bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of the bio-tribology of medical devices
Authors: Zhang Xiaogang , Zhang Yali , Jin Zhongmin
Published: June 2021

Numerous medical devices have been applied for the treatment or alleviation of various diseases. Tribological issues widely exist in those medical devices and play vital roles in determining their performance and service life. In this review, the bio-tribological issues involved in commonly used medical devices are identified, including artificial joints, fracture fixation devices, skin-related devices, dental restoration devices, cardiovascular devices, and surgical instruments. The current understanding of the bio-tribological behavior and mechanism involved in those devices is summarized. Recent advances in the improvement of tribological properties are examined. Challenges and future developments for the prospective of bio-tribological performance are highlighted.
Optimization of Inhibition Efficiency of a Schiff Base on Mild Steel in Acid Medium: Electrochemical and RSM Approach
Authors: Kumari Preethi , Lavanya M.
Published: June 2021

This research investigates the effect of Schiff base, namely,N'-[4-(dimethylamino) benzylidene]-4-hydroxybenzohydrazide (SB) on the corrosion mitigation of mild steel (MS) in hydrochloric acid medium (HCl) using potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) technique. The study highlights the effect of SB concentration, HCl concentration, and temperature on the corrosion current density (icorr) and inhibition efficiency (IE). The adsorption of SB onto the MS surface was justified with the support of kinetic and thermodynamic parameters. The morphological behavior of the MS surface was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). A blend of statistical study and interaction plots has been applied to obtain a thorough understanding of the corrosion parameters. Experimental results obtained by PDP measurements revealed that tested compounds had a good anti-corrosion capacity. The main and interaction effects of the parameters on the response were analyzed using Box-Behnken Design. An empirical model equation from experimental results elucidates the relationship among the variables. The optimized parameters for the maximum output were recognized. The maximum IE of 81.5 was predicted by RSM with temperature (A = 30 °C), HCl concentration (B = 0.5 M), and Inhibitor concentration (C = 0.0001 M). Using RSM, further analyses regarding individual and interaction effects between the variables can be more comprehensive. Few more parameters such as pH and time can be included in the future study.

Graphic Abstract
Emergence of spatial transitions in urban congestion dynamics
Authors: Lampo Aniello , Borge-Holthoefer Javier , Gómez Sergio , Solé-Ribalta Albert
Published: June 2021

The quantitative study of traffic dynamics is crucial to ensure the efficiency of urban transportation networks. The current work investigates the spatial properties of congestion, that is, we aim to characterize the city areas where traffic bottlenecks occur. The analysis of a large amount of real road networks in previous works showed that congestion points experience spatial abrupt transitions, namely they shift away from the city center as larger urban areas are incorporated. The fundamental ingredient behind this effect is the entanglement of central and arterial roads, embedded in separated geographical regions. In this paper we extend the analysis of the conditions yielding abrupt transitions of congestion location. First, we look into the more realistic situation in which arterial and central roads, rather than lying on sharply separated regions, present spatial overlap. It results that this affects the position of bottlenecks and introduces new possible congestion areas. Secondly, we pay particular attention to the role played by the edge distribution, proving that it allows to smooth the transitions profile, and so to control the congestion displacement. Finally, we show that the aforementioned phenomenology may be recovered also as a consequence of a discontinuity in the node’s density, in a domain with uniform connectivity. Our results provide useful insights for the design and optimization of urban road networks, and the management of the daily traffic.
Associations between health-related quality of life and physical function in older adults with or at risk of mobility disability after discharge from the hospital
Authors: Sunde Sylvia , Hesseberg Karin , Skelton Dawn A. , Ranhoff Anette Hylen , Pripp Are Hugo , Aarønæs Marit , Brovold Therese
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To optimise the treatment for older adults after hospitalisation, thorough health status information is needed. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the associations between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and physical function in older adults with or at risk of mobility disability after hospital discharge.

Methods

This cross-sectional study recruited 89 home-dwelling older people while inpatients within medical wards at a general hospital in Oslo, Norway. HRQOL [the Medical Outcome Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36)] and physical function [the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)] were measured a median of 49 [interquartile range (IQR) 26–116] days after discharge. Simple linear regression analyses were conducted, and multivariable regression models were fitted.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 78.3 years; 43 (48.9 %) were females. Multivariable regressions showed positive associations between SPPB and the physical subscales {physical functioning [B (95% CI) 4.51 (2.35–6.68)], role physical [B (95% CI) 5.21 (2.75–7.67)], bodily pain [B (95% CI) 3.40 (0.73–6.10)] and general health [B (95% CI) 3.12 (1.13–5.12)]}. Univariable regressions showed no significant associations between SPPB and the mental subscales {vitality [B (95% CI) 1.54 (− 0.10–3.18)], social functioning [B (95% CI) 2.34 (− 0.28–4.96)], role emotional [B (95% CI) 1.28 (− 0.96–3.52)] and mental health [B (95% CI) 1.00 (− 0.37–2.36)]}.

Conclusion

The results reinforce that physical function and physical HRQOL are strongly linked, and interventions improving physical function might improve physical HRQOL. However, this hypothesis would have to be tested in a randomised controlled trial.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov. Registered 19 September 2016 (NCT02905383).
Unterrichtsqualität aus der Perspektive der Biologiedidaktik
Authors: Neuhaus Birgit J.
Published: June 2021

Im ersten Absatz wird die Historie der Unterrichtsqualitätsforschung aus der Perspektive der Biologiedidaktik betrachtet. Dabei wird herausgearbeitet, dass sich allgemeine Lehr-Lernforschung und Biologiedidaktik der Frage nach gutem Unterricht historisch betrachtet sehr unterschiedlich genähert haben. Während erstere gerne verschiedene Qualitätsmerkmale im Vergleich betrachtet, hat sich die Biologiedidaktik eher einzelnen Merkmalen im Detail gewidmet. Im zweiten Absatz wird die Sichtweise des Lehrstuhls für Didaktik der Biologie der LMU München auf das Thema Unterrichtsqualität beschrieben und diese Sichtweise dem Syntheseframework gegenübergestellt. Es wird deutlich, dass das Syntheseframework als EIN bedeutender Ansatz betrachtet wird, um generische und fachspezifische Unterrichtsqualitätsmerkmale systematisch zu betrachten. Andere Systematisierungsansätze scheinen aber, je nach Forschungsfrage und Forschungsansatz, ebenso Berechtigung zu haben. Im Beitrag wird ein Ansatz vorgestellt, der die Unterrichtsqualitätsmerkmale basierend auf den verschiedenen Dimensionen des Professionswissens – CK, PCK und PK – systematisiert. Dieser Ansatz wird dem Syntheseframework gegenübergestellt. Insgesamt scheint bei einer biologiedidaktischen Betrachtung des Syntheseframeworks auf Ebene der Dimensionen kein Ergänzungsbedarf, eine inhaltliche Erweiterung und Interpretation des Frameworks auf Ebene der Subdimensionen könnte aber eine gewinnbringende Ergänzung darstellen.
Unterrichtsqualität ist immer generisch und fachspezifisch. Ein Kommentar aus kognitions- und lehr-lerntheoretischer Sicht
Authors: Reusser Kurt , Pauli Christine
Published: June 2021

Orientierten sich Allgemeine Didaktik und Unterrichtsforschung lange Zeit fast ausschließlich an generischen Qualitätsmerkmalen von Unterricht, so werden heute zunehmend ebenfalls fachdidaktische Merkmale in den Blick genommen. Der Beitrag zeichnet zuerst einige Entwicklungslinien nach, die in den vergangenen Jahren zur Erkenntnis eines Bedarfs und zu einem wachsenden Interesse an einer fachdidaktisch ausdifferenzierten Unterrichtsforschung geführt haben. Danach werden eine Reihe von Theorieproblemen benannt, die wir als Desiderata einer fachdidaktisch konkretisierten Unterrichtsforschung für wichtig halten. Der Beitrag schließt mit der Skizzierung von Forschungs- und Entwicklungsaufgaben, die von den beteiligten Akteuren und Disziplinen nur in transdisziplinärer Zusammenarbeit gelöst werden können, und denen eine Stärkung empirischer Zugänge gemeinsam ist.
Population, Tradition, and Environmental Control in Colonial Kenya
Authors: Shanguhyia Martin S.
Published: June 2021

Drawing from accounts of colonial experience in western Kenya, Population, Tradition, and Environmental Control in Colonial Kenya examines the government's efforts to enforce certain land management programs in relation to its initiatives to revive and co-opt African "traditions" in soil conservation and land consolidation programs. Martin Shanguhyia analyzes how these programs were negotiated or contested by the local community; further, he argues that their legacy continues to define the everyday experiences of the rural population in Vihiga County, Western Province, notably in termsof high population densities and diminishing returns from the land. Relying on a rich collection of archival sources as well as oral interviews, the book explores the intersection between government policies, demography, and community traditions within a rapidly declining natural environment and adds significantly to our understanding of Africa's environmental history. Martin Shanguhyiais assistant professor of history at Syracuse University.
Medical Problems and Concerns with Temporary Evacuation Shelters after Great Earthquake Disasters in Japan: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tokumaru Osamu , Fujita Masanori , Nagai Saeko , Minamikawa Yoko , Kumatani Junnosuke
Published: June 2021

Japan has repeatedly suffered from natural disasters. A number of temporary evacuation shelters have been opened for the benefit of evacuees. Although the operation of such evacuation shelters has improved after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake (1995), a number of operational difficulties were encountered during the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 and the Kumamoto Earthquake in 2016. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify the medical concerns encountered in temporary evacuation shelters by focusing on unsanitary environment, food and nutrition, and shortage of medication. Actual sanitary conditions have been found to be below the standards stipulated by the Japanese government as per international guidelines. Food aid in evacuation shelters was neither nutritionally balanced, nor was the distribution to different shelters balanced. Furthermore, evacuees with chronic diseases feared that there may be a shortage of medication. Crowding in evacuation shelters increased the risk of outbreaks of infectious diseases (e.g., tuberculosis). Malnutrition and shortage of medication exacerbated the risk of deterioration of chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypertension) among evacuees. Therefore, it is recommended that healthcare professionals should be promptly deployed to evacuation shelters, to promote sanitary control and education, as well as address limited space availability, and food and medication shortage.
THE TELEOLOGICAL TURN IN THE LAW OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS
Authors: Clark Tim
Published: June 2021

International organisations are inherently purposive actors within the international legal system, created and empowered by States to pursue finite common objectives. This teleological dimension has come to play a prominent role in the way in which international law rationalises international organisations, with their purposes given a significant, often determinative, role in delimiting their competences. This article argues that this is the product of a conscious shift in legal reasoning that took place in the aftermath of World War II. Through an analysis of a series of key post-War decisions, it identifies the common features of this ‘teleological turn’ and, disentangling it from other forms of legal reasoning, examines its unique underlying logic and normative claims. It demonstrates that while the teleological turn offers prospects for the systemic development of international governance, an increasingly abstract approach to the concept and identification of an organisation's ‘purpose’ raises a number of unresolved questions which cast a shadow of indeterminacy over the law of international organisations.
Review of the subfamily Cleonardopsinae Lowry, 2006 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Amathillopsidae) with description of a new genus and species from Japan
Authors: Kodama Masafumi , Kawamura Tomohiko
Published: June 2021

The amathillopsid subfamily Cleonardopsinae Lowry, 2006 is reviewed. The only species of the subfamily,Cleonardopsis carinataK.H. Barnard, 1916, should be regarded as a species-complex. A new genus and species of the subfamily,Carinocleonardopsis seisuiaegen. et sp. nov., is described from the Sea of Kumano, Japan as the second species of the subfamily Cleonardopsinae as well as the first record of the subfamily from the North Pacific. This new genus can be easily distinguished fromCleonardopsisby the presence of distinct large eyes and the dorsal carination on head, pereonites and pleonites.
(De)coupling race and language: The state listening subject and its rearticulation of antiracism as racism in Singapore
Authors: Pak Vincent
Published: June 2021

Harmonious multiracialism is one of Singapore's national values, yet race in Singapore is almost always precariously managed. In 2019, race once again became the centre of public debate when a government-sanctioned advertisement featured a Chinese Singaporean actor ‘brownfacing’ as an Indian Singaporean, incurring public outcry. Local entertainers Preeti and Subhas Nair responded with a rap music video that criticised the advertisement and included the line ‘Chinese people always out here fucking it up’, which drew flak from the government and the Chinese community in Singapore. This article considers the state's response to the antiracist practices of the Nair siblings, and the subsequent labelling of their behaviour as racist. The article also introduces the concept of the state listening subject and describes its role in the semiotic process of rearticulation to elucidate how the Singaporean state selectively (de)couples race and language to maintain the national racial order. (Raciolinguistic ideology, multiracialism, rearticulation, state listening subject, race, Singapore, antiracism)*
Food insecurity partially mediates the association between drug use and depressive symptoms among men who have sex with men in Los Angeles, California
Authors: Wiss David A , Javanbakht Marjan , Li Michael J , Prelip Michael , Bolan Robert , Shoptaw Steve , Gorbach Pamina M
Published: June 2021

Objective:

To understand the relationship between drug use, food insecurity (FI) and mental health among men who have sex with men (MSM).

Design:

Cohort study (2014–2019) with at least one follow-up.

Setting:

Visits at 6-month intervals included self-assessment for FI and depressive symptoms. Urine testing results confirmed drug use. Factors associated with FI were assessed using multiple logistic regression with random effects for repeated measures. General structural equation modelling tested whether FI mediates the relationship between drug use and depressive symptoms.

Participants:

Data were from HIV-positive and high-risk HIV-negative MSM in Los Angeles, CA (n 431; 1192 visits).

Results:

At baseline, FI was reported by 50·8 % of participants, depressive symptoms in 36·7 % and 52·7 % of urine screening tests were positive for drugs (i.e. marijuana, opioids, methamphetamine, cocaine and ecstasy). A positive drug test was associated with a 96 % increase in the odds of being food insecure (95 % CI 1·26, 3·07). Compared to those with high food security, individuals with very low food security have a nearly sevenfold increase in the odds of reporting depressive symptoms (95 % CI 3·71, 11·92). Findings showed 14·9 % of the association between drug use (exposure) and depressive symptoms (outcome) can be explained by FI (mediator).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of FI among this cohort of HIV-positive and high-risk HIV-negative MSM was high; the association between drug use and depressive symptoms was partially mediated by FI. Findings suggest that enhancing access to food and nutrition may improve mood in the context of drug use, especially among MSM at risk for HIV transmission.
Impact of the choice of risk assessment time horizons on defined benefit pension schemes
Authors: Andrews Douglas , Bonnar Stephen , Curtis Lori J. , Oberoi Jaideep S. , Pittea Aniketh , Tapadar Pradip
Published: June 2021

We examine the impact of asset allocation and contribution rates on the risk of defined benefit (DB) pension schemes, using both a run-off and a shorter 3-year time horizon. Using the 3-year horizon, which is typically preferred by regulators, a high bond allocation reduces the spread of the distribution of surplus. However, this result is reversed when examined on a run-off basis. Furthermore, under both the 3-year horizon and the run-off, the higher bond allocation reduces the median level of surplus. Pressure on the affordability of DB schemes has led to widespread implementation of the so-called de-risking strategies, such as moving away from predominantly equity investments to greater bond investments. If the incentives produced by shorter term risk assessments are contributing to this shift, they might be harming the long-term financial health of the schemes. Contribution rates have relatively lower impact on the risk.
Outsize Influence of Central American Orography on Global Climate
Authors: Baldwin Jane W. , Atwood Alyssa R. , Vecchi Gabriel A. , Battisti David S.
Published: June 2021

Global Climate Models (GCMs) exhibit substantial biases in their simulation of tropical climate. One particularly problematic bias exists in GCMs' simulation of the tropical rainband known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Much of the precipitation on Earth falls within the ITCZ, which plays a key role in setting Earth's temperature by affecting global energy transports, and partially dictates dynamics of the largest interannual mode of climate variability: The El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Most GCMs fail to simulate the mean state of the ITCZ correctly, often exhibiting a “double ITCZ bias,” with rainbands both north and south rather than just north of the equator. These tropical mean state biases limit confidence in climate models' simulation of projected future and paleoclimate states, and reduce the utility of these models for understanding present climate dynamics. Adjusting GCM parameterizations of cloud processes and atmospheric convection can reduce tropical biases, as can artificially correcting sea surface temperatures through modifications to air‐sea fluxes (i.e., “flux adjustment”). Here, we argue that a significant portion of these rainfall and circulation biases are rooted in orographic height being biased low due to assumptions made in fitting observed orography onto GCM grids. We demonstrate that making different, and physically defensible, assumptions that raise the orographic height significantly improves model simulation of climatological features such as the ITCZ and North American rainfall as well as the simulation of ENSO. These findings suggest a simple, physically based, and computationally inexpensive method that can improve climate models and projections of future climate.
Backarc Lithospheric Thickness and Serpentine Stability Control Slab‐Mantle Coupling Depths in Subduction Zones
Authors: Kerswell Buchanan C. , Kohn Matthew J. , Gerya Taras V.
Published: June 2021

A key feature of subduction zone geodynamics and thermal structure is the point at which the slab and mantle mechanically couple. This point defines the depth at which traction between slab and mantle begins to drive mantle wedge circulation and also corresponds with a rapid increase in temperature along the slab‐mantle interface. Here, we consider the effects of the backarc thermal structure and slab thermal parameter on coupling depth using two‐dimensional thermomechanical models of oceanic‐continental convergent margins. Coupling depth is strongly correlated with backarc lithospheric thickness, and weakly correlated with slab thermal parameter. Slab‐mantle coupling becomes significant where weak, hydrous antigorite reacts to form strong, anhydrous olivine and pyroxene along the slab‐mantle interface. Highly efficient (predominantly advective) heat transfer in the asthenospheric mantle wedge and inefficient (predominantly conductive) heat transfer in the lithospheric mantle wedge results in competing feedbacks that stabilize the antigorite‐out reaction at depths determined primarily by the mechanical thickness of the backarc lithosphere. For subduction zone segments where backarc lithospheric thickness can be inverted from surface heat flow, our results provide a regression model that can be applied with slab thermal parameter to predict coupling depth. Consistently high backarc heat flow in circum‐Pacific subduction zones suggests uniformly thin overriding plates likely regulated by lithospheric erosion caused by hydration and melting processes under volcanic arcs. This may also explain a common depth of slab‐mantle coupling globally.
Hydrothermal Models Constrained by Fine‐Scale Seismic Velocities Confirm Hydrothermal Cooling of 7–63 Ma South Atlantic Crust
Authors: Kardell Dominik A. , Zhao Zeyu , Ramos Evan J. , Estep Justin , Christeson Gail L. , Reece Robert S. , Hesse Marc A.
Published: June 2021

Although 70% of the Earth's heat loss occurs in the oceans, the nature of hydrothermal heat flow in oceanic crust is controversial. Lithospheric cooling models, heat flow measurements, and seismic experiments provide conflicting accounts on the longevity of hydrothermal systems and their efficiency at removing heat from the crust. Here we present five hydrothermal models along a crustal flowline in the western South Atlantic at ∼31°S to quantify how conductive and advective heat loss change as a function of crustal age and structure. The model sites cover crustal ages of 7–63 Ma and are collocated with planned drill sites of International Ocean Discovery Program Expeditions 390 and 393. We constrained our hydrothermal models with detailed physical property distributions that we estimated from new high‐resolution seismic velocity models. The hydrothermal models yield conductive and advective heat fluxes that closely match lithospheric cooling models and conductive heat flow measurements on the seafloor, supporting a hydrothermal sealing age of ∼65 Ma. Our results also agree with global estimates of fluid volume flux into the oceans and are consistent with a previously published analysis of upper crustal seismic velocities in the study area, indicating ongoing hydrothermal activity at relatively old crustal ages. This study broadly confirms and unifies existing concepts of oceanic heat flow and its modes of transport. Moreover, it provides a regional framework of seismic velocities and modeled hydrothermal fluxes, in which future in‐situ measurements can be integrated.
Consistent and Contrasting Aspects of the Geomagnetic Field Across Epochs With Distinct Reversal Frequencies Revealed by Modeling the Kiaman Superchron
Authors: Brandt Daniele , Ernesto Marcia , Constable Catherine
Published: June 2021

This work presents an extensive directional paleomagnetic database of the Kiaman reversed superchron. It is composed of 1,459 paleomagnetic directions from igneous rocks corresponding to 91 data sets (or paleomagnetic poles). An almost constant behavior of more concentrated and circular distributions for latitudes higher than 10° was found, which contrasts strongly with predictions of the representative models for the past few million years. We searched for simplified and spatially covariant Giant Gaussian Process (GGP) models that best explain the directional distribution of the Kiaman database. We used the mean strength based on the mean of virtual dipole moment (VDM) results for the period drawn from the available databases. Among the tested models, the one that best explains the directional paleosecular variation of the Kiaman database is the covariant type. According to this model, the correlations between the Gaussian coefficients are valid for the last 10 Myr and the Kiaman superchron. The resulting GGP models have parameters similar to the 0–10 Ma models, which indicates that the relation between symmetric and antisymmetric families appears unchanged in the geological past. The relative variability of the Kiaman field, as inferred from the ratio from GGP models, is lower than for the past 10 Myr. Thus, as well as the paleointensity, seems to be a proxy that can be used for evaluating the geomagnetic development along the geological time.
A Numerical Model of Bank Collapse and River Meandering
Authors: Zhao Kun , Lanzoni Stefano , Gong Zheng , Coco Giovanni
Published: June 2021

Meander migration results from the interaction between inner bank accretion and outer bank erosion/collapse. This interaction has been usually treated as a long‐term average of a sequence of erosion events determined by flow hydrographs. Little attention has been paid to the role that individual bank collapse events play on meander evolution. To fill this gap, we developed a numerical model of river meandering that describes explicitly bank collapse. Results show that as bend curvature increases due to meander migration and elongation, the initially scattered locations of bank collapse events converge toward the channel section where bed shear stress attains a maximum. Simulations illustrate the observed catch‐up behavior between inner and outer banks, driven by intermittent bank collapse events. Moreover, bank collapse is found to speed up short‐term meander migration and, consistent with field observations, meanders turn out to evolve toward a state characterized by constant channel width.
Assessing Decadal Predictability in an Earth‐System Model Using Explainable Neural Networks
Authors: Toms Benjamin A. , Barnes Elizabeth A. , Hurrell James W.
Published: June 2021

We show that explainable neural networks can identify regions of oceanic variability that contribute predictability on decadal timescales in a fully coupled Earth‐system model. The neural networks learn to use sea‐surface temperature anomalies to predict future continental surface temperature anomalies. We then use a neural‐network explainability method called layerwise relevance propagation to infer which oceanic patterns lead to accurate predictions made by the neural networks. In particular, regions within the North Atlantic Ocean and North Pacific Ocean lend the most predictability for surface temperature across continental North America. We apply the proposed methodology to decadal variability, although the concept is generalizable to other timescales of predictability. Furthermore, while our approach focuses on predictable patterns of internal variability within climate models, it should be generalizable to observational data as well. Our study contributes to the growing evidence that explainable neural networks are important tools for advancing geoscientific knowledge.
A Limited Area Modeling Capability for the Finite‐Volume Cubed‐Sphere (FV3) Dynamical Core and Comparison With a Global Two‐Way Nest
Authors: Black T. L. , Abeles J. A. , Blake B. T. , Jovic D. , Rogers E. , Zhang X. , Aligo E. A. , Dawson L. C. , Lin Y. , Strobach E. , Shafran P. C. , Carley J. R.
Published: June 2021

The development of a limited area model (LAM) capability for the nonhydrostatic Finite‐Volume Cubed‐Sphere (FV3) dynamical core is described and compared with a globally nested approach featuring two‐way feedback. Comparisons of the computational performance of the LAM relative to the two‐way nest reveal that the LAM configuration exhibits considerable improvement in efficiency. High‐resolution (i.e., 3‐km) LAM and nest configuration forecasts covering a 1‐month period show statistically comparable results for most parameters. Forecast differences between the two configurations primarily arise in the upper air temperature and height fields, which show a statistically significant increase in the magnitude of negative biases in geopotential height and upper‐air temperature using the LAM configuration relative to the nest at forecast lead times >24‐h. Precipitation forecasts over the full 60‐h forecast period are also evaluated and depict no statistically significant differences between the two configurations, with the nest configuration exhibiting slightly improved scores. Overall results suggest that while the FV3 LAM approach can introduce degradations into the forecast relative to the two‐way interactive nest at lead times >24‐h, these errors are generally small in magnitude and are accompanied by considerable improvement in computational efficiency.
LncRNA Bmp1 promotes the healing of intestinal mucosal lesions via the miR-128-3p/PHF6/PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Zhuang Mengmeng , Deng Yuequ , Zhang Wenwen , Zhu Bo , Yan Hao , Lou Jiaqi , Zhang Pan , Cui Qingwei , Tang Hao , Sun Han , Sun Yong
Published: June 2021

Intestinal mucosal injuries are directly or indirectly related to many common acute and chronic diseases. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are expressed in many diseases, including intestinal mucosal injury. However, the relationship between lncRNAs and intestinal mucosal injury has not been determined. Here, we investigated the functions and mechanisms of action of lncRNA Bmp1 on damaged intestinal mucosa. We found that Bmp1 was increased in damaged intestinal mucosal tissue and Bmp1 overexpression was able to alleviate intestinal mucosal injury. Bmp1 overexpression was found to influence cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration in IEC-6 or HIEC-6 cells. Moreover, miR-128-3p was downregulated after Bmp1 overexpression, and upregulation of miR-128-3p reversed the effects of Bmp1 overexpression in IEC-6 cells. Phf6 was observed to be a target of miR-128-3p. Furthermore, PHF6 overexpression affected IEC-6 cells by activating PI3K/AKT signaling which was mediated by the miR-128-3p/PHF6 axis. In conclusion, Bmp1 was found to promote the expression of PHF6 through the sponge miR-128-3p, activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to promote cell migration and proliferation.
Time trajectories in the transcriptomic response to exercise - a meta-analysis
Authors: Amar David , Lindholm Malene E. , Norrbom Jessica , Wheeler Matthew T. , Rivas Manuel A. , Ashley Euan A.
Published: June 2021

Exercise training prevents multiple diseases, yet the molecular mechanisms that drive exercise adaptation are incompletely understood. To address this, we create a computational framework comprising data from skeletal muscle or blood from 43 studies, including 739 individuals before and after exercise or training. Using linear mixed effects meta-regression, we detect specific time patterns and regulatory modulators of the exercise response. Acute and long-term responses are transcriptionally distinct and we identify SMAD3 as a central regulator of the exercise response. Exercise induces a more pronounced inflammatory response in skeletal muscle of older individuals and our models reveal multiple sex-associated responses. We validate seven of our top genes in a separate human cohort. In this work, we provide a powerful resource (www.extrameta.org) that expands the transcriptional landscape of exercise adaptation by extending previously known responses and their regulatory networks, and identifying novel modality-, time-, age-, and sex-associated changes.
Thioesterase superfamily member 1 undergoes stimulus-coupled conformational reorganization to regulate metabolism in mice
Authors: Li Yue , Imai Norihiro , Nicholls Hayley T. , Roberts Blaine R. , Goyal Samaksh , Krisko Tibor I. , Ang Lay-Hong , Tillman Matthew C. , Roberts Anne M. , Baqai Mahnoor , Ortlund Eric A. , Cohen David E. , Hagen Susan J.
Published: June 2021

In brown adipose tissue, thermogenesis is suppressed by thioesterase superfamily member 1 (Them1), a long chain fatty acyl-CoA thioesterase. Them1 is highly upregulated by cold ambient temperature, where it reduces fatty acid availability and limits thermogenesis. Here, we show that Them1 regulates metabolism by undergoing conformational changes in response to β-adrenergic stimulation that alter Them1 intracellular distribution. Them1 forms metabolically active puncta near lipid droplets and mitochondria. Upon stimulation, Them1 is phosphorylated at the N-terminus, inhibiting puncta formation and activity and resulting in a diffuse intracellular localization. We show by correlative light and electron microscopy that Them1 puncta are biomolecular condensates that are inhibited by phosphorylation. Thus, Them1 forms intracellular biomolecular condensates that limit fatty acid oxidation and suppress thermogenesis. During a period of energy demand, the condensates are disrupted by phosphorylation to allow for maximal thermogenesis. The stimulus-coupled reorganization of Them1 provides fine-tuning of thermogenesis and energy expenditure.
Chromosome compartments on the inactive X guide TAD formation independently of transcription during X-reactivation
Authors: Bauer Moritz , Vidal Enrique , Zorita Eduard , Üresin Nil , Pinter Stefan F. , Filion Guillaume J. , Payer Bernhard
Published: June 2021

A hallmark of chromosome organization is the partition into transcriptionally active A and repressed B compartments, and into topologically associating domains (TADs). Both structures were regarded to be absent from the inactive mouse X chromosome, but to be re-established with transcriptional reactivation and chromatin opening during X-reactivation. Here, we combine a tailor-made mouse iPSC reprogramming system and high-resolution Hi-C to produce a time course combining gene reactivation, chromatin opening and chromosome topology during X-reactivation. Contrary to previous observations, we observe A/B-like compartments on the inactive X harbouring multiple subcompartments. While partial X-reactivation initiates within a compartment rich in X-inactivation escapees, it then occurs rapidly along the chromosome, concomitant with downregulation of Xist. Importantly, we find that TAD formation precedes transcription and initiates from Xist-poor compartments. Here, we show that TAD formation and transcriptional reactivation are causally independent during X-reactivation while establishing Xist as a common denominator.
Translation and codon usage regulate Argonaute slicer activity to trigger small RNA biogenesis
Authors: Singh Meetali , Cornes Eric , Li Blaise , Quarato Piergiuseppe , Bourdon Loan , Dingli Florent , Loew Damarys , Proccacia Simone , Cecere Germano
Published: June 2021

In the Caenorhabditis elegans germline, thousands of mRNAs are concomitantly expressed with antisense 22G-RNAs, which are loaded into the Argonaute CSR-1. Despite their essential functions for animal fertility and embryonic development, how CSR-1 22G-RNAs are produced remains unknown. Here, we show that CSR-1 slicer activity is primarily involved in triggering the synthesis of small RNAs on the coding sequences of germline mRNAs and post-transcriptionally regulates a fraction of targets. CSR-1-cleaved mRNAs prime the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, EGO-1, to synthesize 22G-RNAs in phase with translating ribosomes, in contrast to other 22G-RNAs mostly synthesized in germ granules. Moreover, codon optimality and efficient translation antagonize CSR-1 slicing and 22G-RNAs biogenesis. We propose that codon usage differences encoded into mRNA sequences might be a conserved strategy in eukaryotes to regulate small RNA biogenesis and Argonaute targeting.
A fundamental viewpoint on the hydrogen spillover phenomenon of electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Li Jiayuan , Hu Jun , Zhang Mingkai , Gou Wangyan , Zhang Sai , Chen Zhong , Qu Yongquan , Ma Yuanyuan
Published: June 2021

Hydrogen spillover phenomenon of metal-supported electrocatalysts can significantly impact their activity in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, design of active electrocatalysts faces grand challenges due to the insufficient understandings on how to overcome this thermodynamically and kinetically adverse process. Here we theoretically profile that the interfacial charge accumulation induces by the large work function difference between metal and support (∆Φ) and sequentially strong interfacial proton adsorption construct a high energy barrier for hydrogen transfer. Theoretical simulations and control experiments rationalize that small ∆Φ induces interfacial charge dilution and relocation, thereby weakening interfacial proton adsorption and enabling efficient hydrogen spillover for HER. Experimentally, a series of Pt alloys-CoP catalysts with tailorable ∆Φ show a strong ∆Φ-dependent HER activity, in which PtIr/CoP with the smallest ∆Φ = 0.02 eV delivers the best HER performance. These findings have conclusively identified ∆Φ as the criterion in guiding the design of hydrogen spillover-based binary HER electrocatalysts.
Regulation of the one carbon folate cycle as a shared metabolic signature of longevity
Authors: Annibal Andrea , Tharyan Rebecca George , Schonewolff Maribel Fides , Tam Hannah , Latza Christian , Auler Markus Max Karl , Grönke Sebastian , Partridge Linda , Antebi Adam
Published: June 2021

The metabolome represents a complex network of biological events that reflects the physiologic state of the organism in health and disease. Additionally, specific metabolites and metabolic signaling pathways have been shown to modulate animal ageing, but whether there are convergent mechanisms uniting these processes remains elusive. Here, we used high resolution mass spectrometry to obtain the metabolomic profiles of canonical longevity pathways in C. elegans to identify metabolites regulating life span. By leveraging the metabolomic profiles across pathways, we found that one carbon metabolism and the folate cycle are pervasively regulated in common. We observed similar changes in long-lived mouse models of reduced insulin/IGF signaling. Genetic manipulation of pathway enzymes and supplementation with one carbon metabolites in C. elegans reveal that regulation of the folate cycle represents a shared causal mechanism of longevity and proteoprotection. Such interventions impact the methionine cycle, and reveal methionine restriction as an underlying mechanism. This comparative approach reveals key metabolic nodes to enhance healthy ageing.
WSX1 act as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma by downregulating neoplastic PD-L1 expression
Authors: Wu Man , Xia Xueqing , Hu Jiemiao , Fowlkes Natalie Wall , Li Shulin
Published: June 2021

WSX1, a receptor subunit for IL-27, is widely expressed in immune cells and closely involved in immune response, but its function in nonimmune cells remains unknown. Here we report that WSX1 is highly expressed in human hepatocytes but downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Using NRAS/AKT-derived spontaneous HCC mouse models, we reveal an IL-27–independent tumor-suppressive effect of WSX1 that largely relies on CD8+ T-cell immune surveillance via reducing neoplastic PD-L1 expression and the associated CD8+ T-cell exhaustion. Mechanistically, WSX1 transcriptionally downregulates an isoform of PI3K—PI3Kδ and thereby inactivates AKT, reducing AKT-induced GSK3β inhibition. Activated GSK3β then boosts PD-L1 degradation, resulting in PD-L1 reduction. Overall, we demonstrate that WSX1 is a tumor suppressor that reinforces hepatic immune surveillance by blocking the PI3Kδ/AKT/GSK3β/PD-L1 pathway. Our results may yield insights into the host homeostatic control of immune response and benefit the development of cancer immunotherapies.
Diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis in 21 pediatric hematology and oncology patients at a tertiary care cancer center
Authors: von Mersi Hannah , Benkö Thomas , Boztug Heidrun , Dworzak Michael , Engstler Gernot , Friesenbichler Waltraud , Hutter Caroline , Lakatos Karoly , Mann Georg , Metzelder Martin , Lüftinger Roswitha , Pichler Herbert , Poyer Fiona , Ronceray Leila , Attarbaschi Andishe
Published: June 2021

Acute appendicitis is a rare gastrointestinal complication of anti-cancer chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Among a cohort of 2341 hemato-oncologic patients at a pediatric tertiary care cancer center, we identified 21 patients (0.9%) with 23 episodes of acute appendicitis, based on pathological imaging of the appendix and clinical findings. Median age at diagnosis was 10.21 years. Types of underlying disease included acute leukemias (n = 15), solid tumors (n = 4), and aplastic anemia (n = 2). Clinical symptoms seen in > 1 case were recorded for all 23 episodes as follows: abdominal pain, n = 22; abdominal tenderness, n = 4; fever, n = 7; nausea, n = 2; emesis; n = 2; diarrhea, n = 5; and constipation, n = 2. Median leukocyte count at diagnosis was 0.5 × 109/L, with a median of 0.1 × 109/L for the absolute neutrophil count (ANC). All patients received broad-spectrum antibiotics and 18/23 (78%) patients underwent uneventful appendectomy after a median of 5 days and with a median ANC of 0.7 × 109/L. Median duration until continuation of chemotherapy was 17 days for the 20 cases of appendicitis occurring during the patients’ disease course. Overall, 5/21 (19%) patients died including one related to the appendicitis itself which progressed to a typhlitis and was due to a fungal infection. The other fatalities were transplant- (n = 2) and leukemia-related (n = 2). Acute appendicitis is a rare and usually not life-threatening event in pediatric hemato-oncologic patients, which, if managed by prompt administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics (and antimycotics), can be safely followed by an elective (delayed) appendectomy, even before complete recovery of the neutrophils is achieved.
Effect of ammonia and water molecule on OH + CH3OH reaction under tropospheric condition
Authors: Ali Mohamad Akbar , Balaganesh M. , Al-Odail Faisal A. , Lin K. C.
Published: June 2021

The rate coefficients for OH + CH3OH and OH + CH3OH (+ X) (X = NH3, H2O) reactions were calculated using microcanonical, and canonical variational transition state theory (CVT) between 200 and 400 K based on potential energy surface constructed using CCSD(T)//M06-2X/6-311++G(3df,3pd). The results show that OH + CH3OH is dominated by the hydrogen atoms abstraction from CH3 position in both free and ammonia/water catalyzed ones. This result is in consistent with previous experimental and theoretical studies. The calculated rate coefficient for the OH + CH3OH (8.8 × 10−13 cm3 molecule−1 s−1), for OH + CH3OH (+ NH3) [1.9 × 10−21 cm3 molecule−1 s−1] and for OH + CH3OH (+ H2O) [8.1 × 10−16 cm3 molecule−1 s−1] at 300 K. The rate coefficient is at least 8 order magnitude [for OH + CH3OH(+ NH3) reaction] and 3 orders magnitude [OH + CH3OH (+ H2O)] are smaller than free OH + CH3OH reaction. Our calculations predict that the catalytic effect of single ammonia and water molecule on OH + CH3OH reaction has no effect under tropospheric conditions because the dominated ammonia and water-assisted reaction depends on ammonia and water concentration, respectively. As a result, the total effective reaction rate coefficients are smaller. The current study provides a comprehensive example of how basic and neutral catalysts effect the most important atmospheric prototype alcohol reactions.
Appraising Mahallat Geothermal Region using thermal surveying data accompanied by the geological, geochemical and gravity analyses
Authors: Nouraliee Javad , Ebrahimi Davar , Dashti Ali , Gholami Korzani Maziar , Sangin Sepehr
Published: June 2021

Mahallat Geothermal Region, located in the central part of Iran, is known as one of the largest low-temperature geothermal fields. In this study, Mahallat geothermal resource has been evaluated based on integrated geological, geochemical and geophysical analyses. Gravity data revealed three major negative anomaly zones. Based on the geochemical analyses, quartz geothermometers are more reliable than others and confirmed that the reservoir is about 90 °C. Lithological properties of Jurassic layers and high sulphate content observed in geochemical data showed traces of the coal-rich layers on the hot fluids. Measured temperatures in 7 boreholes with the depths ranging from 50 to 100 m, have proposed that expected geothermal gradient will be about 81.5 °C/km. Among all drilled boreholes, the data coming from only one resulted in this almost reliable gradient. Other boreholes are clearly too shallow or affected by upflow or downflow of water along existing faults. Geological, geochemical, gravity and measurements of drilled boreholes suggested the existence of a shallow reservoir with an approximate temperature of 90 °C. Regarding gravity and observed faults, geothermal reservoir is elongated parallel to one of the main faults of the region with NE-SW strike.
Increasing glycaemia is associated with a significant decline in HDL cholesterol in women with prediabetes in two national populations
Authors: Washirasaksiri Chaiwat , Srivanichakorn Weerachai , Godsland Ian F. , Kositamongkol Chayanis , Chariyalertsak Suwat , Kessomboon Pattapong , Assanangkornchai Sawitri , Taneepanichskul Surasak , Neelapaichit Nareemarn , Phisalprapa Pochamana , Johnston Desmond G. , Oliver Nick S. , Aekplakorn Wichai
Published: June 2021

Internationally, studies have shown associations between lipids and glycemia; however, whether the link varies by gender and population has been rarely examined. We investigated relationships between glycemia and HDL- and Non-HDL-cholesterol and their modification by gender. We undertook a cross-sectional analysis from the National Health Examination Survey for Thailand (NHES-Thailand) and the Health Survey for England (HS-England) in adults aged 18–75 year. Glycaemia was assessed by FPG in Thailand and by HbA1c in the UK. In population- and gender-stratified analyses, the relationships between glycemia and lipids were explored. A total of 15,145 Thai and 3484 UK adults with blood measurement were included. The prevalences of prediabetes were: in NHES-Thailand, 16% (SE = 0.004), based on FPG (5.6 to < 7.0 mmol/L) and in HS-England, 19% (0.007) based on HbA1c (39 to < 48 mmol/mol). Increasingly abnormal glucose homeostasis was associated with increasing age, adiposity, SBP, proportion of antihypertensive and lipid-lowering agent use and with decreasing HDL-cholesterol. Independent of age, adiposity, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, and lipid and BP lowering drug use, increasing glycemia was associated with decreasing HDL-cholesterol specifically in women with prediabetes (NHES-Thailand, beta-coefficient − 0.07 (95% CI − 0.15, − 0.001) p = 0.04 and HS-England, − 0.03 (− 0.04, − 0.006) p = 0.01). In both populations, among those with prediabetes, increasing glycaemia is associated with an adverse, significant decline in HDL cholesterol, specifically in women. These adverse effects are apparent in widely-differing international populations.