bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Improved Method of Automated Nonparametric Content Analysis for Social Science
Authors: Jerzak Connor T. , King Gary , Strezhnev Anton
Published: January 2022

Some scholars build models to classify documents into chosen categories. Others, especially social scientists who tend to focus on population characteristics, instead usually estimate the proportion of documents in each category—using either parametric “classify-and-count” methods or “direct” nonparametric estimation of proportions without individual classification. Unfortunately, classify-and-count methods can be highly model-dependent or generate more bias in the proportions even as the percent of documents correctly classified increases. Direct estimation avoids these problems, but can suffer when the meaning of language changes between training and test sets or is too similar across categories. We develop an improved direct estimation approach without these issues by including and optimizing continuous text features, along with a form of matching adapted from the causal inference literature. Our approach substantially improves performance in a diverse collection of 73 datasets. We also offer easy-to-use software that implements all ideas discussed herein.
Daily consumption of wild olive (acebuche) oil reduces blood pressure and ameliorates endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodelling in rats with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester-induced hypertension
Authors: Reyes-Goya Claudia , Santana-Garrido Álvaro , Aguilar-Espejo Gema , Pérez-Camino M. Carmen , Mate Alfonso , Vázquez Carmen M.
Published: January 2022

Despite numerous reports on the beneficial effects of olive oil in the cardiovascular context, very little is known about the olive tree’s wild counterpart (Olea europaea, L. var. sylvestris), commonly known as acebuche (ACE) in Spain. The aim of this study was to analyse the possible beneficial effects of an extra virgin ACE oil on vascular function in a rodent model of arterial hypertension (AH) induced by NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Four experimental groups of male Wistar rats were studied: (1) normotensive rats (Control group); (2) normotensive rats fed a commercial diet supplemented with 15 % (w/w) ACE oil (Acebuche group); (3) rats made hypertensive following administration of L-NAME (L-NAME group); and (4) rats treated with L-NAME and simultaneously supplemented with 15 % ACE oil (LN + ACE group). All treatments were maintained for 12 weeks. Besides a significant blood pressure (BP)-lowering effect, the ACE oil-enriched diet counteracted the alterations found in aortas from hypertensive rats in terms of morphology and responsiveness to vasoactive mediators. In addition, a decrease in hypertension-related fibrotic and oxidative stress processes was observed in L-NAME-treated rats subjected to ACE oil supplement. Therefore, using a model of AH via nitric oxide depletion, here we demonstrate the beneficial effects of a wild olive oil based upon its vasodilator, antihypertensive, antioxidant, antihypertrophic and antifibrotic properties. We postulate that regular inclusion of ACE oil in the diet can alleviate the vascular remodelling and endothelial dysfunction processes typically found in AH, thus resulting in a significant reduction of BP.
A sandwich in thin lie algebras
Authors: Mattarei Sandro
Published: January 2022

A thin Lie algebra is a Lie algebra $L$, graded over the positive integers, with its first homogeneous component $L_1$ of dimension two and generating $L$, and such that each non-zero ideal of $L$ lies between consecutive terms of its lower central series. All homogeneous components of a thin Lie algebra have dimension one or two, and the two-dimensional components are called diamonds. Suppose the second diamond of $L$ (that is, the next diamond past $L_1$) occurs in degree $k$. We prove that if $k>5$, then $[Lyy]=0$ for some non-zero element $y$ of $L_1$. In characteristic different from two this means $y$ is a sandwich element of $L$. We discuss the relevance of this fact in connection with an important theorem of Premet on sandwich elements in modular Lie algebras.
Effect of P fertilizer and precipitation on wheat under permanent beds in the absence of N fertilizer application
Authors: Limon-Ortega A. , Baez-Perez A.
Published: January 2022

Environmental conditions contribute to a large percentage of wheat yield variability. This phenomenon is particularly true in rainfed environments and non-responsive soils to N. However, the effect of P application on wheat is unknown in the absence of N fertilizer application. This study was conducted from 2012 to 2019 in permanent beds established in 2005. Treatments were arranged in a split-plot design and consisted of superimposing three P treatments (foliar, banded and broadcast application) plus a check (0P) within each one of four preceding N treatments (applied from 2005 to 2009). Foliar P generally showed a greater response than granular P treatments even though the soil tests high P (>30 mg/kg). Precipitation estimated for two different growth intervals explained through regression procedures the Years' effect. Seasonal precipitation (224–407 mm) explained variation of relative yield, N harvest index (NHI) and P agronomic efficiency (AE). Reproductive stage precipitation (48–210 mm) explained soil N supply. In dry years, foliar P application improved predicted relative yield 14% and AE 155 kg grain/kg P compared to granular P treatments. Similarly, soil N supply increased 15 kg/ha in dry moisture conditions during the reproductive stage. The NHI consistently improved over the crop seasons. This improvement was relatively larger for 0 kg N/ha. On average, NHI increased from about 0.57 to 0.72%. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) readings at the booting growth stage were negatively associated with NHI. Foliar P in this non-responsive soil to N showed the potential to replace granular P sources. However, the omission of granular P needs to be further studied to estimate the long-term effect on the soil P test.
Temporary obturator using high-density polyurethane foam following maxillectomy during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Aparna G , Alexander A , Sivaraman G , Kalaiarasi R
Published: January 2022

Background

Rhino-orbital mucormycosis was seen in epidemic proportions during the second wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Many of these post-coronavirus rhino-orbital mucormycosis patients underwent maxillectomy for disease clearance. Rehabilitating such a large number of patients with surgical obturators as an emergency in a low-income setting was challenging.

Methods

High-density polyurethane foam was used to make a temporary obturator for patients who underwent maxillectomy. These obturators helped alleviate functional problems like dysphagia and nasal regurgitation, improving nutritional outcomes and shortening the hospital stay.

Conclusion

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic gave physicians time-sensitive challenges, for which immediate alternatives to established care were required. A maxillary obturator made of high-density polyurethane foam is an innovative solution to rehabilitate maxillectomy patients in the immediate post-operative period.
Superior semicircular canal dehiscence repair with small middle fossa craniotomy using an oto-microscopic and co-endoscopic assisted approach
Authors: Tugrul S , Yenigun A , Kulaksiz Y , Dogan R , Aksoy F , Ozturan O
Published: January 2022

Objective

Superior semicircular canal dehiscence is an uncommon neurotological disorder in which the petrous temporal bone overlying the superior semicircular canal lacks bone. Its most common symptoms include amplification of internal sounds, autophony, tinnitus, sound- and pressure-induced vertigo, hyperacusis, oscillopsia, and hearing loss. This video presentation aimed to demonstrate endoscopic-assisted repair of superior semicircular canal dehiscence with middle fossa craniotomy.

Method

Eleven patients with superior semicircular canal dehiscence, verified with temporal computed tomography, were enrolled in the study.

Result

An endoscopy-assisted middle fossa approach was applied to all patients. Superior semicircular canal dehiscence was successfully repaired with an endoscope in 11 patients.

Conclusion

Endoscopic-assisted repair of superior semicircular canal dehiscence may be a superior approach compared with binocular operative microscopy.
Clinical analysis of acute peripheral facial palsy in older adults
Authors: Jeong D Y , Kim H , Cho S I
Published: January 2022

Objective

Acute facial palsy is a consequence of various diseases, with the number of patients increasing with advancing age. This study aimed to analyse the clinical characteristics of acute peripheral facial palsy in older adults.

Methods

A total of 30 patients with a mean age of 68.4 ± 9.1 years were included in the study. All patients received a standardised investigation and follow up. The hospital charts of the patients with acute facial palsy were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

The predominant causes of acute facial palsy in older adults were: Bell's palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, trauma, otitis media and malignancy. At baseline, complete and incomplete facial palsies were seen in 26.7 per cent and 73.3 per cent of patients, respectively. The overall rates of good recovery, partial recovery and no recovery were 66.7 per cent, 10 per cent and 23.3 per cent, respectively. Increased age led to a significantly lower level of recovery in older adults.

Conclusion

Bell's palsy and Ramsay Hunt syndrome were the most common aetiologies of acute facial palsy in older adults, and such patients are likely to have incomplete recovery. Active early treatment is necessary for achieving good outcomes in older adults.
Molecular signalling involved in upper airway remodelling is enhanced in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Lin C-C , Wang Y-P , Chiu C-H , Sun Y-K , Lin M-W , Tzeng I-S
Published: January 2022

Objective

This study aimed to elucidate whether molecular signalling involved in upper airway remodelling is enhanced in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.

Method

Twenty patients with mild obstructive sleep apnoea (control group) and 40 patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea (obstructive sleep apnoea group) who desired uvulopalatopharyngoplasty were recruited for the study. After uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, surgical specimens of the uvula were subjected to haematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome and immunohistochemical staining. Western blot and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate the protein and messenger RNA expressions.

Results

The obstructive sleep apnoea group showed more severe inflammation, increased collagen deposition and higher immunohistochemical staining intensity for TGF-ß and MMP-9 as well as higher protein and messenger RNA expression of MMP-9, VEGF, TGF-ß, p38 MAPK, SMAD 2/3, AKT and JNK in the uvula than control group.

Conclusion

Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea demonstrated more severe inflammation, increased airway remodelling, and increased protein and messenger RNA expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines in the uvula than control participants.
Prevalence of chronic maxillary atelectasis: a radiological study
Authors: Sivrice M E , Yasan H , Okur N , Okur E , Buyukcelik B , Kumbul Y C
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Chronic maxillary atelectasis is an infrequent entity and data on its prevalence are lacking. This study investigated the prevalence of chronic maxillary atelectasis and aimed to determine the bilaterality of this entity.

Methods

The data for 5835 patients who underwent paranasal sinus computed tomography from 2016 to 2020 were retrospectively analysed.

Results

Fifty-four patients were diagnosed with chronic maxillary atelectasis; its prevalence was 0.92 per cent. The mean age of these 54 patients was 42.98 ± 18.89 years (range, 18–85 years); 17 of the patients were female and 37 were male. Chronic maxillary atelectasis was unilateral in 42 patients and bilateral in 12 patients (22.2 per cent). Eight patients were found to have enophthalmos with apparent facial asymmetry.

Conclusion

The prevalence of bilateral chronic maxillary atelectasis may be higher than previously reported and bilaterality may increase as the number of diagnosed cases increases. A unified classification is also proposed, which describes the silent sinus syndrome as chronic maxillary atelectasis IIIS.
Vowel allophony in Ness Gaelic: Phonetic and phonological patterns of laxing and retraction
Authors: Morrison Donald Alasdair
Published: January 2022

The vowel system of the dialect of Scottish Gaelic spoken in Ness, Lewis differs from that of other dialects in several important ways. In particular, several vowels display patterns of allophony that have not been investigated instrumentally and, in some cases, have not been reported before for Scottish Gaelic. This paper documents the Ness system in detail, focusing in particular on the tense–lax opposition in /i e/ and retraction of /a(ː)/ next to velarised consonants. The results of a traditional linguistic fieldwork study are presented first, followed by a detailed acoustic study of nine speakers. The acoustic reality of these allophonic patterns, reflected in F1 and F2 values, is verified statistically using LME modelling. Bimodality in the distribution of tokens in acoustic space, confirmed statistically with Hartigan’s Dip Test, is taken as evidence for the existence of discrete phonological categories (Bermúdez-Otero & Trousdale 2011). It is found that speakers vary as to whether these allophonic oppositions are restricted to the phonetic grammar, or have undergone stabilisation and advanced into the categorical phonology (Bermúdez-Otero 2007, 2015). It is observed that laxing of /i e/ in Ness Gaelic occurs in exactly those contexts where there is a direct transition between the vowel and a following supra-glottal consonant. It is therefore proposed that this tense–lax opposition is grounded in conflicting strategies of contrast enhancement, whereby laxing increases the perceptual distinctiveness of a following consonant by allowing for more distinctive formant transitions, at the expense of the distinctiveness of the vowel itself (Storme 2019).
Dynamic path planning over CG-Space of 10DOF Rover with static and randomly moving obstacles using RRT* rewiring
Authors: Katiyar Shubhi , Dutta Ashish
Published: January 2022

Dynamic path planning is a core research content for intelligent robots. This paper presents a CG-Space-based dynamic path planning and obstacle avoidance algorithm for 10 DOF wheeled mobile robot (Rover) traversing over 3D uneven terrains. CG-Space is the locus of the center of gravity location of Rover while moving on a 3D terrain. A CG-Space-based modified RRT* samples a random space tree structure. Dynamic rewiring this tree can handle the randomly moving obstacles and target in real time. Simulations demonstrate that the Rover can obtain the target location in 3D uneven dynamic environments with fixed and randomly moving obstacles.
Use of a non-probabilistic online panel as a control group for case–control studies to investigate food and waterborne outbreaks in Lower Saxony, Germany
Authors: Perriat Delphine , Mertens Elke , Dreesman Johannes
Published: January 2022

Established methods of recruiting population controls for case–control studies in infectious disease outbreak investigations are resource- and time-intensive, and are often subject to bias. The online panel have recently gained interest as an easy and timely method to select controls. We examined the feasibility, suitability and reliability of using an online panel to select controls for case–control studies as part of investigations of diffuse food and waterborne outbreaks. In January 2019, we deployed a web survey by email to the 277 members of a non-probabilistic online panel in Lower Saxony, Germany. We questioned them on basic sociodemographic characteristics and eating habits. They were frequency matched to cases on sex and age. Their food exposures were compared to those of traditionally recruited controls of four historical case–controls studies, which successfully investigated food and waterborne outbreaks. We used logistic regressions to assess the association between the food exposures and the disease (odds ratios). The use of a control panel successfully led to the identification of the food items in three of the four historical outbreak investigations, and their recruitment benefitted from increased speed and limited costs. Timely outbreak investigations would enable rapidly implementing control measures. We recommend the further evaluation of using panellists as controls in parallel case–control studies and case–panel studies.
A categorical view of varieties of ordered algebras
Authors: Adámek J. , Dostál M. , Velebil J.
Published: January 2022

It is well known that classical varieties of
$\Sigma$
-algebras correspond bijectively to finitary monads on
$\mathsf{Set}$
. We present an analogous result for varieties of ordered
$\Sigma$
-algebras, that is, categories of algebras presented by inequations between
$\Sigma$
-terms. We prove that they correspond bijectively to strongly finitary monads on
$\mathsf{Pos}$
. That is, those finitary monads which preserve reflexive coinserters. We deduce that strongly finitary monads have a coinserter presentation, analogous to the coequalizer presentation of finitary monads due to Kelly and Power. We also show that these monads are liftings of finitary monads on
$\mathsf{Set}$
. Finally, varieties presented by equations are proved to correspond to extensions of finitary monads on
$\mathsf{Set}$
to strongly finitary monads on
$\mathsf{Pos}$
.
Sequential bilingual heritage children's L1 attrition in lexical retrieval: Age of acquisition versus language experience
Authors: Kim Kitaek , Kim Hyunwoo
Published: January 2022

This study investigated the unresolved issue of potential sources of heritage language attrition. To test contributing effects of three learner variables – age of second language acquisition, length of residence, and language input – on heritage children's lexical retrieval accuracy and speed, we conducted a real-time word naming task with 68 children (age 11–14 years) living in South Korea who spoke either Chinese or Russian as a heritage language. Results of regression analyses showed that the participants were less accurate and slower in naming target words in their heritage language as their length of residence in Korea and the amount of Korean input increased. The age of Korean acquisition did not significantly influence their performance. These findings support the claim that heritage speakers’ language experience is a more reliable predictor of first language attrition than age of acquisition. We discuss these findings in light of different approaches to explaining language attrition.
In VivoConfocal Microscopy of the Corneal Sub-Basal Nerve plexus in Medically Controlled Glaucoma
Authors: Agnifili Luca , Brescia Lorenza , Villani Edoardo , D'Onofrio Giada , Figus Michele , Oddone Francesco , Nucci Paolo , Mastropasqua Rodolfo
Published: January 2022

The present study investigated the corneal sub-basal nerve plexus (SNP) modifications in glaucoma. Ninety-five glaucomatous patients were enrolled and divided into Group 1 and 2, preserved and preservative-free mono-therapy (30 and 28 patients), and Group 3, multi-therapy (37). Thirty patients with dry eye disease (DED) and 32 healthy subjects (HC) served as controls.In vivoconfocal microscopy evaluated the nerve fibers density (CNFD), length (CNFL), thickness (CNFT), branching density (CNBD), and dendritic cell density (DCD). CNFD, CNFL, and CNBD were reduced in Group 3 and DED compared to HC (p< 0.05). CNFL was reduced in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p< 0.05), and in Group 1 compared to HC (p< 0.001). CNFD, CNBD, and CNFT did not differ between glaucomatous groups. DCD was higher in Group 3 and DED compared to HC and Group 2 (p< 0.01). Group 3 showed worse ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores compared to Group 1, 2, and HC (p< 0.05). CNFL and DCD correlated with OSDI score in Group 3 (r= −0.658,p< 0.001;r= 0.699,p= 0.002). Medical therapy for glaucoma harms the corneal nerves, especially in multi-therapy regimens. Given the relations with the OSDI score, SNP changes seem features of glaucoma therapy-related OSD and negatively affects the patient's quality of life.
Genome-wide development of lncRNA-derived-SSR markers for Dongxiang wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.)
Authors: Yang Wanling , Fan Yuanwei , Chen Yong , Ding Gumu , Liu Hu , Xie Jiankun , Zhang Fantao
Published: January 2022

Dongxiang wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.) (DXWR) is the northernmost distributed wild rice found in the world. Similar to other populations of O. rufipogon, DXWR contains a large number of agronomically valuable genes, which makes it a natural gene pool for rice breeding. Molecular markers, especially simple repeat sequence (SSR) markers, play important roles in plant breeding. Although a large number of SSR markers have been developed, most of them are derived from the genome coding sequences, rarely from non-coding sequences. Meanwhile, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are derived from the transcription of non-coding sequences, play vital roles in plant growth, development and stress responses. In our previous study, we obtained 1655 lncRNA transcripts from DXWR using strand-specific RNA sequencing. In this study, 1878 SSR loci were detected from the lncRNA sequences of DXWR, and 1258 lncRNA-derived-SSR markers were developed on the genome-wide scale. To verify the validity and applicability of these markers, 72 pairs of primers were randomly selected to test 44 rice accessions. The results showed that 42 (58.33%) pairs of primers have abundant polymorphism among these rice materials; the polymorphism information content values ranged from 0.04 to 0.87 with an average of 0.50; the genetic diversity index of SSR loci varied from 0.04 to 0.88 with an average of 0.56; and the number of alleles per marker ranged from 2 to 11 with an average of 4.36. Thus, we concluded that these lncRNA-derived-SSR markers are a very useful source for future basic and applied research.
Do Identity Frames Impact Support for Multiracial Candidates? The Case of Kamala Harris
Authors: Clayton Katherine , Crabtree Charles , Horiuchi Yusaku
Published: January 2022

The number of multiracial candidates seeking office is growing in an increasingly diverse America. This raises questions about how the media frame candidates with potentially complex racial backgrounds and how voters respond to these frames. We investigate the impact of media frames that emphasize race and gender attributes using survey experiments on Kamala Harris—the first Black woman and first Asian woman vice president. Our findings are mixed. In a survey experiment conducted after her nomination, headlines emphasizing different elements of Harris’s race or gender had no impact on public attitudes. In an experiment conducted after Harris was inaugurated, however, headlines that cued her gender only or both her gender and her Black racial background boosted popular support. Taken together, these findings suggest that some types of identity-based cues may matter, but the effects are sensitive to experimental settings and contexts.
Response of the Low‐Level Jet to Precession and Its Implications for Proxies of the Indian Monsoon
Authors: Jalihal Chetankumar , Srinivasan Jayaraman , Chakraborty Arindam
Published: January 2022

The long‐term variations in the South Asian monsoon have been inferred based on the variations in the ocean productivity along the western coast of the Arabian Sea. The variations in ocean productivity were previously thought to be primarily influenced by the intensity of upwelling. Here, using idealized precession experiments in fully coupled climate models, we have shown that the area as well as the region of maximum upwelling change with precession. When summer occurs at perihelion (stronger summer insolation and monsoon precipitation), the area of upwelling is narrow. In contrast, during summer at aphelion (weaker summer insolation and monsoon precipitation), upwelling occurs over a broader region. This is due to the effect of convective heating over northeastern Africa and the western equatorial Indian Ocean on the width and meridional location of the low‐level jet. Therefore, the upwelling inferred from proxies does not necessarily indicate the Indian summer monsoon strength.
The 2021 Mw 7.4 Madoi Earthquake: An Archetype Bilateral Slip‐Pulse Rupture Arrested at a Splay Fault
Authors: Chen Kejie , Avouac Jean‐Philippe , Geng Jianghui , Liang Cunren , Zhang Zhenguo , Li Zhicai , Zhang Shengpeng
Published: January 2022

We combine measurements of ground deformation from Synthetic Aperture Radar images, high‐rate Global Navigation Satellite System and tele‐seismic waveforms to study the rupture kinematics of the Madoi Earthquake, which occurred in eastern Tibet on 21 May 2021 and reached a moment magnitude Mw 7.4. The data show nearly pure left‐lateral motion along a 170 km long rupture and a total duration of 36 s. The earthquake initiated near the middle of the main segment and evolved in a bilateral slip pulse rupture which propagated at a sub‐Rayleigh speed of 2.6–2.8 km/s. In our model, slip is concentrated at depth of less than ∼15 km and reaches a maximum of 4.2 m. The rupture arrested ∼10 s after branching on the extensional splay faults at both extremities. The branching onto the splay faults and the eventual arrest of the rupture is used to provide constraints on the fault frictional properties.
Historical Rankings and Vortices’ Activities of the Extreme Mei‐yu Seasons: Contrast 2020 to Previous Mei‐yu Seasons
Authors: Fu Shen‐Ming , Tang Huan , Sun Jian‐Hua , Zhao Tian‐Bao , Li Wan‐Li
Published: January 2022

The Mei‐yu season (MYS) is one of the most important components of the East Asian rainy season. As the MYS rainfall is significantly uneven, determining its notable features is crucial to understanding/predicting the MYS precipitation. This study provided the first report on the historical rankings of the accumulated precipitation within different regions during extreme MYSs. It was shown that, in the extreme 2020 MYS, the area‐averaged precipitation within/around the Sichuan Basin ranked first during a 70‐year period. For the first time, quantitative contributions of mesoscale vortices to the total precipitation of extreme MYSs were shown. It was found that, during the 2020 MYS, vortices accounted for up to 50% of the MYS’s duration within/around Sichuan Basin, and induced up to 90% of the total precipitation there. The abnormally active vortices in the 2020 MYS were the direct reason for the highest precipitation in the past 70 years within/around the Sichuan Basin.
On the Association of the Summertime Shortwave Cloud Radiative Effect in Northern Russia With Atmospheric Circulation and Climate Over East Asia
Authors: Liu Le , Wu Bingyi , Ding Shuoyi
Published: January 2022

This study employs ERA5 reanalysis and CERES/EBAF Ed4.1 data to evaluate the dominant features of summer shortwave cloud radiative effect (SWCRE) variability and associated atmospheric circulation anomalies. Our findings suggest that the greatest variability in summer SWCRE occurs over the Barents, Kara, and Laptev seas and northern Eurasia. We also observe a close relationship between summertime SWCRE, particularly in northern Russia, and atmospheric circulation variability over East Asia. Significant positive SWCRE anomalies over northern Russia favor the generation of the Ural blocking, and dynamically trigger the emergence of positive Eurasian (EU) pattern, resulting in positive (negative) precipitation anomalies in northern (southeastern) China and persistent East Asian heatwaves between 20°N and 40°N. In contrast to previous work, which has focused mainly on local atmospheric responses to SWCRE, this study provides a broader perspective, thereby helping bridge summertime circulation between high latitudes and East Asia.
Are Creep Events Big? Estimations of Along‐Strike Rupture Lengths
Authors: Gittins Daniel B. , Hawthorne Jessica C.
Published: January 2022

Segments of many faults are observed to slip aseismically at the surface. On the central segment of the San Andreas Fault, aseismic slip accumulates largely in creep events: few mm bursts of slip which occur every few weeks to months. But even though we have observed creep events worldwide since the 1960s, we still do not know how big most events are or which forces drive them. To address this uncertainty, we systematically identify creep events along the central San Andreas Fault and determine their along‐strike rupture extents. We first use cross‐correlation and visual inspection to identify events at individual creepmeters. With data from 18 USGS creepmeters, we identify 2120 records of creep events between 1985 and 2020. We then search for slip that is closely timed across multiple creepmeters. We identify 306 instances of closely timed slip, which could indicate 306 creep events that rupture multiple creepmeter locations. Through visual inspection and statistical analysis of timing, we identify a variety of creep event types, including single‐creepmeter events, small (<2 km) events, medium‐sized (3–6 km) events, large (>10 km) events, and events that rupture multiple fault strands. The existence of many large (few‐km) events suggests that creep events are not produced by small, rainfall‐associated perturbations; they are more likely driven by complex or heterogeneous frictional weakening and they may provide a window into the dynamics of a larger scale slip on the San Andreas Fault.
The Rise, Peak and Decline of the Seismic Hazard Related to Hydraulic Fracturing Activities in the Duvernay Play, Fox Creek Area, Alberta
Authors: Reyes Canales Mauricio , Rodriguez‐Pradilla German , Yusifbayov Javad , van der Baan Mirko
Published: January 2022

We analyze the temporal evolution of the induced seismicity related to hydraulic fracturing activities in the Duvernay Formation, near Fox Creek, Alberta, Canada. For this analysis, we estimate annual Gutenberg‐Richter parameters, ‐ and ‐ values, and then calculate the annual likelihood of earthquakes greater than magnitude from 2014 to 2020. The seismic hazard near Fox Creek has consistently decreased since 2015, from a 95% probability of an earthquake greater than magnitude in 2015 to 4% in 2019 and less than 1% probability in 2020. The induced seismicity in Fox Creek is characterized by two actively seismic regions with distinctive features: (a) an Eastern region (∼220 events ) with lower b‐values and higher hazard; (b) a Western region (∼210 events ) with higher b‐values and lower seismic hazard. In contrast, extensive regions where hydraulic fracturing is performed, particularly East of the seismic cluster, remain non‐seismogenic. The overall decreasing seismic hazard, which contrasts with increasing operator activity, can be associated with (a) the intensification of hydraulic fracturing operations toward areas less susceptible to induced seismicity and (b) the reduction of seismic activity in the Eastern region, which exhibits the highest seismic hazard. We also find evidence of a minimum annual injection volume required to trigger induced seismicity in both the Western and Eastern regions. The minimum injection threshold increases over the years, implying increasingly successful mitigation strategies, likely due to regulatory implementations in the area, which has led the operators to exercise precaution in regions with significant seismic hazard and adapt treatment strategies to avoid triggering moderate magnitude size events during hydraulic fracturing stimulations.
The Compensatory CO2 Fertilization and Stomatal Closure Effects on Runoff Projection From 2016–2099 in the Western United States
Authors: Zhang Xue‐Yan , Jin Jiming , Zeng Xubin , Hawkins Charles P. , Neto Antônio A. M. , Niu Guo‐Yue
Published: January 2022

Water availability in the dry western United States (US) under climate change and increasing water use demand has become a serious concern. Previous studies have projected future runoff changes across the western US but ignored the impacts of ecosystem response to elevated CO2 concentration. Here, we aim to understand the impacts of elevated CO2 on future runoff changes through ecosystem responses to both rising CO2 and associated warming using the Noah‐MP model with representations of vegetation dynamics and plant hydraulics. We first validated Noah‐MP against observed runoff, leaf area index (LAI), and terrestrial water storage anomaly from 1980 to 2015. We then projected future runoff with Noah‐MP under downscaled climates from three climate models under Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5. The projected runoff declines variably from the Pacific Northwest by −11% to the Lower Colorado River basin by −92% from 2016 to 2099. To discern the exact causes, we conducted an attribution analysis of the modeled evapotranspiration from two additional sensitivity experiments: one with constant CO2 and another one with static monthly LAI climatology. Results show that surface “greening” (due to the CO2 fertilization effect) and the stomatal closure effect are the second largest contributors to future runoff change, following the warming effect. These two counteracting CO2 effects are roughly compensatory, leaving the warming effect to remain the dominant contributor to the projected runoff declines at large river basin scales. This study suggests that both surface “greening” and stomatal closure effects are important factors and should be considered together in water resource projections.
Mapping Teotihuacan’s Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Basilio Humberto
Published: January 2022

A new lidar project reveals how mining and urban expansion have put one of Mexico’s most iconic cultural heritage sites at risk.
FSAP aggravated endothelial dysfunction and neurological deficits in acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion
Authors: Tian Dai-Shi , Qin Chuan , Zhou Luo-Qi , Yang Sheng , Chen Man , Xiao Jun , Shang Ke , Bosco Dale B. , Wu Long-Jun , Wang Wei
Published: January 2022

Revascularization and angiogenesis, as substrates of sustained collateral circulation, play a crucial role in determining the severity and clinical outcome of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). Developing an adjunct biomarker to help identify and monitor collateral status would aid stroke diagnosis and prognosis. To screen the potential biomarkers, proteomic analysis was performed in this study to identify those distinct plasma protein profiles in AIS due to LVO with different collateral status. Interestingly, we found that levels of Plasma Factor VII Activating Protease (FSAP) significantly increased in those AIS patients with poor collaterals, and were correlated with worse neurological outcome. Furtherly, both in vitro and in vivo models of ischemic stroke were used to explore pathological mechanisms of FSAP in endothelial dysfunction. We demonstrated that the FSAP inhibitor, high-molecular-weight hyaluronan (HMW-HA), enhanced the pro-angiogenic vascular factors, improved the integrity of brain blood barrier, and promoted newly formed cerebral microvessels in the ischemic penumbra, consequently improving neurological function. To elucidate the pathways that might contribute to revascularization during LVO, we applied transcriptomic analysis via unbiased RNA sequencing and showed that Wnt signaling was highly involved in FSAP mediated endothelial dysfunction. Notably, inhibition of Wnt5a largely reversed the protective effects from HMW-HA treatment, implying that FSAP might aggravate endothelial dysfunction and neurological deficits by regulating Wnt5a signaling. Therefore, FSAP may represent a potential biomarker for collateral status after LVO and a promising therapeutic target to be explored in the treatment of stroke.
Kindlin-2 inhibits Nlrp3 inflammasome activation in nucleus pulposus to maintain homeostasis of the intervertebral disc
Authors: Chen Sheng , Wu Xiaohao , Lai Yumei , Chen Di , Bai Xiaochun , Liu Sheng , Wu Yongchao , Chen Mingjue , Lai Yuxiao , Cao Huiling , Shao Zengwu , Xiao Guozhi
Published: January 2022

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD) is the main cause of low back pain with major social and economic burdens; however, its underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly defined. Here we show that the focal adhesion protein Kindlin-2 is highly expressed in the nucleus pulposus (NP), but not in the anulus fibrosus and the cartilaginous endplates, in the IVD tissues. Expression of Kindlin-2 is drastically decreased in NP cells in aged mice and severe IVDD patients. Inducible deletion of Kindlin-2 in NP cells in adult mice causes spontaneous and striking IVDD-like phenotypes in lumbar IVDs and largely accelerates progression of coccygeal IVDD in the presence of abnormal mechanical stress. Kindlin-2 loss activates Nlrp3 inflammasome and stimulates expression of IL-1β in NP cells, which in turn downregulates Kindlin-2. This vicious cycle promotes extracellular matrix (ECM) catabolism and NP cell apoptosis. Furthermore, abnormal mechanical stress reduces expression of Kindlin-2, which exacerbates Nlrp3 inflammasome activation, cell apoptosis, and ECM catabolism in NP cells caused by Kindlin-2 deficiency. In vivo blocking Nlrp3 inflammasome activation prevents IVDD progression induced by Kindlin-2 loss and abnormal mechanical stress. Of translational significance, adeno-associated virus-mediated overexpression of Kindlin-2 inhibits ECM catabolism and cell apoptosis in primary human NP cells in vitro and alleviates coccygeal IVDD progression caused by mechanical stress in rat. Collectively, we establish critical roles of Kindlin-2 in inhibiting Nlrp3 inflammasome activation and maintaining integrity of the IVD homeostasis and define a novel target for the prevention and treatment of IVDD.
Metformin protects lens epithelial cells against senescence in a naturally aged mouse model
Authors: Chen Mengmeng , Fu Yushan , Wang Xu , Wu Ruitong , Su Dongmei , Zhou Nan , Qi Yanhua
Published: January 2022

The senescence of lens epithelial cells (LECs) is a major factor leading to age-related cataract (ARC). ARC results in visual impairment and severe vision loss in elderly patients. However, the specific mechanism of ARC remains unclear, and there are no effective therapeutic agents to halt the formation of ARC. This study aimed to assess the underlying mechanism of the formation of ARC and investigate the potential anti-ageing effect of metformin (MET) on ARC. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups: the control group having young mice (3 months old, n = 40), the naturally aged group (aged 20 months, n = 60) and the MET group (MET, 20 months, n = 60). Mice in the control and the naturally aged groups were fed a standard purified mouse diet ad libitum and water, whereas those in the MET group were fed chows supplemented with 0.1% MET for 10 months. The transparency of the lens and age-associated proteins p21 and p53 were analysed in the LECs of these three groups. Furthermore, we determined the expressions of the adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway and the effect of MET on this pathway in LECs during the ageing process of ARC. In addition, the relationship between autophagy and the senescence of LECs and the role of MET in the autophagy of LECs during the ageing process of ARC were examined. Our results indicated that age-related inactivation of the AMPK pathway and impairment of autophagy might contribute to the senescence of LECs and the occurrence of ARC. More importantly, these results demonstrated that MET effectively alleviated the senescence of LECs and the formation of ARC probably via inactivation of the AMPK pathway and augmentation of autophagy. These findings revealed that MET can be exploited as a potentially useful drug for ARC prevention. Our study will help in enlightening the development of innovative strategies for the clinical treatment of ARC.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibits AR expression via the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 pathway in luminal androgen receptor triple-negative breast cancer and prostate cancer
Authors: Li Xiaoli , Zhou Duanfang , Cai Yongqing , Yu Xiaoping , Zheng Xiangru , Chen Bo , Li Wenjun , Zeng Hongfang , Hassan Moustapha , Zhao Ying , Zhou Weiying
Published: January 2022

Androgen receptor (AR) is an important prognostic marker and therapeutic target in luminal androgen receptor triple-negative breast cancer (LAR TNBC) and prostate cancer (PCa). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress may activate the unfolded protein response (UPR) to regulate associated protein expression and is closely related to tumor growth and drug resistance. The effect of ER stress on AR expression and signaling remains unclear. Here, we focused on the regulation and underlying mechanism of AR expression induced by ER stress in LAR TNBC and PCa. Western blotting and quantitative RT-PCR results showed that AR expression was markedly decreased under ER stress induced by thapsigargin and brefeldin A, and this effect was dependent on PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 signaling activation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-PCR and luciferase reporter gene analysis results showed that ATF4 bound to the AR promoter regions to inhibit its activity. Moreover, ATF4 overexpression inhibited tumor proliferation and AR expression both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, these results demonstrated that ER stress could decrease AR mRNA and protein levels via PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 signaling in LAR TNBC and PCa. Targeting the UPR may be a treatment strategy for AR-dependent TNBC and PCa.
Functional connectivity in Parkinson’s disease candidates for deep brain stimulation
Authors: Albano Luigi , Agosta Federica , Basaia Silvia , Cividini Camilla , Stojkovic Tanja , Sarasso Elisabetta , Stankovic Iva , Tomic Aleksandra , Markovic Vladana , Stefanova Elka , Mortini Pietro , Kostic Vladimir S. , Filippi Massimo
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to identify functional neuroimaging patterns anticipating the clinical indication for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). A cohort of prospectively recruited patients with PD underwent neurological evaluations and resting-state functional MRI (RS-fMRI) at baseline and annually for 4 years. Patients were divided into two groups: 19 patients eligible for DBS over the follow-up and 41 patients who did not meet the criteria to undergo DBS. Patients selected as candidates for DBS did not undergo surgery at this stage. Sixty age- and sex-matched healthy controls performed baseline evaluations. Graph analysis and connectomics assessed global and local topological network properties and regional functional connectivity at baseline and at each time point. At baseline, network analysis showed a higher mean nodal strength, local efficiency, and clustering coefficient of the occipital areas in candidates for DBS over time relative to controls and patients not eligible for DBS. The occipital hyperconnectivity pattern was confirmed by regional analysis. At baseline, a decreased functional connectivity between basal ganglia and sensorimotor/frontal networks was found in candidates for DBS compared to patients not eligible for surgery. In the longitudinal analysis, patient candidate for DBS showed a progressively decreased topological brain organization and functional connectivity, mainly in the posterior brain networks, and a progressively increased connectivity of basal ganglia network compared to non-candidates for DBS. RS-fMRI may support the clinical indication to DBS and could be useful in predicting which patients would be eligible for DBS in the earlier stages of PD.
The ubiquitin-dependent ATPase p97 removes cytotoxic trapped PARP1 from chromatin
Authors: Krastev Dragomir B. , Li Shudong , Sun Yilun , Wicks Andrew J. , Hoslett Gwendoline , Weekes Daniel , Badder Luned M. , Knight Eleanor G. , Marlow Rebecca , Pardo Mercedes Calvo , Yu Lu , Talele Tanaji T. , Bartek Jiri , Choudhary Jyoti S. , Pommier Yves , Pettitt Stephen J. , Tutt Andrew N. J. , Ramadan Kristijan , Lord Christopher J.
Published: January 2022

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors elicit antitumour activity in homologous recombination-defective cancers by trapping PARP1 in a chromatin-bound state. How cells process trapped PARP1 remains unclear. Using wild-type and a trapping-deficient PARP1 mutant combined with rapid immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry of endogenous proteins and Apex2 proximity labelling, we delineated mass spectrometry-based interactomes of trapped and non-trapped PARP1. These analyses identified an interaction between trapped PARP1 and the ubiquitin-regulated p97 ATPase/segregase. We found that following trapping, PARP1 is SUMOylated by PIAS4 and subsequently ubiquitylated by the SUMO-targeted E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF4, events that promote recruitment of p97 and removal of trapped PARP1 from chromatin. Small-molecule p97-complex inhibitors, including a metabolite of the clinically used drug disulfiram (CuET), prolonged PARP1 trapping and enhanced PARP inhibitor-induced cytotoxicity in homologous recombination-defective tumour cells and patient-derived tumour organoids. Together, these results suggest that p97 ATPase plays a key role in the processing of trapped PARP1 and the response of tumour cells to PARP inhibitors.
Proton beam irradiation induces invisible modifications under the surface of painted parchment
Authors: Müller Katharina , Szikszai Zita , Csepregi Ákos , Huszánk Róbert , Kertész Zsófia , Reiche Ina
Published: January 2022

Ion beam analysis plays an important role in cultural heritage (CH) studies as it offers a combination of simultaneous and complementary analytical techniques (PIXE/PIGE/RBS) and spatially resolved mapping functions. Despite being considered non-destructive, the potential risk of beam-induced modifications during analysis is increasingly discussed. This work focuses on the impact of proton beams on parchment, present in our CH in form of unique historical manuscripts. Parchment is one of the organic, protein-based CH materials believed to be the most susceptible to radiation-induced changes. Various modification patterns, observed on parchment cross-sections by optical and electron microscopy are reported: discoloration (yellowing), formation of cavities and denaturation of collagen fibers. Considerable modifications were detected up to 100 µm deep into the sample for beam fluences of 4 µC/cm2 and higher. The presence of ultramarine paint on the parchment surface appears to increase the harmful effects of proton radiation. Based on our results, a maximum radiation dose of 0.5 µC/cm2 can be considered as ‘safe boundary’ for 2.3 MeV PIXE analysis of parchment under the applied conditions.
Modelling imperfect knowledge via location semantics for realistic privacy risks estimation in trajectory data
Authors: Bennati Stefano , Kovacevic Aleksandra
Published: January 2022

Mobility patterns of vehicles and people provide powerful data sources for location-based services such as fleet optimization and traffic flow analysis. Location-based service providers must balance the value they extract from trajectory data with protecting the privacy of the individuals behind those trajectories. Reaching this goal requires measuring accurately the values of utility and privacy. Current measurement approaches assume adversaries with perfect knowledge, thus overestimate the privacy risk. To address this issue, we introduce a model of an adversary with imperfect knowledge about the target. The model is based on equivalence areas, spatio-temporal regions with a semantic meaning, e.g. the target’s home, whose size and accuracy determine the skill of the adversary. We then derive the standard privacy metrics of k-anonymity, l-diversity and t-closeness from the definition of equivalence areas. These metrics can be computed on any dataset, irrespective of whether and what kind of anonymization has been applied to it. This work is of high relevance to all service providers acting as processors of trajectory data who want to manage privacy risks and optimize the privacy vs. utility trade-off of their services.