bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of crop water stress index and net benefit for surface- and subsurface-drip irrigated bell pepper to various deficit irrigation strategies
Authors: Bozkurt Çolak Y. , Yazar A. , Yıldız M. , Tekin S. , Gönen E. , Alghawry A.
Published: March 2023

This study addresses the assessment of crop water stress index (CWSI) of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and net income generated under regulated deficit irrigation (RDI), conventional deficit irrigation and partial root-zone drying (PRD) and full irrigation (I100) using surface- and subsurface-drip systems (DI and SDI) during 2016 and 2017 in the Mediterranean region. The experimental design was split-plots with four replications. RDI was supplied with 50% of I100 during vegetative stage until flowering, then received 100% of crop water requirement. PRD50 received 50% of I100, but from alternative laterals each watering. The results revealed that CWSI was correlated significantly (P < 0.01) and negatively with yield, yield per plant, total soluble solid, ETa, fruit weight and plant height indicating that yield of bell pepper declined with increasing CWSI values (P < 0.01). Bell pepper should be irrigated at mean CWSI value of 0.20 without any yield reduction. CWSI in the RDI and I75 treatments were slightly greater than 0.20. Irrigation treatments had significant effect on yield and quality traits. The highest total soluble solutes were found in PRD50 and I50. The DI I100 treatment generated the highest net income followed by the SDI I100 and RDI. In conclusion, RDI and I75 appear to be good alternatives to I100 for sustainable bell pepper production in the Mediterranean region.
Quasi-parallel propagating solitons in magnetised relativistic electron–positron plasmas
Authors: Ruderman Michael S. , Petrukhin Nikolai S. , Pelinovsky Efim , Kataeva Liliya Y.
Published: March 2023

In this article, we study nonlinear waves propagating along the background magnetic field in relativistic electron–positron plasmas. Using the reductive perturbation method, we derive a three-dimensional equation describing these waves. When the perturbations do not vary in the directions orthogonal to the background magnetic field this equation reduces to the vector modified Kortewed–de Vries equation. We present solutions of the obtained equation in the form of planar solitary waves and describe the results of study of their stability with respect to transverse perturbations. We also study numerically non-planar solitary waves.
Consciousness and the Ethics of Human Brain Organoid Research
Authors: Kreitmair Karola
Published: March 2023

The possibility of consciousness in human brain organoids is sometimes viewed as determinative in terms of the moral status such entities possess, and, in turn, in terms of the research protections such entities are due. This commonsense view aligns with a prominent stance in neurology and neuroscience that consciousness admits of degrees. My paper outlines these views and provides an argument for why this picture of correlating degrees of consciousness with moral status and research protections is mistaken. I then provide an alternative account of the correlation between moral status and consciousness, and consider the epistemic ramifications for research protections of this account.
Haemodynamic effects of prophylactic post-operative hydrocortisone following cardiopulmonary bypass in neonates undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Landry Lily M. , Gajula Viswanath , Knudson Jarrod D. , Jenks Christopher L.
Published: March 2023

Multiple studies have endeavoured to define the role of steroids in paediatric congenital heart surgery; however, steroid utilisation remains haphazard. In September, 2017, our institution implemented a protocol requiring that all neonates undergoing cardiac surgery with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass receive a five-day post-operative hydrocortisone taper. This single-centre retrospective study was designed to test the hypothesis that routine post-operative hydrocortisone administration reduces the incidence of capillary leak syndrome, leads to favourable postoperative fluid balance, and less inotropic support in the early post-operative period. Data were gathered on all term neonates who underwent cardiac surgery with the use of bypass between September, 2015 and 2019. Subjects who were unable to separate from bypass, required long-term dialysis, or long-term mechanical ventilation were excluded. Seventy-five patients met eligibility criteria (non-hydrocortisone group = 52; hydrocortisone group = 23). For post-operative days 0–4, we did not observe a significant difference in net fluid balance or vasoactive inotropic score between study groups. Similarly, we saw no major difference in secondary clinical outcomes (post-operative duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU/hospital length of stay, and time from surgery to initiation of enteral feeds). In contrast to prior analyses, our study was unable to demonstrate a significant difference in net fluid balance or vasoactive inotropic score with the administration of a tapered post-operative hydrocortisone regimen. Similarly, we saw no effect on secondary clinical outcomes. Further long-term randomised control studies are necessary to validate the potential clinical benefit of utilising steroids in paediatric cardiac surgery, especially in the more fragile neonatal population.
Human Genetics Society of Australasia Position Statement: Use of Polygenic Scores in Clinical Practice and Population Health
Authors: Young Mary-Anne , Yanes Tatiane , Cust Anne E. , Dunlop Kate , Limb Sharne , Newson Ainsley J. , Purvis Rebecca , Thiyagarajan Lavvina , Scott Rodney J. , Verma Kunal , James Paul A. , Steinberg Julia
Published: March 2023

Considerable progress continues to be made with regards to the value and use of disease associated polygenic scores (PGS). PGS aim to capture a person’s genetic liability to a condition, disease, or a trait, combining information across many risk variants and incorporating their effect sizes. They are already available for clinicians and consumers to order in Australasia. However, debate is ongoing over the readiness of this information for integration into clinical practice and population health. This position statement provides the viewpoint of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) regarding the clinical application of disease-associated PGS in both individual patients and population health. The statement details how PGS are calculated, highlights their breadth of possible application, and examines their current challenges and limitations. We consider fundamental lessons from Mendelian genetics and their continuing relevance to PGS, while also acknowledging the distinct elements of PGS. Use of PGS in practice should be evidence based, and the evidence for the associated benefit, while rapidly emerging, remains limited. Given that clinicians and consumers can already order PGS, their current limitations and key issues warrant consideration. PGS can be developed for most complex conditions and traits and can be used across multiple clinical settings and for population health. The HGSA’s view is that further evaluation, including regulatory, implementation and health system evaluation are required before PGS can be routinely implemented in the Australasian healthcare system.
Is it the Drinks or the Friends?
Authors: Geusens Femke , Carr Caleb T. , Beullens Kathleen
Published: March 2023

Abstract: Prior research has repeatedly found a positive relationship between sharing alcohol references on social media and drinking behavior. This study adds to the literature by testing for alcohol-related self-effects of social media use. We explored attitudes and self-concept as potential underlying mechanisms, and tested whether it is the depicted alcohol that elicits an effect or depiction of the associated socialness of going out with friends. This preregistered study ( N = 178) employed a fully-crossed 3 (drinking presentation: explicit v. implicit v. none) × 2 (socialness: with others v. alone) experimental design. A two-way MANOVA using Pillai’s trace tested for significant differences in attitudes, drinking and non-drinking identity, and drinking intentions across six self-presentation conditions. Neither an effect of alcohol self-presentation nor of socialness self-presentation on alcohol-related cognitions were identified. Findings raise important questions about the causality of the relationship between sharing alcohol posts on social media and drinking behavior.
Health and Safety Effects of Airborne Soil Dust in the Americas and Beyond
Authors: Tong Daniel Q. , Gill Thomas E. , Sprigg William A. , Van Pelt Robert Scott , Baklanov Alexander A. , Barker Bridget Marie , Bell Jesse E. , Castillo Juan , Gassó Santiago , Gaston Cassandra J. , Griffin Dale W. , Huneeus Nicolas , Kahn Ralph A. , Kuciauskas Arunas P. , Ladino Luis A. , Li Junran , Mayol‐Bracero Olga L. , McCotter Orion Z. , Méndez‐Lázaro Pablo A. , Mudu Pierpaolo , Nickovic Slobodan , Oyarzun Damian , Prospero Joseph , Raga Graciela B. , Raysoni Amit U. , Ren Ling , Sarafoglou Nikias , Sealy Andrea , Sun Ziheng , Vimic Ana Vukovic
Published: March 2023

Risks associated with dust hazards are often underappreciated, a gap between the knowledge pool and public awareness that can be costly for impacted communities. This study reviews the emission sources and chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of airborne soil particles (dust) and their effects on human and environmental health and safety in the Pan‐American region. American dust originates from both local sources (western United States, northern Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina) and long‐range transport from Africa and Asia. Dust properties, as well as the trends and interactions with criteria air pollutants, are summarized. Human exposure to dust is associated with adverse health effects, including asthma, allergies, fungal infections, and premature death. In the Americas, a well‐documented and striking effect of soil dust is its association with Coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as Valley fever, an infection caused by inhalation of soil‐dwelling fungi unique to this region. Besides human health, dust affects environmental health through nutrients that increase phytoplankton biomass, contaminants that diminish water supply and affect food (crops/fruits/vegetables and ready‐to‐eat meat), spread crop and marine pathogens, cause Valley fever among domestic and wild animals, transport heavy metals, radionuclides and microplastics, and reduce solar and wind power generation. Dust is also a safety hazard to road transportation and aviation, in the southwestern US where blowing dust is one of the deadliest weather hazards. To mitigate the harmful effects, coordinated regional and international efforts are needed to enhance dust observations and prediction capabilities, soil conservation measures, and Valley fever and other disease surveillance.
Leveraging Uncertainty in Terrestrial Ecosystem Carbon Stocks and Fluxes
Authors: Trugman A. T. , Quetin G. R.
Published: March 2023

Forests sequester ∼25% of anthropogenic carbon (C) emissions annually and are of increasing interest for their potential as Nature‐based Climate Solutions (NbCS). Emergent from the need to assess terrestrial ecosystem health and quantify C storage and fluxes, several gridded products documenting terrestrial C and changes in C stocks over time have been developed. However, researchers have not yet systematically compared C distributions across products, or developed a clear path forward for investigating and leveraging this cross‐product uncertainty in estimates of terrestrial C. Alaniz et al. (2022, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021EF002560) synthesize multiple published products to constrain the distribution of forest C stocks and fluxes globally. Building off of their results, we comment on opportunities for advancing both basic science and NbCS policy recommendations through systematic product cross‐comparisons and targeting of areas with differing levels of uncertainties in the terrestrial C sink.
Tectono‐Thermal Evolution of the Hope‐Kelly Fault System, Southern Alps, New Zealand: Insights From Topographic Analysis and (U‐Th)/He Thermochronology
Authors: Vermeer Jessie L. , Quigley Mark C. , Boone Samuel C. , Duffy Brendan G. , Langridge Robert M. , Kohn Barry P.
Published: March 2023

The fast‐slipping Alpine (∼30 mm/yr), Hope (∼10–20 mm/yr) and Kelly (∼6 mm/yr) faults in the South Island of New Zealand form a complex intersection zone that accommodates tectonic strain along the Australian‐Pacific plate boundary. Analysis of digital topography reveals evidence for stream capture, drainage divide migration, landscape responses to incipient fault development, and preserved enclaves of relic topography that collectively reflect complex interplays between active faulting and landscape evolution. (U‐Th)/He thermochronology of zircon (ZHe) and apatite (AHe) is used to investigate the low‐temperature thermal evolution of rocks in the intersection zone. Weighted mean sample ages for ZHe single grain ages (n = 13 samples) range from ∼9 to 2 Ma, and AHe multi‐grain and single grain aliquot ages (n = 9 samples) range from ∼1.5 to 0.5 Ma. Inverse and forward thermal history modeling reveals distinct spatiotemporal variations in thermal histories. Late Miocene exhumation rates (∼0.6–3.5 km/Myr, assuming geothermal gradients of 33–40 °C/km) through crustal depths of approximately 5–6 km, are interpreted to be controlled by proximity to the Alpine fault, with rocks proximal to the fault recording faster exhumation rates relative to distal samples. Establishment of the Hope‐Kelly fault system in the Quaternary structurally juxtaposed rocks with discordant cooling histories. Rocks throughout the study region record increased cooling rates from ∼2 Ma. Possible causal mechanisms include, spatial changes in rock uplift associated with transport toward the Alpine Fault, increased erosion rates associated with Quaternary climate change, or increased rock mass erodibility associated with development of the Hope‐Kelly fault system.
Deciphering the Whisper of Volcanoes: Monitoring Velocity Changes at Kamchatka's Klyuchevskoy Group With Fluctuating Noise Fields
Authors: Makus Peter , Sens‐Schönfelder Christoph , Illien Luc , Walter Thomas R. , Yates Alexander , Tilmann Frederik
Published: March 2023

Volcanic inflation and deflation often precede eruptions and can lead to seismic velocity changes () in the subsurface. Recently, interferometry on the coda of ambient noise‐cross‐correlation functions yielded encouraging results in detecting these changes at active volcanoes. Here, we analyze seismic data recorded at the Klyuchevskoy Volcanic Group in Kamchatka, Russia, between summer of 2015 and summer of 2016 to study signals related to volcanic activity. However, ubiquitous volcanic tremors introduce distortions in the noise wavefield that cause artifacts in the estimates masking the impact of physical mechanisms. To avoid such instabilities, we propose a new technique called time‐segmented passive image interferometry. In this technique, we employ a hierarchical clustering algorithm to find periods in which the wavefield can be considered stationary. For these periods, we perform separate noise interferometry studies. To further increase the temporal resolution of our results, we use an AI‐driven approach to find stations with similar responses and apply a spatial stack. The impacts of snow load and precipitation dominate the resulting time series, as we demonstrate with the help of a simple model. In February 2016, we observe an abrupt velocity drop due to the M7.2 Zhupanov earthquake. Shortly after, we register a gradual velocity increase of about 0.3% at Bezymianny Volcano coinciding with surface deformation observed using remote sensing techniques. We suggest that the inflation of a shallow reservoir related to the beginning of Bezymianny's 2016/2017 eruptive cycle could have caused this local velocity increase and a decorrelation of the correlation function coda.
Vegetation‐Driven Seasonal Sediment Dynamics in a Freshwater Marsh of the Mississippi River Delta
Authors: Beltrán‐Burgos M. , Esposito C. R. , Nepf H. M. , Baustian M. M. , Di Leonardo D. R.
Published: March 2023

Deltaic wetlands are critically important coastal environments, upon which hundreds of millions of people depend. Managing and preserving them in the face of sea level rise will be a challenging task over the next century that will require land managers to devise restoration strategies that maximize the delivery and storage of mineral sediments, and to apportion limited sediment resources to priority locations. We collected a unique field data set characterizing sediment delivery to, and retention in, a deltaic wetland throughout a period of rapidly changing emergent and submerged vegetation conditions in the spring of 2019. Our results demonstrate that wetland deposition is extremely sensitive to the timing of the flood pulse with respect to vegetation conditions, and that vegetation alone can adjust sediment delivery and retention by one or more orders of magnitude over a period of weeks. In planning for wetland management operations, it will be critical for managers to assess these rapidly changing conditions as they influence project success.
Application of the CNOP‐P Ensemble Prediction (CNOP‐PEP) Method in Evapotranspiration Forecasting Over the Tibetan Plateau to Model Parameter Uncertainties
Authors: Sun Guodong , Mu Mu , Zhang Qiyu , Ren Qiujie , You Qinglong
Published: March 2023

Model parameter errors are one of the sources of uncertainty when simulating or predicting evapotranspiration (ET) over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). To enhance the ET simulation ability and prediction skill over the TP, the conditional nonlinear optimal parameter perturbation (CNOP‐P) method is used to establish an ensemble prediction method (called the CNOP‐PEP method) to represent uncertainties arising due to the model parameters to implement ensemble prediction experiments. The one‐at‐a‐time (OAT) method and the traditional stochastically perturbed parametrization (SPP) scheme are also employed to implement ensemble prediction experiments for comparison with the CNOP‐PEP method. The numerical results show that all ensemble prediction experiments conducted with the three methods exhibit improved prediction skills compared to the reference ET over the TP. Furthermore, the prediction skill by employing the CNOP‐PEP method is more excellent than those of the OAT and SPP methods when predicting ET over the TP. The physical mechanism analysis shows that the improved evaporation characterization obtained with the ensemble prediction experiments plays a key role in reducing uncertainties when simulating and predicting ET over the TP. The above results indicate that ensemble prediction methods are a helpful tool to improve the simulation ability and prediction skill of the ET over the TP for analyzing model parameters. In addition, the CNOP‐PEP method can supply prime ensemble members to represent uncertainties in model parameters.
Abrupt Change of the Generalized Complementary Relationship of Evaporation Over Irrigated Double Cropping North China Plain With East Asian Monsoon
Authors: Han Songjun , Zhao Yujie , Zhang Baozhong , Wang Yaqi , Lei Huimin , Zhang Xiaolong , Zhao Fenghua
Published: March 2023

The generalized complementary relationship (CR) of evaporation was investigated in the irrigated winter wheat/summer maize double‐cropping sites in North China Plain (NCP), a region influenced by the East Asian dry winter and wet summer monsoon. Different generalized CRs exist in the winter wheat (dry) and summer maize (wet) seasons with abrupt changes in June and October. The seasonal abrupt change in the CR is attributed to the sudden reversed water vapor transport with the winter and summer monsoon and the wheat/maize rotation with irrigation in the winter wheat season. The separation and abrupt change in the complementary behavior require that two‐stage phased parameters corresponding to the wheat (dry) and maize (wet) seasons should be adopted by the generalized complementary functions for operational evaporation estimation in the irrigated double cropping NCP.
Sea Ice Melting Drives Substantial Change in Dissolved Organic Matter in Surface Water off Prydz Bay, East Antarctic
Authors: Yu Jianchun , Zhu Guoping , Wang Yasong , Wang Yinghui , Han Lulu , Liu Zijun , Zhang Xi , Xu Yunping
Published: March 2023

Polar ecosystems are vulnerable to climate warming and are characterized by a rapid decline in sea ice. In this study, we collected surface water samples from the Southern Ocean off Prydz Bay during and after sea ice melting season (SIM). After removing the particles using 0.7‐μm pore size filters, we measured the concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and the composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) by using the total organic carbon analyzer, optical spectrometry, and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. The mean DOC concentration during the SIM is 1.3‐fold higher than that during the post‐SIM, whereas the a350 value, an indicator of chromophoric DOM, showed the opposite trend by a factor of 2.8. Five components, including three humic‐like and two protein‐like substances were identified by fluorescence excitation emission matrices‐parallel factor analysis, in which protein‐like biolabile components were enriched during the SIM and humic‐like refractory components were enriched during the post‐SIM. The DOM in the water samples from the SIM had higher proportions of polycyclic aromatics, polyphenols, and compounds within molecular lability boundary, whereas the DOM from the post‐SIM had a higher proportion of highly unsaturated compounds. Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between DOM and sea‐ice melting/associated environmental factors (e.g., water temperature, salinity, and microbial activity). These collective results suggest that sea ice melting is an important factor driving a transition from more labile to more refractory DOM in the surface water off Prydz Bay, which may have a profound impact on the marine ecosystem and carbon cycle in the polar ocean.
Mena regulates nesprin-2 to control actin–nuclear lamina associations, trans-nuclear membrane signalling and gene expression
Authors: Li Mow Chee Frederic , Beernaert Bruno , Griffith Billie G. C. , Loftus Alexander E. P. , Kumar Yatendra , Wills Jimi C. , Lee Martin , Valli Jessica , Wheeler Ann P. , Armstrong J. Douglas , Parsons Maddy , Leigh Irene M. , Proby Charlotte M. , von Kriegsheim Alex , Bickmore Wendy A. , Frame Margaret C. , Byron Adam
Published: March 2023

Interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix, mediated by integrin adhesion complexes, play key roles in fundamental cellular processes, including the sensing and transduction of mechanical cues. Here, we investigate systems-level changes in the integrin adhesome in patient-derived cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cells and identify the actin regulatory protein Mena as a key node in the adhesion complex network. Mena is connected within a subnetwork of actin-binding proteins to the LINC complex component nesprin-2, with which it interacts and co-localises at the nuclear envelope. Moreover, Mena potentiates the interactions of nesprin-2 with the actin cytoskeleton and the nuclear lamina. CRISPR-mediated Mena depletion causes altered nuclear morphology, reduces tyrosine phosphorylation of the nuclear membrane protein emerin and downregulates expression of the immunomodulatory gene PTX3 via the recruitment of its enhancer to the nuclear periphery. We uncover an unexpected role for Mena at the nuclear membrane, where it controls nuclear architecture, chromatin repositioning and gene expression. Our findings identify an adhesion protein that regulates gene transcription via direct signalling across the nuclear envelope.
Two gates mediate NMDA receptor activity and are under subunit-specific regulation
Authors: Amin Johansen B. , He Miaomiao , Prasad Ramesh , Leng Xiaoling , Zhou Huan-Xiang , Wollmuth Lonnie P.
Published: March 2023

Kinetics of NMDA receptor (NMDAR) ion channel opening and closing contribute to their unique role in synaptic signaling. Agonist binding generates free energy to open a canonical gate at the M3 helix bundle crossing. Single channel activity is characterized by clusters, or periods of rapid opening and closing, that are separated by long silent periods. A conserved glycine in the outer most transmembrane helices, the M4 helices, regulates NMDAR function. Here we find that the GluN1 glycine mainly regulates single channel events within a cluster, whereas the GluN2 glycine mainly regulates entry and exit from clusters. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that, whereas the GluN2 M4 (along with GluN2 pre-M1) regulates the gate at the M3 helix bundle crossing, the GluN1 glycine regulates a ‘gate’ at the M2 loop. Subsequent functional experiments support this interpretation. Thus, the distinct kinetics of NMDARs are mediated by two gates that are under subunit-specific regulation.
Obesity, antioxidants and negative symptom improvement in first-episode schizophrenia patients treated with risperidone
Authors: Gao Zhiyong , Xiu Meihong , Liu Jiahong , Wu Fengchun , Zhang Xiang-Yang
Published: March 2023

Negative symptoms remain a main therapeutic challenge in patients with schizophrenia (SZ). Obesity is associated with more severe negative symptoms after the first episode of psychosis. Oxidative stress caused by an impaired antioxidant defense system is involved in the pathophysiology of SZ. Yet, it is unclear regarding the role of obesity and antioxidants in negative symptom improvements in SZ. Therefore, this longitudinal study was designed to assess the impact of obesity on antioxidant defenses and negative symptom improvements in first-episode SZ patients. A total of 241 medication-naive and first-episode patients with SZ were treated with risperidone for 3 months. Outcome measures including symptoms, body weight, and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were measured at baseline and the end of the third month. We found that after 12 weeks of treatment with risperidone, the body weight increased and clinical symptoms significantly improved. Baseline body mass index (BMI) was negatively correlated with negative symptom improvement after treatment and an increase in TAS was negatively associated with an increase in BMI only in the high BMI group. More importantly, the TAS × BMI interaction at baseline was an independent predictor of negative symptom improvement. Our longitudinal study indicates that the improvement in negative symptoms by risperidone was associated with baseline BMI and TAS levels in patients with SZ. Baseline BMI and TAS may be a predictor for negative improvement in SZ patients after risperidone treatment.
Disruption of ecological networks in lakes by climate change and nutrient fluctuations
Authors: Merz Ewa , Saberski Erik , Gilarranz Luis J. , Isles Peter D. F. , Sugihara George , Berger Christine , Pomati Francesco
Published: March 2023

Climate change interacts with local processes to threaten biodiversity by disrupting the complex network of ecological interactions. While changes in network interactions drastically affect ecosystems, how ecological networks respond to climate change, in particular warming and nutrient supply fluctuations, is largely unknown. Here, using an equation-free modelling approach on monthly plankton community data in ten Swiss lakes, we show that the number and strength of plankton community interactions fluctuate and respond nonlinearly to water temperature and phosphorus. While lakes show system-specific responses, warming generally reduces network interactions, particularly under high phosphate levels. This network reorganization shifts trophic control of food webs, leading to consumers being controlled by resources. Small grazers and cyanobacteria emerge as sensitive indicators of changes in plankton networks. By exposing the outcomes of a complex interplay between environmental drivers, our results provide tools for studying and advancing our understanding of how climate change impacts entire ecological communities.
Genome surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants and their role in pathogenesis focusing on second wave of COVID-19 in India
Authors: Sarkar Poulomi , Banerjee Sarthak , Saha Sarbar Ali , Mitra Pralay , Sarkar Siddik
Published: March 2023

India had witnessed unprecedented surge in SARS-CoV-2 infections and its dire consequences during the second wave of COVID-19, but the detailed report of the epidemiological based spatiotemporal incidences of the disease is missing. In the manuscript, we have applied various statistical approaches (correlation, hierarchical clustering) to decipher the pattern of pathogenesis of the circulating VoCs responsible for surge in the incidences. B.1.617.1 (Kappa) was the predominant VoC during the early phase of the second wave, whereas, Delta (B.1.617.2) or Delta-like (AY.x) VoC constitutes majority ($$>90.17$$

>
90.17

%) of the cases during the peak of the second wave. The correlation plot of Delta/Delta-like lineage demonstrates inverse correlation with other lineages including B.1.617.1, B.1.1.7, B.1, B.1.36.29 and B.1.36. The spatiotemporal analysis shows that most of the Indian states were affected during the peak of the second wave due to the Delta surge, and fall under the same cluster. The second cluster populated mostly by north-eastern states and the islands of India were minimally affected. The presence of signature mutations (T478K, D950N, E156G) along with L452K, D614G and P681R within the spike protein of Delta or Delta-like might cause elevation in the host cell attachment, increased transmission and altered antigenicity which in due course of time has replaced the other circulating variants.The timely assessment of new VoCs including Delta-like will provide a rationale for updating the diagnostic, vaccine development by medical industries and decision making by various agencies including government, educational institutions, and corporate industries.
Simulating flexibility, variability and decentralisation with an integrated energy system model for Great Britain
Authors: Chaudry Modassar , Jayasuriya Lahiru , Hall Jim W. , Jenkins Nick , Eyre Nick , Eggimann Sven
Published: March 2023

Energy system models allow the development and assessment of ambitious transition pathways towards a sustainable energy system. However, current models lack adequate spatial and temporal resolution to capture the implications of a shift to decentralised energy supply and storage across multiple local energy vectors to meet spatially variable energy demand. There is also a lack of representation of interactions with the transport sector as well as national and local energy system operation. Here, we bridge these gaps with a high-resolution system-of-systems modelling framework which is applied to Great Britain to simulate differences between the performance of decarbonised energy systems in 2050 through two distinct strategies, an electric strategy and a multi-vector strategy prioritising a mix of fuels, including hydrogen. Within these strategies, we simulated the impacts of decentralised operation of the energy system given the variability of wind and across flexibility options including demand side management, battery storage and vehicle to grid services. Decentralised operation was shown to improve operational flexibility and maximise utilisation of renewables, whose electricity supplies can be cost-effectively converted to hydrogen or stored in batteries to meet peak electricity demands, therefore reducing carbon-intensive generation and the requirement for investment in expanding the electricity transmission network capacity.
Robot-assisted investigation of sensorimotor control in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Tamilselvam Yokhesh K. , Jog Mandar , Patel Rajni V.
Published: March 2023

Sensorimotor control (SMC) is a complex function that involves sensory, cognitive, and motor systems working together to plan, update and execute voluntary movements. Any abnormality in these systems could lead to deficits in SMC, which would negatively impact an individual's ability to execute goal-directed motions. Recent studies have shown that patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD) have dysfunctions in sensory, motor, and cognitive systems, which could give rise to SMC deficits. However, SMC deficits in PD and how they affect a patient's upper-limb movements have not been well understood. The objective of the study was to investigate SMC deficits in PD and how they affect the planning and correction of upper-limb motions. This was accomplished using a robotic manipulandum equipped with a virtual-reality system. Twenty age-matched healthy controls and fifty-six PD patients (before and after medication) completed an obstacle avoidance task under dynamic conditions (target and obstacles in moving or stationary form, with and without mechanical perturbations). Kinematic information from the robot was used to extract eighteen features that evaluated the SMC functions of the participants. The findings show that the PD patients before medication were 32% slower, reached 16% fewer targets, hit 41% more obstacles, and were 26% less efficient than the control participants, and the difference in these features was statistically significant under dynamic conditions. In addition to the motor deficits, the PD patients also showed deficits in handling high cognitive loads and interpreting sensory cues. Further, the PD patients after medication exhibited worse sensory and cognitive performance than before medication under complex testing conditions. The PD patients also showed deficits in following the computational models leading to poor motor planning.
MHD instability dynamics and turbulence enhancement towards the plasma disruption at the HL-2A tokamak
Authors: Li Y. C. , Jiang M. , Xu Y. , Shi Z. B. , Xu J. Q. , Liu Yi. , Liang A. S. , Yang Z. C. , Wen J. , Zhang Y. P. , Wang X. Q. , Zhu Y. J. , Zhou H. , Li W. , Luo Y. , Su X. ,   HL-2A, Duan X. R. , Ding X. T. , Dong J. Q. , Yang Q. W. , Yan L. W. , Liu Yi , Zou X. L. , Liu D. Q. , Xuan W. M. , Chen L. Y. , Rao J. , Song X. M. , Mao W. C. , Wang Q. M. , Cao Z. , Li B. , Cao J. Y. , Lei G. J. , Zhang J. H. , Li X. D. , Wang S. J. , Liu A. D. , Bu M. N. , Chen Y. H. , Chen W. , Cheng J. , Cui C. H. , Cui Z. Y. , Deng Z. C. , Dong Y. B. , Feng B. B. , Gao Q. D. , Han X. Y. , Hong W. Y. , Hu H. T. , Huang M. , Huang Y. , Ji X. Q. , Kang Z. H. , Lan T. , Li G. S. , Li H. J. , Li Qing , Li Qiang , Li W. , Li Y. G. , Li Z. J. , Liu Z. T. , Luo C. W. , Mao X. H. , Pan Y. D. , Peng J. F. , Shao K. , Song X. Y. , Sun H. J. , Wang A. K. , Wang H. , Wang M. X. , Wang Y. Q. , Wang Z. T. , Xiao W. W. , Xiao Z. G. , Xie Y. F. , Yao L. H. , Yao L. Y. , Yu D. L. , Yuan B. S. , Zhao K. J. , Zheng Y. Z. , Zhong G. W. , Zhou C. P. , Zhou J. , Zhou Y. , Yan J. C. , Yu C. X. , Pan C. H. , Liu Yong
Published: March 2023

The evolutions of MHD instability behaviors and enhancement of both electrostatic and electromagnetic turbulence towards the plasma disruption have been clearly observed in the HL-2A plasmas. Two types of plasma disruptive discharges have been investigated for similar equilibrium parameters: one with a distinct stage of a small central temperature collapse ($$\sim$$
∼
5–10%) around 1 millisecond before the thermal quench (TQ), while the other without. For both types, the TQ phase is preceded by a rotating 2/1 tearing mode, and it is the development of the cold bubble from the inner region of the 2/1 island O-point along with its inward convection that causes the massive energy loss. In addition, the micro-scale turbulence, including magnetic fluctuations and density fluctuations, increases before the small collapse, and more significantly towards the TQ. Also, temperature fluctuations measured by electron cyclotron emission imaging enhances dramatically at the reconnection site and expand into the island when approaching the small collapse and TQ, and the expansion is more significant close to the TQ. The observed turbulence enhancement near the X-point cannot be fully interpreted by the linear stability analysis by GENE. Evidences suggest that nonlinear effects, such as the reduction of local $$E_r\times B$$

E
r

×
B

shear and turbulence spreading, may play an important role in governing turbulence enhancement and expansion. These results imply that the turbulence and its interaction with the island facilitate the stochasticity of the magnetic flux and formation of the cold bubble, and hence, the plasma disruption.
MiSelect R System: the validation of a new detection system of CTCs and their correlation with prognosis in non-metastatic CRC patients
Authors: Lin Chun-Chi , Yang Chih-Yung , Hung Tzu-Chao , Wang Chun-Hung , Wei Sheng-Wen , Schiro Perry , Tseng Ju-Yu , Lin Chi-Hung , Jiang Jeng-Kai
Published: March 2023

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood are accepted as a prognostic marker for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). However, there is limited data on the use of CTCs as a prognostic marker for non-metastatic patients. In the current study, we used a rare cell automated analysis platform, the MiSelect R System, to enumerate CTCs from blood in non-metastatic CRC patients, and corelated the number of CTCs with the clinical staging and survival. The presence of CTCs in mesenteric vein blood (MVB) samples from 101 CRC patients was significantly associated with T stage. Patients with 1 or more CTCs per 8 mL of MVB exhibited significantly worse disease-free survival (DFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) compared to patient without CTCs. The presence of CTCs before surgery is an independent marker for both DFS and CSS. CTC presence after surgical resection is also a prognostic marker. CTCs are a potentially useful prognostic and predictive biomarker in non-metastatic CRC patients that may further stratify patient’s risk status within different stages of disease.
Estradiol-mediated protection against high-fat diet induced anxiety and obesity is associated with changes in the gut microbiota in female mice
Authors: Acharya Kalpana D. , Graham Madeline , Raman Harshini , Parakoyi Abigail E. R. , Corcoran Alexis , Belete Merzu , Ramaswamy Bharath , Koul Shashikant , Sachar Ishneet , Derendorf Kevin , Wilmer Jeremy B. , Gottipati Srikanth , Tetel Marc J.
Published: March 2023

Decreased estrogens during menopause are associated with increased risk of anxiety, depression, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Similarly, depleting estrogens in rodents by ovariectomy, combined with a high-fat diet (HFD), increases anxiety and adiposity. How estrogens and diet interact to affect anxiety and metabolism is poorly understood. Mounting evidence indicates that gut microbiota influence anxiety and metabolism. Here, we investigated the effects of estradiol (E) and HFD on anxiety, metabolism, and their correlation with changes in gut microbiota in female mice. Adult C57BL/6J mice were ovariectomized, implanted with E or vehicle-containing capsules and fed a standard diet or HFD. Anxiety-like behavior was assessed and neuronal activation was measured by c-fos immunoreactivity throughout the brain using iDISCO. HFD increased anxiety-like behavior, while E reduced this HFD-dependent anxiogenic effect. Interestingly, E decreased neuronal activation in brain regions involved in anxiety and metabolism. E treatment also altered gut microbes, a subset of which were associated with anxiety-like behavior. These findings provide insight into gut microbiota-based therapies for anxiety and metabolic disorders associated with declining estrogens in menopausal women.
Distance mapping and volumetric assessment of the ankle and syndesmotic joints in progressive collapsing foot deformity
Authors: Dibbern Kevin , Vivtcharenko Victoria , Salomao Barbachan Mansur Nacime , Lalevée Matthieu , Alencar Mendes de Carvalho Kepler , Lintz François , Barg Alexej , Goldberg Andrew J. , de Cesar Netto Cesar
Published: March 2023

The early effects of progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) on the ankle and syndesmotic joints have not been three-dimensionally quantified. This case-control study focused on using weight bearing CT (WBCT) distance (DM) and coverage maps (CM) and volumetric measurements as 3D radiological markers to objectively characterize early effects of PCFD on the ankle and syndesmotic joints. Seventeen consecutive patients with symptomatic stage I flexible PCFD and 20 matched controls that underwent foot/ankle WBCT were included. Three-dimensional DM and CM of the ankle and syndesmotic joints, as well volumetric assessment of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis was performed as possible WBCT markers of early PCFD. Measurements were compared between PCFD and controls. Significant overall reductions in syndesmotic incisura distances were observed in PCFD patients when compared to controls, with no difference in the overall syndesmotic incisura volume at 1, 3, 5 and 10 cm proximally to the ankle joint. CMs showed significantly decreased articular coverage of the anterior regions of the tibiotalar joint as well as medial/lateral ankle joint gutters in PCFD patients. This study showed syndesmotic narrowing and decreased articular coverage of the anterior aspect of the ankle gutters and talar dome in stage I PCFD patients when compared to controls. These findings are consistent with early plantarflexion of the talus within the ankle Mortise, and absence of true syndesmotic overload in early PCFD, and support DM and CM as early 3D PCFD radiological markers.
Molecular simulations of SSTR2 dynamics and interaction with ligands
Authors: Gervasoni Silvia , Guccione Camilla , Fanti Viviana , Bosin Andrea , Cappellini Giancarlo , Golosio Bruno , Ruggerone Paolo , Malloci Giuliano
Published: March 2023

The cyclic peptide hormone somatostatin regulates physiological processes involved in growth and metabolism, through its binding to G-protein coupled somatostatin receptors. The isoform 2 (SSTR2) is of particular relevance for the therapy of neuroendocrine tumours for which different analogues to somatostatin are currently in clinical use. We present an extensive and systematic computational study on the dynamics of SSTR2 in three different states: active agonist-bound, inactive antagonist-bound and apo inactive. We exploited the recent burst of SSTR2 experimental structures to perform μs-long multi-copy molecular dynamics simulations to sample conformational changes of the receptor and rationalize its binding to different ligands (the agonists somatostatin and octreotide, and the antagonist CYN154806). Our findings suggest that the apo form is more flexible compared to the holo ones, and confirm that the extracellular loop 2 closes upon the agonist octreotide but not upon the antagonist CYN154806. Based on interaction fingerprint analyses and free energy calculations, we found that all peptides similarly interact with residues buried into the binding pocket. Conversely, specific patterns of interactions are found with residues located in the external portion of the pocket, at the basis of the extracellular loops, particularly distinguishing the agonists from the antagonist. This study will help in the design of new somatostatin-based compounds for theranostics of neuroendocrine tumours.
The usefulness of immunohistochemistry for phosphohistone H3 as a prognostic factor in myxoid liposarcoma
Authors: Takazawa Akira , Yoshimura Yasuo , Okamoto Masanori , Tanaka Atsushi , Kito Munehisa , Aoki Kaoru , Uehara Takeshi , Takahashi Jun , Kato Hiroyuki , Nakayama Jun
Published: March 2023

Myxoid liposarcoma (MLS) is a common subtype of liposarcoma. Although the prognosis is generally good, there are factors known to be associated with poor prognosis. Accurate indices are important to predict prognosis. We aimed to assess the usefulness of immunohistochemistry for phosphohistone H3 (PHH3) as a potential biomarker in comparison with Ki-67 antigen and other prognostic factors. Twenty-five patients with MLS were evaluated. Age, sex, depth of tumor, tumor size, surgical margin, oncological outcome, histological grade, presence of necrosis, proportion of round cell component (RC%), PHH3 index, and Ki-67 index were examined. Prognostic factors of the examination criteria were statistically analyzed, survival rate analyses were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method, and multivariate analysis was performed using Cox proportional-hazard regression analysis. The number of PHH3-positive tumor cells and the PHH3 and Ki-67 indices demonstrated a statistical correlation with the prognosis of MLS in univariate analysis (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.01, respectively). PHH3 index and RC% were significant factors in multivariate analysis (P = 0.03, P = 0.02). The immunohistochemistry of PHH3 may be associated with prognosis and could serve as a valid criterion of histological grade in MLS.
Flat band ferromagnetism in Pb$$_2$$Sb$$_2$$O$$_7$$ via a self-doped mechanism
Authors: Hase I. , Higashi Y. , Eisaki H. , Kawashima K.
Published: March 2023

Electron systems with strong geometrical frustrations have flat bands, and their unusual band dispersions are expected to induce a wide variety of physical properties. However, for the emergence of such properties, the Fermi level must be pinned within the flat band. In this study, we performed first-principles calculations on pyrochlore oxide Pb$$_2$$

2

Sb$$_2$$

2

O$$_7$$

7

and theoretically clarified that the self-doping mechanism induces pinning of the Fermi level in the flat band in this system. Therefore, a very high density of states is realized at the Fermi level, and the ferromagnetic state transforms into the ground state via a flat band mechanism, although the system does not contain any magnetic elements. This compound has the potential to serve as a new platform for projecting the properties of flat band systems in the real world.
Occupation as a risk factor of small cell lung cancer
Authors: García Teresa Curiel , Ruano-Ravina Alberto , Candal-Pedreira Cristina , López-López Rafael , Torres-Durán María , Enjo-Barreiro José Ramón , Provencio Mariano , Parente-Lamelas Isaura , Vidal-García Iria , Martínez Cristina , Hernández-Hernández Jesús , Abdulkader-Nallib Ihab , Castro-Añón Olalla , Piñeiro-Lamas María , Varela-Lema Leonor , Fernández-Villar Alberto , Barros-Dios Juan , Pérez-Ríos Mónica
Published: March 2023

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) comprises approximately 10% of all lung cancer cases. Tobacco is its main risk factor; however, occupation might play a role in this specific lung cancer subtype. The effect of occupation on SCLC risk has been hardly studied and therefore we aim to assess the role of occupation on the risk of SCLC. To do this, we designed a multicentric, hospital-based, case–control study. Cases consisted exclusively in SCLC patients and controls were recruited from patients having minor surgery at the participating hospitals. Face to face interviews emphasizing occupation and tobacco consumption were held and residential radon was also measured. Logistic regression models were adjusted with odds ratios with 95%CI as estimations of the effect. 423 cases and 905 controls were included. Smoking prevalence was higher in cases compared to controls. Those who worked in known-risk occupations for lung cancer showed an OR of 2.17 (95%CI 1.33; 3.52), with a similar risk when men were analysed separately. The results were adjusted by age, sex, smoking and indoor radon exposure. Those who worked in known-risk occupations and were moderate or heavy smokers had a SCLC risk of 12.19 (95%CI 5.68–26.38) compared with never or moderate smokers who had not worked in such occupations. Occupation is a relevant risk factor of SCLC, and it seems that its effect is boosted when tobacco smoking is present.