bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Game-based Sprint retrospectives: multiple action research
Authors: Przybyłek Adam , Albecka Marta , Springer Olga , Kowalski Wojciech
Published: October 2021

In today’s fast-paced world of rapid technological change, software development teams need to constantly revise their work practices. Not surprisingly, regular reflection on how to become more effective is perceived as one of the most important principles of Agile Software Development. Nevertheless, running an effective and enjoyable retrospective meeting is still a challenge in real environments. As reported by several studies, the Sprint Retrospective is an agile practice most likely to be implemented improperly or sacrificed when teams perform under pressure to deliver. To facilitate the implementation of the practice, some agile coaches have proposed to set up retrospective meetings in the form of retrospective games. However, there has been little research-based evidence to support the positive effects of retrospective games. Our aim is to investigate whether the adoption of retrospective games can improve retrospective meetings in general and lead to positive societal outcomes. In this paper, we report on an Action Research project in which we implemented six retrospective games in six Scrum teams that had experienced common retrospective problems. The received feedback indicates that the approach helped the teams to mitigate many of the “accidental difficulties” pertaining to the Sprint Retrospective, such as lack of structure, dullness, too many complaints, or unequal participation and made the meetings more productive to some degree. Moreover, depending on their individual preferences, different participants perceived different games as having a positive impact on their communication, motivation-and-involvement, and/or creativity, even though there were others, less numerous, who had an opposite view. The advantages and disadvantages of each game as well as eight lessons learned are presented in the paper.
Pre-flight qualification tests of the Mini-EUSO telescope engineering model
Authors: Bisconti F. , Miyamoto H. , Barghini D. , Battisti M. , Belov A. , Bertaina M. E. , Blin-Bondil S. , Cambiè G. , Capel F. , Casolino M. , Cellino A. , Conti L. , Contino G. , Cotto G. , Ebisuzaki T. , Fenu F. , Fornaro C. , Franceschi A. , Gardiol D. , Haungs A. , Klimov P. , Manfrin M. , Marcelli L. , Mignone M. , Napolitano T. , Parizot E. , Picozza P. , Piotrowski L. W. , Prévôt G. , Reali E. , Ricci M. , Shinozaki K. , Simioli F. , Suino G. , Szabelski J.
Published: October 2021

Mini-EUSO is part of the JEM-EUSO program and operates on board the International Space Station (ISS). It is a UV-telescope with single-photon counting capability looking at nighttime downwards to the Earth through a nadir-facing UV-transparent window. As part of the pre-flight tests, the Mini-EUSO engineering model, a telescope with 1/9 of the original focal surface and a lens of 2.5 cm diameter, has been built and tested. Tests of the Mini-EUSO engineering model have been made in laboratory and in open-sky conditions. Laboratory tests have been performed at the TurLab facility, located at the Physics Department of the University of Turin, equipped with a rotating tank containing different types of materials and light sources. In this way, the configuration for the observation of the Earth from space was emulated, including the Mini-EUSO trigger schemes. In addition to the qualification and calibration tests, the Mini-EUSO engineering model has also been used to evaluate the possibility of using a JEM-EUSO-type detector for applications such as observation of space debris. Furthermore, observations in open-sky conditions allowed the studies of natural light sources such as stars, meteors, planets, and artificial light sources such as airplanes, satellites reflecting the sunlight, and city lights. Most of these targets could be detected also with Mini-EUSO. In this paper, the tests in laboratory and in open-sky conditions are reported, as well as the obtained results. In addition, the contribution that such tests provided to foresee and improve the performance of Mini-EUSO on board the ISS is discussed.
A systematic review exploring the significance of measuring epicardial fat thickness in correlation to B-type natriuretic peptide levels as prognostic and diagnostic markers in patients with or at risk of heart failure
Authors: Nyawo Thembeka A. , Dludla Phiwayinkosi V. , Mazibuko-Mbeje Sithandiwe E. , Mthembu Sinenhlanhla X. H. , Nyambuya Tawanda M. , Nkambule Bongani B. , Sadie-Van Gijsen Hanél , Strijdom Hans , Pheiffer Carmen
Published: October 2021

Emerging evidence suggests that epicardial fat thickness (EFT) may be a critical feature to understand cardiac health and determine the risk of heart failure. The current review critically assesses and discusses evidence on the efficiency of measuring EFT, in comparison to the well-known markers B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and its N-terminal fragment pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), as a prognostic and diagnostic approach in individuals with or at risk of heart failure. A systematic approach was undertaken to search major databases, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and the Cochrane library to identify studies that quantified EFT and serum BNP/NT-proBNP levels in individuals with or at risk of heart failure. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria and a total of 1983 participants were included in this systematic review. Evidence shows a clear association between increased EFT and elevated BNP/NT-proBNP levels in individuals with metabolic disease and suggests that both methods can be used for heart failure diagnosis and prognosis. However, due to the broad spectrum of challenges linked with measuring EFT, BNP/Pro-BNP is the predominant method used for heart failure diagnosis and prognosis in clinical practice. Nonetheless, measuring EFT provides a powerful and reproducible diagnostic tool for risk stratification and heart failure diagnosis and prognosis. Importantly, measuring EFT proves valuable to validate BNP/NT-proBNP levels to predict heart failure, especially due to its non-invasive nature.
Evaluation the Effectiveness of Abridged IMNCI (7-Day) Course v Standard (11-Day) Course in Pakistan
Authors: Ariff Shabina , Sadiq Kamran , Jiwani Uswa , Ahmed Khalil , Nuzhat Khadija , Ahmed Shakeel , Nizami Qamruddin , Khan Iqtidar A. , Ali Nabeela , Soofi Sajid Bashir , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

Background

The conventional IMCI training for healthcare providers is delivered in 11 days, which can be expensive and disruptive to the normal clinical routines of the providers. An equally effective, shorter training course may address these challenges.

Methods

We conducted a quasi-experimental study in two provinces (Sindh and Punjab) of Pakistan. 104 healthcare providers were conveniently selected to receive either the abridged (7-day) or the standard (11-day) training. Knowledge and clinical skills of the participants were assessed before, immediately on conclusion of, and six months after the training.

Results

The improvement in mean knowledge scores of the 7-day and 11-day training groups was 31.6 (95% CI 24.3, 38.8) and 29.4 (95% CI 23.9, 34.9) respectively, p = 0.630 while the improvement in mean clinical skills scores of the 7-day and 11-day training groups was 23.8 (95% CI: 19.3, 28.2) and 23.0 (95% CI 18.9, 27.0) respectively, p = 0.784. The decline in mean knowledge scores six months after the training was − 12.4 (95% CI − 18.5, − 6.4) and − 6.4 (95% CI − 10.5, − 2.3) in the 7-day and 11-day groups respectively, p = 0.094. The decline in mean clinical skills scores six months after the training was − 6.3 (95% CI − 11.3, − 1.3) in the 7-day training group and − 9.1 (95% CI − 11.5, − 6.6) in the 11-day group, p = 0.308.

Conclusion

An abridged IMNCI training is equally effective as the standard training. However, training for certain illnesses may be better delivered by the standard course.
Factors influencing the levothyroxine dose in the hormone replacement therapy of primary hypothyroidism in adults
Authors: Caron Philippe , Grunenwald Solange , Persani Luca , Borson-Chazot Françoise , Leroy Remy , Duntas Leonidas
Published: October 2021

Levothyroxine (LT4) is a safe, effective means of hormone replacement therapy for hypothyroidism. Here, we review the pharmaceutical, pathophysiological and behavioural factors influencing the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of LT4. Any factor that alters the state of the epithelium in the stomach or small intestine will reduce and/or slow absorption of LT4; these include ulcerative colitis, coeliac disease, bariatric surgery, Helicobacter pylori infection, food intolerance, gastritis, mineral supplements, dietary fibre, resins, and various drugs. Once in the circulation, LT4 is almost fully bound to plasma proteins. Although free T4 (FT4) and liothyronine concentrations are extensively buffered, it is possible that drug- or disorder-induced changes in plasma proteins levels can modify free hormone levels. The data on the clinical significance of genetic variants in deiodinase genes are contradictory, and wide-scale genotyping of hypothyroid patients is not currently justified. We developed a decision tree for the physician faced with an abnormally high thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level in a patient reporting adequate compliance with the recommended LT4 dose. The physician should review medications, the medical history and the serum FT4 level and check for acute adrenal insufficiency, heterophilic anti-TSH antibodies, antibodies against gastric and intestinal components (gastric parietal cells, endomysium, and tissue transglutaminase 2), and Helicobacter pylori infection. The next step is an LT4 pharmacodynamic absorption test; poor LT4 absorption should prompt a consultation with a gastroenterologist and (depending on the findings) an increase in the LT4 dose level. An in-depth etiological investigation can reveal visceral disorders and, especially, digestive tract disorders.
The Institutional Grammar: A Method for Coding Institutions and its Potential for Advancing Third Sector Research
Authors: Bushouse Brenda K. , Schweik Charles M. , Siddiki Saba , Rice Doug , Wolfson Isaac
Published: October 2021

Institutions—defined as strategies, norms and rules (Ostrom Understanding institutional diversity, Princeton University Press, Princeton, 2005)—are omnipresent in third sector contexts. In this paper, we present the Institutional Grammar (IG) as a theoretically informed approach to support institutional analysis in third sector research. More specifically, the IG coding syntax allows the researcher to systematically wade through rich text and (transcribed) spoken language to identify and dissect institutional statements into finer syntactical segments of interest to the researcher. It is a versatile method that can generate data for small- or large-N research projects and can be integrated with mixed-method research designs. After first introducing and describing the IG, we present a case study to illustrate how a IG-based syntactic analysis can be leveraged to inform third sector research. In the case, we ask: Do the rules embedded in regulatory text addressing the involuntary dissolution of charity organizations differ between bifurcated and unitary jurisdictions in the United States? Using IG’s ABDICO 2.0 syntax, we identify eleven “Activation Condition” (AC) categories that trigger action and assess variation among the 46 jurisdictions. We ultimately conclude that the rules do not differ between bifurcated and unitary jurisdictions, but that finding is not the primary concern. The case demonstrates IG as an important methodological advance that yields granular, structured analyses of rules, norms and strategies in third sector settings that may be difficult to identify with other methods. We then emphasize four areas of third sector research that could benefit from the addition of IG-based methods: analysis of (1) rule compliance, (2) inter-organizational collaboration, (3) comparative study of institutional design, and (4) the study of institutional change. We close the paper with some reflections on where IG-based analysis is headed.
Investigation of Valve Tip End Wear Mechanism of a Four-Cylinder Automotive Engine Under High-Speed Application
Authors: Gandhi Yashkumar , Pawar Ninad , Zoal Nanasaheb , Ramnathan Gurunathan
Published: October 2021

This work investigates the causes of wear occurring at the engine valve tip end after 400 hours of engine operation. Fatigue wear was observed on the valve tip at the product development stage of the engine, which is going to be used in an automotive vehicle. Valves were assembled on a gasoline/CNG fuel-based four-cylinder IC engine. In this engine, tip end wear was prominent during high-speed testing conditions as compared to other types of engine tests. The chemical composition of worn surfaces was verified by spectroscopy. The microstructures, grain sizes and surface roughness were determined by optical microscopy and surface roughness tester. To evaluate the wear mechanism, valve tip end worn surfaces were analyzed using Scanning electron microscopy. The SEM analysis indicates the initiation of micropits and subsequent propagation of the fatigue wear during engine operating conditions. The residual stresses were measured at valve tip end surfaces and subsurfaces using X-ray diffraction techniques. Several investigations employing multiple techniques were carried out to identify the root cause of failure while comparing results against those of untested valves. Parameters that can affect valve tip end properties were identified in the study and countermeasures provided, and that lead to successful completion of the testing with the same operating condition.
Differential toxicological effects of natural and synthetic sources and enantiomeric forms of limonene on mosquito larvae
Authors: Ross Perran A. , Nematollahi Neda , Steinemann Anne , Kolev Spas D. , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: October 2021

Common fragranced consumer products, such as cleaning supplies and personal care products, emit chiral compounds such as limonene that have been associated with adverse effects on human health. However, those same compounds abound in nature, and at similar concentrations as in products, but without the same apparent adverse human health effects. We investigated whether different types of limonene may elicit different biological effects. In this study, we investigated the mortality rate of mosquito larvae in response to changes in their environment. Specifically, we tested different sources of naturally occurring R-limonene and chemically synthetized limonene, containing one of its enantiomeric forms (R-, S-) in mortality bioassays with Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae. We found that a natural source of limonene extracted from oranges induced lower mortality of mosquito larvae compared to synthetic sources at the same concentration. However, enantiomeric forms did not differ in their effects on mortality. Our results provide novel evidence that natural sources of a chemical can cause lower rates of mortality than synthetic sources.
Associations between socioemotional alterations, quality of life, and social functioning in multiple sclerosis: A scoping review
Authors: Di Tella Marialaura , Clerico Marinella , Castelli Lorys
Published: October 2021

The main aim of the present scoping review is to systematically review the available studies that investigated the associations between socioemotional alterations (i.e., social cognition impairments/alexithymia/difficulties in emotion regulation) and both reduced QoL and social functioning in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The articles were selected from the PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases. The main exclusion criteria were qualitative studies, articles that did not use validated instruments, and studies that did not investigate the association between socioemotional skills and QoL/social functioning in MS. Of the eight studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria, six found significant associations between social cognitive and emotion regulation abilities and QoL/social functioning in patients with MS, while two found no significant relationships particularly between the performance on social cognition tasks and QoL measures. Overall, the majority of findings seem to highlight that socioemotional alterations contribute to impaired QoL and social functioning in MS. However, given the still limited evidence, future studies are needed to replicate and confirm the available results, paying attention to two principal aspects: the use of standardized and ecological tasks for the assessment of social cognition skills and the recruitment of samples involving patients with different types of MS.
Lern- und Assistenzsysteme partizipativ integrieren – Entwicklung einer Systematik zur Prozessgestaltung auf Basis eines organisationspädagogischen Ansatzes
Authors: Keller Alinde , Weber Susanne Maria , Rentzsch Melanie , Haase Tina
Published: October 2021

Der Beitrag befasst sich mit dem Prozess der Integration von Lern- und Assistenzsystemen (LAS) in Arbeitssysteme in der Produktion. Ziel eines solchen Prozesses ist es, die Potenziale eines akzeptierten, lernförderlichen und wirtschaftlichen Nutzen generierenden LAS für spezifische Anforderungen in Unternehmen zu erschließen. Dies erfordert ein partizipatives Vorgehen sowie die Integration ganzheitlicher Wissensbestände. Der Beitrag erschließt daher aus organisationspädagogischer Sicht Reflexions‑, Übersetzungs‑, Aushandlungs- und Visionierungsprozesse als Praktiken der Wissensproduktion im partizipativen Vorgehen. Im Rahmen eines organisationspädagogischen Design Based Research Ansatzes wird dabei eine Systematik vorgeschlagen, welche sowohl theoriebasiert als auch auf Basis praktischer Erfahrungen bei der Integration eines LAS in Instandhaltungstätigkeiten entwickelt wurde. Ziel dieser Systematik ist es, diejenigen Akteure in der Praxis zu unterstützen, die den Prozess der Entstehung einer LAS-basierten (Lern‑)Innovation in Unternehmen kontextsensibel ausgestalten.

Praktische Relevanz: Der Beitrag richtet sich an Akteure, welche einen partizipativen Prozess zur Integration von Lern- und Assistenzsystemen in den betrieblichen Alltag gestalten und koordinieren. Es wird eine Systematik entwickelt, welche ihnen eine Handlungshilfe anbietet und sie durch diesen Prozess begleitet.
Pharmaceutical Companies, Human Rights, and the Alien Tort Statute
Authors: Cohen I. Glenn , Giannini Tyler , Adashi Eli Y.
Published: October 2021

On January 3, 2019, U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang of the U.S. District Court of the District of Maryland took a crucial first step in redressing one of the worst human subjects research ethics violations in U.S. history.
Ossicular chain reconstruction using costal cartilage in malleoincudal osteoma
Authors: Piazza F , Frisina A
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To report an extremely rare case of malleoincudal osteoma that led to conductive hearing loss despite an unusually normal otomicroscopic appearance, and to highlight the usefulness of costal cartilage for ossicular chain reconstruction after tumour removal.

Case report

A 37-year-old woman presented with a 2-year history of progressive, right-sided hearing loss. Physical examination revealed a normal tympanic membrane. Pure tone audiometry showed a right-sided conductive hearing loss. High-resolution computed tomography revealed a right-sided epitympanic mass arising from the malleus head and contiguous with the incus. The patient underwent a closed mastoido-epitympanectomy. The malleus head and the incus with associated malleoincudal osteoma were removed. Ossicular chain reconstruction using costal cartilage was performed at the time of tumour removal.

Conclusion

The possibility of a middle-ear osteoma must be considered in cases of unilateral and progressive conductive hearing loss with a normal otomicroscopic appearance in patients with no history of ear infection, trauma or prior surgery, and with no family history of hearing loss. Surgical treatment is indicated in cases of significant conductive hearing loss. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of malleoincudal osteoma in which the ossicular chain was reconstructed using costal cartilage.
Being a ‘not-quite-Buddhist theist’
Authors: Rooney James Dominic
Published: October 2021

Buddhism is a tradition that set itself decidedly against theism, with the development of complex arguments against the existence of God. I propose that the metaphysical conclusions reached by some schools in the Mahayana tradition present a vision of reality that, with some apparently small modification, would ground an argument for the existence of God. This argument involves explanation in terms of natures rather than causal agency. Yet I conclude not only that the Buddhist becomes a theist in embracing such explanations as legitimate, but alsoipso factoabandons their metaphysical project and ceases to be a Buddhist.
‘Knowledge is everything?’ How well do the general public understand aged care and how does this affect their attitudes towards quality of care and future funding?
Authors: Hutchinson Claire , Ratcliffe Julie , Crocker Matthew , Kumaran Sheela , Milte Rachel , Khadka Jyoti
Published: October 2021

The recent Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety in Australia has documented systemic failures and shocking incidences of abuse and neglect, a not uncommon story internationally. As aged care in many countries is predominantly publicly funded, it is important to understand the general public's attitudes towards aged care quality, what aspects of care quality they think are most important and their willingness to contribute to increased funding to the sector. This paper asks specifically whether self-reported aged care literacy impacts expectations and willingness to pay. More than 10,000 members of the general population were surveyed stratified by age, gender and state. Regardless of the level of aged care literacy, there was consensus about what constitutes quality care, and care priorities for the sector. However, aged care literacy affected willingness to pay to fund a better-quality aged care system. The current crisis facing Australia's aged care system and that of many other countries internationally demonstrates the central importance of general public support to drive quality improvements, recognising that increasing public expenditure on aged care is a necessary part of the solution. This study provides important baseline data from which to commence national and international conversations to consider all options for ensuring the quality, safety and sustainability of aged care now and into the future.
THE FINANCIAL COSTS OF THE PORTUGUESE COLONIAL WAR, 1961-1974: ANALYSIS AND APPLIED STUDY
Authors: Ferraz Ricardo
Published: October 2021

This article presents estimates of the financial costs incurred by Portugal with the Colonial War (1961-1974). The results obtained show that, on average, the extraordinary expenses most directly related with the war represented 22% of Portuguese state expenditure, equivalent to 3.1% of GDP. They also show that the total costs incurred by Portugal with the Colonial War amounted to between 21.8 billion euros and 29.8 billion euros, at today's prices and in the present-day currency. By estimating a dynamic model, it was also possible to identify a positive relationship between the extraordinary military expenditure on the defence and security of the overseas provinces—which included the budgetary costs of war—and Portuguese economic growth. The conclusions reached represent a valuable contribution to contemporary economic history.
(Dis)Connecting Through COVID-19: Experiences of Older Persons in the Context of a Volunteer–Client Relationship
Authors: Bruce Paxton , Pesut Barbara , Dunlop Rowena , Puurveen Gloria , Duggleby Wendy
Published: October 2021

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and mandated physical distancing requirements significantly impacted volunteer programs for older persons with many long-standing programs either ceasing altogether or pivoting to connecting through virtual technologies. In this study, we collected qualitative interview data from 23 clients and 33 volunteers to investigate their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects on the volunteer–client relationship. Three themes were identified: pandemic emotions, negotiating social interactions, and growing through the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings provide important insights into the experiences of hospice organizations and their volunteers and clients during the COVID 19 pandemic, further highlighting the importance of acknowledging both older persons’ vulnerability and their resilience, of building in compassionate community approaches to care, and of finding innovative ways to foster volunteer–client relationships during times when physical visiting is not possible.
Das pharmakologische Management kinder- und jugendpsychiatrischer Notfälle
Authors: Vloet Timo D. , Fekete Stefanie , Gerlach Manfred , Romanos Marcel
Published: October 2021

Zusammenfassung. Kinder- und jugendpsychiatrische Notfälle sind häufig und stellen die beteiligten Ärztinnen und Ärzte vor besondere Herausforderungen, da eine erhebliche Gefahr für die Patient_innen oder Dritte unter Anwendung möglichst wenig invasiver Mittel abzuwenden ist. In diesem Kontext werden neben haltgebenden, deeskalierenden und psychotherapeutischen Optionen häufig auch pharmakologische Interventionen eingesetzt. Da ein Mangel an systematisch erhobenen Daten besteht, findet die pharmakologische Notfallbehandlung in der Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie regelhaft im off-label-Bereich statt. Vor dem Hintergrund der komplexen klinischen und rechtlichen Anforderungen an die Ärztinnen und Ärzte werden im vorliegenden Artikel praxisrelevante Hinweise insbesondere zum pharmakologischen Management von in der Praxis häufig auftretenden kinder- und jugendpsychiatrischen Notfällen wie akuter Suizidalität, akut psychotischem Erleben, Delir und Bewusstseinsstörungen sowie akuter Intoxikation und Alkoholentzugssyndrom gegeben. Weiterhin werden Maßnahmen zur Qualitätssicherung und Arzneimittelsicherheit diskutiert.
Barrier Effect of the Pearl River Estuarine Plume on Wind‐Induced Coastal Upwelling of Nutrients
Authors: Wang K. , Yin K.
Published: October 2021

Coastal upwelling caused by winds seasonally occurs in summer in the Northern South China Sea. The alongshore prevailing southwest winds, induced by East Asia Summer Monsoon, exert a uniform Coriolis force to drive the surface water offshore, which in turn pushes the deeper coastal water upward. The common view is that coastal upwelling brings up nutrients from deep water. The presence of a buoyance layer such as the riverine or estuarine plumes damps the Ekman effect and hence upwelling. However, the semi‐quantitative analysis of reduced upwelled nitrate amount due to plume (barrier) effect during this interactive process is rare. To examine the dynamics of water masses and nutrient upward transport process in the coastal waters in summer, vertical profiles of temperature, salinity, and nitrate were taken along the transects from the Pearl River estuary to 150 km offshore in July cruise of 2002 in the northern South China Sea. The results show a three‐layer structure resulting from the three water masses under the impact of a large buoyant plume: high‐nutrient plume water in the surface layer, undetectable‐nutrient offshore surface water in the middle layer, and low‐nutrient deep water in the bottom layer. This structure indicates that this middle layer was the offshore surface water entrained underneath the estuarine plume and hence, weakened the intensity of upwelling. Upwelled nitrate amount is reduced by ∼30%–35% from the deep water to the surface layer due to the middle layer based on our estimate. The finding suggests that the presence of estuarine plumes plays an important role as a barrier to weaken upwelling of deep water and subsequently reduce the upward transport of nutrients by wind‐induced coastal upwelling and therefore, such the barrier effect should be considered in estimating budgets of nutrients and subsequent carbon fixation in coastal waters.
On Ranking and Representation in the Geosciences
Authors: Ali Hendratta N. , Prasad Manika
Published: October 2021

While the merits of academic ranking are debatable, its benefits cannot be denied. Elite and highly ranked Geoscience programs have a duty to use these benefits to lead on equity. Unfortunately, they too are starkly underrepresented in faculty and scientists from historically excluded communities. A lack of scientists from historically excluded groups, who can serve as role models potentially alienates, and disincentivizes marginalized students and scientists, and further hinders geoscience progress in diversity. Best ranked institutions can disrupt the cycle of underrepresentation by using their stature and visibility to serve as role models for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Diamonds Are a Paleomagnetist’s Best Friend
Authors: Tripathy-Lang Alka
Published: October 2021

Typical paleomagnetic measurements average a sample’s signal. The quantum diamond microscope helps scientists make micrometer-scale maps of magnetism, showing where a sample locked in its magnetic signatures.
Phytoplankton‐Nitrifier Interactions Control the Geographic Distribution of Nitrite in the Upper Ocean
Authors: Wan Xianhui S. , Sheng Hua‐Xia , Dai Minhan , Church Matthew J. , Zou Wenbin , Li Xiaolin , Hutchins David A. , Ward Bess B. , Kao Shuh‐Ji
Published: October 2021

As a key intermediate in the nitrogen cycle, nitrite is involved in multiple biological pathways that regulate the distribution and availability of nitrogen in the ocean. In the oligotrophic gyres, nitrite accumulates near the base of the euphotic zone, demonstrating a subsurface maximum, termed the primary nitrite maximum; while in subpolar regions, nitrite concentrations are elevated in the near‐surface ocean. As yet, the mechanisms controlling this meridional pattern remain unclear. Here, we present vertically resolved profiles of rates of nitrite production and consumption extending from the Subtropical Gyre to the Subarctic Front in the North Pacific Ocean. Our results indicate that the latitudinal distributions of nitrite across this basin are influenced by variations in phytoplankton‐nitrifier interactions. In the well‐lit oligotrophic surface, phytoplankton dominates rapid nitrite cycling via coupled release and re‐assimilation; below the euphotic zone, diminished light stress on nitrite oxidizers results in rapid turnover and limits nitrite. By contrast, in subpolar regions where nitrate concentrations are elevated in the euphotic zone, nitrite is released during assimilative nitrate reduction and competition between phytoplankton and nitrifiers for ammonium is relaxed, facilitating ammonia oxidation. These processes, together with differential light sensitivities of ammonia and nitrite oxidizers, allow net accumulation of nitrite. Furthermore, we demonstrate a substantial contribution of urea oxidation in forming the primary nitrite maximum and balancing the two steps of marine nitrification. Our findings reveal physical‐biological interactive controls on nitrite cycling and distributions in the ocean and help disentangle the complex effect of phytoplankton‐microbe interactions on marine nitrogen biogeochemistry.
A Generic Method to Derive Coastal Bathymetry From Satellite Photogrammetry for Tsunami Hazard Assessment
Authors: Zhou Yu , Lu Lejun , Li Linlin , Zhang Qiong , Zhang Peizhen
Published: October 2021

In this study, we use Pleiades satellite stereo imagery to map shallow‐water bathymetry specifically for the purpose of assessing tsunami hazard in coastal regions. In order to calculate the refraction correction factor, we independently measure the refractive indices of seawater mixed with a variety of phytoplankton, which was previously unquantified. We find that the refractive index of seawater increases with cell density of phytoplankton, ranging from 1.3410 to 1.3425. Through rigorous error analysis, we demonstrate that the change in refraction due to heterogeneous distribution of phytoplankton is negligible, suggesting that the technique is applicable to the global ocean. Using the Penghu Islands as a case example, we show that photogrammetric bathymetry is able to reveal tsunami impacts more accurately and reasonably than the commonly used General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans data, highlighting the importance of high‐resolution and high‐accuracy bathymetry for tsunami hazard assessment.
Axially Asymmetric Steady State Model of Jupiter's Magnetosphere‐Ionosphere Coupling
Authors: Pensionerov I. A. , Cowley S. W. H. , Belenkaya E. S. , Alexeev I. I.
Published: October 2021

We present an axially asymmetric steady state model of Jupiter's magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling with variable ionospheric conductivity dependent on the field‐aligned current density. We use Juno and Galileo data to construct a simple model of the equatorial magnetic field, and develop a method for solving the system of partial differential equations describing magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling. Using this model, we study the behavior of the system with different radial mass transport rates of magnetospheric plasma and the effect of additional field‐aligned currents associated with Jupiter's nightside partial ring current. We compare the model magnetodisc current intensities with those determined directly from magnetic field measurements in various local time sectors, and find that the value of mass transport rate of 2,000 kg , larger than usually estimated, better accounts for the observed radial currents. We also find that the inclusion of field‐aligned currents associated with Jupiter's partial ring current helps to explain the local time variation of the radial currents, reducing the discrepancy between the model and the observations.
Depositional Controls of the Layered Deposits of Arabia Terra, Mars: Hints From Basin Geometries and Stratigraphic Trends
Authors: Schmidt G. , Pondrelli M. , Salese F. , Rossi A.P. , Le Deit L. , Fueten F. , Salvini F.
Published: October 2021

An extensive distribution of water‐altered equatorial layered deposits (ELDs) characterizes the densely cratered terrain of Arabia Terra (AT), Mars. The majority of these deposits reside within craters and are easily identified by laterally continuous layering. The processes that led to their formation have been widely investigated, but remain unresolved. Furthermore, their precise spatial distribution as a whole, as well as their relationship to one another individually, has yet to be fully appreciated. This work examines 1,013 craters and emphasizes 45 that were observed to contain ELDs within the eastern half of AT. We present the statistical relationships between crater characteristics (e.g., location, diameter, depth), as well as evidence supporting a southeast‐northwest facies change. The 30–2,000‐m range of measured deposit thicknesses, accompanied with individual layer thicknesses, correlate with crater elevation either due to water level differences within craters, or a proximal‐distal relationship to the source. Air fall or fluid expulsion appear to stand out among all the prevailing depositional hypotheses, however the volume required to fill these craters in an ash fall scenario is in opposition with the locations of known volcanic provinces and the volume of ash that volcanic eruptions produce. This new evidence of a regional facies change provides a unique opportunity to better understand past climate and sedimentary processes on Mars, as well as the putative groundwater level in ancient AT. Ultimately, our results do not agree well with a unified depositional method for these deposits and the possibility of mixed origins should be taken seriously.
The Global Conductivity Structure of the Lunar Upper and Midmantle
Authors: Mittelholz A. , Grayver A. , Khan A. , Kuvshinov A.
Published: October 2021

Magnetic sounding is a powerful tool to explore the interior of planetary bodies through the electrical conductivity structure. The electrical conductivity structure of the lunar mantle has previously been derived from surface magnetic field measurements as part of the Apollo 12 mission and concurrent magnetometer data acquired from orbit through the Explorer 35 satellite. Here, we derive the first global conductivity structure of the upper and midmantle using only satellite magnetometer data collected by the recent Lunar Prospector and Kaguya Selene satellite missions. We show that the field in the geomagnetic tail exhibits a simple geometrical structure and can be well described by a single spherical harmonic of degree and order one. Employing this information about the inducing field geometry and assuming a potential representation of the field in the geomagnetic tail, we derive a frequency‐dependent transfer function and invert it for a one‐dimensional (1‐D) electrical conductivity profile of the lunar upper and midmantle. Our global transfer function shows striking similarity with the local one obtained from joint analysis of Apollo 12 and Explorer 35 magnetometer data. This indicates the lack of local variations at the Apollo 12 landing site compared to the globally averaged upper to midmantle electrical conductivity structure.
E‐CHAIM as a Model of Total Electron Content: Performance and Diagnostics
Authors: Themens D. R. , Reid Ben , Jayachandran P. T. , Larson Bion , Koustov A. V. , Elvidge Sean , McCaffrey A. M. , Watson Chris
Published: October 2021

Here, we assess to what extent the Empirical Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Model (E‐CHAIM) can reproduce the climatological variations of vertical Total Electron Content (vTEC) in the Canadian sector. Within the auroral oval and polar cap, E‐CHAIM is found to exhibit Root Mean Square (RMS) errors in vTEC as low 0.4 TECU during solar minimum summer but as high as 5.0 TECU during solar maximum equinox conditions. These errors represent an improvement of up to 8.5 TECU over the errors of the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) in the same region. At sub‐auroral latitudes, E‐CHAIM RMS errors range between 1.0 and 7.4 TECU, with greatest errors during the equinoxes at high solar activity. This represents an up to 0.5 TECU improvement over the IRI during summer but worse performance by up to 2.4 TECU during the winter. Comparisons of E‐CHAIM performance against in situ measurements from the European Space Agency's Swarm mission are also conducted, ultimately finding behavior consistent with that of vTEC. In contrast to the vTEC results, however, E‐CHAIM and the IRI exhibit comparable performance at Swarm altitudes, except within the polar cap, where the IRI exhibits systematic underestimation of electron density by up to 1.0 × 1011 e/m3. Conjunctions with mid‐latitude ionosondes demonstrate that E‐CHAIM's errors appear to result from compounding same‐signed errors in its NmF2, hmF2, and topside thickness at these latitudes. Overall, E‐CHAIM exhibits strong performance within the polar cap and auroral oval but performs comparably to the IRI at sub‐auroral latitudes.
Natriuretic peptide receptor a promotes gastric malignancy through angiogenesis process
Authors: Li Zheng , Fan Hao , Cao Jiacheng , Sun Guangli , Sen Wang  , Lv Jialun , Xuan Zhe , Xia Yiwen , Wang Linjun , Zhang Diancai , Xu Hao , Xu Zekuan
Published: October 2021

Gastric cancer (GC) ranks the third among global cancer-related mortality, especially in East Asia. Angiogenesis plays an important role in promoting tumor progression, and clinical trials have demonstrated that anti-angiogenesis therapy is effective in GC management. Natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPRA) functions significantly in promoting GC development and progression. Whether NPRA can promote angiogenesis of GC remains unclear. Tumor samples collection and immunohistochemical experiment showed that the expression of NPRA was positively correlated with the expression of CD31 and vessel density. In vivo and in vitro analysis showed that NPRA could promote GC-associated angiogenesis and tumor metastasis. Results of Co-IP/MS showed that NPRA could prevent HIF-1α from being degraded by binding to HIF-1α. Protection of HIF-1α improved VEGF levels and thus promoted angiogenesis. In summary, NPRA protected HIF-1α from proteolysis by binding to HIF-1α, increased the expression of HIF-1α, and promoted GC angiogenesis. This study has discovered a new mechanism for NPRA to promote gastric cancer development and a new regulatory mechanism for HIF-1α.
Time-resolved relaxation and fragmentation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons investigated in the ultrafast XUV-IR regime
Authors: Lee J. W. L. , Tikhonov D. S. , Chopra P. , Maclot S. , Steber A. L. , Gruet S. , Allum F. , Boll R. , Cheng X. , Düsterer S. , Erk B. , Garg D. , He L. , Heathcote D. , Johny M. , Kazemi M. M. , Köckert H. , Lahl J. , Lemmens A. K. , Loru D. , Mason R. , Müller E. , Mullins T. , Olshin P. , Passow C. , Peschel J. , Ramm D. , Rompotis D. , Schirmel N. , Trippel S. , Wiese J. , Ziaee F. , Bari S. , Burt M. , Küpper J. , Rijs A. M. , Rolles D. , Techert S. , Eng-Johnsson P. , Brouard M. , Vallance C. , Manschwetus B. , Schnell M.
Published: October 2021

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) play an important role in interstellar chemistry and are subject to high energy photons that can induce excitation, ionization, and fragmentation. Previous studies have demonstrated electronic relaxation of parent PAH monocations over 10–100 femtoseconds as a result of beyond-Born-Oppenheimer coupling between the electronic and nuclear dynamics. Here, we investigate three PAH molecules: fluorene, phenanthrene, and pyrene, using ultrafast XUV and IR laser pulses. Simultaneous measurements of the ion yields, ion momenta, and electron momenta as a function of laser pulse delay allow a detailed insight into the various molecular processes. We report relaxation times for the electronically excited PAH*, PAH+* and PAH2+* states, and show the time-dependent conversion between fragmentation pathways. Additionally, using recoil-frame covariance analysis between ion images, we demonstrate that the dissociation of the PAH2+ ions favors reaction pathways involving two-body breakup and/or loss of neutral fragments totaling an even number of carbon atoms.
Bayesian log-normal deconvolution for enhanced in silico microdissection of bulk gene expression data
Authors: Andrade Barbosa Bárbara , van Asten Saskia D. , Oh Ji Won , Farina-Sarasqueta Arantza , Verheij Joanne , Dijk Frederike , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M. , Ylstra Bauke , Garcia Vallejo Juan J. , van de Wiel Mark A. , Kim Yongsoo
Published: October 2021

Deconvolution of bulk gene expression profiles into the cellular components is pivotal to portraying tissue’s complex cellular make-up, such as the tumor microenvironment. However, the inherently variable nature of gene expression requires a comprehensive statistical model and reliable prior knowledge of individual cell types that can be obtained from single-cell RNA sequencing. We introduce BLADE (Bayesian Log-normAl Deconvolution), a unified Bayesian framework to estimate both cellular composition and gene expression profiles for each cell type. Unlike previous comprehensive statistical approaches, BLADE can handle > 20 types of cells due to the efficient variational inference. Throughout an intensive evaluation with > 700 simulated and real datasets, BLADE demonstrated enhanced robustness against gene expression variability and better completeness than conventional methods, in particular, to reconstruct gene expression profiles of each cell type. In summary, BLADE is a powerful tool to unravel heterogeneous cellular activity in complex biological systems from standard bulk gene expression data.
Lateralization of CA1 assemblies in the absence of CA3 input
Authors: Guan Hefei , Middleton Steven J. , Inoue Takafumi , McHugh Thomas J.
Published: October 2021

In the hippocampal circuit CA3 input plays a critical role in the organization of CA1 population activity, both during learning and sleep. While integrated spatial representations have been observed across the two hemispheres of CA1, these regions lack direct connectivity and thus the circuitry responsible remains largely unexplored. Here we investigate the role of CA3 in organizing bilateral CA1 activity by blocking synaptic transmission at CA3 terminals through the inducible transgenic expression of tetanus toxin. Although the properties of single place cells in CA1 were comparable bilaterally, we find a decrease of ripple synchronization between left and right CA1 after silencing CA3. Further, during both exploration and rest, CA1 neuronal ensemble activity is less coordinated across hemispheres. This included degradation of the replay of previously explored spatial paths in CA1 during rest, consistent with the idea that CA3 bilateral projections integrate activity between left and right hemispheres and orchestrate bilateral hippocampal coding.
The origin of the particle-size-dependent selectivity in 1-butene isomerization and hydrogenation on Pd/Al2O3 catalysts
Authors: Genest Alexander , Silvestre-Albero Joaquín , Li Wen-Qing , Rösch Notker , Rupprechter Günther
Published: October 2021

The selectivity of 1-butene hydrogenation/isomerization on Pd catalysts is known to be particle size dependent. Here we show that combining well-defined model catalysts, atmospheric pressure reaction kinetics, DFT calculations and microkinetic modeling enables to rationalize the particle size effect based on the abundance and the specific properties of the contributing surface facets.
Reduced expression of OXPHOS and DNA damage genes is linked to protection from microvascular complications in long-term type 1 diabetes: the PROLONG study
Authors: Özgümüş Türküler , Sulaieva Oksana , Jessen Leon Eyrich , Jain Ruchi , Falhammar Henrik , Nyström Thomas , Catrina Sergiu-Bogdan , Jörneskog Gun , Groop Leif , Eliasson Mats , Eliasson Björn , Brismar Kerstin , Stokowy Tomasz , Nilsson Peter M. , Lyssenko Valeriya
Published: October 2021

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease requiring insulin treatment for survival. Prolonged duration of type 1 diabetes is associated with increased risk of microvascular complications. Although chronic hyperglycemia and diabetes duration have been considered as the major risk factors for vascular complications, this is not universally seen among all patients. Persons with long-term type 1 diabetes who have remained largely free from vascular complications constitute an ideal group for investigation of natural defense mechanisms against prolonged exposure of diabetes. Transcriptomic signatures obtained from RNA sequencing of the peripheral blood cells were analyzed in non-progressors with more than 30 years of diabetes duration and compared to the patients who progressed to microvascular complications within a shorter duration of diabetes. Analyses revealed that non-progressors demonstrated a reduction in expression of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) genes, which were positively correlated with the expression of DNA repair enzymes, namely genes involved in base excision repair (BER) machinery. Reduced expression of OXPHOS and BER genes was linked to decrease in expression of inflammation-related genes, higher glucose disposal rate and reduced measures of hepatic fatty liver. Results from the present study indicate that at transcriptomic level reduction in OXPHOS, DNA repair and inflammation-related genes is linked to better insulin sensitivity and protection against microvascular complications in persons with long-term type 1 diabetes.