bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Techno-economic comparison of technology options for deep decarbonization and electrification of residential heating.
Authors: Zuberi M. J. S. , Chambers J. , Patel M. K.
Published: September 2021

This study aims to provide detailed information on the key technologies that utilize renewables for decarbonization and electrification of the residential heating sector. To contextualize and compare the economics of the technologies, a levelized cost model is employed to perform a comparative analysis for a dense urban area in Switzerland. The outcome shows that decarbonization of the heat supply with a dominant share of renewables is feasible, but it is challenged by the high cost of some options. In the given context (current energy and CO2 prices, no coercive measures), the rapid shift from conventional boilers to electrification via decentralized heat pumps and/or the introduction of targeted small-scale thermal energy networks utilizing cheap local resources like industrial excess heat is the most viable option. The replacement of natural gas boilers with electrification technologies also is recommendable because it would result in a sixfold reduction in specific CO2 emissions. Wide-scale application of heat pumps may require significant electricity grid reinforcement which ultimately may escalate the costs. Large-scale district heating systems are currently relatively expensive due to the high network costs and require a sustainable financing mechanism. To speed up the energy transition, policy interventions by the government are urgently needed.
Study of the salinity and pH dilution pattern of discharged brine of the Konarak desalination plant into the Chabahar bay: a case study
Authors: Noori Farahnaz , Zahedi Mir Mahdi , Bayati-Comitaki Atefe , Ziyaadini Morteza
Published: September 2021

This research aims to study the salinity and pH dilution pattern of discharged brine of the Konarak desalination plant into the Chabahar bay, their relation on coastal environment, and type of its brine discharge. Due to the shallow water depth of the coast and type of brine discharge, evaluating the salinity and pH was done with a sampling of surface seawater. The type of brine disposal is a direct surface discharge of negatively buoyant flow in the coastal environment of Chabahar bay. The brine discharge mechanism is a shore-attached surface jet, which is most likely influenced by the cross-flow deflection, dynamic shoreline interaction, and more minor by bottom attachment factors. The laboratory simulations using actual brine and seawater and either satellite pictures support the finding dilution pattern. The zone of initial dilution is under 50 m which, in the long run, can affect the quality of water of intake seawater pool of the plant.
Dual-phase flow in two-layer porous media: a radial composite Laplace domain approximation
Authors: Mastbaum Ana Luiza , Bosso de Souza Ayla , Lailla Ferreira Bittencourt Neto Jéssica , Vieira Bela Renan , Borges Barreto Abelardo
Published: September 2021

The main purpose of this work is to present an interpretation method for injectivity test in a two-layer reservoir that can be extended to a multilayer approach, based on new analytical solutions to the well pressure response. The developed formulation uses a radially composite reservoir approach and considers that the water front propagation may be approximated by a piston-like flow displacement. The reservoir is assumed to be laterally infinite and properties such as permeability and porosity may be different in each layer. The solutions were developed in the Laplace domain and then inverted to real domain using the Stehfest Algorithm. The proposed formulation was then validated by comparison with a numerical flow simulator. Results showed a good agreement between the numerical simulator and the analytical model. Also, a sensitivity study was done by comparing the results of different scenarios varying oil viscosities and injection flow rate to assess how these properties affect the pressure and pressure derivative profiles.
Resistive switching and optical properties of strontium ferrate titanate thin film prepared via chemical solution deposition
Authors: Li Jun , Tang Xingui , Liu Qiuxiang , Jiang Yanping , Tang Zhenxun
Published: September 2021

The polycrystalline strontium ferrate titanate (SrFe0.1Ti0.9O3, SFTO) thin films have been successfully prepared by chemical solution method. By analyzing the current-voltage (I–V) characteristics, we discuss the conduction mechanism of SFTO. It is found that the number of oxygen vacancy defects is increased by Fe ion doping, making SFTO be with better resistive switching property. Fe ion doping can also enhance the absorption of strontium titanate to be exposed to visible light, which is associated with the change of energy band. The band gap width (2.84 eV) of SFTO films is figured out, which is less than that of pure strontium titanate. Due to more oxygen vacancy defects caused by Fe ion doping, the band gap width of strontium titanate was reduced slightly. The defect types of SFTO thin films can be determined by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. In addition, we analyzed the energy band and state density of SFTO by first-principles calculation based on density functional theory, and found that Fe ion doping can reduce the band gap width of strontium titanate with micro-regulation on the band structure. A chemical state of SFTO was analyzed by X-ray photo electron spectroscopy. At the same time, the structure and morphology of SFTO were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. This study deepens further understanding of the influence of Fe ion doping on the structure and properties of strontium ferrate titanate, which is expected to be a functional thin film material for memristor devices.
Andino-Catholic Rituals in Automobile Bolivia: Bendiciones, Ch’allas and K’oas Performed by Drivers from Chuquisaca
Authors: Moser Manuel
Published: September 2021

In the article, I explore different motorcar blessing rituals undertaken by drivers from the Bolivian region of Chuquisaca, while centering primary my description on the side of the doing of the rituals and only linking them on a second stage to individual meaning and theological reflections. In that way, I show that the interviewed drivers differentiate the performed rituals first of all by their components (and not by their addressees) and consider all three of them as necessary parts of Catholic faith regardless of the positioning of the clerics. The interviewed drivers attribute effects of safe driving and economic successes to the rituals, but also experience them as partly linked to accidents and incidents and by consequence increase in the aftermath of misfortunes their ritual offerings. Therefore, I conclude that drivers of automobile Bolivia through the performed rituals are reproducing a social system of reciprocity that goes beyond human counterparts and that religious synthesis in their reflections is to be understood as a reaction from below (rather than a cause) to anti-syncretistic discourses amid religious elites.
Design Space Constraints and the Cultural Taxonomy of European Final Palaeolithic Large Tanged Points: A Comparison of Typological, Landmark-Based and Whole-Outline Geometric Morphometric Approaches
Authors: Matzig David N. , Hussain Shumon T. , Riede Felix
Published: September 2021

The identification of material culture variability remains an important goal in archaeology, as such variability is commonly coupled with interpretations of cultural transmission and adaptation. While most archaeological cultures are defined on the basis of typology and research tradition, cultural evolutionary reasoning combined with computer-aided methods such as geometric morphometrics (GMM) can shed new light on the validity of many such entrenched groupings, especially in regard to European Upper Palaeolithic projectile points and their classification. Little methodological consistency, however, makes it difficult to compare the conclusions of such studies. Here, we present an effort towards a benchmarked, case-transferrable toolkit that comparatively explores relevant techniques centred on outline-based GMM. First, we re-analyse two previously conducted landmark-based analyses of stone artefacts using our whole-outline approach, demonstrating that outlines can offer an efficient and reliable alternative. We then show how a careful application of clustering algorithms to GMM outline data is able to successfully discriminate between distinctive tool shapes and suggest that such data can also be used to infer cultural evolutionary histories matching already observed typo-chronological patterns. Building on this baseline work, we apply the same methods to a dataset of large tanged points from the European Final Palaeolithic (ca. 15,000–11,000 cal BP). Exploratively comparing the structure of design space within and between the datasets analysed here, our results indicate that Final Palaeolithic tanged point shapes do not fall into meaningful regional or cultural evolutionary groupings but exhibit an internal outline variance comparable to spatiotemporally much closer confined artefact groups of post-Palaeolithic age. We discuss these contrasting results in relation to the architecture of lithic tool design spaces and technological differences in blank production and tool manufacture.
Multi-informant Implementation and Intervention Outcomes of Opioid Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution in New York City
Authors: Brandt Laura , Yanagida Takuya , Campbell Aimee N. C. , Jones Jermaine D. , Schultes Marie-Therese , Martinez Suky , Comer Sandra D.
Published: September 2021

Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) is an effective public health intervention to reduce opioid overdose fatalities (McDonald and Strang, Addiction 111:1177–1187, 2016). However, we know little about OEND implementation outcomes (i.e., indicators of implementation success), specifically the fidelity of training delivery, and how these may relate to intervention outcomes (i.e., indicators of the success or effectiveness of an intervention), such as overdose knowledge and attitudes. This study evaluated 16 OEND trainings conducted at different Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs in New York City. Trainees (N = 75) completed the Opioid Overdose Knowledge and Attitude Scales before and after training (intervention outcomes). Implementation outcomes were fidelity (competence and adherence of the trainer, N = 10; modified Fidelity Checklist) and acceptability of OEND (Acceptability of Intervention Measure), assessed from multiple perspectives (trainees, trainers, and an independent observer). Trainees’ overdose knowledge, t(71) = − 8.12, p < 0.001, 95% CI [− 6.54, − 3.96], and attitudes, t(65) = − 6.85, p < 0.001, 95% CI [− 0.59, − 0.33], improved significantly from pre- to post-training. Stepwise multiple regression models indicated that adherence of the trainer rated from the observer perspective added significantly to the prediction of changes in overdose knowledge, F(1, 67) = 9.81, p = 0.003, and explained 13% of the variance in outcome. However, fidelity measures from the perspective of trainees or trainers and acceptability of OEND were not associated with changes in trainees’ overdose knowledge or attitudes. OEND implementation outcomes and their relationship with intervention outcomes differed depending on the role of the fidelity rater in relation to the intervention. Specifically, our findings indicate that fidelity should be measured from an independent perspective (i.e., an individual who is experienced with fidelity rating but not directly involved in the intervention).
Origin and Spread of the ALDH2 Glu504Lys Allele
Authors: Zhang Xiaokai , Sun Aijun , Ge Junbo
Published: September 2021

Gene polymorphism of acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), a key enzyme for alcohol metabolism in humans, can affect catalytic activity. The ALDH2 Glu504Lys mutant allele has a high-frequency distribution in East Asian populations and has been demonstrated to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and tumors. Available evidence suggests that the evolution of the ALDH2 gene has been influenced by multiple factors. Random mutations produce Glu504Lys, and genetic drift alters the frequency of this allele; additionally, environmental factors such as hepatitis B virus infection and high-elevation hypoxia affect its frequency through selective effects, ultimately resulting in a high frequency of this allele in East Asian populations. Here, the origin, selection, and spread of the ALDH2 Glu504Lys allele are discussed, and an outlook for further research is proposed to realize a precision medical strategy based on the genetic and environmental variations in ALDH2.
When Is Software a Medical Device? Understanding and Determining the “Intention” and Requirements for Software as a Medical Device in European Union Law
Authors: LUDVIGSEN Kaspar , NAGARAJA Shishir , DALY Angela
Published: September 2021

The role of software in society has changed drastically since the start of the twenty-first century. Software can now partially or fully facilitate diagnosis and treatment of a disease, regardless of whether it is psychological or pathological. Consequently, software plays a role comparable to medical equipment with a physical footprint. Understanding when software as a medical device must comply with applicable rules is vital for both manufacturers and regulators. We therefore examine the Medical Device Regulation to expand on the notion of intention, as this is the key basis for the classification of medical devices. Finally, we develop objective criteria that software must fulfil to be considered a medical device under European Union law.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy among physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses in two academic hospitals in Philadelphia
Authors: Browne Safa K. , Feemster Kristen A. , Shen Angela K. , Green-McKenzie Judith , Momplaisir Florence M. , Faig Walter , Offit Paul A. , Kuter Barbara J.
Published: September 2021

Objective:

To evaluate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy among healthcare personnel (HCP) with significant clinical exposure to COVID-19 at 2 large, academic hospitals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Design, setting, and participants:

HCP were surveyed in November–December 2020 about their intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Methods:

The survey measured the intent among HCP to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, timing of vaccination, and reasons for or against vaccination. Among patient-facing HCP, multivariate regression evaluated the associations between healthcare positions (medical doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant, and registered nurse) and vaccine hesitancy (intending to decline, delay, or were unsure about vaccination), adjusting for demographic characteristics, reasons why or why not to receive the vaccine, and prior receipt of routine vaccines.

Results:

Among 5,929 HCP (2,253 medical doctors [MDs] and doctors of osteopathy [DOs], 582 nurse practitioners [NPs], 158 physician assistants [PAs], and 2,936 nurses), a higher proportion of nurses (47.3%) were COVID-vaccine hesitant compared with 30.0% of PAs and NPs and 13.1% of MDs and DOs. The most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy included concerns about side effects, the newness of the vaccines, and lack of vaccine knowledge. Regardless of position, Black HCP were more hesitant than White HCP (odds ratio [OR], ∼5) and females were more hesitant than males (OR, ∼2).

Conclusions:

Although most clinical HCP intended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, intention varied by healthcare position. Consistent with other studies, hesitancy was also significantly associated with race or ethnicity across all positions. These results highlight the importance of understanding and effectively addressing reasons for hesitancy, especially among frontline HCP who are at increased risk of COVID exposure and play a critical role in recommending vaccines to patients.
Separable and semiparametric network-based counting processes applied to the international combat aircraft trades
Authors: Fritz Cornelius , Thurner Paul W. , Kauermann Göran
Published: September 2021

We propose a novel tie-oriented model for longitudinal event network data. The generating mechanism is assumed to be a multivariate Poisson process that governs theonsetandrepetitionof yearly observed events with two separate intensity functions. We apply the model to a network obtained from the yearly dyadic number of international deliveries of combat aircraft trades between 1950 and 2017. Based on the trade gravity approach, we identify economic and political factors impeding or promoting the number of transfers. Extensive dynamics as well as country heterogeneities require the specification of semiparametric time-varying effects as well as random effects. Our findings reveal strong heterogeneous as well as time-varying effects of endogenous and exogenous covariates on theonsetandrepetitionof aircraft trade events.
The Ethics of Global Capital Mobility
Authors: CORDELLI CHIARA , LEVY JONATHAN
Published: September 2021

Global capital mobility is a crucial determinant of economic, political, and social life. While much has been written about the ethics of human movement, political theory has remained nearly silent on the ethics of capital movement. In this article, we intend to develop a general account of the ethics of global capital mobility—identifying both the forms of mobility that merit protection and those that merit restriction. By integrating normative theorizing with an economic analysis of global investment, we argue that the movement of capital, with important exceptions, should be much more restricted than it is today. We make the case, on both grounds of global justice and international assistance, for imposing coercive limits on cross-border inflows and outflows of capital. To enable them, we also propose a radical reform of the international monetary system—a new global currency—that would simultaneously facilitate beneficial capital movements.
The sentence repetition task as a measure of sign language proficiency
Authors: Schönström Krister , Hauser Peter C.
Published: September 2021

Sign language research is important for our understanding of languages in general and for the impact it has on policy and on the lives of deaf people. There is a need for a sign language proficiency measure, to use as a grouping or continuous variable, both in psycholinguistics and in other sign language research. This article describes the development of a Swedish Sign Language Sentence Repetition Test (STS-SRT) and the evidence that supports the validity of the test’s interpretation and use. The STS-SRT was administered to 44 deaf adults and children, and was shown to have excellent internal reliability (Cronbach’s alpha of 0.915) and inter-rater reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient [ICC] = 0.900, p < .001). A linear mixed model analysis revealed that adults scored 20.2% higher than children, and delayed sign language acquisition were associated with lower scores. As the sign span of sentences increased, participants relied on their implicit linguistic knowledge to scaffold their sentence repetitions beyond rote memory. The results provide reliability and validity evidence to support the use of STS-SRT in research as a measure of STS proficiency.
An improved minimal error model for the robotic kinematic calibration based on the POE formula
Authors: Luo Ruiqing , Gao Wenbin , Huang Qi , Zhang Yi
Published: September 2021

The conventional product of exponentials
$\left(\rm POE\right)$
-based methods dissatisfy the parametric minimality for the kinematic calibration of serial robots due to overlooking the magnitude and pitch constraints. Thus, the minimal kinematic model is presented to solve this problem, which can be developed further. This paper puts forward an improved algorithm for the minimal parameter calibration. An actual kinematic model with the minimal parameters
$\left(\rm MP\right)$
is constructed according to the geometric properties of actual joint twists in the auxiliary frames established on the basis of the nominal joint axes. Then, the initial pose error is defined in the tool coordinate frame, which is expressed as the exponential map of the twist, and all twist descriptions are unified, so as to give a unified kinematic model in mathematics. By differentiating the kinematic model, a minimal error model is derived in explicit form. Subsequently, we propose a novel parameter identification method, which identifies the orientation error and position error parameters separately by the iterative least-squares method and updates the MP uniformly. Finally, the simulations and experiments on the different serial robots are conducted to verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The simulation results show our calibration algorithm outperforms the existing ones in the accuracy aspect, and the experiment result shows that the absolute pose accuracy of the UR5 industrial robot is upgraded about 9 times under a statistics sense after the calibration.
Periphyton diversity in two different Antarctic lakes assessed using metabarcoding
Authors: Câmara Paulo E.A.S. , De Souza Láuren M.D. , Pinto Otávio Henrique Bezerra , Convey Peter , Amorim Eduardo T. , Carvalho-Silva Micheline , Rosa Luiz Henrique
Published: September 2021

Antarctic lakes have generally simple periphyton communities when compared with those of lower latitudes. To date, assessment of microbial diversity in Antarctica has relied heavily on traditional direct observation and cultivation methods. In this study, sterilized cotton baits were left submerged for two years in two lakes on King George Island and Deception Island, South Shetland Islands (Maritime Antarctic), followed by assessment of diversity by metabarcoding using high-throughput sequencing. DNA sequences of 44 taxa belonging to four kingdoms and seven phyla were found. Thirty-six taxa were detected in Hennequin Lake on King George Island and 20 taxa were detected in Soto Lake on Deception Island. However, no significant difference in species composition was detected between the two assemblages (Shannon index). Our data suggest that metabarcoding provides a suitable method for the assessment of periphyton biodiversity in oligotrophic Antarctic lakes.
Parallel Mode Differential Phase Contrast in Transmission Electron Microscopy, I: Theory and Analysis
Authors: Paterson Gary W. , Macauley Gavin M. , McVitie Stephen , Togawa Yoshihiko
Published: September 2021

In Part I of this diptych, we outline the parallel mode of differential phase contrast (TEM-DPC), which uses real-space distortion of Fresnel images arising from electrostatic or magnetostatic fields to quantify the phase gradient of samples with some degree of structural contrast. We present an analysis methodology and the associated software tools for the TEM-DPC method and, using them together with numerical simulations, compare the technique to the widely used method of phase recovery based on the transport-of-intensity equation (TIE), thereby highlighting the relative advantages and limitations of each. The TEM-DPC technique is particularly suitable for in situ studies of samples with significant structural contrast and, as such, complements the TIE method since structural contrast usually hinders the latter, but is an essential feature that enables the former. In Part II of this work, we apply the theory and methodology presented to the analysis of experimental data to gain insight into two-dimensional magnetic phase transitions.
Use of an experimental design to optimise the saponification reaction and the quantification of vitamins A1 and A2 in whole fish
Authors: Sroy Sengly , Servent Adrien , Sriwichai Wichien , In Sokneang , Avallone Sylvie
Published: September 2021

Abstract: In ASEAN countries, small freshwater fish species contribute to the nutritional needs of people with few livelihoods by providing them with significant amounts of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. Some species are eaten whole (with their organs, skin, bones, head and eyes). To estimate the vitamin A content of these foods, conventional saponification has been applied but has not been able to fully release the retinol. Our objective was to optimise the conditions of vitamin A saponification in whole fish to have a reliable estimate of their contribution to intakes. The effects of temperature and saponification time on the retinol quantification of whole fish were evaluated using a two-factor experimental design. Reaction time had a significant effect on the saponification of standard retinyl palmitate and whole fish (p≤0.05). For whole fish, the best conditions for the saponification were to heat the samples to 80 °C for 43 minutes. Under these conditions, the retinol is well liberated from the matrix and protected from degradation and isomerisation reactions. The time-temperature couple used is more intense than that recommended for quantifying vitamin A in milk or enriched margarines. The protective effect of the food matrix against the release of retinol is evident. Vitamin A2 alcohol (3,4-didehydroretinol) was detected in five species and the overall vitamin A contents ranged from 9.6 to 737.5 μg RE/100 g in species frequently consumed in Cambodia. The two species of small fish consumed whole were the ones that contained significantly more vitamin A among the ten tested (p≤0.05). Highlights: Vitamin A2 alcohol was quantified in five fish species. The official saponification partially released retinol in whole fish. The optimised reaction required heating the sample to 80 °C for 43 min.
Process‐Based Flood Risk Assessment for Germany
Authors: Sairam Nivedita , Brill Fabio , Sieg Tobias , Farrag Mostafa , Kellermann Patric , Nguyen Viet Dung , Lüdtke Stefan , Merz Bruno , Schröter Kai , Vorogushyn Sergiy , Kreibich Heidi
Published: September 2021

Large‐scale flood risk assessments are crucial for decision making, especially with respect to new flood defense schemes, adaptation planning and estimating insurance premiums. We apply the process‐based Regional Flood Model (RFM) to simulate a 5000‐year flood event catalog for all major catchments in Germany and derive risk curves based on the losses per economic sector. The RFM uses a continuous process simulation including a multisite, multivariate weather generator, a hydrological model considering heterogeneous catchment processes, a coupled 1D–2D hydrodynamic model considering dike overtopping and hinterland storage, spatially explicit sector‐wise exposure data and empirical multi‐variable loss models calibrated for Germany. For all components, uncertainties in the data and models are estimated. We estimate the median Expected Annual Damage (EAD) and Value at Risk at 99.5% confidence for Germany to be €0.529 bn and €8.865 bn, respectively. The commercial sector dominates by making about 60% of the total risk, followed by the residential sector. The agriculture sector gets affected by small return period floods and only contributes to less than 3% to the total risk. The overall EAD is comparable to other large‐scale estimates. However, the estimation of losses for specific return periods is substantially improved. The spatial consistency of the risk estimates avoids the large overestimation of losses for rare events that is common in other large‐scale assessments with homogeneous return periods. Thus, the process‐based, spatially consistent flood risk assessment by RFM is an important step forward and will serve as a benchmark for future German‐wide flood risk assessments.
Canadian Arctic Archipelago Shelf‐Ocean Interactions: A Major Iron Source to Pacific Derived Waters Transiting to the Atlantic
Authors: Colombo Manuel , Rogalla Birgit , Li Jingxuan , Allen Susan E. , Orians Kristin J. , Maldonado Maria T.
Published: September 2021

Continental shelves are important sources of iron (Fe) in the land‐dominated Arctic Ocean. To understand the export of Fe from the Arctic to Baffin Bay (BB) and the North Atlantic, we studied the alteration of the Fe signature in waters transiting the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (CAA). During its transit through the CAA, inflowing Arctic Waters from the Canada Basin become enriched in Fe as result of strong sediment resuspension and enhanced sediment‐water interactions (non‐reductive dissolution). These high Fe waters are exported to BB, where approximately 10.7 kt of Fe are delivered yearly from Lancaster Sound. Furthermore, if the two remaining main CAA pathways (Jones Sound and Nares Strait) are included, this shelf environment would be a dominant source term of Fe (dFe + pFe: 26–90 kt y−1) to Baffin Bay. The conservative Fe flux estimate (26 kt y−1) is 1.7–38 times greater than atmospheric inputs, and may be crucial in supporting primary production and nitrogen fixation in BB and beyond.
Scale‐Bridging in Three‐Dimensional Fracture Networks: Characterizing the Effects of Variable Fracture Apertures on Network‐Scale Flow Channelization
Authors: Hyman Jeffrey D. , Sweeney Matthew R. , Frash Luke P. , Carey J. William , Viswanathan Hari S.
Published: September 2021

We incorporate observations of real fracture aperture variability observed in laboratory experiments into an ensemble of three‐dimensional discrete fracture network (DFN) simulations to characterize how variations of this micro‐scale feature can influence flow and transport behavior at the network scale. A shear fracture is created within a Marcellus shale sample, and the fracture aperture is measured using a triaxial direct‐shear device coupled with real‐time X‐ray imaging at in‐situ stress conditions. We construct an ensemble of fracture networks based on natural fractures in Marcellus shale and project regions of the experimental aperture field onto each fracture in the networks. Our calculations demonstrate that the degree of flow channelization, a network‐scale flow field structure, is dramatically increased by local changes in the aperture field that in turn affects flow and transport properties.
Limited Carbon Cycle Response to Increased Sulfide Weathering Due to Oxygen Feedback
Authors: Maffre Pierre , Swanson‐Hysell Nicholas L. , Goddéris Yves
Published: September 2021

The chemical weathering of sulfide‐bearing rocks can result in the dissolution of carbonate rocks leading to degassing of to the atmosphere. While this process has been argued to be a significant geologic source of , it also perturbs the geological cycles of oxygen and sulfur, triggering a cascade of geochemical feedbacks. Using a numerical model of geochemical cycles and climate, we found that due to feedbacks on atmospheric oxygen associated with the organic carbon cycle, an increase of sulfide weathering leads to a limited source of followed by a longer sink of . This result is due to the stoichiometry of sulfide weathering where more is consumed than is released. If sulfide weathering increases progressively on a geological timescale, the duration of the carbon source is extended, but its magnitude is negligible before it becomes a carbon sink.
Kinetic‐Scale Magnetic Holes Inside Foreshock Transients
Authors: Liu Terry Z. , Zhang Hui , Turner Drew L. , Goodrich Katherine A. , An Xin , Zhang Xiaojia
Published: September 2021

In Earth’s foreshock, there are many foreshock transients that have core regions with low field strength, low density, high temperature, and bulk velocity variation. Through dynamic pressure perturbations, they can disturb the magnetosphere–ionosphere system. They can also accelerate particles contributing to particle acceleration at the bow shock. Recent Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission observations showed that inside the low field strength core region, there are usually kinetic‐scale magnetic holes with even lower field strength (<1 nT). However, their nature and effects are unknown. In this study, we used MMS observations to conduct case studies on these magnetic holes. We found that they could be subion‐scale current sheets without a magnetic normal component and guide field, driven by the motion of demagnetized electrons. These magnetic holes can also be subion‐scale flux ropes or magnetic helical structures with weak axial field. The low field strength inside them can be either driven by external expansion or electron mirror mode. Electrons inside them show flux depletion at 90° pitch angle resulting in an “electron hole” distribution. These magnetic holes can play a role in electron dynamics, wave excitation, and shaping the foreshock transient structures. Our detailed study of such features sheds light on the turbulent nature of foreshock transient cores.
Phosphorus Chemistry in the Earth's Upper Atmosphere
Authors: Plane John M. C. , Feng Wuhu , Douglas Kevin M.
Published: September 2021

The ablation of phosphorus from interplanetary dust particles entering the Earth's atmosphere is a potentially significant source of this key bioelement. In this study, the atmospheric chemistry of phosphorus is explored by developing a reaction network of possible routes from PO, the major ablation product in the upper mesosphere/lower thermosphere region, to the stable reservoirs H3PO3 and H3PO4 that become incorporated into meteoric smoke particles (MSPs) as metal phosphites and phosphates, respectively. The network is constructed with reactions whose kinetics have been measured experimentally, together with reactions where theoretical rate coefficients are estimated using a combination of electronic structure theory calculations and a Rice‐Ramsperger‐Kassel‐Markus master equation treatment. The network is then incorporated into a global chemistry‐climate model, together with a phosphorus meteoric input function. The estimated global mean P deposition flux, in the form of submicron‐sized MSPs, is 1 × 10−8 g m−2 yr−1, with a maximum of ∼5 × 10−8 g m−2 yr−1 over the northern Rockies, Himalayas, and southern Andes. The estimated fraction of ablated phosphorus forming bioavailable metal phosphites is 11%, which results from the very large concentrations of O and H compared to OH in the upper mesosphere. A layer of OPO is predicted to occur at 90 km with a peak of concentration of ∼50 cm−3; this is the counterpart of the well‐known layers of meteoric metals such as Na and Fe, and may be observable spectroscopically.
Key Factors Determining Heterogeneous Uptake Kinetics of NO2 Onto Alumina: Implication for the Linkage Between Laboratory Work and Modeling Study
Authors: Gao Xiaoyan , Zhong Cheng , Tang Mingjin , Ma Qingxin , Liu Chang
Published: September 2021

Heterogeneous reactions on mineral dust play pivotal roles in the removal/production of gaseous pollutants and the formation of secondary particles. However, the uptake coefficient (γ), a key kinetic parameter for a heterogeneous reaction, could vary by several orders of magnitude in different laboratory analyses and give rise to great uncertainties in modeling studies. Thus, a detailed understanding of heterogeneous uptake kinetics is vital to accurately evaluate the impacts of heterogeneous reactions on atmospheric chemistry. In order to reveal the key factors affecting uptake kinetics, heterogeneous reaction of NO2 on surfaces of typical mineral component alumina (α‐Al2O3, γ‐Al2O3, δ‐Al2O3, and AlOOH) was comprehensively studied using two widely used methods, including diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and flow tube reactor. The discrepancy between the true uptake coefficients (γBET) obtained via two techniques was within 1–2 orders of magnitude for alumina samples. The γBET depended positively on NO2 concentration in the DRIFTS measurements but negatively on NO2 concentration in the flow tube experiments, and the discrepancy might be attributed to different calculation methods of γBET, which was calculated based on nitrate formation kinetics in DRIFTS experiments while based on NO2 consumption kinetics in flow tube experiments. The results implied that an accurate selection of the uptake coefficient for modeling studies should base on the consideration of factors such as the measurement method, the concentration range of the reaction gas, and the characteristics of the sample such as crystal structure and effective surface area.
Loss of Ice Cover, Shifting Phenology, and More Extreme Events in Northern Hemisphere Lakes
Authors: Sharma Sapna , Richardson David C. , Woolway R. Iestyn , Imrit M. Arshad , Bouffard Damien , Blagrave Kevin , Daly Julia , Filazzola Alessandro , Granin Nikolay , Korhonen Johanna , Magnuson John , Marszelewski Włodzimierz , Matsuzaki Shin‐Ichiro S. , Perry William , Robertson Dale M. , Rudstam Lars G. , Weyhenmeyer Gesa A. , Yao Huaxia
Published: September 2021

Long‐term lake ice phenological records from around the Northern Hemisphere provide unique sensitive indicators of climatic variations, even prior to the existence of physical meteorological measurement stations. Here, we updated ice phenology records for 60 lakes with time‐series ranging from 107–204 years to provide the first re‐assessment of Northern Hemispheric ice trends since 2004 by adding 15 additional years of ice phenology records and 40 lakes to our study. We found that, on average, ice‐on was 11.0 days later, ice‐off was 6.8 days earlier, and ice duration was 17.0 days shorter per century over the entire record for each lake. Trends in ice‐on and ice duration were six times faster in the last 25‐year period (1992–2016) than previous quarter centuries. More extreme events in recent decades, including late ice‐on, early ice‐off, shorter periods of ice cover, or no ice cover at all, contribute to the increasing rate of lake ice loss. Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions could limit increases in air temperature and abate losses in lake ice cover that would subsequently limit ecological, cultural, and socioeconomic consequences, such as increased evaporation rates, warmer water temperatures, degraded water quality, and the formation of toxic algal blooms.
Seasonality of Recharge Drives Spatial and Temporal Nitrate Removal in a Karst Conduit as Evidenced by Nitrogen Isotope Modeling
Authors: Husic Admin , Fox James , Al Aamery Nabil , Ford William , Pollock Erik , Backus Jason
Published: September 2021

Nitrogen removal rates can vary with time, space, and external environmental drivers, but are underreported for karst environments. We carried out a multi‐year study of a karst conduit where we: (a) measured inputs and outputs of sediment nitrogen (SN and δ15NSed) and nitrate (NO3− and δ15NNO3); (b) developed, calibrated, and applied a numerical model of nitrogen physics and biogeochemistry; and (c) forecasted the impacts of climate and land use changes on nitrate removal and export. Data results from conduit inputs (SN = 0.43% ± 0.07%, δ15NSed = 5.07‰ ± 1.01‰) and outputs (SN = 0.36% ± 0.09%, δ15NSed = 6.45‰ ± 0.71‰) indicate net‐mineralization of SN and increase of δ15NSed (p < 10−2). However, δ15NSed increase cannot be explained by SN mineralization alone and is instead accompanied by immobilization of isotopically heavier mineral nitrogen (δ15NNO3 = 11.25‰ ± 6.96‰). Modeled SN and δ15NSed sub‐routines provided a boundary condition for DIN simulation and improved NO3− model performance (from NSE = 0.06 to NSE = 0.68). Modeled spatial zones of removal occur in close proximity to conduit entrances, where deposition of labile organic matter promotes a three‐fold increase in denitrification (∼60 mg N m−2 d−1). Modeled temporal periods of removal occur during the dry‐season where longer residence times cause up to 90% removal of NO3− inputs. Projected effects of environmental drivers suggest an increase in denitrification (+14.1%); however, this removal is largely offset by greater nitrate soil leaching (+28.1%) from wetter regional climate. Results suggest that conduits underlying mature karst terrain experience spatiotemporal removal gradients, which are modulated by solute and sediment delivery.
Human genetic basis of coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Deng Hao , Yan Xue , Yuan Lamei
Published: September 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has resulted in considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. COVID-19 incidence, severity, and mortality rates differ greatly between populations, genders, ABO blood groups, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotypes, ethnic groups, and geographic backgrounds. This highly heterogeneous SARS-CoV-2 infection is multifactorial. Host genetic factors such as variants in the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene (ACE), the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 gene (ACE2), the transmembrane protease serine 2 gene (TMPRSS2), along with HLA genotype, and ABO blood group help to explain individual susceptibility, severity, and outcomes of COVID-19. This review is focused on COVID-19 clinical and viral characteristics, pathogenesis, and genetic findings, with particular attention on genetic diversity and variants. The human genetic basis could provide scientific bases for disease prediction and targeted therapy to address the COVID-19 scourge.
Targeting the Lnc-OPHN1-5/androgen receptor/hnRNPA1 complex increases Enzalutamide sensitivity to better suppress prostate cancer progression
Authors: Zhang Meng , Sun Yin , Huang Chi-Ping , Luo Jie , Zhang Li , Meng Jialin , Liang Chaozhao , Chang Chawnshang
Published: September 2021

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to play critical roles in regulating gene expression, but their function in translational control is poorly understood. We found lnc-OPHN1-5, which lies close to the androgen receptor (AR) gene on chromosome X, increased prostate cancer (PCa) Enzalutamide (Enz) sensitivity via decreasing AR protein expression and associated activity. Mechanism dissection revealed that lnc-OPHN1-5 interacted with AR-mRNA to minimize its interaction with the RNA binding protein (RBP) hnRNPA1. Suppressing lnc-OPHN1-5 expression promoted the interaction between AR-mRNA and hnRNPA1, followed by an increase of ribosome association with AR-mRNA and translation. This effect was reversed by increasing lnc-OPHN1-5 expression. Consistently, the in vivo mice model confirmed that knocking down lnc-OPHN1-5 expression in tumors significantly increased the tumor formation rate and AR protein expression compared with the control group. Furthermore, knocking down hnRNPA1 blocked/reversed shlnc-OPHN1-5-increased AR protein expression and re-sensitized cells to Enz treatment efficacy. Evidence from Enz-resistant cell lines, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, clinical samples, and a human PCa study accordantly suggested that patients with low expression of lnc-OPHN1-5 likely have unfavorable prognoses and probably are less sensitive to Enz treatment. In summary, targeting this newly identified lnc-OPHN1-5/AR/hnRNPA1 complex may help develop novel therapies to increase Enz treatment sensitivity for suppressing the PCa at an advanced stage.
7,8-dihydroxyflavone ameliorates motor deficits via regulating autophagy in MPTP-induced mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Zuo Li , Dai Chunfang , Yi Lilin , Dong Zhifang
Published: September 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and diminished dopamine content in the striatum. Recent reports show that 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (DHF), a TrkB agonist, attenuates the α-synuclein deposition and ameliorates motor deficits. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. In this study, we investigated whether autophagy is involved in the clearance of α-synuclein and the signaling pathway through which DHF exerts therapeutic effects. We found that the administration of DHF (5 mg/kg/day, i.p.) prevented the loss of dopaminergic neurons and improved motor functions in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD, whereas these protective effects of DHF were completely blocked by autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ). Further in vitro studies showed that autophagy was inhibited in N2A cells treated with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), as reflected by a significant decrease in the expressions of autophagy marker proteins (Beclin1 and LC3II) and an increase in the expression of autophagic flux marker p62. DHF restored the impaired autophagy to control level in MPP+-treated N2A cells by inhibiting the ERK-LKB1-AMPK signaling pathway. Taken together, these results demonstrate that DHF exerts therapeutic effects in MPTP/MPP+-induced neurotoxicity by inhibiting the ERK-LKB1-AMPK signaling pathway and subsequently improving impaired autophagy.
Long noncoding RNA DLGAP1-AS2 facilitates Wnt1 transcription through physically interacting with Six3 and drives the malignancy of gastric cancer
Authors: Lu Jiawei , Xu Ying , Xie Wenjie , Tang Yinbing , Zhang Heteng , Wang Beibei , Mao Ji , Rui Tao , Jiang Pengcheng , Zhang Wenbo
Published: September 2021

The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) DLGAP1-AS2 has recently been characterized as an oncogenic lncRNA in several cancers. However, its biological roles and clinical significance in gastric cancer (GC) remains barely understood. In this study, we performed a systematic analysis of DLGAP1-AS2 expression with data from the TCGA and GEO database as well as our clinic GC samples. In agreement with previous studies, our findings demonstrated that DLGAP1-AS2 was significantly up-regulated in GC and its high expression was associated with poor prognosis, suggesting that DLGAP1-AS2 might be a putative oncogenic lncRNA of GC. Loss of DLGAP1-AS2 restricted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in GC cell lines. Mechanically, Wnt1 was identified as the downstream target of DLGAP1-AS2 by using bioinformatics analysis coupled with qPCR and Western blot assays. Furthermore, DLGAP1-AS2 was found to directly interact with the transcriptional repressor Six3, and this interaction hampered Six3 binding to the promoter regions of the Wnt1 gene, thereby leading to transcriptional activation of Wnt1. Consequently, GC cells lacking DLGAP1-AS2 showed a decreased Wnt1 expression and weakened Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Further, Six3 silencing could reverse the above effects, highlighting a pivotal role of Six3 in the DLGAP1-AS2-mediated activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Either genetic (Wnt1 knockdown) or pharmacological (LF3) inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling could effectively abolish the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by Six3 depletion, thereby preventing GC cell malignant transformation. Taken together, our results suggest that DLGAP1-AS2 functions as an oncogenic factor by directly interacting with Six3 to relieve its suppression on Wnt1 expression, thereby driving the malignancy of GC. DLGAP1-AS2/Six3/Wnt1/β-catenin signaling axis might serve as a promising diagnostic and therapeutic target for GC.
Multi-level inhibition of coronavirus replication by chemical ER stress
Authors: Shaban Mohammed Samer , Müller Christin , Mayr-Buro Christin , Weiser Hendrik , Meier-Soelch Johanna , Albert Benadict Vincent , Weber Axel , Linne Uwe , Hain Torsten , Babayev Ilya , Karl Nadja , Hofmann Nina , Becker Stephan , Herold Susanne , Schmitz M. Lienhard , Ziebuhr John , Kracht Michael
Published: September 2021

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are important human pathogens for which no specific treatment is available. Here, we provide evidence that pharmacological reprogramming of ER stress pathways can be exploited to suppress CoV replication. The ER stress inducer thapsigargin efficiently inhibits coronavirus (HCoV-229E, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2) replication in different cell types including primary differentiated human bronchial epithelial cells, (partially) reverses the virus-induced translational shut-down, improves viability of infected cells and counteracts the CoV-mediated downregulation of IRE1α and the ER chaperone BiP. Proteome-wide analyses revealed specific pathways, protein networks and components that likely mediate the thapsigargin-induced antiviral state, including essential (HERPUD1) or novel (UBA6 and ZNF622) factors of ER quality control, and ER-associated protein degradation complexes. Additionally, thapsigargin blocks the CoV-induced selective autophagic flux involving p62/SQSTM1. The data show that thapsigargin hits several central mechanisms required for CoV replication, suggesting that this compound (or derivatives thereof) may be developed into broad-spectrum anti-CoV drugs.