bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploration of playa surface crusts in Qehan Lake, China through field investigation and wind tunnel experiments
Authors: Liu Dongwei , Han Lijing , Kou Zihan , Gao Xinyu , Wang Jingjing
Published: April 2023

Globally, many lakes are drying up, leaving exposed lakebeds where wind erosion releases dust and sand rich in salt and harmful heavy metals into the atmosphere. Therefore, understanding the characteristics and spatial distribution of playa surface crusts is important to recognize the manifestation of salt dust storms. The objective of this study was to explore the playa surface crust types as well as their spatial distribution and evolution of Qehan Lake in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China to understand the salt dust release potential of different types of playa surface crusts. Various crust characteristics were investigated by field sampling in Qehan Lake, and playa surface crusts were further divided into five types: vegetated areas, salt crusts, clay flats, curly crusts, and margins. It should be noted that curly crusts were distributed in clay flats and covered only a small area in Qehan Lake. The spatial distribution characteristics of playa surface crust types were obtained by supervised classification of remote sensing images, and the salt dust release potential of crusts was explored by the wind tunnel experiments. The field investigation of Qehan Lake revealed that playa surface crust types had a circum-lake band distribution from the inside to the outside of this lake, which were successively vegetated areas, clay flats, salt crusts, and margins. The spatial distribution patterns of playa surface crust types were mainly controlled by the hydrodynamics of the playa, soil texture, and groundwater. There was a significant negative correlation between crust thickness and electrical conductivity. The results of the wind tunnel experiments showed that the initial threshold of friction wind velocity for the salt dust release was higher in clay flats (0.7–0.8 m/s) than in salt crusts (0.5–0.6 m/s). Moreover, the particle leap impact processes occurring under natural conditions may reduce this threshold value. Salinity was the main factor controlling the difference in the initial threshold of friction wind velocity for the salt dust release of clay flats and salt crusts. This study provides a scientific reference for understanding how salt dust is released from a lakebed, which may be used for ecological restoration of dry salt lakes.
Confirmation of Stemphylium vesicarium, the causal agent of brown spot of tomato in Germany
Authors: Karbowy-Thongbai Benjarong , Götz Monika
Published: April 2023

The tomato is a major crop worldwide and is one of the five most consumed vegetables in Germany. Stemphylium species including S. eturmiunum, S. gracilariae, S. lycii, S. lycopersici, S. rombundicum, S. simmonsii, S. solani, and S. vesicarium have been identified as tomato pathogens in various countries. In Germany, multiple instances of S. lycopersici and S. solani affecting tomato plants have been documented; however, only one incident of S. vesicarium has been reported in 1972. S. vesicarium is known to cause yellowish-brown spots on tomato leaves, which can ultimately lead to defoliation and reduced fruit yield. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the S. vesicarium that cause this disease accurately. In this study, S. vesicarium was isolated from necrotic tomato plants in organic farms located in northern and southern regions of Germany. Single spore isolates were generated and identified as S. vesicarium based on morphological characteristic and molecular analyses using nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Koch´s postulates were fulfilled and revealed that S. vesicarium is the causal agent of brown spot on the samples adding a new account of the species.
Overcoming the Electrode Challenges of High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Meyer Quentin , Yang Chujie , Cheng Yi , Zhao Chuan
Published: April 2023

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are becoming a major part of a greener and more sustainable future. However, the costs of high-purity hydrogen and noble metal catalysts alongside the complexity of the PEMFC system severely hamper their commercialization. Operating PEMFCs at high temperatures (HT-PEMFCs, above 120 °C) brings several advantages, such as increased tolerance to contaminants, more affordable catalysts, and operations without liquid water, hence considerably simplifying the system. While recent progresses in proton exchange membranes for HT-PEMFCs have made this technology more viable, the HT-PEMFC viscous acid electrolyte lowers the active site utilization by unevenly diffusing into the catalyst layer while it acutely poisons the catalytic sites. In recent years, the synthesis of platinum group metal (PGM) and PGM-free catalysts with higher acid tolerance and phosphate-promoted oxygen reduction reaction, in conjunction with the design of catalyst layers with improved acid distribution and more triple-phase boundaries, has provided great opportunities for more efficient HT-PEMFCs. The progress in these two interconnected fields is reviewed here, with recommendations for the most promising routes worthy of further investigation. Using these approaches, the performance and durability of HT-PEMFCs will be significantly improved.
Development scheme screening considering reservoir damage based on the AHP model
Authors: Yang Yuan , Hu Yi , Jiang Man , Yang Ye , Xiao Chuantao
Published: April 2023

The development process of oil and gas fields is affected by engineering and geology. Reservoir damage is significant as a bridge connecting these two disciplines. The life cycle of oil and gas fields can be prolonged by making development plans that consider reservoir damage. Therefore, this study performed experiments and discusses a Cretaceous reservoir development in the Chun17 block of the Chunguang Oilfield. We have carried out five sensitivity experiments on typical cores from the block, and analyzed lithology, physical properties, and crude oil. A mathematical model based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was then established based on the core data.Overall, the reservoir in the study area has ultra-high porosity and high permeability. The reservoir has moderately strong water sensitivity (damage rate is 38 ~ 90%) and moderately strong alkali sensitivity (damage rate is 22 ~ 75%). The crude oil belongs to extra-heavy oil reservoirs (containing 2.43% wax, 0.96% sulfur, 20.25 m% gum, 7.35 m% asphalt, 38.26 m% saturated hydrocarbon, and 27.51 m%). The crude oil is sensitive to temperature changes. Based on the AHP model analysis, the development scheme chooses the third (weight 0.1757) of the conventional analytic results of AHP; the Thermal oil production C1 scheme has the most stable future trend and appears to be the best option. In the next step, using fire flooding technology to develop the reservoir will benefit the most economically. The workflow consisting of "conclusion of reservoir experiment → AHP mathematical modeling → verification of relative permeability of high-temperature oil and water → verification of trial production" is simple and effective. The findings of this study can help to better understand the idea and process of making development plans for sensitive oil and gas fields through reservoir evaluation. Combining experimental data with mathematical modeling can find a balanced combination point in qualitative and quantitative analysis. Whether this combination point is correct can be verified by field engineering practice.
Survival energy models for mortality prediction and future prospects
Authors: Shimizu Yasutaka , Shirai Kana , Kojima Yuta , Mitsuda Daiki , Inoue Mahiro
Published: April 2023

The survival energy model (SEM) is a recently introduced novel approach to mortality prediction, which offers a cohort-wise distribution function of the time of death as the first hitting time of a “survival energy” diffusion process to zero. In this study, we propose a novel SEM that can serve as a suitable candidate in the family of prediction models. We also proposed a method to improve the prediction in an earlier work. We further examine the practical advantages of SEM over existing mortality models.
Hume's Social Epistemology and the Dialogue Form
Authors: Ooi Daryl
Published: April 2023

Hume begins his Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion by discussing what an ideal dialogue ought to look like. Many considerations that Hume raises coincide with similar concerns in contemporary social epistemology. This paper examines three aspects of Hume's social epistemology: epistemic peerhood, inquiry norms and the possibility of rational persuasion. Interestingly, however, I will argue that the conversation between Philo, Cleanthes and Demea falls short of meeting Hume's articulated standard of what an ideal dialogue ought to look like. From this analysis, I defend the less popular view that Demea's decision to leave the conversation (in Part XI) was entirely reasonable and suggest an explanation for why Hume decided to make Cleanthes the ‘hero’ of the Dialogues.
Come Together: Far-Right Parties and Mainstream Coalitions
Authors: Bichay Nicolas
Published: April 2023

While far-right parties tend to receive a small minority of votes in national elections, their presence in ruling coalitions is becoming much more common. In this article, I ask under what conditions mainstream parties are willing and interested in forming a coalition with a far-right party, given the potentially high costs associated with having such a partner in government. I characterize such moves as the co-optation of a growing political rival in an effort to minimize electoral threat. That is, as far-right parties become more threatening to the electoral success of a mainstream party, they will invite the party into their government, in an effort to stave off said threat. This characterization borrows from the literature of authoritarian co-optation to build on our current understanding of parliamentary coalition-building. Quantitative analysis utilizing cross-national, survey and spatial data is employed to support this theory.
Child support policy in middle- and low-income countries: current approaches and policy dilemmas
Authors: Cuesta Laura , Hakovirta Mia , Haapanen Mari , Meyer Daniel Ray
Published: April 2023

Little is known about government policies that regulate economic transfers between separated parents (child support) outside of high-income countries. This paper provides the first broad overview of child support policy and its outcomes in 37 middle- and low-income countries. Using a systematic literature review, we provide information on child support policies in these countries, considering institutional arrangements, procedures for determining how much child support is due and how obligations are enforced. Using descriptive statistics on individual-level data from the Luxembourg Income Study Database, we show that poverty rates are high among lone-mother families and that fewer than one-third of lone mothers receive child support. Among those who receive, however, amounts average over $3,600 US$/year, making child support an important income source for some. We discuss how current policies and their estimated outcomes are similar to (or differ from) the previous work that focused on high-income countries.
Effects of surface tension reduction on wind-wave growth and air–water scalar transfer
Authors: Matsuda Keigo , Komori Satoru , Takagaki Naohisa , Onishi Ryo
Published: April 2023

Effects of surface tension reduction on wind-wave growth are investigated using direct numerical simulations of air–water two-phase turbulent flows. The incompressible Navier–Stokes equations for air and water sides are solved using an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian method with boundary-fitted moving grids. The wave growth of finite-amplitude and non-breaking gravity–capillary waves, whose wavelength is less than 0.07 m, is simulated for two cases of different surface tensions under a low-wind-speed condition of several metres per second. The results show that significant wave height for the smaller surface tension case increases faster than that for the larger surface tension case. Energy fluxes for gravity and capillary wave scales reveal that when the surface tension is reduced, the energy transfer from the significant gravity waves to capillary waves decreases, and the significant waves accumulate more energy supplied by wind. This results in faster wave growth for the smaller surface tension case. The effect on the scalar transfer across the air–water interface is also investigated. The results show that the scalar transfer coefficient on the water side decreases due to the surface tension reduction. The decrease is caused by suppression of turbulence in the water side. In order to support the conjecture, the surface tension effect is compared with laboratory experiments in a small wind-wave tank.
Translational momentum of deformable submarine landslides off a slope
Authors: Guan Xiafei , Shi Huabin
Published: April 2023

It has been reported that, in submarine landslides down a slope, only a small part of the landslide momentum was transferred to the tsunami while most was lost in the further propagation over the flat bed. The high momentum of landslides off a slope meant a long run-out and a great impact on underwater infrastructure. Nevertheless, little attention has been paid to the variation of momentum of deformable submarine landslides off a slope, i.e. the loss of momentum when the slides flow away from the slope over a flat bottom. In this paper, the translational momentum of deformable submarine granular landslides running down a non-erodible inclined bed is investigated with a two-phase smoothed particle hydrodynamics model. After flowing down the slope, the transport rate and flux of the landslide translational momentum along the propagation over the flat bottom are examined. The effects of physical variables of the slide, particularly the grain size, the initial compaction and the front intrusion angle on the variation of the translational momentum, are explored. Accordingly, scaling relations of the spatial-temporal maximum transport rate and flux of the landslide translational momentum, as well as those of the slide final run-out and the generated leading wave height, are proposed. These scaling relations, although based on numerical data of small-scale granular landslides, demonstrate a preliminary attempt to develop practical expressions in the framework of momentum for estimating the run-out of real submarine landslides and the impact on underwater infrastructure.
Does Delegation of Drafting Duties to Law Clerks Result in Judgments That Show Lack of Confidence in Terms of Writing Style? A Stylometric Analysis
Authors: Mascini Peter , Holvast Nina
Published: April 2023

Based on an analysis of all administrative court cases published in the Netherlands in 2020 (N = 4,642), we tested the hypothesis that experienced law clerks write judgments with greater confidence than less experienced clerks. A confidently written judgment was defined as being shorter, less standardized, and containing fewer legal references than a less confidently written judgment. In support of this hypothesis, our results showed that law clerks with more experience co-signed judgments that were less standardized and contained fewer legal references. However, contrary to the confidence hypothesis, we established that these judgments were also longer than judgments co-signed by less experienced clerks. Our study contextualizes the concerns expressed in studies on the US Supreme Court about the delegation of drafting duties to inexperienced law clerks. The study challenges the assumption that delegation of drafting duties to law clerks automatically results in judgments with a less confident writing style, due to the clerks’ inexperience. The assumption may hold for the US Supreme Court, where all law clerks are relatively inexperienced. However, the assumption does not hold in jurisdictions in which law clerks can be just as experienced (in terms of years worked in the legal field) as judges. This conclusion suggests that research on the functioning of the US Supreme Court cannot necessarily be generalized to other jurisdictions.
Opium consumption and living standards in Singapore, 1900 to 1939
Authors: Choy Keen Meng , Sugimoto Ichiro
Published: April 2023

Studies on opium consumption in Southeast Asia have thus far not addressed the issue from an economic welfare perspective. This article assembles data from colonial sources to derive estimates of aggregate opium consumption in Singapore during the early decades of the twentieth century. It shows that an alternative measure of welfare that includes opium in the consumption basket led to a declining standard of living amongst unskilled labourers who depended on the drug for their work.
Exploring the genetic diversity of genotypes G8 and G10 of the Echinococcus canadensis cluster in Europe based on complete mitochondrial genomes (13 550–13 552 bp)
Authors: Laurimäe Teivi , Kinkar Liina , Moks Epp , Bagrade Guna , Saarma Urmas
Published: April 2023

Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato is a group of tapeworm species known to cause cystic echinococcosis. Within this group, the Echinococcus canadensis cluster includes genotypes G8 and G10 that have a predominantly sylvatic life cycle – transmission occurs between wild cervids and wolves. Relatively few studies have explored the genetic variation of the elusive G8 and G10, and their extent of genetic variation is yet to be investigated at the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome level. The aim was to explore the genetic variation of these 2 genotypes in Europe using complete mtDNA sequences and provide a high-quality reference dataset for future studies. Sequences of complete mt genomes were produced for 29 samples of genotype G8 and G10 from wolves, moose, reindeer and roe deer, originating from Finland, Sweden, Russia, Poland, Latvia and Estonia. Genetic variation was explored based on phylogenetic network analysis, revealing marked differences between G8 and G10 (over 400 mutations), and more detailed patterns of variability within the 2 genotypes than previously observed. Understanding the mt genetic composition of a species provides a baseline for future studies aiming to understand whether this mt distinctiveness is mirrored in the nuclear genome and whether it has any impact on any phenotypic traits or parasite transmission.
Grief and the Inconsolation of Philosophy
Authors: Wilkinson Dominic J. C.
Published: April 2023

Can metaphysics yield the consolations of philosophy? One possibility, defended by Derek Parfit, is that reflection on the nature of identity and time could diminish both fear of death and grief. In this paper, I assess the prospect of such consolation, focussing especially on attempts to console a grieving third party. A shift to a reductionist view of personal identity might mean that death is less threatening. However, there is some evidence to suggest that such a shift does not necessarily translate into less death anxiety. Moreover, applied to grief at loss of another, such a perspective may be misdirected. A temporally neutral perspective offers a theoretically powerful way of reducing the sense of loss at being separated in time from a loved one. However, it is unclear whether it is psychologically possible to achieve. Even if it were possible, it may not diminish the pain of separation.

I identify a serious challenge to philosophical consolation for grief. The greater the consolation that is offered, the greater the risk of losing important attachments and the less it may be psychologically accessible.
Measurement of coating thickness with X-ray diffraction
Authors: Witte M.
Published: April 2023

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is frequently used to measure layer thickness in the micrometer range. But also X-ray diffraction (XRD) can be used in a comparable way and offers the benefit to differentiate coating layers by their crystal structure. Thus, the thickness of different oxide layers of the same element can be determined, e.g., FeO, Fe3O4, and Fe2O3 on Fe-substrate. An approach for such measurement is discussed. Furthermore, with a suitable sample stage, a spatially resolved coating thickness map can be measured in a nondestructive way. Applications and validations of the presented XRD method for the measurement of the thickness of zinc coatings on steel are given and compared with results from XRF, glow-discharge optical emission spectroscopy, and optical micrographs. In addition, the methodology was tested and validated using XRF reference standards and iron nitride and iron oxide layers.
Characterisation of infection-induced SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence amongst children and adolescents in North Carolina
Authors: Ahmed Amina , DeWitt Michael E. , Dantuluri Keerti L. , Castri Paola , Buahin Asare , LaGarde William H. , Weintraub William S. , Rossman Whitney , Santos Roberto P. , Gibbs Michael , Uschner Diane ,   for the COVID-19 Community Research Partnership
Published: April 2023

Few prospective studies have documented the seropositivity among those children infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. From 2 April 2021 to 24 June 2021, we prospectively enrolled children between the ages of 2 and 17 years at three North Carolina healthcare systems. Participants received at least four at-home serological tests detecting the presence of antibodies against, but not differentiating between, the nucleocapsid or spike antigen. A total of 1,058 participants were enrolled in the study, completing 2,709 tests between 1 May 2021 and 31 October 2021. Using multilevel regression with poststratification techniques and considering our assay sensitivity and sensitivity, we estimated that the seroprevalence of infection-induced antibodies among unvaccinated children and adolescents aged 2–17 years in North Carolina increased from 15.2% (95% credible interval, CrI 9.0–22.0) in May 2021 to 54.1% (95% CrI 46.7–61.1) by October 2021, indicating an average infection-to-reported-case ratio of 5. A rapid rise in seropositivity was most pronounced in those unvaccinated children aged 12–17 years, based on our estimates. This study underlines the utility of serial, serological testing to inform a broader understanding of the regional immune landscape and spread of infection.
Association of cumulative prenatal adversity with infant subcortical structure volumes and child problem behavior and its moderation by a coexpression polygenic risk score of the serotonin system
Authors: Acosta Henriette , Kantojärvi Katri , Tuulari Jetro J. , Lewis John D. , Hashempour Niloofar , Scheinin Noora M. , Lehtola Satu J. , Nolvi Saara , Fonov Vladimir S. , Collins D. Louis , Evans Alan C. , Parkkola Riitta , Lähdesmäki Tuire , Saunavaara Jani , Merisaari Harri , Karlsson Linnea , Paunio Tiina , Karlsson Hasse
Published: April 2023

Prenatal adversity has been linked to later psychopathology. Yet, research on cumulative prenatal adversity, as well as its interaction with offspring genotype, on brain and behavioral development is scarce. With this study, we aimed to address this gap. In Finnish mother–infant dyads, we investigated the association of a cumulative prenatal adversity sum score (PRE-AS) with (a) child emotional and behavioral problems assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire at 4 and 5 years (N = 1568, 45.3% female), (b) infant amygdalar and hippocampal volumes (subsample N = 122), and (c) its moderation by a hippocampal-specific coexpression polygenic risk score based on the serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) gene. We found that higher PRE-AS was linked to greater child emotional and behavioral problems at both time points, with partly stronger associations in boys than in girls. Higher PRE-AS was associated with larger bilateral infant amygdalar volumes in girls compared to boys, while no associations were found for hippocampal volumes. Further, hyperactivity/inattention in 4-year-old girls was related to both genotype and PRE-AS, the latter partially mediated by right amygdalar volumes as preliminary evidence suggests. Our study is the first to demonstrate a dose-dependent sexually dimorphic relationship between cumulative prenatal adversity and infant amygdalar volumes.
Fine lines: locating commercial sex work in official data, Dublin 1901 and 1911
Authors: Breathnach Ciara , Murphy Rachel
Published: April 2023

Dublin at the turn of the nineteenth century had limited permanent employment opportunities compared to Belfast, and for poor families financial instability manifested in limited life expectancy. This article focuses on young adult cohorts in Dublin city. By cross-referencing names and addresses from death records with census, court and prison records, it casts new light on the lives of the city's most disadvantaged people. It applies a digital humanities framework and uses historical Geographical Information Systems to explore patterns in cause of death, and to reveal more about household income, casual labour, women's work and community networks. We contend that the cautions about the occlusion of commercial sex work in historical data should be extended to the lowest strata of the working classes more generally and that it is only through granular analyses that the fine lines between poverty and destitution can emerge.
Experiences of parents of children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome during their treatment: a qualitative study
Authors: Silberberg Agustín , Castro Méndez Josefina , Torres Silvio F. , Fraire Rafael , Siaba Serrate Alejandro , Kreutzer Christian , López Daneri Mariana , Iolster Thomas
Published: April 2023

Aim:

To investigate the opinion and personal experience of parents of children born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and what advice they would give to other parents who have to decide between treatment options.

Methods:

We conducted a qualitative, descriptive and retrospective study by means of a survey directed to parents of children born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome in a tertiary hospital in Buenos Aires (Argentina). Their answers and data regarding medical procedures were analysed.

Results:

Parents of thirteen out of sixteen patients with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome were surveyed. Norwood surgery had been performed in all the patients, many had received other procedures, and five had died. In relation to the decision-making process, sixty-one percent of parents would recommend other parents to remain at peace after having done everything possible and 54% would suggest to not feel guilt despite the final result. None of the parents would recommend rejecting surgical treatment and choosing comfort care.

Conclusion:

The majority of parents of children with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome would recommend continuing with the therapeutic effort in order to feel at peace and reduce feelings of guilt.
Sulfur_X: A Model of Sulfur Degassing During Magma Ascent
Authors: Ding Shuo , Plank Terry , Wallace Paul J. , Rasmussen Daniel J.
Published: April 2023

The degassing of CO2 and S from arc volcanoes is fundamentally important to global climate, eruption forecasting, ore deposits, and the cycling of volatiles through subduction zones. However, all existing thermodynamic/empirical models have difficulties reproducing CO2‐H2O‐S trends observed in melt inclusions and provide widely conflicting results regarding the relationships between pressure and CO2/SO2 in the vapor. In this study, we develop an open‐source degassing model, Sulfur_X, to track the evolution of S, CO2, H2O, and redox states in melt and vapor in ascending mafic‐intermediate magma. Sulfur_X describes sulfur degassing by parameterizing experimentally derived sulfur partition coefficients for two equilibria: RxnI. FeS (m) + H2O (v)  H2S (v) + FeO (m), and RxnII. CaSO4(m)  SO2 (v) + O2 (v) + CaO (m), based on the sulfur speciation in the melt (m) and co‐existing vapor (v). Sulfur_X is also the first to track the evolution of fO2 and sulfur and iron redox states accurately in the system using electron balance and equilibrium calculations. Our results show that a typical H2O‐rich (4.5 wt.%) arc magma with high initial S6+/ΣS ratio (>0.5) will degas much more (∼2/3) of its initial sulfur at high pressures (>200 MPa) than H2O‐poor ocean island basalts with low initial S6+/ΣS ratio (<0.1), which will degas very little sulfur until shallow pressures (<50 MPa). The pressure‐S relationship in the melt predicted by Sulfur_X provides new insights into interpreting the CO2/ST ratio measured in high‐T volcanic gases in the run‐up to the eruption.
The Influence of Cloud Types on Cloud‐Radiative Forcing During DYNAMO/AMIE
Authors: Najarian Hrag , Sakaeda Naoko
Published: April 2023

Cloud‐radiative feedback is known to be an important process for the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) and its accurate representation in general circulation models. The MJO is known to have a stronger cloud‐radiative feedback compared to higher frequency convectively coupled equatorial waves (CCEW), for reasons that remain unclear. The objective of this study is to use data from the Dynamics of the MJO/Atmospheric Radiation Measurement MJO Investigation Experiment field campaign to investigate how cloud type evolution and their associated cloud‐radiative forcing (CRF) differ between the MJO and CCEWs and their application to MJO dynamics under moisture mode theory. This study finds that the amplitude of CRF is the largest within the MJO compared to the higher frequency CCEWs, and CRF maximizes after the maximum precipitation (enhanced phase) of the MJO. We suggest this delay in the timing of maximum CRF occurs because most cloud types (congestus, deep, anvil, and cirrus) simultaneously maximize in frequency after the enhanced phase of the MJO, which is not seen for the higher frequency CCEWs. These specific cloud types help maintain the MJO through their radiatively‐driven moistening which acts to prolong the enhanced phase of the MJO. The decomposition of radiatively‐driven moistening by cloud types shows that simultaneous moistening by deep, anvil, and congestus clouds are particularly responsible for the maintenance of the MJO under moisture mode theory. This analysis suggests the importance of capturing the correct evolution of different cloud types and their associated radiative effects to better understand the thermodynamics of the MJO.
Warming Overwhelms the Efficacy of Wet Conditions to Moderate Extreme Heat and Atmospheric Aridity Across the Central Plains
Authors: Chiang Felicia , Cook Benjamin I. , McDermid Sonali
Published: April 2023

While the relationships between dry land surface conditions, heat, and aridity have been well‐established, few studies have addressed whether global warming will affect the ability of wet conditions to moderate high temperatures and atmospheric aridity. Using Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 models, we demonstrate that absolute changes in the monthly maximum temperature distribution during Central North American summers strongly outweigh the historical cooling effect of high precipitation and soil moisture conditions. Although wet conditions nearly always prevent concurrent extreme temperatures in the baseline period, these conditions are 40%–48% and 96%–98% less effective at 1 and 2° of global warming, respectively. However, high precipitation and soil moisture partially retain the ability to constrain concurrent high vapor pressure deficit conditions below historical thresholds at 1–2° of warming. Our results highlight the growing vulnerability of Central North America to warmer temperatures and drier atmospheric conditions, even during periods of high precipitation and soil moisture.
Spatial Variations in Seamless Predictability of Subseasonal Precipitation Over Asian Summer Monsoon Region in S2S Models
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Tang Youmin , Shen Zheqi , Li Yi
Published: April 2023

This study assesses the seamless predictability of subseasonal precipitation over the Asian summer monsoon (ASM) region. The prediction skill of 12 models from the subseasonal‐to‐seasonal (S2S) hindcast database varies considerably, suggesting a large uncertainty in the prediction of ASM precipitation. However, all models show that ASM precipitation is better predicted over ocean than over land, and less reliable in subtropical areas than in tropical areas. The results reveal significant spatial variations in the prediction skill and predictability of ASM precipitation. This study investigates the factors controlling these spatial variations by analyzing the area‐averaged precipitation predictability in three different subregions: the maritime continent (MC), the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) subregion, and the East ASM (EASM) subregion. Precipitation is best predicted over the MC, followed by the ISM and EASM. The distinct disparities in prediction skill among subregions are mainly controlled by differences in potential predictability; that is, the intrinsic limits of predictability among subregions. The high potential predictability of the MC is attributable to small noise due to a strong correlation with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, whereas the low potential predictability of the EASM is attributable to its small signal. Meanwhile, the comparable signal and noise related to the intraseasonal oscillation in the ISM precipitation, limits the predictability of this subregion. Finally, the evaluation of the ASM precipitation ensemble forecasts in the S2S models demonstrates that the ensemble systems are underdispersive in the three subregions in most S2S models.
TMPRSS4, a type II transmembrane serine protease, as a potential therapeutic target in cancer
Authors: Kim Semi
Published: April 2023

Proteases are involved in almost all biological processes, implying their importance for both health and pathological conditions. Dysregulation of proteases is a key event in cancer. Initially, research identified their role in invasion and metastasis, but more recent studies have shown that proteases are involved in all stages of cancer development and progression, both directly through proteolytic activity and indirectly via regulation of cellular signaling and functions. Over the past two decades, a novel subfamily of serine proteases called type II transmembrane serine proteases (TTSPs) has been identified. Many TTSPs are overexpressed by a variety of tumors and are potential novel markers of tumor development and progression; these TTSPs are possible molecular targets for anticancer therapeutics. The transmembrane protease serine 4 (TMPRSS4), a member of the TTSP family, is upregulated in pancreatic, colorectal, gastric, lung, thyroid, prostate, and several other cancers; indeed, elevated expression of TMPRSS4 often correlates with poor prognosis. Based on its broad expression profile in cancer, TMPRSS4 has been the focus of attention in anticancer research. This review summarizes up-to-date information regarding the expression, regulation, and clinical relevance of TMPRSS4, as well as its role in pathological contexts, particularly in cancer. It also provides a general overview of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and TTSPs.
Early activation of cellular stress and death pathways caused by cytoplasmic TDP-43 in the rNLS8 mouse model of ALS and FTD
Authors: Luan Wei , Wright Amanda L. , Brown-Wright Heledd , Le Sheng , San Gil Rebecca , Madrid San Martin Lidia , Ling Karen , Jafar-Nejad Paymaan , Rigo Frank , Walker Adam K.
Published: April 2023

TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) pathology is a key feature of over 95% of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and nearly half of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) cases. The pathogenic mechanisms of TDP-43 dysfunction are poorly understood, however, activation of cell stress pathways may contribute to pathogenesis. We, therefore, sought to identify which cell stress components are critical for driving disease onset and neurodegeneration in ALS and FTD. We studied the rNLS8 transgenic mouse model, which expresses human TDP-43 with a genetically-ablated nuclear localisation sequence within neurons of the brain and spinal cord resulting in cytoplasmic TDP-43 pathology and progressive motor dysfunction. Amongst numerous cell stress-related biological pathways profiled using qPCR arrays, several critical integrated stress response (ISR) effectors, including CCAAT/enhancer-binding homologous protein (Chop/Ddit3) and activating transcription factor 4 (Atf4), were upregulated in the cortex of rNLS8 mice prior to disease onset. This was accompanied by early up-regulation of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl2 and diverse pro-apoptotic genes including BH3-interacting domain death agonist (Bid). However, pro-apoptotic signalling predominated after onset of motor phenotypes. Notably, pro-apoptotic cleaved caspase-3 protein was elevated in the cortex of rNLS8 mice at later disease stages, suggesting that downstream activation of apoptosis drives neurodegeneration following failure of early protective responses. Unexpectedly, suppression of Chop in the brain and spinal cord using antisense oligonucleotide-mediated silencing had no effect on overall TDP-43 pathology or disease phenotypes in rNLS8 mice. Cytoplasmic TDP-43 accumulation therefore causes very early activation of ISR and both anti- and pro-apoptotic signalling that switches to predominant pro-apoptotic activation later in disease. These findings suggest that precise temporal modulation of cell stress and death pathways may be beneficial to protect against neurodegeneration in ALS and FTD.
Testosterone eliminates strategic prosocial behavior through impacting choice consistency in healthy males
Authors: Kutlikova Hana H. , Zhang Lei , Eisenegger Christoph , van Honk Jack , Lamm Claus
Published: April 2023

Humans are strategically more prosocial when their actions are being watched by others than when they act alone. Using a psychopharmacogenetic approach, we investigated the endocrinological and computational mechanisms of such audience-driven prosociality. One hundred and ninety-two male participants received either a single dose of testosterone (150 mg) or a placebo and performed a prosocial and self-benefitting reinforcement learning task. Crucially, the task was performed either in private or when being watched. Rival theories suggest that the hormone might either diminish or strengthen audience-dependent prosociality. We show that exogenous testosterone fully eliminated strategic, i.e., feigned, prosociality and thus decreased submission to audience expectations. We next performed reinforcement-learning drift-diffusion computational modeling to elucidate which latent aspects of decision-making testosterone acted on. The modeling revealed that testosterone compared to placebo did not deteriorate reinforcement learning per se. Rather, when being watched, the hormone altered the degree to which the learned information on choice value translated to action selection. Taken together, our study provides novel evidence of testosterone’s effects on implicit reward processing, through which it counteracts conformity and deceptive reputation strategies.
Exercise intensity during exergaming in wheelchair-dependent persons with SCI
Authors: Wouda Matthijs Ferdinand , Gaupseth Jon-Arve , Bengtson Espen Ingvald. , Johansen Truls , Brembo Espen Andreas , Lundgaard Eivind
Published: April 2023

Study design

Cross-sectional study.

Objectives

It is challenging for persons with SCI, especially those who are wheelchair dependent, to find suitable and motivating aerobic exercise modes. Exergaming might be a good option, since it is relatively cheap and can be played at home, alone or with others. However, it is unknown if exergaming is performed at a sufficient exercise intensity.

Setting

Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, Norway.

Methods

Twenty-two men and two women (n = 24) with chronic SCI (AIS A-C), all wheelchair users, were included during inpatient rehabilitation. All participant performed a maximal graded arm-crank test (pretest), while measuring peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and peak heart rate (HRpeak). The day after they had a practice playing session with three different exergames (X-box Kinect, Fruit Ninja; Nintendo Wii, Wii Sports Boxing; VR Oculus Rift, boxing). The following day, participants played each exergame for 15 min. During these 45 min of exergaming, exercise intensity, based on VO2peak and HRpeak from the pretest, was monitored.

Results

Approximately 30 of the 45 min of exergaming was performed at moderate or high intensity. Participants exercised on average 24.5 min (95%CI 18.7–30.5) at moderate intensity (>50–80% VO2peak) and 6.6 min (95%CI 2.2–10.8) at high intensity (>80% VO2peak).

Conclusions

The participants were able to exercise at moderate or high intensity during exergaming in a considerable amount of time. Exergaming seems to be suitable for aerobic exercise at an intensity that can provide health benefits in wheelchair-dependent persons with SCI.
Replicated life-history patterns and subsurface origins of the bacterial sister phyla Nitrospirota and Nitrospinota
Authors: D’Angelo Timothy , Goordial Jacqueline , Lindsay Melody R , McGonigle Julia , Booker Anne , Moser Duane , Stepanauskus Ramunas , Orcutt Beth N
Published: April 2023

The phyla Nitrospirota and Nitrospinota have received significant research attention due to their unique nitrogen metabolisms important to biogeochemical and industrial processes. These phyla are common inhabitants of marine and terrestrial subsurface environments and contain members capable of diverse physiologies in addition to nitrite oxidation and complete ammonia oxidation. Here, we use phylogenomics and gene-based analysis with ancestral state reconstruction and gene-tree–species-tree reconciliation methods to investigate the life histories of these two phyla. We find that basal clades of both phyla primarily inhabit marine and terrestrial subsurface environments. The genomes of basal clades in both phyla appear smaller and more densely coded than the later-branching clades. The extant basal clades of both phyla share many traits inferred to be present in their respective common ancestors, including hydrogen, one-carbon, and sulfur-based metabolisms. Later-branching groups, namely the more frequently studied classes Nitrospiria and Nitrospinia, are both characterized by genome expansions driven by either de novo origination or laterally transferred genes that encode functions expanding their metabolic repertoire. These expansions include gene clusters that perform the unique nitrogen metabolisms that both phyla are most well known for. Our analyses support replicated evolutionary histories of these two bacterial phyla, with modern subsurface environments representing a genomic repository for the coding potential of ancestral metabolic traits.
MiR-122-5p regulates the mevalonate pathway by targeting p53 in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zheng Yu-kun , Zhou Zhong-shi , Wang Guang-zhong , Tu Ji-yuan , Cheng Huan-bo , Ma Shang-zhi , Ke Chang , Wang Yan , Jian Qi-pan , Shu Yu-hang , Wu Xiao-wei
Published: April 2023

The 5-year survival rate of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients is very low. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the occurrence of NSCLC. miR-122-5p interacts with wild-type p53 (wtp53), and wtp53 affects tumor growth by inhibiting the mevalonate (MVA) pathway. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the role of these factors in NSCLC. The role of miR-122-5p and p53 was established in samples from NSCLC patients, and human NSCLC cells A549 using the miR-122-5p inhibitor, miR-122-5p mimic, and si-p53. Our results showed that inhibiting miR-122-5p expression led to the activation of p53. This inhibited the progression of the MVA pathway in the NSCLC cells A549, hindered cell proliferation and migration, and promoted apoptosis. miR-122-5p was negatively correlated with p53 expression in p53 wild-type NSCLC patients. The expression of key genes in the MVA pathway in tumors of p53 wild-type NSCLC patients was not always higher than the corresponding normal tissues. The malignancy of NSCLC was positively correlated with the high expression of the key genes in the MVA pathway. Therefore, miR-122-5p regulated NSCLC by targeting p53, providing potential molecular targets for developing targeted drugs.
Meat food fraud risk in Chinese markets 2012–2021
Authors: Li Xiaoman , Zang Mingwu , Li Dan , Zhang Kaihua , Zhang Zheqi , Wang Shouwei
Published: April 2023

Food fraud is a major concern worldwide, and the majority of cases include meat adulteration or fraud. Many incidences of food fraud have been identified for meat products both in China and abroad over the last decade. We created a meat food fraud risk database compiled from 1987 pieces of information recorded by official circular information and media reports in China from 2012 to 2021. The data covered livestock, poultry, by-products, and various processed meat products. We conducted a summary analysis of meat food fraud incidents by researching fraud types, regional distribution, adulterants and categories involved, categories and sub-categories of foods, risk links and locations, etc. The findings can be used not only to analyze meat food safety situations and study the burden of food fraud but also help to promote the efficiency of detection and rapid screening, along with improving prevention and regulation of adulteration in the meat supply chain markets.
High-throughput spatiotemporal monitoring of single-cell secretions via plasmonic microwell arrays
Authors: Ansaryan Saeid , Liu Yen-Cheng , Li Xiaokang , Economou Augoustina Maria , Eberhardt Christiane Sigrid , Jandus Camilla , Altug Hatice
Published: April 2023

Methods for the analysis of cell secretions at the single-cell level only provide semiquantitative endpoint readouts. Here we describe a microwell array for the real-time spatiotemporal monitoring of extracellular secretions from hundreds of single cells in parallel. The microwell array incorporates a gold substrate with arrays of nanometric holes functionalized with receptors for a specific analyte, and is illuminated with light spectrally overlapping with the device’s spectrum of extraordinary optical transmission. Spectral shifts in surface plasmon resonance resulting from analyte–receptor bindings around a secreting cell are recorded by a camera as variations in the intensity of the transmitted light while machine-learning-assisted cell tracking eliminates the influence of cell movements. We used the microwell array to characterize the antibody-secretion profiles of hybridoma cells and of a rare subset of antibody-secreting cells sorted from human donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells. High-throughput measurements of spatiotemporal secretory profiles at the single-cell level will aid the study of the physiological mechanisms governing protein secretion.