bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Close encounters of the worst kind: reforms needed to curb coral reef damage by recreational divers
Authors: Lin Bing
Published: July 2021

Intentional and unintentional physical contact between scuba divers and the seabed is made by most divers and multiple times per dive, which often results in damage to corals and other marine life. Current efforts to reduce reef contacts (e.g., voluntary dive operator recognition programs and voluntary dive standards) can be effective, but lack sufficient incentive structures for long-term compliance. In their current capacity, these programs fail to reduce reef contacts to tolerable levels. Regulatory policies can facilitate pervasive and permanent shifts in human behavior, but have been underutilized to change unsustainable underwater norms. Most coral reefs open to recreational diving lie within territorial waters of individual countries, and many already have existing forms of protection with legislation that can be easily modified. Successful policy precedents in Marine Protected Areas (e.g., bans on underwater glove use) and elsewhere (e.g., anti-smoking laws in public spaces and legislation enforcing seat belt use) demonstrate the largely untapped potential of using effective governance to change destructive diving norms for good. To reduce intentional reef contacts, policy-makers can enact regulations in MPAs directly banning all contact between divers and the seabed. To reduce unintentional contacts, policy-makers can create policy safeguards that preempt such occurrences (e.g., requiring divers to keep a certain distance from the seabed). Crucially, such policies will need accompanying formal and informal enforcement measures that are equitable, effective, and efficient to motivate compliance and effect lasting behavior change. Having a robust, well-enforced, regulatory framework to tackle both types of reef contacts lends credence to the efforts of existing conservation programs, and is key to permanently changing divers’ underwater attitudes and fostering sustainable scuba diving behavior to the benefit of all.
In situ characterisation of absorbing species in stationary premixed flat flames using UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Bauer Florian J. , Degenkolb Michael U. J. , Huber Franz J. T. , Will Stefan
Published: July 2021

A one-dimensional premixed ethylene–air flame is investigated regarding the presence of various combustion intermediates and products relevant for the formation of carbonaceous particles for various equivalence ratios and spatial positions using in situ UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy. A laser driven light source in combination with a fast spectrometer allow to record absorption spectra at a high rate required for practical combustion devices. The approach is coupled with a least squares regression procedure using a database of several absorbing species in the flame. To account for the high temperature flame conditions, the absorption spectra are convoluted by a simplified Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution model. While the approach is based on several assumptions and a verification requires future detailed intercomparison with other techniques, a first semi-quantitative evaluation can be obtained. This novel approach opens a potential route to the in situ measurement of the evolution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in flames.
On a nonlinear rod exhibiting only axial and bending deformations: mathematical modeling and numerical implementation
Authors: Gebhardt Cristian Guillermo , Romero Ignacio
Published: July 2021

In this work, we present the mathematical formulation and the numerical implementation of a new model for initially straight, transversely isotropic rods. By adopting a configuration space that intrinsically avoids shear deformations and by systemically neglecting the energetic contribution due to torsion, the proposed model admits an unconstrained variational statement. Moreover, as the natural state of the rod is the trivial one and the mechanical properties are homogeneous on the cross section, the need for pull-back and push-forward operations in the formulation is totally circumvented. These features impose, however, some smoothness requirements on the stored energy function that need to be carefully considered when adopting general constitutive models. In addition to introducing the rod model, we propose a spatial discretization with the finite element method, and a time integration with a hybrid, implicit scheme. To illustrate the favorable features of the new model, we provide results corresponding to numerical simulations for plane and three-dimensional problems that are investigated in the static and dynamic settings. Finally, and to put the presented ideas in a suitable context, we compare solutions obtained with the new model against a rod model that allows for torsion and shear.
The role of the Sapienza GLObal Bedside Evaluation of Swallowing after Stroke (GLOBE-3S) in the prevention of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP)
Authors: Jannini T. B. , Ruggiero M. , Viganò A. , Comanducci A. , Maestrini I. , Giuliani G. , Vicenzini E. , Fattapposta F. , Pauri F. , Ruoppolo G. , Toscano M. , Di Piero V.
Published: July 2021

Background and purpose

Stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) affects 10 to 38% of patients in the acute phase of stroke. Stroke patients diagnosed with dysphagia have an 11-fold higher risk of developing SAP. Thus, identifying dysphagic patients through a highly accurate screening tool might be crucial in reducing the incidence of SAP. We present a case–control study designed to evaluate efficacy in reducing the risk of SAP between two swallowing screening tools, the classic water swallow test (WST) and a recently validated tool such as the GLOBE-3S (the Sapienza GLObal Bedside Evaluation of Swallowing after Stroke), which is a highly sensitive swallowing screening tool particularly accurate in detecting silent aspiration as well.

Methods

We analyzed the occurrence of dysphagia in 100 acute stroke patients distributed in two groups: half were screened with WST and the other half with GLOBE-3S.

Results

Dysphagia was diagnosed in 28 patients. The main result is that, among patients who passed the dysphagia screenings, none of those screened with the GLOBE-3S method developed pneumonia compared to 31.82% in the WST group. Discriminant function analysis (DFA) showed that NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and the dysphagia screening method (i.e., GLOBE-3S vs. WST) were the two main factors in the SAP’s predicting model and the only significant ones per se.

Conclusions

The new GLOBE-3S screening test can reduce the risk of SAP compared to WST.
Comparisons of CODE and CNES/CLS GPS satellite bias products and applications in Sentinel-3 satellite precise orbit determination
Authors: Duan Bingbing , Hugentobler Urs
Published: July 2021

To resolve undifferenced GNSS phase ambiguities, dedicated satellite products are needed, such as satellite orbits, clock offsets and biases. The International GNSS Service CNES/CLS analysis center provides satellite (HMW) Hatch-Melbourne-Wübbena bias and dedicated satellite clock products (including satellite phase bias), while the CODE analysis center provides satellite OSB (observable-specific-bias) and integer clock products. The CNES/CLS GPS satellite HMW bias products are determined by the Hatch-Melbourne-Wübbena (HMW) linear combination and aggregate both code (C1W, C2W) and phase (L1W, L2W) biases. By forming the HMW linear combination of CODE OSB corrections on the same signals, we compare CODE satellite HMW biases to those from CNES/CLS. The fractional part of GPS satellite HMW biases from both analysis centers are very close to each other, with a mean Root-Mean-Square (RMS) of differences of 0.01 wide-lane cycles. A direct comparison of satellite narrow-lane biases is not easily possible since satellite narrow-lane biases are correlated with satellite orbit and clock products, as well as with integer wide-lane ambiguities. Moreover, CNES/CLS provides no satellite narrow-lane biases but incorporates them into satellite clock offsets. Therefore, we compute differences of GPS satellite orbits, clock offsets, integer wide-lane ambiguities and narrow-lane biases (only for CODE products) between CODE and CNES/CLS products. The total difference of these terms for each satellite represents the difference of the narrow-lane bias by subtracting certain integer narrow-lane cycles. We call this total difference “narrow-lane” bias difference. We find that 3% of the narrow-lane biases from these two analysis centers during the experimental time period have differences larger than 0.05 narrow-lane cycles. In fact, this is mainly caused by one Block IIA satellite since satellite clock offsets of the IIA satellite cannot be well determined during eclipsing seasons. To show the application of both types of GPS products, we apply them for Sentinel-3 satellite orbit determination. The wide-lane fixing rates using both products are more than 98%, while the narrow-lane fixing rates are more than 95%. Ambiguity-fixed Sentinel-3 satellite orbits show clear improvement over float solutions. RMS of 6-h orbit overlaps improves by about a factor of two. Also, we observe similar improvements by comparing our Sentinel-3 orbit solutions to the external combined products. Standard deviation value of Satellite Laser Ranging residuals is reduced by more than 10% for Sentinel-3A and more than 15% for Sentinel-3B satellite by fixing ambiguities to integer values.
Transcatheter Repair and Replacement Technologies for Mitral Regurgitation: a European Perspective
Authors: Ooms Joris F. , Van Mieghem Nicolas M.
Published: July 2021

Purpose of Review

We aimed to picture the contemporary landscape of available catheter-based repair and replacement solutions for mitral regurgitation (MR) in Europe.

Recent Findings

Edge-to-edge repair remains the dominant technique for transcatheter mitral valve repair especially in the context of secondary mitral regurgitation. Two recent randomized trials reported seemingly contradicting clinical results with transcatheter edge-to-edge repair for patients with heart failure and severe secondary MR. A proportionality framework related to secondary MR was proposed to help explain inconsistencies but requires further research. (In)Direct annuloplasty primarily aims to correct secondary MR; however, the scientific basis seems less robust. One dedicated transcatheter heart valve has the CE mark for mitral valve replacement but requires transapical access. Balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve platforms are emerging for transvenous transseptal mitral replacement in the context of mitral annular calcification, a failing surgical mitral bioprosthesis, or annuloplasty. Advanced computed tomography imaging techniques improved pre-procedural planning and introduced the option for modeling and simulation.

Development of a toolbox of catheter-based technologies, complementary imaging modalities, and refined patient selection offer novel perspectives to high-risk patients with primary or secondary MR. Clinical trials are required to help formulate evidence-based guidelines for the management of mitral valve disease.
Intergenerational Messages as Sign of Wisdom of Active Polish and Czech Older Learners
Authors: Fabiś Artur , Wąsiński Arkadiusz , Čepelka Oldřich
Published: July 2021

The goal of the paper is to identify the message in letters written by Polish and Czech seniors. The letters were subject to qualitative analysis. The method used was the analysis of the inspired texts—letters written by older people to the younger generation, which may become a didactic tool for the younger generations to learn from the biographies of seniors. The result of the analysis is a list of categories reflecting the main aspects dominating in the letters. These categories are: message addressed to a younger generation, important events and people in individual life story, reflection upon the meaning of life and concerns and challenges in the course of life. All the seniors express their affirmation of family, share ethical reflections on their relationships with other people and on passing. Thus, the main message of the letters is a call to cherish family relationships, nurture relations with other people and show respect to others.
Correction to: Preliminary aerodynamic design of a reusable booster flight experiment
Authors: Merrem C. , Wartemann V. , Eggers Th.
Published: July 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12567-021-00379-z
Couples’ Use of Online Stress Management and Resiliency Training for Sexual Health Concerns: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rullo Jordan E. , Sood Richa , Fokken Shawn C. , Sood Amit , Frohmader Karla S. , Croghan Ivana T. , Schroeder Darrell R. , Faubion Stephanie S.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Mindfulness is a promising intervention for female sexual dysfunction (FSD); however, of the mindfulness interventions studied, few treat the woman and her partner.

Aim

We developed a brief online mindfulness, resilience, and psychoeducation intervention, Stress Management and Resiliency Training for Sexuality (Sex SMART), for women with sexual health concerns and their partners.

Methods

Women with female sexual interest/arousal disorder and their partners were recruited between February 24, 2015, and October 6, 2016, and randomized to treatment or control groups (received educational pamphlets). The treatment intervention comprised of an online SMART and sexual health psychoeducation module.

Main Outcome Measures

The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), Sexual Desire Inventory-2 (SDI-2), Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and other subjective measures were used to assess sexual function and sexual distress at baseline and 12 weeks.

Results

The study included 60 women and their partners (30 couples in each group). In both groups, sexual function by total FSFI scores and sexual distress scores significantly improved at 12 weeks compared with baseline, with no significant between-group differences (FSFI effect estimate for Sex SMART vs control = +1.4 (90% CI [–0.6 to +3.4]; P=.13). Both participants and partners randomized to the intervention reported significantly improved attitude and feelings, comfort as a sexual person, and subjective sexual functioning at 12 weeks. The findings provide preliminary evidence for efficacy of an online intervention for couples with sexual health problems.

Conclusions

A brief online mindfulness, resilience, and psychoeducation–based intervention showed no significant improvement in many outcomes (FSFI, FSDS-R, SDI-2, RDAS) of sexual health versus controls. Although this is the first online randomized controlled trial to evaluate a mindfulness-based therapy intervention, it was limited by its lack of population diversity and high attrition rate. Significant improvements in subjective sexual health and partner sexual function by the International Index of Erectile Function were reported only in the intervention group.
Pediatric antimicrobial stewardship practices at discharge: A national survey
Authors: Wang Marie E. , Felder Kimberly , Newland Jason G. , Hersh Adam L. , Rajapakse Nipunie S. , Willis Zachary I. , Banerjee Ritu , Gerber Jeffrey S. , Schwenk Hayden T. , Vaz Louise E.
Published: July 2021

We surveyed pediatric antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) site leaders within the Sharing Antimicrobial Reports for Pediatric Stewardship collaborative regarding discharge stewardship practices. Among 67 sites, 13 (19%) reported ASP review of discharge antimicrobial prescriptions. These findings highlight discharge stewardship as a potential opportunity for improvement during the hospital-to-home transition.
Prevalence of and factors associated with insufficient physical activity among adolescents: evidence from a nationwide survey in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md Mokbul , Akter Fahmida , Hanif Abu Abdullah Mohammad , Khan Md Showkat Ali , Shamim Abu Ahmed , Hasan Mehedi , Urmy Nushrat Jahan , Hossaine Moyazzam , Ullah Mohammad Aman , Sarker Samir Kanti , Rahman S. M. Mustafizur , Mitra Dipak Kumar , Bulbul Md Mofijul Islam , Mridha Malay Kanti
Published: July 2021

The World Health Organization set a target of a 15% relative reduction in the prevalence of insufficient physical activity (IPA) by 2025 among adolescents and adults globally. In Bangladesh, there are no national estimates of the prevalence of IPA among adolescents. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of and risk factors associated with IPA among adolescent girls and boys. Data for 4865 adolescent girls and 4907 adolescent boys, collected as a part of a National Nutrition Surveillance in 2018–19, were analysed for this study. A modified version of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was used to collect physical activity data. The World Health Organization recommended cut-off points were used to estimate the prevalence of IPA. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with IPA. Prevalences of IPA among adolescent girls and boys were 50.3% and 29.0%, respectively, and the prevalence was significantly higher among early adolescents (10–14 years) than late adolescents (15–19 years) among both boys and girls. The IPA prevalence was highest among adolescents living in non-slum urban areas (girls: 77.7%; boys: 64.1%). For both boys and girls, younger age, non-slum urban residence, higher paternal education and increased television viewing time were significantly associated with IPA. Additionally, residing in slums was significantly associated with IPA only among the boys. Higher maternal education was associated with IPA only among the girls. This study identified several modifiable risk factors associated with IPA among adolescent boys and girls in Bangladesh. These factors should be addressed through comprehensive public health interventions to promote physical activity among adolescent girls and boys.
Ultrasound core biopsies of neck lumps: an experience from a tertiary head and neck cancer unit
Authors: Adeel M , Jackson R , Peachey T , Beasley N
Published: July 2021

Background

Traditionally, fine needle aspiration cytology was the primary diagnostic investigation for head and neck lumps; however, ultrasound-guided core biopsy offers the advantage of preserving tissue architecture with increased tissue yield. This study reviews the diagnostic utility of ultrasound-guided core biopsy for investigating head and neck lumps.

Methods

Overall, 287 ultrasound-guided core biopsies were reviewed between May 2017 and April 2019 at a single tertiary site for head and neck cancer.

Results

On initial ultrasound-guided core biopsy, a diagnostic sample was obtained in 94.4 per cent of patients and in 83.7 per cent of patients with lymphoma. Where the initial ultrasound-guided core biopsy was non-diagnostic, 50 per cent of samples were diagnostic on repeat ultrasound-guided core biopsy. Overall, five complications were seen related to ultrasound-guided core biopsy, and all were managed conservatively. No cases of disease recurrence were identified at the biopsy site.

Conclusion

Ultrasound-guided core biopsy is a safe procedure with a high diagnostic yield when investigating head and neck lumps. Patients whose ultrasound-guided core biopsies were non-diagnostic should be considered for excisional biopsy over repeat ultrasound-guided core biopsy.
Converging Evidence of Underlying Competence: Comprehension and Production in the Acquisition of Spanish Subject-Verb Agreement
Authors: HSIN Lisa B. , GONZALEZ-GOMEZ Nayeli , BARRIÈRE Isabelle , NAZZI Thierry , LEGENDRE Geraldine
Published: July 2021

A surprising comprehension-production asymmetry in subject-verb (SV) agreement acquisition has been suggested in the literature, and recent research indicates that task-specific as well as language-specific features may contribute to this apparent asymmetry across languages. The present study investigates when during development children acquiring Mexican Spanish gain competence with 3rd-person SV agreement, testing production as well as comprehension in the same children aged between 3;6 and 5;7 years, and whether comprehension of SV agreement is modulated by the sentential position of the verb (i.e., medial vs. final position). Accuracy and sensitivity analyses show that comprehension performance correlates with SV agreement production abilities, and that comprehension of singular and plural third-person forms is not influenced by the sentential position of the agreement morpheme. Issues of the appropriate outcome measure and the role of structural familiarity in the development of abstract representations are discussed.
Effect of using commercial pre-packaged baby foods on the Fe intake of 7–8 months old infants
Authors: Cheung Celeste Tsz Hei , Rangan Anna M , Tse Iris Mei Ying , Sit Wai Hung , Louie Jimmy Chun Yu
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

To examine the potential effect on Fe intake of 7–8 months old infants if pre-packaged baby foods (PBF) were used as the sole source of complementary foods.

Design:

Based on the 7-d recommended feeding plan for 7–8 months old infants in Hong Kong (moderate Fe-fortified rice cereal with home-cooked meals), twenty-four modelling scenarios were created which comprised of two milk use modes (breastmilk v. infant formula), three modes of rice cereal use (no-rice cereal; non-Fe-fortified rice cereal and Fe-fortified rice cereal) and four baby foods usage modes (home-cooked meals; low-Fe PBF only; high-Fe PBF only and mixed PBF). The PBF were randomly selected in each of the models and substituted the original meals/snacks. The average daily Fe intakes of the modelled meal plans were compared with the Chinese estimated average requirement (EAR) and recommended nutrient intake (RNI) for Fe.

Setting:

Modelling study.

Participants:

Not applicable.

Results:

In general, the infant-formula-based complementary feeding pattern (CFP) had higher average daily Fe intake when compared with breastmilk-based CFP. The Fe intakes of all scenarios under the breastmilk-based CFP were below the RNI and EAR, except for the fortified rice cereal meal plans with high-Fe or mixed PBF. For infant-formula-based CFP, the Fe intakes were close to or above the RNI regardless of types of PBF or rice cereal used.

Conclusions:

The inclusion of fortified rice cereal was important in maintaining adequate Fe intake for infants, especially for breast-fed infants. The replacement of home-cooked meals by low-Fe PBF could potentially put infants at risk of Fe deficiency.
Stress and burnout in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) trainees: a systematic review
Authors: Owen Joel , Crouch-Read Louise , Smith Matthew , Fisher Paul
Published: July 2021

For more than a decade, Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) has been training a new workforce of psychological therapists. Despite evidence of stress and burnout both in trainee mental health professionals, and qualified IAPT clinicians, little is known about these topics in IAPT trainees. Consequently, this systematic review sought to establish the current state of the literature regarding stress and burnout in IAPT trainees. Electronic databases were searched to identify all published and available unpublished work relating to the topic. On the basis of pre-established eligibility criteria, eight studies (including six unpublished doctoral theses) were identified and assessed for quality. This review identifies that research into the experience of IAPT trainees is under-developed. Existing evidence tentatively suggests that IAPT trainees may experience levels of stress and burnout that are higher than their qualified peers and among the higher end of healthcare professionals more generally. The experience of fulfilling dual roles as mental health professionals and university students concurrently appears to be a significant source of stress for IAPT trainees. More research regarding the levels and sources of stress and burnout in IAPT trainees is urgently needed to confirm and extend these findings. Recommendations for future research in the area are given.

Key learning aims

(1)

To establish the current state of the literature regarding stress and burnout in IAPT trainees.

(2)

To raise practitioner, service and education-provider awareness regarding the levels and perceived sources of stress and burnout in IAPT trainees.

(3)

To make recommendations regarding future research on the topic.
Association of Increased Impulsiveness and Internet Use Disorder in Adolescents and Young Adults with Different Main Activities on the Internet
Authors: Kattein Elena , Schmidt Hannah , Brandt Dominique , Bischof Gallus , Bischof Anja , Besser Bettina , Orlowski Svenja , Rumpf Hans-Jürgen
Published: July 2021

Abstract. Objective: Increased impulsiveness is a risk factor for health-endangering behavior patterns. Little is known about whether increased impulsiveness is associated with Internet Use Disorder (IUD) and whether individuals with various main activities on the internet differ in their levels of impulsiveness. Methods: In total, we screened 8,230 vocational students for problematic internet use with the Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS). Participants scoring at least 21 points in the CIUS took part in an in-depth diagnostic interview. IUD was assessed according to the criteria of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) as suggested in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Impulsiveness was assessed with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-15). We analyzed the data using binary logistic regression models and nonparametric tests. Results: Participants with IUD ( n = 144) showed increased impulsiveness ( p = .005) compared to those without IUD ( n = 774). Participants with different main activities on the internet did not differ in their levels of impulsiveness. Conclusions: Results indicate that impulsiveness is associated with IUD, independent of the main internet activity. This highlights the necessity to consider patients’ impulsiveness in prevention and therapeutic approaches. Because of the cross-sectional study design, further research with longitudinal study designs is needed.
Large Contributions of Diffuse Radiation to Global Gross Primary Productivity During 1981–2015
Authors: Zhou Hao , Yue Xu , Lei Yadong , Tian Chenguang , Ma Yimian , Cao Yang
Published: July 2021

Diffuse radiation can increase the light use efficiency for plant photosynthesis. However, the lack of observations limits the explorations of diffuse fertilization effects on the global scale. Here, we bias‐correct global hourly diffuse fraction (Kd) from a climate reanalysis using an artificial neural network (ANN) model in combination with site‐level observations. Evaluations at independent sites show that the updatedKdon average increases correlations by 9.7% and reduces root‐mean‐square errors (RMSEs) by 45.5% against measurements than the original reanalysis. The derived radiative fluxes are then used as input for a dynamic vegetation model to explore the impacts of diffuse radiation on global gross primary productivity (GPP) during 1981–2015. With the updatedKd, simulated GPP shows lower RMSEs against observations at 72 out of 76 FLUXNET sites, leading to a reduced RMSE of 9.9% on average. Moreover, simulations with updatedKdpresent higher global GPP (3.1%) than that with originalKdfrom Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) product. The simulations show that diffuse radiation, which accounts for 54% of the total shortwave radiation, contributes to long‐term global mean GPP by 1.49 g C m−2 day−1(64.3%). During 1981–2015, the changes of direct radiation result in a global GPP trend of −0.49 g C m−2 yr−2, which is offset by 0.31 g C m−2 yr−2(53.1%) following the enhancement of diffuse radiation.
Global Biogeochemical Cycle of Lithium
Authors: Schlesinger William H. , Klein Emily M. , Wang Zhen , Vengosh Avner
Published: July 2021

The total human mobilization of Li from the Earth's crust, >1,000 × 109 g/year, is much larger than Li mobilized by the natural processes of chemical and mechanical weathering (94 and 132 × 109 g/year, respectively), representing a ∼500% perturbation of the global cycle of Li by human activities. The anthropogenic perturbation of the global Li cycle shows enhanced releases to freshwaters from oil‐produced water (46 × 109 g/year), leaching of coal ash (7–20 × 109 g/year), and extraction of groundwaters (29 × 109 g/year). The sum of these anthropogenic sources more than doubles the natural transport of dissolved Li to the sea in rivers (69 × 109 g/year). Currently, releases from the excretion of therapeutic drugs and disposal of lithium‐ion batteries are a small component of the transport of Li in rivers, although the latter may increase markedly as lithium‐ion batteries dominant global energy storage. Human emissions of Li particles to the atmosphere—55 × 109 g/year from coal combustion—comprise about 38% of the emission of Li to the atmosphere from various sources. The inputs to the atmosphere are more than the estimated deposition of Li from the atmosphere, which is poorly constrained by available data.
Tephrochronology and Provenance of an Early Pleistocene (Calabrian) Tephra From IODP Expedition 374 Site U1524, Ross Sea (Antarctica)
Authors: Di Roberto A. , Scateni B. , Di Vincenzo G. , Petrelli M. , Fisauli G. , Barker S. J. , Del Carlo P. , Colleoni F. , Kulhanek D. K. , McKay R. , De Santis L. , The IODP Expedition 374 Scientific Party
Published: July 2021

We present a full characterization of a 20 cm‐thick tephra layer found intercalated in the marine sediments recovered at Site U1524 during International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 374, in the Ross Sea, Antarctica. Tephra bedforms, mineral paragenesis, and major‐ and trace‐element composition on individual glass shards were investigated and the tephra age was constrained by 40Ar‐39Ar on sanidine crystals. The 40Ar‐39Ar data indicate that sanidine grains are variably contaminated by excess Ar, with the best age estimate of 1.282 ± 0.012 Ma, based on both single‐grain total fusion analyses and step‐heating experiments on multi‐grain aliquots. The tephra is characterized by a very homogeneous rhyolitic composition and a peculiar mineral assemblage, dominated by sanidine, quartz, and minor aenigmatite and arfvedsonite‐riebeckite amphiboles. The tephra from Site U1524 compositionally matches with a ca. 1.3 Ma, rhyolitic pumice fall deposit on the rim of the Chang Peak volcano summit caldera, in the Marie Byrd Land, located ca. 1,300 km from Site U1524. This contribution offers important volcanological data on the eruptive history of Chang Peak volcano and adds a new tephrochronologic marker for the dating, correlation, and synchronization of marine and continental early Pleistocene records of West Antarctica.
Hydrothermal Alteration of the Ocean Crust and Patterns in Mineralization With Depth as Measured by Micro‐Imaging Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Greenberger Rebecca N. , Harris Michelle , Ehlmann Bethany L. , Crotteau Molly A. , Kelemen Peter B. , Manning Craig E. , Teagle Damon A. H. ,   the Oman Drilling Project Science Team
Published: July 2021

Processes for formation, cooling, and altering Earth's ocean crust are not yet completely understood due to challenges in access and sampling. Here, we use contiguous micro‐imaging infrared spectroscopy to develop complete‐core maps of mineral occurrence and investigate spatial patterns in the hydrothermal alteration of 1.2 km of oceanic crust recovered from Oman Drilling Project Holes GT1A, GT2A, and GT3A drilled in the Samail Ophiolite, Oman. The imaging spectrometer shortwave infrared sensor measured reflectance of light at wavelengths 1.0–2.6 μm at 250–260 μm/pixel, resulting in >1 billion independent measurements. We map distributions of nine key primary and secondary minerals/mineral groups—clinopyroxene, amphibole, calcite, chlorite, epidote, gypsum, kaolinite/montmorillonite, prehnite, and zeolite—and find differences in their spatial occurrences and pervasiveness. Accuracy of spectral mapping of occurrence is 68%–100%, established using X‐ray diffraction measurements from the core description. The sheeted dikes and gabbros of upper oceanic crust Hole GT3A show more pervasive alteration and alteration dominated by chlorite, amphibole, and epidote. The foliated/layered gabbros of GT2A from intermediate crustal depths have similarly widespread chlorite but more zeolite and little amphibole and epidote. The layered gabbros of the lower oceanic crust (GT1A) have remnant pyroxene and 2X less chlorite, but alteration is extensive within and surrounding major fault zones with widespread occurrences of amphibole. The results indicate greater distribution of higher temperature alteration minerals in the upper oceanic crust relative to deeper gabbros and highlight the importance of fault zones in hydrothermal convection in the lower ocean crust.
Seawater‐Particle Interactions of Rare Earth Elements and Neodymium Isotopes in the Deep Central Arctic Ocean
Authors: Paffrath Ronja , Pahnke Katharina , Böning Philipp , Rutgers van der Loeff Michiel , Valk Ole , Gdaniec Sandra , Planquette Hélène
Published: July 2021

In the central Arctic Ocean, dissolved rare earth element concentrations ([dREE]) and the neodymium (Nd) isotope compositions are constant throughout the deep water column (>1,000 m water depth), indicating unique conditions among the ocean basins and therefore requiring an investigation of seawater‐particle interactions. Here, we present the first high‐resolution particulate REE and Nd isotope data from the Arctic Ocean and discuss the possible seawater‐particle processes affecting the Arctic Ocean. Our results show that particulate [REE] are on the same order of magnitude as in other ocean basins, suggesting that particle composition is the main cause for a lack of pREE release to the dissolved pool. The lithogenic fraction dominates throughout the water column while the biogenic material contribution is very small. This paucity of biogenic material results in reduced particle‐seawater exchanges of REEs and Nd isotopes. Moreover, we note only slight differences in the dissolved Nd isotope composition between the Eurasian and Canadian Basins. This is due to the different source regions supplying different dissolved and particulate Nd isotope signatures to both basins. The dissolved [REE] and Nd isotope composition of Atlantic waters are modified during their flow paths through contributions from the Kara Sea, lowering the salinity and increasing [dREE] and dNd isotope compositions. Hydrothermal influence from the Gakkel Ridge on dissolved and particulate [REE] and Nd isotopes could not be detected.
Transit Time Distributions and Apparent Oxygen Utilization Rates in Northern South China Sea Using Chlorofluorocarbons and Sulfur Hexafluoride Data
Authors: Wang Weimin , Cai Minggang , Huang Peng , Ke Hongwei , Liu Mian , Liu Lihua , Deng Hengxiang , Luo Bojun , Wang Chunhui , Zheng Xuehong , Li Wenquan
Published: July 2021

CFC‐12 and SF6 data were used in combination to estimate the mean age of water in the northern South China Sea (NSCS), to explore oceanographic processes related to “time,” including the transit time through the Luzon Strait (LS) with a three‐layer circulation structure and the apparent oxygen utilization rates (AOUR). Significant differences in mean ages of water were observed at the same density level in the water columns on both sides of the LS, presented as a westward flow in the upper layer, eastward flow in the intermediate layer, and westward flow in the deep layer with transit times of 8 ± 5, 39 ± 22, and 20 ± 18 yr, respectively. The AOUR was estimated to be 8.4 μmol kg−1 yr−1 at about 100 m and decreased to approximately 0.66 μmol kg−1 yr−1 at 1,500 m in the NSCS. The average organic carbon flux in the depth range of 100–1,500 m was 1.7 mol C m−2 yr−1 in the NSCS and 1.3 mol C m−2 yr−1 in the western Pacific Ocean (WP). The activation energy—derived using the Arrhenius equation—in the NSCS and WP (87.7–154.2 kJ mol−1) are close to those in the northern Pacific Ocean (60.8–133.5 kJ mol−1). These results suggest a conspicuous correlation between temperature and AOUR. The impact of climate change on the ocean and the feedback mechanism between ocean warming and oxygen consumption needs further investigation.
Investigating Carbonaceous Aerosol and Its Absorption Properties From Fires in the Western United States (WE‐CAN) and Southern Africa (ORACLES and CLARIFY)
Authors: Carter Therese S. , Heald Colette L. , Cappa Christopher D. , Kroll Jesse H. , Campos Teresa L. , Coe Hugh , Cotterell Michael I. , Davies Nicholas W. , Farmer Delphine K. , Fox Cathyrn , Garofalo Lauren A. , Hu Lu , Langridge Justin M. , Levin Ezra J. T. , Murphy Shane M. , Pokhrel Rudra P. , Shen Yingjie , Szpek Kate , Taylor Jonathan W. , Wu Huihui
Published: July 2021

Biomass burning (BB) produces large quantities of carbonaceous aerosol (black carbon and organic aerosol, BC and OA, respectively), which significantly degrade air quality and impact climate. BC absorbs radiation, warming the atmosphere, while OA typically scatters radiation, leading to cooling. However, some OA, termed brown carbon (BrC), also absorbs visible and near UV radiation; although, its properties are not well constrained. We explore three aircraft campaigns from important BB regions with different dominant fuel and fire types (Western Wildfire Experiment for Cloud Chemistry, Aerosol Absorption, and Nitrogen [WE‐CAN] in the western United States and ObseRvations of Aerosols above CLouds and their intEractionS and Cloud‐Aerosol‐Radiation Interactions and Forcing for Year downwind of southern Africa) and compare them with simulations from the global chemical transport model, GEOS‐Chem using GFED4s. The model generally captures the observed vertical profiles of carbonaceous BB aerosol concentrations; however, we find that BB BC emissions are underestimated in southern Africa. Our comparisons suggest that BC and/or BrC absorption is substantially higher downwind of Africa than in the western United States and, while the Saleh et al. (2014, https://doi.org/10.1038/ngeo2220) and FIREX parameterizations based on the BC:OA ratio improve model‐observation agreement in some regions, they do not sufficiently differentiate absorption characteristics at short wavelengths. We find that photochemical whitening substantially decreases the burden and direct radiative effect of BrC (annual mean of +0.29 W m−2 without whitening and +0.08 W m−2 with). Our comparisons suggest that whitening is required to explain WE‐CAN observations; however, the importance of whitening for African fires cannot be confirmed. Qualitative comparisons with the OMI UV aerosol index suggest our standard BrC whitening scheme may be too fast over Africa.
Optimizing Rural Drinking Water Supply Infrastructure to Account for Spatial Variations in Groundwater Quality and Household Welfare in Coastal Bangladesh
Authors: Roman Orlando , Hoque Sonia Ferdous , Ford Lucinda , Salehin Mashfiqus , Alam Mohammad Monirul , Hope Robert , Hall Jim W.
Published: July 2021

Achieving water security requires reconciling multiple objectives while prioritizing scarce resources for the provision of safe drinking water supplies. We examine decision‐making to invest in drinking water infrastructure in coastal Bangladesh where increasing saline intrusion in aquifers intersects with high levels of poverty for the 20 million people living in the coastal region. Multi‐objective optimization is used to explore the trade‐offs between two public policy goals: (a) maximizing overall access to improved water supplies (the greater good) and (b) maximizing access for the population with the lowest welfare (the greater need). To elucidate this trade‐off, we make use of groundwater salinity measurements, an extensive household survey and an audit of drinking water infrastructure in 1 out of Bangladesh’s 139 polders, which is home to nearly 60,000 people. We quantify the costs of a variety of drinking water supply options including deep tube wells, desalination plants, and piped systems. The recommended solutions are sequences of investments in water supply assets that are optimized to specified locations within the polder. The method is potentially scalable and transferrable to inform investments to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (Target 6.1) of universal access to safe and affordable drinking water.
Electrical characteristics of amyloid beta peptides in vertical junctions
Authors: Seo Sohyeon , Lee Jinju , Choi Jungsue , Park G. Hwan , Hong Yeseul , Lee Hyoyoung
Published: July 2021

Assembled amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides have been considered pathological assemblies involved in human brain diseases, and the electron transfer or electron transport characteristics of Aβ are important for the formation of structured assemblies. Here, we report the electrical characteristics of surface-assembled Aβ peptides similar to those observed in Alzheimer’s patients. These characteristics correlate to their electron transfer characteristics. Electrical current–voltage plots of Aβ vertical junction devices show the Aβ sequence dependence of the current densities at both Aβ monomers (mono-Aβs) and Aβ oligomers (oli-Aβs), while Aβ sequence dependence is not clearly observed in the electrical characteristics of Aβ planar field effect transistors (FETs). In particular, surface oligomerization of Aβ peptides drastically decreases the activity of electron transfer, which presents a change in the electron transport pathway in the Aβ vertical junctions. Electron transport at oli-Aβ junctions is symmetric (tunneling/tunneling) due to the weak and voltage-independent coupling of the less redox-reactive oli-Aβ to the contacts, while that at mono-Aβ junctions is asymmetric (hopping/tunneling) due to redox levels of mono-Aβ voltage-dependently coupled with contact electrodes. Consequently, through vertical junctions, the sequence- and conformation-dependent electrical characteristics of Aβs can reveal their electron transfer activities.
Tetrasubstituted imidazoles as incognito Toll-like receptor 8 a(nta)gonists
Authors: Yang Yi , Csakai Adam , Jiang Shuangshuang , Smith Christina , Tanji Hiromi , Huang Jian , Jones Torey , Sakaniwa Kentaro , Broadwell Lindsey , Shi Chengrui , Soti Subada , Ohto Umeharu , Fang Yaohui , Shen Shu , Deng Fei , Shimizu Toshiyuki , Yin Hang
Published: July 2021

Small-molecule modulators of TLR8 have drawn much interests as it plays pivotal roles in the innate immune response to single-stranded RNAs (ssRNAs) derived from viruses. However, their clinical uses are limited because they can invoke an uncontrolled, global inflammatory response. The efforts described herein culminate in the fortuitous discovery of a tetrasubstituted imidazole CU-CPD107 which inhibits R848-induced TLR8 signaling. In stark contrast, CU-CPD107 shows unexpected synergistic agonist activities in the presence of ssRNA, while CU-CPD107 alone is unable to influence TLR8 signaling. CU-CPD107’s unique, dichotomous behavior sheds light on a way to approach TLR agonists. CU-CPD107 offers the opportunity to avoid the undesired, global inflammation side effects that have rendered imidazoquinolines clinically irrelevant, providing an insight for the development of antiviral drugs.
Understanding potential-dependent competition between electrocatalytic dinitrogen and proton reduction reactions
Authors: Choi Changhyeok , Gu Geun Ho , Noh Juhwan , Park Hyun S. , Jung Yousung
Published: July 2021

A key challenge to realizing practical electrochemical N2 reduction reaction (NRR) is the decrease in the NRR activity before reaching the mass-transfer limit as overpotential increases. While the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has been suggested to be responsible for this phenomenon, the mechanistic origin has not been clearly explained. Herein, we investigate the potential-dependent competition between NRR and HER using the constant electrode potential model and microkinetic modeling. We find that the H coverage and N2 coverage crossover leads to the premature decrease of NRR activity. The coverage crossover originates from the larger charge transfer in H+ adsorption than N2 adsorption. The larger charge transfer in H+ adsorption, which potentially leads to the coverage crossover, is a general phenomenon seen in various heterogeneous catalysts, posing a fundamental challenge to realize practical electrochemical NRR. We suggest several strategies to overcome the challenge based on the present understandings.
Towards omics-based predictions of planktonic functional composition from environmental data
Authors: Faure Emile , Ayata Sakina-Dorothée , Bittner Lucie
Published: July 2021

Marine microbes play a crucial role in climate regulation, biogeochemical cycles, and trophic networks. Unprecedented amounts of data on planktonic communities were recently collected, sparking a need for innovative data-driven methodologies to quantify and predict their ecosystemic functions. We reanalyze 885 marine metagenome-assembled genomes through a network-based approach and detect 233,756 protein functional clusters, from which 15% are functionally unannotated. We investigate all clusters’ distributions across the global ocean through machine learning, identifying biogeographical provinces as the best predictors of protein functional clusters’ abundance. The abundances of 14,585 clusters are predictable from the environmental context, including 1347 functionally unannotated clusters. We analyze the biogeography of these 14,585 clusters, identifying the Mediterranean Sea as an outlier in terms of protein functional clusters composition. Applicable to any set of sequences, our approach constitutes a step towards quantitative predictions of functional composition from the environmental context.
Pore-size engineered nanoporous silica for efficient adsorption cooling and desalination cycle
Authors: Mohammed Ramy H. , Rashad Emanne , Huo Ruiqing , Su Ming , Chow Louis C.
Published: July 2021

Adsorption cooling and desalination (ACD) system powered by renewable energy has been considered as a promising solution to solve interconnected global problems such as freshwater scarcity, high-cost air conditioning, CO2 emission, and global warming. In this work, a new nanoporous silica was synthesized through a self-assembly process using a combination of ionic and non-ionic surfactants. The silica has shown unique pore structures, including high surface area and large pore volume, as well as ideal pore size distribution. The new silica was deposited (coated) over the ligaments of aluminum foam for use as a sorption bed. An uncoated aluminum foam packed with conventional silica RD (regular density) particles serves as a baseline sorption bed. The freshwater production rate and cooling power produced using the two sorbents were compared. Silica RD outperforms the new silica for cooling while the new silica is far better for desalination application. Insights for such results are provided.