bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Compact High Gain Wide-Band Log Periodic Dipole Array Antenna for Wireless Communication Systems
Authors: Ibrahim Islam M. , Ahmed Mohamed I. , Abdelkader Hala M. , Elsherbini M. M.
Published: December 2022

This paper implies a prototype for a broad-band log periodic dipole antenna (LPDA) with dimensions of 20 × 40 × 0.508 mm3 equipped with directors. The LPDA is based on Roger’s RT5880 with εr = 2.2. The 4-arms with alternative stubs constitute the LPDA, which is evenly spaced on both lines. At the substrate’s back, the 50Ω main feeder line is placed on partial ground. The directors are also incorporated and studied in a regular matrix at a predetermined distance to improve gain, further reduce side lobes, and widen the frequency band. The performance of the antenna covers a wide spectrum of millimeter waves ranging from 26 up to 44 GHz. The realized gain for the antenna is 8.97, 11.96, 13.96, and 14.29 dB at 28 GHz, 35 GHz, 38 GHz, and 43 GHz, respectively. The total gain is 14.29 dB as a peak gain. The antenna was designed and tested for 5G communication applications in autonomous vehicles, and the design cost for the antenna is low in comparison to dielectric lenses. The model exhibits symmetrical radiation patterns for the antenna range. The results of the simulations and the testing of the implemented antenna elements coincide quite well. The proposed design outperforms earlier work in this field.
Seismic Texture of Tertiary Successions: Insights from Tipam and Barail Formations in the Upper Assam Basin, NE India
Authors: Kumar Priyadarshi Chinmoy , Sain Kalachand
Published: December 2022

This work uses high-quality 3D seismic data from the historic oil-producing province of NE India in the Upper Assam Basin for the investigation of structural architecture and textural characteristics that have modulated the Barail and Tipam Formations of the Tertiary successions. The seismic volume was structurally conditioned to improve the contrast at seismic reflectors and thereby preserving their lateral continuity. The conditioned data are interpreted in combination with seismic attributes to examine the seismic textural responses in the interval of interest between the Barail and Tipam formations. The study brings out that the Barail coal-shale unit is associated with deformed, wavy, chaotic and heterogeneous textures, which suggest a deeper basinal condition prevailing during the deposition. However, molassic texture associated with less chaotic and high homogeneity of reflections indicate the occurrence of fluviatile environment that prevailed during the deposition of the Tipam sandstone unit. It is observed that structural compartments within the Miocene interval act as different trap networks for encasing migrated hydrocarbons from the Oligocene source interval. The finding establishes a relationship between the structural and depositional set-ups within the litho-units of the Tertiary successions for plausible hydrocarbon accumulation in the upper Assam basin.
Hydrothermal from – Geology to Nanotechnology and Nanogeoscience (Part - II)
Authors: Namratha K. , Nayan M.B. , Pandareesh M.D. , Basavarajappa H.T. , Byrappa K.
Published: December 2022

Hydrothermal process from a pure geologic science has now become one of the fast-emerging processing technologies to synthesize nanomaterials in the laboratory. Today it is an advanced technological tool, which facilitates to obtain nanomaterials and nanoparticles with desired size, shape, quality and functionality. In fact, hydrothermal technique has its bearing on the nature-inspired or geo-mimetic processes that are being employed extensively in the laboratory. The natural hydrothermal processes are acting ever since earth came into existence, and leading to the formation of a large variety of minerals, rocks and ores. Earth is a blue planet of the universe, where water is a major component which plays an important role in the formation of geological materials and hydrothermal circulation has always assisted by bacteria, photochemical and other related activities. The synthesis of advanced technological materials often occurs in the presence of biomolecules, proteins, organic ligands, DNA and amino acids. An understanding of nanogeoscience is becoming very relevant in the current context and is crossing into almost all the branches of geology including palaeoecology, mineralogy, environmental geology, energy geology, geochemistry, etc. Similarly, the hydrothermal processes in nature cover several branches of geology whether it is the origin of ores, minerals, rocks, but also life on the earth. In the present review, the authors discuss all the above aspects in detail with a future perspective of the field. Also, the authors have described the evolution of hydrothermal process from pure geology to the nanotechnology, nanogeoscience, nano-geopolymers, etc., with specific examples and depicted its relevance to the geologic science.
Subsurface Expressions of the Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt in the Western Ganga Basin by Magnetotellurics
Authors: Manglik Ajay , Suresh M. , Nagarjuna Danda , Pavankumar G. , Demudu Babu M. , Chakravarthi N.N. , Kandregula Raj Sunil
Published: December 2022

The Aravalli-Delhi fold belt (ADFB) in the NW Indian shield is associated with moderate level of seismicity, including the seismicity of the Delhi seismic zone (DSZ). Several studies have postulated northward extension of the ADFB beneath the alluvium cover of the Ganga basin and its existence beneath the Himalaya. However, subsurface disposition of the ADFB north of Delhi has not been mapped in detail. The results of a recent magnetotelluric study carried out along a profile between Kaithal and Bareilly across the inferred northward extension of the ADFB is presented to address this issue. The results reveal that the concealed ADFB consists of a collage of nearly vertical conductive and resistive blocks buried beneath about 1 to 1.3 km thick alluvial sediments. The boundaries of major inferred tectonic features, such as the western boundary of the Delhi-Haridwar ridge (DHR) and the Great Boundary Fault (GBF), as well as the locations of the Ganga and the Yamuna rivers coincide with such steep contacts. The results suggest the presence of some more concealed geological contacts/tectonic boundaries for which no corresponding surface tectonic features have been mapped. Such a configuration of nearly vertical conductive and resistive blocks has significant implications for the studies aimed at earthquake hazard assessment of the region, especially the DSZ. These results, in conjunction with the MT models available for the Garhwal Himalaya, also indicate continuation of these blocks beneath the Kumaun-Garhwal Himalaya (KGH). Thus, the crust of the KGH below the Main Himalayan Thrust should be highly heterogeneous spatially.
Kuwari Lake: Potentially Dangerous for Landslide Lake Outburst Flood (LLOF)
Authors: Bisht M.P.S. , Bisht Hemant , Luirei Khayingshing , Mehta Manish , Kumar Vinit
Published: December 2022

Here a report of a lake of about one km in length that resulted from damming of a river by landslide near Kuwari village at the altitude of 1733 m asl and located between N 30o 5' 16"- 30o 5' 16" and E 79o 48' 30" - 79o 48' 29". On the basis of Google Earth images, it has been observed that a huge landslide took place from 16th to 17th June, 2013 and also in 2019 (as per the local sources) that blocked the Shambhu Gad (Baura Gad) in Bageshwar district and formed a huge lake, which covered ~15666 m2 area. It was also observed that an old landslide was reactivated due to cloud burst or toe erosion and affected an area ~862913 m2 between 2664 and 1761 m asl. The area affected by the landslide is ~4 km, the maximum width is about 650 m. In the vicinity of Kuwari village the impact of this Kuwari landslide also observed in the Jhaliya village (district Chamoli) established over south facing slope in the right bank of Pinder river. Both the villages are separated by E-W trending ridge (3700 m asl).
Integrated Multivariate Analysis, Hydrogeochemical Modelling and Speciation Studies to Reveal Geogenic Origins behind Physical Disabilities: A Case Study in Pure Village, Varanasi, India
Authors: Singh P. K. , Singh S. K. , Debnath Sampriti , Dutta Archisman
Published: December 2022

The study aims to discuss elaborately about the origin of physical disabilities amongst the locals of Pure village in Varanasi district, India through proper hydrogeochemical facies, multivariate statistics and correlations, saturation indices of mineral phases, speciation of heavy metals, radiation surveys, and comparing the values of major ions and heavy metals with respect to the permissible limits of USEPA, WHO, ICRP, and BIS standards. The evolution of water is Ca-Mg-HCO3 type, as evident from Piper trilinear plot, with neutral to feeble alkalinity. From Gibbs’s diagram, origin of major ions in groundwater is found primarily to be chemical weathering of the rock forming minerals as all the samples fall in rock dominance zone. Mineral saturation indices modelling by PHREEQC suggest supersaturation of water with goethite, hematite, Fe(OH)3(a), and dolomite. Speciation studies of PG-4 having high U concentration (13 μg/l) reveal dominance of U4+ and Fe2+ species, thus confirming reducing environment in aquifer. The high concentration of iron minerals in water promotes adsorption of U4+ on their matrices thus reducing effective U concentration in water. The U values are higher in most of the drinking water samples as per safe limits indicated by ICRP and WHO suggesting that long-term use for drinking purpose may cause serious health crisis. Higher Sr values (119 ± 39 μg/l) in groundwaters, greater than minimum reporting level, as per USEPA, may be one of the contributing factors for physical disabilities of inhabitants.
Flood Frequency Analysis: A Case Study of Pohru River Catchment, Kashmir Himalayas, India
Authors: Ahad Ummar , Ali Ummar , Inayatullah Meer , Shah Abdul Rauf
Published: December 2022

Planning, design, and management of hydraulic structures such as barrages, dams, spillways, and bridges all need estimation of Peak Flood Discharge for a desired return time. The findings of a research, examining the frequency of Pohru river floods using the Gumbel’s distribution and Log Pearson type III approaches, widely used models in hydrological studies for the probability distribution to simulate stream flows, are presented in this work. For a period of two decades, the approach has been used to predict the yearly maximum discharge of the river from (1998 to 2018). The analysis also reveals that the observed and anticipated peak discharges of the Log Pearson type III (LP3) and Gumble (EV1) models have a positive correlation (R2 = 0.71) and (R2 = 0.52). As a result, the best-fit models for modeling and flood frequency analysis of yearly peak flows on the Pohru River are the LP3 and G(EV1). Peak flood values for 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 500 year return periods were also determined using the same approach, which might be valuable for flood management in the area.
SPI1 is a prognostic biomarker of immune infiltration and immunotherapy efficacy in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Feng Huayi , Wang Tao , Ye Jiali , Yang Yang , Huang Xing , Lai Dong , Lv Zheng , Huang Yan , Zhang Xu
Published: December 2022

Background

Spi-1 proto-oncogene (SPI1), which encodes an ETS-domain transcription factor, can activate gene expression in myeloid and lymphoid lineages. The role of SPI1 in the tumor immune microenvironment in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the possible role of SPI1 in ccRCC using an independent cohort and a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis.

Materials and methods

Quantitative real-time PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry assays were used to compare the SPI1 expression levels between ccRCC tissues and normal tissues, analyze the relationships between SPI1 and CD68, CD8, CD4 expression levels, and explore the link between SPI1 and the efficacy of immunotherapy in our cohort. Tumor Immune Estimation Resource, UALCAN, cBioPortal, TISIDB database, and LinkedOmics database were used in our study.

Results

SPI1 expression level was higher in ccRCC bulk tissues than in normal bulk tissues. SPI1 was an independent prognostic factor for poor overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with ccRCC. SPI1 expression was strongly related to the infiltration of immune cells and immune-related molecules. SPI1 was more highly expressed in tumor-infiltrating immune cells rather than in cancer cells. Non-responders to immunotherapy against ccRCC were more likely to express higher SPI1 levels than responders. Genes co-expressed with SPI1 primarily correlated with immune-related pathways.

Conclusions

SPI1 expression in tumor bulk tissues is associated with disease progression and poor prognosis, as well as high expression levels of immune markers and infiltration of immune cells. SPI1 can be used as a prognostic biomarker to monitor and evaluate immunotherapy efficacy.
An improved method for the production of biogenic silica from cornhusk using sol–gel polymeric route
Authors: Prempeh Clement Owusu , Formann Steffi , Hartmann Ingo , Nelles Michael
Published: December 2022

Porous silica was synthesized from cornhusk using the sol–gel polymeric route and compared with ash obtained from the direct combustion process under laboratory conditions. The unmodified ash from the direct combustion process was dissolved in NaOH for 1 h to form sodium silicate, which was subsequently hydrolyzed with citric acid to yield a silica xerogel. The obtained xerogel was characterized using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), simultaneous thermal analysis (STA), gas sorption techniques to determine their elemental constituents, functional groups, crystalline phases, thermal stability, and porosity, respectively. The results showed that the synthesized silica xerogel exhibited porous network structures with a high-specific surface area and mesopore volume of 384 m2/g and 0.35 cm3/g, respectively. The pore size distribution revealed a complete transformation of the pore network structures of the unmodified ash from a monomodal to a bimodal pore system, with micro- and mesopore peaks centered around 1.5 and 3.8 nm, respectively. The ICP-OES results showed that the silica content significantly increased from 52.93 to 91.96 wt.% db after the sol–gel treatment. XRD diffraction confirmed the amorphicity of the silica particles obtained from the sol–gel extraction method. In addition, the STA data showed that the silica xerogel has high thermal stability compared to the unmodified ash, as the latter exhibited poor thermal stability and low textural properties. The high surface area and narrow pore cavity size distribution of the porous silica xerogel make it an ideal substrate for catalysts and an excellent template for growing other nanoparticles within the pores.
Knockdown of lncRNA-ASLNC12002 alleviates epithelial–mesenchymal transition of type II alveolar epithelial cells in sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Feng Kaixuan , Huang Weifeng , Shang Jiawei , Ping Feng , Tan Qin , Wang Wei , Li Yingchuan , Cao Yongmei
Published: December 2022

Patients with sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have higher mortality and poor prognosis than pneumonia-induced ARDS. Pulmonary fibrosis is an irreversible accumulation of connective tissue in the interstitium of the lung and closely associated with the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECIIs). Therefore, it is undoubtedly worth studying whether the EMT of AECIIs in sepsis-induced ARDS patients is different from that in patients with pneumonia-induced ARDS in the regulatory mechanism. Here, we will report for the first time that an lncRNA-ASLNC12002 is highly expressed in AECIIs of patients with sepsis-induced pneumonia and promotes EMT in AECIIs. The research results showed that the expression of ASLNC12002 in AECIIs derived from patients with sepsis-induced ARDS is significantly higher than that in normal people and pneumonia-induced ARDS patients. Mechanism research showed that ASLNC12002 can cause the inactivation of the anti-EMT pathway NR2F2/miR128-3p/Snail1 by acting as the sponge of miR128-3p. Functional experiments showed that targeted silencing of ASLNC12002 could effectively inhibit EMT progression in AECIIs of patients with sepsis-induced pneumonia by restoring NR2F2/miR128-3p/Snail1 pathway. In a word, our study shows for the first time that the inactivation of NR2F2/miR128-3p/Snail1 pathway caused by the enhanced expression of ASLNC12002 is the direct reason why AECIIs in sepsis-induced ARDS patients are prone to get EMT progress. ASLNC12002 has the potential to become a biological target for the prevention and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis in patients with sepsis-induced ARDS. At the same time, the expectation that ASLNC12002 and its related products may be used as clinical markers for the evaluation of early pulmonary fibrosis in ARDS patients should not be ignored.
Neural network fusion with fine-grained adaptation learning for turnover prediction
Authors: Xue Xia , Sun Xia , Wang Hongyu , Zhang Hao , Feng Jun
Published: December 2022

Turnover prediction has an important impact on alleviating the brain drain, which can help organizations reduce costs and enhance competitiveness. Existing studies on turnover are mainly based on analyzing the turnover correlation, using different models to predict various employee turnover scenarios, and only predicting turnover category, while the class imbalance and turnover possibility have been ignored. To this end, in this paper, we propose a novel fine-grained adaptation-based turnover prediction neural network (FATPNN) model. Specifically, we first employ a GRU to learn profile-aware features representations of the personnel samples. Then, to evaluate the contribution of various turnover factors, we further exploit an attention mechanism to model the profile information. Finally, we creatively design a weighted-based probability loss function suitable for our turnover prediction tasks. Experimental results show the effectiveness and universality of the FATPNN model in terms of turnover prediction.
Synthesis and catalytic behavior of FCC catalysts obtained from kaolin by the in-situ method
Authors: Padilla Jessyka , Guzman Alexander , Poveda-Jaramillo Juan Carlos
Published: December 2022

In-situ zeolites NaY and Na[B]Y were synthesized on microspherical matrices of kaolin to obtain FCC catalysts. An alkaline pretreatment of the matrix was investigated in order to evaluate its effect on matrix properties and crystallization of the in-situ synthetized zeolites. Catalysts were characterized by SEM, TEM, Ar adsorption, XRD and NH3-TPD. It was observed an increase in the surface area and mesoporosity of the alkaline treated catalysts either synthetized with the presence of boron or with no boron in the hydrothermal reaction mixture. Ammonia TPD analyses have shown an increase in the amount and strength of the acidity of the catalysis with the zeolites crystallized on the pretreated matrices and exchanged with lanthanum ions. Thus, a combination between higher concentration of stronger acid sites and higher proportion of mesoporous generated in the matrices treated with alkaline solution had resulted in more active catalyst as shown by the triisopropylbenzene cracking experiments conducted here.

Graphical abstract
Accelerating diversity, equity, and inclusion goals: a qualitative assessment from the lens of scientists at the 2020 Clinical Translational Science Awards Annual Meeting
Authors: Fernandez Claudia S.P. , Taylor Monica M. , Dave Gaurav , Brandert Kathleen , Mollenkopf Katherine , Larkin Suzanna , Corbie Giselle
Published: December 2022

Participants in the leadership breakout session at the Clinical Translational Science Awards (CTSA) virtual 2020 conference discussed and ranked six recommendations in terms of feasibility, impact, and priority for advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts to elevate underrepresented populations to leadership positions in CTSAs and their broader institutions. A thematic analysis of chat and polling data identified challenges and opportunities to achieve DEI goals, with the three most promising recommendations as: cross-institutional Principal Investigator (P.I.) action-learning workgroups, transparent policies for recruiting and promoting underrepresented minorities (URM) leadership, and a clear succession plan to nurture and elevate URM leaders. Suggestions are made to improve DEI in CTSA leadership and allow for greater representation in the translational science field.
Attacks on Health Care Workers in Historical Pandemics and COVID-19
Authors: van Stekelenburg Brett C. A. , De Cauwer Harald , Barten Dennis G. , Mortelmans Luc J.
Published: December 2022

Previous pandemics have been (mis)used for (geo)political reasons, for terrorism purposes, and in times of conflict. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been no exception with populist politicians challenging the relations with China, calling it the “Chinese virus,” certain state actors setting up cyberterrorist actions against health care organizations in the United States and Europe, and a reported increase of violent acts against health care workers.

Aside from state-driven factors, both left- and right-wing activists and anti-vaccination activists adhering to conspiracy theories are a threat for health care organizations. Furthermore, socioeconomic, religious, and cultural factors play a role in why health care is a possible target of violence. Fear of viral pathogens, fury about financial losses due to the pandemic and governmental measures such as lockdowns, anger because of mandatory quarantines, and the disruption of burial rituals are among the reasons for people to revolt against health care providers.

Here, we provide a narrative review of the impact of violence against health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and earlier pandemics, and suggest preventive strategies.
Association of urinary phytoestrogens with hormone-related cancers and cancer biomarkers: NHANES 1999–2010
Authors: Liu Fubin , Peng Yu , Qiao Yating , Wang Peng , Si Changyu , Wang Xixuan , Zhang Ming , Song Fangfang
Published: December 2022

Phytoestrogens may have potential effects on hormone-related cancers (HRC) and cancer biomarkers, but the findings have been inconsistent so far. Participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2010 with information on the levels of urinary phytoestrogens, serum cancer biomarkers and cancer history were included. Sampling-weighted logistic regression models examined the association between urinary phytoestrogens concentrations (creatinine-standardised and log-transformed) and HRC, followed by stratified analyses by race/ethnicity, age and menopausal status for different gender. Correlation analyses between phytoestrogens and cancer biomarkers were performed. Of the total 8844 participants, there were 373 with HRC. We observed total isoflavone and enterodiol excretion were positively associated with HRC, especially in non-Hispanic white female subpopulations (Ptrend < 0·05). Similar association also existed in the total isoflavones and enterodiol levels with breast cancer. Whereas the highest concentration of total isoflavones was significantly linked to a reduced prevalence of HRC (OR = 0·40, 95 % CI: 0·19, 0·84) in white males and of prostate cancer (OR = 0·40, 95 % CI: 0·18, 0·86). Among twenty-four participants with HRC, urinary equol concentration was positively correlated with CA15.3. Also, an inverse correlation of total prostate-specific antigens (PSA) and positive correlation of the PSA ratio with urinary enterolactone were detected in thirteen prostate cancer patients. Our findings indicated that higher concentrations of total isoflavones and enterodiol were positively associated with HRC. Urinary certain phytoestrogen excretion may affect serum cancer biomarker levels in cancer patients. But further prospective studies are needed to provide stronger evidence.
Zungenverletzungen bei Kindern: Das Zürcher Zungenschema
Authors: Seiler Michelle , Schiestl Clemens
Published: December 2022

Zusammenfassung. Die Betreuung von verletzten Kindern nach Unfällen gehört zum Alltag in einer Kinderarztpraxis und Notfallstation. Zu den häufigsten Verletzungen zählen Rissquetschwunden, vor allem im Kopfbereich, und auch die Zunge kann betroffen sein. Rissquetschwunden der Zunge treten vorwiegend im Kleinkindesalter auf, meistens nach Stolperstürzen, indem sich das Kind mit den Zähnen auf die Zunge beisst. Obwohl diese Verletzungen nicht sehr selten sind, existieren keine evidenzbasierten Therapieempfehlungen. Für Kinder und Familien ist es von grosser Bedeutung, ob ein invasives Vorgehen mit einer primären Wundnaht, meistens in Intubationsnarkose, erforderlich ist oder ob ein konservatives Vorgehen mit sekundärer Wundheilung das gleich gute Ergebnis bringt. In diesem Beitrag zeigen wir auf, wie wir das Zürcher Zungenschema als evidenzbasierte Therapieempfehlung für Kinder mit einfachen Zungenverletzungen entwickelt haben.
Berücksichtigung des kulturellen Hintergrunds als Teil der «Spiritual Care»
Authors: Schächter Doron
Published: December 2022

Zusammenfassung. Patientenverfügungen greifen inhaltlich zentrale Punkte von End of Life Decisions auf. Ethische Grundsätze, die uns einen Zugang zu solchen Fragestellungen ermöglichen, sind in einen kulturellen Kontext eingebettet. Letzterer spielt in der patientenorientierten Medizin eine immer zentralere Rolle. Am Beispiel der jüdisch-orthodoxen Gesetzgebung (Halacha) soll gezeigt werden, wie der kulturelle Hintergrund beim Erstellen einer Patientenverfügung einfliessen kann. Anhand sogenannter «emischer» (kulturimmanenter) und «etischer» (kulturvergleichender) inhaltsanalytischer Zugänge wird diese dann mit den Richtlinien der Schweizerischen Akademie der Medizinischen Wissenschaften (SAMW) verglichen. Letztere erstellen teilweise zu bestimmten Fragestellungen Vorgaben, welche von der Halacha gänzlich offengelassen werden, aber auch vice versa. Trotz dieser unterschiedlichen Gewichtung resultieren in der Praxis häufig ähnliche Positionen.
Do People Work Hard to Maintain Social Distance?
Authors: Robinson Rachel E. , Rosenbaum David A.
Published: December 2022

Abstract. How far away from each other people sit or stand reveals much about their social proximity, but merely sitting or standing may not test the limits of social boundaries as much as collaborating on tasks requiring physical coordination. In this study, we asked university students to walk two abreast while carrying a long pipe from one end of a workspace to another. Hurdles in the workspace forced the dyads to decide whether to walk close together without stepping over the hurdles or walk farther apart, stepping over the hurdles. The subjects often chose the latter option, stepping over 18-inch high hurdles rather than walking on level ground.
Coincident Biogenic Nitrite and pH Maxima Arise in the Upper Anoxic Layer in the Eastern Tropical North Pacific
Authors: Cinay Timur , Dumit Diana , Woosley Ryan J. , Boles Elisabeth L. , Kwiecinski Jarek V. , Mullen Susan , Tamasi Tyler J. , Wolf Martin J. , Kelly Colette L. , Travis Nicole M. , Casciotti Karen L. , Babbin Andrew R.
Published: December 2022

The Eastern Tropical North Pacific (ETNP), like the other marine oxygen deficient zones (ODZs), is characterized by an anoxic water column, nitrite accumulation at the anoxic core, and fixed nitrogen loss via nitrite reduction to N2O and N2 gases. Here, we constrain the relative contribution of biogeochemical processes to observable features such as the secondary nitrite maximum (SNM) and local pH maximum by simultaneous measurement of inorganic nitrogen and carbon species. High‐resolution sampling within the top 1 km of the water column reveals consistent chemical features previously unobserved in the region, including a tertiary nitrite maximum. Dissolved inorganic carbon measurements show that pH increases with depth at the top of the ODZ, peaking at the potential density of the SNM at σθ = 26.15 ± 0.06 (1 s.d.). We developed a novel method to determine the relative contributions of anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox), denitrification, nitrite oxidation, dissimilatory nitrate reduction to nitrite, and calcium carbonate dissolution to the nitrite cycling in the anoxic ODZ core. The calculated relative contributions of each reaction are slightly sensitive to the assumed C:N:P ratio and the carbon oxidation state of the organic matter sinking through the ODZ. Furthermore, we identify the source of the pH increase at the top of ODZ as the net consumption of protons via nitrite reduction to N2 by the denitrification process. The increase in pH due to denitrification impacts the buffering effect of calcite and aragonite dissolving in the ETNP.
Retrieval of a Real‐Time Sea Surface Vector Field From SAR Doppler Centroid: 1. Ekman Current Retrieval
Authors: Yang Xiaobo , He Yijun
Published: December 2022

Current direction retrieval is a significant part of the Doppler Centroid Technique (DCT) for remote sensing of the sea surface vector field, and it remains an unsolved problem that has prevented its wide application for more than 15 years. In this paper, we review and update the core concept of the DCT, through which the Ekman scheme for current direction retrieval is obtained. In addition, the real sea surface vector field at approximately 24°N with weak background flow during Hurricane Sam is retrieved. We also prove that the measured velocity of the DCT is just the magnitude of the sea surface current vector, and thus, the DCT is the most promising technique for remote sensing of sea surface current dynamics.
Rapid Surface Warming of the Pacific Asian Marginal Seas Since the Late 1990s
Authors: Wang You‐Lin , Wu Chau‐Ron
Published: December 2022

The East Asian marginal seas gain heat from the warm pool via intrusion of the Kuroshio Current and play an important role in regulating regional climate. Here, we show that the sea surface temperature rise of the East Asian marginal seas, especially in areas where the Kuroshio intrudes, has far exceeded the rate of global ocean warming. We attribute this to warming of the Pacific Warm Pool since the 1990s. Intensified trade winds warmed the Pacific Warm Pool and caused the surface Kuroshio and the regions where it intrudes into marginal seas to warm rapidly in the late 1990s.
Association between multimorbidity status and incident dementia: a prospective cohort study of 245,483 participants
Authors: Hu He-Ying , Zhang Ya-Ru , Aerqin Qiaolifan , Ou Ya-Nan , Wang Zuo-Teng , Cheng Wei , Feng Jian-Feng , Tan Lan , Yu Jin-Tai
Published: December 2022

Multimorbidity (the presence of two or more long-term conditions [LTCs]) was suggested to exacerbate the neuronal injuries. The impact of multimorbidity on dementia has not been fully elucidated. We aimed to investigate the association between multimorbidity and dementia risk. We used the prospective data from 245,483 UK Biobank participants during a 9-year follow-up. Multimorbidity status was evaluated based on the LTC counts and multimorbidity patterns. Cox regression models adjusted for potential confounders were used to examine the associations of multimorbidity status with all-cause dementia (ACD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD). Participants with multimorbidity at baseline had higher risks of ACD and VD, and the risks were elevated with the increase of LTC counts (ACD: hazard ratios [HR] = 1.15, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.01–1.31 with 2 LTCs; HR = 1.18, CI = 1.01–1.39 with 3 LTCs; HR = 1.65, CI = 1.44–1.88 with ≥4 LTCs; VD: HR = 1. 66, CI = 1.24–2.21 with 2 LTCs; HR = 2.10, CI = 1.53–2.88 with 3 LTCs; HR = 3.17, CI = 2.43–4.13 with ≥4 LTCs). Participants with ≥4 LTCs also had a higher risk of AD (HR = 1.34, CI = 1.08–1.66]. Participants with the cardio-cerebrovascular/respiratory/metabolic/musculoskeletal/depressive multimorbidity were 1.46, 1.28, and 2.50 times more likely to develop ACD (HR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.28–1.67), AD (HR = 1.28, CI = 1.04–1.58), and VD (HR = 2.50, CI = 1.90–3.27), respectively. Those with tumor/genitourinary/digestive disorders had a 11% higher hazard of ACD (HR = 1.11, CI = 1.00–1.24) and a 73% elevated risk of VD (HR = 1.73, CI = 1.37–2.18). The prevention of LTC accumulation and the identification of specific multimorbidity patterns might be beneficial to the prevention of dementia and its subtypes, AD as well as VD.
CD1a promotes systemic manifestations of skin inflammation
Authors: Hardman Clare S. , Chen Yi-Ling , Wegrecki Marcin , Ng Soo Weei , Murren Robert , Mangat Davinderpreet , Silva John-Paul , Munro Rebecca , Chan Win Yan , O’Dowd Victoria , Doyle Carl , Mori Prashant , Popplewell Andy , Rossjohn Jamie , Lightwood Daniel , Ogg Graham S.
Published: December 2022

Inflammatory skin conditions are increasingly recognised as being associated with systemic inflammation. The mechanisms connecting the cutaneous and systemic disease are not well understood. CD1a is a virtually monomorphic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-like molecule, highly expressed by skin and mucosal Langerhans cells, and presents lipid antigens to T-cells. Here we show an important role for CD1a in linking cutaneous and systemic inflammation in two experimental disease models. In human CD1a transgenic mice, the toll-like receptor (TLR)7 agonist imiquimod induces more pronounced splenomegaly, expansion of the peripheral blood and spleen T cell compartments, and enhanced neutrophil and eosinophil responses compared to the wild-type, accompanied by elevated skin and plasma cytokine levels, including IL-23, IL-1α, IL-1β, MCP-1 and IL-17A. Similar systemic escalation is shown in MC903-induced skin inflammation. The exacerbated inflammation could be counter-acted by CD1a-blocking antibodies, developed and screened in our laboratories. The beneficial effect is epitope dependent, and we further characterise the five best-performing antibodies for their capacity to modulate CD1a-expressing cells and ameliorate CD1a-dependent systemic inflammatory responses. In summary, we show that a therapeutically targetable CD1a-dependent pathway may play a role in the systemic spread of cutaneous inflammation.
GABAergic neurons in the rostromedial tegmental nucleus are essential for rapid eye movement sleep suppression
Authors: Zhao Ya-Nan , Jiang Jian-Bo , Tao Shi-Yuan , Zhang Yang , Chen Ze-Ka , Qu Wei-Min , Huang Zhi-Li , Yang Su-Rong
Published: December 2022

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep disturbances are prevalent in various psychiatric disorders. However, the neural circuits that regulate REM sleep remain poorly understood. Here, we found that in male mice, optogenetic activation of rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) GABAergic neurons immediately converted REM sleep to arousal and then initiated non-REM (NREM) sleep. Conversely, laser-mediated inactivation completely converted NREM to REM sleep and prolonged REM sleep duration. The activity of RMTg GABAergic neurons increased to a high discharge level at the termination of REM sleep. RMTg GABAergic neurons directly converted REM sleep to wakefulness and NREM sleep via inhibitory projections to the laterodorsal tegmentum (LDT) and lateral hypothalamus (LH), respectively. Furthermore, LDT glutamatergic neurons were responsible for the REM sleep-wake transitions following photostimulation of the RMTgGABA-LDT circuit. Thus, RMTg GABAergic neurons are essential for suppressing the induction and maintenance of REM sleep.
Observation of full-parameter Jones matrix in bilayer metasurface
Authors: Bao Yanjun , Nan Fan , Yan Jiahao , Yang Xianguang , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Li Baojun
Published: December 2022

Metasurfaces, artificial 2D structures, have been widely used for the design of various functionalities in optics. Jones matrix, a 2×2 matrix with eight parameters, provides the most complete characterization of the metasurface structures in linear optics, and the number of free parameters (i.e., degrees of freedom, DOFs) in the Jones matrix determines the limit to what functionalities we can realize. Great efforts have been made to continuously expand the number of DOFs, and a maximal number of six has been achieved recently. However, the realization of the ultimate goal with eight DOFs (full free parameters) has been proven as a great challenge so far. Here, we show that by cascading two layer metasurfaces and utilizing the gradient descent optimization algorithm, a spatially varying Jones matrix with eight DOFs is constructed and verified numerically and experimentally in optical frequencies. Such ultimate control unlocks opportunities to design optical functionalities that are unattainable with previously known methodologies and may find wide potential applications in optical fields.
The endocast of the insular and extinct Sylviornis neocaledoniae (Aves, Galliformes), reveals insights into its sensory specializations and its twilight ecology
Authors: Riamon Ségolène , Balouet Jean-Christophe , Rolland-Guillard Jeanne , Salaviale Céline , Guenser Pauline , Steyer Jean-Sébastien , Louchart Antoine
Published: December 2022

Sylviornis neocaledoniae (Galliformes, Sylviornithidae), a recently extinct bird of New-Caledonia (Galliformes, Sylviornithidae) is the largest galliform that ever lived and one of the most enigmatic birds in the world. Herein, for the first time, we analyze its neuroanatomy that sheds light on its lifestyle, its brain shape and patterns being correlated to neurological functions. Using morphometric methods, we quantified the endocranial morphology of S. neocaledoniae and compared it with extinct and extant birds in order to obtain ecological and behavioral information about fossil birds. Sylviornis neocaledoniae exhibited reduced optic lobes, a condition also observed in nocturnal taxa endemic to predator-depauperate islands, such as Elephant birds. Functional interpretations suggest that S. neocaledoniae possessed a well-developed somatosensorial system and a good sense of smell in addition to its specialized visual ability for low light conditions, presumably for locating its food. We interpret these results as evidence for a crepuscular lifestyle in S. neocaledoniae.
Early warning and diagnostic visualization of Sclerotinia infected tomato based on hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Zhou Yongxin , Chen Jiaze , Ma Jinfang , Han Xueqin , Chen Bijuan , Li Guilian , Xiong Zheng , Huang Furong
Published: December 2022

This research explored the feasibility of early warning and diagnostic visualization of Sclerotinia infected tomato by using hyperspectral imaging technology. Healthy tomato plants and tomato plants with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were cultivated, and hyperspectral images at 400–1000 nm were collected from healthy and infected tomato leaves at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days of incubation. After preprocessing the spectra with first derivative (FD), second derivative (SD), standard normal variant (SNV), and multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and support vector machine (SVM) were used to construct tomato sclerotinia identification model and select the best preprocessing method. On this basis, two band screening methods, competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) and successive projections algorithm (SPA), were introduced to reduce data redundancy and improve the model’s prediction accuracy. The results showed that the accuracy of the validation sets and operation speed of the CARS-PLS and CARS-SVM models were 87.88% and 1.8 s, and 87.95% and 1.78 s, respectively. The experiment was based on the SNV-CARS-SVM prediction model combined with image processing, spectral extraction, and visualization analysis methods to create diagnostic visualization software, which opens a new avenue to the implementation of online monitoring and early warning system for sclerotinia infected tomato.
Possible contribution of COVID-19 vaccination to the subsequent mental well-being in Japan
Authors: Chiang Chifa , Morita Shuhei , Hirakawa Yoshihisa , Priya Farzana Tanzin , Matsumoto Yuka , Ota Atsuhiko , Yatsuya Hiroshi , Tabuchi Takahiro
Published: December 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a severe impact on mental well-being. Vaccination may have played a pivotal role in enduring this mental health crisis. The present study aimed to longitudinally investigate the association between COVID-19 vaccination and mental health status among Japanese population in 2021. Longitudinal data of 17,089 individuals aged 15–79 years who participated in a nationwide online study were analyzed. Baseline and follow-up mental health statuses were assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). General linear and multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for baseline levels of mental distress were used to examine the association between vaccine receipt and follow-up levels of mental health. Mean K6 scores were lower in the vaccinated than in the non-vaccinated participants. Those who had received one or two doses of COVID-19 vaccines were associated with improved mental health at follow-up in subjects with psychological distress at baseline (odds ratio [OR] 1.31 and 1.35, respectively) and were inversely associated with deteriorated mental health status at follow-up in subjects without psychological distress at baseline (OR 0.66 and 0.70, respectively) compared with no vaccination groups, respectively. The present study would indicate that one or two doses of COVID-19 vaccinations contributed to mental well-being in Japan. This finding might provide evidence for promoting vaccination against COVID-19 and emerging infectious diseases in the future.
Funnel metadynamics and behavioral studies reveal complex effect of D2AAK1 ligand on anxiety-like processes
Authors: Bartuzi Damian , Kędzierska Ewa , Targowska-Duda Katarzyna M. , Koszła Oliwia , Wróbel Tomasz M. , Jademyr Simon , Karcz Tadeusz , Szczepańska Katarzyna , Stępnicki Piotr , Wronikowska-Denysiuk Olga , Biała Grażyna , Handzlik Jadwiga , Kristensen Jesper L. , Poso Antti , Kaczor Agnieszka A.
Published: December 2022

Anxiety is a troublesome symptom for many patients, especially those suffering from schizophrenia. Its regulation involves serotonin receptors, targeted e.g. by antipsychotics or psychedelics such as LSD. 5-HT2A receptors are known for an extremely long LSD residence time, enabling minute doses to exert a long-lasting effect. In this work, we explore the changes in anxiety-like processes induced by the previously reported antipsychotic, D2AAK1. In vivo studies revealed that the effect of D2AAK1 on the anxiety is mediated through serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors, and that it is time-dependent (anxiogenic after 30 min, anxiolytic after 60 min) and dose-dependent. The funnel metadynamics simulations suggest complicated ligand-5HT2AR interactions, involving an allosteric site located under the third extracellular loop, which is a possible explanation of the time-dependency. The binding of D2AAK1 at the allosteric site results in a broader opening of the extracellular receptor entry, possibly altering the binding kinetics of orthosteric ligands.
Diagnostic delay in children with inflammatory bowel disease in the German-Austrian patient registry CEDATA-GPGE 2014–2018
Authors: Leiz Maren , Knorr Melanie , Moon Kilson , Tischler Luisa , de Laffolie Jan , van den Berg Neeltje
Published: December 2022

The incidence and prevalence of pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) are on the rise worldwide. Initial symptoms are often recognized with a delay, which reduces the quality of life and may lead to an increased rate of complications. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic delay in PIBD and to identify potential influencing factors. Therefore, data from the German-Austrian patient registry CEDATA-GPGE for children and adolescents with PIBD were analyzed for the period January 2014 to December 2018. There were 456 children identified in the data, thereof 258 children (57%) with Crohn’s disease (CD) and 198 children (43%) with Ulcerative colitis (UC). The median age was 13.3 years (interquartile range (IQR) = 10.9−15.0), and 44% were females. The median diagnostic delay was 4.1 months (IQR = 2.1–7.0) in CD and 2.4 months (IQR = 1.2–5.1) in UC (p = 0.01). UC was associated with earlier diagnosis than CD (p < 0.001). Only a few factors influencing the diagnostic delay have been verified, e.g., abdominal pain at night and if video capsule endoscopy was performed. Diagnostic delay improved over the years in participating centers, but the level of awareness needs to be high even in common symptoms like abdominal pain.
Drosophila suzukii energetic pathways are differently modulated by nutritional geometry in males and females
Authors: Sario Sara , Mendes Rafael J. , Gonçalves Fátima , Torres Laura , Santos Conceição
Published: December 2022

As a polyphagous pest,Drosophila suzukiihas a variety of host fruits available for feeding and oviposition, but how the nutritional geometry of different hosts influences its metabolism is still poorly understood. This work aimed to evaluate howD. suzukiimetabolic and transcriptional pathways are influenced by feeding on different host fruits, and how sex influences these responses. Adult flies were allowed to feed on five different fruit-based media. Lipids, glucose, glycogen, and energy pathways-associated gene expression, were quantified. Females showed an energetic metabolism easily adaptable to the food’s nutritional characteristics; in contrast, males’ energetic metabolism was particularly influenced by food, predominantly those fed on raspberry media who showed changes in glucose levels and in the expression of genes associated with metabolic pathways, suggesting activation of gluconeogenesis and trehaloneogenesis as a result of nutritional deficiency. Here we present novel insight into howD. suzukii’s energetic pathways are modulated depending on fruits’ nutritional geometry and sex. While the females showed high adaptability in their energetic metabolism to the diet, males were more feeding-sensitive. These findings might be used not only to control this pest population but to better advise producers to invest in less suitable fruits based on the hosts’ nutritional geometry.
Assessment of a consensus definition of obesity and metabolic health phenotypes in children at different pubertal stages
Authors: Pereira Ana , Reyes Marcela , Corvalán Camila , Espejo Juan Pablo , Mericq Verónica , Cifuentes Mariana
Published: December 2022

Not all individuals with obesity develop metabolic complications, which has brought about the concepts of metabolically healthy and unhealthy obesity (MHO/MUO). However, inconsistent definitions of these conditions have limited their understanding. We assessed whether a recently-proposed consensus definition for MHO/MUO correlates with adiposity and reflects metabolic risk parameters during puberty. Low-middle income children from the Growth and Obesity Cohort Study (Santiago, Chile) were included (n = 949; 1692 visits at Tanner (T)2, T4 and/or one-year post menarche (1YPM)). Anthropometry, body composition and metabolic parameters were compared between MUO and MHO, and also in children without obesity. The risk for presenting MUO phenotype was significantly elevated with higher waist-height ratio (T2), zBMI (T2, T4), trunk fat, and C-reactive protein (T4). Elevated cardiometabolic indices were important predictors of the “unhealthy” phenotype allocation in children with or without obesity. Our observations suggest that the consensus definition in children at T2, T4 and 1YPM reflects metabolic risk and central obesity. Metabolic health phenotype allocation by this equation enables easy detection of risk factors that call for action to prevent long-term metabolic derangements in children with obesity and, importantly, also those without obesity.