bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Ocean Equity
Authors: Österblom Henrik , Wabnitz Colette C. C. , Tladi Dire , Allison Edward H. , Arnaud-Haond Sophie , Bebbington Jan , Bennett Nathan , Blasiak Robert , Boonstra Wiebren , Choudhury Afrina , Cisneros-Montemayor Andrés , Daw Tim , Fabinyi Michael , Franz Nicole , Harden-Davies Harriet , Kleiber Danika , Lopes Priscila , McDougall Cynthia , Resosudarmo Budy P. , Selim Samiya A.
Published: May 2023

The blue economy is being promoted as capable of achieving sustainability and prosperity, fair use of the ocean and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ensuring a more equitable distribution of goods and services provided by the ocean represents a major challenge. There is overwhelming evidence that current access to ocean benefits and resources, as well as exposure to harms, is distributed inequitably. This results in negative effects on the environment and human health, loss of livelihoods, limited financial opportunities for vulnerable groups and challenges to nutritional and food security. Powerful interests (including states, communities and economic entities) benefit from existing arrangements. Challenging inequality represents a direct threat to such interests. Inequality is increasingly influencing economic development and political stability. Current and recent examples of social unrest are closely associated with concerns about inequality, climate change, corruption and related societal problems perceived as having an unfair impact. Increased scientific attention to inequality is starting to shape debates associated with the ocean. We argue that there is a general policy blindness to instruments and practices that maintain the unfair status quo, but that there are remedies to such blindness. The purpose of this Blue Paper is to explore ocean inequities and suggest approaches for the just inclusion of diverse actors in the blue economy agenda and the equitable distribution of ocean benefits. First, we define inequity terms and their drivers, as well as how they affect sustainability. Second, we explore policies and practices that have (or have not) worked in favour of equity, while also promoting ecological sustainability. Finally, we provide opportunities for action for policymakers, funding and research institutions, international and non-governmental organisations, business leadership as well as civil society to address systemic aspects of inequities along a spectrum of ambitions, from basic to transformative. These opportunities for action are not intended as alternatives. They constitute complementary and reinforcing action to support and inform pathways to a sustainable and just ocean economy.
Hope and Flourishing: A Cross-Cultural Examination Between Spanish and South African Samples
Authors: Flores-Lucas Valle , Martínez-Sinovas Raquel , López-Benítez Raúl , Guse Tharina
Published: May 2023

This chapter explores the commonalities and differences in hope between Spanish (N = 206) and South African (N = 100) samples based on data collected with the Hope Barometer in November 2018. Furthermore, we investigate similarities and differences in the sources of hope between the two samples, as reflected in the activities that people engage in to fulfil their hopes and to attain the hoped-for targets (hope activities). Finally, we examine these activities as predictors of hope. Since hope is an important predictor of flourishing, we also analyze the predictive power of hope and its dimensions on flourishing in both samples, using two different measures and conceptualizations of hope (perceived hope and dispositional hope). Finally, we explore the role of sociodemographic indicators as predictors of hope and flourishing. Our results indicated that South African participants had higher levels of hope than the Spanish sample. We also found differences and commonalities in terms of endorsement of specific hope activities. The results indicated that perceived hope was a strong predictor of flourishing in both samples, supporting the idea that perceived hope may be a universal motivational need applicable across cultures. These findings highlight the need to carry out more cross-cultural studies on hope and paves the way for further cross-cultural understanding of this important human resource.
In the shadow of state-led agrarian reforms: smallholder pervasiveness in rural China
Authors: Wilmsen Brooke , Rogers Sarah , van Hulten Andrew , Yuefang Duan
Published: May 2023

Agricultural modernisation is a longstanding goal of China’s Party-state. Since the early 2000s, it has pursued this goal through policies designed to facilitate land consolidation and support the expansion of large agricultural enterprises – ‘New Agricultural Operators’ (NAOs). In this paper we explore the effect of these policies on the livelihoods of a cohort of smallholder orange growers in the mountainous regions of Hubei province and the local political economy. An analysis of data from a 2019 survey of 266 households and interviews with villagers, agribusiness executives, cooperative leaders, and government officials, we find smallholder farmers are earning good incomes as independent commodity producers, withstanding attempts by local officials at land consolidation, and bypassing NAOs to self-determine their own modes of production and exchange. Our results speak to the ongoing debate about the future of smallholder farming in China, identify the strengths and limitations of recent state-centric analyses of agrarian transition, and re-iterate the pitfalls of the central government’s agricultural modernisation agenda.
Learning from English and Kuwaiti children’s transcoding errors: how might number names be temporarily adapted to assist learning of place value?
Authors: Hewitt Dave , Alajmi Amal Hussain
Published: May 2023

This study identifies language specific errors made with transcoding tasks to inform possible future pedagogic decisions regarding the language used when teaching early number. We compared children aged 5–7 years from Kuwait and England. The spoken Arabic language of Kuwait gave the opportunity to compare not only languages where the tens and units digits are said in a different order, but also where the direction of writing is different. We asked 396 children from Kuwait and 256 children from England to write down 2-, and 3-digit numbers which were spoken to them. We found that the direction of the language did not affect the nature of errors made, but that other aspects of the two languages could account for some of the differences we found. As well as supporting previous studies regarding the significance of the order in which the tens and units are said, we found significance in the role the word and can play in marking the number of digits involved. We also noted that the way the numbers 20, 100 and 200 are said in Arabic can set up particular symbolic associations which could account for other differences we found. Having identified language-specific errors, we discuss possible pedagogic decisions to temporarily use more regular language for the number names in each of the languages and propose the order in which number names are taught might be different to their mathematical order of magnitude.
Application of dynamic condensation for model order reduction in real-time hybrid simulations
Authors: Mucha Waldemar
Published: May 2023

This paper presents an algorithm for model order reduction in real-time hybrid simulations. The bottleneck of hybrid simulations are usually the finite element computations that must be performed in real time. The common approach to deal with this inconvenience is to involve powerful computing hardware. In the following paper opposite approach is presented—a new algorithm is proposed for reducing the model order. This allows to perform hybrid simulations more efficiently while maintaining high accuracy. The algorithm is based on dynamic condensation where the degrees of freedom are divided into masters and slaves, and system matrices are transformed in a way that only masters are kept. The transformation process is complex however, it is performed offline, therefore a relatively high computational effort is made a priori to make real-time calculations more efficient. The dynamic condensation algorithm was adapted to the requirements of hybrid simulations. The proper selection of masters is crucial for accuracy therefore, a novel approach based on evolutionary optimization is implemented. Numerical and experimental examples are provided. The examples prove that by implementing the proposed algorithms the following effects are achieved: (a) the time step of hybrid simulation can be significantly decreased when using implicit integration (increasing the accuracy of the measured dynamic behavior), (b) explicit integration can be sometimes implemented where it was previously not possible in real time, (c) smaller hardware resources can be involved (all computations in real-time hybrid simulations during the experiments were performed on a small microcontroller).
Progress in the study of functional genes related to direct seeding of rice
Authors: Li Xuezhong , Dong Jingfang , Zhu Wen , Zhao Junliang , Zhou Lingyan
Published: May 2023

Rice is a major food crop in the world. Owing to the shortage of rural labor and the development of agricultural mechanization, direct seeding has become the main method of rice cultivation. At present, the main problems faced by direct seeding of rice are low whole seedling rate, serious weeds, and easy lodging of rice in the middle and late stages of growth. Along with the rapid development of functional genomics, the functions of a large number of genes have been confirmed, including seed vigor, low-temperature tolerance germination, low oxygen tolerance growth, early seedling vigor, early root vigor, resistance to lodging, and other functional genes related to the direct seeding of rice. A review of the related functional genes has not yet been reported. In this study, the genes related to direct seeding of rice are summarized to comprehensively understand the genetic basis and mechanism of action in direct seeding of rice and to lay the foundation for further basic theoretical research and breeding application research in direct seeding of rice.
Exploring the Gender Gap in Teleworking from Home. The Roles of Worker’s Characteristics, Occupational Positions and Gender Equality in Europe
Authors: Kley Stefanie , Reimer Thordis
Published: May 2023

Previous research suggests an under-representation of women among teleworkers before the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we know little about whether such a gender gap was substantial, and whether it could be explained by occupational gender segregation. We explore whether a gender gap in regularly teleworking existed in the EU-28 and analyse its possible constituents, drawing on data from the European Working Conditions Survey 2015. To form a group of potential teleworkers, the analytical sample was restricted to employees who made use of information and communication technology (N ≈ 16,000). Country fixed effects regression and multilevel models were applied. The results show that women were under-represented among teleworkers compared to men, also when occupational gender segregation is taken into account; the remaining gender gap in telework is estimated at 10%. For women, working part-time and working in the private sector was associated with lower incidences of telework, but not for men. Country characteristics explain a small but significant share of telework incidence. In countries that rank high on the Gender Equality Index and have a large public sector, telework was widespread, whereas it was less present in countries with higher shares of women in the fields of science and engineering. The findings support the view that the gender gap in teleworking from home is a matter of historically grown gender inequality.
Assessing fire severity in Turkey’s forest ecosystems using spectral indices from satellite images
Authors: Güney Coşkun Okan , Mert Ahmet , Gülsoy Serkan
Published: May 2023

Fire severity classifications determine fire damage and regeneration potential in post-fire areas for effective implementation of restoration applications. Since fire damage varies according to vegetation and fire characteristics, regional assessment of fire severity is crucial. The objectives of this study were: (1) to test the performance of different satellite imagery and spectral indices, and two field—measured severity indices, CBI (Composite Burn Index) and GeoCBI (Geometrically structured Composite Burn Index) to assess fire severity; (2) to calculate classification thresholds for spectral indices that performed best in the study areas; and (3) to generate fire severity maps that could be used to determine the ecological impact of forest fires. Five large fires in Pinus brutia (Turkish pine) and Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana var. pallasiana (Anatolian black pine)—dominated forests during 2020 and 2021 were selected as study sites. The results show that GeoCBI provided more reliable estimates of field—measured fire severity than CBI. While Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8/OLI images performed similarly well, MODIS performed poorly. Fire severity classification thresholds were determined for Sentinel-2 based RdNBR, dNBR, dSAVI, dNDVI, and dNDMI and Landsat-8/OLI based dNBR, dNDVI, and dSAVI. Among several spectral indices, the highest accuracy for fire severity classification was found for Sentinel-2 based RdNBR (72.1%) and Landsat-8/OLI based dNBR (69.2%). The results can be used to assess and map fire severity in forest ecosystems similar to those in this study.
The transversoclasiotome: a novel instrument for examining the vertebral artery
Authors: Boscolo-Berto Rafael , Macchi Veronica , Tubbs R. Shane , Emmi Aron , Stecco Carla , Loukas Marios , Porzionato Andrea , De Caro Raffaele
Published: May 2023

Opening the foramen transversarium of the cervical vertebrae is necessary for accessing the vertebral vessels. There are no specialist tools for cutting the anterior lamina of the transverse processes, and alternatives lead to questionable results. A novel tool, the transversoclasiotome, is described and tested. The literature and patent databases were systematically reviewed. A blueprint of the transversoclasiotome was created, and the prototype was tested through autopsy on ten fresh-frozen cadavers within our Body Donation Program. The transversoclasiotome consists of two delicate branches mounted as a scissor, one a cutting jaw and the other a knocker with a rounded tip, both angled 30° to the principal axis. The jaws shut, facing each other in parallel. The cutting jaw corresponds to a slit on the knocker profile without protruding beyond it even when entirely closed. It acts by cutting and wedging. The testing autopsies demonstrated its suitability for its purpose, with an adequate response to the pressure exerted on the bone lamina. The section cut cleanly, without sliding off while closing on the bone. The vertebral vessels were not injured either during instrument insertion or cutting. Their morphological features are described. The transversoclasiotome has been proven appropriate for sectioning the anterior lamina of transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae. It meets the needs of clinical anatomy in teaching and training clinicians or surgeons, forensic clinical anatomy during medico-legal investigation, and research.
William Faulkner and the Materials of Writing
Authors: Berliner Jonathan
Published: May 2023

William Faulkner and the Materials of Writing examines the many physical texts in Faulkner's novels and stories from letters and telegrams to Bibles, billboards, and even the alphabetic shape of airport runways. Current investigations in print culture, book history, and media studies often emphasize the controlling power of technological form; instead, this book demonstrates how media should be understood in the context of its use. Throughout Faulkner's oeuvre, various kinds of writing become central to characters forming a sense of the self as well as bonds of intimacy, while ideologies of race and gender connect to the body through the vehicle of writing. This book combines close reading analysis of Faulkner's fiction with the publication history of his works that together offer a case study about what it means to live in a world permeated by media.
The response of small-scale shear layers to perturbations in turbulence
Authors: Watanabe Tomoaki , Nagata Koji
Published: May 2023

The perturbation response of small-scale shear layers in turbulence is investigated with direct numerical simulations (DNS). The analysis of shear layers in isotropic turbulence suggests that the typical layer thickness is about four times the Kolmogorov scale

$\eta$

. Response for sinusoidal perturbations is investigated for an isolated shear layer, which models a mean flow around the shear layers in turbulence. The vortex formation in the shear layer is optimally promoted by the perturbation whose wavelength divided by the layer thickness is about 7. These results indicate that the small-scale shear instability in turbulence is efficiently promoted by velocity fluctuations with a wavelength of about

$30\eta$

. Furthermore, DNS are carried out for decaying turbulence initialised by the artificially modified velocity field of isotropic turbulence. The vortex formation from shear layers is accelerated under the influence of external perturbations with the efficient wavelength to promote the instability. When velocity fluctuations with this wavelength are eliminated by a band-cut filter, the shear layers tend to persist for a long time without producing vortices. These behaviours affect the number of vortices in turbulence, which increases and decreases when velocity perturbations with the unstable wavelength of the instability are artificially amplified and damped, respectively. The increase in the number of vortices results in the enhancement of kinetic energy dissipation, enstrophy production and strain self-amplification. These results indicate that the perturbation response of shear layers is important in the small-scale dynamics of turbulence as well as the modulation of small-scale turbulent motions by external disturbance.
Classical novae in the ASKAP pilot surveys
Authors: Gulati Ashna , Murphy Tara , Kaplan David L. , Soria Roberto , Leung James K. , Wang Yuanming , Pritchard Joshua , Lenc Emil , Duchesne Stefan W. , O’Brien Andrew
Published: May 2023

We present a systematic search for radio counterparts of novae using the Australian Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder (ASKAP). Our search used the Rapid ASKAP Continuum Survey, which covered the entire sky south of declination

$+41^{\circ}$

(

$\sim$

$34000$

square degrees) at a central frequency of 887.5 MHz, the Variables and Slow Transients Pilot Survey, which covered

$\sim$

$5000$

square degrees per epoch (887.5 MHz), and other ASKAP pilot surveys, which covered

$\sim$

200–2000 square degrees with 2–12 h integration times. We crossmatched radio sources found in these surveys over a two–year period, from 2019 April to 2021 August, with 440 previously identified optical novae, and found radio counterparts for four novae: V5668 Sgr, V1369 Cen, YZ Ret, and RR Tel. Follow-up observations with the Australian Telescope Compact Array confirm the ejecta thinning across all observed bands with spectral analysis indicative of synchrotron emission in V1369 Cen and YZ Ret. Our light-curve fit with the Hubble Flow model yields a value of

$1.65\pm 0.17 \times 10^{-4} \rm \:M_\odot$

for the mass ejected in V1369 Cen. We also derive a peak surface brightness temperature of

$250\pm80$

K for YZ Ret. Using Hubble Flow model simulated radio lightcurves for novae, we demonstrate that with a 5

$\sigma$

sensitivity limit of 1.5 mJy in 15-min survey observations, we can detect radio emission up to a distance of 4 kpc if ejecta mass is in the range

$10^{-3}\rm \:M_\odot$

, and upto 1 kpc if ejecta mass is in the range

$10^{-5}$

–

$10^{-3}\rm \:M_\odot$

. Our study highlights ASKAP’s ability to contribute to future radio observations for novae within a distance of 1 kpc hosted on white dwarfs with masses

$0.4$

–

$1.25\:\rm M_\odot$

, and within a distance of 4 kpc hosted on white dwarfs with masses

$0.4$

–

$1.0\:\rm M_\odot$

.
Risk factors for acute toxoplasmosis in the Netherlands
Authors: Friesema Ingrid H. M. , Hofhuis Agnetha , Hoek-van Deursen Denise , Jansz Arjan R. , Ott Alewijn , van Hellemond Jaap J. , van der Giessen Joke , Kortbeek Laetitia M. , Opsteegh Marieke
Published: May 2023

Toxoplasmosis caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii occurs worldwide. Infections range from asymptomatic to life-threatening. T. gondii infection is acquired either via bradyzoites in meat or via oocysts in the environment, but the relative importance of these path ways and the different sources remains unclear. In this study, possible risk factors for toxoplasmosis in the Netherlands were investigated. A case–control study was conducted including persons with recent infection and individuals with a negative test result for IgM and IgG for T. gondii between July 2016 and April 2021. A total of 48 cases and 50 controls completed the questionnaire. Food history and environmental exposure were compared using logistic regression. Consumption of different meats was found to be associated with recent infection. In the multivariable model, adjusted for age, gender, and pregnancy, consumption of large game meat (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 8.2, 95% confidence interval 1.6–41.9) and sometimes (aOR 4.1, 1.1–15.3) or never (aOR 15.9, 2.2–115.5) washing hands before food preparation remained. These results emphasize the value of the advice to be careful with the consumption of raw and undercooked meat. Good hand hygiene could also be promoted in the prevention of T. gondii infection.
The content and effects of interactions with chaplains
Authors: Lawton Amy , Cadge Wendy
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Chaplains provide spiritual care in a variety of settings and are an important part of palliative and supportive care teams. This study aims to describe chaplain interactions from the perspective of the recipients of care.

Methods

The study draws on data from a nationally representative survey conducted by the Gallup Organization in March 2022.

Results

Two main groups of recipients were identified: primary recipients and visitors/caregivers. Current typologies of chaplain activities focus on primary recipients of care, but a similar proportion of chaplain interactions takes place with visitors/caregivers. Bivariate analysis was used to compare the experiences of the chaplains’ primary recipients of care to other recipients of care and the experiences of visitors/caregivers to other recipients of care. Primary recipients of care were significantly more likely to have religious interactions with the chaplain and to experience the interactions as valuable and helpful.

Significance of results

This study is the first to show the groups of people – primary recipients and visitors/caregivers – who receive care from chaplains. It demonstrates how care recipients experience care differently from chaplains based on their position, which has important implications for spiritual care practice.
Subjective and Objective Cognitive Deficits in Patients with Post-COVID Syndrome
Authors: Schild Ann-Katrin , Scharfenberg Daniel , Kirchner Lukas , Klein Kim , Regorius Anton , Goereci Yasemin , Meiberth Dix , Sannemann Lena , Lülling Joachim , Schweitzer Finja , Fink Gereon R. , Jessen Frank , Franke Christiana , Onur Özgür , Jost Stefanie , Warnke Clemens , Maier Franziska
Published: May 2023

Abstract: Cognitive impairment is a prominent symptom of the post-COVID syndrome (PCS). However, the correspondence between subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) and objective results is inconsistent. Here, we investigated this discrepancy. This longitudinal study included N = 42 individuals who reported SCC as PCS after mild infection at inclusion. Data collection comprised questionnaires and neuropsychological assessment at baseline and follow-up (FU). At FU – on average 15 months after acute COVID-19 – 88 % of patients reported persisting SCC. There was an approx. 40 % discrepancy between subjective report and test results at both visits. Patients with SCC and objective impairment indicated elevated fatigue and reduced quality of life compared to patients without SCC at FU. A growing number of patients is anticipated to request neuropsychological assessments even after mild infections.
Statistics of the Subgrid Cloud of an Idealized Tropical Cyclone at Convection‐Permitting Resolution
Authors: Zhang Xu , Bao Jian‐Wen , Huang Wei , Yu Hui
Published: May 2023

Large‐eddy simulations of an idealized tropical cyclone (TC) were conducted as benchmarks to provide statistical information about subgrid convective clouds at a typical convection‐permitting resolution of 3 km over a TC convection system in different stages. The focus was on the vertical and spatial distributions of the subgrid cloud and associated mass flux that need to be parameterized in convection‐permitting models. Results showed that the characteristics of the subgrid clouds varied significantly in various parts of the TC convection system. Statistical analysis revealed that the subgrid clouds were mainly located in the lower troposphere and exhibited shallow vertical extents of less than 4 km. The subgrid clouds were also classified into various cloud regimes according to the maximum mass flux height. Local subgrid clouds differed in mass‐flux profile shape and magnitude at various regimes in the TC convection system.
Experimental Evidence for Shear‐Induced Melting and Generation of Stishovite in Granite at Low (<18 GPa) Shock Pressure
Authors: Hamann Christopher , Kurosawa Kosuke , Ono Haruka , Tada Toshihiro , Langenhorst Falko , Pollok Kilian , Genda Hidenori , Niihara Takafumi , Okamoto Takaya , Matsui Takafumi
Published: May 2023

Knowledge of the shock behavior of planetary materials is essential to interpret shock metamorphism documented in rocks at hypervelocity impact structures on Earth, in meteorites, and in samples retrieved in space missions. Although our understanding of shock metamorphism has improved considerably within the last decades, the effects of friction and plastic deformation on shock metamorphism of complex, polycrystalline, non‐porous rocks are poorly constrained. Here, we report on shock‐recovery experiments in which natural granite was dynamically compressed to 0.5–18 GPa by singular, hemispherically decaying shock fronts. We then combine petrographic observations of shocked samples that retained their pre‐impact stratigraphy with distributions of peak pressures, temperatures, and volumetric strain rates obtained from numerical modeling to systematically investigate progressive shock metamorphism of granite. We find that the progressive shock metamorphism of granite observed here is mainly consistent with current classification schemes. However, we also find that intense shear deformation during shock compression and release causes the formation of highly localized melt veins at peak pressures as low as 6 GPa, which is an order of magnitude lower than currently thought. We also find that melt veins formed in quartz grains compressed to >10–12 GPa contain the high‐pressure silica polymorph stishovite. Our results illustrate the significance of shear and plastic deformation during hypervelocity impact and bear on our understanding of how melt veins containing high‐pressure polymorphs form in moderately shocked terrestrial impactites or meteorites.
Ångström-resolution fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Reinhardt Susanne C. M. , Masullo Luciano A. , Baudrexel Isabelle , Steen Philipp R. , Kowalewski Rafal , Eklund Alexandra S. , Strauss Sebastian , Unterauer Eduard M. , Schlichthaerle Thomas , Strauss Maximilian T. , Klein Christian , Jungmann Ralf
Published: May 2023

Fluorescence microscopy, with its molecular specificity, is one of the major characterization methods used in the life sciences to understand complex biological systems. Super-resolution approaches1–6 can achieve resolution in cells in the range of 15 to 20 nm, but interactions between individual biomolecules occur at length scales below 10 nm and characterization of intramolecular structure requires Ångström resolution. State-of-the-art super-resolution implementations7–14 have demonstrated spatial resolutions down to 5 nm and localization precisions of 1 nm under certain in vitro conditions. However, such resolutions do not directly translate to experiments in cells, and Ångström resolution has not been demonstrated to date. Here we introdue a DNA-barcoding method, resolution enhancement by sequential imaging (RESI), that improves the resolution of fluorescence microscopy down to the Ångström scale using off-the-shelf fluorescence microscopy hardware and reagents. By sequentially imaging sparse target subsets at moderate spatial resolutions of >15 nm, we demonstrate that single-protein resolution can be achieved for biomolecules in whole intact cells. Furthermore, we experimentally resolve the DNA backbone distance of single bases in DNA origami with Ångström resolution. We use our method in a proof-of-principle demonstration to map the molecular arrangement of the immunotherapy target CD20 in situ in untreated and drug-treated cells, which opens possibilities for assessing the molecular mechanisms of targeted immunotherapy. These observations demonstrate that, by enabling intramolecular imaging under ambient conditions in whole intact cells, RESI closes the gap between super-resolution microscopy and structural biology studies and thus delivers information key to understanding complex biological systems.
Microbial carbon use efficiency promotes global soil carbon storage
Authors: Tao Feng , Huang Yuanyuan , Hungate Bruce A. , Manzoni Stefano , Frey Serita D. , Schmidt Michael W. I. , Reichstein Markus , Carvalhais Nuno , Ciais Philippe , Jiang Lifen , Lehmann Johannes , Wang Ying-Ping , Houlton Benjamin Z. , Ahrens Bernhard , Mishra Umakant , Hugelius Gustaf , Hocking Toby D. , Lu Xingjie , Shi Zheng , Viatkin Kostiantyn , Vargas Ronald , Yigini Yusuf , Omuto Christian , Malik Ashish A. , Peralta Guillermo , Cuevas-Corona Rosa , Di Paolo Luciano E. , Luotto Isabel , Liao Cuijuan , Liang Yi-Shuang , Saynes Vinisa S. , Huang Xiaomeng , Luo Yiqi
Published: May 2023

Soils store more carbon than other terrestrial ecosystems1,2. How soil organic carbon (SOC) forms and persists remains uncertain1,3, which makes it challenging to understand how it will respond to climatic change3,4. It has been suggested that soil microorganisms play an important role in SOC formation, preservation and loss5–7. Although microorganisms affect the accumulation and loss of soil organic matter through many pathways4,6,8–11, microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) is an integrative metric that can capture the balance of these processes12,13. Although CUE has the potential to act as a predictor of variation in SOC storage, the role of CUE in SOC persistence remains unresolved7,14,15. Here we examine the relationship between CUE and the preservation of SOC, and interactions with climate, vegetation and edaphic properties, using a combination of global-scale datasets, a microbial-process explicit model, data assimilation, deep learning and meta-analysis. We find that CUE is at least four times as important as other evaluated factors, such as carbon input, decomposition or vertical transport, in determining SOC storage and its spatial variation across the globe. In addition, CUE shows a positive correlation with SOC content. Our findings point to microbial CUE as a major determinant of global SOC storage. Understanding the microbial processes underlying CUE and their environmental dependence may help the prediction of SOC feedback to a changing climate.
Ubiquitination regulates ER-phagy and remodelling of endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: González Alexis , Covarrubias-Pinto Adriana , Bhaskara Ramachandra M. , Glogger Marius , Kuncha Santosh K. , Xavier Audrey , Seemann Eric , Misra Mohit , Hoffmann Marina E. , Bräuning Bastian , Balakrishnan Ashwin , Qualmann Britta , Dötsch Volker , Schulman Brenda A. , Kessels Michael M. , Hübner Christian A. , Heilemann Mike , Hummer Gerhard , Dikić Ivan
Published: May 2023

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) undergoes continuous remodelling via a selective autophagy pathway, known as ER-phagy1. ER-phagy receptors have a central role in this process2, but the regulatory mechanism remains largely unknown. Here we report that ubiquitination of the ER-phagy receptor FAM134B within its reticulon homology domain (RHD) promotes receptor clustering and binding to lipidated LC3B, thereby stimulating ER-phagy. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed how ubiquitination perturbs the RHD structure in model bilayers and enhances membrane curvature induction. Ubiquitin molecules on RHDs mediate interactions between neighbouring RHDs to form dense receptor clusters that facilitate the large-scale remodelling of lipid bilayers. Membrane remodelling was reconstituted in vitro with liposomes and ubiquitinated FAM134B. Using super-resolution microscopy, we discovered FAM134B nanoclusters and microclusters in cells. Quantitative image analysis revealed a ubiquitin-mediated increase in FAM134B oligomerization and cluster size. We found that the E3 ligase AMFR, within multimeric ER-phagy receptor clusters, catalyses FAM134B ubiquitination and regulates the dynamic flux of ER-phagy. Our results show that ubiquitination enhances RHD functions via receptor clustering, facilitates ER-phagy and controls ER remodelling in response to cellular demands.
Walking naturally after spinal cord injury using a brain–spine interface
Authors: Lorach Henri , Galvez Andrea , Spagnolo Valeria , Martel Felix , Karakas Serpil , Intering Nadine , Vat Molywan , Faivre Olivier , Harte Cathal , Komi Salif , Ravier Jimmy , Collin Thibault , Coquoz Laure , Sakr Icare , Baaklini Edeny , Hernandez-Charpak Sergio Daniel , Dumont Gregory , Buschman Rik , Buse Nicholas , Denison Tim , van Nes Ilse , Asboth Leonie , Watrin Anne , Struber Lucas , Sauter-Starace Fabien , Langar Lilia , Auboiroux Vincent , Carda Stefano , Chabardes Stephan , Aksenova Tetiana , Demesmaeker Robin , Charvet Guillaume , Bloch Jocelyne , Courtine Grégoire
Published: May 2023

A spinal cord injury interrupts the communication between the brain and the region of the spinal cord that produces walking, leading to paralysis1,2. Here, we restored this communication with a digital bridge between the brain and spinal cord that enabled an individual with chronic tetraplegia to stand and walk naturally in community settings. This brain–spine interface (BSI) consists of fully implanted recording and stimulation systems that establish a direct link between cortical signals3 and the analogue modulation of epidural electrical stimulation targeting the spinal cord regions involved in the production of walking4–6. A highly reliable BSI is calibrated within a few minutes. This reliability has remained stable over one year, including during independent use at home. The participant reports that the BSI enables natural control over the movements of his legs to stand, walk, climb stairs and even traverse complex terrains. Moreover, neurorehabilitation supported by the BSI improved neurological recovery. The participant regained the ability to walk with crutches overground even when the BSI was switched off. This digital bridge establishes a framework to restore natural control of movement after paralysis.
Gap junctions desynchronize a neural circuit to stabilize insect flight
Authors: Hürkey Silvan , Niemeyer Nelson , Schleimer Jan-Hendrik , Ryglewski Stefanie , Schreiber Susanne , Duch Carsten
Published: May 2023

Insect asynchronous flight is one of the most prevalent forms of animal locomotion used by more than 600,000 species. Despite profound insights into the motor patterns1, biomechanics2,3 and aerodynamics underlying asynchronous flight4,5, the architecture and function of the central-pattern-generating (CPG) neural network remain unclear. Here, on the basis of an experiment–theory approach including electrophysiology, optophysiology, Drosophila genetics and mathematical modelling, we identify a miniaturized circuit solution with unexpected properties. The CPG network consists of motoneurons interconnected by electrical synapses that, in contrast to doctrine, produce network activity splayed out in time instead of synchronized across neurons. Experimental and mathematical evidence support a generic mechanism for network desynchronization that relies on weak electrical synapses and specific excitability dynamics of the coupled neurons. In small networks, electrical synapses can synchronize or desynchronize network activity, depending on the neuron-intrinsic dynamics and ion channel composition. In the asynchronous flight CPG, this mechanism translates unpatterned premotor input into stereotyped neuronal firing with fixed sequences of cell activation that ensure stable wingbeat power and, as we show, is conserved across multiple species. Our findings prove a wider functional versatility of electrical synapses in the dynamic control of neural circuits and highlight the relevance of detecting electrical synapses in connectomics.
A Pseudomonas aeruginosa small RNA regulates chronic and acute infection
Authors: Cao Pengbo , Fleming Derek , Moustafa Dina A. , Dolan Stephen K. , Szymanik Kayla H. , Redman Whitni K. , Ramos Anayancy , Diggle Frances L. , Sullivan Christopher S. , Goldberg Joanna B. , Rumbaugh Kendra P. , Whiteley Marvin
Published: May 2023

The ability to switch between different lifestyles allows bacterial pathogens to thrive in diverse ecological niches1,2. However, a molecular understanding of their lifestyle changes within the human host is lacking. Here, by directly examining bacterial gene expression in human-derived samples, we discover a gene that orchestrates the transition between chronic and acute infection in the opportunistic pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosa. The expression level of this gene, here namedsicX, is the highest of theP. aeruginosagenes expressed in human chronic wound and cystic fibrosis infections, but it is expressed at extremely low levels during standard laboratory growth. We show thatsicXencodes a small RNA that is strongly induced by low-oxygen conditions and post-transcriptionally regulates anaerobic ubiquinone biosynthesis. Deletion ofsicXcausesP. aeruginosato switch from a chronic to an acute lifestyle in multiple mammalian models of infection. Notably,sicXis also a biomarker for this chronic-to-acute transition, as it is the most downregulated gene when a chronic infection is dispersed to cause acute septicaemia. This work solves a decades-old question regarding the molecular basis underlying the chronic-to-acute switch inP. aeruginosaand suggests oxygen as a primary environmental driver of acute lethality.
Asphericity derived from [18F]FDG PET as a new prognostic parameter in cervical cancer patients
Authors: Cegla Paulina , Hofheinz Frank , Burchardt Ewa , Czepczyński Rafał , Kubiak Anna , van den Hoff Jörg , Nikulin Pavel , Bos-Liedke Agnieszka , Roszak Andrzej , Cholewinski Witold
Published: May 2023

The objective of this study was to assess the prognostic value of asphericity (ASP) and standardized uptake ratio (SUR) in cervical cancer patients. Retrospective analysis was performed on a group of 508 (aged 55 ± 12 years) previously untreated cervical cancer patients. All patients underwent a pretreatment [18F]FDG PET/CT study to assess the severity of the disease. The metabolic tumor volume (MTV) of the cervical cancer was delineated with an adaptive threshold method. For the resulting ROIs the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was measured. In addition, ASP and SUR were determined as previously described. Univariate Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analysis with respect to event free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS), freedom from distant metastasis (FFDM) and locoregional control (LRC) was performed. Additionally, a multivariate Cox regression including clinically relevant parameters was performed. In the survival analysis, MTV and ASP were shown to be prognostic factors for all investigated endpoints. Tumor metabolism quantified with the SUVmax was not prognostic for any of the endpoints (p > 0.2). The SUR did not reach statistical significance either (p = 0.1, 0.25, 0.066, 0.053, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, the ASP remained a significant factor for EFS and LRC, while MTV was a significant factor for FFDM, indicating their independent prognostic value for the respective endpoints. The alternative parameter ASP has the potential to improve the prognostic value of [18F]FDG PET/CT for event-free survival and locoregional control in radically treated cervical cancer patients.
Integration analysis of miRNA–mRNA expression exploring their potential roles in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Liyan , Shi Yajun , Zhang Pengjie , Zhang Xing
Published: May 2023

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second common primary hepatic malignancy tumor. In this study, an integrative analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and miRNAs from the ICC onset and adjacent normal tissues were performed to explore the regulatory roles of miRNA–mRNA interaction. A total of 1018 DEGs and 39 miRNAs were likely involved in ICC pathogenesis, suggesting the changes in cell metabolism in ICC development. The built network indicated that 30 DEGs were regulated by 16 differentially expressed miRNA. The screened DEGs and miRNA together were probably considered the biomarkers of ICC, and their important roles in ICC pathogenesis remain to be elucidated. This study could provide a good basis to uncover the regulatory mechanism of miRNA and mRNAs in ICC pathogenesis.
Intravenous sildenafil for treatment of early pulmonary hypertension in preterm infants
Authors: Schroeder Lukas , Monno Paulina , Strizek Brigitte , Dresbach Till , Mueller Andreas , Kipfmueller Florian
Published: May 2023

Data is lacking on the effect of continuous intravenous sildenafil treatment in preterm infants with early pulmonary hypertension (PH), especially in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Preterm infants (< 37 weeks of gestational age) with intravenous sildenafil treatment and diagnosis of PH between 01/12 and 12/21 were retrospectively screened for analysis. The primary clinical endpoint was defined as response to sildenafil according to the improvement of the oxygenation index (OI), the saturation oxygenation pressure index (SOPI) and PaO2/FiO2-ratio. Early-PH was defined as diagnosis < 28 day of life (DOL). 58 infants were finally included, with 47% classified as very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. The primary endpoint was reached in 57%. The likelihood to die during in-hospital treatment was more than three times higher (72 vs 21%, p < 0.001) in infants without response to sildenafil. The echocardiographic severity of PH and right-ventricular dysfunction (RVD) decreased significantly from baseline to 24 h (p = 0.045, and p = 0.008, respectively). Sildenafil treatment leads to significant improvement of the oxygenation impairment in 57% of the preterm infants, with similar response rates in VLBW infants. Intravenous sildenafil treatment is associated with a significant decrease of the PH-severity and RVD.
Entropy generation and flow characteristics of Powell Eyring fluid under effects of time sale and viscosities parameters
Authors: Hassan Mohsan , Ahsan Muhammad , Usman  , Alghamdi Metib , Muhammad Taseer
Published: May 2023

Shear thinning fluids are widely used in the food and polymer industries due to their unique flow characteristics. The flow behavior of these fluids has been commonly studied using the Powell Eyring model under a small shear rate assumption. However, this assumption is not always valid. In this study, we explore the transport characteristics of a Powell Eyring fluid over a variable thicker sheet, not only at small shear rates but also at medium and high shear rates. Furthermore, we calculate the rate of entropy generation based on the assumptions. Generalized Powell–Eyring model of viscosity is used for the fluid, representing the re-arrangements of molecules in the forward and backward directions through the theory of potential energy. The model concludes the sensitivity of the viscosity from zero to infinite shear rate along time sale and exponent parameters. The model is used in the transport phenomena equations. The solution of the equation is obtained by using the numerical method and used to calculate the rate of entropy generation. The results are presented in the form of velocity and temperature profiles, the average rate of entropy generation, skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number under the influence of various viscosity parameters. It is found that velocity and temperature profiles are decreased and increased respectively against the time scale parameter.
Explanation and prediction of the selective crystallization of boscalid by mid-frequency Raman difference spectroscopy analysis
Authors: Fan Yingjie , Liang Chengfeng , Li Yanping , Xiao Wangchuan , Niu Yu , Jin Hongjun , Xue Rongrong , Chen Fenghua
Published: May 2023

The selective crystallization of amorphous phase, monohydrate and solutions of boscalid (BOS) were studied by experiment and mid-frequency Raman difference spectroscopy. The possible routes to obtain BOS solids with good purities were proposed.
CannibiSenS: an on-demand rapid screen for THC in human saliva
Authors: Churcher Nathan Kodjo Mintah , Dhamu Vikram Narayanan , Prasad Shalini
Published: May 2023

A comparative study between benchtop and field-deployable devices for the classification of THC in human saliva within legal limits.
CO oxidation over embedded Pt nanoparticles on Al2O3 with Al coordination flexibility
Authors: Wang Xiang , Zeng Shuangqin , Qi Guodong , Wang Qiang , Xu Jun , Deng Feng
Published: May 2023

Pentahedral Al-rich Al2O3 with Al coordination flexibility enables the embedment of Pt nanoparticles in Pt/Al2O3, which exhibits high CO oxidation activity and resistance to deactivation.
Forced topochemistry of a solid-state Diels–Alder reaction by encapsulation in epoxy glue
Authors: Lau T. A. , Khorasani S. , Fernandes M. A.
Published: May 2023

Encapsulation of unreacted crystals with epoxy glue forced a topotactic reaction to occur topochemically until ∼89% conversion which led to more reaction details being exposed.
Construction of covalent organic frameworks from nanospheres for Cu2+ detection
Authors: Ma Wenyue , Gu Zijian , Wang Canran , Dong Liangyu , Liu Zhaoyang , Liu Leijing , Xu Bin , Tian Wenjing
Published: May 2023

A strategy to construct hydrazine-linkage-functionalized COFs from the imine-linkage nanosphere via the linker exchange is provided.
Ultra-fast excited-state dynamics of substituted trans-naphthalene azo moieties
Authors: Hamburger Robert C. , Huang Tao , Martin Shea M. , Pointer Craig A. , Fredin Lisa A. , Young Elizabeth R.
Published: May 2023

In this work we untangle the ultrafast deactivation of high energy excited states in four naphthalene-based azo dyes.
Microwave spectra of dinitrotoluene isomers: a new step towards the detection of explosive vapors
Authors: Chrayteh Mhamad , Dréan Pascal , Goubet Manuel , Coudert Laurent H. , Roucou Anthony , Cuisset Arnaud
Published: May 2023

The spectroscopic characterization of DNT vapor taggants used for TNT explosives detection is a double challenge: to detect at trace level a weakly volatile compound and to assign a rotational spectrum with coupled large amplitude motions.
An electrochemical-enabled cascaded cyclization of enaminones with potassium thiocyanate and alcohols to access 2-alkoxythiazoles
Authors: Li Dandan , Chen Long , Jin Yang , Wang Xiaochen , Liu Long , Li Yilin , Chen Gongyuan , Wu Guanhao , Qin Yujie , Yang Leilei , Wang Mengke , Zhao Lulu , Xu Zhihong , Wen Jiangwei
Published: May 2023

An electrochemical-enabled three-component cascaded cyclization of enaminones with potassium thiocyanate and alcohols to access 2-alkoxythiazoles has been developed under external oxidant-free conditions.