bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary cementing of vertical wells: displacement and dispersion effects in narrow eccentric annuli
Authors: Zhang R. , Frigaard I.A.
Published: August 2022

Laminar miscible displacement flows in narrow, vertical, eccentric annuli show a wide range of interesting physical phenomena, e.g. static layers and channels, dispersive spikes/fronts and various instabilities. These are of relevance to the primary cementing of wells, where gas leakage and greenhouse gas emissions can result from ineffective cementing. The current popular way to model this process is via a Hele-Shaw approach, reducing the Navier–Stokes equations via scaling arguments and then averaging across the annular gap: the two-dimensional (2-D) gap averaged (2DGA) model. This leads to a reduced model that is computationally efficient and represents some important features of cementing flows, but is also deficient in capturing the effects of dispersion. While three-dimensional (3-D) simulations are able to capture dispersion and most other physical phenomena, they suffer from excessive computational times due to the extreme aspect ratios of cementing geometries and non-Newtonian properties of the fluids. Here we extend the 2DGA approach by modelling the high Péclet number limit of miscible duct displacement flows, to take into account the leading-order effects of dispersion. Our modified dispersive 2DGA model is well able to approximate dispersive effects that are observed by gap-averaging the results of 3-D computations, including geometric effects of eccentricity and instabilities. This represents a marked improvement over the 2DGA approach, while keeping the computational advantages of a 2-D model.
FINITE GROUPS WITH LARGE CHERMAK–DELGADO LATTICES
Authors: FASOLĂ GEORGIANA , TǍRNǍUCEANU MARIUS
Published: August 2022

Given a finite group G, we denote by
$L(G)$
the subgroup lattice of G and by
${\cal CD}(G)$
the Chermak–Delgado lattice of G. In this note, we determine the finite groups G such that
$|{\cal CD}(G)|=|L(G)|-k$
, for
$k=1,2$
.
Fish tapeworms (Cestoda) in the molecular era: achievements, gaps and prospects
Authors: Scholz Tomáš , Kuchta Roman
Published: August 2022

The tapeworms of fishes (Chondrichthyes and Actinopterygii) account one-third (1670 from around 5000) of the total tapeworm (Platyhelminthes: Cestoda) species diversity. In total 1186 species from 9 orders occur as adults in elasmobranchs (sharks, rays and chimaeras), and 484 species from 8 orders mature in ray-finned fishes (referred to here as teleosts). Teleost tapeworms are dominated by freshwater species (78%), but only 3% of elasmobranch tapeworms are known from freshwater rays of South America and Asia (Borneo). In the last 2 decades, vast progress has been made in understanding species diversity, host associations and interrelationships among fish tapeworms. In total, 172 new species have been described since 2017 (149 from elasmobranchs and 23 from teleosts; invalidly described taxa are not included, especially those from the Oriental region). Molecular data, however, largely limited to a few molecular markers (mainly 28S rDNA, but also 18S and cox1), are available for about 40% of fish tapeworm species. They allowed us to significantly improve our understanding of their interrelationships, including proposals of a new, more natural classification at the higher-taxonomy level (orders and families) as well as at the lower-taxonomy level (genera). In this review, we summarize the main advances and provide perspectives for future research.
Decay of parasite community similarity with host phylogenetic and geographic distances among deep-sea fish (grenadiers)
Authors: Chai Xuhong , Bennett Jerusha , Poulin Robert
Published: August 2022

Although parasite community studies are growing in numbers, our understanding of which macro-ecological and evolutionary processes have shaped parasite communities is still based on a narrow range of host–parasite systems. The present study assessed the diversity and endoparasite species composition in New Zealand deep-sea fish (grenadiers, family Macrouridae), and tested the effects of host phylogeny and geography on the structure of endoparasite communities using a distance decay framework. We found that grenadiers from the Chatham Rise harboured a surprisingly high diversity of digeneans, cestodes and nematodes, with different species of grenadiers having different parasite assemblages. Our results demonstrate that community similarity based on the presence/absence of parasites was only affected by the phylogenetic relatedness among grenadier species. In contrast, both phylogenetic distance among grenadiers (measured as the number of base-pair differences of DNA sequences) and geographic distance between sample locations influenced the similarity of parasite communities based on the parasites' prevalence and mean abundance. Our key findings highlight the significant effect of deep-sea host phylogeny in shaping their parasite assemblages, a factor previously neglected in studies of parasite communities in deep-sea systems.
Conceptualizing divine trust
Authors: Stigall Jason
Published: August 2022

Does God trust human persons? Very little in philosophy of religion has been written about God's trust, which seems striking for two joint considerations. First, many of the Abrahamic faith traditions posit that union and close personal relationship with God is thetelosof human life. Second, trust seems to be an essential element in ideal, close relationships between persons. While there is much in the faith literature that emphasizes the role of trust on the human side of the divine–human relationship, there is very little on divine trust. To fill this lacuna, this article addresses the conceptual issue of how divine trust could be understood within the Abrahamic faith traditions (particularly in Christianity and Judaism). I begin by examining whether an account of divine trust can be developed alongside divine attributes like divine foreknowledge. After identifying some plausible conditions of trust within the philosophical literature, I present a couple of trust scenarios as a means of demonstrating that divine trust is not only conceptually plausible (i.e. compatible with divine foreknowledge), but that divine trust is best construed as a particular trust type – therapeutic trust. That is, I argue that divine trust aims at inspiring humanity's trustworthiness.
Rod Ellis's essential bookshelf: Focus on form
Authors: Ellis Rod
Published: August 2022

Rod Ellis is a Distinguished Research Professor at Curtin University (Perth, Australia) and also, an Emeritus Distinguished Professor at the University of Auckland (New Zealand). He has also worked in universities in UK, Japan, and the USA and is a fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand. He has published widely in the related fields of second language acquisition research and task-based language teaching. He has won the British Association of Applied Linguists prize (1985), the Mildenberger prize (1987), The Duke of Edinburgh prize (1994), and the International Association of Task-based Teaching prize (2021). His current H-index on Google Scholar is 109.
The value of information and efficient switching in channel selection
Authors: Wang Jiesen , Nazarathy Yoni , Taimre Thomas
Published: August 2022

We consider a collection of statistically identical two-state continuous time Markov chains (channels). A controller continuously selects a channel with the view of maximizing infinite horizon average reward. A switching cost is paid upon channel changes. We consider two cases: full observation (all channels observed simultaneously) and partial observation (only the current channel observed). We analyze the difference in performance between these cases for various policies. For the partial observation case with two channels or an infinite number of channels, we explicitly characterize an optimal threshold for two sensible policies which we name “call-gapping” and “cool-off.” Our results present a qualitative view on the interaction of the number of channels, the available information, and the switching costs.
New approach in stage 1 surgery for hypoplastic left heart syndrome: preliminary outcomes
Authors: Çelik Mehmet , Gökdemir Mahmut , Cındık Nimet , Günaydın Asım Ç. , Aygün Fatih , Özkan Murat
Published: August 2022

Objectives:

We present the short-term results of an alternative method in stage 1 surgery for hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Methods:

Data of 16 consecutive patients who were treated with the novel method in our clinic between February 2019 and March 2021 were analysed retrospectively. Preoperative data and postoperative follow-up were recorded.

Results:

Of the 16 operated patients, 12 were diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, while four were diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome variants. Seven patients died during early postoperative period. One patient died at home waiting stage 2 surgery. Three patient underwent stage 2 surgery. Pulmonary artery reconstruction was performed in one patient due to left pulmonary artery distortion.

Conclusions:

We believe that our method can be an effective alternative in the surgery of hypoplastic left heart syndrome and its variants. It is hoped that with increasing number of studies and more experience better outcome will be achieved.
Bayesian Optimization With Transfer Learning: A Study on Spatial Variability of Rock Properties Using NMR Relaxometry
Authors: Li Rupeng , Shikhov Igor , Arns Christoph H.
Published: August 2022

Nuclear magnetic resonance measurements of sedimentary rocks are used to extract various transport properties including hydraulic conductivity and water retention curves. These estimates are controlled by intrinsic physical quantities like surface relaxivities, and effective relaxation time and restricted self‐diffusion coefficient of water in clay. Sampling these properties on a set of core plugs presents a series of inverse problems where some of the extracted parameters are expected to be similar. To leverage such valuable information, we extend a previously developed single‐task inverse solution workflow (ISW) to the multi‐task case, transferring the knowledge gained from previous optimization tasks. Two multi‐task kernels: intrinsic model of coregionalization (ICM) and linear model of coregionalization are compared to capture the underlying correlations. We consider three micro‐CT images of Bentheimer sandstone from two different blocks imaged at different resolutions, following different segmentation pathways, and demonstrate our approach for the case of low and high task similarity. In both scenarios the multi‐task ISW finds lower fitting residuals and uses only one‐third to one‐half of the function evaluations required by the single‐task ISW. The scalability of the multi‐task ISW is demonstrated by transferring knowledge of two completed optimization tasks to a third task, which outperforms the single‐task ISW, with ICM showing faster convergence. The observed 4% difference for the values identified for samples from the same block and around 28% difference across blocks indicates significant spatial variability in surface relaxivity of the main mineral component, while effective clay parameters show a significantly higher variability.
Origin of Dawnside Subauroral Polarization Streams During Major Geomagnetic Storms
Authors: Lin Dong , Wang Wenbin , Merkin Viacheslav G. , Huang Chaosong , Oppenheim Meers , Sorathia Kareem , Pham Kevin , Michael Adam , Bao Shanshan , Wu Qian , Zhang Yongliang , Wiltberger Michael , Toffoletto Frank , Lyon John , Garretson Jeffrey
Published: August 2022

Solar eruptions cause geomagnetic storms in the near‐Earth environment, creating spectacular aurorae visible to the human eye and invisible dynamic changes permeating all of geospace. Just equatorward of the aurora, radars and satellites often observe intense westward plasma flows called subauroral polarization streams (SAPS) in the dusk‐to‐midnight ionosphere. SAPS occur across a narrow latitudinal range and lead to intense frictional heating of the ionospheric plasma and atmospheric neutral gas. SAPS also generate small‐scale plasma waves and density irregularities that interfere with radio communications. As opposed to the commonly observed duskside SAPS, intense eastward subauroral plasma flows in the morning sector were recently discovered to have occurred during a super storm on 20 November 2003. However, the origin of these flows termed “dawnside SAPS” could not be explained by the same mechanism that causes SAPS on the duskside and has remained a mystery. Through real‐event global geospace simulations, here we demonstrate that dawnside SAPS can only occur during major storm conditions. During these times, the magnetospheric plasma convection is so strong as to effectively transport ions to the dawnside, whereas they are typically deflected to the dusk by the energy‐dependent drifts. Ring current pressure then builds up on the dawnside and drives field‐aligned currents that connect to the subauroral ionosphere, where eastward SAPS are generated. The origin of dawnside SAPS explicated in this study advances our understanding of how the geospace system responds to strongly disturbed solar wind driving conditions that can have severe detrimental impacts on human society and infrastructure.
Uncovering the Formation of the Western Nepal Embayment
Authors: Derouin Sarah
Published: August 2022

Using thermokinematics, researchers have found that crustal accretion along the megathrust at mid-lower crustal depths shapes plateau growth and regional drainage development.
Microgravity Change During the 2008–2018 Kı̄lauea Summit Eruption: Nearly a Decade of Subsurface Mass Accumulation
Authors: Koymans M. R. , de Zeeuw‐van Dalfsen E. , Evers L. G. , Poland M. P.
Published: August 2022

Results from nine microgravity campaigns from Kı̄lauea, Hawaiʻi, spanning most of the volcano's 2008–2018 summit eruption, indicate persistent mass accumulation at shallow levels. A weighted least squares approach is used to recover microgravity results from a network of benchmarks around Kı̄lauea's summit, eliminate instrumental drift, and restore suspected data tares. A total mass of 1.9 × 1011 kg was determined from these microgravity campaigns to have accumulated below Kı̄lauea Caldera during 2009–2015 at an estimated depth of 1.3 km below sea level. Only a fraction of this mass is reflected in surface deformation, and this is consistent with previously reported discrepancies between subsurface mass accumulation and observed surface deformation. The discrepancy, amongst other independent evidence from gas emissions, seismicity, and continuous gravimetry, indicate densification of magma in the reservoirs below the volcano summit. This densification may have been driven by degassing through the summit vent. It is hypothesized that during the final years of the summit eruption, magma densification resulted in a buildup of pressure in the reservoirs that may have contributed to the lower East Rift Zone outbreak of 2018. The observed mass accumulation beneath Kı̄lauea could not have been detected through other techniques and illustrates the importance of microgravity measurements in volcano monitoring.
Capillary Water in 2‐D Drying‐Cracking Soil Sub‐Grain Models: Morphology and Kinematics of Evaporation and Haines Jumps
Authors: Mielniczuk Boleslaw , Hueckel Tomasz
Published: August 2022

Morphing of capillary water during the drying of a cluster of three wet grains is imaged and measured. The uniqueness of the tests is in the grains being long cylinders to make the system as close to a 2‐D one as possible. In this way, the Laplace pressure depends on the only one curvature of the meniscus, which can easily be followed and is continuously image processed. The motion of liquid/gas interface, and its rate, as well as of contact angle and perimeter, are also monitored. The drying water body has been known to undergo two modes of re‐morphing: a slow, evaporation rate‐controlled one and a fast, inertia‐driven instabilities of the interfaces. Two particular forms of dynamic re‐morphing are being followed: one, called classically an “air entry,” which is a meniscus jump before its approaching the throat between the top and a bottom grain and another jump of the bottom contact, with a splitting of the meniscus into two between only two of the three grains. Associated dynamic variables, capillary pressure, and surface tension forces developing prior to and in conjunction with the instabilities of the menisci are presented in a companion paper by Hueckel et al. (2022, https://doi.org/10.1029/2022WR031938).
Risk of progression following a negative biopsy in prostate cancer active surveillance
Authors: Beckmann Kerri , Santaolalla Aida , Sugimoto Mikio , Carroll Peter , Rubio Jose , Villers Arnauld , Bjartell Anders , Morgan Todd , Dasgupta Prokar , Van Hemelrijck Mieke , Elhage Oussama ,   The Movember Foundation’s Global Action Plan Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance (GAP3) Consortium
Published: August 2022

Background

Currently, follow-up protocols are applied equally to men on active surveillance (AS) for prostate cancer (PCa) regardless of findings at their initial follow-up biopsy. To determine whether less intensive follow-up is suitable following negative biopsy findings, we assessed the risk of converting to active treatment, any subsequent upgrading, volume progression (>33% positive cores), and serious upgrading (grade group >2) for negative compared with positive findings on initial follow-up biopsy.

Methods

13,161 men from 24 centres participating in the Global Action Plan Active Surveillance Prostate Cancer [GAP3] consortium database, with baseline grade group ≤2, PSA ≤ 20 ng/mL, cT-stage 1–2, diagnosed after 1995, and ≥1 follow-up biopsy, were included in this study. Risk of converting to treatment was assessed using multivariable mixed-effects survival regression. Odds of volume progression, any upgrading and serious upgrading were assessed using mix-effects binary logistic regression for men with ≥2 surveillance biopsies.

Results

27% of the cohort (n = 3590) had no evidence of PCa at their initial biopsy. Over 50% of subsequent biopsies in this group were also negative. A negative initial biopsy was associated with lower risk of conversion (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.42–0.49), subsequent upgrading (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.52; 95%CI: 0.45–0.62) and serious upgrading (OR: 0.74; 95%CI: 0.59–92). Radiological progression was not assessed due to limited imaging data.

Conclusion

Despite heterogeneity in follow-up schedules, findings from this global study indicated reduced risk of converting to treatment, volume progression, any upgrading and serious upgrading among men whose initial biopsy findings were negative compared with positive. Given the low risk of progression and high likelihood of further negative biopsy findings, consideration should be given to decreasing follow-up intensity for this group to reduce unnecessary invasive biopsies.
Age-related differences in the effect of chronic alcohol on cognition and the brain: a systematic review
Authors: Kuhns Lauren , Kroon Emese , Lesscher Heidi , Mies Gabry , Cousijn Janna
Published: August 2022

Adolescence is an important developmental period associated with increased risk for excessive alcohol use, but also high rates of recovery from alcohol use-related problems, suggesting potential resilience to long-term effects compared to adults. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the current evidence for a moderating role of age on the impact of chronic alcohol exposure on the brain and cognition. We searched Medline, PsycInfo, and Cochrane Library databases up to February 3, 2021. All human and animal studies that directly tested whether the relationship between chronic alcohol exposure and neurocognitive outcomes differs between adolescents and adults were included. Study characteristics and results of age-related analyses were extracted into reference tables and results were separately narratively synthesized for each cognitive and brain-related outcome. The evidence strength for age-related differences varies across outcomes. Human evidence is largely missing, but animal research provides limited but consistent evidence of heightened adolescent sensitivity to chronic alcohol’s effects on several outcomes, including conditioned aversion, dopaminergic transmission in reward-related regions, neurodegeneration, and neurogenesis. At the same time, there is limited evidence for adolescent resilience to chronic alcohol-induced impairments in the domain of cognitive flexibility, warranting future studies investigating the potential mechanisms underlying adolescent risk and resilience to the effects of alcohol. The available evidence from mostly animal studies indicates adolescents are both more vulnerable and potentially more resilient to chronic alcohol effects on specific brain and cognitive outcomes. More human research directly comparing adolescents and adults is needed despite the methodological constraints. Parallel translational animal models can aid in the causal interpretation of observed effects. To improve their translational value, future animal studies should aim to use voluntary self-administration paradigms and incorporate individual differences and environmental context to better model human drinking behavior.
The role of BDNF in mediating the prophylactic effects of (R,S)-ketamine on fear generalization and extinction
Authors: Ryan James D. , Tse Nathaniel , Huang Chienchun , Yang Ruirong , Lee Francis S.
Published: August 2022

Fear generalization is a conserved survival mechanism that can become maladaptive in the face of traumatic situations, a feature central to certain anxiety disorders including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the neural circuitry and molecular mechanisms underlying fear generalization remain unclear. Recent studies have shown that prophylactic treatment with (R,S)-ketamine confers protective effects in stress-induced depressive behaviors and enhances contextual fear discrimination, but the extent to which these effects extend to fear generalization after auditory fear conditioning remains unclear. Here, we build on this work by using a behavioral model of fear generalization in mice involving foot shocks with differential intensity levels during auditory fear conditioning. We find that prophylactic (R,S)-ketamine treatment exerts protective effects that results in enhanced fear discrimination in wild type mice. As the growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), has been shown to mediate the rapid antidepressant actions of (R,S)-ketamine, we used a loss-of-function BDNF mouse line (BDNF Val66Met) to determine whether BDNF is involved in (R,S)-ketamine’s prophylactic effects on fear generalization. We found that BDNF Val66Met mice were resistant to the protective effects of prophylactic (R,S)-ketamine administration on fear generalization and extinction. We then used fiber photometry to parse out underlying neural activity and found that in the ventral hippocampus there were significant fear generalization-dependent patterns of activity for wild type and BDNF Val66Met mice that were altered by prophylactic (R,S)-ketamine treatment. Overall, these findings indicate a role for the ventral hippocampus and BDNF signaling in modulating the mitigating effects of prophylactic (R,S)-ketamine treatment on generalized fear.
Regulation of neuroendocrine plasticity by the RNA-binding protein ZFP36L1
Authors: Chen Hsiao-Yun , Durmaz Yavuz T. , Li Yixiang , Sabet Amin H. , Vajdi Amir , Denize Thomas , Walton Emily , Laimon Yasmin Nabil , Doench John G. , Mahadevan Navin R. , Losman Julie-Aurore , Barbie David A. , Tolstorukov Michael Y. , Rudin Charles M. , Sen Triparna , Signoretti Sabina , Oser Matthew G.
Published: August 2022

Some small cell lung cancers (SCLCs) are highly sensitive to inhibitors of the histone demethylase LSD1. LSD1 inhibitors are thought to induce their anti-proliferative effects by blocking neuroendocrine differentiation, but the mechanisms by which LSD1 controls the SCLC neuroendocrine phenotype are not well understood. To identify genes required for LSD1 inhibitor sensitivity in SCLC, we performed a positive selection genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 loss of function screen and found that ZFP36L1, an mRNA-binding protein that destabilizes mRNAs, is required for LSD1 inhibitor sensitivity. LSD1 binds and represses ZFP36L1 and upon LSD1 inhibition, ZFP36L1 expression is restored, which is sufficient to block the SCLC neuroendocrine differentiation phenotype and induce a non-neuroendocrine “inflammatory” phenotype. Mechanistically, ZFP36L1 binds and destabilizes SOX2 and INSM1 mRNAs, two transcription factors that are required for SCLC neuroendocrine differentiation. This work identifies ZFP36L1 as an LSD1 target gene that controls the SCLC neuroendocrine phenotype and demonstrates that modulating mRNA stability of lineage transcription factors controls neuroendocrine to non-neuroendocrine plasticity.
Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity determines estrogen receptor positive breast cancer dormancy and epithelial reconversion drives recurrence
Authors: Aouad Patrick , Zhang Yueyun , De Martino Fabio , Stibolt Céline , Ali Simak , Ambrosini Giovanna , Mani Sendurai A. , Maggs Kelly , Quinn Hazel M. , Sflomos George , Brisken Cathrin
Published: August 2022

More than 70% of human breast cancers (BCs) are estrogen receptor α-positive (ER+). A clinical challenge of ER+BC is that they can recur decades after initial treatments. Mechanisms governing latent disease remain elusive due to lack of adequate in vivo models. We compare intraductal xenografts of ER+and triple-negative (TN) BC cells and demonstrate that disseminated TNBC cells proliferate similarly as TNBC cells at the primary site whereas disseminated ER+BC cells proliferate slower, they decreaseCDH1and increaseZEB1,2expressions, and exhibit characteristics of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) and dormancy. Forced E-cadherin expression overcomes ER+BC dormancy. Cytokine signalings are enriched in more activeversusinactive disseminated tumour cells, suggesting microenvironmental triggers for awakening. We conclude that intraductal xenografts model ER + BC dormancy and reveal that EMP is essential for the generation of a dormant cell state and that targeting exit from EMP has therapeutic potential.
Nanoscale segregation of channel and barrier claudins enables paracellular ion flux
Authors: Gonschior Hannes , Schmied Christopher , Van der Veen Rozemarijn Eva , Eichhorst Jenny , Himmerkus Nina , Piontek Jörg , Günzel Dorothee , Bleich Markus , Furuse Mikio , Haucke Volker , Lehmann Martin
Published: August 2022

The paracellular passage of ions and small molecules across epithelia is controlled by tight junctions, complex meshworks of claudin polymers that form tight seals between neighboring cells. How the nanoscale architecture of tight junction meshworks enables paracellular passage of specific ions or small molecules without compromising barrier function is unknown. Here we combine super-resolution stimulated emission depletion microscopy in live and fixed cells and tissues, multivariate classification of super-resolution images and fluorescence resonance energy transfer to reveal the nanoscale organization of tight junctions formed by mammalian claudins. We show that only a subset of claudins can assemble into characteristic homotypic meshworks, whereas tight junctions formed by multiple claudins display nanoscale organization principles of intermixing, integration, induction, segregation, and exclusion of strand assemblies. Interestingly, channel-forming claudins are spatially segregated from barrier-forming claudins via determinants mainly encoded in their extracellular domains also known to harbor mutations leading to human diseases. Electrophysiological analysis of claudins in epithelial cells suggests that nanoscale segregation of distinct channel-forming claudins enables barrier function combined with specific paracellular ion flux across tight junctions.
Microengineered devices enable long-term imaging of the ventral nerve cord in behaving adult Drosophila
Authors: Hermans Laura , Kaynak Murat , Braun Jonas , Ríos Victor Lobato , Chen Chin-Lin , Friedberg Adam , Günel Semih , Aymanns Florian , Sakar Mahmut Selman , Ramdya Pavan
Published: August 2022

The dynamics and connectivity of neural circuits continuously change on timescales ranging from milliseconds to an animal’s lifetime. Therefore, to understand biological networks, minimally invasive methods are required to repeatedly record them in behaving animals. Here we describe a suite of devices that enable long-term optical recordings of the adult Drosophila melanogaster ventral nerve cord (VNC). These consist of transparent, numbered windows to replace thoracic exoskeleton, compliant implants to displace internal organs, a precision arm to assist implantation, and a hinged stage to repeatedly tether flies. To validate and illustrate our toolkit we (i) show minimal impact on animal behavior and survival, (ii) follow the degradation of chordotonal organ mechanosensory nerve terminals over weeks after leg amputation, and (iii) uncover waves of neural activity caffeine ingestion. Thus, our long-term imaging toolkit opens up the investigation of premotor and motor circuit adaptations in response to injury, drug ingestion, aging, learning, and disease.
Consistent predator-prey biomass scaling in complex food webs
Authors: Perkins Daniel M. , Hatton Ian A. , Gauzens Benoit , Barnes Andrew D. , Ott David , Rosenbaum Benjamin , Vinagre Catarina , Brose Ulrich
Published: August 2022

The ratio of predator-to-prey biomass is a key element of trophic structure that is typically investigated from a food chain perspective, ignoring channels of energy transfer (e.g. omnivory) that may govern community structure. Here, we address this shortcoming by characterising the biomass structure of 141 freshwater, marine and terrestrial food webs, spanning a broad gradient in community biomass. We test whether sub-linear scaling between predator and prey biomass (a potential signal of density-dependent processes) emerges within ecosystem types and across levels of biological organisation. We find a consistent, sub-linear scaling pattern whereby predator biomass scales with the total biomass of their prey with a near ¾-power exponent within food webs - i.e. more prey biomass supports proportionally less predator biomass. Across food webs, a similar sub-linear scaling pattern emerges between total predator biomass and the combined biomass of all prey within a food web. These general patterns in trophic structure are compatible with a systematic form of density dependence that holds among complex feeding interactions across levels of organization, irrespective of ecosystem type.
Inducible expression of large gRNA arrays for multiplexed CRISPRai applications
Authors: Shaw William M. , Studená Lucie , Roy Kyler , Hapeta Piotr , McCarty Nicholas S. , Graham Alicia E. , Ellis Tom , Ledesma-Amaro Rodrigo
Published: August 2022

CRISPR gene activation and inhibition (CRISPRai) has become a powerful synthetic tool for influencing the expression of native genes for foundational studies, cellular reprograming, and metabolic engineering. Here we develop a method for near leak-free, inducible expression of a polycistronic array containing up to 24 gRNAs from two orthogonal CRISPR/Cas systems to increase CRISPRai multiplexing capacity and target gene flexibility. To achieve strong inducibility, we create a technology to silence gRNA expression within the array in the absence of the inducer, since we found that long gRNA arrays for CRISPRai can express themselves even without promoter. Using this method, we create a highly tuned and easy-to-use CRISPRai toolkit in the industrially relevant yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, establishing the first system to combine simultaneous activation and repression, large multiplexing capacity, and inducibility. We demonstrate this toolkit by targeting 11 genes in central metabolism in a single transformation, achieving a 45-fold increase in succinic acid, which could be precisely controlled in an inducible manner. Our method offers a highly effective way to regulate genes and rewire metabolism in yeast, with principles of gRNA array construction and inducibility that should extend to other chassis organisms.
Destabilisation of the Subpolar North Atlantic prior to the Little Ice Age
Authors: Arellano-Nava Beatriz , Halloran Paul R. , Boulton Chris A. , Scourse James , Butler Paul G. , Reynolds David J. , Lenton Timothy M.
Published: August 2022

The cooling transition into the Little Ice Age was the last notable shift in the climate system prior to anthropogenic global warming. It is hypothesised that sea-ice to ocean feedbacks sustained an initial cooling into the Little Ice Age by weakening the subpolar gyre circulation; a system that has been proposed to exhibit bistability. Empirical evidence for bistability within this transition has however been lacking. Using statistical indicators of resilience in three annually-resolved bivalve proxy records from the North Icelandic shelf, we show that the subpolar North Atlantic climate system destabilised during two episodes prior to the Little Ice Age. This loss of resilience indicates reduced attraction to one stable state, and a system vulnerable to an abrupt transition. The two episodes preceded wider subpolar North Atlantic change, consistent with subpolar gyre destabilisation and the approach of a tipping point, potentially heralding the transition to Little Ice Age conditions.
Electrocatalytic synthesis of adipic acid coupled with H2 production enhanced by a ligand modification strategy
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Li Xiaofan , Zhou Hua , Xu Yan , Xu Si-Min , Ren Yue , Yan Yifan , Yang Jiangrong , Ji Kaiyue , Li Li , Xu Ming , Shao Mingfei , Kong Xianggui , Sun Xiaoming , Duan Haohong
Published: August 2022

Adipic acid is an important building block of polymers, and is commercially produced by thermo-catalytic oxidation of ketone-alcohol oil (a mixture of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone). However, this process heavily relies on the use of corrosive nitric acid while releases nitrous oxide as a potent greenhouse gas. Herein, we report an electrocatalytic strategy for the oxidation of cyclohexanone to adipic acid coupled with H2 production over a nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2) catalyst modified with sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS). The intercalated SDS facilitates the enrichment of immiscible cyclohexanone in aqueous medium, thus achieving 3.6-fold greater productivity of adipic acid and higher faradaic efficiency (FE) compared with pure Ni(OH)2 (93% versus 56%). This strategy is demonstrated effective for a variety of immiscible aldehydes and ketones in aqueous solution. Furthermore, we design a realistic two-electrode flow electrolyzer for electrooxidation of cyclohexanone coupling with H2 production, attaining adipic acid productivity of 4.7 mmol coupled with H2 productivity of 8.0 L at 0.8 A (corresponding to 30 mA cm−2) in 24 h.
Flexible organic integrated electronics for self-powered multiplexed ocular monitoring
Authors: Lin Baojun , Wang Meng , Zhao Chao , Wang Shijie , Chen Kai , Li Xiao , Long Zaishang , Zhao Chenxu , Song Xinyue , Yan Sen , Wang Laili , Ma Wei
Published: August 2022

Smart contact lens has drawn extensive research interests due to the noninvasive real-time detection of the human body to provide biomedical information for health management. However, it has been difficult to accurately measure the physiological signals in tears, and the use of external power source has also hindered the future applications. Here, we demonstrated an organic electrochemical transistor based multiplexed sensors self-powered by the organic solar cells (OSCs). The integrated device was fabricated via simple process including solution blade-coating and thermal evaporation. OSCs were optimized to provide optimal operation voltage for the sensors that exhibit semilog-linear response to the glucose and calcium ions in tear fluids without any peripheral circuits. The sensing signals can be transmitted to the laptop wirelessly through a near filed communication unit. This integrated self-powered multiplexed sensing device will provide real-time monitoring of the biomarkers in tears, prospected to be installed on the smart contact lens for the early detection and diagnosis of diabetes.
Comparison of risk factors for Parkinson’s disease, coronary events and ischemic stroke
Authors: Song Lu , Zhang Shunming , Li Huiping , Hansson Oskar , Sonestedt Emily , Borné Yan
Published: August 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and cardiovascular disease share many important risk factors, but some associations differ. However, there are no studies that have compared their shared and specific risk factors. The present study aimed to compare risk factors for PD, coronary events, or ischemic stroke. We prospectively analyzed data from 26,210 participants with lifestyle factors aged 45–73 years enrolled between 1991 and 1996. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of PD, coronary events, or ischemic stroke in relation to each factor. A modified Lunn-McNeil competing risk analysis was performed to compare the HR strength of the three outcomes. A total of 486 incident PD cases, 3288 coronary events cases and 2,972 ischemic stroke cases occurred during a mean follow-up of 21 years. In multivariable models, age (per additional year: HR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.09), diabetes (HR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.26), neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (per SD increase: HR = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.19), and fasting blood glucose (per SD increase: HR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.36) are the risk factors for PD, whereas female sex (HR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.67), smoking (current smoker [HR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.74] and former smoker [HR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.66, 0.99]), HDL (per SD increase: HR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.95), and LDL (per SD increase: HR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.61, 0.96) are the protective factors. A comparison of risk factors for PD, coronary events, and ischemic stroke showed the three outcomes had concordant and discordant risk factors. Our results indicated the risk factor profiles for PD, coronary events, or ischemic stroke had many similarities, but also significant differences.
Synergistic effect of hydration and carbonation of ladle furnace aslag on cementitious substances
Authors: Yi Yuanrong , Ma Wenqing , Sidike Ainiwaer , Ma Zhongle , Fang Minghang , Lin Yue , Bai Shuqi , Chen Yinguang
Published: August 2022

Ladle furnace slag (LFS) can undergo hydration and carbonation reactions as cement. This article explores the effect of LFS hydration and carbonation reactions on cementitious substances at different temperatures and different LFS particle sizes, determining the effect of these varying conditions on the microstructure and formation mechanism of cementitious substances. The results show that in the early stages, C2S and C3S undergo hydration to generate C–S–H gel, which then undergoes decalcification and condensation to generate CaCO3 and Ca-deficient C–S–H gel; the hydration reaction and carbonation reaction promote and influence each other. The increase in temperature was found to hinder the formation of CaCO3 from Ca2+ and CO32−, thus reducing the efficiency of hydration carbonation. The increase in particle size was not conducive to the leaching of C2S and C3S to the surface of the reaction phase, which in turn reduced the degree of decalcification and polymerization of the C–S–H gel in the carbonation phase. It was concluded that the optimum LFS hydration and carbonation reactions were achieved at 20 °C and with a LFS particle sizes < 38 μm.
Regulation of MMP9 transcription by ETS1 in immortalized salivary gland epithelial cells of patients with salivary hypofunction and primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Noll Braxton , Mougeot Farah Bahrani , Brennan Michael T. , Mougeot Jean-Luc C.
Published: August 2022

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) patients exhibit enhanced degradation of the salivary epithelium initially through MMP9 overexpression. We assessed the expression of MMP9 and an associated transcription factor, ETS1, in primary salivary gland epithelial cells (SGECs) and investigated potential regulatory mechanism(s) in immortalized SGECs. SGECs and iSGECs were derived from pSS and/or xerostomic “sicca” patients. siRNA knockdown of ETS1 in iSGECs was performed to determine MMP9 mRNA (qRT-PCR) and protein expression (ELISA). ETS1 binding to MMP9 promoter was assessed by luciferase activity and binding confirmed by mutagenesis and ChIP. Effects of ETS1 overexpression on progenitor and Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition (EMT) associated markers were determined by Western blot. Expression of ETS1 and its phosphorylated form in iSGECs was determined by immunofluorescence microscopy. ETS1 and MMP9 were overexpressed in SGECs of pSS and non-pSS sicca patients with salivary gland lymphocytic infiltration compared to non-pSS sicca patients without infiltration. ETS1 siRNA knockdown reduced both MMP9 mRNA and protein levels. ETS1 overexpression affected the expression of EMT and progenitor cell markers. Lastly, ETS1 bound the MMP9 promoter within the DNA region of −296 bp to −339 bp. ETS1 may impair salivary function through direct transcriptional control of the MMP9 promoter. ETS1 upregulation may also affect other factors involved in repair of the dysfunctional pSS salivary epithelium.
Influence of a circular obstacle on the dynamics of stable spiral waves with straining
Authors: Jaiswal Devanand , Kalita Jiten C
Published: August 2022

The current study envisages to investigate numerically, probably for the first time, the combined effect of a circular obstacle and medium motion on the dynamics of a stable rotating spiral wave. A recently reconstructed spatially fourth and temporally second order accurate, implicit, unconditionally stable high order compact scheme has been employed to carry out simulations of the Oregonator model of excitable media. Apart from studying the effect of the stoichiometric parameter, we provide detailed comparison between the dynamics of spiral waves with and without the circular obstacles in the presence of straining effect. In the process, we also inspect the dynamics of rigidly rotating spiral waves without straining effect in presence of the circular obstacle. The presence of the obstacle was seen to trigger transition to non-periodic motion for a much lower strain rate.
Mathematical modeling of wear behavior and Abbott Firestone zones of 0.16C steel using response surface methodology
Authors: Elshaer Ramadan N. , El-Fawakhry Mohamed K. , Mattar Taha , Farahat Ahmed I. Z.
Published: August 2022

The effects of applied pressure and running velocity on wear behavior as well as Abbott Firestone zones of low carbon steel (0.16C) were evaluated using response surface methodology (RSM). At room temperature, three different pressures (0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 MPa) and three different velocities (1.5, 2.25, and 3 m/s) were used to conduct dry sliding wear trials utilizing the pin-on-disc method according to the experimental design technique (EDT). The experiments were created using central composite design (CCD) as a starting point. The relationship between input factors (pressure and velocity) and responses (wear rate and Abbott Firestone zones) of 0.16C steel was demonstrated using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The best models for wear rate as well as Abbott Firestone zones produced accurate data that could be estimated, saving time and cost. The results revealed that pressure had the greatest impact on the alloy’s dry sliding wear behavior of the two variables studied. In general, the predicted result shows close agreement with experimental results and hence created models could be utilized for the prediction of wear behavior and Abbott Firestone zones satisfactorily.
Syntaxin-1a and SNAP-25 expression level is increased in the blood samples of ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Cappelletti Pamela , Filareti Melania , Masuelli Laura , Bei Roberto , Hassanzadeh Kambiz , Corbo Massimo , Feligioni Marco
Published: August 2022

The interest for the discovery of blood biomarkers for several neurological disorders, including Ischemic Stroke (IS), is growing and their identification in blood samples would be revolutionary allowing a fast and better pathology prediction or outcome and to collect information on patient recovery. The increased permeability of the blood–brain barrier, following a brain infarct, allows the detection of brain proteins in the blood flow. In this work, we analyzed the expression levels of two synaptic proteins Syntaxin (STX)-1a and Synaptosomal Associated Protein, 25 kDa (SNAP-25), in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC), serum and in Neuronal Derived Extracellular vesicles (NDEs) of IS patients, age and sex matched healthy control (HC) and younger HC (Y-HC). Interestingly, we identified STX-1a protein in the cytoplasm of PBMC and both STX-1a and SNAP-25 expression levels were significantly augmented in all IS patient’s blood fractions compared to control subjects. In addition, STX-1a blood levels correlated with the IS clinical scales National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIH-SS) and the modified Barthel Index (BI). These results prompted us to speculate that STX-1a and SNAP-25 hematic fluctuations depict the brain damage after an ischemic attack and that their hematic detection could represent a novel and accessible IS biomarkers.
Behavior of volcanic ash–soil mixtures under one-dimensional compression testing
Authors: Sayyah Mohammad Amin , Abrishami Saeed , Dastpak Pooya , Dias Daniel
Published: August 2022

Volcanic ashes (VA) are one of the by-products of explosive volcanic eruptions. They can be used as a soil stabilizer due to their cementitious properties as an eco-friendly soil stabilization approach. In this study, the impact of VA as an additive material (up to 20%) was investigated on the behavior of a clayey soil under one-dimensional compression tests and uniaxial compression tests. To this aim, the VA percentage effect, curing conditions, i.e. the optimum moisture content (OMC) and saturated sample, and curing time, on the oedometer modulus, and the uniaxial compression strength (UCS) are investigated. Results show that the addition of VA increases the UCS continuously in saturated conditions. However, this improvement is considerable for 5% additional VA at the OMC state and it induces 325% improvement in UCS. The maximum improvement of UCS occurs at 20% addition of VA in saturated condition. It was also revealed that VA-soil mixtures are more sustainable at low stress levels and the oedometer modulus increases with the VA addition. A long-term curing time leads to an increase of the fabricated bonds due to the pozzolanic reaction. Additional VA has no significant effect on the consolidation parameters specifically for short-term curing time.
Probabilistic projections of increased heat stress driven by climate change
Authors: Vargas Zeppetello Lucas R. , Raftery Adrian E. , Battisti David S.
Published: August 2022

The Heat Index is a metric that quantifies heat exposure in human beings. Here, using probabilistic emission projections, we show that changes in the Heat Index driven by anthropogenic CO2 emissions will increase global exposure to dangerous environments in the coming decades. Even if the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 2 °C is met, the exposure to dangerous Heat Index levels will likely increase by 50–100% across much of the tropics and increase by a factor of 3–10 in many regions throughout the midlatitudes. Without emissions reductions more aggressive than those considered possible by our statistical projection, it is likely that by 2100, many people living in tropical regions will be exposed to dangerously high Heat Index values during most days of each typical year, and that the kinds of deadly heat waves that have been rarities in the midlatitudes will become annual occurrences.
Post-staining Raman analysis of histological sections following decolorization
Authors: Akaji Sakiko , Sagawa Tomoya , Honda Akiko , Miyasaka Natsuko , Sadakane Kaori , Ichinose Takamichi , Takano Hirohisa
Published: August 2022

This study proposed to observe HE-stained tissue structure and Raman fingerprint mapping on the identical tissue slide after a decolorizing step.