bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical modelling of subglacial ribs, drumlins, herringbones, and mega‐scale glacial lineations reveals their developmental trajectories and transitions
Authors: Ely Jeremy C. , Stevens David , Clark Chris D. , Butcher Frances E. G.
Published: December 2022

Initially a matter of intellectual curiosity, but now important for understanding ice‐sheet dynamics, the formation of subglacial bedforms has been a subject of scientific enquiry for over a century. Here, we use a numerical model of the coupled flow of ice, water, and subglacial sediment to explore the formation of subglacial ribs (i.e., ribbed moraine), drumlins and mega‐scale glacial lineations (MSGLs). The model produces instabilities at the ice–bed interface, which result in landforms resembling subglacial ribs and drumlins. We find that a behavioural trajectory is present. Initially subglacial ribs form, which can either develop into fields of organized drumlins, or herringbone‐type structures misaligned with ice flow. We present potential examples of these misaligned bedforms in deglaciated landscapes, the presence of which means caution should be taken when interpreting cross‐cutting bedforms to reconstruct ice flow directions. Under unvarying ice flow parameters, MSGLs failed to appear in our experiments. However, drumlin fields can elongate into MSGLs in our model if low ice–bed coupling conditions are imposed. The conditions under which drumlins elongate into MSGLs are analogous to those found beneath contemporary ice streams, providing the first mechanism, rather than just an association, for linking MSGLs with ice stream flow. We conclude that the instability theory, as realized in this numerical model, is sufficient to explain the fundamental mechanics and process‐interactions that lead to the initiation of subglacial bedforms, the development of the distinctive types of bedform patterns, and their evolutionary trajectories. We therefore suggest that the first part of the longstanding ‘drumlin problem’ – how and why they come into existence – is now solved. However, much remains to be discovered regarding the exact sedimentary and hydrological processes involved.
A systematic evaluation of adiabatic‐compressed air energy storage (A‐CAES) based on generating side photovoltaic: A case study on western China
Authors: Li Chengchen
Published: December 2022

The variability of renewable energy generation and its mismatch with demand may lead to curtailment issues, which necessitates the deployment of energy storage on a significantly larger scale. A‐CAES is a promising technology for its green ability and technology maturity to serve as grid's load following. However, previous research mainly focuses on system analysis and core component optimal, and the performance of A‐CAES when constructing with renewable resources has not been fully addressed. In this paper, a comprehensive evaluation on A‐CAES is presented based on an annual photovoltaic (PV) output in western China. The A‐CAES is modeled from the systematic perspective and the PV output is classified into four types (sunny, mostly‐sunny, mostly‐cloudy, and cloudy). First, the performance with different weather and different rated power of A‐CAES is fully investigated. Then, performance availability with different rated power has been proposed—the optimal condition occurs with average 5.936 MWh/day capacity and 53.49% efficiency on 1800 kW rated power. The evaluation framework is suitable for evaluating the role of CAES with other sources and such result provides a reference for A‐CAES designing and further application.
Identification of Tau protein as a novel marker for maturation and pathological changes of oligodendrocytes
Authors: Torii Tomohiro , Miyamoto Yuki , Nakata Rinaho , Higashi Yuto , Shinmyo Yohei , Kawasaki Hiroshi , Miyasaka Tomohiro , Misonou Hiroaki
Published: December 2022

Microtubule‐associated protein Tau is primarily expressed in axons of neurons, but also in Olig2‐positive oligodendrocytes in adult rodent and monkey brains. In this study, we sought to determine at what cell stage Tau becomes expressed in the oligodendrocyte lineage. We performed immunostaining of adult mouse brain sections using well‐known markers of oligodendrocyte lineage and found that Tau is expressed in mature oligodendrocytes, but not in oligodendrocyte progenitors and immature pre‐oligodendrocytes. We also investigated Tau expression in developing mouse brain. Surprisingly, Tau expression occurred after the peak of myelination and even exceeded GSTπ expression, which has been considered as a marker of myelinating oligodendrocytes. These results suggest Tau as a novel marker of oligodendrocyte maturation. We then investigated whether Tau is important for oligodendrocyte development and/or myelination and how Tau changes in demyelination. First, we found no changes in myelination and oligodendrocyte markers in Tau knockout mice, suggesting that Tau is dispensable. Next, we analyzed the proteolipid protein 1 transgenic model of Pelizaeus‐Merzbacher disease, which is a rare leukodystrophy. In hemizygous transgenic mice, the number of Tau‐positive cells were significantly increased as compared with wild type mice. These cells were also positive for Olig2, CC1, and GSTπ, but not PDGFRα and GPR17. In stark contrast, the expression level of Tau, as well as GSTπ, was dramatically decreased in the cuprizone‐induced model of multiple sclerosis. Taken together, we propose Tau as a new marker of oligodendrocyte lineage and for investigating demyelination lesions.
Optimal experimental design and estimation for q‐space trajectory imaging
Authors: Morez Jan , Szczepankiewicz Filip , den Dekker Arnold J. , Vanhevel Floris , Sijbers Jan , Jeurissen Ben
Published: December 2022

Tensor‐valued diffusion encoding facilitates data analysis by q‐space trajectory imaging. By modeling the diffusion signal of heterogeneous tissues with a diffusion tensor distribution (DTD) and modulating the encoding tensor shape, this novel approach allows disentangling variations in diffusivity from microscopic anisotropy, orientation dispersion, and mixtures of multiple isotropic diffusivities. To facilitate the estimation of the DTD parameters, a parsimonious acquisition scheme coupled with an accurate and precise estimation of the DTD is needed. In this work, we create two precision‐optimized acquisition schemes: one that maximizes the precision of the raw DTD parameters, and another that maximizes the precision of the scalar measures derived from the DTD. The improved precision of these schemes compared to a naïve sampling scheme is demonstrated in both simulations and real data. Furthermore, we show that the weighted linear least squares (WLLS) estimator that uses the squared reciprocal of the noisy signal as weights can be biased, whereas the iteratively WLLS estimator with the squared reciprocal of the predicted signal as weights outperforms the conventional unweighted linear LS and nonlinear LS estimators in terms of accuracy and precision. Finally, we show that the use of appropriate constraints can considerably increase the precision of the estimator with only a limited decrease in accuracy.
Is clinical coordination across care levels different according to the secondary care medical speciality? Results from the Catalan health system
Authors: Campaz‐Landazabal Daniela , Esteve‐Matalí Laura , Vargas Ingrid , Sitjas Eric , Plaja Pere , Sánchez Elvira , Ramon Isabel , Vázquez María Luisa
Published: December 2022

Background

Despite the scarce evidence, some studies suggest that cross‐level clinical coordination may vary among secondary care (SC) doctors, influenced by their speciality and organisational model, including degree of decentralisation to primary care (PC). The aim was to determine the differences in experience and perception of cross‐level clinical coordination and related factors according to the SC doctor's speciality in the Catalan health system.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study, based on an on‐line survey using the COORDENA‐CAT questionnaire, to SC doctors (n = 1666). Descriptive and multivariate analysis were used to compare five groups of SC specialities (decentralised, hospital‐based, internists/geriatricians, gynaecologist, and paediatricians), for experience, perception and factors related to coordination.

Results

When comparing with decentralised specialities, hospital‐based specialities and internal medicine/geriatrics reported lower care consistency and follow up across levels, while gynaecology and paediatrics, higher accessibility. General perception of cross‐level coordination was lower in hospital‐based specialities (PR:0.80, 95% CI 0.72–0.89) and higher in gynaecology (PR:1.36, 95% CI 1.18–1.56). Moreover, hospital‐based specialities reported a lower use of some coordination mechanisms and lower knowledge of the primary care doctors (PR:0.42, 95% CI 0.23–0.72), while gynaecology a higher knowledge (PR:2.04, 95% CI 1.22–3.45).

Conclusions

Results show differences in experience, perception of coordination, organisational and interactional factors across specialities. These differences may be explained by their complexity, coordination needs and organisational model. Further research is needed to clarify and understand the causes of such differences and the particular needs of coordination of each speciality to identify strategies to improve cross‐level clinical coordination.
Prevalence of common adverse events experienced following COVID‐19 vaccination and its associated factors in Ghana: Cross‐sectional study design
Authors: Boi‐Dsane Naa A. A. , Dzudzor Bartholomew , Alhassan Yakubu , Aheto Justice M. K.
Published: December 2022

Background and Aims

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) (COVID‐19) pandemic devasted the general life of people and various human activities across the globe, and Ghana is of no exception. This led to development of vaccines within record time to combat morbidity and mortality associated with the virus. In Ghana, COVID‐19 vaccines were introduced in addition to existing COVID‐19 protocols. However, the vaccines have adverse events among those who received them. In this study, we determined the prevalence of some common adverse events of the COVID‐19 vaccines and its associated sociodemographic factors in Ghana.

Methods

An online snowball cross‐sectional survey was conducted between April and June 2021 among 240 people who had taken at least one dose of any of the COVID‐19 vaccines approved in Ghana. The penalized binary logistic regression model was used to assess the factors associated with experience of at least one adverse event and the experience of number of adverse events using Stata version 16.

Results

Among the 240 participants, 88.2% had experienced at least one adverse event. The most common adverse event after the first dose was pain at injection site (65.8%), headache (57.5%), tiredness (55.8%), fever (51.7%), chills (39.6%), and muscle pains (38.3%). Experience of adverse events was 16 times higher among those who took their vaccines in Ghana (adjusted odd ratio [AOR]: 16.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.98–132.56, p = 0.009), 94% less among those who took AstraZeneca (India) compared to AstraZeneca (Oxford) (AOR: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01–0.37, p = 0.002) and 86% less among 40–49 years compared with less than 30 years old (AOR: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.03–0.58, p = 0.007).

Conclusion

Pain at the injection site, headache, tiredness, fever, chills, and muscle pains were the most frequently reported adverse events. The study identified country of vaccination, country of origin of AstraZeneca vaccine and age to be associated with adverse events of vaccination.
Macro‐financial linkages in the high‐frequency domain: Economic fundamentals and the Covid‐induced uncertainty channel in US and UK financial markets
Authors: Caporale Guglielmo Maria , Karanasos Menelaos , Yfanti Stavroula
Published: December 2022

This article contributes to our understanding of the macro‐financial linkages in the high‐frequency domain during the recent health crisis. Building on the extant literature that mainly uses monthly or quarterly macro proxies, we examine the daily economic impact on intra‐daily financial volatility by applying the macro‐augmented HEAVY model with asymmetries and power transformations. Our study associates US and UK financial with macroeconomic uncertainties in addition to further macro drivers that exacerbate equity market volatility. Daily local economic policy uncertainty is one of the main drivers of financial volatility, alongside global credit and commodity factors. Higher macro uncertainty is found to increase the leverage and macro effects from credit and commodity markets on US and UK stock market realized volatility. Most interestingly, the Covid‐19 outbreak is found to exert a considerable impact on financial volatilities through the uncertainty channel, given the prevalent worry about controversial policy interventions to support societies and markets, particularly in the case of the severely censured US and UK governments' reluctant and limited response in the very beginning of the pandemic.
Ethnic disparity in cervical cancer stage at diagnosis: A retrospective study in an Israeli referral‐center
Authors: Levin Gabriel , Cohen Lior , Brandt Benny , Kogan Liron , Ben Simchon Omer , Perri Tamar
Published: December 2022

Objective

To compare stage and survival of cervical cancer between Jewish and Arab women in a tertiary medical center in Israel.

Methods

Retrospective study of consecutive women diagnosed with cervical cancer in a single institution between 2010 and 2021. We compared Jewish and Arab patients using univariate, multivariable, and survival curves analysis.

Results

Overall, 207 Jewish women and 45 Arab women were included with a median follow up of 20 months (interquartile range 7–46 months). The groups did not differ in median body mass index, mean age at diagnosis, or menopausal status. Arab women had higher parity. Arab women were at a higher risk to be diagnosed with advanced stage disease (≥2b) (84.4% vs. 57% Arab and Jewish women, respectively, P < 0.001). In a multivariable regression analysis, Arab descent was found to be the only independent factor associated with advanced stage disease (odds ratio 3.95, 95% confidence interval 1.54–10.10). Overall survival and stage‐specific survival were not different between the ethnic groups.

Conclusions

Advanced stage at diagnosis was more prevalent in Arab women compared with Jewish women with cervical cancer, whereas stage‐specific survival was similar. Further studies addressing possible contributing factors to inequality should be undertaken to find corrective measures.
Updating the evidence: A systematic review of a decade of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) research
Authors: Silver H. Callie , Davis Schoch Annie E. , Loomis Alysse M. , Park Christen E. , Zinsser Katherine M.
Published: December 2022

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) is a preventative, capacity‐building intervention in which mental health professionals partner with early childhood professionals to indirectly improve the environments and relationships that young children experience. Prior research has demonstrated that IECMHC is associated with positive outcomes for children, teachers, and classrooms. Over the past decade, IECMHC implementation and research have expanded, warranting an updated review. The current paper provides an update of the IECMHC evidence base. Included studies (n = 16) were systematically gathered, screened, and coded for context, intervention characteristics, methods and measures, outcomes across ecological levels, and alignment with the IDEAS Impact Framework's guiding questions. Our analysis replicates prior reviews, describing the positive impact of IECMHC on outcomes such as child externalizing behavior, teacher self‐efficacy, and teacher‐child interactions. Beyond updating prior reviews, this analysis describes emerging, nuanced findings regarding the mechanisms of change and the differential impact of IECMHC. We augment our review with descriptions of evaluations that did not meet our inclusion criteria (e.g., IECMHC in the home visiting context, unpublished evaluation reports) to provide context for our findings. Finally, we provide policy and practice implications and articulate an agenda for future research.
Emerging personality in adolescence: developmental trajectories, internalizing and externalizing problems, and the role of mentalizing abilities
Authors: Benzi Ilaria Maria Antonietta , Fontana Andrea , Barone Lavinia , Preti Emanuele , Parolin Laura , Ensink Karin
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Identifying longitudinal trajectories of emerging personality (EP) is crucial to highlight developmental patterns that might foster personality pathology in adolescence and early adulthood. Research on the exacerbation of personality pathology in adolescence identifies the significant contribution of internalizing and externalizing problems and suggests the importance of considering aspects such as mentalization, while accounting for gender differences.

Methods

In our study, we adopted a mixed‐model approach to (1) explore longitudinally EP (Adolescent Personality Structure Questionnaire; APS‐Q) over 12 months in a sample of adolescents (N = 178, 62% females, mAGE = 15.04, SD = 1.27), accounting for gender effects. Moreover, (2) we assessed the longitudinal effect of internalizing and externalizing problems (Youth Self‐Report; YSR‐112) on EP. Finally, (3) we addressed the moderating role of mentalization (Movie Assessment for Social Cognition; MASC) in this developmental pathway.

Results

Results highlighted a two‐way pattern of EP. No changes were found in the level of difficulties in Self‐acceptance, Investments and Goals, and Relationships with family dimensions. However, significant changes were found in personality functioning in the dimensions of Sense of Self, Aggression, and Relationships with friends. More, changes in difficulties in Sexuality emerged only in females. Also, gender differences emerged in the level of severity of EP. In addition, Internalizing and Externalizing problems differentially predicted difficulties in personality dimensions. Finally, mentalizing features moderated the relationship between Internalizing problems and Sense of Self and Internalizing problems and Self‐acceptance, respectively.

Conclusions

Our contribution aligns with recent developmental models of personality pathology, suggesting that different personality dimensions develop at different paces. More, it highlights the predictive power of externalizing and internalizing problems on difficulties in personality dimensions. Finally, it advances the discussion on the contribution of mentalizing abilities to EP.
Choline and geranic acid (CAGE) ionic liquids inhibit both elastase activity and growth of oral bacteria
Authors: Laird Noah Z. , Phruttiwanichakun Pornpoj , Zhu Min , Banas Jeffrey A. , Elangovan Satheesh , Salem Aliasger K.
Published: December 2022

Choline and geranic acid (CAGE) ionic liquids have recently been shown to have applications in the delivery of macromolecules and poorly soluble drugs across epithelial barriers and in bacterial growth inhibition. Ionic liquids are known to denature proteins by the disruption of forces that guide natural protein folding, and the inflammatory enzyme elastase was recently shown to be inhibited by a variety of ionic liquids other than CAGE. Inhibition of collagenolytic enzymes, including elastase, has been shown to improve outcomes in cases of periodontitis via amelioration of periodontal inflammation and alveolar bone resorption. In this study, we investigated whether CAGE prepared with varying stoichiometries was able to inhibit elastase at varying concentrations and whether these CAGE formulations could inhibit the growth of key pathogenic bacterial species associated with oral health conditions. We found that CAGE was capable of inhibiting both porcine elastase and human neutrophil elastase at concentrations as low as 5 mM, and that CAGE formulations were effective at inhibiting the growth of all tested pathogenic oral bacteria. The inhibition of elastase by CAGE may be a mechanism by which CAGE can improve outcomes in periodontitis independent from CAGE's known antibacterial properties.
Neutraligands of C5a can potentially occlude the interaction of C5a with the complement receptors C5aR1 and C5aR2
Authors: Das Aurosikha , Ghosh Manaswini , Gupta Pulkit Kr. , Rana Soumendra
Published: December 2022

The complement system is central to the rapid immune response witnessed in vertebrates and invertebrates, which plays a crucial role in physiology and pathophysiology. Complement activation fuels the proteolytic cascade, which produces several complement fragments that interacts with a distinct set of complement receptors. Among all the complement fragments, C5a is one of the most potent anaphylatoxins, which exerts solid pro‐inflammatory responses in a myriad of tissues by binding to the complement receptors such as C5aR1 (CD88, C5aR) and C5aR2 (GPR77, C5L2), which are part of the rhodopsin subfamily of G‐protein coupled receptors. In terms of signaling cascade, recruitment of C5aR1 or C5aR2 by C5a triggers the association of either G‐proteins or β‐arrestins, providing a protective response under normal physiological conditions and a destructive response under pathophysiological conditions. As a result, both deficiency and unregulated activation of the complement lead to clinical conditions that require therapeutic intervention. Indeed, complement therapeutics targeting either the complement fragments or the complement receptors are being actively pursued by both industry and academia. In this context, the model structural complex of C5a–C5aR1 interactions, followed by a biophysical evaluation of the model complex, has been elaborated on earlier. In addition, through the drug repurposing strategy, we have shown that small molecule drugs such as raloxifene and prednisone may act as neutraligands of C5a by effectively binding to C5a and altering its biologically active molecular conformation. Very recently, structural models illustrating the intermolecular interaction of C5a with C5aR2 have also been elaborated by our group. In the current study, we provide the biophysical validation of the C5a‐C5aR2 model complex by recruiting major synthetic peptide fragments of C5aR2 against C5a. In addition, the ability of the selected neutraligands to hinder the interaction of C5a with the peptide fragments derived from both C5aR1 and C5aR2 has also been explored. Overall, the computational and experimental data provided in the current study supports the idea that small molecule drugs targeting C5a can potentially neutralize C5a's ability to interact effectively with its cognate complement receptors, which can be beneficial in modulating the destructive signaling response of C5a under pathological conditions.
Mechanisms of radioresistance and the underlying signaling pathways in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Tessmann Josiane W. , Rocha Murilo R. , Morgado‐Díaz Jose A.
Published: December 2022

Radiotherapy is one of the most common modalities for the treatment of a wide range of tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC); however, radioresistance of cancer cells remains a major limitation for this treatment. Following radiotherapy, the activities of various cellular mechanisms and cell signaling pathways are altered, resulting in the development of radioresistance, which leads to therapeutic failure and poor prognosis in patients with cancer. Furthermore, even though several inhibitors have been developed to target tumor resistance, these molecules can induce side effects in nontumor cells due to low specificity and efficiency. However, the role of these mechanisms in CRC has not been extensively studied. This review discusses recent studies regarding the relationship between radioresistance and the alterations in a series of cellular mechanisms and cell signaling pathways that lead to therapeutic failure and tumor recurrence. Our review also presents recent advances in the in vitro/in vivo study models aimed at investigating the radioresistance mechanism in CRC. Furthermore, it provides a relevant biochemical basis in theory, which can be useful to improve radiotherapy sensitivity and prolong patient survival.
Implementation of real‐time TDDFT for periodic systems in the open‐source PySCF software package
Authors: Hanasaki Kota , Ali Zulfikhar A. , Choi Min , Del Ben Mauro , Wong Bryan M.
Published: December 2022

We present a new implementation of real‐time time‐dependent density functional theory (RT‐TDDFT) for calculating excited‐state dynamics of periodic systems in the open‐source Python‐based PySCF software package. Our implementation uses Gaussian basis functions in a velocity gauge formalism and can be applied to periodic surfaces, condensed‐phase, and molecular systems. As representative benchmark applications, we present optical absorption calculations of various molecular and bulk systems and a real‐time simulation of field‐induced dynamics of a (ZnO)4 molecular cluster on a periodic graphene sheet. We present representative calculations on optical response of solids to infinitesimal external fields as well as real‐time charge‐transfer dynamics induced by strong pulsed laser fields. Due to the widespread use of the Python language, our RT‐TDDFT implementation can be easily modified and provides a new capability in the PySCF code for real‐time excited‐state calculations of chemical and material systems.
p62/SQSTM1 indirectly mediates remote multipotent mesenchymal cells and rescues bone loss and bone marrow integrity in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Agas Dimitrios , Marchegiani Andrea , Laus Fulvio , Gabai Vladimir , Sufianov Albert A. , Shneider Alexander , Sabbieti Maria Giovanna
Published: December 2022

Intramuscular administration of p62/SQSTM1 (sequestosome1)‐encoding plasmid demonstrated an anticancer effect in rodent models and dogs as well as a high safety profile and the first evidence of clinical benefits in humans. Also, an anti‐inflammatory effect of the plasmid was reported in several rodent disease models. Yet, the mechanisms of action for the p62 plasmid remain unknown. Here, we tested a hypothesis that the p62‐plasmid can act through the modulation of bone marrow multipotent mesenchymal cells (MSCs). We demonstrated that a p62 plasmid can affect MSCs indirectly by stimulating p62‐transfected cells to secrete an active ingredient(s) sensed by untransfected MSCs. When we transfected MSCs with the p62‐plasmid, collected their supernatant, and added it to an untransfected MSCs culture, it switched the differentiation state and prompt osteogenic responses of the untransfected MSCs. According to an accepted viewpoint, ovariectomy leads to bone pathology via dysregulation of MSCs, and restoring the MSC homeostasis would restore ovariectomy‐induced bone damage. To validate our in vitro observations in a clinically relevant in vivo model, we administered the p62 plasmid to ovariectomized rats. It partially reversed bone loss and notably reduced adipogenesis with concurrent reestablishing of the MSC subpopulation pool within the bone marrow. Overall, our study suggests that remote modulation of progenitor MSCs via administering a p62‐encoding plasmid may constitute a mechanism for its previously reported effects and presents a feasible disease‐preventing and/or therapeutic strategy.
Androgen and prolactin manipulation do not induce changes in immunocompetence measures in a fish with male parental care
Authors: Cunha Adriano A. P. , Garner Shawn R. , Ingoldsby Erin , Dixon Brian , MacDougall‐Shackleton Scott A. , Knapp Rosemary , Neff Bryan D.
Published: December 2022

Prolactin and 11‐ketotestosterone (11‐KT) are important reproductive hormones in fishes, which may also influence immunocompetence. The immunocompetence handicap hypothesis states that higher androgen concentrations that support secondary sex traits are traded off against a decrease in immune system function. To test the relationships between these hormones and immunocompetence, we experimentally manipulated 11‐ketotestosterone and prolactin in the freshwater fish, bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) during parental care using implants that contained either 11‐KT, prolactin, or an inert control. We vaccinated individuals to stimulate the acquired immune response, then measured immunocompetence as the number of granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes, and the expression of interleukin 8 in each sample. We did not observe any significant differences in the immune measures among the hormone treatments. Our results indicate that in bluegill, there is no trade‐off between androgens or prolactin and immunocompetence.
Brain response in allergic rhinitis: Profile and proposal
Authors: Wang Yao , Song Xiao‐Yu , Wei Shi‐Zhuang , Wang Han‐Rui , Zhang Wen‐Bin , Li Yu‐Mei , Mou Ya‐Kui , Ren Chao , Song Xi‐Cheng
Published: December 2022

In addition to typical nasal symptoms, patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) will further lead to symptoms related to brain function such as hyposmia, anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment, memory loss, etc., which seriously affect the quality of life of patients and bring a heavy burden to the patient's family and society. Some scholars have speculated that there may be potential “nose‐brain communication” mechanism in AR that rely on neuro‐immunity. This mechanism plays an important role in AR‐associated brain response process. However, no study has directly demonstrated which neural circuits will change in the connection between the nose and brain during the onset of AR, and the mechanism which underlines this question is also lack. Focusing on the topic of “nose‐brain communication”, this paper systematically summarizes the latest research progress between AR and related brain responses and discusses the mechanism of AR‐related neurological phenotypes. Hope new diagnostic and therapeutic targets to ameliorate the brain function‐related symptoms and improve the quality of life of AR patients will be developed.
The combined influences of Amazon deforestation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation on the South America climate variability
Authors: Silva Maria Elisa Siqueira , da Rocha Rosmeri Porfírio , Pereira Gabriel , Medeiros Rocha Andre , Mendes Daniel , da Silva Carlos Batista
Published: December 2022

In this study we analyse the climatic impact over South America due to Amazon deforestation for positive (PDO+) and negative (PDO−) PDO phases. The regional climatic model RegCM4 was run from 1968 to 2003 for the domain including a great area of the Pacific Ocean and South America, using 50 km as spatial resolution. The Amazon deforestation scenario is that one extrapolated to the 2050 year. Under deforestation, the results show precipitation depletion over the extreme northern South America and precipitation increase over areas to the south, including deforested pixels and east‐southern sectors. These changes are more intense and occupy larger areas during the rainy season. Simulations also indicate that deforestation may impose a drier corridor following the Andes Mountains oriental slopes, from northwestern to south‐southeastern South America, in the rainy season. The impact from deforestation in distinct PDO phases presents the greatest signals over central‐southern South America, in a northwest–southeast direction. Over southeast Brazil, deforestation presents a slightly northeastward displacement of the PDO+ positive precipitation anomalies, intensifying the precipitation anomalies in the north sector and weakening over the south sector. The deforestation effects are more intense in the rainy season and have opposite signals between PDO+ and PDO−. Over the southeast South America, deforestation provides a weaker signal on PDO+ negative precipitation than in PDO−. The increased air temperature over the northern South America, near the northern coast, due to the joint effect of deforestation and PDO variability is more evident during PDO+ dry season than PDO− rainy season. This study illustrates the importance of considering long‐term climate simulations to better understand the role of deforestation in the lower frequency variability over South America.
Persistent and nonpersistent regional extreme total, daytime, and night‐time precipitation events over southwest China (1961–2019)
Authors: Cheng Qingping , Jin Hanyu , Ren Yitong
Published: December 2022

Extreme persistent precipitation is becoming increasingly common globally, and persistent extreme regional precipitation events (PERPEs) pose a particularly serious threat to humans and environmental systems. This study investigated total precipitation (TP), daytime precipitation (DP), and night‐time precipitation (NP) in southwest China (SWC) during 1961–2019. The occurrence of TP, DP, and NP was analysed under the conditions of persistence over 1–5 days, temporal persistence over >2 days, and temporal nonpersistence over ≤2 days, and spatiotemporal overlap for at least 3 days (i.e., a PERPE) using the objective identification technique for regional extreme events. The results indicated the following. (a) Annual maximum daily precipitation ≥200 (100) mm in terms of TP (NP) was recorded mainly in the Sichuan Basin (SCB) and eastern parts of the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau (YGP), and it occurred mostly in summer. For DP, annual maximum daily precipitation of ≥100 mm was recorded throughout SWC, and it occurred mainly in winter in the Henduan Mountains, summer in the SCB, and spring in western parts of the YGP. (b) The magnitudes of NP and DP differed for events persisting for 1–5 days. The average amount of precipitation with temporal persistence increased during 1961–2019 for TP, DP, and NP. However, the frequency of occurrence of events with temporal persistence increased more in comparison with that of events with temporal nonpersistence. Overall, the frequency of occurrence of events with temporal persistence or temporal nonpersistence in the western SCB and eastern YGP increased more for TP and NP than for DP. (c) In the study period, 22, 44, and 4 PERPEs were detected for TP, NP, and DP, respectively, occurring mainly in the SCB, indicating that TP was dominated by night‐time PERPEs. These findings improve understanding of PERPEs changes in SWC and provide scientific support for implementation of measures intended to prevent and mitigate extreme flood events and waterlogging.
Regional changes of surface air temperature annual cycle in the Northern Hemisphere land areas
Authors: Deng Qimin , Fu Zuntao
Published: December 2022

The regional amplitude and phase characteristics of surface (2 m) air temperature (SAT) annual cycle (AC) over the Northern Hemisphere land area are analysed by the clustering method for the period 1953–2018. The five clusters are found in the nonlinear changes of AC amplitude and the six clusters are found in the AC phase. The spatial distributions of clusters are not the same for amplitude and phase, but the similarity is that both the amplitude and phase have remarkably different trends in the mainland of Eurasia and North America, even though these two regions locate over the similar latitudinal zone. Descending trends of AC amplitude are found for the whole period 1953–2018 in most areas, except in and around Greenland. However, when checking the nonlinear variation and making a piece‐wise linear fit, the abnormal increasing trend (stronger seasonality) appears in the major part of Eurasia after the year 1990. The comparisons of surface radiation fluxes in Eurasia and North America indicate that the long‐term reduction of the reflection and absorption of clouds and aerosols with the declined surface albedo after 1980–1985 may lead to the amplitude amplification after 1990 in Eurasia. In contrast, the variation of surface radiation in North America remains unchanged, where the decreasing trend of amplitude may result from other causes. The overall phase trend is increasing (toward earlier season), but in North America after 1990, the phase shift becomes delayed. The phase variations are correlated to North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) cold season index over almost all regions, especially in Europe.
Predictability of China winter temperature under different intensities of La Niña events in seasonal climate forecast models
Authors: Guo Zengyuan , Ke Zongjian , Chen Lijuan
Published: December 2022

In this study, we focus on the features and predictability of winter 2‐m air temperature (t2m) over China under different intensities of La Niña events. The seasonal and intraseasonal prediction skills of winter t2m over China are examined by four state‐of‐art seasonal climate forecast models. The results show that the China winter t2m anomaly is sensitive to the intensity of La Niña. Strong and moderate (S/M) La Niña events are often accompanied by cold winter over China, while a positive anomaly of mean t2m over China frequently occurs in the weak La Niña events. The intensity difference of the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) results in this discrepancy. All models have a slightly higher anomaly correlation coefficient (ACC) for the S/M La Niña than that for the weak La Niña in leading 1 month (LT1). Both individual models and MME exhibit higher skills of anomaly sign consistency rate (ASCR) for the S/M La Niña, which implies that models predict t2m anomaly over China more accurately in the S/M La Niña events. Furthermore, the winter t2m over China presents larger intraseasonal variability for the S/M La Niña than that for the weak La Niña. Models can capture the t2m anomaly over China more accurately when the temperature varies gently with small intraseasonal variability during winter for the S/M La Niña.
Monthly variation of local land–atmosphere coupling over the Tibetan Plateau in the rainy season and its relationship with the South Asian summer monsoon
Authors: Sun Genhou , Sun Fanglin , Wei Wei , Yang Song , Hu Zeyong , Ma Yaoming , Xie Zhipeng , Wang Jiemin
Published: December 2022

The local land–atmosphere coupling (LoCo) over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) in the rainy season and the possible influence of the South Asian monsoon (SAM) on LoCo characteristics are investigated by applying two LoCo diagnostic metrics to 12‐year observational data at six stations over the TP and the ERA5 from June to September (JJAS) from 1980 to 2018. The validation of ERA5 in estimating monthly mean diurnal evolutions of T2m, q2m, and surface fluxes (Hsfc and LEsfc) at the six stations reveals that these variables in the ERA5 are relatively reliable for the LoCo analysis. The mixing diagram analysis based on the observational data and ERA5 suggests that the monthly variations in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) energy budget are strong and vary from station to station, revealing the complexity of the influence of the SAM on the PBL energy budget over TP. The relationship between Hsfc and PBL height (PBLH) and lifted condensation level (LCL) deficit at the six stations based on the ERA5 reveal a strong influence of soil moisture on PBL growth and convective cloud formation, although the topography may also exert its influence. Analyses of the correlations of the PBL energy budget, PBLH, and LCL deficit over the TP with the SAM in JJAS indicate that the LoCo characteristics over the TP show large spatial variability between the southeastern and central‐western parts of the TP. Such spatial variability can be attributed to the spatial differences in monthly mean soil moisture and rainfall closely related to the evolution of SAM's influence and the complex topography of the TP. The topography of the TP can also affect the LoCo characteristics in JJAS, but the mechanisms in the areas dominated by SAM and by the westerly winds are different.
Raman and synchrotron X‐ray diffraction studies of 4‐azidobenzoic acid under high pressures
Authors: Yang Wen , Wei Hui‐li , Yu Tian‐yi , Ding Jie , Jiang Jun‐ru , Wang Jian , He Zhi‐jun , Zhu Hong‐yang
Published: December 2022

Here, we report the distinct behaviors of 4‐azidobenzoic acid (C7H5N3O2, 4‐ABA) in diamond anvil cells with the pressure up to ∼18 GPa at room temperature by in situ Raman scattering and synchrotron angle‐dispersive X‐ray diffraction (ADXRD) measurements. The analyses of Raman spectra revealed that 4‐ABA underwent a phase transition in the pressure range of 0.8–1.3 GPa and a conformational change at 6.3 GPa, which were supported by XRD results. The phase transition is attributed to the distortion of the benzene ring, and the change of hydrogen bonds results in the conformational change. Above 11.2 GPa, the (112) Bragg peak moved toward a low angle, indicating the increase of the interplanar distance of 4‐ABA. Upon compression to 18.0 GPa, 4‐ABA transformed into amorphous phase that the low amorphization pressure is helpful for nitrogen polymerization. This study provides an effective route for understanding the evolution of the azide group under high pressure, which is beneficial to studying the mechanism of forming polymeric nitrogen.
Particulate and dissolved metabolite distributions along a latitudinal transect of the western Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Johnson Winifred M. , Kido Soule Melissa C. , Longnecker Krista , Bhatia Maya P. , Hallam Steven J. , Lomas Michael W. , Kujawinski Elizabeth B.
Published: December 2022

Metabolites, or the small organic molecules that are synthesized by cells during metabolism, comprise a complex and dynamic pool of carbon in the ocean. They are an essential currency in interactions at the population and community levels of biological organization. Characterizing metabolite distributions inside microbial cells and dissolved in seawater is essential to understanding the controls on their production and fate, as well as their roles in shaping marine microbial food webs. Here, we apply a targeted metabolomics method to quantify particulate and dissolved distributions of a suite of biologically relevant metabolites including vitamins, amino acids, nucleic acids, osmolytes, and intermediates in biosynthetic pathways along a latitudinal transect in the western Atlantic Ocean. We find that, in the upper 200 m of the water column, most particulate or intracellular metabolites positively covary with the most abundant microbial taxa. In contrast, dissolved metabolites exhibited greater variability with differences in distribution between ocean regions. Although fewer particulate metabolites were detected below 200 m, the particulate metabolites identified in the deep ocean may be linked to adaptive physiological strategies of deep‐sea microbes. Based on the identified metabolite distributions, we propose relationships between certain metabolites and microbial populations, and find that dissolved metabolite distributions are not directly related to their particulate abundances.
Side Chain Dynamics of Poly(norbornene)‐g‐Poly(propylene oxide) Bottlebrush Polymers
Authors: Bichler Karin J. , Jakobi Bruno , Klapproth Alice , Tominaga Taiki , Mole Richard A. , Schneider Gerald J.
Published: December 2022

The segmental dynamics of the side chains of poly(norbornene)‐g‐poly(propylene oxide) (PNB‐g‐PPO) bottlebrush polymer in comparison to PPO is studied by quasi‐elastic neutron scattering. Having experimental time and length scale information simultaneously allows to extract spatial information in addition to relaxation time. Tethering one end of the PPO side chain onto a stiff PNB backbone slows down the segmental relaxation, over the length and time scales investigated. The power law dependence of the relaxation time on the momentum transfer,Q, indicates a more heterogeneous relaxation pattern for the bottlebrush polymer, whereas the linear PPO has less deviations from a homogenous relaxation. Similar conclusions can be drawn from the time dependent mean square displacement, 〈r2(t)〉, and the non‐Gaussian parameter,α2(t). Herein, the bottlebrush polymer shows a more restricted dynamics, whereas the linear PPO reaches 〈r2(t)〉∝t0.5at the highest temperature. The deviations from Gaussian behavior are evident at theα2(t). Both samples show a decayingα2(t). The non‐Gaussian parameter supports the results from the power law dependence of the relaxation times, with lowerα2(t) values for PPO compared to those for PNB‐g‐PPO, pointing to less deviations from Gaussian behavior.
KBG syndrome: Clinical features and molecular findings in seven unrelated Korean families with a review of the literature
Authors: Choi Yunha , Choi Jungmin , Do Hyosang , Hwang Soojin , Seo Go Hun , Choi In Hee , Keum Changwon , Choi Jin‐Ho , Kang Minji , Kim Gu‐Hwan , Yoo Han‐Wook , Lee Beom Hee
Published: December 2022

Background

KBG syndrome is a rare genetic disorder involving macrodontia of the upper central incisors, craniofacial, skeletal, and neurologic symptoms, caused either by a heterozygous variant in ANKRD11 or deletion of 16q24.3, including ANKRD11. Diagnostic criteria were proposed in 2007 based on 50 cases, but KBG syndrome remains underdiagnosed.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing (WES) and array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) were conducted for genetic analysis and patient phenotypes were characterized based on medical records.

Results

Eight patients from seven unrelated families were confirmed with KBG syndrome. All patients (8/8, 100%) had some degree of craniofacial dysmorphism and developmental delay or intellectual disabilities. Triangular face, synophrys, anteverted nostril, prominent ears, long philtrum, and tented upper lip, which are typical facial dysmorphism findings in patients with KBG syndrome, were uniformly identified in the eight patients participating in this study, with co‐occurrence rates of 4/8 (50%), 4/8 (50%), 4/8 (50%), 4/8 (50%), 5/8 (62.5%), and 5/8 (62.5%), respectively. Various clinical manifestations not included in the diagnostic criteria were observed. Six patients had point mutations in ANKRD11, one had an exonic deletion of ANKRD11, and one had a 16q24.3 microdeletion. According to the ACMG guidelines, all mutations were classified as pathogenic. The c.2454dup (p.Asn819fs*1) mutation in Pt 4 was reported previously. The remaining variants (c.397 + 1G>A, c.226 + 1G>A, c.2647del (p.Glu883Argfs*94), and c.4093C>T (p.Arg1365Ter)) were novel.

Conclusion

The clinical and molecular features of eight patients from seven unrelated Korean families with KBG syndrome described here will assist physicians in understanding this rare genetic condition.
Mean first‐passage time of cell migration in confined domains
Authors: Serrano Hélia , Álvarez‐Estrada Ramón F. , Calvo Gabriel F.
Published: December 2022

A number of key biological processes involving cell migration in which cells traverse boundaries separating well‐defined tissues can be modeled in terms of mean first‐passage time (MFPT) problems in confined domains. Motivated by this scenario, we consider suitable three‐dimensional domains
on which MFPT functions
, fulfilling a Poisson‐like equation and different boundary conditions on the surface
enclosing
, are studied. By extending methods coming from potential theory, the calculation of
boils down to dealing with inhomogeneous linear integral equations having singular kernels on
. The latter are solved compactly and yield consistent
's for several domains and homogeneous boundary conditions. Moreover, the integral equation approach allows us to analyze the MFPT with mixed (Dirichlet‐Neumann) boundary conditions on
for the case of a closed spherical surface with Dirichlet conditions on most of
, except for a small complementary surface domain with Neumann conditions.