Authors: Ismael Murtada A. , Hameed Yahyia M.
Published: April 2022

This paper presents an experimental investigation on the structural performance of hollow-core reinforced self-compacting concrete beams and performs an optimization analysis to select the optimum hollow-core beam section, as well as perform a sustainability analysis. The experimental program includes constructing and testing five beams with different longitudinal hollow-core diameters created by using recycled plastic pipes, as well as a solid beam, used as a reference specimen. The results show that it can reduce the concrete from self-compacting concrete beams with percentages from 5.4 to 14.2 with a decrease in the first crack load from 9.1 to 22.7% and the ultimate strength from 2.3 to 10.5% respectively compared to the reference solid beam. The optimization analysis shows that the beam of 46 mm diameter hollow-core is the optimum selection in the concrete volume reduction of 11.1%, cracking load, and ultimate load reduction of 13.6% and 9.3% respectively among all the other beam specimens. While the sustainability analysis reveals that, using longitudinal voids of diameters from 32 to 52 mm leads to a decrease in the embodied energy with percentages from 5.4 to 14.2% and carbon dioxide emission with percentages from 5.4 to 14.1% respectively. Increasing the longitudinal void diameter makes hollow-core self-compacting concrete beams more ductile and exhibits large deflections before failure occurrences.

Article Highlights

Tests on hollow-core reinforced self-compacting concrete beams are conducted.

Recycled plastic pipes are used to create hollow-core in the beams and to reduce ineffective concrete.

Reducing ineffective concrete contributes to sustainability with maintaining a good ratio of beam strength.
No common position! European arms export control in crisis
Authors: Wisotzki Simone , Mutschler Max
Published: April 2022

The European arms export control system is facing a dual crisis: An ongoing crisis of effectiveness has led to a crisis of legitimacy. In many ways, that crisis is a permanent one, where collective efforts to regulate a policy field and implement agreed-upon norms and rules fail to succeed. To explain the different layers of the European arms export control crisis, we draw on global governance research of International Relations and legalisation approaches of international law. The lack of effectiveness of the European Union Common Position on arms exports has become particularly visible in the two review processes where member states failed to agree on meaningful revisions. The Europeanisation of arms production adds additional pressure to the system, as member states differ in their national arms export licensing policy practices. In sum, these developments have led non-governmental organisations and civil society to protest and file successful court cases against arms export practices violating international humanitarian law and human rights law. The article also focuses on possible means of alleviating the crisis of European arms export control.
Politicized Social Work Future — A Quantitative Study Comparing Social Work Students’ Voluntary Political Participation in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland
Authors: Kindler Tobias , Kulke Dieter
Published: April 2022

This quantitative study focuses on the political engagement of social work students by comparing the extent of voluntary political participation and the factors that influence this type of engagement among Austrian (n = 197), German (n = 2998), and Swiss students (n = 453). Findings indicate that Swiss students are most engaged in political activities, followed by Austrian and German participants. Consistent with the findings of previous scholarship, the results of this study show that social work students prefer to participate in passive activities rather than in active forms of political participation. The study identifies internal political efficacy, political ideology, political interest, membership, and the country of residence as main factors influencing voluntary political participation among social work students. Along with similarities among the countries, this article also identifies and discusses differences between the three countries. Finally, ideas for future research directions are discussed based on the findings of this study.
Décentrer l’histoire européenne par les marges : visions plurielles d’une modernité fragmentée
Authors: Werner Michael
Published: April 2022

Décentrer l’histoire européenne par les marges : visions plurielles d’une modernité fragmentée

L’article aborde la question d’une historiographie globale de l’Europe à partir de deux angles. Dans un premier temps, il s’attache aux difficultés, tant historiques qu’épistémologiques, à saisir l’objet Europe, notamment après les transformations historiographiques induites par 1989, l’affirmation des études postcoloniales, l’émergence progressive de la critique de l’eurocentrisme et, enfin, aujourd’hui, l’invitation à prendre le « tournant global ». Les conceptions de l’Europe qui se dégagent de ces propositions ont l’inconvénient de se fonder sur une vision de l’Europe plutôt homogénéisée, centrée sur les grands États-nations de l’Europe occidentale et leurs politiques impériales. Elles véhiculent également, tout en la critiquant, l’idée d’une modernité dont l’Europe aurait été à la fois le foyer historique et l’agent d’expansion à l’échelle mondiale. Dans un second temps, afin de circonscrire les taches aveugles inhérentes à ce genre de visions, l’article propose un déplacement du regard, en fixant le poste d’observation dans les confins orientaux et balkaniques de l’Europe, à l’intersection des trois empires austro-hongrois, ottoman et russe, pour une période équivalant au « long » xixe siècle. Ce changement de perspective fait apparaître non seulement une grande diversité de vues des acteurs locaux, mais aussi le déplacement qui s’opère dans la conception du lien entre Europe et modernité, l’importance des sociétés locales multiculturelles et pluriethniques ainsi que le rôle particulier de populations transnationales qui, comme les juifs, tout en négociant leur rapport propre à une modernité européenne, échappent à l’emprise des mouvements nationaux.
Hospital Evacuation Implications After the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake
Authors: Shimoto Manabu , Cho Kosai , Kurata Masahiro , Hitomi Mayu , Kato Yoichi , Aida Shinji , Sugiyama Osamu , Maki Norio , Ohtsuru Shigeru
Published: April 2022

During the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, 10 hospitals took responsibility for complete evacuation, in what has become regarded as one of the largest evacuations of patients in 1 seismic disaster. We aimed to examine the reasons for evacuation and to assess hospital vulnerability as well as preparedness for the earthquake. A multidisciplinary team conducted semi-structured interviews with the hospitals 6 months after the earthquake. The primary reasons for the decision to evacuate hospitals were categorized into 3: 1) Concern for structural safety (4 facilities), 2) Damage to the facility water system (7 facilities), and 3) Cessation of regional water supply (5 facilities).

All hospitals decided on immediate evacuation within 30 hours and could not wait for structural engineers to inspect the affected buildings. Damage to sprinklers or water facilities caused severe water shortages and flood, thus requiring weeks to resume inpatient care. The earthquake revealed the vulnerability of rapid building-inspection systems, aging buildings, and water infrastructure.
Profile and Outcome of Victims of an Earthquake in an Aging Society: A Population-Based Descriptive Study of the Earthquake in Osaka, Japan, on June 18, 2018
Authors: Katayama Yusuke , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Tanaka Jun , Nakao Shota , Nitta Masahiko , Fujimi Satoshi , Kuwagata Yasuyuki , Shimazu Takeshi , Matsuoka Tetsuya
Published: April 2022

Objective:

The aim of this study is to reveal the characteristics and outcomes of patients injured in a major earthquake and who were transported to a hospital by ambulance.

Methods:

This study was a retrospective descriptive epidemiological study including all patients who were injured after a major earthquake struck Osaka Prefecture on June 18, 2018, and were transported to a hospital by ambulance. The main outcome was the prognosis at each hospital’s emergency department.

Results:

In total, 214 patients were included in the analysis. Their median age was 74 years (IQR, 54-82); 53 (24.8%) were men and 161 (75.2%) were women. The median time from ambulance call to arrival at the scene was 10 min (IQR, 7-15), and the median time from ambulance call to the hospital arrival was 37 min (IQR, 30-51). Ninety-seven patients (45.3%) were admitted to a hospital, 114 patients (53.3%) were discharged home to and from the emergency department, and 3 patients (1.4%) died. Among the patients discharged to home from the emergency department, the most common pathological condition was head bruising in 16 patients.

Conclusions:

This study revealed the profile of injured patients transported by ambulances after an earthquake that struck an aging society.
What is the extent of a frequency-dependent social learning strategy space?
Authors: Bellamy Aysha , McKay Ryan , Vogt Sonja , Efferson Charles
Published: April 2022

Models of frequency-dependent social learning posit that individuals respond to the commonality of behaviours without additional variables modifying this. Such strategies bring important trade-offs e.g., conformity is beneficial when observing people facing the same task but harmful when observing those facing a different task. Instead of rigidly responding to frequencies, however, social learners might modulate their response given additional information. To see, we ran an incentivised experiment where participants played either a game against nature or a coordination game. There were three types of information: (i) choice frequencies in a group of demonstrators, (ii) an indication of whether these demonstrators learned in a similar or different environment, and (iii) an indication about the reliability of this similarity information. Similarity information was either reliably correct, uninformative, or reliably incorrect, where reliably correct and reliably incorrect treatments provided participants with equivalent earning opportunities. Participants adjusted their decision-making to all three types of information. Adjustments, however, were asymmetric, with participants doing especially well when conforming to demonstrators who were reliably similar to them. The overall response, however, was more fluid and complex than this one case. This flexibility should attenuate the trade-offs commonly assumed to shape the evolution of frequency-dependent social learning strategies.
Thermal fluctuations in the dissipation range of homogeneous isotropic turbulence
Authors: Bell John B. , Nonaka Andrew , Garcia Alejandro L. , Eyink Gregory
Published: April 2022

Using fluctuating hydrodynamics we investigate the effect of thermal fluctuations in the dissipation range of homogeneous isotropic turbulence. Simulations confirm theoretical predictions that the energy spectrum is dominated by these fluctuations at length scales comparable to the Kolmogorov length. We also find that the extreme intermittency in the far-dissipation range predicted by Kraichnan is replaced by Gaussian thermal equipartition.
Nonmineralized triradial conulariids from the lowermost Cambrian Stage 2 of the Olenek Uplift, Siberian Platform
Authors: Sarsembaev Zhiger A. , Marusin Vasiliy V.
Published: April 2022

In the early Cambrian fossil record, triradial symmetry is typical for anabaritids and occurs among carinachitids. The former are an extinct group of minute benthic cnidarians covered with a calcareous tubular exoskeleton. The origin of the anabaritids is poorly understood, but previously reported triradial pyramid-shaped steinkerns and molds of the oldest conulariids, Vendoconularia, from the upper Ediacaran of the White Sea region suggested the anabaritids were closely related to conulariids. However, triradial symmetry could originate independently in different lineages in the late Ediacaran and early Cambrian. Herein we describe a new taxon, Ilankirus kessyusensis new genus new species, from the base of the Cambrian Stage 2 of the Olenek Uplift (Siberian Platform). These fossils occur as ornamented steinkerns in the shape of trilateral pyramids and lack any relics of a mineralized exoskeleton. Abundant plastic deformations and fractures of the casts suggest the organism was weakly if at all mineralized. The steinkerns are encrusted with a thin patina of iron-rich chlorite (chamosite) formed because of a multistage diagenetic replacement of authigenic glauconite (glauconite–berthierine–chamosite) under reducing conditions of oxygen-depauperate pore- and seawater. Both lacking two major autapomorphies of the crown-group conulariids (mineralized periderm and quadrate cross section of the oral region of the periderm), the late Ediacaran triradial Vendoconularia and Terreneuvian Ilankirus represent stem-group conulariids.

UUID: http://zoobank.org/a2ce04fa-36a5-485a-806c-f13f4749fc7f
Does Political Oversight of the Bureaucracy Increase Accountability? Field Experimental Evidence from a Dominant Party Regime
Authors: RAFFLER PIA J.
Published: April 2022

Concerned with poor service delivery, a large literature studies accountability of politicians to voters. This article instead considers accountability relationships within governments—the ability of politicians to implement policies by holding bureaucrats responsible for their actions. In collaboration with the Ugandan government, I conducted a field experiment across 260 local governments. The objective of the reform was to empower local politicians to exercise closer oversight over the bureaucracy through training and the dissemination of financial information. Lowered oversight costs increase politicians’ monitoring effort and the quality of services, but only in areas where the political leadership is not aligned with the dominant party. In areas under ruling-party control, politicians fear uncovering mismanagement of funds. In contrast to scholars arguing that insulating bureaucrats allows them to do their jobs more effectively, these findings imply that increased political oversight can improve government responsiveness in settings with a modicum of party competition.
Malice at the Gates of Eden: current and future distribution ofAgrilus malithreatening wild and domestic apples
Authors: Lu Zhaozhi , Liu Xiaoxian , Wang Ting , Zhang Ping , Wang Zhenlin , Zhang Yanlong , Kriticos Darren J. , Zalucki Myron P.
Published: April 2022

The apple buprestid,Agrilus maliMatsumura, that was widespread in north-eastern China, was accidently introduced to the wild apple forest ecosystem in mountainous areas of Xinjiang, China. This invasive beetle feeds on domesticated apples and many species ofMalusand presents a serious threat to ancestral apple germplasm sources and apple production worldwide. Estimating the potential area at risk of colonization byA. maliis crucial for instigating appropriate preventative management strategies, especially under global warming. We developed a CLIMEX model ofA. malito project this pest's potential distribution under current and future climatic scenarios in 2100 using CSIRO-Mk 3.0 GCM running the SRES A1B emissions scenario. Under current climate,A. malicould potentially invade neighbouring central Asia and eventually the mid-latitude temperate zone, and some subtropical areas and Pampas Steppe in the Southern Hemisphere. This potential distribution encompasses wild apples species, the ancestral germplasm for domesticated apples. With global warming, the potential distribution shifts to higher latitudes, with the potential range expanding slightly, though the overall suitability could decline in both hemispheres. In 2100, the length of the growing season of this pest in the mid-latitude temperature zone could increase by 1–2 weeks, with higher growth rates in most sites compared with current climate in mid-latitudes, at least in China. Our work highlights the need for strategies to prevent the spread of this pest, managing the threats to wild apples in Tian Shan Mountain forests in Central Asia, and commercial apple production globally. We discuss practical management tactics to reduce the spread of this pest and mitigate its impacts.
Aligning Virtual Care in Canada with the Needs of Older Adults
Authors: Pang Hilary Y. M. , Zhao Grace , Kithulegoda Natasha , Agarwal Payal , Ivers Noah M.
Published: April 2022

Public health measures associated with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have accelerated the adoption of virtual health care across Canada. We explore the opportunities that virtual care presents in achieving the Quadruple Aim and challenges to navigate, through the lens of care for older adults. In particular, we recommend virtual care-related policies related to older adults that address (a) limited uptake among the socio-economically disadvantaged, (b) user-centered design of virtual care technologies, and (c) integration of iterative evaluations to ensure equitable and efficient achievement of desired outcomes. As virtual care accelerates forward, we must not leave older Canadians behind.
Hybrid management of dysphagia lusoria in a boy with Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy
Authors: Chiu Peter , Perry Stanton , Bernstein Daniel , Maeda Katsuhide
Published: April 2022

We present a case of dysphagia lusoria in a wheelchair-bound 9-year-old boy with Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy. Due to the patient’s limited mobility and restrictive ventilatory defect, the patient was too high risk for open repair, and hybrid revascularisation with carotid-to-subclavian bypass and endovascular occlusion of the proximal right subclavian was undertaken. The patient has been followed up for 18 months with no residual symptoms.
Development and validation of the Chinese version non-nutritive sweetener FFQ with urinary biomarker in children and adolescents
Authors: Chu Ying-Yueh , Chen Yue-Hwa , Hsieh Rong-Hong , Hsia Shih-Min , Wu Hung-Tsung , Chen Yang-Ching
Published: April 2022

Objective:

The purpose of the current study was to develop a validated FFQ to evaluate the intake of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) in child and adolescent Asian populations.

Design:

Intensive and overall market research was performed to create the applicable NNS-FFQ with thirteen food categories and 305 items. Six intense sweeteners, including acesulfame potassium, aspartame, sucralose, glycyrrhizin, steviol glycosides and sorbitol, were investigated. The validity and reproducibility of the NNS-FFQ were evaluated. The validity was further assessed by examining the consistency of reported NNS intake compared with urinary biomarkers using Cohen’s κ analysis.

Settings:

This work was considered to be relevant in Asian societies.

Participants:

One hundred and two children and adolescents recruited from several clinics were invited to participate in the current study.

Results:

High content validity indices and high content validity ratio levels were revealed for each sweetener and food category. Reproducibility among subjects was satisfactory. Significant moderate correlations between estimated steviol glycoside/sucralose consumption and sensitive urinary biomarker levels were demonstrated (κ values were 0·59 and 0·45 for steviol glycosides and sucralose, respectively), indicating that the NNS-FFQ can be used to assess an individual’s NNS intake. The dietary intense sweetener consumption pattern evaluated in this measurement was similar to those observed in other Asian countries but differed from those observed in Western populations with respect to types and amounts of NNS.

Conclusions:

This validated NNS-FFQ can be an applicable and useful tool to evaluate NNS intake in future epidemiological and clinical studies.
REPRESENTING STRUCTURED SEMIGROUPS ON ÉTALE GROUPOID BUNDLES
Authors: BICE TRISTAN
Published: April 2022

We examine a semigroup analogue of the Kumjian–Renault representation of C*-algebras with Cartan subalgebras on twisted groupoids. Specifically, we represent semigroups with distinguished normal subsemigroups as ‘slice-sections’ of groupoid bundles.
A novel management strategy for treatment of pelvic venous disorders	utilizing a clinical screening score and non-invasive imaging
Authors: Neuenschwander Julia , Sebastian Tim , Barco Stefano , Spirk David , Kucher Nils
Published: April 2022

Summary: Background: Treatment of pelvic venous disorders (PVD) including pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) are often delayed due to its varying clinical manifestations. Patients and methods: Patient referral was based on a literature- and personal experience-derived clinical “PCS screening score” (higher score points indicate greater likelihood with a maximum score of 10 points). We studied consecutive women who were (i) referred for vascular assessment and treatment to the University Hospital Zurich (2017–2021), (ii) had a PCS score ≥3 points, (iii) had evidence of obstructive or non-obstructive PVD by duplex sonography or cross-sectional imaging, and (iv) underwent endovascular therapy. The primary outcome was change in symptom severity after endovascular therapy: (i) freedom from symptoms, (ii) improvement with residual symptoms, (iii) no improvement. Results: We included 43 women (mean age 36 years): 81% had previous pregnancy, 19% endometriosis. The median PCS score was 7 (IQR 5–9) points. Chronic lower-abdominal pain was the leading symptom in 86% patients, followed by recurrent leg (9%) and vulvar (5%) varicosities. The main PVD pathologies were ovarian vein insufficiency (61%), internal iliac vein insufficiency (9%), or a combination of both (30%), whereas 42% had a deep venous obstruction of the inferior vena cava, common iliac or left renal veins. Endovascular therapy included ovarian vein embolization (86%), internal iliac vein embolization (9%), and venous stent placement (35%). After a median of 4 (IQR 1–8) months from endovascular treatment, 40 (93%) patients reported improvement of the leading symptom, and 14 (33%) were symptom-free. Complications included re-intervention for stent stenosis (13%, all post-thrombotic), coil-migration into the left renal vein (7%, all retrieved), and transient pelvic sclerotherapy-induced thrombophlebitis (2%). Conclusions: Endovascular therapy following a diagnostic approach, which included a PCS screening tool and non-invasive imaging, appeared to be highly effective and was associated with a low rate of complications.
Addiction and Infinity
Authors: Kemp Ryan
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Aims: To explore how the temporal dimension of infinity manifests as a psycho-social dimension of addiction. Results: While notions of infinity have existed for thousands of years, at the turn of the 18th century significant new ideas develop in mathematics and philosophy. Simultaneously, concerns about the use of alcohol are raised by prominent members of society, medical professionals and by the clergy. While previously infinity was seen as a feature of divine power, it starts to be seen as an aspect of human nature. What was previously external starts to become internalised. With an increasingly industrialised society capable of producing alcohol in greater amounts, addicts could consume without limits and imagine an unending supply of intoxicants. However, at the start of the 20th century, in both mathematics (Gödel) and philosophy (Heidegger) a turn to limitations begins. These reversions happen very close to the advent of Alcoholics Anonymous which also acknowledge the inherent limitedness of the human subject, denied in active addiction. Conclusion: Addiction as a form of internalised infinity, is one aspect of this complex phenomenon. The work of recovery is to reverse this internalised infinity and thus embrace human finitude.
The Influence of Recreational Drug Use on Experiences of the Passage of Time
Authors: Ogden Ruth S. , Faulkner Joseph
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Background: Laboratory research suggests that alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and MDMA influence the processing of time. Anecdotal reports of recreational drug use also often include descriptions of changes in the speed of the passage of time. Despite this, little is known about how and why recreational drug use influences the passage of time. Aim: To examine retrospective self-reports of the passage of time during a previous instance of alcohol, cannabis, cocaine or MDMA use. To establish the effect of substance use frequency, substance dose, anxiety, depression and stress on the passage of time. Methods: Using an online questionnaire, passage of time judgments were collected for the current day as well as recent instances of alcohol, cocaine, marijuana or MDMA use. Measures of affect, typical substance use frequency and substance use amount were taken. Results: Time was remembered as passing significantly more quickly than normal during alcohol, cocaine and MDMA use. Marijuana was associated with time passing more slowly than normal. Regression analysis revealed that drug induced distortions to the passage of time use were not predicted by drug use frequency, dose, depression, anxiety or stress. Furthermore, comparison of recreational drug users and non-users did not indicate any long-term effects of drug use on the passage of time. Conclusions: The results suggest that whilst distortions to the passage of time are a common feature of drug use, their causes are complex.
The Challenge of Arctic Sea Ice Thickness Prediction by ECMWF on Subseasonal Time Scales
Authors: Xiu Yongwu , Luo Hao , Yang Qinghua , Tietsche Steffen , Day Jonathan , Chen Dake
Published: April 2022

A recent study has provided the first thorough assessment of subseasonal Arctic sea ice edge prediction in operational forecast systems. However, the corresponding assessment of the Arctic sea ice thickness (SIT) is still lacking. Here, the Arctic SIT reforecasts from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) on subseasonal time scales are evaluated for the first time using a well‐developed SIT reanalysis data set. The results show that ECMWF forecasts of Arctic SIT are more skillful than persistence forecast (PFs) during the transition seasons for lead times longer than 30 days, indicating the advantages of dynamical prediction. However, ECMWF suffers from large initial SIT errors and has lower skill than a PF, especially from March to June. Thus, subseasonal Arctic SIT predictions still face many challenges, and improving the mean SIT in the model and assimilating satellite‐estimated SIT in the ocean analysis would significantly improve SIT forecasts.
W‐Band 76–81 GHz Millimeter‐Wave Comb‐Line Array for Automotive Short Range Radar
Authors: Ng Mou Kehn Malcolm , Rajo‐Iglesias Eva , Yang Tien‐Chen
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we design a W‐band millimeter‐wave antenna for the band of 76–81 GHz for frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) multiple input multiple output radar systems in automotive applications. It exhibits radiation patterns that possess narrow beamwidths with minimal beam squint in the elevation plane within the band for detection of vehicles and pedestrians in the forward direction instead of objects on the pavement and above the horizon, as well as a wide beamwidth in the horizontal plane, all as required by automotive radar antennas. A four‐port array of comb‐line antennas with diagonally tilted stubs is herein designed, the latter feature for mitigation of interruption from oncoming vehicles traveling along the opposite direction. In order to suppress the mutual interference between multiple antennas in the array, an electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structure is designed to enhance the isolation between ports. A prototype of the design was manufactured and tested, yielding results that satisfy the design requirements.
Brain integrity is altered by hepatic APOE ε4 in humanized-liver mice
Authors: Giannisis Andreas , Patra Kalicharan , Edlund Anna K. , Nieto Lur Agirrezabala , Benedicto-Gras Joan , Moussaud Simon , de la Rosa Andrés , Twohig Daniel , Bengtsson Tore , Fu Yuan , Bu Guojun , Bial Greg , Foquet Lander , Hammarstedt Christina , Strom Stephen , Kannisto Kristina , Raber Jacob , Ellis Ewa , Nielsen Henrietta M.
Published: April 2022

Liver-generated plasma apolipoprotein E (apoE) does not enter the brain but nonetheless correlates with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk and AD biomarker levels. Carriers of APOEε4, the strongest genetic AD risk factor, exhibit lower plasma apoE and altered brain integrity already at mid-life versus non-APOEε4 carriers. Whether altered plasma liver-derived apoE or specifically an APOEε4 liver phenotype promotes neurodegeneration is unknown. Here we investigated the brains of Fah−/−, Rag2−/−, Il2rg−/− mice on the Non-Obese Diabetic (NOD) background (FRGN) with humanized-livers of an AD risk-associated APOE ε4/ε4 versus an APOE ε2/ε3 genotype. Reduced endogenous mouse apoE levels in the brains of APOE ε4/ε4 liver mice were accompanied by various changes in markers of synaptic integrity, neuroinflammation and insulin signaling. Plasma apoE4 levels were associated with unfavorable changes in several of the assessed markers. These results propose a previously unexplored role of the liver in the APOEε4-associated risk of neurodegenerative disease.
Sulfated alginate oligosaccharide exerts antitumor activity and autophagy induction by inactivating MEK1/ERK/mTOR signaling in a KSR1-dependent manner in osteosarcoma
Authors: Pan Zhen , Wei Xiao-juan , Li Shi-jie , Guo Hua , Li Zhao-hui , Zhang Ke-ke , Lyu Qian-qian , Liu Wei-zhi , Yang Qing-cheng , Cheng Dong-dong
Published: April 2022

Alginate oligosaccharide (AOS) has the function to inhibit tumor progression and the sulfated modification can enhance the antitumor activity. To date, the function and mechanism of sulfated AOS (AOS-SO4) in tumors remain largely elusive. We prepared AOS by the enzymatic degradation of alginate, collected AOS-SO4by sulfating following the canonical procedure. Using these materials, in vitro assays showed that both AOS and AOS-SO4elicited antitumor effects in osteosarcoma cells. Sulfated modification significantly enhanced the antitumor activity. In addition, AOS-SO4had obvious effects on cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy induction in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we observed that AOS-SO4treatment triggered proapoptotic autophagy by inhibiting MEK1/ERK/mTOR signaling. The ERK activator reversed AOS-SO4-induced autophagy. More importantly, we found that KSR1 interacted with MEK1 and functioned as a positive regulator of MEK1 protein in osteosarcoma cells. High KSR1 expression was significantly associated with poor survival in osteosarcoma patients. Together, these results suggest that AOS-SO4has a better antitumor effect in osteosarcoma by inhibiting MEK1/ERK/mTOR signaling, which is KSR1-dependent; thus, AOS-SO4can be a new potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
Identifying a confused cell identity for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Pan Xiangyu , Wang Jian , Guo Linjie , Na Feifei , Du Jiajia , Chen Xuelan , Zhong Ailing , Zhao Lei , Zhang Lu , Zhang Mengsha , Wan Xudong , Wang Manli , Liu Hongyu , Dai Siqi , Tan Ping , Chen Jingyao , Liu Yu , Hu Bing , Chen Chong
Published: April 2022

The cell identity of malignant cells and how they acquire it are fundamental for our understanding of cancer. Here, we report that esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells display molecular features equally similar but distinct to all three types of normal esophageal epithelial cells, which we term as confused cell identity (CCI). CCI is an independent prognostic marker associated with poor prognosis in ESCC. Further, we identify tropomyosin 4 (TPM4) as a critical CCI gene that promotes the aggressiveness of ESCC in vitro and in vivo. And TPM4 creates CCI through activating the Jak/STAT-SOX2 pathway. Thus, our study suggests an unrecognized feature of ESCC cells, which might be of value for clinic prognosis and potential interference.
Targeting non-coding RNAs to overcome cancer therapy resistance
Authors: Chen BaoQing , Dragomir Mihnea P. , Yang Chen , Li Qiaoqiao , Horst David , Calin George A.
Published: April 2022

It is now well known that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), rather than protein-coding transcripts, are the preponderant RNA transcripts. NcRNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are widely appreciated as pervasive regulators of multiple cancer hallmarks such as proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, and genomic instability. Despite recent discoveries in cancer therapy, resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy continue to be a major setback. Recent studies have shown that ncRNAs also play a major role in resistance to different cancer therapies by rewiring essential signaling pathways. In this review, we present the intricate mechanisms through which dysregulated ncRNAs control resistance to the four major types of cancer therapies. We will focus on the current clinical implications of ncRNAs as biomarkers to predict treatment response (intrinsic resistance) and to detect resistance to therapy after the start of treatment (acquired resistance). Furthermore, we will present the potential of targeting ncRNA to overcome cancer treatment resistance, and we will discuss the challenges of ncRNA-targeted therapy—especially the development of delivery systems.
Structural neuroimaging measures and lifetime depression across levels of phenotyping in UK biobank
Authors: Harris Mathew A. , Cox Simon R. , de Nooij Laura , Barbu Miruna C. , Adams Mark J. , Shen Xueyi , Deary Ian J. , Lawrie Stephen M. , McIntosh Andrew M. , Whalley Heather C.
Published: April 2022

Depression is assessed in various ways in research, with large population studies often relying on minimal phenotyping. Genetic results suggest clinical diagnoses and self-report measures of depression show some core similarities, but also important differences. It is not yet clear how neuroimaging associations depend on levels of phenotyping. We studied 39,300 UK Biobank imaging participants (20,701 female; aged 44.6 to 82.3 years, M = 64.1, SD = 7.5) with structural neuroimaging and lifetime depression data. Past depression phenotypes included a single-item self-report measure, an intermediate measure of ‘probable’ lifetime depression, derived from multiple questionnaire items relevant to a history of depression, and a retrospective clinical diagnosis according to DSM-IV criteria. We tested (i) associations between brain structural measures and each depression phenotype, and (ii) effects of phenotype on these associations. Depression-brain structure associations were small (β < 0.1) for all phenotypes, but still significant after FDR correction for many regional metrics. Lifetime depression was consistently associated with reduced white matter integrity across phenotypes. Cortical thickness showed negative associations with Self-reported Depression in particular. Phenotype effects were small across most metrics, but significant for cortical thickness in most regions. We report consistent effects of lifetime depression in brain structural measures, including reduced integrity of thalamic radiations and association fibres. We also observed significant differences in associations with cortical thickness across depression phenotypes. Although these results did not relate to level of phenotyping as expected, effects of phenotype definition are still an important consideration for future depression research.
Serum-derived extracellular vesicles facilitate temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma through a HOTAIR-dependent mechanism
Authors: Wang Xiaosong , Yu Xiaojun , Xu Haoran , Wei Kang , Wang Shanxi , Wang Yingguang , Han Junfei
Published: April 2022

Extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated transfer of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been reported to regulate chemoresistance in various cancers. We herein investigate the therapeutic potential of bioinformatically identified HOTAIR transferred by serum-derived EVs (serum-EVs) in temozolomide (TMZ) resistance of glioblastoma (GBM) and the downstream mechanisms. EVs were isolated from the serum of GBM patients. Expression of HOTAIR was examined in the clinical tissue samples and serum-EVs of GBM patients. The downstream miRNAs of HOTAIR and its target genes were predicted in silico. The effects of the HOTAIR transmitted by serum-EVs in malignant phenotypes, tumor growth, and TMZ resistance were assessed in vitro and in vivo. HOTAIR expression was upregulated in clinical tissues, cells, and serum-EVs of GBM. Co-culture data showed that GBM-serum-EVs facilitated GBM cell proliferative and invasive phenotypes and TMZ resistance by elevating HOTAIR. In GBM cells, HOTAIR competitively bound to miR-526b-3p and weakened miR-526b-3p’s binding ability to EVA1, thus increasing the expression of EVA1. Furthermore, HOTAIR carried by serum-EVs promoted tumor growth and TMZ resistance in vivo by suppressing miR-526b-3p-mediated EVA1 inhibition. GBM-serum-EV-enclosed HOTAIR may augment GBM progression and chemoresistance through miR-526b-3p downregulation and EVA1 upregulation. These results provide a strategy to reduce TMZ resistance in GBM treatment.
Generation of resolving memory neutrophils through pharmacological training with 4-PBA or genetic deletion of TRAM
Authors: Lin RuiCi , Yi Ziyue , Wang Jing , Geng Shuo , Li Liwu
Published: April 2022

Neutrophils are the dominant leukocytes in circulation and the first responders to infection and inflammatory cues. While the roles of neutrophils in driving inflammation have been widely recognized, the contribution of neutrophils in facilitating inflammation resolution is under-studied. Here, through single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, we identified a subpopulation of neutrophils exhibiting pro-resolving characteristics with greater Cd200r and Cd86 expression at the resting state. We further discovered that 4-PBA, a peroxisomal stress-reducing agent, can potently train neutrophils into the resolving state with enhanced expression of CD200R, CD86, as well as soluble pro-resolving mediators Resolvin D1 and SerpinB1. Resolving neutrophils trained by 4-PBA manifest enhanced phagocytosis and bacterial-killing functions. Mechanistically, the generation of resolving neutrophils is mediated by the PPARγ/LMO4/STAT3 signaling circuit modulated by TLR4 adaptor molecule TRAM. We further demonstrated that genetic deletion of TRAM renders the constitutive expansion of resolving neutrophils, with an enhanced signaling circuitry of PPARγ/LMO4/STAT3. These findings may have profound implications for the effective training of resolving neutrophils with therapeutic potential in the treatment of both acute infection as well as chronic inflammatory diseases.
Structure of the active pharmaceutical ingredient bismuth subsalicylate
Authors: Svensson Grape Erik , Rooth Victoria , Nero Mathias , Willhammar Tom , Inge A. Ken
Published: April 2022

Structure determination of pharmaceutical compounds is invaluable for drug development but remains challenging for those that form as small crystals with defects. Bismuth subsalicylate, among the most commercially significant bismuth compounds, is an active ingredient in over-the-counter medications such as Pepto-Bismol, used to treat dyspepsia and H. pylori infections. Despite its century-long history, the structure of bismuth subsalicylate is still under debate. Here we show that advanced electron microscopy techniques, namely three-dimensional electron diffraction and scanning transmission electron microscopy, can give insight into the structure of active pharmaceutical ingredients that are difficult to characterize using conventional methods due to their small size or intricate structural features. Hierarchical clustering analysis of three-dimensional electron diffraction data from ordered crystals of bismuth subsalicylate revealed a layered structure. A detailed investigation using high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy showed variations in the stacking of layers, the presence of which has likely hindered structure solution by other means. Together, these modern electron crystallography techniques provide a toolbox for structure determination of active pharmaceutical ingredients and drug discovery, demonstrated by this study of bismuth subsalicylate.
Protection following BNT162b2 booster in adolescents substantially exceeds that of a fresh 2-dose vaccine
Authors: Amir Ofra , Goldberg Yair , Mandel Micha , Bar-On Yinon M. , Bodenheimer Omri , Ash Nachman , Alroy-Preis Sharon , Huppert Amit , Milo Ron
Published: April 2022

Israel began administering a BNT162b2 booster dose to restore protection following the waning of the 2-dose vaccine. Biological studies have shown that a “fresh” booster dose leads to increased antibody levels compared to a fresh 2-dose vaccine, which may suggest increased effectiveness. To compare the real-world effectiveness of a fresh (up to 60 days) booster dose with that of a fresh 2-dose vaccine, we took advantage of a quasi-experimental study that compares populations that were eligible to receive the vaccine at different times due to age-dependent policies. Specifically, we compared the confirmed infection rates in adolescents aged 12–14 (215,653 individuals) who received the 2-dose vaccine and in adolescents aged 16–18 (103,454 individuals) who received the booster dose. Our analysis shows that the confirmed infection rate was lower by a factor of 3.7 (95% CI: 2.7 to 5.2) in the booster group.
The nuclear receptor ERR cooperates with the cardiogenic factor GATA4 to orchestrate cardiomyocyte maturation
Authors: Sakamoto Tomoya , Batmanov Kirill , Wan Shibiao , Guo Yuanjun , Lai Ling , Vega Rick B. , Kelly Daniel P.
Published: April 2022

Estrogen-related receptors (ERR) α and γ were shown recently to serve as regulators of cardiac maturation, yet the underlying mechanisms have not been delineated. Herein, we find that ERR signaling is necessary for induction of genes involved in mitochondrial and cardiac-specific contractile processes during human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte (hiPSC-CM) differentiation. Genomic interrogation studies demonstrate that ERRγ occupies many cardiomyocyte enhancers/super-enhancers, often co-localizing with the cardiogenic factor GATA4. ERRγ interacts with GATA4 to cooperatively activate transcription of targets involved in cardiomyocyte-specific processes such as contractile function, whereas ERRγ-mediated control of metabolic genes occurs independent of GATA4. Both mechanisms require the transcriptional coregulator PGC-1α. A disease-causing GATA4 mutation is shown to diminish PGC-1α/ERR/GATA4 cooperativity and expression of ERR target genes are downregulated in human heart failure samples suggesting that dysregulation of this circuitry may contribute to congenital and acquired forms of heart failure.
Super-resolving microscopy images of Li-ion electrodes for fine-feature quantification using generative adversarial networks
Authors: Furat Orkun , Finegan Donal P. , Yang Zhenzhen , Kirstein Tom , Smith Kandler , Schmidt Volker
Published: April 2022

For a deeper understanding of the functional behavior of energy materials, it is necessary to investigate their microstructure, e.g., via imaging techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM). However, active materials are often heterogeneous, necessitating quantification of features over large volumes to achieve representativity which often requires reduced resolution for large fields of view. Cracks within Li-ion electrode particles are an example of fine features, representative quantification of which requires large volumes of tens of particles. To overcome the trade-off between the imaged volume of the material and the resolution achieved, we deploy generative adversarial networks (GAN), namely SRGANs, to super-resolve SEM images of cracked cathode materials. A quantitative analysis indicates that SRGANs outperform various other networks for crack detection within aged cathode particles. This makes GANs viable for performing super-resolution on microscopy images for mitigating the trade-off between resolution and field of view, thus enabling representative quantification of fine features.