bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Affective and anxiety disorders in patients with different rare chronic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Uhlenbusch N. , Swaydan J. , Höller A. , Löwe B. , Depping M. K.
Published: September 2021

We aimed to identify the prevalence of affective and anxiety disorders across different rare disease and identify correlates of psychopathology. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. We systematically searched Medline, PSYNDEX, PsycINFO for observational studies examining clinically diagnosed affective and/or anxiety disorders in adults with rare chronic diseases. Two researchers reviewed titles and abstracts independently and, for eligible studies, independently extracted data. The prevalence rates were pooled using a random intercept logistic regression model. We published a review protocol (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?ID=CRD42018106614CRD42018106614). We identified and screened 34 402 records for eligibility and considered 39 studies in the qualitative and 37 studies in the quantitative analysis, including N = 5951 patients with 24 different rare diseases. Heterogeneity between studies was large. Prevalence rates ranged widely between studies, with pooled prevalence estimates of 13.1% (95% CI 9.6–17.7%; I2 = 87%, p < 0.001) for current and 39.3% (95% CI 31.7–47.4%; I2 = 84%, p < 0.001) for lifetime major depressive disorder, 21.2% (95% CI 15.4–28.6%; I2 = 90%, p < 0.001) for current and 46.1% (95% CI 35.8–56.8%; I2 = 90%, p < 0.001) for lifetime affective disorders, and 39.6% (95% CI 25.5–55.6%; I2 = 96%, p < 0.001) for current and 44.2% (95% CI 27.0–62.9%; I2 = 94%, p < 0.001) for lifetime anxiety disorders. Sensitivity analyses excluding studies of low quality revealed nearly the same results. We conducted the first systematic review examining affective and anxiety disorders in adults with different rare diseases and found high prevalence rates. Supporting patients in disease adjustment can be crucial for their overall health and well-being.
Design and motion control of an under-actuated snake arm maintainer
Authors: Qin Guodong , Ji Aihong , Cheng Yong , Zhao Wenlong , Pan Hongtao , Shi Shanshuang , Song Yuntao
Published: September 2021

This study presents an under-actuated snake arm maintainer (SAM) for complex and extreme environments such as nuclear power plants. The structure adopts the layered cable drive principle, whereby a single drive layer drives multiple joints. This design significantly reduces the complexity of the control system while increasing the spatial curvature. The traction of multiple wire ropes with a composite capstan drives the synchronous angular motion of several adjacent joints. By changing the number of joints in the single driver layer of the snake arm, the arm can be adapted to various complex environments. The trajectory planning and trajectory tracking motion control methods of the under-actuated SAM are established based on the improved backbone method and the variable rod length algorithm. Finally, a 10-joint prototype with an arm length of 2300 mm is designed for nuclear reactor maintenance. Trajectory experiments confirmed the rationality of the under-actuated SAM, the correctness of the inverse kinematics, and the effectiveness of the motion control methods.
Extreme hyperthermia-induced arrhythmogenesis
Authors: Kaur Tripat , Sriram Chenni S. , Kohli Utkarsh
Published: September 2021

Hyperthermia is defined as an elevated body temperature above the normal range due to a failure of heat regulatory mechanisms. In addition to its effects on other organ systems, hyperthermia is associated with profound cardiovascular effects. We report the sentinel case of a 6-year-old girl with structurally and electrically normal heart, who presented with life-threatening hyperpyrexia-induced ventricular tachycardia, which was refractory to cardioversion and anti-arrhythmics but responded promptly to cooling. We emphasise the lifesaving role of immediate and aggressive cooling in such patients.
The relevance of left ventricular functions to clinical and metabolic characteristics of prepubertal children with obesity
Authors: Rakha Shaimaa , Salem Nanees , Razek Ahmed Abdel Khalek Abdel , Sobh Donia M. , El-Moslemany Farahat , Elmarsafawy Hala
Published: September 2021

Background:

Paediatric obesity is a worldwide health burden, with growing evidence linking obesity to myocardial function impairments. The study aims to evaluate left ventricular functions among prepubertal obese children to obesity-related clinical and metabolic parameters.

Methods:

Between June 2019 and March 2020, 40 prepubertal children with obesity were recruited and compared to 40 healthy controls. Patients were assessed for body mass index z scores, waist circumference, body adiposity by bioimpedance analysis, and obesity-related laboratory tests, for example, serum chemerin. Left ventricular functions were assessed using variable echocardiographic modalities, such as M-mode, tissue Doppler, and two-dimensional speckle tracking.

Results:

Mean patients’ age was 9.25 ± 1.05 years. Left ventricular mass index, E/E’, and myocardial performance index were significantly increased in obese children than controls. Although M-mode-derived ejection fraction was comparable in both groups, two-dimensional speckle tracking-derived ejection fraction, global longitudinal strain, and global circumferential strain were significantly lower in cases than controls. Left ventricular mass index displayed a positive correlation with body mass index z score (p = 0.003), fat mass index (p = 0.037), and trunk fat mass (p = 0.021). Global longitudinal strain was negatively correlated with body mass index z score (p = 0.015) and fat mass index (p = 0.016). Serum chemerin was positively correlated with myocardial performance index (p = 0.01).

Conclusion:

Alterations of left ventricular myocardial functions in prepubertal obese children could be detected using different echocardiographic modalities. Chemerin, body mass index z score, fat mass index, and trunk fat mass were correlated with subclinical left ventricular myocardial dysfunction parameters before puberty. Our results reinforce early and strict management of childhood obesity upon detection of changes in anthropometric and body adiposity indices.
From the Plant of Life to the Throat of Death: Freakish Flora and Masculine Forms in Fin de Siècle Lost World Novels
Authors: McCausland Elly
Published: September 2021

This article explores the representation of “plant horror” in fin de siècle “lost world” novels, from hideously dynamic carnivorous trees to mysterious plant-based drugs with the power to send their victims into torpid apathy. Such freakish flora can contribute to new understandings of the imperial romance novel, specifically in relation to its depiction of threatened masculinities. Combining modern ecocritical research into plant horror with readings of the imperial gothic, this article sheds new light on both fields by challenging the common assumption that both genres often associate the uncanny with moments of accelerated violence. Rather, I argue that these texts are instead most interested in questions of lassitude and stasis, and in problematizing the ideologies of conquest and control that animated British imperialism. Nuancing the ecophobia that is often identified with moments of plant horror, this article interprets nature not as phobic object but as sublimated metaphor for a specifically gendered anxiety. Encounters with the monstrous vegetal serve as an unsettling reminder that male bodies were ultimately disposable, controllable, and replaceable within the flawed economies of Victorian imperialism.
Telemedicine maybe an effective solution for management of chronic disease during the COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Wang Huan , Yuan Xiaojie , Wang Jiping , Sun Chenglin , Wang Guixia
Published: September 2021

Aim:

Based on the development of telemedicine and the experience of using it during the COVID-19 epidemic, we aimed to explore its convenience and shortcomings to provide a reference for the further improvement of telemedicine.

Background:

Traditional healthcare has been significantly affected by the outbreak of COVID-19, which has increased fear in patients with chronic diseases and increased the difficulty of obtaining hospitalized treatment.

Methods:

This is a conceptual article. The literature search is based on Pubmed, including articles published between January 2015 and December 2020. The purpose was to determine whether telemedicine is effective in the management of chronic diseases in the epidemic situation and to develop telemedicine and chronic disease management for long-term epidemic situations in the future.

Findings:

Telemedicine has demonstrated its advantages during the COVID-19 epidemic and can provide diversified clinical care services for patients with chronic diseases; these services have played a vital role in epidemic prevention and control, greatly alleviated the shortage of medical resources, increased the utilization level of medical resources, and reduced the cross-infection risk during treatment in hospitals. Furthermore, the epidemic situation presents opportunities for the development of diagnosis and treatment methods via the internet and active health management modalities.
Non-Tariff Measures and the Quality of Imported Products
Authors: Ghodsi Mahdi , Stehrer Robert
Published: September 2021

Legitimate reasons for the imposition of non-tariff measures (NTMs) within regulations have triggered their extensive use. Among these measures, technical barriers to trade (TBTs) and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures allow countries to impose restrictions on the import of low-quality products suspected of harming domestic consumers’ health, plant life, or the environment. This paper analyses two regulative and standard-like NTMs – TBTs and SPS measures – and the quality of traded products that is driven by their imposition, which is a general underlying motive for the adoption of such regulations. A dummy variable measuring the existence of these NTMs and a count variable indicating their stringency are used in the analysis. Moreover, two other variables indicate flows of NTMs imposed in each year and stocks of these NTMs accumulated over years. The results indicate that TBTs and SPS measures do indeed imply a higher quality of traded products. Stringent TBTs with more regulations imposed in each year (i.e. flows of count TBTs) have the largest impact on the quality of traded products. However, for SPS measures, only the existence of a regulation (i.e. the dummy variable on flows of SPS measures) on a traded product has the strongest impact on its quality.
Armed groups, IHL and the invisible world: How spiritual beliefs shape warfare
Authors: García Ana Dols
Published: September 2021

“Secret societies”, “traditional hunters”, “charms” and “mystical weapons” are recurrent terms when analyzing some of the present armed conflicts in the Sub-Saharan region. However, though spiritual beliefs shape armed groups’ behaviour, and such beliefs are integrated into the modus operandi of some armed groups, the role of these beliefs in warfare is largely overlooked. Far from being something anecdotal or incidental, the invisible world plays a role in shaping armed groups’ behaviour and framing warfare dynamics. Spiritual beliefs might influence the respect afforded to international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Such beliefs may also serve various strategic functions, including for legitimation of the group, mobilization of support, control, cohesion, discipline, motivation and protection. Digging further into the matter and understanding how such beliefs impact the internal dynamics of armed groups and their external relations, including with the State, other armed groups and communities, is an essential part of understanding armed conflicts and their aftermath.
Krebsbehandlung: aktueller Stand der perkutanen Strahlentherapie
Authors: Studer Gabriela , Glanzmann Christoph
Published: September 2021

Zusammenfassung. Wir geben einen Überblick über die wesentlichen Entwicklungen und Innovationen des Faches über die vergangenen Jahrzehnte, bzw. über aus dieser Entwicklung resultierende aktuelle perkutane Radiotherapie (RT)-Schemata und deren Verträglichkeit, mit Fokussierung auf die entscheidend erweiterten Möglichkeiten der Hypofraktionierung.
Rückfälle als Chance nutzen
Authors: Flegel Saskia , Rixe Jacqueline
Published: September 2021

Was ist bereits zu diesem Thema bekannt?

Obgleich Rückfälle zu erwartende Begleitphänomene einer Abhängigkeitserkrankung darstellen, werden sie oft – nicht nur von den Betroffenen, sondern auch den im Gesundheitssystem tätigen Personen – als Versagen oder Fehlverhalten gedeutet.

Wie wird eine neue Perspektive eingebracht?

Die Bereitschaft, Rückfälle als Lernchance zu verstehen und sie zur Vorbereitung für zukünftige Risikosituationen zu nutzen, eröffnet auch psychiatrisch Pflegenden viele Möglichkeiten für eine intensive Begleitung abhängigkeitserkrankter Menschen.

Was sind die Auswirkungen für die Praxis?

Beim Umgang mit Rückfällen ist die Haltung von zentraler Bedeutung. Konkrete Interventionen wie Rückfallanalysen und das Erarbeiten von Anti-Craving-Skills können zur Rückfallprophylaxe beitragen. Die Bezugspflege bietet hierfür den passenden Rahmen.
Rift Focusing and Magmatism During Late‐Stage Rifting in Afar
Authors: Moore C. , Wright T. J. , Hooper A.
Published: September 2021

Processes that facilitate the transition between continental rifting and sea‐floor spreading remain unclear. Variations in the spatial distribution of extension and magmatism through Afar and into the Red Sea are indicative of temporal evolution of the rifting process. We develop a time series of Sentinel‐1 interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) observations of ground deformation covering the whole Afar rift zone from 2014 to 2019, to study the distribution of extension. By incorporating Global Navigation Satellite System observations, we resolve 3D average velocities in the vertical, rift‐perpendicular, and rift‐parallel directions. Results show the spatial distribution of long‐wavelength deformation over the rift zone, as well as deformation at individual volcanic centers, including Dallol, Nabro, and Erta ’Ale. We find that in northern and central Afar, the majority of extension is accommodated close to the rift axis (15–30 km). In southern Afar, near the Nubia‐Arabia‐Somalia triple junction, amagmatic extension is distributed over 80–160 km, which may indicate an increase in rift focusing with rift maturity. We also observe rapid surface uplift and rift‐perpendicular extension at the Dabbahu‐Manda‐Hararo rift segment with velocities of 33 4 mm/yr and 37 4 mm/yr respectively. These are higher than the background extension rate of 18–20 mm/yr, but have decreased by 55%–70% since 2006–2010. The data suggests that this is due to an ongoing long‐lived response to the 2005–2010 rifting episode, with potential continued processes below the rift segment including a lower‐crustal viscous response and magma movement. Continued observations of surface deformation provide key constraints on tectono‐magmatic processes involved in rift development.
A Surface Quasi‐Geostrophic‐Based Dynamical‐Statistical Framework to Retrieve Interior Temperature/Salinity From Ocean Surface
Authors: Yan Hengqian , Zhang Ren , Wang Huizan , Bao Senliang , Chen Jian , Wang Gongjie
Published: September 2021

Conventional methods to reconstruct ocean interior temperature/salinity (T/S) from surface data are mostly “pure data‐driven.” On the other hand, the reconstruction methods based on surface quasi‐geostrophic (SQG) dynamics present promising results in retrieving mesoscale density structures. It is rarely considered to incorporate SQG‐based reconstructions to facilitate the estimation of subsurface T/S. Since the SQG equation does not contain explicit terms of T/S, a density incorporation tool of least square‐multivariate empirical orthogonal functions (LS‐mEOFs) algorithm is proposed to retrieve T/S fields based on concurrent surface T/S and vertical density reconstructions. The LS‐mEOFs plus SQG‐based density reconstruction is developed into a novel dynamical‐statistical framework of subsurface T/S reconstruction. In this study, the framework is evaluated based on the eddy‐resolving ocean general circulation model for the Earth simulator simulation. The density reconstructions of SQG, interior + SQG (isQG), and SQG‐mEOF‐R are incorporated respectively. The results are compared with two linear algorithms of multivariate linear regression and mEOF‐R and two machine learning algorithms of fruit fly optimized generalized regression neural network and random forest. The LS‐mEOFs plus isQG and LS‐mEOFs plus SQG‐mEOF‐R present robust T/S reconstruction in the selected regions of Northwest Pacific and Southeast Pacific. Especially, the Southeast Pacific is abundant of subsurface‐intensified eddies, where the T/S fields are poorly retrieved by machine learning algorithms. It is encouraging that the SQG‐based dynamical‐statistical framework can outperform the machine learning algorithms in retrieving those complicated T/S structures. The proposed framework is applicable to 3D mesoscale T/S reconstruction with the advent of surface water and ocean topography mission.
2021 Class of AGU Fellows Announced
Authors: Lozier Susan , Myles LaToya
Published: September 2021

Fifty-nine individuals have been elected to the 2021 Class of Fellows.
Grounding‐Zone Flow Variability of Priestley Glacier, Antarctica, in a Diurnal Tidal Regime
Authors: Drews R. , Wild C. T. , Marsh O. J. , Rack W. , Ehlers T. A. , Neckel N. , Helm V.
Published: September 2021

Tidal modulation of ice streams and their adjacent ice shelves is a real‐world experiment to understand ice‐dynamic processes. We observe the dynamics of Priestley Glacier, Antarctica, using Terrestrial Radar Interferometry (TRI) and GNSS. Ocean tides are predominantly diurnal but horizontal GNSS displacements also oscillate semi‐diurnally. The oscillations are strongest in the ice shelf and tidal signatures decay near‐linearly in the TRI data over 10 km upstream of the grounding line. Tidal flexing is observed 6 km upstream of the grounding line including cm‐scale uplift. Tidal grounding line migration is small and 40% of the ice thickness. The frequency doubling of horizontal displacements relative to the ocean tides is consistent with variable ice‐shelf buttressing demonstrated with a visco‐elastic Maxwell model. Taken together, this supports previously hypothesized flexural ice softening in the grounding‐zone through tides and offers new observational constraints for the role of ice rheology in ice‐shelf buttressing.
Coupling the U.K. Earth System Model to Dynamic Models of the Greenland and Antarctic Ice Sheets
Authors: Smith Robin S. , Mathiot Pierre , Siahaan Antony , Lee Victoria , Cornford Stephen L. , Gregory Jonathan M. , Payne Antony J. , Jenkins Adrian , Holland Paul R. , Ridley Jeff K. , Jones Colin G.
Published: September 2021

The physical interactions between ice sheets and the atmosphere and ocean around them are major factors in determining the state of the climate system, yet many current Earth System models omit them entirely or treat them very simply. In this work we describe how models of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets have been incorporated into the global U.K. Earth System model (UKESM1) via substantial technical developments with a two‐way coupling that passes fluxes of energy and water, and the topography of the ice sheet surface and ice shelf base, between the component models. File‐based coupling outside the running model executables is used throughout to pass information between the components, which we show is both physically appropriate and convenient within the UKESM1 structure. Ice sheet surface mass balance is computed in the land surface model using multi‐layer snowpacks in subgrid‐scale elevation ranges and compares well to the results of regional climate models. Ice shelf front discharge forms icebergs, which drift and melt in the ocean. Ice shelf basal mass balance is simulated using the full three‐dimensional ocean model representation of the circulation in ice‐shelf cavities. We show a range of example results, including from simulations with changes in ice sheet height and thickness of hundreds of meters, and changes in ice sheet grounding line and land‐terminating margin of many tens of kilometres, demonstrating that the coupled model is computationally stable when subject to significant changes in ice sheet geometry.
Storing and retrieving multiple images in 3D nonlinear photonic crystals
Authors: Arie Ady
Published: September 2021

A nonlinear hologram enables to record the amplitude and phase of a waveform by spatially modulating the second order nonlinear coefficient, so that when a pump laser illuminates it, this waveform is reconstructed at the second harmonic frequency. The concept was now extended to enable the generation of multiple waveforms from a single hologram, with potential applications in high density storage, quantum optics, and optical microscopy.
Sequential storage and release of microdroplets
Authors: Toprakcioglu Zenon , Knowles Tuomas P. J.
Published: September 2021

Droplet microfluidic methods have opened up the possibility of studying a plethora of phenomena ranging from biological to physical or chemical processes at ultra low volumes and high throughput. A key component of such approaches is the ability to trap droplets for observation, and many device architectures for achieving this objective have been developed. A challenge with such approaches is, however, recovering the droplets following their confinement for applications involving further analysis. Here, we present a device capable of generating, confining and releasing microdroplets in a sequential manner. Through a combination of experimental and computational simulations, we shed light on the key features required for successful droplet storage and retrieval. Moreover, we explore the effect of the flow rate of the continuous phase on droplet release, determining that a critical rate is needed to ensure complete droplet deformation through constrictions holding the droplets in place prior to release. Finally, we find that once released, droplets can be retrieved and collected off chip. The ability to generate, store and sequentially release droplets renders such a device particularly promising for future applications where reactions may not only be monitored on-chip, but droplets can also be retrieved for further analysis, facilitating new exploratory avenues in the fields of analytical chemistry and biology.
Predictors of outcomes in adults with acute myeloid leukemia and KMT2A rearrangements
Authors: Issa Ghayas C. , Zarka Jabra , Sasaki Koji , Qiao Wei , Pak Daewoo , Ning Jing , Short Nicholas J. , Haddad Fadi , Tang Zhenya , Patel Keyur P. , Cuglievan Branko , Daver Naval , DiNardo Courtney D. , Jabbour Elias , Kadia Tapan , Borthakur Gautam , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Konopleva Marina , Andreeff Michael , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Ravandi Farhad
Published: September 2021

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with rearrangement of the lysine methyltransferase 2a gene (KMT2Ar) has adverse outcomes. However, reports on the prognostic impact of various translocations causing KMT2Ar are conflicting. Less is known about associated mutations and their prognostic impact. In a retrospective analysis, we identified 172 adult patients with KMT2Ar AML and compared them to 522 age-matched patients with diploid AML. KMT2Ar AML had fewer mutations, most commonly affecting RAS and FLT3 without significant impact on prognosis, except for patients with ≥2 mutations with lower overall survival (OS). KMT2Ar AML had worse outcomes compared with diploid AML when newly diagnosed and at relapse, especially following second salvage (median OS of 2.4 vs 4.8 months, P < 0.0001). Therapy-related KMT2Ar AML (t-AML) had worse outcomes compared with de novo KMT2Ar AML (median OS of 0.7 years vs 1.4 years, P < 0.0001). Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) in first remission was associated with improved OS (5-year, 52 vs 14% for no allo-HSCT, P < 0.0001). In a multivariate analysis, translocation subtypes causing KMT2Ar did not predict survival, unlike age and allo-HSCT. In conclusion, KMT2Ar was associated with adverse outcomes regardless of translocation subtype. Therefore, AML risk stratification guidelines should include all KMT2Ar as adverse.
The JAK2 inhibitor TG101209 exhibits anti-tumor and chemotherapeutic sensitizing effects on Burkitt lymphoma cells by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3/c-MYB signaling axis
Authors: Zhang Yang , Li Ji , Zhong Haiying , Xiao Xiang , Wang Zhihua , Cheng Zhao , Hu Cunhong , Zhang Guangsen , Liu Sufang
Published: September 2021

Constitutive activation of JAK2/STAT3 is a major oncogenic signaling event involved in the development of Burkitt lymphoma (BL). In the present study, we investigated the antilymphoma activity of TG101209, a specific JAK2 inhibitor, on EBV-positive and EBV-negative Burkitt lymphoma cell lines and primary BL cells. The results showed that TG101209 had a significant antilymphoma effect by inhibiting BL cell growth and inducing apoptosis along with cell differentiation toward mature B cells in vitro. We also found that TG101209 displayed significant synergistic action and a sensitizing effect on the anti-Burkitt lymphoma activity of doxorubicin. In vivo experiments indicated that TG101209 could suppress tumor growth and prolong the overall survival of BL cell-bearing mice. The mechanistic study indicated that TG101209, by suppressing the JAK2/STAT3/c-MYB signaling axis and crosstalk between the downstream signaling pathways, plays an antilymphoma role. These data suggested that TG101209 may be a promising agent or alternative choice for the treatment of BL.
COVID Border Accountability Project, a hand-coded global database of border closures introduced during 2020
Authors: Shiraef Mary A. , Hirst Cora , Weiss Mark A. , Naseer Sarah , Lazar Nikolas , Beling Elizabeth , Straight Erin , Feddern Lukas , Taylor Noah Rusk , Jackson Cayleigh , Yu William , Bhaskaran Aadya , Mattar Layth , Amme Matthew , Shum Maggie , Mitsdarffer Mary Louise , Sweere Johanna , Brantley Susanna E. , Schenoni Luis L. , Lewis-Beck Colin ,   COBAP Team, Shiraef Mary A. , Falcone Jonathan , Hasaj Sonila , Gradie Amalia , Musetti Rachel E. , Nguyen Thuy , Selvaraj Yashwini , Walker Bryn , Amme Matthew , Hirst Cora , Naseer Sarah , Lazar Nikolas , Straight Erin , Feddern Lukas , Taylor Noah Rusk , Jackson Cayleigh , Yu William , Bhaskaran Aadya , Mattar Layth , Weiss Mark A. , Shum Maggie , Mitsdarffer Mary Louise
Published: September 2021

Quantifying the timing and content of policy changes affecting international travel and immigration is key to ongoing research on the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the socioeconomic impacts of border closures. The COVID Border Accountability Project (COBAP) provides a hand-coded dataset of >1000 policies systematized to reflect a complete timeline of country-level restrictions on movement across international borders during 2020. Trained research assistants used pre-set definitions to source, categorize and verify for each new border policy: start and end dates, whether the closure is “complete” or “partial”, which exceptions are made, which countries are banned, and which air/land/sea borders were closed. COBAP verified the database through internal and external audits from public health experts. For purposes of further verification and future data mining efforts of pandemic research, the full text of each policy was archived. The structure of the COBAP dataset is designed for use by social and biomedical scientists. For broad accessibility to policymakers and the public, our website depicts the data in an interactive, user-friendly, time-based map.
Heterothermy as a mechanism to offset energetic costs of environmental and homeostatic perturbations
Authors: Morales Javier Omar , Walker Nikki , Warne Robin W. , Boyles Justin G.
Published: September 2021

Environmental and biotic pressures impose homeostatic costs on all organisms. The energetic costs of maintaining high body temperatures (Tb) render endotherms sensitive to pressures that increase foraging costs. In response, some mammals become more heterothermic to conserve energy. We measuredTbin banner-tailed kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spectabilis) to test and disentangle the effects of air temperature and moonlight (a proxy for predation risk) on thermoregulatory homeostasis. We further perturbed homeostasis in some animals with chronic corticosterone (CORT) via silastic implants. Heterothermy increased across summer, consistent with the predicted effect of lunar illumination (and predation), and in the direction opposite to the predicted effect of environmental temperatures. The effect of lunar illumination was also evident within nights as animals maintained lowTbwhen the moon was above the horizon. The pattern was accentuated in CORT-treated animals, suggesting they adopted an even further heightened risk-avoidance strategy that might impose reduced foraging and energy intake. Still, CORT-treatment did not affect body condition over the entire study, indicating kangaroo rats offset decreases in energy intake through energy savings associated with heterothermy. Environmental conditions receive the most attention in studies of thermoregulatory homeostasis, but we demonstrated here that biotic factors can be more important and should be considered in future studies.
Dogs are more pessimistic if their owners use two or more aversive training methods
Authors: Casey Rachel A. , Naj-Oleari Maria , Campbell Sarah , Mendl Michael , Blackwell Emily J.
Published: September 2021

Domestic dogs are trained using a range of different methods, broadly categorised as reward based (positive reinforcement/negative punishment) and aversive based (positive punishment/negative reinforcement). Previous research has suggested associations between use of positive punishment-based techniques and undesired behaviours, but there is little research investigating the relative welfare consequences of these different approaches. This study used a judgement bias task to compare the underlying mood state of dogs whose owners reported using two or more positive punishment/negative reinforcement based techniques, with those trained using only positive reinforcement/negative punishment in a matched pair study design. Dogs were trained to discriminate between rewarded and unrewarded locations equidistant from a start box, and mean latencies recorded. Their subsequent latency to intermediate ‘ambiguous’ locations was recorded as an indication of whether these were perceived as likely to contain food or not. Dogs trained using aversive methods were slower to all ambiguous locations. This difference was significant for latency to the middle (Wilcoxon Z = − 2.380, P = 0.017), and near positive (Wilcoxon Z = − 2.447, P = 0.014) locations, suggesting that dogs trained using coercive methods may have a more negative mood state, and hence that there are welfare implications of training dogs using such methods.
New spinosaurids from the Wessex Formation (Early Cretaceous, UK) and the European origins of Spinosauridae
Authors: Barker Chris T. , Hone David W. E. , Naish Darren , Cau Andrea , Lockwood Jeremy A. F. , Foster Brian , Clarkin Claire E. , Schneider Philipp , Gostling Neil J.
Published: September 2021

Spinosaurids are among the most distinctive and yet poorly-known of large-bodied theropod dinosaurs, a situation exacerbated by their mostly fragmentary fossil record and competing views regarding their palaeobiology. Here, we report two new Early Cretaceous spinosaurid specimens from the Wessex Formation (Barremian) of the Isle of Wight. Large-scale phylogenetic analyses using parsimony and Bayesian techniques recover the pair in a new clade within Baryonychinae that also includes the hypodigm of the African spinosaurid Suchomimus. Both specimens represent distinct and novel taxa, herein named Ceratosuchops inferodios gen. et sp. nov. and Riparovenator milnerae gen. et sp. nov. A palaeogeographic reconstruction suggests a European origin for Spinosauridae, with at least two dispersal events into Africa. These new finds provide welcome information on poorly sampled areas of spinosaurid anatomy, suggest that sympatry was present and potentially common in baryonychines and spinosaurids as a whole, and contribute to updated palaeobiogeographic reconstructions for the clade.
Bose–Einstein condensate soliton qubit states for metrological applications
Authors: Ngo The Vinh , Tsarev Dmitriy V. , Lee Ray-Kuang , Alodjants Alexander P.
Published: September 2021

We propose a novel platform for quantum metrology based on qubit states of two Bose–Einstein condensate solitons, optically manipulated, trapped in a double-well potential, and coupled through nonlinear Josephson effect. We describe steady-state solutions in different scenarios and perform a phase space analysis in the terms of population imbalance—phase difference variables to demonstrate macroscopic quantum self-trapping regimes. Schrödinger-cat states, maximally path-entangled (N00N) states, and macroscopic soliton qubits are predicted and exploited to distinguish the obtained macroscopic states in the framework of binary (non-orthogonal) state discrimination problem. For an arbitrary frequency estimation we have revealed these macroscopic soliton states have a scaling up to the Heisenberg and super-Heisenberg (SH) limits within linear and nonlinear metrology procedures, respectively. The examples and numerical evaluations illustrate experimental feasibility of estimation with SH accuracy of angular frequency between the ground and first excited macroscopic states of the condensate in the presence of moderate losses, which opens new perspectives for current frequency standard technologies.
Population genetic structure of raccoons as a consequence of multiple introductions and range expansion in the Boso Peninsula, Japan
Authors: Hirose Miki , Yoshida Kazuya , Inoue Eiji , Hasegawa Masami
Published: September 2021

The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is an invasive carnivore that invaded various areas of the world. Although controlling feral raccoon populations is important to reduce serious threats to local ecosystems, raccoons are not under rigid population control in Europe and Japan. We examined the D-loop and nuclear microsatellite regions to identify spatially explicit and feasible management units for effective population control and further range expansion retardation. Through the identification of five mitochondrial DNA haplotypes and three nuclear genetic groups, we identified at least three independent introductions, range expansion, and subsequent genetic admixture in the Boso Peninsula. The management unit considered that two were appropriate because two populations have already genetic exchange. Furthermore, when taking management, we think that it is important to monitor DNA at the same time as capture measures for feasible management. This makes it possible to determine whether there is a invasion that has a significant impact on population growth from out of the unit, and enables adaptive management.
Superconductivity assisted change of the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in V/MgO/Fe junctions
Authors: González-Ruano César , Caso Diego , Johnsen Lina G. , Tiusan Coriolan , Hehn Michel , Banerjee Niladri , Linder Jacob , Aliev Farkhad G.
Published: September 2021

Controlling the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in thin films has received considerable attention in recent years due to its technological importance. PMA based devices usually involve heavy-metal (oxide)/ferromagnetic-metal bilayers, where, thanks to interfacial spin-orbit coupling (SOC), the in-plane (IP) stability of the magnetisation is broken. Here we show that in V/MgO/Fe(001) epitaxial junctions with competing in-plane and out-of-plane (OOP) magnetic anisotropies, the SOC mediated interaction between a ferromagnet (FM) and a superconductor (SC) enhances the effective PMA below the superconducting transition. This produces a partial magnetisation reorientation without any applied field for all but the largest junctions, where the IP anisotropy is more robust; for the smallest junctions there is a reduction of the field required to induce a complete OOP transition ($$H_\text {OOP}$$

H
OOP

) due to the stronger competition between the IP and OOP anisotropies. Our results suggest that the degree of effective PMA could be controlled by the junction lateral size in the presence of superconductivity and an applied electric field. We also discuss how the $$H_\text {OOP}$$

H
OOP

field could be affected by the interaction between magnetic stray fields and superconducting vortices. Our experimental findings, supported by numerical modelling of the ferromagnet-superconductor interaction, open pathways to active control of magnetic anisotropy in the emerging dissipation-free superconducting spin electronics.
Effect of 1-MHz ultrasound on the proinflammatory interleukin-6 secretion in human keratinocytes
Authors: Giantulli Sabrina , Tortorella Elisabetta , Brasili Francesco , Scarpa Susanna , Cerroni Barbara , Paradossi Gaio , Bedini Angelico , Morrone Stefania , Silvestri Ida , Domenici Fabio
Published: September 2021

Keratinocytes, the main cell type of the skin, are one of the most exposed cells to environmental factors, providing a first defence barrier for the host and actively participating in immune response. In fact, keratinocytes express pattern recognition receptors that interact with pathogen associated molecular patterns and damage associated molecular patterns, leading to the production of cytokines and chemokines, including interleukin (IL)-6. Herein, we investigated whether mechanical energy transported by low intensity ultrasound (US) could generate a mechanical stress able to induce the release of inflammatory cytokine such IL-6 in the human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT. The extensive clinical application of US in both diagnosis and therapy suggests the need to better understand the related biological effects. Our results point out that US promotes the overexpression and secretion of IL-6, associated with the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Furthermore, we observed a reduced cell viability dependent on exposure parameters together with alterations in membrane permeability, paving the way for further investigating the molecular mechanisms related to US exposure.
Strain maps characterize the symmetry of convergence and extension patterns during zebrafish gastrulation
Authors: Bhattacharya Dipanjan , Zhong Jun , Tavakoli Sahar , Kabla Alexandre , Matsudaira Paul
Published: September 2021

During gastrulation of the zebrafish embryo, the cap of blastoderm cells organizes into the axial body plan of the embryo with left–right symmetry and head–tail, dorsal–ventral polarities. Our labs have been interested in the mechanics of early development and have investigated whether these large-scale cell movements can be described as tissue-level mechanical strain by a tectonics-based approach. The first step is to image the positions of all nuclei from mid-epiboly to early segmentation by digital sheet light microscopy, organize the surface of the embryo into multi-cell spherical domains, construct velocity fields from the movements of these domains and extract strain rate maps from the change in density of the domains. During gastrulation, tensile/expansive and compressive strains in the axial and equatorial directions are detected as anterior and posterior expansion along the anterior–posterior axis and medial–lateral compression across the dorsal–ventral axis and corresponds to the well characterized morphological movements of convergence and extension. Following gastrulation strain is represented by localized medial expansion at the onset of segmentation and anterior expansion at the onset of neurulation. In addition to linear strain, symmetric patterns of rotation/curl are first detected in the animal hemispheres at mid-epiboly and then the vegetal hemispheres by the end of gastrulation. In embryos treated with C59, a Wnt inhibitor that inhibits head and tail extension, the axial extension and vegetal curl are absent. By analysing the temporal sequence of large-scale movements, deformations across the embryo can be attributed to a combination of epiboly and dorsal convergence-extension.
A first principles investigation on the structural, mechanical, electronic, and catalytic properties of biphenylene
Authors: Luo Yi , Ren Chongdan , Xu Yujing , Yu Jin , Wang Sake , Sun Minglei
Published: September 2021

Recently, a new two-dimensional allotrope of carbon (biphenylene) was experimentally synthesized. Using first-principles calculations, we systematically investigated the structural, mechanical, electronic, and HER properties of biphenylene. A large cohesive energy, absence of imaginary phonon frequencies, and an ultrahigh melting point up to 4500 K demonstrate its high stability. Biphenylene exhibits a maximum Young’s modulus of 259.7 N/m, manifesting its robust mechanical performance. Furthermore, biphenylene was found to be metallic with a n-type Dirac cone, and it exhibited improved HER performance over that of graphene. Our findings suggest that biphenylene is a promising material with potential applications in many important fields, such as chemical catalysis.
Voiding defects in acute radiation cystitis driven by urothelial barrier defect through loss of E-cadherin, ZO-1 and Uroplakin III
Authors: Zwaans Bernadette M. M. , Carabulea Alexander L. , Bartolone Sarah N. , Ward Elijah P. , Chancellor Michael B. , Lamb Laura E.
Published: September 2021

Long term-side effects from cancer therapies are a growing health care concern as life expectancy among cancer survivors increases. Damage to the bladder is common in patients treated with radiation therapy for pelvic cancers and can result in radiation (hemorrhagic) cystitis (RC). The disease progression of RC consists of an acute and chronic phase, separated by a symptom-free period. Gaining insight in tissue changes associated with these phases is necessary to develop appropriate interventions. Using a mouse preclinical model, we have previously shown that fibrosis and vascular damage are the predominant pathological features of chronic RC. The goal of this study was to determine the pathological changes during acute RC. We identified that radiation treatment results in a temporary increase in micturition frequency and decrease in void volume 4–8 weeks after irradiation. Histologically, the micturition defect is associated with thinning of the urothelium, loss of urothelial cell–cell adhesion and tight junction proteins and decrease in uroplakin III expression. By 12 weeks, the urothelium had regenerated and micturition patterns were similar to littermate controls. No inflammation or fibrosis were detected in bladder tissues after irradiation. We conclude that functional bladder defects during acute RC are driven primarily by a urothelial defect.
Functional network connectivity during Jazz improvisation
Authors: Vergara Victor M. , Norgaard Martin , Miller Robyn , Beaty Roger E. , Dhakal Kiran , Dhamala Mukesh , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: September 2021

One of the most complex forms of creativity is musical improvisation where new music is produced in real time. Brain behavior during music production has several dimensions depending on the conditions of the performance. The expression of creativity is suspected to be different whether novel ideas must be externalized using a musical instrument or can be imagined internally. This study explores whole brain functional network connectivity from fMRI data during jazz music improvisation compared against a baseline of prelearned score performance. Given that creativity might be affected by external execution, another dimension where musicians imagine or vocalize the music was also tested. We found improvisation was associated with a state of weak connectivity necessary for attenuated executive control network recruitment associated with a feeling of “flow” allowing unhindered musical creation. In addition, elicited connectivity for sensorimotor and executive control networks is not different whether musicians imagine or externalize (through vocalization) musical performance.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the snow cover of the northern city agglomeration
Authors: Kozhevnikov A. Yu. , Falev D. I. , Sypalov S. A. , Kozhevnikova I. S. , Kosyakov D. S.
Published: September 2021

Sixteen priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were qualitatively and quantitatively assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection in snow samples collected at 46 sites of Arkhangelsk as a world’s largest city above 64 degrees north latitude. The average, maximum and minimum PAH concentrations in snow were 168, 665, and 16 ng/kg, respectively. The average toxic equivalent value in benzo(a)pyrene units was 3.6 ng/kg, which is three-fold lower than the established maximum permissible concentration and considered an evidence of a low/moderate level of snow pollution with PAHs. The pollution origin was assessed using specific markers based on PAHs ratios in the studied samples. The pyrogenic sources of PAH emission were predominate, whereas the significant contributions from both transport and solid fuel combustion were observed. Benzo(a)pyrene concentrations are highly correlated with the levels of other PAHs with higher molecular weights.
Evaluation of Twitter data for an emerging crisis: an application to the first wave of COVID-19 in the UK
Authors: Cheng I Kit , Heyl Johannes , Lad Nisha , Facini Gabriel , Grout Zara
Published: September 2021

In the absence of nationwide mass testing for an emerging health crisis, alternative approaches could provide necessary information efficiently to aid policy makers and health bodies when dealing with a pandemic. The following work presents a methodology by which Twitter data surrounding the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK is harvested and analysed using two main approaches. The first is an investigation into localized outbreak predictions by developing a prototype early-warning system using the distribution of total tweet volume. The temporal lag between the rises in the number of COVID-19 related tweets and officially reported deaths by Public Health England (PHE) is observed to be 6–27 days for various UK cities which matches the temporal lag values found in the literature. To better understand the topics of discussion and attitudes of people surrounding the pandemic, the second approach is an in-depth behavioural analysis assessing the public opinion and response to government policies such as the introduction of face-coverings. Using topic modelling, nine distinct topics are identified within the corpus of COVID-19 tweets, of which the themes ranged from retail to government bodies. Sentiment analysis on a subset of mask related tweets revealed sentiment spikes corresponding to major news and announcements. A Named Entity Recognition (NER) algorithm is trained and applied in a semi-supervised manner to recognise tweets containing location keywords within the unlabelled corpus and achieved a precision of 81.6%. Overall, these approaches allowed extraction of temporal trends relating to PHE case numbers, popular locations in relation to the use of face-coverings, and attitudes towards face-coverings, vaccines and the national ‘Test and Trace’ scheme.