bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simplified method for three‐dimensional slope stability analysis based on rigorous limit equilibrium
Authors: Zhu Dayong , Wang Linghui , Lu Kunlin
Published: December 2022

A simplified procedure is presented for calculating the factor of safety of a slope with a 3‐D slip surface, which satisfies all the six equilibrium conditions for the 3‐D sliding body. By assuming an initial normal stress distribution on the 3‐D slip surface which is then modified by a polynomial function involving five correcting parameters, the six equilibrium equations are established with a prescribed value of factor of safety, which is linear with the five correcting parameters as well as the horizontal seismic coefficient Kc. An iterative procedure is proposed for determining the factor of safety with a prescribed value of Kc, and ensuring that the normal stresses are positive on the whole slip surface. The method is suitable for analyzing 3‐D slope stability, especially with unsymmetric 3‐D shapes, and its application in practical engineering is given, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the present method.
Polyimide dielectric nanocomposites containing functional nanofillers based on multilayer structure: Design, preparation, and properties
Authors: Zhang Ai Ping , Li Xin Kang , Lin Hai Lan , Zhang Zhao Xin , Yang Shang Ke , Zhang Xun Tao , Xiao Liu Xin , Bian Jun , Chen Dai Qiang
Published: December 2022

Polyimide (PI) dielectric nanocomposites containing functional nanofillers based on layered structure (single‐layer: BT@Al2O3@PI, double‐layer: PI/BT@Al2O3@PI, three‐layer: PI/BT@Al2O3@PI/PI) were designed and prepared by using PI as matrix, barium titanate (BT)@alumina (Al2O3) as nanofillers through in‐situ polymerization compounding technology. FTIR tests indicated that PI and PI dielectric nanocomposites have been synthesized successfully. The molecular mass of BaTiO3@Al2O3@PAA oligomer was higher than that of pure PAA when BT and Al2O3nanofillers were incorporated simultaneously, as verified by GPC and intrinsic viscosity tests. XRD analysis showed that the addition of nanofillers destroyed the order of PI molecular structure and reduced the arrangement density of PI molecular chains. Both FESEM and HRTEM observations showed that the nanofillers were homogeneously dispersed in the PI matrix, contributing to the property improvements of PI dielectric nanocomposites. TGA results indicated that adding nanofillers improved the thermal stability and heat resistance of PI dielectric nanocomposites. The dielectric constant of PI/BT@Al2O3@PI double‐layer nanocomposites was between the single‐layer nanocomposites and pure PI. Due to the effective medium theory, the dielectric constant of three‐layer PI/BT@Al2O3@PI/PI nanocomposites containing 5 wt% BT@Al2O3reached 5.43. This work can be expected to provide an effective strategy to fabricate PI dielectric nanocomposite films for energy storage applications.
Total saponins of panax ginseng via the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis attenuates neuroinflammation and exerted antidepressant‐like effects in chronic unpredictable mild stress in rats
Authors: Qin Meng , Chen Chen , Wang Ning , Yu Di , Yu Shangmin , Wang Xinying , Liu Tongyan , Lv linlin , Guan Qingxiang
Published: December 2022

Total saponins of Panax ginseng (TSPG) have antidepressant effects. However, the underlying antidepressant mechanism of TSPG remains not clear. This study aimed to predict the mechanism of TSPG by bioinformatics analysis and to verify it experimentally. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the antidepressant effects of TSPG may be related to inflammation, and CX3CL1/CX3CR1 may play a key mediating role. Wistar rats were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 6 weeks, and TSPG (50 mg/kg/d, 100 mg/kg/d) was administered throughout the modeling period. It was found that TSPG improves depressive behavior and reduces neuropathic damage in the hippocampus in rats. Meanwhile, TSPG decreased mRNA and protein expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and CX3CL1/CX3CR1 and inhibited P38 and JNK protein phosphorylation in the hippocampus. Rat astrocytes were employed to explore further the potential mechanism of TSPG in regulating CX3CL1/CX3CR1. The results showed that CX3CL1 small interfering RNA (siRNA‐CX3CL1) and CX3CR1 inhibitor (JMS‐17‐2) had similar effects to TSPG, that is, reduced inflammatory response, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and phosphorylation of P38 and JNK proteins, while overexpression of CX3CL1 (pcDNA‐CX3CL1) counteracted the above effects of TSPG. It is suggested that the antidepressant effect of TSPG may be achieved through inhibition of CX3CL1/CX3CR1.
Echocardiographic estimation of pulmonary vascular resistance in advanced lung disease
Authors: DesJardin Jacqueline T. , Svetlichnaya Yana , Kolaitis Nicholas A. , Hays Steven R. , Kukreja Jasleen , Schiller Nelson B. , Zier Lucas S. , Singer Jonathan P. , De Marco Teresa
Published: December 2022

Noninvasive assessment of pulmonary hemodynamics is often performed by echocardiographic estimation of the pulmonary artery systolic pressure (ePASP), despite limitations in the advanced lung disease population. Other noninvasive hemodynamic variables, such as echocardiographic pulmonary vascular resistance (ePVR), have not been studied in this population. We performed a retrospective analysis of 147 advanced lung disease patients who received both echocardiography and right heart catheterization for lung transplant evaluation. The ePVR was estimated by four previously described equations. Noninvasive and invasive hemodynamic parameters were compared in terms of correlation, agreement, and accuracy. The ePVR models strongly correlated with invasively determined PVR and had good accuracy with biases of <1 Wood units (WU), although with moderate precision and wide 95% limits of agreement varying from 5.9 to 7.8 Wood units. The ePVR models were accurate to within 1.9 WU in over 75% of patients. In comparison to the ePASP, ePVR models performed similarly in terms of correlation, accuracy, and precision when estimating invasive hemodynamics. In screening for pulmonary hypertension, ePVR models had equivalent testing characteristics to the ePASP. Mid‐systolic notching of the right ventricular outflow tract Doppler signal identified a subgroup of 11 patients (7%) with significantly elevated PVR and mean pulmonary artery pressures without relying on the acquisition of a tricuspid regurgitation signal. Analysis of ePVR and determination of the notching pattern of the right ventricular outflow tract Doppler flow velocity envelope provide reliable insights into hemodynamics in advanced lung disease patients, although limitations in precision exist.
On the relationship between the strength of bonding between topological atoms and the exchange‐correlation energy
Authors: Anisimov Aleksei A. , Ananyev Ivan V.
Published: December 2022

The titled relationship is considered in this paper in terms of the (de)localization phenomenon and its emanation in the positional coordinate space. The similarity between the strength of bonding of a topological atom (in the sense of the population of the corresponding atomic surface) and the delocalization index is discussed. Based on the hypervirial theorem, a scalar one‐particle field is suggested to visualize the consequences of (de)localization for the formation of bonding.
Improved Photo‐Excited Carriers Transportation of WS2‐O‐Doped‐Graphene Heterostructures for Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Wang Lifeng , Yang Guoliang , Jiang Lu , Ma Yuxi , Liu Dan , Razal Joselito , Lei Weiwei
Published: December 2022

Two‐dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides and graphene have revealed promising applications in optoelectronic and energy storage and conversion. However, there are rare reports of modifying the light‐to‐heat transformation via preparing their heterostructures for solar steam generation. In this work, commercial WS2 and sucrose are utilized as precursors to produce 2D WS2‐O‐doped‐graphene heterostructures (WS2‐O‐graphene) for solar water evaporation. The WS2‐O‐graphene evaporators demonstrate excellent average water evaporation rate (2.11 kg m−2 h−1) and energy efficiency (82.2%), which are 1.3‐ and 1.2‐fold higher than WS2 and O‐doped graphene‐based evaporators, respectively. Furthermore, for the real seawater with different pH values (pH 1 and 12) and rhodamine B pollutants, the WS2‐O‐graphene evaporators show great average evaporation rates (≈2.08 and 2.09 kg m−2 h−1, respectively) for producing freshwater with an extremely low‐grade of dye residual and nearly neutral pH values. More interestingly, due to the self‐storage water ability of WS2‐O‐graphene evaporators, water evaporation can be implemented without the presence of bulk water. As a result, the evaporation rate reaches 3.23 kg m−2 h−1, which is ≈1.5 times higher than the regular solar water evaporation system. This work provides a new approach for preparing 2D transition metal dichalcogenides and graphene heterostructures for efficient solar water evaporation.
Engineering Energy Level of FeN4 Sites via Dual‐Atom Site Construction Toward Efficient Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Luo Zhaoyan , Li Xianliang , Zhou Tingyi , Guan Yi , Luo Jing , Zhang Lei , Sun Xueliang , He Chuanxin , Zhang Qianling , Li Yongliang , Ren Xiangzhong
Published: December 2022

Single‐atom catalysts based on metal–N4 moieties and embedded in a graphite matrix (defined as MNC) are promising for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, the performance of MNC catalysts is still far from satisfactory due to their imperfect adsorption energy to oxygen species. Herein, single‐atom FeNC is leveraged as a model system and report an adjacent Ru‐N4 moiety modulation effect to optimize the catalyst's electronic configuration and ORR performance. Theoretical simulations and physical characterizations reveal that the incorporation of Ru‐N4 sites as the modulator can alter the d‐band electronic energy of Fe center to weaken the FeO binding affinity, thus resulting in the lower adsorption energy of ORR intermediates at Fe sites. Thanks to the synergetic effects of neighboring Fe and Ru single‐atom pairs, the FeN4/RuN4 catalyst exhibits a half‐wave potential of 0.958 V and negligible activity degradation after 10 000 cycles in 0.1 m KOH. Metal–air batteries using this catalyst in the cathode side exhibit a high power density of 219.5 mW cm−2 and excellent cycling stability for over 2370 h, outperforming the state‐of‐the‐art catalysts.
Droplet‐Based Microfluidics Platform for the Synthesis of Single‐Atom Heterogeneous Catalysts
Authors: Moragues Thomas , Mitchell Sharon , Faust Akl Dario , Pérez-Ramírez Javier , deMello Andrew
Published: December 2022

Wet chemical approaches are among the most versatile and scalable strategies for preparing single‐atom heterogeneous catalysts (SACs). However, despite their broad application, the synthesis of SACs via these routes remains largely ad hoc, with limited attention to the effect of different synthetic parameters on the stabilization of metal species. As a proof of concept, herein, a microfluidic platform is demonstrated for short‐timescale (<10 s), systematic syntheses of SACs via wet impregnation using a range of metal precursor–carrier combinations. The microfluidic environment within rapidly mixed, nanoliter droplets ensures precise control of the concentrations and residence times of the support particles in the metal precursor solutions. This enables the rapid assessment of the influence of the metal precursor concentration on the uptake and dispersion of the adsorbed metal species, as demonstrated for the synthesis of palladium and platinum SACs based on a high‐surface form of graphitic carbon nitride (C3N4). Extension to SACs based on other metals (Ni) and relevant carriers (N‐doped carbon, γ‐alumina) confirms the generality of the synthesis method. The microfluidic approach opens possibilities for high‐throughput parameter screening and mechanistic studies in the design of heterogeneous single‐atom catalysts.
Acrylamide, acrylic acid, or 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid induced cytotoxic in Photobacterium phosphoreum, PC12, and SK‐N‐SH cells
Authors: Shen Chen , Wang Chen , Zhao Sheng , Guo Qiangzhi
Published: December 2022

In enhancing oil recovery, more and more new water‐soluble polymers are developed to replace the high toxicity and low stability acrylamide (ACR) monomer. The common replacement monomer is acrylic acid (AA) and 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid (AMPS), which are considered safe and efficient. In this study, AA, ACR and AMPS caused remarkable cytotoxicity in Photobacterium phosphoreum, the rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12) and the Human neuroblastoma cells (SK‐N‐SH). ACR is much more lethal than AA and AMPS in PC12 and SK‐N‐SH cells, meanwhile, the toxicity of AA and AMPS decreases with the decrease of acid. Furthermore, similar to ACR, AA, and AMPS can induce severe DNA double‐strand breakage in PC12 and SK‐N‐SH cells. Both AA and ACR can cause cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase in PC12 and SK‐N‐SH cells. In addition, like ACR, AA, and AMPS can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial‐dependent apoptosis in both PC12 and SK‐N‐SH cells. The acute toxicity of AA and AMPS is lower than ACR, however, the decline in acute toxicity in monomers does not mean toxic‐free. We should focus on the toxicity of AA and ACR and reduce occupational contact to protect employee occupational health.
Identification of potential antigenic peptides of Brucella through proteome and peptidome
Authors: Pei Meijuan , Dong Ao , Ma Xueping , Li Shulei , Guo Yan , Li Menglan , Wang Zhenghui , Wang Hengliang , Zhu Li , Pan Chao , Wang Yufei
Published: December 2022

Background

Brucellosis, caused by Brucella spp., is a major zoonotic public health threat. Although several Brucella vaccines have been demonstrated for use in animals, Brucella spp. can cause human infection and to date, there are no human‐use vaccines licensed by any agency. Recently, methods in vaccine informatics have made major breakthroughs in peptide‐based epitopes, opening up a new avenue of vaccine development.

Objectives

The purpose of this article was to identify potential antigenic peptides in Brucella by proteome and peptidome analyses.

Methods

Mouse infection models were first established by injection with Brucella and spleen protein profiles were then analysed. Subsequently, the major histocompatibility complex class I or II (major histocompatibility complex [MHC]‐I/II)‐binding peptides in blood samples were collected by immunoprecipitation and peptides derived from Brucella proteins were identified through liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). These peptides were then evaluated in a variety of ways, such as in terms of conservation in Brucella and synchronicity in predicted peptides (similarity and coverage), which allowed us to more effectively measure their antigenic potential.

Results

The expression of the inflammatory cytokines IL1B and IFN‐γ was significantly altered in the spleen of infected mice and some Brucella proteins, such as Muri, AcpP and GroES, were also detected. Meanwhile, in blood, 35 peptides were identified and most showed high conservation, highlighting their potential as antigen epitopes for vaccine development. In particular, we identified four proteins containing both MHC‐I‐ and MHC‐II‐binding peptides including AtpA, AtpD, DnaK and BAbS19_II02030. They were also compared with the predicted peptides to estimate their reliability.

Conclusions

The peptides we screened could bind to MHC molecules. After being stimulated with antigen T epitopes, Memory T cells can stimulate T cell activation and promote immune responses. Our results indicated that the peptides we identified may be good candidate targets for the design of subunit vaccines and these results pave the way for the study of safer vaccines against Brucella.
Successful conservative management of epidural gas accumulation and haematoma formation following a lateral corpectomy in a dog
Authors: Madden Megan , Atkins Callum , Khan Zohra , Israeliantz Nicolas , Liuti Tiziana , Faller Kiterie
Published: December 2022

A 9‐year‐8‐month‐old, male, neutered labrador crossbreed dog was presented for evaluation of a chronic, progressive pelvic limb ataxia and thoracolumbar hyperaesthesia. The patient was diagnosed with a T12–T13 intervertebral disc protrusion and treated surgically with a lateral corpectomy procedure. After an initial post‐operative improvement, the dog acutely deteriorated to the point of severe non‐ambulatory paraparesis, with recurrence of thoracolumbar hyperaesthesia. A computed tomography scan revealed the presence of epidural gas accumulation and haematoma at the corpectomy site, causing moderate spinal cord compression. The patient was treated conservatively with strict rest and analgesia with subsequent neurological improvement. At the recheck appointment 6 weeks after surgery, the dog had demonstrated improvement from its pre‐surgical neurological status.
Characterizations of derivations on spaces of smooth functions
Authors: Fechner Włodzimierz , Świątczak Aleksandra
Published: December 2022

We provide a list of equivalent conditions under which an additive operator acting on a space of smooth functions on a compact real interval is a multiple of the derivation.
Bedarf für die Paketzustellung durch Drohnen – eine Alternative für die Versorgung schwer erreichbarer Gebiete?
Authors: Path Annika , Schaefer Kerstin J. , Straubinger Anna , Habersetzer Antoine
Published: December 2022

Die Versorgung der nordfriesischen Inseln und Halligen ist stark durch ihre Tiden‑, Witterungs- und Saisonabhängigkeit geprägt. Die vorliegende Untersuchung prüft, ob eine Belieferung dieser schwierig zu erreichenden Gebiete mit Transportdrohnen das Potenzial hätte, mögliche Versorgungslücken zu schließen, um zur Angleichung der Lebensverhältnisse an die des Festlands beizutragen. Qualitative Interviews mit Stakeholdern der Region zeigen, dass die Saisonalität der Fähren zu Einschränkungen in der Versorgung, vor allem mit zeitkritischen Gütern, führt. Obwohl die Anwohner*innen Anpassungsstrategien wie Vorratshaltung entwickelt haben, gibt es immer wieder kurzfristig unerfüllten Bedarf an Spezialgütern. Ein anhand bestehender regionaler Versorgungsrouten erarbeitetes Drohnenkonzept zeigt, dass die Nutzung von Drohnen das Potenzial hat, durch Ergänzung des bestehenden Schiffsverkehrs die Versorgungssituation zu verbessern. Allerdings ist der Großteil der Befragten dem Einsatz von Drohnen gegenüber skeptisch. Die geäußerten Bedenken beziehen sich hauptsächlich auf Umweltschutz, Nachhaltigkeit, touristische Attraktivität und die Einsatzfähigkeit von Drohnen bei widrigem Wetter. Somit zeigt sich, dass die Akzeptanz neuer Technologien durch die Bevölkerung eine Kernherausforderung für die erfolgreiche Lösung von Versorgungsengpässen durch Transportdrohnen ist und neben der Untersuchung der technischen und ökonomischen Machbarkeit solcher Konzepte zentrale Beachtung finden muss.
Thermal arrest analysis of the reverse martensitic transformation in a Ni55Fe19Ga26 Heusler alloy obtained by melt-spinning
Authors: Vidal-Crespo A. , Manchón-Gordón A. F. , Blázquez J. S. , Ipus J. J. , Svec P. , Conde C. F.
Published: December 2022

Ni55Fe19Ga26 ribbons obtained by melt-spinning technique exhibit a martensitic transformation from L21 cubic austenite phase to 14 M martensite phase above room temperature. We have taken advantage of the existence of thermal hysteresis of the martensitic phase transition (~ 11 K) to analyze the effect of isothermal treatments on the reverse martensitic transformation, which has been analyzed by means of interrupted heating using differential scanning calorimetry. The experimental findings clearly indicate a time-depending effect in the martensitic transformation at temperatures between the austenite start and finish temperatures. Moreover, it has been observed that two successive martensitic transformations take place after the isothermal arrest was performed.
Ecological niche modeling applied to the conservation of the East Asian relict endemism Glyptostrobus pensilis (Cupressaceae)
Authors: Pueyo-Herrera Paula , Tang Cindy Q. , Matsui Tetsuya , Ohashi Haruka , Qian Shenhua , Yang Yongchuan , Herrando-Moraira Sonia , Nualart Neus , López-Pujol Jordi
Published: December 2022

Glyptostrobus pensilis(Cupressaceae) is the only surviving species of the genusGlyptostrobus. Although the species is widely cultivated throughout China, in the wild it only occurs as small stands in southeastern China, central Laos, and southern Vietnam. However, its low genetic variability, lack of recruitment, and the progressive destruction of its habitat caused by humans, have meant that the populations are showing a clear declining trend and the species as a whole is threatened. Ecological niche modeling is used here to study the present potential distribution, as well as in the future (2061–2080) using several global circulation models under two of the shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP 126 and SSP 585) that are being used to produce the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report. The current potential area ofG. pensilisis of 1,452,481 km2with the areas of greatest probability of presence located in southeastern China. This potential area is reduced for the future according to most models, with greater losses for the SSP 585 scenario. Between 6.9 and 31.3% of all wild populations ofG. pensiliswould be outside potential areas (including the Lao populations, which harbor the highest levels of genetic variability). Conservation measures include the expansion of the current network of protected areas (since over 90% of wild populations do not occur within them), the development of propagation techniques, and the carrying out of translocation activities that should require international collaboration among the countries in which the species is found. With the current knowledge, we have reassessed the threat status of the species under the IUCN criteria, downgrading it from CR to EN both for China and at global level.
Sixth graders’ selection and integration when writing from multiple online texts
Authors: Kullberg Nina , Kiili Carita , Bråten Ivar , González-Ibáñez Roberto , Leppänen Paavo H. T.
Published: December 2022

This study examined students’ ability to select relevant ideas from multiple online texts and integrate those ideas in their written products. Students (N = 162) used a web-based platform to complete an online inquiry task in which they read three texts presenting different perspectives on computer gaming and wrote an article for a school magazine on the issue based on these texts. Students selected two snippets from each text during reading and wrote their article with the selected snippets available. The selected snippets were scored according to their relevance for completing the task, and the written products were scored according to their integration quality. The results showed that most students performed well on the selection task. However, nearly half of the written products were characterized by poor integration quality. The hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that students’ selection of relevant ideas from the texts contributed to their integration of information across texts over and above both reading fluency and reading comprehension skills. The study provides new evidence on the relationship between selection and integration when younger students work with multiple texts, and both theoretical and educational implications of these findings are discussed.
Water quality of Bomadi Creek in the Niger Delta of Nigeria: assessment of some physicochemical properties, metal concentrations, and water quality index
Authors: Iwegbue Chukwujindu M. A. , Faran Timipere K. , Iniaghe Paschal O. , Ikpefan Joan O. , Tesi Godswill O. , Nwajei Godwin E. , Martincigh Bice S.
Published: December 2022

In this study, some physicochemical properties, concentrations of metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn), and the overall water quality from Bomadi Creek in the Niger Delta of Nigeria were assessed over two seasons. Water samples were collected from designated areas along the course of the river and were prepared for analysis by standard procedures. The ranges of the mean values for some water quality indicators were found to be as follows: pH: 7.40–8.17, turbidity (NTU): 20.5–42.3, total dissolved solids (mg L−1): 27.5–44.7, total suspended solids (mg L−1): 34.1–61.7, dissolved oxygen (mg L−1): 3.07–6.53, biochemical oxygen demand (mg L−1): 0.13–2.77, total hardness (mg L−1): 28.3–60.0, and nitrate (mg L−1): 0.37–0.92. Only the turbidity values exceeded the permissible limit of 5 NTU. The concentration ranges (mg L−1) for the six metal ions determined were: Pb: 0.01–0.02, Cd: 0.01–0.03, Zn: 0.1–0.3, Cu: 0.03–0.07, Fe: 0.6–0.9, and Mn: 0.01–0.05. There were no significant variations in many of the locations between the wet and dry seasons. The comprehensive pollution index values indicated severe pollution of the Creek, with Cd, Fe, and turbidity, identified as the major contributors to the deteriorated water quality. The sources of high loads of Cd, Fe, and turbidity in this river system include discharges from oil production activities, speed boats, illegal bunkering, and domestic waste dumps. Principal component and cluster analysis were used to establish relationships between the various parameters and sites. The risk assessment indicated adverse non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks arising from human consumption of the water. The risk is higher for children than adults. Therefore, the Bomadi water is considered unsuitable for drinking and other domestic purposes, and remediation is required.
Human outdoor thermal comfort analysis for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup’s climate
Authors: Lucio Paulo S. , Gomes Ana Carla
Published: December 2022

It is explored, in this work; some well-known classic methods to calculate thermal comfort, contrasting them with a method proposed here that is based on the Principal Components Analysis for the Doha Metropolitan Region (DohaMR) in Qatar. The Principal Components Analysis takes into account the natural outdoor space, which is influenced by the external atmosphere variables. The purpose of the comfort index is to measure the atmospheric variability and the result shows whether thermal comfort increases or decreases from one month to the next or seasonally. Considering the predominant climate characteristics of Qatar, it was possible to identify that among classical and canonical urban thermal comfort indices investigated, the Principal Components Index provides convenient evidence to be also appropriate. The overall vision of the final results of the study is related to the equivalence between the classical climate-dependent thermal comfort indices and the proposal of a self-explanatory index by the linear combination of the atmospheric variables, which captures the greatest joint variability, without a pre-defined equation, but rather by an empirical equation. The observed atmospheric variables determine, locally, the thermal comfort experienced by humans. The main conclusion of this research is the simplicity, and equiprobability, of calculating thermal comfort using the characteristic history of the atmospheric variables that can be used. Based on the principle of Principal Components construction, which captures the largest source of variability through an empirical linear combination.
Biochar–microbe interaction: more protist research is needed
Authors: Asiloglu Rasit
Published: December 2022

Biochar applications have an enormous impact on the soil microbial community and functionality. However, the majority of the knowledge on biochar–microbe interaction derives almost exclusively from bacterial and fungal studies, while the vast majority of eukaryotic diversity, protists, are mostly neglected. Protists play important roles in the soil ecosystem as microbial predators, decomposers, photoautotrophs, pathogens, and parasites and they are essential for a healthy soil ecosystem. Toward a comprehensive understanding of the effects of biochar application, we need more studies on protists across the full breadth of eukaryotic diversity. The aim of this article is to highlight the research needs and discuss potential research ideas on biochar–protist interaction, which would advance our knowledge of biochar–microbe interaction.

Highlights

Biochar–microbe interaction is almost exclusively studied for bacteria and fungi.

Only a few studies are available on how soil protists react to biochar application.

More research on biochar–protist is needed for a better understanding of biochar–microbe interaction.
Seismic waves of the 10 December 2020 M6.6 Yilan earthquake observed by interferometric fiber-optic gyroscope
Authors: Chung Hung-Pin , Chang Sheng-Han , Hsieh Ching-Lu , Yang Hsuan , Chen Chii-Chang , Liu Jann-Yenq , Yen Horng-Yuan , Chen Yen-Hung
Published: December 2022

A newly developed cost-effective fiber-optic gyroscope (FOG) and an existing seismometer co-locating at the campus of National Central University (NCU) recorded seismic waves of a M6.6 Yilan earthquake and aftershock events occurring at around 24.74° N 122.03° E (88 km away from NCU) during 10–11 December 2020. Two nearest accessible broadband seismographs located in Hsinchu have also been employed as measurement references for facilitating the analysis of the detected seismic signals. Conventional seismometers usually detect the translational components of the seismic waves, while the FOG observes the rotational component. The recorded FOG data exhibit high-resolution details of the rotational component of shockwaves, which provides additional information of seismic waves. The shock waveforms of the translational and rotational components, analyzed under the conservation of the shock wave energy density received by FOG and seismograph, are found to be significantly correlated. The correlation coefficients of 60-s data are > 0.85 for the main shock and > 0.86 for the aftershock, while those of the 10-s peak periods are as high as 0.9064 and 0.8953, respectively. The highly correlated data imply that the energy registered by the two devices are equivalent. The optical interference-based rotation senor of the cost-effective FOG provides a high sensitivity of better than 3.6 deg/h and an extended dynamic sensing range as high as 55 dB with the fully sensing ability from $$\pm$$
±
3.6 deg/h to $$\pm$$
±
720,000 deg/h. The FOG seismometer sheds some light on building an earthquake six-degree-of-freedom observation array to have a bettering on the understanding of the seismicity.
Fire Influence on Regional to Global Environments and Air Quality (FIREX‐AQ)
Authors: Warneke Carsten , Schwarz Joshua P. , Dibb Jack , Kalashnikova Olga , Frost Gregory , Al‐Saad Jassim , Brown Steven S. , Brewer Wm. Alan , Soja Amber , Seidel Felix C. , Washenfelder Rebecca A. , Wiggins Elizabeth B. , Moore Richard H. , Anderson Bruce E. , Jordan Carolyn , Yacovitch Tara I. , Herndon Scott C. , Liu Shang , Kuwayama Toshihiro , Jaffe Daniel , Johnston Nancy , Selimovic Vanessa , Yokelson Robert , Giles David M. , Holben Brent N. , Goloub Philippe , Popovici Ioana , Trainer Michael , Kumar Aditya , Pierce R. Bradley , Fahey David , Roberts James , Gargulinski Emily M. , Peterson David A. , Ye Xinxin , Thapa Laura H. , Saide Pablo E. , Fite Charles H. , Holmes Christopher D. , Wang Siyuan , Coggon Matthew M. , Decker Zachary C. J. , Stockwell Chelsea E. , Xu Lu , Gkatzelis Georgios , Aikin Kenneth , Lefer Barry , Kaspari Jackson , Griffin Debora , Zeng Linghan , Weber Rodney , Hastings Meredith , Chai Jiajue , Wolfe Glenn M. , Hanisco Thomas F. , Liao Jin , Campuzano Jost Pedro , Guo Hongyu , Jimenez Jose L. , Crawford James ,   The FIREX‐AQ Science Team
Published: December 2022

The NOAA/NASA Fire Influence on Regional to Global Environments and Air Quality (FIREX‐AQ) experiment was a multi‐agency, inter‐disciplinary research effort to: (a) obtain detailed measurements of trace gas and aerosol emissions from wildfires and prescribed fires using aircraft, satellites and ground‐based instruments, (b) make extensive suborbital remote sensing measurements of fire dynamics, (c) assess local, regional, and global modeling of fires, and (d) strengthen connections to observables on the ground such as fuels and fuel consumption and satellite products such as burned area and fire radiative power. From Boise, ID western wildfires were studied with the NASA DC‐8 and two NOAA Twin Otter aircraft. The high‐altitude NASA ER‐2 was deployed from Palmdale, CA to observe some of these fires in conjunction with satellite overpasses and the other aircraft. Further research was conducted on three mobile laboratories and ground sites, and 17 different modeling forecast and analyses products for fire, fuels and air quality and climate implications. From Salina, KS the DC‐8 investigated 87 smaller fires in the Southeast with remote and in‐situ data collection. Sampling by all platforms was designed to measure emissions of trace gases and aerosols with multiple transects to capture the chemical transformation of these emissions and perform remote sensing observations of fire and smoke plumes under day and night conditions. The emissions were linked to fuels consumed and fire radiative power using orbital and suborbital remote sensing observations collected during overflights of the fires and smoke plumes and ground sampling of fuels.
MANF/EWSR1/ANXA6 pathway might as the bridge between hypolipidemia and major depressive disorder
Authors: Xu Ke , Zheng Peng , Zhao Shuang , Wang Mingyang , Tu Dianji , Wei Qiang , Feng Jinzhou , Wang Haiyang , Chen Jianjun , Xie Peng
Published: December 2022

Major depressive disorder (MDD) involves changes in lipid metabolism, but previous findings are contradictory. Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) is considered to be a regulator of lipid metabolism. To date, the function of MANF has been studied in many brain disorders, but not in MDD. Therefore, to better understand the role of lipids in MDD, this study was conducted to examine lipid levels in the serum of MDD patients and to investigate the potential function of MANF in MDD. First, the data on total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) in serum from 354 MDD patients and 360 healthy controls (HCs) were collected and analyzed. The results showed that there were significantly lower concentrations of TC and LDL-C in MDD patients compared with HCs, and TC levels were positively correlated with LDL-C levels. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that MANF/EWSR1/ANXA6 pathway might serve as the connecting bridge through which hypolipidemia played a functional role in MDD. Second, to verify this hypothesis, serum samples were collected from 143 MDD patients, and 67 HCs to measure the levels of MANF, EWSR1, and ANXA6 using ELISA kits. The results showed that compared to HCs, MDD patients had a significantly lower level of MANF and higher levels of ANXA6 and EWSR1, and these molecules were significantly correlated with both TC level and Hamilton Depression Rating Scales (HDRS) score. In addition, a discriminative model consisting of MANF, EWSR1, and ANXA6 was identified. This model was capable of distinguishing MDD subjects from HCs, yielded an area under curve of 0.9994 in the training set and 0.9569 in the testing set. Taken together, our results suggested that MANF/EWSR1/ANXA6 pathway might act as the bridge between hypolipidemia and MDD, and these molecules held promise as potential biomarkers for MDD.
Effects of acute estradiol and progesterone on perimenstrual exacerbation of suicidal ideation and related symptoms: a crossover randomized controlled trial
Authors: Eisenlohr-Moul Tory A. , Bowers Savannah M. , Prinstein Mitchell J. , Schmalenberger Katja M. , Walsh Erin C. , Young Steven L. , Rubinow David R. , Girdler Susan S.
Published: December 2022

Female suicide attempts peak peri-menstrually—around the onset of menses—when the ovarian steroids estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) fall rapidly. Given preclinical evidence that withdrawal from either E2 or P4 can provoke behaviors consistent with elevated suicide risk, we hypothesized that withdrawal from one or both of these steroids contributes to perimenstrual exacerbation of suicidal ideation (SI) and related symptoms. In a randomized, controlled, double-blind crossover experiment (NCT03720847), a transdiagnostic sample of naturally cycling, medically healthy psychiatric outpatients reporting past-month SI completed two conditions during two different 14-day experimental intervals (days 7–20 where the luteinizing hormone surge = day 0), separated by a monthlong washout cycle. In the E2 and P4 (EP) condition, participants received transdermal E2 (0.1 mg/day) plus oral micronized P4 (200 mg/day as 100 mg twice daily) to buffer perimenstrual steroid withdrawal. A matched placebo (PBO) condition allowed natural perimenstrual steroid withdrawal. Participants reported daily SI and planning (primary outcomes) and indices of depression (low mood, hopelessness), threat sensitivity (anxiety, perceived stress), executive functioning (difficulty concentrating, impulsivity), and social cognitive bias (rejection sensitivity, perceived burdensomeness). In baseline cycles, no participant met prospective criteria for DSM-5 premenstrual dysphoric disorder, but 59% met all criteria except full follicular symptom remission, and 93% showed the highest SI in the perimenstrual phase. Of 29 randomized, 28 were analyzed (14 EP-PBO, 14 PBO-EP). Experimental administration of E2 and P4 (relative to PBO) reduced perimenstrual exacerbation of SI, suicide planning, depression, hopelessness, perceived stress, rejection sensitivity, and perceived burdensomeness, particularly in the perimenstrual (natural E2 and P4 withdrawal) days. Further, delayed withdrawal from experimental E2 and P4 (but not PBO) recapitulated SI, hopelessness, and rejection sensitivity. Acute perimenstrual withdrawal from ovarian steroids may play a causal role in perimenstrual worsening of depression and SI.
MiR-150 blunts cardiac dysfunction in mice with cardiomyocyte loss of β1-adrenergic receptor/β-arrestin signaling and controls a unique transcriptome
Authors: Moukette Bruno , Kawaguchi Satoshi , Sepulveda Marisa N. , Hayasaka Taiki , Aonuma Tatsuya , Liangpunsakul Suthat , Yang Lei , Dharmakumar Rohan , Conway Simon J. , Kim Il-man
Published: December 2022

The β1-adrenergic receptor (β1AR) is found primarily in hearts (mainly in cardiomyocytes [CMs]) and β-arrestin-mediated β1AR signaling elicits cardioprotection through CM survival. We showed that microRNA-150 (miR-150) is upregulated by β-arrestin-mediated β1AR signaling and that CM miR-150 inhibits maladaptive remodeling post-myocardial infarction. Here, we investigate whether miR-150 rescues cardiac dysfunction in mice bearing CM-specific abrogation of β-arrestin-mediated β1AR signaling. Using CM-specific transgenic (TG) mice expressing a mutant β1AR (G protein-coupled receptor kinase [GRK]–β1AR that exhibits impairment in β-arrestin-mediated β1AR signaling), we first generate a novel double TG mouse line overexpressing miR-150. We demonstrate that miR-150 is sufficient to improve cardiac dysfunction in CM-specific GRK–β1AR TG mice following chronic catecholamine stimulation. Our genome-wide circular RNA, long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), and mRNA profiling analyses unveil a subset of cardiac ncRNAs and genes as heretofore unrecognized mechanisms for beneficial actions of β1AR/β-arrestin signaling or miR-150. We further show that lncRNA Gm41664 and GDAP1L1 are direct novel upstream and downstream regulators of miR-150. Lastly, CM protective actions of miR-150 are attributed to repressing pro-apoptotic GDAP1L1 and are mitigated by pro-apoptotic Gm41664. Our findings support the idea that miR-150 contributes significantly to β1AR/β-arrestin-mediated cardioprotection by regulating unique ncRNA and gene signatures in CMs.
A randomized phase 2 study of neoadjuvant carboplatin and paclitaxel with or without atezolizumab in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) - NCI 10013
Authors: Ademuyiwa Foluso O. , Gao Feng , Street Cherease R. , Chen Ina , Northfelt Donald W. , Wesolowski Robert , Arora Mili , Brufsky Adam , Dees E. Claire , Santa-Maria Cesar A. , Connolly Roisin M. , Force Jeremy , Moreno-Aspitia Alvaro , Herndon John M. , Carmody Madelyn , Davies Sherri R. , Larson Sarah , Pfaff Kathleen L. , Jones Stephanie M. , Weirather Jason L. , Giobbie-Hurder Anita , Rodig Scott J. , Liu Zheng , Hagemann Ian S. , Sharon Elad , Gillanders William E.
Published: December 2022

Atezolizumab with chemotherapy has shown improved progression-free and overall survival in patients with metastatic PD-L1 positive triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Atezolizumab with anthracycline- and taxane-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy has also shown increased pathological complete response (pCR) rates in early TNBC. This trial evaluated neoadjuvant carboplatin and paclitaxel with or without atezolizumab in patients with clinical stages II-III TNBC. The co-primary objectives were to evaluate if chemotherapy and atezolizumab increase pCR rate and tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) percentage compared to chemotherapy alone in the mITT population. Sixty-seven patients (ages 25–78 years; median, 52 years) were randomly assigned – 22 patients to Arm A, and 45 to Arm B. Median follow up was 6.6 months. In the modified intent to treat population (all patients evaluable for the primary endpoints who received at least one dose of combination therapy), the pCR rate was 18.8% (95% CI 4.0–45.6%) in Arm A, and 55.6% (95% CI 40.0–70.4%) in Arm B (estimated treatment difference: 36.8%, 95% CI 8.5–56.6%; p = 0.018). Grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events occurred in 62.5% of patients in Arm A, and 57.8% of patients in Arm B. One patient in Arm B died from recurrent disease during the follow-up period. TIL percentage increased slightly from baseline to cycle 1 in both Arm A (mean ± SD: 0.6% ± 21.0%) and Arm B (5.7% ± 15.8%) (p = 0.36). Patients with pCR had higher median TIL percentages (24.8%) than those with non-pCR (14.2%) (p = 0.02). Although subgroup analyses were limited by the small sample size, PD-L1-positive patients treated with chemotherapy and atezolizumab had a pCR rate of 75% (12/16). The addition of atezolizumab to neoadjuvant carboplatin and paclitaxel resulted in a statistically significant and clinically relevant increased pCR rate in patients with clinical stages II and III TNBC. (Funded by National Cancer Institute).
Psychomotor slowing alters gait velocity, cadence, and stride length and indicates negative symptom severity in psychosis
Authors: Nuoffer Melanie G. , Lefebvre Stephanie , Nadesalingam Niluja , Alexaki Danai , Gama Daniel Baumann , Wüthrich Florian , Kyrou Alexandra , Kerkeni Hassen , Kalla Roger , Walther Sebastian
Published: December 2022

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder, in which 50% of the patients present with motor abnormalities such as psychomotor slowing. Slow spontaneous gait has been reported in schizophrenia. However, comprehensive objective instrumental assessments of multiple gait conditions are missing. Finally, the specific gait patterns of subjects with psychomotor slowing are still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to objectively assess multiple gait parameters at different walking conditions in patients with schizophrenia with and without psychomotor slowing. Also, we hypothesised gait impairments to correlate with expert ratings of hypokinetic movement disorders and negative symptoms. We collected gait data (GAITRite®) in 70 patients with psychomotor slowing (SRRS (Salpetriere retardation rating scale) ≥15), 22 non-psychomotor slowed patients (SRRS < 15), and 42 healthy controls. Participants performed four walking conditions (self-selected speed, maximum speed, head reclined, and eyes closed) and six gait parameters were extracted (velocity, cadence, stride length, functional ambulation profile (FAP), and variance of stride length and time). Patients with psychomotor slowing presented slower velocity, lower cadence, and shorter stride length in all walking conditions compared to healthy controls, with the non-slowed patients in an intermediate position (all F > 16.18, all p < 0.001). Secondly, slower velocity was associated with more severe hypokinetic movement disorders and negative symptoms. In conclusion, gait impairments exist in a spectrum with healthy controls on one end and patients with psychomotor slowing on the other end. Patients with psychomotor slowing are specifically impaired when an adaptation of gait patterns is required, contributing to the deleterious effects of sedentary behaviours.
Local shape descriptors for neuron segmentation
Authors: Sheridan Arlo , Nguyen Tri M. , Deb Diptodip , Lee Wei-Chung Allen , Saalfeld Stephan , Turaga Srinivas C. , Manor Uri , Funke Jan
Published: December 2022

We present an auxiliary learning task for the problem of neuron segmentation in electron microscopy volumes. The auxiliary task consists of the prediction of local shape descriptors (LSDs), which we combine with conventional voxel-wise direct neighbor affinities for neuron boundary detection. The shape descriptors capture local statistics about the neuron to be segmented, such as diameter, elongation, and direction. On a study comparing several existing methods across various specimen, imaging techniques, and resolutions, auxiliary learning of LSDs consistently increases segmentation accuracy of affinity-based methods over a range of metrics. Furthermore, the addition of LSDs promotes affinity-based segmentation methods to be on par with the current state of the art for neuron segmentation (flood-filling networks), while being two orders of magnitudes more efficient—a critical requirement for the processing of future petabyte-sized datasets.