bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A wug-shaped curve in sound symbolism: the case of Japanese Pokémon names
Authors: Kawahara Shigeto
Published: December 2020

An experiment showed that Japanese speakers’ judgement of Pokémons’ evolution status on the basis of nonce names is affected both by mora count and by the presence of a voiced obstruent. The effects of mora count are a case of counting cumulativity, and the interaction between the two factors a case of ganging-up cumulativity. Together, the patterns result in what Hayes (2020) calls ‘wug-shaped curves’, a quantitative signature predicted by MaxEnt. I show in this paper that the experimental results can indeed be successfully modelled with MaxEnt, and also that Stochastic Optimality Theory faces an interesting set of challenges. The study was inspired by a proposal made within formal phonology, and reveals important previously understudied aspects of sound symbolism. In addition, it demonstrates how cumulativity is manifested in linguistic patterns. The work here shows that formal phonology and research on sound symbolism can be mutually beneficial.
Learning by Creating: Making Games in a Political Science Course
Authors: Shin Sangbum
Published: December 2020

This article describes a project-based course titled “International Relations and Games” in which students were required to create game rules and scenarios using IR concepts, theories, approaches, and topics. Although students learned through participation in games and simulations in previous classes, they acquired further knowledge by developing their own games—a case of “learning by creating.” The course was designed with expectations that (1) game-creation activities would facilitate peer-based and self-directed learning; (2) it would help improve students’ creativity; and (3) it would enable students to understand the importance and utility of discipline in the world beyond their classroom. Students conducted three game-creation projects in the semester. Based on the instructor’s observations, student surveys, and personal-interview results, it is concluded that all three expectations were met—especially that students felt as if they were leading the class.
Effectiveness of intravenous ketamine in mood disorder patients with a history of neurostimulation
Authors: Rodrigues Nelson B. , Siegel Ashley , Lipsitz Orly , Cha Danielle S. , Gill Hartej , Nasri Flora , Simonson Kevin , Shekotikhina Margarita , Lee Yena , Subramaniapillai Mehala , Kratiuk Kevin , Lin Kangguang , Ho Roger , Mansur Rodrigo B. , McIntyre Roger S. , Rosenblat Joshua D.
Published: December 2020

Background

Patients unsuccessfully treated by neurostimulation may represent a highly intractable subgroup of depression. While the efficacy of intravenous (IV) ketamine has been established in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), there is an interest to evaluate its effectiveness in a subpopulation with a history of neurostimulation.

Methods

This retrospective, posthoc analysis compared the effects of four infusions of IV ketamine in 135 (x̄ = 44 ± 15.4 years of age) neurostimulation-naïve patients to 103 (x̄ = 47 ± 13.9 years of age) patients with a history of neurostimulation. The primary outcome evaluated changes in depression severity, measured by the Quick Inventory for Depression Symptomatology-Self Report 16-Item (QIDS-SR16). Secondary outcomes evaluated suicidal ideation (SI), anxiety severity, measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item (GAD-7), and consummatory anhedonia, measured by the Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS).

Results

Following four infusions, both cohorts reported a significant reduction in QIDS-SR16 Total Score (F (4, 648) = 73.4, P < .001), SI (F (4, 642) = 28.6, P < .001), GAD-7 (F (2, 265) = 53.8, P < .001), and SHAPS (F (2, 302) = 45.9, P < .001). No between-group differences emerged. Overall, the neurostimulation-naïve group had a mean reduction in QIDS-SR16 Total Score of 6.4 (standard deviation [SD] = 5.3), whereas the history of neurostimulation patients reported a 4.3 (SD = 5.3) point reduction.

Conclusion

IV ketamine was effective in reducing symptoms of depression, SI, anxiety, and anhedonia in both cohorts in this large, well-characterized community-based sample of adults with TRD.
Are young people with primary social anxiety disorder less likely to recover following generic CBT compared to young people with other primary anxiety disorders? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Evans Rachel , Clark David M. , Leigh Eleanor
Published: December 2020

Background:

Social anxiety disorder (SoAD) in youth is often treated with a generic form of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Some studies have suggested that primary SoAD is associated with lower recovery rates following generic CBT compared with other anxiety disorders.

Aims:

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated recovery rates following generic CBT for youth with primary SoAD versus other primary anxiety disorders.

Method:

Five databases (PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Medline) were searched for randomised controlled trials of generic CBT for child and/or adolescent anxiety.

Results:

Ten trials met criteria for inclusion in the systematic review, six of which presented sufficient data for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Sixty-seven did not report data on recovery rates relative to primary diagnosis. While most individual studies included in the systematic review were not sufficiently powered to detect a difference in recovery rates between diagnoses, there was a pattern of lower recovery rates for youth with primary SoAD. Across the trials included in the meta-analysis, the post-CBT recovery rate from primary SoAD (35%) was significantly lower than the recovery rate from other primary anxiety disorders (54%).

Conclusions:

Recovery from primary SoAD is significantly less likely than recovery from any other primary anxiety disorder following generic CBT in youth. This suggests a need for research to enhance the efficacy of CBT for youth SoAD.
Informant-Reported Cognitive Decline is Associated with Objective Cognitive Performance in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Nakhla Marina Z. , Holiday Kelsey A. , Filoteo J. Vincent , Zlatar Zvinka Z. , Malcarne Vanessa L. , Lessig Stephanie , Litvan Irene , Schiehser Dawn M.
Published: December 2020

Objective:

The utility of informant-based measures of cognitive decline to accurately describe objective cognitive performance in Parkinson’s disease (PD) without dementia is uncertain. Due to the clinical relevance of this information, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between informant-based reports of patient cognitive decline via the Informant Questionnaire of Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) and objective cognition in non-demented PD controlling for cognitive status (i.e., mild cognitive impairment; PD-MCI and normal cognition; PD-NC).

Method:

One-hundred and thirty-nine non-demented PD participants (PD-MCI n = 38; PD-NC n = 101) were administered measures of language, executive function, attention, learning, delayed recall, visuospatial function, mood, and motor function. Each participant identified an informant to complete the IQCODE and a mood questionnaire.

Results:

Greater levels of informant-based responses of patient cognitive decline on the IQCODE were significantly associated with worse objective performance on measures of global cognition, attention, learning, delayed recall, and executive function in the overall sample, above and beyond covariates and cognitive status. However, the IQCODE was not significantly associated with language or visuospatial function.

Conclusions:

Results indicate that informant responses, as measured by the IQCODE, may provide adequate information on a wide range of cognitive abilities in non-demented PD, including those with MCI and normal cognition. Findings have important clinical implications for the utility of the IQCODE in the identification of PD patients in need of further evaluation, monitoring, and treatment.
Influence of Special Education, ADHD, Autism, and Learning Disorders on ImPACT Validity Scores in High School Athletes
Authors: Maietta Julia E. , Barchard Kimberly A. , Kuwabara Hana C. , Donohue Bradley D. , Ross Staci R. , Kinsora Thomas F. , Allen Daniel N.
Published: December 2020

Objective:

The Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) is commonly used to assist with post-concussion return-to-play decisions for athletes. Additional investigation is needed to determine whether embedded indicators used to determine the validity of scores are influenced by the presence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs).

Method:

This study examined standard and novel ImPACT validity indicators in a large sample of high school athletes (n= 33,772) with or without self-reported ND.

Results:

Overall, 7.1% of athletes’ baselines were judged invalid based on standard ImPACT validity criteria. When analyzed by group (healthy, ND), there were significantly more invalid ImPACT baselines for athletes with an ND diagnosis or special education history (between 9.7% and 54.3% for standard and novel embedded validity criteria) when compared to athletes without NDs. ND history was a significant predictor of invalid baseline performance above and beyond other demographic characteristics (i.e., age, sex, and sport), although it accounted for only a small percentage of variance. Multivariate base rates are presented stratified for age, sex, and ND.

Conclusions:

These data provide evidence of higher than normal rates of invalid baselines in athletes who report ND (based on both the standard and novel embedded validity indicators). Although ND accounted for a small percentage of variance in the prediction of invalid performance, negative consequences (e.g., extended time out of sports) of incorrect decision-making should be considered for those with neurodevelopmental conditions. Also, reasons for the overall increase noted here, such as decreased motivation, “sandbagging”, or disability-related cognitive deficit, require additional investigation.
Direct and indirect effects of poor sleep quality on BMI and waist circumference in a female population-based study in Southern Brazil
Authors: Leite Heloísa Marquardt , Garcez Anderson , Bairros Fernanda , Soares Dias da Costa Juvenal , Olinto Maria Teresa Anselmo
Published: December 2020

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the direct and indirect effects of poor sleep quality on BMI and waist circumference (WC), considering behavioural factors as intermediate variables.

Design:

A population-based cross-sectional study design was adopted. Data were collected between February and October 2015. Poor sleep quality was assessed using the Brazilian version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-BR). Weight, height (used to calculate BMI) and WC were measured using standard protocols. Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and fast food consumption were considered intermediate variables. Non-standardised effects were estimated by path analysis with bootstrapped CI.

Setting:

Urban region of the city of São Leopoldo, southern Brazil.

Participants:

Representative sample of 1117 women aged between 20 and 69 years.

Results:

Poor sleep quality (higher PSQI-BR scores) was significantly associated with low physical activity levels (β = –0·05; 95 % CI –0·09, –0·01). High physical activity levels were associated with lower BMI (β = –0·21; 95 % CI –0·37, –0·07) and WC (β = –0·64; 95 % CI –1·00, –0·30). There was a non-significant direct effect of poor sleep quality on BMI and WC. However, low physical activity showed a significant indirect effect on the association between poor sleep quality and increased WC (β = 0·03; 95 % CI 0·01, 0·07).

Conclusions:

The results indicate that the association between sleep quality and WC is mediated by physical activity. This finding can assist in the development of strategies to prevent and reduce abdominal obesity in adult women.
Food insecurity and its association with changes in nutritional habits among adults during the COVID-19 confinement measures in Belgium
Authors: Vandevijvere Stefanie , De Ridder Karin , Drieskens Sabine , Charafeddine Rana , Berete Finaba , Demarest Stefaan
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To assess food insecurity and its association with changes in nutritional habits among Belgian adults during confinement due to COVID-19.

Design:

Three cross-sectional online health surveys were conducted during March–May 2020. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to determine associations between self-reported changes in fruit, vegetable, soft drink and sweet and salted snack consumption or weight as dependent variables and food insecurity indicators as independent variables, adjusted for gender, household composition, educational attainment and household income.

Setting:

Belgium.

Participants:

In total, 8640 adults recruited by convenience sampling.

Results:

About 10·4 % of Belgians often or sometimes feared food shortages, 5·0 % were often or sometimes short of food without money to buy more and 10·3 % often or sometimes could not afford to eat a healthy diet during confinement. These percentages were highest among single-parent families (26·7, 14·4 and 23·4 %, respectively). Adults who often or sometimes feared that food would run out during confinement had significantly higher odds of decreased v. unchanged fruits (3·53; 95 % CI = 2·06, 6·05) and vegetables (5·42; 95 % CI = 2·90, 10·11) consumption and significantly higher odds of increased v. unchanged soft drink consumption (3·79; 95 % CI = 2·20, 6·54). Similar results were found for adults who often or sometimes ran out of food and for adults who often or sometimes were not able to afford a healthy diet.

Conclusion:

Food insecurity during the COVID-19 confinement measures in Belgium was associated with adverse changes in most dietary behaviours. A strong government response is needed to tackle malnutrition and food insecurity to protect public health from ongoing and future pandemics.
AMC-based antenna sensor for breast tumors detection
Authors: Rao Praveen Kumar , Yadav Ashish Ranjan , Mishra Rajan
Published: December 2020

The artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) formed by meta-materials is used in the micro-strip antenna design for microwave sensor applications. The AMC structures with two uniplanar layers, which include modified square split-ring resonator cells, are repeated and formed into a 5 × 3 array. The antenna's operational bandwidth result is significant, and it is in the range of 2.8–10 GHz with a maximum gain of 11.8 dB. Cancer or malignant tumor cells have entirely different electrical properties than healthy breast tissue. Principal component analysis and specific absorption rate (SAR) are used as a parameter to identify cancer or malignant tumor cells in the breast. The SAR values have been calculated for each layer of the 3D breast model. The results show a difference in the SAR values based on the size and tumors' locations.
Sex- and age-dependent differences in nicotine susceptibility evoked by developmental exposure to tobacco smoke and/or ethanol in mice
Authors: Nunes-Freitas André Luiz , Manhães Alex C. , Dutra-Tavares Ana Carolina , Leal-Rocha Pedro Henrique , Filgueiras Claudio C. , Ribeiro-Carvalho Anderson , Abreu-Villaça Yael
Published: December 2020

Either tobacco smoking or alcohol consumption during pregnancy sex-selectively increases susceptibility to drugs of abuse later in life. Considering that pregnant smoking women are frequently intermittent consumers of alcoholic beverages, here, we investigated whether a short-term ethanol exposure restricted to the brain growth spurt period when combined with chronic developmental exposure to tobacco smoke aggravates susceptibility to nicotine in adolescent and adult mice. Swiss male and female mice were exposed to tobacco smoke (SMK; research cigarettes 3R4F, whole-body exposure, 8 h/daily) or ambient air during the gestational period and until the tenth postnatal day (PN). Ethanol (ETOH, 2 g/Kg, 25%, i.p.) or saline was injected in the pups every other day from PN2 to PN10. There were no significant differences in cotinine (nicotine metabolite) and ethanol serum levels among SMK, ETOH and SMK + ETOH groups. During adolescence (PN30) and adulthood (PN90), nicotine (NIC, 0.5 mg/Kg) susceptibility was evaluated in the conditioned place preference and open field tests. NIC impact was more evident in females: SMK, ETOH and SMK + ETOH adolescent females were equally more susceptible to nicotine-induced place preference than control animals. At adulthood, SMK and SMK + ETOH adult females exhibited a nicotine-evoked hyperlocomotor profile in the open field, with a stronger effect in the SMK + ETOH group. Our results indicate that ethanol exposure during the brain growth spurt, when combined to developmental exposure to tobacco smoke, increases nicotine susceptibility with stronger effects in adult females. This result represents a worsened outcome from the early developmental dual exposure and may predispose nicotine use/abuse later in life.
Renal morphology and glomerular capillarisation in young adult sheep born moderately preterm
Authors: Sutherland Megan R. , Malik Waleed , Nguyen Vivian B. , Tran Vivian , Polglase Graeme R. , Black Mary Jane
Published: December 2020

Preterm birth (delivery <37 weeks of gestation) is associated with impaired glomerular capillary growth in neonates; if this persists, it may be a contributing factor in the increased risk of hypertension and chronic kidney disease in people born preterm. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine the long-term impact of preterm birth on renal morphology, in adult sheep. Singleton male sheep were delivered moderately preterm at 132 days (~0.9) of gestation (n = 6) or at term (147 days gestation; n = 6) and euthanised at 14.5 months of age (early adulthood). Stereological methods were used to determine mean renal corpuscle and glomerular volumes, and glomerular capillary length and surface area, in the outer, mid and inner regions of the renal cortex. Glomerulosclerosis and interstitial collagen levels were assessed histologically. By 14.5 months of age, there was no difference between the term and preterm sheep in body or kidney weight. Renal corpuscle volume was significantly larger in the preterm sheep than the term sheep, with the preterm sheep exhibiting enlarged Bowman’s spaces; however, there was no difference in glomerular volume between groups, with no impact of preterm birth on capillary length or surface area per glomerulus. There was also no difference in interstitial collagen levels or glomerulosclerosis index between groups. Findings suggest that moderate preterm birth does not adversely affect glomerular structure in early adulthood. The enlarged Bowman’s space in the renal corpuscles of the preterm sheep kidneys, however, is of concern and merits further research into its cause and functional consequences.
Season-of-birth phenomenon in health and longevity: epidemiologic evidence and mechanistic considerations
Authors: Vaiserman Alexander
Published: December 2020

In many human populations, especially those living in regions with pronounced climatic differences between seasons, the most sensitive (prenatal and neonatal) developmental stages occur in contrasting conditions depending on the season of conception. The difference in prenatal and postnatal environments may be a factor significantly affecting human development and risk for later life chronic diseases. Factors potentially contributing to this kind of developmental programming include nutrition, outdoor temperature, infectious exposures, duration of sunlight, vitamin D synthesis, etc. Month of birth is commonly used as a proxy for exposures which vary seasonally around the perinatal period. Season-of-birth patterns have been identified for many chronic health outcomes. In this review, the research evidence for the seasonality of birth in adult-life disorders is provided and potential mechanisms underlying the phenomenon of early life seasonal programming of chronic disease and longevity are discussed.
Theory: A Short Guide for Classicists
Authors: Moran Jerome
Published: December 2020

In addition to the ‘Key words’ at the head of the article that are provided for online searches, there are a number of other terms that may be regarded as key words in Theory, i.e. terms that tend to recur in works of Theory, works about Theory, and works that employ Theory, terms by which the presence of Theory may be recognised. Many of these are French (or German) words that an English rendering may not fully explicate. Also, they cannot be fully understood outside the context in which they are used, which is a necessary limitation on books about Theory, necessary though these are for beginners. (Wittgenstein famously said that one should not ask for the meaning of a term but look for the use.)
Covid-19, Classical Subjects and the Classroom: Teachers’ Feedback from Summer 2020
Authors: Dixon Jessica
Published: December 2020

The Classical Association Teaching Board (CATB) surveyed Classics teachers in the United Kingdom from 20th August to 9th September 2020 to gauge views about the impact on teaching of the national lockdown during the covid-19 pandemic. 164 teachers from both the state and independent sectors completed the survey. There were three areas of focus in the survey. First, the impact on pupils of the grade awarding process after the cancellation of GCSE and A Level examinations in 2020. Second, how confident teachers were in preparing for the 2021 examinations after the loss of five months of face-to-face teaching. Third, reactions to Ofqual's consultation process on changes to the format of the 2021 examinations. This article brings together the responses to the survey and details how the unprecedented closure of schools affected the teaching of Classics. It will also explain how the CATB continues to support Classics teachers and the teaching of classical subjects in UK schools.
Ancient Herstories
Authors: Haley Maria , Cosgrave Elinor
Published: December 2020

Ancient Herstories aims to tell the stories of women from the ancient world: the good, the bad and the ugly. It is a blog developed by Maria Haley and Elinor Cosgrave, who became frustrated at the male-centred history modules they had encountered while teaching.
Bringing Classics to the State Schools of the Midlands: A Year in the Life of the WCN
Authors: Grigsby Paul
Published: December 2020

The Warwick Classics Network (WCN) was created in July 2018 with funding from the Warwick Widening Participation Development Fund and the Warwick Impact Fund. Further funding from Widening Participation (WP) and the charity Classics for All secured the continuation of the position of Research Fellow in Outreach and Impact for the Dept. of Classics and Ancient History, a role given to Dr Paul Grigsby; WP funding was also used to cover the expenses of events such as our 2nd July 2018 WCN Launch event and the 2019 Warwick Ancient Drama Festival. For the period April 2019-April 2020 the WCN received further funding from WP, Classics for All, and the A. G. Leventis Foundation, and this report will detail the activities that this funding supported.
Comprehensive High‐Precision Relocation of Seismicity on the Island of Hawai‘i 1986–2018
Authors: Matoza Robin S. , Okubo Paul G. , Shearer Peter M.
Published: December 2020

Abundant seismicity beneath the Island of Hawai‘i from mantle depths to the surface plays a central role in understanding how volcanoes work, grow, and evolve at this intraplate oceanic hotspot. We perform systematic waveform cross‐correlation, cluster analysis, and relative relocation of 347,445 events representing 32 years of seismicity on and around the island from 1986 to 2018. We successfully relocate 275,009 (79%) events using ∼1.7 billion differential times (P and S) from ∼128 million similar‐event pairs. The results reveal a dramatic sharpening of seismicity along faults, streaks, rings, rift zones, magma pathways, and mantle fault zones; seismicity delineating crustal detachments on the flanks of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa is particularly well‐resolved. The resulting high‐precision spatio‐temporal image of seismicity captures almost the entire 1983–2018 Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō‐Kūpaianaha eruption of Kīlauea with its numerous distinct episodes and wide‐ranging activity, culminating in the 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption and summit collapse.
When Cyclones and Conflicts Collide
Authors: Dacey James
Published: December 2020

New research might identify communities vulnerable to political violence in the aftermath of natural disasters.
Representing Model Uncertainty in Multiannual Predictions
Authors: Befort Daniel J. , O'Reilly Christopher H. , Weisheimer Antje
Published: December 2020

The most prominent way to account for model uncertainty is through the pragmatic combination of simulations from individual climate models into a multimodel ensemble (MME). However, alternative approaches to represent intrinsic model errors within single‐model ensembles (SMEs) using stochastic parameterizations have proven beneficial in numerical weather prediction. Nevertheless, stochastic parameterizations are not included in most current decadal prediction systems. Here, the effect of the stochastically perturbed physical tendency (SPPT) scheme is examined in 28‐month predictions using ECMWF's forecast model and contrasted with a MME constructed from current decadal prediction systems. Compared to SMEs, SPPT improves the skill and reliability of tropical sea surface temperature forecasts during the first 18 months (similar to the MME). Thus, stochastic schemes can be an effective and low‐cost alternative to be used separately or in conjunction with the multimodel combination to improve the reliability of climate predictions on multiannual time scales.
Kinetic‐Scale Turbulence in the Venusian Magnetosheath
Authors: Bowen T. A. , Bale S. D. , Bandyopadhyay R. , Bonnell J. W. , Case A. , Chasapis A. , Chen C. H. K. , Curry S. , Dudok de Wit T. , Goetz K. , Goodrich K. , Gruesbeck J. , Halekas J. , Harvey P. R. , Howes G. G. , Kasper J. C. , Korreck K. , Larson D. , Livi R. , MacDowall R. J. , Malaspina D. M. , Mallet A. , McManus M. D. , Page B. , Pulupa M. , Raouafi N. , Stevens M. L. , Whittlesey P.
Published: December 2020

While not specifically designed as a planetary mission, NASA's Parker Solar Probe (PSP) mission uses a series of Venus gravity assists (VGAs) in order to reduce its perihelion distance. These orbital maneuvers provide the opportunity for direct measurements of the Venus plasma environment at high cadence. We present first observations of kinetic scale turbulence in the Venus magnetosheath from the first two VGAs. In VGA1, PSP observed a quasi‐parallel shock, β ∼ 1 magnetosheath plasma, and a kinetic range scaling of k−2.9. VGA2 was characterized by a quasi‐perpendicular shock with β ∼ 10, and a steep k−3.4 spectral scaling. Temperature anisotropy measurements from VGA2 suggest an active mirror mode instability. Significant coherent waves are present in both encounters at sub‐ion and electron scales. Using conditioning techniques to exclude these electromagnetic wave events suggests the presence of developed sub‐ion kinetic turbulence in both magnetosheath encounters.
Statistical Characteristics in the Spectrum of Whistler Waves Near the Diffusion Region of Dayside Magnetopause Reconnection
Authors: Ren Y. , Dai L. , Wang C. , Li W. , Tao X. , Lavraud B. , Le Contel O.
Published: December 2020

Using Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) data, we present a statistical analysis revealing characteristics in the frequency spectrum of whistler waves in the vicinity of the diffusion region of magnetopause reconnection. On the magnetosphere side of reconnection, whistler waves are highly centered around the 1/2 electron cyclotron frequency (Ωe). On the magnetosheath side of reconnection, whistler waves are mainly below 1/2 Ωe and peaked around 0.2 Ωe. The electron temperature anisotropy associated with the waves is evaluated. The occurrence rate of the whistler waves is large in the presence of perpendicular electron temperature anisotropy (Te⊥/Te‖ > 1). However, a large part of the whistler waves events occurs in association with parallel electron temperature anisotropy (Te⊥/Te‖ < 1) on the magnetosheath side of reconnection, reflecting a large number of the total observations with this electron condition. These results shed new lights on the whistler‐related electron kinetic processes near the reconnection diffusion region.
Is There a Tropical Response to Recent Observed Southern Ocean Cooling?
Authors: Zhang Xiyue , Deser Clara , Sun Lantao
Published: December 2020

Despite global warming, SSTs in the Southern Ocean (SO) have cooled in recent decades largely as a result of internal variability. The global impact of this cooling is assessed by nudging evolving SO SST anomalies to observations in an ensemble of coupled climate model simulations under historical radiative forcing, and comparing against a control ensemble. The most significant remote response to observed SO cooling is found in the tropical South Atlantic, where increased clouds and strengthened trade winds cool the sea surface, partially offsetting the radiatively forced warming trend. The SO ensemble produces a more realistic tropical South Atlantic SST trend, and exhibits a higher pattern correlation with observed SST trends in the greater Atlantic basin, compared to the control ensemble. SO cooling also produces a significant increase in Antarctic sea ice, but not enough to offset radiatively induced ice loss; thus, the SO ensemble remains biased in its sea ice trends.
Active Subaquatic Fault Segments in Lake Iznik Along the Middle Strand of the North Anatolian Fault, NW Turkey
Authors: Gastineau R. , de Sigoyer J. , Sabatier P. , Fabbri S. C. , Anselmetti F. S. , Develle A. L. , Şahin M. , Gündüz S. , Niessen F. , Gebhardt A. C.
Published: December 2020

The seismic activity of the middle strand of the North Anatolian Fault (MNAF), Northwestern Turkey, is debated because of its quiescence during the instrumental period, in contrast to a significant historical activity documented by several chronicles over the last two millennia. Here, we focus on Lake Iznik, bordered by the MNAF, to get a new insight into its long‐term seismicity and its tectonic setting. The study of lacustrine sediment cores reveals 14 earthquake‐induced turbidites since their ages correspond to seismic events during the past two millennia. Bathymetry and high‐resolution seismic reflection data allow to describe two hitherto unknown subaquatic active fault structures (the South Boyalica and Iznik faults) that belong to the MNAF system. Sediment cores sampled on both sides of the Iznik Fault document an event deposit and a sedimentary unit vertically offset of ~40 cm interpreted as the last rupture during the 1065 CE destructive earthquake. Older events are supposed on this fault more than thousand years ago. Further studies will help to estimate the horizontal co‐seismic offset of this oblique‐slip fault and the calendar of older ruptures. The current seismic gap of thousand years on this segment greatly increases the seismic hazard in this region and must be considered in the seismic risk assessment of the NAF system.
Radar and Rain Gauge Data Fusion Based on Disaggregation of Radar Imagery
Authors: Benoit Lionel
Published: December 2020

Remotely sensed radar data and in situ rain gauge observations provide complementary information about rainfall. Specifically, radar data inform rainfall location and extent, while rain gauges provide accurate observations of the local rain intensity and its temporal variability. Drawing on the respective strengths of these two data sources, radar and rain gauge data fusion is becoming more and more common to derive both accurate and comprehensive rain estimates. However, combined precipitation estimates are often restricted to a resolution of 1 km in space and 1 h in time. In this paper, I propose to use radar data disaggregation to merge radar and rain gauge observations at a high space‐time resolution. To this end, a stochastic rainfall model is first trained on rain gauge observations and then combined with area‐to‐point geostatistical simulations to simultaneously: (i) disaggregate radar data, (ii) honor rain gauge observations, and (iii) reproduce local rain statistics. The proposed approach is applied to summer rain data collected in a small Alpine catchment, and data fusion provides rainfall reanalysis results at a resolution of 200 m in space and 2 min in time, including remote locations where in‐situ observation was not feasible.
Ammonia oxidation at pH 2.5 by a new gammaproteobacterial ammonia-oxidizing bacterium
Authors: Picone Nunzia , Pol Arjan , Mesman Rob , van Kessel Maartje A H J , Cremers Geert , van Gelder Antonie H , van Alen Theo A , Jetten Mike S M , Lücker Sebastian , Op den Camp Huub J M
Published: December 2020

Ammonia oxidation was considered impossible under highly acidic conditions, as the protonation of ammonia leads to decreased substrate availability and formation of toxic nitrogenous compounds. Recently, some studies described archaeal and bacterial ammonia oxidizers growing at pH as low as 4, while environmental studies observed nitrification at even lower pH values. In this work, we report on the discovery, cultivation, and physiological, genomic, and transcriptomic characterization of a novel gammaproteobacterial ammonia-oxidizing bacterium enriched via continuous bioreactor cultivation from an acidic air biofilter that was able to grow and oxidize ammonia at pH 2.5. This microorganism has a chemolithoautotrophic lifestyle, using ammonia as energy source. The observed growth rate on ammonia was 0.196 day−1, with a doubling time of 3.5 days. The strain also displayed ureolytic activity and cultivation with urea as ammonia source resulted in a growth rate of 0.104 day−1 and a doubling time of 6.7 days. A high ammonia affinity (Km(app) = 147 ± 14 nM) and high tolerance to toxic nitric oxide could represent an adaptation to acidic environments. Electron microscopic analysis showed coccoid cell morphology with a large amount of intracytoplasmic membrane stacks, typical of gammaproteobacterial ammonia oxidizers. Furthermore, genome and transcriptome analysis showed the presence and expression of diagnostic genes for nitrifiers (amoCAB, hao, nor, ure, cbbLS), but no nirK was identified. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that this strain belonged to a novel bacterial genus, for which we propose the name “Candidatus Nitrosacidococcus tergens” sp. RJ19.
Inhibition of RANK signaling in breast cancer induces an anti-tumor immune response orchestrated by CD8+ T cells
Authors: Gómez-Aleza Clara , Nguyen Bastien , Yoldi Guillermo , Ciscar Marina , Barranco Alexandra , Hernández-Jiménez Enrique , Maetens Marion , Salgado Roberto , Zafeiroglou Maria , Pellegrini Pasquale , Venet David , Garaud Soizic , Trinidad Eva M. , Benítez Sandra , Vuylsteke Peter , Polastro Laura , Wildiers Hans , Simon Philippe , Lindeman Geoffrey , Larsimont Denis , Van den Eynden Gert , Velghe Chloé , Rothé Françoise , Willard-Gallo Karen , Michiels Stefan , Muñoz Purificación , Walzer Thierry , Planelles Lourdes , Penninger Josef , Azim Hatem A. , Loi Sherene , Piccart Martine , Sotiriou Christos , González-Suárez Eva
Published: December 2020

Most breast cancers exhibit low immune infiltration and are unresponsive to immunotherapy. We hypothesized that inhibition of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK) signaling pathway may enhance immune activation. Here we report that loss of RANK signaling in mouse tumor cells increases leukocytes, lymphocytes, and CD8+ T cells, and reduces macrophage and neutrophil infiltration. CD8+ T cells mediate the attenuated tumor phenotype observed upon RANK loss, whereas neutrophils, supported by RANK-expressing tumor cells, induce immunosuppression. RANKL inhibition increases the anti-tumor effect of immunotherapies in breast cancer through a tumor cell mediated effect. Comparably, pre-operative single-agent denosumab in premenopausal early-stage breast cancer patients from the Phase-II D-BEYOND clinical trial (NCT01864798) is well tolerated, inhibits RANK pathway and increases tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and CD8+ T cells. Higher RANK signaling activation in tumors and serum RANKL levels at baseline predict these immune-modulatory effects. No changes in tumor cell proliferation (primary endpoint) or other secondary endpoints are observed. Overall, our preclinical and clinical findings reveal that tumor cells exploit RANK pathway as a mechanism to evade immune surveillance and support the use of RANK pathway inhibitors to prime luminal breast cancer for immunotherapy.
Using stable isotopes to analyse extinction risks and reintroduction opportunities of native species in invaded ecosystems
Authors: Haubrock Phillip J. , Balzani Paride , Britton J. Robert , Haase Peter
Published: December 2020

Invasive non-native species have pervasive impacts on native biodiversity, including population extirpations and species extinctions. Identifying reasons why a population of a native species is extirpated following an invasion often relies on literature-based results of anecdotal observations. The well-established schemes of existing risk assessments for invasive species assume that a species’ information (e.g. impacts or behavioural and biological traits) can be projected from one area to another to estimate the potential impact of a species in another environment. We used stable isotope data (δ13C, δ15N) from both invaded and uninvaded communities to predict such invasion impacts by reconstructing trophic relationships. This approach was tested on a community within a protected lake in Northern Spain where, following the introductions of non-native species, the last resident native species (the common tenchTinca tinca, the European eelAnguilla anguilla, and the whirligig beetleGyrinussp.) had been extirpated. Through the application of this novel approach, we found evidence that native species’ declines were related to direct predation by and resource overlap with non-native species, which occurred in conjunction with habitat modification. Using this approach, we outlined the mechanisms involved in the extirpation of native species in the post-invasion period. To compensate for losses of native species induced by invasions of non-native species, native species reintroductions might be an appropriate tool. For this, we further suggested and discussed a novel approach that predicts the outcome of arising interactions by superimposing stable isotope data from alternative sources to better estimate the success of native species´ reintroductions.
Phylogenetic relationship of Paramignya trimera and its relatives: an evidence for the wide sexual compatibility
Authors: Phi Thi Cam Mien , Chu Hoang Ha , Trieu Le Ngoc , Nguyen Duc Bach
Published: December 2020

The genusParamignya(Rutaceae) comprises about 30 species typically distributing in tropical Asia. Like other genera of the family Rutaceae, the significant variation in the morphology ofParamignyaspecies makes the taxonomic study and accurate identification become difficult. In Vietnam,Paramignyaspecies have been mostly found in Khanh Hoa and Lam Dong provinces and used as traditional medicines. Recently,Paramignya trimera, a species of the genusParamignyawith local name “Xao tam phan” has been drawn attention and intensively exploited to treat liver diseases and cancers. However, the significant variations in the morphology and different local names ofP. trimerahave caused confusion and difficulty in the accurate identification and application of this plant for medicine. In this study, the combination of both morphological and DNA sequence data has effectively supported the taxonomic identification ofP. trimeraand some relatives collected in Khanh Hoa and Lam Dong provinces. The comparison of the morphology and analysis of the phylogenetic trees suggested that there was a significant variation ofP. trimera. In addition, some accessions ofP. trimerawith morphological characteristics similar andAtalantia buxifoliawere likely the intergeneric hybrids between the two species. Analysis of genetic variation, interspecific and intraspecific distances using ITS, matK and rbcL sequences shown thatP. trimerawas closely related toA. buxifolia,Severinia monophyllaandLuvunga scandens. In addition, matK sequences represented as the effective candidate DNA barcode to identify and distinguishParamignyaspecies from others of the family Rutaceae.
Flicker fusion thresholds as a clinical identifier of a magnocellular-deficit dyslexic subgroup
Authors: Peters Jessica L. , Bavin Edith L. , Brown Alyse , Crewther David P. , Crewther Sheila G.
Published: December 2020

The magnocellular-dorsal system is well isolated by high temporal frequency. However, temporal processing thresholds have seldom been explored in developmental dyslexia nor its subtypes. Hence, performances on two, four-alternative forced-choice achromatic flicker fusion threshold tasks modulated at low (5%) and high (75%) temporal contrast were compared in dyslexic and neurotypical children individually matched for age and intelligence (8–12 years, n = 54 per group). As expected, the higher modulation resulted in higher flicker fusion thresholds in both groups. Compared to neurotypicals, the dyslexic group displayed significantly lower ability to detect flicker at high temporal frequencies, both at low and high temporal contrast. Yet, discriminant analysis did not adequately distinguish the dyslexics from neurotypicals, on the basis of flicker thresholds alone. Rather, two distinct dyslexic subgroups were identified by cluster analysis – one characterised by significantly lower temporal frequency thresholds than neurotypicals (referred to as ‘Magnocellular-Deficit’ dyslexics; 53.7%), while the other group (‘Magnocellular-Typical’ dyslexics; 46.3%) had comparable thresholds to neurotypicals. The two dyslexic subgroups were not differentially associated with phonological or naming speed subtypes and showed comparable mean reading rate impairments. However, correlations between low modulation flicker fusion threshold and reading rate for the two subgroups were significantly different (p = .0009). Flicker fusion threshold performances also showed strong classification accuracy (79.3%) in dissociating the Magnocellular-Deficit dyslexics and neurotypicals. We propose that temporal visual processing impairments characterize a previously unidentified subgroup of dyslexia and suggest that measurement of flicker fusion thresholds could be used clinically to assist early diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations for dyslexia.
Mapping genomic regions of moisture deficit stress tolerance using backcross inbred lines in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Puttamadanayaka Shashikumara , Harikrishna  , Balaramaiah Manu , Biradar Sunil , Parmeshwarappa Sunilkumar V. , Sinha Nivedita , Prasad S. V. Sai , Mishra P. C. , Jain Neelu , Singh Pradeep Kumar , Singh Gyanendra Pratap , Prabhu Kumble Vinod
Published: December 2020

Identification of markers associated with major physiological and yield component traits under moisture deficit stress conditions in preferred donor lines paves the way for marker-assisted selection (MAS). In the present study, a set of 183 backcross inbred lines (BILs) derived from the cross HD2733/2*C306 were genotyped using 35K Axiom genotyping array and SSR markers. The multi-trait, multi-location field phenotyping of BILs was done at three locations covering two major wheat growing zones of India, north-western plains zone (NWPZ) and central zone (CZ) under varying moisture regimes. A linkage map was constructed using 705 SNPs and 86 SSR polymorphic markers. A total of 43 genomic regions and QTL × QTL epistatic interactions were identified for 14 physiological and yield component traits, including NDVI, chlorophyll content, CT, CL, PH, GWPS, TGW and GY. Chromosomes 2A, 5D, 5A and 4B harbors greater number of QTLs for these traits. Seven Stable QTLs were identified across environment for DH (QDh.iari_6D), GWPS (QGWPS.iari_5B), PH (QPh.iari_4B-2, QPh.iari_4B-3) and NDVI (QNdvi1.iari_5D, QNdvi3.iari_5A). Nine genomic regions identified carrying major QTLs for CL, NDVI, RWC, FLA, PH, TGW and biomass explaining 10.32–28.35% of the phenotypic variance. The co-segregation of QTLs of physiological traits with yield component traits indicate the pleiotropic effects and their usefulness in the breeding programme. Our findings will be useful in dissecting genetic nature and marker-assisted selection for moisture deficit stress tolerance in wheat.
A prediction nomogram for the 3-year risk of incident diabetes among Chinese adults
Authors: Wu Yang , Hu Haofei , Cai Jinlin , Chen Runtian , Zuo Xin , Cheng Heng , Yan Dewen
Published: December 2020

Identifying individuals at high risk for incident diabetes could help achieve targeted delivery of interventional programs. We aimed to develop a personalized diabetes prediction nomogram for the 3-year risk of diabetes among Chinese adults. This retrospective cohort study was among 32,312 participants without diabetes at baseline. All participants were randomly stratified into training cohort (n = 16,219) and validation cohort (n = 16,093). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator model was used to construct a nomogram and draw a formula for diabetes probability. 500 bootstraps performed the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis resamples to assess the nomogram's determination and clinical use, respectively. 155 and 141 participants developed diabetes in the training and validation cohort, respectively. The area under curve (AUC) of the nomogram was 0.9125 (95% CI, 0.8887–0.9364) and 0.9030 (95% CI, 0.8747–0.9313) for the training and validation cohort, respectively. We used 12,545 Japanese participants for external validation, its AUC was 0.8488 (95% CI, 0.8126–0.8850). The internal and external validation showed our nomogram had excellent prediction performance. In conclusion, we developed and validated a personalized prediction nomogram for 3-year risk of incident diabetes among Chinese adults, identifying individuals at high risk of developing diabetes.
Phenotypic and genetic characterization of differential galacto-oligosaccharide utilization in Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Fuhren Jori , Schwalbe Markus , Peralta-Marzal Lucía , Rösch Christiane , Schols Henk A. , Kleerebezem Michiel
Published: December 2020

SeveralLactobacillus plantarumstrains are marketed as probiotics for their potential health benefits. Prebiotics, e.g., galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), have the potential to selectively stimulate the growth ofL. plantarumprobiotic strains based on their phenotypic diversity in carbohydrate utilization, and thereby enhance their health promoting effects in the host in a strain-specific manner. Previously, we have shown that GOS variably promotes the strain-specific growth ofL. plantarum. In this study we investigated this variation by molecular analysis of GOS utilization byL. plantarum. HPAEC-PAD analysis revealed two distinct GOS utilization phenotypes inL. plantarum.Linking these phenotypes to the strain-specific genotypes led to the identification of alacoperon encoding a β-galactosidase (lacA), a permease (lacS), and a divergently oriented regulator (lacR), that are predicted to be involved in the utilization of higher degree of polymerization (DP) constituents present in GOS (specifically DP of 3–4). Mutation oflacAandlacSinL. plantarumNC8 resulted in reduced growth on GOS, and HPAEC analysis confirmed the role of these genes in the import and utilization of higher-DP GOS constituents. Overall, the results enable the design of highly-selective synbiotic combinations ofL. plantarumstrain-specific probiotics and specific GOS-prebiotic fractions.