bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The essential carbon service provided by northern peatlands
Authors: Harris Lorna I , Richardson Karen , Bona Kelly A , Davidson Scott J , Finkelstein Sarah A , Garneau Michelle , McLaughlin Jim , Nwaishi Felix , Olefeldt David , Packalen Maara , Roulet Nigel T , Southee F Meg , Strack Maria , Webster Kara L , Wilkinson Sophie L , Ray Justina C
Published: November 2021

Northern peatlands have cooled the global climate by accumulating large quantities of soil carbon (C) over thousands of years. Maintaining the C sink function of these peatlands and their immense long‐term soil C stores is critical for achieving net‐zero global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 2050 to mitigate climate warming. One‐quarter of the world’s northern peatlands are in Canada, with these mostly intact ecosystems providing a global C service that is increasingly recognized as a critical part of nature‐based solutions to combat climate change. However, land‐use change and other disturbances threaten these globally important stores of “irrecoverable C” (that is, soil C lost to disturbance that will take centuries to recover). Inadequate policy safeguards to avoid conversion and degradation, and the limited quantification and reporting of peatland greenhouse‐gas emissions and removals, increase the vulnerability of these peatlands. Targeted policies from local to global scales will be needed for improved decision making and incentivizing long‐term C management of northern peatlands.
Mineral assemblages and tectono‐provenance of the Oligocene Barail sandstones in parts of Naga Hills of theAssam‐ArakanOrogenic Belt, North‐east India
Authors: Srivastava S. K. , Kichu A. Moalong
Published: November 2021

Oligocene Barail sandstones in parts of the Naga Hills, west of Kohima town, Nagaland, north‐east India have been studied for their provenance and tectonic environments using mineral assemblages and heavy mineral contents. Moderate to well‐sorted litharenite to sublith‐arenite Barail sandstones are dominated by monocrystalline quartz and are represented by both undulose and non‐undulose varieties. Of the two feldspars, plagioclase dominates over K‐feldspar. Rock fragments are second in abundance and constituted of chert, siltstones, schist, and volcanic fragments. The heavy mineral assemblage of Barail sandstones is represented by euhedral, subhedral/subrounded, and well‐rounded zircon, tourmaline, rutile, staurolite, sillimanite, and kyanite. Opaques are represented by rounded iron oxides. Detailed petrography coupled with heavy mineral assemblage points towards a mixed provenance dominated by a sedimentary source of recycled orogenic provenance in a foreland basinal set‐up. Our study further reveals that sediments were mainly supplied from a north‐east direction. However, at the higher stratigraphic levels, contributions were also made from the west. In response to changing plate interaction with time,contributions were made from the Indo‐Myanmar Ranges, the Shillong Plateau and/or the Karbi‐Anglong Massif, and also from the sediments formed under earlier tectonic regimes of the Assam‐Arakan Orogenic Belt.
Prevalence and severity of pelvic floor disorders in pregnant and postpartum women
Authors: Palmieri Stefania , De Bastiani Sarah Sonia , Degliuomini Rebecca , Ruffolo Alessandro Ferdinando , Casiraghi Arianna , Vergani Patrizia , Gallo Pasquale , Magoga Giulia , Cicuti Marta , Parma Marta , Frigerio Matteo ,   the Urogynecology‐Pelvic Floor Working Group (GLUP)
Published: November 2021

Objective

This multicenter study aimed to evaluate risk factors, prevalence and severity of pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) as well as their consequences on women's emotional well‐being, using a questionnaire validated specifically for pregnancy and postpartum.

Methods

Prospective study conducted in eight teaching hospitals in Italy and Italian‐speaking Switzerland. Pregnant and postpartum women completed the Italian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire for Pregnancy and Postpartum anonymously. Prevalence of, severity of, and risk factors for PFDs were evaluated for all the four domains considered: bladder, bowel, prolapse, and sexual function.

Results

A total of 2007 women were included: 983 of the patients were bothered by at least one kind of PFD: bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction were more frequently reported. There were no significant differences in PFD prevalence between pregnancy and postpartum, except for bladder disorders, which were more prevalent in pregnancy. Familiarity for PFDs, pelvic floor contraction inability, cigarette smoking, body mass index more than 25 (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters), and age more than 35 years were confirmed risk factors for the development of PFDs during pregnancy and postpartum.

Conclusion

Almost half of the women included in the study suffered from PFD‐related symptoms with important consequences on quality of life. Validated questionnaires are fundamental in early diagnosis and treatment of PFDs.
Gene expression profiles of multiple brain regions in rats differ between developmental and postpubertal exposure to valproic acid
Authors: Ojiro Ryota , Watanabe Yousuke , Okano Hiromu , Takahashi Yasunori , Takashima Kazumi , Tang Qian , Ozawa Shunsuke , Saito Fumiyo , Akahori Yumi , Jin Meilan , Yoshida Toshinori , Shibutani Makoto
Published: November 2021

We have previously reported that the valproic acid (VPA)‐induced disruption pattern of hippocampal adult neurogenesis differs between developmental and 28‐day postpubertal exposure. In the present study, we performed brain region‐specific global gene expression profiling to compare the profiles of VPA‐induced neurotoxicity between developmental and postpubertal exposure. Offspring exposed to VPA at 0, 667, and 2000 parts per million (ppm) via maternal drinking water from gestational day 6 until weaning (postnatal day 21) were examined, along with male rats orally administered VPA at 0, 200, and 900 mg/kg body weight for 28 days starting at 5 weeks old. Four brain regions—the hippocampal dentate gyrus, corpus callosum, cerebral cortex, and cerebellar vermis—were subjected to expression microarray analysis. Profiled data suggested a region‐specific pattern of effects after developmental VPA exposure, and a common pattern of effects among brain regions after postpubertal VPA exposure. Developmental VPA exposure typically led to the altered expression of genes related to nervous system development (Msx1, Xcl1, Foxj1, Prdm16, C3, and Kif11) in the hippocampus, and those related to nervous system development (Neurod1) and gliogenesis (Notch1 and Sox9) in the corpus callosum. Postpubertal VPA exposure led to the altered expression of genes related to neuronal differentiation and projection (Cd47, Cyr61, Dbi, Adamts1, and Btg2) in multiple brain regions. These findings suggested that neurotoxic patterns of VPA might be different between developmental and postpubertal exposure, which was consistent with our previous study. Of note, the hippocampal dentate gyrus might be a sensitive target of developmental neurotoxicants after puberty.
Metasurface‐Enabled High‐Resolution Liquid‐Crystal Alignment for Display and Modulator Applications
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Li Ke , He Huilin , Cai Wengfeng , Liu Jianxun , Yin Zhen , Mu Quanquan , Hisao Vincent K. S. , Gérard Davy , Luo Dan , Li Guixin , Liu Yan Jun
Published: November 2021

Optical metasurfaces are 2D flat elements that consist of spatially arranged meta‐atoms. By carefully designing the metasurface, it is possible to fully control the properties of light in amplitude, phase, and/or polarization. When merged with liquid crystals (LCs), a metasurface can act as a reconfigurable optical component enabling dynamical control of light. However, many reports ignore the influence of the meta‐atom's geometry on the orientation of LCs. Here, it is proposed to synergistically merge LCs and specially designed gold metasurfaces for multiple optical functions. Gold metasurfaces are designed as a template to align the LC molecules in a resolution of ≤2 µm. Meanwhile, the aligned LCs are used to actively control the polarization of the incident light, further achieving active modulation of the plasmonic resonances of gold metasurfaces. The synergistic mergence of LCs and metasurfaces can enable a designed optical device to work simultaneously in both visible and near infrared ranges, which is highly promising for multiple applications simultaneously, such as high‐resolution display, modulation, anti‐counterfeiting, beam deflection, LiDAR, etc.
Pedicled superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap combined with lymphovenous anastomosis between the recipient site lymphatic vessels and flap superficial veins for reconstruction of groin/thigh tissue defect and creation of lymph flow‐through to reduce lymphatic complications: A report of preliminary results
Authors: Scaglioni Mario F. , Meroni Matteo , Fritsche Elmar
Published: November 2021

Background

Large locoregional defects affecting lymphatic‐rich regions may be subject to serious lymphatic complications, such as lymphedema and recurrent lymphocele. In the last few years, a demeaning volume reconstruction combined with lymph flow restoration showed to effectively reduce their incidences. The purpose of this report is to present the preliminary results of the use of pedicled SCIP flap with LVA between the recipient site lymphatic vessels and flap superficial vein for reconstruction of soft tissue defect and creation of lymph flow‐through to reduce lymphatic complications.

Patients and Methods

Between 2018 and 2020, 4 patients (2 males and 2 females), with a mean age of 56.5 years (ranging 42–76 years), presented a soft tissue defect with lymphatic drainage damage which was reconstructed by resorting to pedicled SCIP flap. Causes of the defect were tumoral surgical excision in 3 cases and severe trauma in 1 case. The defects were located in the medial thigh in 2 cases and groin area in 2 cases, with sizes ranging from 5 × 19 cm to 8 × 22 cm. The SCIP flap was raised by paying attention to preserve some suitable veins at the distal edge of the skin paddle. The flap was then turned 180 degrees and inset in order to match the direction of the recipient's lymphatic vessels. One or more LVAs were performed between the recipient site damaged lymphatics and a superficial flap's vein.

Results

The sizes of flaps ranged from 5 × 19 cm to 8 × 22 cm. The mean number of LVAs was 2.2 (ranging from 1 to 3). A minor post‐operative complication was encountered (small infected seroma) in 1 case, which was conservatively managed. No secondary procedures were required. In all cases complete range of motion (ROM) of the hip joint and wound coverage at both donor and recipient site were achieved. The mean follow‐up was 8 months (ranging 7–10 months). No signs of lymphedema and lymphocele were reported over this time.

Conclusions

The pedicled SCIP flap with LVA between the recipient site lymphatic vessels and flap superficial vein may provide a solution for inguinal and upper thigh defects reconstructions that requires a lymphatic drainage restoration. Its superficial veins may be exploited to perform LVAs at recipient site, thus reducing the lymphatic complications in these delicate regions.
Design of a filtering power divider with high selectivity based on coupled lines
Authors: Sheikhi Akram , Rostami Parastoo
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a microstrip high selectivity filtering power divider with coupling from source/load to the resonator is designed. By employing pairs of parallel‐coupled lines and asymmetrical T‐shaped resonators to construct the filtering power dividers (PD), high selectivity, and good return loss can be achieved with two transmission poles and two transmission zeros. The design procedure and analytical equations are obtained by using the even/odd‐mode analysis. The power divider operating at the central frequency of 2.1 GHz with a 3‐dB fractional bandwidth of 19% (1.9–2.4 GHz) is simulated and implemented. Good agreement between measurement and simulated results is obtained. By introducing a resistor between output ports, the isolation is better than 18.4 dB at the passband frequency, respectively. Also, the second harmonic rejection and insertion loss lower than 0.38 dB has been obtained.
Petrophysical target characterization with lithogeochemical clustering: the Metsämonttu Zn–Pb–Cu deposit, southern Finland
Authors: Leväniemi Hanna , Hokka Janne
Published: November 2021

In mineral exploration, reliable and comprehensive petrophysical groundwork helps evaluate the success rate of applying geophysical methods to the target and thus improves the quality of decision‐making related to geophysical surveys. Petrophysical data for potential field exploration can be efficiently collected from drill cores together with portable XRF data that provide insight into rock compositions. We acquired and analysed a multi‐parameter portable‐instrument drill core data set (2036 samples) with portable XRF, magnetic susceptibility and density measurements from the Metsämonttu Zn–Pb–Cu deposit, one of the base metal deposits in the Orijärvi Belt, southern Finland, with little post‐mining exploration during the last 50 years. Our study applied a machine learning technique (Gaussian Mixture Model clustering) to the portable XRF data to provide a pseudo‐lithological reclassification of the drill cores and used this as a basis for characterization of the deposit in petrophysical terms. We also used thermomagnetic measurements to inspect the magnetic mineralogy of the drill cores. Finally, we estimated the success of using potential field methods (magnetic and gravity) for brownfield exploration of analogous deposits in the area. With the portable XRF data clustering we were able to distinguish between barren mafic and felsic volcanic rocks, altered rocks and three different ore mineral enriched rock types. The petrophysical measurement data and thermomagnetic results were combined with the clusters to define the petrophysical characteristics for future mineral exploration with potential field methods. At Metsämonttu, the highest densities are related to the ore and iron sulphide‐bearing rocks. High natural remanent magnetization intensities are related to the iron sulphide‐bearing ore, and remanent magnetization is a significant magnetic anomaly source. Based on synthetic modelling results, both magnetic and gravimetric data could be used in direct exploration in the Metsämonttu area.
Denture composite reinforced with short polyethylene terephthalate fibers
Authors: Perišić Srdjan , Kareem Ali Alzaroug Azdihar , Kalevski Katarina , Vuksanović Marija M. , Volkov Husović Tatjana , Radović Ivana , Radojević Vesna
Published: November 2021

Polymer matrix composite materials have found application in dentistry because of good mechanical properties, aesthetic, easy processing, and possibilities of the repair. Acrylates are materials used to make and repair dentures. Reinforcements in the form of short glass or polymer fibers are added to improve the mechanical properties of dental polymers. In this study, the processing of composite material with a polymer matrix from commercial auto‐polymerized acrylate Simgal, with reinforcement in the form of short poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers was examined. Samples were processed in three series: pure Simgal, Simgal/PET 1 wt% and Simgal/PET 3 wt%. The influence of the reinforcement in the form of short PET fibers on the mechanical properties of composite materials was investigated. Strength and hardness were tested by impact testing and Vickers microhardness, and it was shown that there is an increase in absorbed energy and hardness. The modulus was reduced by the addition of PET fibers and by increasing the amount of fibers in the composite. The increase in the amount of PET fibers also resulted in a smaller loss of surface mass of the samples compared to the pure matrix by 63% and 93%, respectively. Cavitation test revealed better cavitation resistance of composites than the pure acrylate.
Multifunctional Magnetic Nanomedicine Drug Delivery and Imaging‐Based Diagnostic Systems
Authors: Aslam Hira , Shukrullah Shazia , Naz Muhammad Yasin , Fatima Hareem , Ullah Sami , Al‐Sehemi Abdullah G.
Published: November 2021

Magnetically guided drug transportation is a technique in which magnetic pharmaceutical transporters in organisms are controlled by applied magnetic forces to deliver drugs to the desired location. Different magnetic drug delivery systems (MDDSs) are developed to treat a variety of illnesses, particularly cancer and neurological disorders. However, a unique magnetic setup is required in each application for an effective magnetically guided drug aiming to direct the drug‐carrying nanocarriers to the intended area. The current and future perspectives of MDDS are investigated in this study by considering their biological functions, deliverable efficiency, complexity, and the nature of the externally applied magnetic field. Despite the fact that MDDSs have low cytotoxicity, regulated magneto reactivity, extended circulation lifespan, and high surface stability, very few clinical studies have been conducted to date in order to achieve optimized therapeutic efficacy before entering the market. In recent studies, the development of novel magnetic medication transporting carriers is preferred over direct magnetic medication administration. Better functional magnetic targeting technologies are required for such breakthroughs to enter clinical trials. Because MDDSs are unlikely to work in all clinical situations, more focused research is needed to replace or improve the strategy for treating multiple illnesses.
Pulmonary function tests in extremely low gestational age infants at one year of age
Authors: Voynow Judith A. , Feng Rui , Ren Clement L. , Dylag Andrew M. , Kemp James S. , McDowell Karen , Sharp Jack , Moore Paul E. , Eichenwald Eric , Panitch Howard , Clem Charles , Johnson Robin , Davis Stephanie D.
Published: November 2021

Rationale

Identifying neonatal and post‐discharge exposures among extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGANs) that drive increased pulmonary morbidity and abnormal lung function at 1 year of age proves challenging.

Objective

The NIH‐sponsored Prematurity and Respiratory Outcomes Program (PROP), evaluated infant pulmonary function tests (iPFTs) at 1 year corrected age to determine which demographic and clinical factors are associated with abnormal lung function.

Methods

iPFTs were performed on a PROP subcohort of 135 participants following Institutional Review Board (IRB)‐approved written consent. Demographic data, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) clinical care, and post‐NICU exposures were analyzed for association with iPFTs.

Main Results

A significant decrease in forced expiratory volume at 0.5 s (FEV0.5) and/or forced expiratory flows at 75% of forced vital capacity (FEF75), were associated with male sex and African American race. Clinical factors including longer duration of ventilatory support, exposure to systemic steroids, and weight less than the 10th percentile at 36 weeks postmenstrual age were also associated with airflow obstruction, whereas supplemental oxygen requirement and bronchopulmonary dysplasia were not. Additionally, the need for respiratory medications, technology, or hospitalizations during the first year, ascertained by a quarterly survey, were the only post‐NICU factors associated with decreased FEV0.5 and FEF75. Only 7% of infants had reversible airflow obstruction.

Conclusions

Neonatal demographic factors, respiratory support in the NICU, and a history of greater post‐NICU medical utilization for respiratory disease had the strongest association with lower lung function at 1 year in ELGANs.
TATP Headspace Study
Authors: Stromberg Jonathan R. , Castillo Rolon Mairym M.
Published: November 2021

Compositional analysis of crude and recrystallized TATP in solution and the headspace above solid material did not identify acetone presence in any sample. Acetone was detected in trace levels in crude TATP samples heated to 65 °C for 42 hours. The concentration of which was observed to decrease over time. This is attributed to the removal of the headspace gas.
Design of interactive augmented reality functions for robotic surgery and evaluation in dry‐lab lymphadenectomy
Authors: Forte Maria‐Paola , Gourishetti Ravali , Javot Bernard , Engler Tobias , Gomez Ernest D. , Kuchenbecker Katherine J.
Published: November 2021

Background

Augmented reality (AR) has been widely researched for use in healthcare. Prior AR for robot‐assisted minimally invasive surgery has mainly focussed on superimposing preoperative three‐dimensional (3D) images onto patient anatomy. This article presents alternative interactive AR tools for robotic surgery.

Methods

We designed, built and evaluated four voice‐controlled functions: viewing a live video of the operating room, viewing two‐dimensional preoperative images, measuring 3D distances and warning about out‐of‐view instruments. This low‐cost system was developed on a da Vinci Si, and it can be integrated into surgical robots equipped with a stereo camera and a stereo viewer.

Results

Eight experienced surgeons performed dry‐lab lymphadenectomies and reported that the functions improved the procedure. They particularly appreciated the possibility of accessing the patient's medical records on demand, measuring distances intraoperatively and interacting with the functions using voice commands.

Conclusions

The positive evaluations garnered by these alternative AR functions and interaction methods provide support for further exploration.
Photothermal‐Transport Imaging and Thermal Management of 2D Materials
Authors: Chen Shao‐Nan , Liu Xu‐Shan , Luo Rong‐Hui , Xu En‐Ze , Tian Jian‐Guo , Liu Zhi‐Bo
Published: November 2021

Thermal management plays an important role in miniaturized and integrated nanoelectronic devices, where finding ways to enable efficient heat‐dissipation can be critical. 2D materials, especially graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN), are generally regarded as ideal materials for thermal management due to their high inherent thermal conductivity. In this paper, a new method is reported, which can be used to characterize thermal transport in 2D materials. The separation of pumping from detection can obtain the temperature at different distances from the heat source, which makes it possible to study the heat distribution of 2D materials. Using this method, the thermal conductivity of graphene and molybdenum disulfide is measured, and the thermal diffusion for different shapes of graphene is explored. It is found that thermal transport in graphene changes when the surrounding environment changes. In addition, thermal transport is restricted at the boundary. These processes are accurately simulated using the finite element method, and the simulated results agree well with the experiment. Furthermore, by depositing a layer of h‐BN on graphene, the heat‐dissipation characteristics of graphene become tunable. This study introduces and describes a new method to investigate and optimize thermal management in 2D materials.
Pathophysiological role of ion channels and transporters in gastrointestinal mucosal diseases
Authors: Deng Zilin , Zhao Yingying , Ma Zhiyuan , Zhang Minglin , Wang Hu , Yi Zhiqiang , Tuo Biguang , Li Taolang , Liu Xuemei
Published: November 2021

The incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal diseases, including various types of gastritis, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease and GI cancer, is increasing. Therefore, it is necessary to identify new therapeutic targets. Ion channels/transporters are located on cell membranes, and tight junctions (TJs) affect acid–base balance, the mucus layer, permeability, the microbiota and mucosal blood flow, which are essential for maintaining GI mucosal integrity. As ion channel/transporter dysfunction results in various GI mucosal diseases, this review focuses on understanding the contribution of ion channels/transporters to protecting the GI mucosal barrier and the relationship between GI mucosal disease and ion channels/transporters, including Cl−/HCO3− exchangers, Cl− channels, aquaporins, Na+/H+ exchangers, and K+ channels. Here, we provide novel prospects for the treatment of GI mucosal diseases.
Bounds for Schrödinger Operators on the Half-Line Perturbed by Dissipative Barriers
Authors: Stepanenko Alexei
Published: November 2021

We consider Schrödinger operators of the form$$H_R = - \,\text {{d}}^2/\,\text {{d}}x^2 + q + i \gamma \chi _{[0,R]}$$HR=-d2/dx2+q+iγχ[0,R]for large$$R>0$$R>0, where$$q \in L^1(0,\infty )$$q∈L1(0,∞)and$$\gamma > 0$$γ>0. Bounds for the maximum magnitude of an eigenvalue and for the number of eigenvalues are proved. These bounds complement existing general bounds applied to this system, for sufficiently largeR.
Trends of genetic changes uncovered by Env- and Eigen-GWAS in wheat and barley
Authors: Sharma Rajiv , Cockram James , Gardner Keith A. , Russell Joanne , Ramsay Luke , Thomas William T. B. , O’Sullivan Donal M. , Powell Wayne , Mackay Ian J.
Published: November 2021

Key message

Variety age and population structure detect novel QTL for yield and adaptation in wheat and barley without the need to phenotype.

The process of crop breeding over the last century has delivered new varieties with increased genetic gains, resulting in higher crop performance and yield. However, in many cases, the alleles and genomic regions underpinning this success remain unknown. This is partly due to the difficulty of generating sufficient phenotypic data on large numbers of historical varieties to enable such analyses. Here we demonstrate the ability to circumvent such bottlenecks by identifying genomic regions selected over 100 years of crop breeding using age of a variety as a surrogate for yield. Rather than collecting phenotype data, we deployed ‘environmental genome-wide association scans’ (EnvGWAS) based on variety age in two of the world’s most important crops, wheat and barley, and detected strong signals of selection across both genomes. EnvGWAS identified 16 genomic regions in barley and 10 in wheat with contrasting patterns between spring and winter types of the two crops. To further examine changes in genome structure, we used the genomic relationship matrix of the genotypic data to derive eigenvectors for analysis in EigenGWAS. This detected seven major chromosomal introgressions that contributed to adaptation in wheat. EigenGWAS and EnvGWAS based on variety age avoid costly phenotyping and facilitate the identification of genomic tracts that have been under selection during breeding. Our results demonstrate the potential of using historical cultivar collections coupled with genomic data to identify chromosomal regions under selection and may help guide future plant breeding strategies to maximise the rate of genetic gain and adaptation.
Reef location has a greater impact than coral bleaching severity on the microbiome of Pocillopora acuta
Authors: Botté Emmanuelle S. , Cantin Neal E. , Mocellin Véronique J. L. , O’Brien Paul A. , Rocker Melissa M. , Frade Pedro R. , Webster Nicole S.
Published: November 2021

Coral reefs are increasingly threatened by heat stress events leading to coral bleaching. In 2016, a mass bleaching event affected large parts of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Whilst bleaching severity and coral mortality are usually monitored throughout major bleaching events, other health indicators, such as changes in microbial partners, are rarely assessed. We examined the impact of the 2016 bleaching event on the composition of the microbial communities in the coral Pocillopora acuta at Havannah Island Pandora reef, separated by 12 km on the inshore central GBR. Corals experienced moderate heat stress (3.6 and 5.3 degree heating weeks), inducing major bleaching (30–60%) at the coral community level. Samples were partitioned according to Symbiodiniaceae densities into three bleaching severity categories (mild, moderate, and severe). Whilst Symbiodiniaceae densities were similar at both reef locations, sequencing of the Symbiodiniaceae ITS2 and prokaryotic 16S rRNA genes revealed that microbial communities were significantly different between reefs, but not according to bleaching severity. Symbiodiniaceae composition was dominated by the genus Cladocopium with low abundances of Durusdinium detected in moderately and severely bleached colonies at both sites, despite site-specific ITS2 profiles. Bacterial communities were dominated by Proteobacteria and were almost entirely lacking the common Pocilloporid associate Endozoicomonas regardless of bleaching severity. Strikingly, only 11.2% of the bacterial Amplicon Sequencing Variants (ASVs) were shared between sites. This reef specificity was driven by 165 ASVs, mainly from the family Rhodobacteraceae. Comparison with previous studies suggests that the moderate heat stress experienced on the central GBR in 2016 caused the near-complete absence of Endozoicomonas. Symbiodiniaceae and bacteria (particularly Rhodobacteraceae) can be vertically transmitted in P. acuta, and larval propagation can be spatially restricted for this brooding species. Our results demonstrate that, unlike bleaching severity, location-specific factors and species-specific life history traits might have been paramount in shaping the P. acuta microbiome.
Acute Sheehan’s syndrome manifesting initially with diabetes insipidus postpartum: a case report and systematic literature review
Authors: Olmes Gregor Leonhard , Solomayer Erich-Franz , Radosa Julia Caroline , Sklavounos Panagiotis , Agne Philipp , Schunk Stefan J. , Haj Hamoud Bashar
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Acute Sheehan’s syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening, obstetric event that can be complicated by diabetes insipidus. Little information on the diagnosis and treatment of Sheehan’s syndrome with diabetes insipidus is available. We report on a 28-year-old patient who developed acute Sheehan’s syndrome with diabetes insipidus after giving birth, and on a systematic review of similar cases.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of the literature cataloged in PubMed and Google Scholar using the keywords “Sheehan syndrome” OR “Sheehan's syndrome” AND “diabetes insipidus” to identify relevant case reports published between 1990 and 2021. Eight Reports met the inclusion criteria (English-language abstracts available, onset in the puerperium, information about the day of the onset).

Results

In the present case, postpartum curettage was necessary to remove the residual placenta. The total amount of blood loss was severe (2500 ml). On the second day postpartal, the patient developed polyuria. Laboratory analysis revealed hypernatremia with increased serum osmolality and decreased urinary osmolality. Hormone analysis showed partial hypopituitarism involving the thyroid, corticotropic, and gonadotropic axes. The prolactin level was elevated. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed pituitary gland infarction. Desmopressin therapy was initiated and resolved the polyuria. Hormone replacement therapy was administered. Four months later, the patient was well, with partial diabetes insipidus. The literature review indicated that this case was typical in terms of symptoms and disease onset. Most reported cases involve hypotension and peripartum hemorrhage, but some patients without hemorrhage also develop Sheehan’s syndrome. Elevated prolactin levels are uncommon and associated with poor prognosis in patients with Sheehan’s syndrome.

Conclusion

Acute Sheehan’s syndrome with diabetes insipidus involves nearly all pituitary hormone axes, indicating severe disease. Prolactin elevation could suggest that a case of Sheehan’s syndrome is severe.
Exocrine pancreas function is impaired in adult relatives of patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Giovenzana Anna , Vecchio Federica , Cugnata Federica , Nonis Alessandro , Mandelli Alessandra , Stabilini Angela , Mazzi Benedetta Allegra , De Pellegrin Maurizio , Laurenzi Andrea , Bonfanti Riccardo , Battaglia Manuela , Bosi Emanuele , Petrelli Alessandra
Published: November 2021

Aims

Alterations of the exocrine pancreas have been reported in type 1 diabetes, but their contribution to the pathogenesis of the disease is poorly understood. Here, we investigated markers of exocrine pancreas dysfunction in individuals at-risk of developing type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Serum P-amylase and lipase levels were assessed in samples obtained from healthy controls, patients with new onset type 1 diabetes, relatives participating to the TrialNet Pathway to Prevention who were, at blood collection, autoantibody negative or positive for a single autoantibody (low-risk individuals), and positive for multiple autoantibodies (high-risk individuals). Linear mixed models were adopted to estimate variation of pancreatic enzymes among the groups and to evaluate the influence of high-risk HLA genotypes and residual beta cell function on exocrine pancreas function.

Results

In adults, but not children, reduced levels of P-amylase and lipase were shown in at-risk individuals, including (for P-amylase levels only) those at low-risk, and in T1Dnew. Furthermore, while high-risk HLA genotypes negatively affected P-amylase levels in autoantibody negative adult individuals, fasting C-peptide levels did not correlate with pancreatic enzyme levels.

Conclusions

Exocrine pancreas dysfunction precedes the onset of type 1 diabetes in adult at-risk individuals and may be unrelated to fasting C-peptide levels.
Sex/Gender Attribution: When the Penis Makes the Difference
Authors: Federici Stefano , Lepri Alessandro , D’Urzo Eleonora
Published: November 2021

The present study aimed to replicate Kessler and McKenna’s (1978) ethnomethodological study that investigated how an individual attributes gender to a person. By administering figures depicted on overlays (Overlay Study), Kessler and McKenna found that the penis more than the vulva and the male sexual characteristics more than the female ones were significantly more salient in the gender attribution process. From all this, their adage is: “See someone as female only when you cannot see them as male.” Taking as a model Kessler and McKenna’s Overlay Study, we administered to 592 adults 120 new digital stimuli elaborated on realistic frontal images of human nudes to verify if the previously obtained results would be confirmed by using more realistic images. We found that the participants attributed male gender 86% of the time when the penis was shown, but only attributed female gender 67% of the time when the vulva was shown. All findings had strong statistical significance, confirming the findings of the Overlay Study that the penis makes the difference in gender recognition. Beyond an ethnomethodological approach, we have interpreted and discussed our results from the outlook of evolutionary and cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience, concluding that the cultural stereotypes and prejudices that affect gender attribution might not just be a mere cultural product, but rather the consequence of evolved cognitive biases.
Antigonon leptopus invasion is associated with plant community disassembly in a Caribbean island ecosystem
Authors: Eppinga Maarten B. , Haber Elizabeth A. , Sweeney Luke , Santos Maria J. , Rietkerk Max , Wassen Martin J.
Published: November 2021

Invasions by non-native plant species are widely recognized as a major driver of biodiversity loss. Globally, (sub-)tropical islands form important components of biodiversity hotspots, while being particularly susceptible to invasions by plants in general and vines in particular. We studied the impact of the invasive vineA. leptopuson the diversity and structure of recipient plant communities on the northern Caribbean island St. Eustatius. We used a paired-plot design to study differences in species richness, evenness and community structure underA. leptopus-invaded and uninvaded conditions. Community structure was studied through species co-occurrence patterns. We found that in plots invaded byA. leptopus, species richness was 40–50% lower, and these plots also exhibited lower evenness. The magnitude of these negative impacts increased with increasing cover ofA. leptopus. Invaded plots also showed higher degrees of homogeneity in species composition. Species co-occurrence patterns indicated that plant communities in uninvaded plots were characterized by segregation, whereas recipient plant communities in invaded plots exhibited random co-occurrence patterns. These observations suggest that invasion ofA. leptopusis not only associated with reduced species richness and evenness of recipient communities in invaded sites, but also with a community disassembly process that may reduce diversity between sites. Given thatA. leptopusis a successful invader of (sub-)tropical islands around the globe, these impacts on plant community structure highlight that this invasive species could be a particular conservation concern for these systems.
Mobile Alert and Warning in the United States and Japan: Confronting the Challenges of International Harmonization
Authors: Bean Hamilton , Cruz Ana Maria , Shimizu Mika , Stephens Keri K. , McGlone Matthew , Strover Sharon
Published: November 2021

A U.S.-Japan expert workshop on mobile alert and warning was held online 8–10 September 2021. Funded by the Japan Foundation’s Center for Global Partnership (CGP) and responding to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, the workshop compared U.S. and Japanese mobile alert and warning contexts, systems, policies, and messages to investigate possibilities for international harmonization of mobile device-based early warning. The workshop’s sessions revealed two interrelated issues that repeatedly surfaced among workshop participants: culture and policy. The workshop illuminated several possibilities and problems confronting U.S., Japanese, and global stakeholders as they develop, deploy, and seek to improve the effectiveness of mobile alert and warning systems and messages.
Materials informatics and sustainability—The case for urgency
Authors: Melia Hannah R. , Muckley Eric S. , Saal James E.
Published: November 2021

The development of transformative technologies for mitigating our global environmental and technological challenges will require significant innovation in the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced materials and chemicals. To achieve this innovation faster than what is possible by traditional human intuition-guided scientific methods, we must transition to a materials informatics-centered paradigm, in which synergies between data science, materials science, and artificial intelligence are leveraged to enable transformative, data-driven discoveries faster than ever before through the use of predictive models and digital twins. While materials informatics is experiencing rapidly increasing use across the materials and chemicals industries, broad adoption is hindered by barriers such as skill gaps, cultural resistance, and data sparsity. We discuss the importance of materials informatics for accelerating technological innovation, describe current barriers and examples of good practices, and offer suggestions for how researchers, funding agencies, and educational institutions can help accelerate the adoption of urgently needed informatics-based toolsets for science in the 21st century.
EPIC VOICES IN STATIUS’ ACHILLEID: CALCHAS’ VISION AND ULYSSES’ PLAN
Authors: Econimo Francesca
Published: November 2021

This article deals with Calchas’ prophecy and Diomedes’ and Ulysses’ interventions during the mustering of the Greeks at Aulis in Statius’ Achilleid (1.514–52). It will be argued that Calchas and Ulysses embody two different approaches to the generic tensions of the new epic which Statius’ poem represents. Calchas, the old uates of the Homeric tradition, seems unable to fully understand the ‘poetics of illusion’ enacted by Thetis and Achilles in disguise, as is clear from his vision. His point of view is skilfully complemented by Ulysses, who turns out to be the true uates, as well as the perfect leader for Achilles’ rescue. As the only figure who can face the fluid and ambiguous reality of the poem and its literary dynamics as well, Ulysses also stands as a poetic voice himself; through his speech, Statius reflects upon the tensions of his epic and the poetic effort needed to channel the narrative from the peaceful setting of Scyros to the martial horizon of Troy.
SOME CONSIDERATIONS ON THE ATTRIBUTION OF THE ‘NEW APULEIUS’
Authors: Nikolaev Dmitry , Shumilin Mikhail
Published: November 2021

The ‘New Apuleius’ is a set of Latin summaries of Plato's works first published in 2016 by Justin Stover, who attributed it to Apuleius. The present article attempts to assess two key aspects of Stover's argument, viz. his reconstruction of the manuscript transmission of the new text and his use of computer-assisted stylometric techniques. The authors suggest that both strands of his argument are inconclusive. First, it is argued that the transposition of gatherings in the archetype of the Apuleian philosophica as envisaged by Stover is highly unrealistic. Second, replications of Stover's stylometric experiments show that their results are highly dependent on the particular algorithm settings and on the composition of the corpus. It is further shown that Stover's choice of highly specialized stylometric techniques is suboptimal, because popular generalist methods for statistical data analysis are demonstrably more successful in correctly identifying authors of Latin text fragments and do not support the case for Apuleius’ authorship of the new text. The authors conclude that there are no solid grounds to conclude that the ‘New Apuleius’ was indeed written by Apuleius.
Childhood trauma, antipsychotic medication, and symptom remission in first-episode psychosis
Authors: Ottesen Akiah , T. V. Hegelstad W. , Joa Inge , Opjordsmoen Stein E. , Rund Bjørn Rishovd , Røssberg Jan Ivar , Simonsen Erik , Johannessen Jan Olav , Larsen Tor K. , Haahr Ulrik Helt , McGlashan Thomas H. , Friis Svein , Melle Ingrid
Published: November 2021

Background

To what extent psychotic symptoms in first-episode psychosis (FEP) with a history of childhood interpersonal trauma (CIT) are less responsive to antipsychotic medication is not known. In this longitudinal study, we compare symptom trajectories and remission over the first 2 years of treatment in FEP with and without CIT and examine if differences are linked to the use of antipsychotics.

Methods

FEP (N = 191) were recruited from in- and outpatient services 1997–2000, and assessed at baseline, 3 months, 1 and 2 years. Inclusion criteria were 15–65 years, actively psychotic with a DSM-IV diagnosis of psychotic disorder and no previous adequate treatment for psychosis. Antipsychotic medication is reported as defined daily dosage (DDD). CIT (<18) was assessed with the Brief Betrayal Trauma Survey, and symptomatic remission based on scores from the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale.

Results

CIT (n = 63, 33%) was not associated with symptomatic remission at 2 years follow-up (71% in remission, 14% in relapse), or time to first remission (CIT 12/ no-CIT 9 weeks, p = 0.51). Those with CIT had significantly more severe positive, depressive, and excited symptoms. FEP with physical (N = 39, 20%) or emotional abuse (N = 22, 14, 7%) had higher DDD at 1 year (p < 0.05). Mean DDD did not excerpt a significant between-group effect on symptom trajectories of positive symptoms.

Conclusion

Results indicate that antipsychotic medication is equally beneficial in the achievement of symptomatic remission in FEP after 2 years independent of CIT. Still, FEP patients with CIT had more severe positive, depressive, and excited symptoms throughout.
Parks over Pasture: Enclosing the Commons in Postbellum New Orleans
Authors: Gallo Steve
Published: November 2021

This article examines the enclosure of the de facto commons that surrounded New Orleans during the final decades of the nineteenth century and argues that public parks were crucial tools deployed by civic elites on behalf of that initiative. As the regulatory efforts of reform-minded mayor Joseph A. Shakspeare failed to eliminate the persistent “cattle nuisance” that emanated from the undeveloped suburbs, he turned to parks as a means of fundamentally transforming the character of the land. By physically enclosing large swathes of acreage, conditioning the public to be urban subjects, and associating the area with leisure rather than agrarian production, the parks made it possible for the city’s modernizers to push dairy farmers out of the area and initiate a process of residential development. By examining this strategic use of greenspace in Gilded Age-era New Orleans, this article seeks to shed new light on the ways in which the urban environment was manipulated in service of the broader New South movement.
Seasonal Change in Satellite‐Retrieved Lower‐Tropospheric Ice‐Cloud Fraction Over the Southern Ocean
Authors: Sato Kazutoshi , Inoue Jun
Published: November 2021

This study investigated the temperature and fraction of lower‐tropospheric ice cloud over Antarctica and the Southern Ocean (SO) using Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation satellite data. Over the SO, the maximum low‐level ice‐cloud fraction below 2 km is observed at cold temperatures (<−25°C); however, local maxima of low‐level ice‐cloud fraction are observed at temperatures >−7.5°C (>−17.5°C) during summer (winter). High fractions of low‐level ice cloud observed at higher temperatures over near‐coastal Antarctic sea ice areas in summer, coincident with the highest chlorophyll‐a concentrations, and over coastal Antarctic ice‐covered areas in winter, suggest that marine aerosols act as ice‐nucleating particles for ice‐cloud formation during summer and winter.
Predictable Pattern of Precipitation Over Asian Summer Monsoon Regions
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Tang Youmin
Published: November 2021

Precipitation prediction has been a challenging issue. The predictable pattern of Asian summer monsoon (ASM) precipitation is identified by the average predictable time method and precipitation hindcasts from the European Centre For Medium Range Weather Forecasts. The leading predictable pattern is characterized by a dipole pattern with the first center spanning from the northeast Bay of Bengal eastward to the western North Pacific, and the opposite center mainly in the Maritime Continent. It provides skillful prediction up to 21–24 days, far exceeding the skill averaged over the ASM (less than 5 days). Empirical mode decomposition analysis shows that the intraseasonal component, contributing 55% of the total variance of predictable components, provides the most predictability for ASM precipitation. The intraseasonal component originates from the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation, which is enhanced by local ocean‐atmosphere interactions. The interannual component originating from the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation strengthens the predictability.