bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biologia Futura: four questions about ageing and the future of relevant animal models
Authors: Kubinyi Enikő
Published: September 2022

Understanding how active and healthy ageing can be achieved is one of the most relevant global problems. In this review, I use the “Four questions” framework of Tinbergen to investigate how ageing works, how it might contribute to the survival of species, how it develops during the lifetime of (human) individuals and how it evolved. The focus of ageing research is usually on losses, although trajectories in later life show heterogeneity and many individuals experience healthy ageing. In humans, mild changes in cognition might be a typical part of ageing, but deficits are a sign of pathology. The ageing of the world's populations, and relatedly, the growing number of pathologically ageing people, is one of the major global problems. Animal models can help to understand the intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to ageing.
Optimal Entry and Exit Decisions Under Uncertainty and the Impact of Mean Reversion
Authors: Tvedt Jostein
Published: September 2022

This paper derives an entrepreneur’s optimal switching between an idle and an active state under stochastic mean reverting output prices. The paper suggests a new categorisation of the effects of mean reversion. Mean reversion affects valuation and optimal entry and exit thresholds via the variance of output prices and expected future cashflows. High variance increases the value of optionality and enhances hysteresis effects. Changes to the expected cashflow path affect the attractiveness of the active relative to the idle state. In addition, changes to the moments affect the implicit risk discounting rate and thereby valuation and the optimal switching strategy.
Eine Perspektive von Grundschulkindern auf Bedingungsfaktoren der aktiven und eigenständigen Mobilität – eine qualitative Studie
Authors: Seemüller Selina , Reimers Anne Kerstin , Marzi Isabel
Published: September 2022

Nur wenige Kinder erreichen die Bewegungsempfehlungen der Weltgesundheitsorganisation und profitieren von den gesundheitlichen Effekten der körperlichen Aktivität. Die Förderung nicht-organisierter Bewegungsaktivitäten, wie die aktive und eigenständige Mobilität, ist ein relevanter Ansatzpunkt für Interventionen zur Bewegungsförderung bei Kindern im Grundschulalter. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, hinderliche und förderliche Faktoren für die eigenständige und aktive Mobilität auf dem Schulweg zu identifizieren, aus welchen geeignete Interventionsmaßnahmen abgeleitet werden können.

Im Rahmen der Studie wurden zwölf Grundschulkinder im Alter von acht bis zehn Jahren qualitativ anhand der Photovoice-Methode zu ihrem Schulweg befragt. Basierend auf dem sozial-ökologischen Modell wurden individuelle, soziale und physische Einflussfaktoren aus den Daten extrahiert. Insbesondere die elterliche Erlaubnis, eine mangelnde fahrrad- und fußgängerfreundliche Infrastruktur und rücksichtslose motorisierte Verkehrsteilnehmer*innen hindern Kinder an einem aktiven und eigenständigen Zurücklegen des Schulwegs.

Anhand der Studie wurden vielfältige Faktoren auf unterschiedlichen sozial-ökologischen Ebenen identifiziert, welche in Interventionsmaßnahmen zur Förderung eines aktiven und eigenständigen Schulwegs berücksichtigt werden sollten. Zudem sollten Verbesserungsvorschläge der Grundschüler*innen zur Ermöglichung eines aktiven und eigenständigen Schulwegs in der Stadtplanung und -entwicklung kritisch reflektiert und berücksichtigt werden, um kindgerechte Umwelten zu schaffen.
Grid Feature-Based Weighted Simulation Method for Multi-Objective Reliability-Based Design Optimization
Authors: Chen Hao , Li Weikun , Song Wentao , Yang Ping , Cui Weicheng
Published: September 2022

Reliability analysis and reliability-based design have attracted huge attention since their origin, especially in the engineering design optimization field. Integrating a novel grid feature (GF) mechanism into the weighted simulation method (WSM), a grid feature-based weighted simulation method (GFWSM) is proposed in this paper. By sorting the samples in the random variable space, the GF mechanism serializes the failure probability calculation process, which can reduce the number of performance function evaluations required by the WSM. The proposed GFWSM is integrated into an efficient evolutionary multi-objective optimizer, disruption-based multi-objective equilibrium optimization algorithm (DMOEOA), for solving multi-objective reliability-based design optimization (MORBDO) problems. Different reliability analysis examples are employed to verify the advantages of the proposed GFWSM. Various constrained multi-objective reliability-based design optimization problems have been selected to test the effectiveness of the GFWSM-DMOEOA algorithm. The simulation results indicate that GFWSM and GFWSM-DMOEOA algorithm have achieved a good balance between accuracy and efficiency.
Are U.S. consumers willing to pay more by the lake? An analysis of preferences for Great Lakes region fish
Authors: Athnos April , Valle de Souza Simone , Quagrainie Kwamena , Etumnu Chinonso , Knudson William , Kinnunen Ronald E. , Hitchens Paul
Published: September 2022

U.S. per capita seafood consumption is historically high due to population and income growth and consumer preference shifts toward healthy protein options. Despite this expansion, U.S. fisheries, especially those in the Great Lakes region, no longer fulfill domestic demand due to pressure on fish stocks and regulatory constraints. Instead, aquaculture and imports fill the gap. Rainbow trout, yellow perch, and walleye—three species historically produced in the North Central Region (NCR)—exemplify such trends. To expand marketing opportunities for NCR aquaculture producers, this study estimates willingness to pay (WTP) for these species and several search and credence fish attributes. We designed and distributed a survey instrument to collect hypothetical choice experiment responses from U.S. seafood consumers. Using a random utility framework, we estimate mean total WTP for trout, yellow perch, and walleye of $19.99/lb., $15.89/lb., and $17.37/lb., respectively. Further, we identify average price premia of $1.64/lb., $1.97/lb., and $0.84/lb. for NCR-sourced, wild-caught, and fresh fillet attributes. Our analysis also captures regional preferences. Mean WTP estimates for yellow perch and walleye, which are native to the Great Lakes, are significantly higher inside the NCR. Further, trout commands a higher premium outside the NCR than within, suggesting potential market segmentation for the analyzed species.
Shared cultural ancestry predicts the global diffusion of democracy
Authors: Kyritsis Thanos , Matthews Luke J. , Welch David , Atkinson Quentin D.
Published: September 2022

Understanding global variation in democratic outcomes is critical to efforts to promote and sustain democracy today. Here, we use data on the democratic status of 221 modern and historical nations stretching back up to 200 years to show that, particularly over the last 50 years, nations with shared linguistic and, more recently, religious ancestry have more similar democratic outcomes. We also find evidence that for most of the last 50 years the democratic trajectory of a nation can be predicted by the democratic status of its linguistic and, less clearly, religious relatives, years and even decades earlier. These results are broadly consistent across three democracy indicators (Polity 5, Vanhanen's Index of Democracy, and Freedom in the World) and are not explained by geographical proximity or current shared language or religion. Our findings suggest that deep cultural ancestry remains an important force shaping the fortunes of modern nations, at least in part because democratic norms, institutions, and the factors that support them are more likely to diffuse between close cultural relatives.
Prospective associations between diet quality and health-related quality of life in the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) study
Authors: Ng Leong-Hwee , Hart Michael , Dingle Sara E. , Milte Catherine M. , Livingstone Katherine M. , Shaw Jonathan E. , Magliano Dianna J. , McNaughton Sarah A. , Torres Susan J.
Published: September 2022

Changes between diet quality and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) over 12 years were examined in men and women, in 2844 adults (46 % males; mean age 47·3 (sd 9·7) years) from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle study with data at baseline, 5 and 12 years. Dietary intake was assessed with a seventy-four-item FFQ. Diet quality was estimated with the Dietary Guideline Index, Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Diet Intervention for Neurological Delay Index (MIND) and Dietary Inflammatory Index. HR-QoL in terms of global, physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) was assessed with the Short-Form Health Survey-36. Fixed effects regression models adjusted for confounders were performed. Mean MCS increased from baseline (49·0, sd 9·3) to year 12 (50·7, sd 9·1), whereas mean PCS decreased from baseline (51·7, sd 7·4) to year 12 (49·5, sd 8·6). For the total sample, an improvement in MIND was associated with an improvement in global QoL (β = 0·28, 95 % CI (0·007, 0·55)). In men, an improvement in MIND was associated with an improvement in global QoL (β = 0·28, 95 % CI (0·0004, 0·55)). In women, improvement in MIND was associated with improvements in global QoL (β = 0·62 95 % CI (0·38, 0·85)), MCS (β = 0·75, 95 % CI (0·29, 1·22)) and PCS (β = 0·75, 95 % CI (0·29, 1·22)). Positive changes in diet quality were associated with broad improvements in HR-QoL, and most benefits were observed in women when compared to men. These findings support the need for strategies to assist the population in consuming healthy dietary patterns to lead to improvements in HR-QoL.
Unmet needs, quality of life and psychological distress: insights regarding head and neck cancer patients in a rural setting
Authors: Sunderland M , Matthews C , Waterhouse D , Shetty S , Morton R P
Published: September 2022

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the perceived quality of life, unmet needs and psychological distress in patients with head and neck cancer in a rural setting in New Zealand.

Method

Patients presenting with head and neck cancer in Northland, New Zealand, were asked to complete questionnaires on quality of life, unmet needs, and anxiety or depression together with a free-text option.

Results

About one quarter of respondents (27 per cent) scored high in the anxiety and depression scale, with corresponding diminished quality of life scores and increased needs. Over half of respondents (54 per cent) found it challenging to travel for treatment. Financial difficulties were encountered more frequently with indigenous patients. Rurality alone does not lead to significant differences in quality of life or needs.

Conclusion

After treatment for head and neck cancer, it is important to monitor and manage patients’ psychological distress and ease of access to health services to improve quality of life.
Combined effects of high temperature and light on the photosynthetic parameters and recovery of temperate microphytobenthos in Browns River, Tasmania
Authors: Salleh Sazlina , McMinn Andrew
Published: September 2022

Microphytobenthos (MPB) communities are responsible for most primary production in shallow intertidal mudflats. The effects of short-term changes in temperature and light (1200, 500 and 0 μmol photons m−2 s−1) on the photosynthetic activity of intertidal MPB communities of Browns River, Tasmania, during winter (0, 5, 10 and 15°C) and summer (20, 25, 30, 35 and 40°C) were examined using a Pulse Amplitude Modulated (Water PAM) fluorometer. The MPB communities were primarily dominated by the diatom genera Navicula, Cocconeis and Amphora, with a difference in species dominance during seasons. During summer, Amphora coffeaeformis dominated communities were significantly impacted by temperatures above 30°C regardless of light intensities. The MPB was able to photosynthesize at temperatures only up to 25°C. The rETRmax at 25°C, ranged from 39.18 ± 3.42 (500 μmol photons m−2 s−1) to 22.83 ± 1.05 (0 μmol photons m−2 s−1), which was lower than the values recorded at an equivalent irradiance in in-situ summer. However, if ambient temperature exceeds 25°C in summer, it is likely that the photosynthetic capabilities of the MPB will be diminished and it will cause irreversible photoinhibition.
Associations of negative affective biases and depressive symptoms in a community-based sample
Authors: de Nooij Laura , Adams Mark J. , Hawkins Emma L. , Romaniuk Liana , Munafò Marcus R. , Penton-Voak Ian S. , Elliott Rebecca , Bland Amy R. , Waiter Gordon D. , Sandu Anca-Larisa , Habota Tina , Steele J. Douglas , Murray Alison D. , Campbell Archie , Porteous David J. ,   Generation Scotland, McIntosh Andrew M. , Whalley Heather C.
Published: September 2022

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) was previously associated with negative affective biases. Evidence from larger population-based studies, however, is lacking, including whether biases normalise with remission. We investigated associations between affective bias measures and depressive symptom severity across a large community-based sample, followed by examining differences between remitted individuals and controls.

Methods

Participants from Generation Scotland (N = 1109) completed the: (i) Bristol Emotion Recognition Task (BERT), (ii) Face Affective Go/No-go (FAGN), and (iii) Cambridge Gambling Task (CGT). Individuals were classified as MDD-current (n = 43), MDD-remitted (n = 282), or controls (n = 784). Analyses included using affective bias summary measures (primary analyses), followed by detailed emotion/condition analyses of BERT and FAGN (secondary analyses).

Results

For summary measures, the only significant finding was an association between greater symptoms and lower risk adjustment for CGT across the sample (individuals with greater symptoms were less likely to bet more, despite increasingly favourable conditions). This was no longer significant when controlling for non-affective cognition. No differences were found for remitted-MDD v. controls. Detailed analysis of BERT and FAGN indicated subtle negative biases across multiple measures of affective cognition with increasing symptom severity, that were independent of non-effective cognition [e.g. greater tendency to rate faces as angry (BERT), and lower accuracy for happy/neutral conditions (FAGN)]. Results for remitted-MDD were inconsistent.

Conclusions

This suggests the presence of subtle negative affective biases at the level of emotion/condition in association with depressive symptoms across the sample, over and above those accounted for by non-affective cognition, with no evidence for affective biases in remitted individuals.
Vocabulary learning at first exposure: Replication of Gullberg et al. (2012) and Shoemaker and Rast (2013)
Authors: Miralpeix Imma
Published: September 2022

This article puts forward several proposals for replicating two well-known First Exposure studies dealing with the earliest stages of adult second language acquisition. Both of them enquire into the word-level knowledge that complete beginners are able to extract from minimal input when exposed to a new language for the first time. They also focus on several input variables that may enhance learning from minimal input. However, the first, by Gullberg et al. (2012), uses audiovisual input in Dutch learners of Chinese to assess word recognition and word meaning after watching a short video; while the second, by Shoemaker and Rast (2013), uses oral input with French learners of Polish to measure word recognition before and after 6.5 hours of intensive classroom exposure. Close and approximate replications of these studies can help to re-evaluate and generalise the findings, as well as contributing additional relevant data to the field.
Renal, cardiac, neurological, cutaneous and coagulopathic long-term manifestations of COVID-19 after recovery; A review
Authors: Afrisham Reza , Jadidi Yasaman , Davoudi Maryam , Moayedi Kiana , Karami Saina , Sadegh-Nejadi Sahar , Ashtary-Larky Damoon , Seyyedebrahimi ShadiSadat , Alizadeh Shaban
Published: September 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the novel global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease outbreak. Its pathogenesis is mostly located in the respiratory tract. However, other organs are also affected. Hence, realising how such a complex disturbance affects patients after recovery is crucial. Regarding the significance of control of COVID-19-related complications after recovery, the current study was designed to review the cellular and molecular mechanisms linking COVID-19 to significant long-term signs including renal and cardiac complications, cutaneous and neurological manifestations, as well as blood coagulation disorders. This virus can directly influence on the cells through Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) to induce cytokine storm. Acute release of Interleukin-1 (IL1), IL6 and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) have been related to elevating risk of heart failure. Also, inflammatory cytokines like IL-8 and Tumour necrosis factor-α cause the secretion of von Willebrand factor (VWF) from human endothelial cells and then VWF binds to Neutrophil extracellular traps to induce thrombosis. On the other hand, the virus can damage the blood–brain barrier by increasing its permeability and subsequently enters into the central nervous system and the systemic circulation. Furthermore, SARS-induced ACE2-deficiency decreases [des-Arg9]-bradykinin (desArg9-BK) degradation in kidneys to induce inflammation, thrombotic problems, fibrosis and necrosis. Notably, the angiotensin II-angiotensin II type 1 receptor binding causes an increase in aldosterone and mineralocorticoid receptors on the surface of dendritic cells cells, leading to recalling macrophage and monocyte into inflammatory sites of skin. In conclusions, all the pathways play a key role in the pathogenesis of these disturbances. Nevertheless, more investigations are necessary to determine more pathogenetic mechanisms of the virus.
Sequelae of infants’ negative affectivity in the contexts of emerging distinct attachment organizations: Multifinality in mother-child and father-child dyads across the first year
Authors: An Danming , Kochanska Grazyna
Published: September 2022

Infants’ high negative affectivity often initiates maladaptive parent-child relational processes that may involve both the parent’s and the child’s sides of the relationship. We proposed that infants’ high negative affectivity triggers distinct sequelae in dyads classified as avoidant, resistant, and disorganized, compared to secure dyads. In 200 community families, at 8 months, we observed infants’ negative affectivity; at 16 months, we assessed attachment organization and collected observations and reports of parent-related (responsiveness, resentment of child, power assertion, and intrusiveness) and child-related (social-emotional competence, opposition, and anger) constructs. In mother-child avoidant dyads, infants’ high negative affectivity was a significant precursor of mothers’ higher resentment and intrusiveness and children’s lower social-emotional competence. Those associations were significantly different than in secure dyads (in which none were significant). In father-child disorganized dyads, infants’ high negative affectivity was a significant precursor of fathers’ lower responsiveness and higher resentment; there were no association in secure dyads. Regardless of infants’ negative affectivity, compared to secure dyads, parents in resistant dyads expressed more resentment of child, and avoidant and resistant children were more oppositional to their fathers. The study illustrates multifinality in parent- and child-related processes that characterize unfolding early relational dynamics in dyads differing in just-emerging attachment.
Charles Mills’ ‘Black Radical Kantianism’ as a Plot Twist for Kant Studies and Contemporary Kantian-Liberal Political Philosophy
Authors: Huseyinzadegan Dilek
Published: September 2022

This article shows that themethodologyof Mills’ ‘Black Radical Kantianism’ (BRK) represents a major plot twist for Kant studies as well as contemporary political philosophy utilizing Kantian ideas. BRK is no mere upgrade of Kant’s or Kantian ideal theory for racial justice. Mills’ methodology requires us to positboththat the real Kant and establishment Kantianism have been racist, sexist and Eurocentric;andthat only by first admitting and reckoning with the compatibility of white supremacy and liberal egalitarianism can we hope to radicalize Kant or Kantianism.
Can a Programmable Phase Plate Serve as an Aberration Corrector in the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)?
Authors: Vega Ibáñez Francisco , Béché Armand , Verbeeck Johan
Published: September 2022

Current progress in programmable electrostatic phase plates raises questions about their usefulness for specific applications. Here, we explore different designs for such phase plates with the specific goal of correcting spherical aberration in the transmission electron microscope (TEM). We numerically investigate whether a phase plate could provide down to 1 Ångström spatial resolution on a conventional uncorrected TEM. Different design aspects (fill factor, pixel pattern, symmetry) were evaluated to understand their effect on the electron probe size and current density. Some proposed designs show a probe size (d50) down to 0.66 Å, proving that it should be possible to correct spherical aberration well past the 1 Å limit using a programmable phase plate consisting of an array of electrostatic phase-shifting elements.
Disruptive innovation in the economic organization of China and the West
Authors: Root Hilton L.
Published: September 2022

We explore how macro and micro networks influence the diffusion of technological innovation and cultural/social behavior. Across the historical regimes in China and Europe, dynastic lordship's macro networks afforded different advantages in technological innovation. A network particular to Europe, the Roman Church, extended deep into local parishes with ethical norms prescribing fairness to strangers, and these cultural foundations helped guilds, trade associations, merchant courts, and universities operate cooperatively far beyond kinship. In contrast, Chinese emperors relied on ancient Confucian moral codes and system-spanning Confucian-educated officialdom; but fiscal limitations compelled officials to defer to local lineage orders, resulting in an enduring cultural pattern of guanxi and a polity whose institutional problem-solving capacity falter beyond the local level. Yet the civil service system has enabled China to outperform similar lineage-dependent regimes. Probing network topologies, we find that system-spanning networks can facilitate technological diffusion, but local networks influence cultural and behavioral change.
Ecological Momentary Assessment of Creative Ideation
Authors: Rominger Christian , Schwerdtfeger Andreas R. , Benedek Mathias , Perchtold-Stefan Corinna M. , Fink Andreas
Published: September 2022

Abstract. Creative ideas in daily life show substantial variation in quality. Yet, most studies investigate the creative ideation process in highly controlled laboratory contexts, which challenges the ecological validity of creativity research findings. In this article, we advocate the use of ambulatory assessments of creative ideation to gain deeper insight into the variability of ideation processes (between- and within-subjects) in everyday life. We demonstrate this approach by the example of the ambulatory battery of creativity (ABC), which constitutes a reliable and valid approach to assess divergent thinking ability in the verbal and figural domain in everyday life context. Furthermore, it differentiates between-person and within-person variation of creative ideation performance. The first part of this paper will shortly describe the general approach using ABC as an example. In the second part, we use the 7 C’s heuristic to explore applications and implications of this novel method for creativity research. We focus on four C’s with special relevance for ambulatory assessment: Creator, Creating, Context, and Curricula. To this end, we review the findings of strongly controlled laboratory studies and discuss and illustrate applications of the ambulatory assessment. We conclude that the assessment of creative ideation performance in the field might help move the spotlight of creative ideation research from the laboratory to more naturalistic settings. This would increase the ecological validity of creative ideation research and facilitate fresh or unprecedented perspectives on past and future questions on a person’s creative potential and its moment-to-moment fluctuation.
Effects of Different Types of Aerosols on Deep Convective Clouds and Anvil Cirrus
Authors: Zhang Jinming , Zhao Bin , Liu Xiaohong , Lin Guangxing , Jiang Zhe , Wu Chenglai , Zhao Xi
Published: September 2022

Deep convective clouds and associated anvils exert opposite radiative effects. The impact of different aerosol types on these two categories of clouds remains a major challenge in understanding aerosol‐cloud interactions. Using 11‐year satellite retrievals, we find that cloud top height (CTH) and ice cloud fraction of deep convective clouds and anvil cirrus identified by Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization increase with small aerosol loadings and level off or even decrease with further aerosol increase. Compared with continental aerosols, CTH affected by marine aerosols starts to decrease at smaller aerosol loadings. Moreover, cloud optical depth (COD) of deep convective clouds decreases with aerosol loadings. COD of anvil cirrus increases with increased loadings of most aerosol types but decreases with smoke aerosol. These relationships are mainly attributed to the aerosol effect rather than the meteorological effects. Our findings contribute to the development of models and better assessment of aerosol‐cloud radiative forcing.
Refining the Global Estimate of Mangrove Carbon Burial Rates Using Sedimentary and Geomorphic Settings
Authors: Breithaupt Joshua L. , Steinmuller Havalend E.
Published: September 2022

This study provides updated analysis of multi‐decadal mangrove organic carbon (OC) burial rates. The available data indicate mangroves bury 138.6 (120.3–158.8, 95% C.I.) g OC m−2 yr−1 locally, or 20.18 (17.52–23.12) Tg yr−1 globally. We contend that this common approach of upscaling from a single local‐scale rate obscures critical environmental differences in burial rates. By implementing a recently formalized, spatially explicit global mangrove typology, we find carbonate setting mangroves have lower burial rates than terrigenous settings, and that upscaling based on representative rates for sedimentary setting alone or a combination of sedimentary and geomorphic settings, increased the global scale annual burial to 22.10 (18.26–26.05) and 24.17 (19.77–25.50) Tg yr−1, respectively. We propose that future work should focus less on consolidating a single confidence interval for mangrove OC burial rates, and should instead explore drivers of spatial variability based on sedimentary and geomorphic settings.
Cloud and Surface Albedo Feedbacks Reshape 21st Century Warming in Successive Generations of An Earth System Model
Authors: Schneider David P. , Kay Jennifer E. , Hannay Cecile
Published: September 2022

The relative importance of radiative feedbacks and emissions scenarios in controlling surface warming patterns is challenging to quantify across model generations. We analyze three variants of the Community Earth System Model (CESM) with differing equilibrium climate sensitivities under identical CMIP5 historical and high‐emissions scenarios. CESM1, our base model, exhibits Arctic‐amplified warming with the least warming in the Southern Hemisphere middle latitudes. A variant of CESM1 with enhanced extratropical shortwave cloud feedbacks shows slightly increased late‐21st century warming at all latitudes. In the next‐generation model, CESM2, global‐mean warming is also slightly greater, but the warming is zonally redistributed in a pattern mirroring cloud and surface albedo feedbacks. However, if the nominally equivalent CMIP6 scenario is applied to CESM2, the redistributed warming pattern is preserved, but global‐mean warming is significantly greater. These results demonstrate how model structural differences and scenario differences combine to produce differences in climate projections across model generations.
A primary hierarchically organized patient-derived model enables in depth interrogation of stemness driven by the coding and non-coding genome
Authors: Boutzen Héléna , Madani Tonekaboni Seyed Ali , Chan-Seng-Yue Michelle , Murison Alex , Takayama Naoya , Mbong Nathan , Wagenblast Elvin , Orouji Elias , Arruda Andrea , Mitchell Amanda , Notta Faiyaz , Minden Mark D. , Lupien Mathieu , Kaufmann Kerstin B. , Dick John E.
Published: September 2022

Many cancers are organized as cellular hierarchies sustained by cancer stem cells (CSC), whose eradication is crucial for achieving long-term remission. Difficulties to isolate and undertake in vitro and in vivo experimental studies of rare CSC under conditions that preserve their original properties currently constitute a bottleneck for identifying molecular mechanisms involving coding and non-coding genomic regions that govern stemness. We focussed on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) as a paradigm of the CSC model and developed a patient-derived system termed OCI-AML22 that recapitulates the cellular hierarchy driven by leukemia stem cells (LSC). Through classical flow sorting and functional analyses, we established that a single phenotypic population is highly enriched for LSC. The LSC fraction can be easily isolated and serially expanded in culture or in xenografts while faithfully recapitulating functional, transcriptional and epigenetic features of primary LSCs. A novel non-coding regulatory element was identified with a new computational approach using functionally validated primary AML LSC fractions and its role in LSC stemness validated through efficient CRISPR editing using methods optimized for OCI-AML22 LSC. Collectively, OCI-AML22 constitutes a valuable resource to uncover mechanisms governing CSC driven malignancies.
Heparanase modulates the prognosis and development of BRAF V600E-mutant colorectal cancer by regulating AKT/p27Kip1/Cyclin E2 pathway
Authors: Liu Mengling , Xu Xiaojing , Peng Ke , Hou Pengcong , Yuan Yitao , Li Suyao , Sun Xun , Shi Zhongyi , Zhang Jiayu , Dong Yu , Liu Qing , Ai Luoyan , Liang Li , Gan Lu , Huang Qihong , Yu Yiyi , Liu Tianshu
Published: September 2022

BRAF V600E-mutant colorectal cancer (CRC) is a rare subtype of colorectal cancer with poor prognosis. Compelling evidence indicates that the heparanase (HPSE) gene has multiple functions in cancer, however, its role in BRAF V600E-mutant CRC remains elusive. Differentially expressed genes between BRAF V600E-mutant and wild-type patients were explored by analyzing public data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Gene Expression Omnibus. Clinical samples of 172 patients with BRAF V600E-mutant CRC diagnosed at Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University were collected. Overall survival was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression models. Cell models and xenografts were utilized to investigate the effect of HPSE on tumor proliferation. HPSE was significantly highly expressed in the BRAF V600E-mutant group. High HPSE expression level was independently associated with inferior survival in the BRAF V600E-mutant cohort. HPSE knockdown impeded tumor proliferation of BRAF V600E-mutant CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, HPSE silencing arrested cell cycle in G0/G1 phase by downregulating Cyclin E2 expression via the AKT/p27Kip1 pathway. These findings support a role for HPSE in promoting BRAF V600E-mutant CRC progression, which suggests it holds great promise as a prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for the aggressive CRC subtype.
Variational quantum state eigensolver
Authors: Cerezo M. , Sharma Kunal , Arrasmith Andrew , Coles Patrick J.
Published: September 2022

Extracting eigenvalues and eigenvectors of exponentially large matrices will be an important application of near-term quantum computers. The variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) treats the case when the matrix is a Hamiltonian. Here, we address the case when the matrix is a density matrix ρ. We introduce the variational quantum state eigensolver (VQSE), which is analogous to VQE in that it variationally learns the largest eigenvalues of ρ as well as a gate sequence V that prepares the corresponding eigenvectors. VQSE exploits the connection between diagonalization and majorization to define a cost function $$C={{{\rm{Tr}}}}(\tilde{\rho }H)$$

C
=
Tr

(

ρ

̃

H

)

where H is a non-degenerate Hamiltonian. Due to Schur-concavity, C is minimized when $$\tilde{\rho }=V\rho {V}^{{\dagger} }$$

ρ

̃

=
V
ρ

V

†

is diagonal in the eigenbasis of H. VQSE only requires a single copy of ρ (only n qubits) per iteration of the VQSE algorithm, making it amenable for near-term implementation. We heuristically demonstrate two applications of VQSE: (1) Principal component analysis, and (2) Error mitigation.
Executable models of immune signaling pathways in HIV-associated atherosclerosis
Authors: Palshikar Mukta G. , Palli Rohith , Tyrell Alicia , Maggirwar Sanjay , Schifitto Giovanni , Singh Meera V. , Thakar Juilee
Published: September 2022

Atherosclerosis (AS)-associated cardiovascular disease is an important cause of mortality in an aging population of people living with HIV (PLWH). This elevated risk has been attributed to viral infection, anti-retroviral therapy, chronic inflammation, and lifestyle factors. However, the rates at which PLWH develop AS vary even after controlling for length of infection, treatment duration, and for lifestyle factors. To investigate the molecular signaling underlying this variation, we sequenced 9368 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from eight PLWH, four of whom have atherosclerosis (AS+). Additionally, a publicly available dataset of PBMCs from persons before and after HIV infection was used to investigate the effect of acute HIV infection. To characterize dysregulation of pathways rather than just measuring enrichment, we developed the single-cell Boolean Omics Network Invariant Time Analysis (scBONITA) algorithm. scBONITA infers executable dynamic pathway models and performs a perturbation analysis to identify high impact genes. These dynamic models are used for pathway analysis and to map sequenced cells to characteristic signaling states (attractor analysis). scBONITA revealed that lipid signaling regulates cell migration into the vascular endothelium in AS+ PLWH. Pathways implicated included AGE-RAGE and PI3K-AKT signaling in CD8+ T cells, and glucagon and cAMP signaling pathways in monocytes. Attractor analysis with scBONITA facilitated the pathway-based characterization of cellular states in CD8+ T cells and monocytes. In this manner, we identify critical cell-type specific molecular mechanisms underlying HIV-associated atherosclerosis using a novel computational method.
Evaluations of rationally designed rift valley fever vaccine candidate RVax-1 in mosquito and rodent models
Authors: Ikegami Tetsuro , Jurado-Cobena Eduardo , Alkan Cigdem , Smith Jennifer K. , Zhang Lihong , Kalveram Birte , Juelich Terry L. , Esterly Allen T. , Bhaskar Jahnavi R. , Thangamani Saravanan , Freiberg Alexander N.
Published: September 2022

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne zoonosis endemic to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, which causes large outbreaks among humans and ruminants. Single dose vaccinations using live-attenuated RVF virus (RVFV) support effective prevention of viral spread in endemic countries. Due to the segmented nature of RVFV genomic RNA, segments of vaccine strain-derived genomic RNA could be incorporated into wild-type RVFV within co-infected mosquitoes or animals. Rationally designed vaccine candidate RVax-1 displays protective epitopes fully identical to the previously characterized MP-12 vaccine. Additionally, all genome segments of RVax-1 contribute to the attenuation phenotype, which prevents the formation of pathogenic reassortant strains. This study demonstrated that RVax-1 cannot replicate efficiently in orally fed Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, while retaining strong immunogenicity and protective efficacy in an inbred mouse model, which were indistinguishable from the MP-12 vaccine. These findings support further development of RVax-1 as the next generation MP-12-based vaccine for prevention of Rift Valley fever in humans and animals.
Exploiting interfacial polymerization to fabricate hyper-cross-linked nanofiltration membrane with a constituent linear aliphatic amine for freshwater production
Authors: Baig Umair , Waheed Abdul
Published: September 2022

Humanity is facing a global challenge of dwindling water resources and the situation is intensifying due to growing population leading to excessive water pollution. Nanofiltration is an important membrane-based technology for the production of clean and potable water for domestic and industrial setups. Hyper-cross-linked polyamide thin film composite nanofiltration (HCPA-TFC-NF) membranes have been fabricated by using multifunctional amine 1 (possessing two primary -NH2 and two secondary -NH groups) and bifunctional terephthaloyl chloride 2 (TPC) through interfacial polymerization. The structure of the hyper-cross-linked polyamide network has been successfully confirmed by solid (CP-MAS) 13C NMR, XPS, AFM, FT-IR, elemental mapping, and EDX analysis. The membrane features such as surface morphology and hydrophilicity have been established by FE-SEM and water contact angle measurements. The FE-SEM analysis revealed the formation of uniform polyamide active layer on the surface of PS/PET support, and the pore structure of the membranes was tuned by studying the effect of curing temperature and curing time. The nanofiltration membranes efficiently rejected a series of divalent salts including MgCl2, CaCl2, Na2SO4, MgSO4, and NaCl using cross-flow filtration setup. Based on the cross-flow filtration performance, the best conditions for the membrane fabrication were found to be curing temperature of 80 °C with a curing time of 1 h. The highest salt rejection was observed in case of MgCl2 reaching to a value of 98.11% in case of HCPA-TFC-NF@M3 and it was found to be 97.45% in case of HCPA-TFC-NF@M2 while the rejection of MgCl2 was reduced to 94.59% in case HCPA-TFC-NF@M1. HCPA-TFC-NF@M2 showed NaCl rejection of 87.36%. The hydrofluoric acid treatment of HCPA-TFC-NF-M2 increased the water flux while keeping the rejection high. The HCPA-TFC-NF@M2 showed a rejection of >99% for EBT with a permeate flux of 75 LMH.
Spatiotemporally controlled generation of NTPs for single-molecule studies
Authors: Sabantsev Anton , Mao Guanzhong , Aguirre Rivera Javier , Panfilov Mikhail , Arseniev Anatolii , Ho Oanh , Khodorkovskiy Mikhail , Deindl Sebastian
Published: September 2022

Many essential processes in the cell depend on proteins that use nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs). Methods that directly monitor the often-complex dynamics of these proteins at the single-molecule level have helped to uncover their mechanisms of action. However, the measurement throughput is typically limited for NTP-utilizing reactions, and the quantitative dissection of complex dynamics over multiple sequential turnovers remains challenging. Here we present a method for controlling NTP-driven reactions in single-molecule experiments via the local generation of NTPs (LAGOON) that markedly increases the measurement throughput and enables single-turnover observations. We demonstrate the effectiveness of LAGOON in single-molecule fluorescence and force spectroscopy assays by monitoring DNA unwinding, nucleosome sliding and RNA polymerase elongation. LAGOON can be readily integrated with many single-molecule techniques, and we anticipate that it will facilitate studies of a wide range of crucial NTP-driven processes.
Bacteria communities and water quality parameters in riverine water and sediments near wastewater discharges
Authors: de Santana Carolina Oliveira , Spealman Pieter , Azulai Daniella , Reid Mary , Dueker M. Elias , Perron Gabriel G.
Published: September 2022

Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) discharges alter water quality and microbial communities by introducing human-associated bacteria in the environment and by altering microbial communities. To fully understand this impact, it is crucial to study whether WWTP discharges affect water and sediments microbial communities in comparable ways and whether such effects depend on specific environmental variables. Here, we present a dataset investigating the impact of a WWTP on water quality and bacterial communities by comparing samples collected directly from the WWTP outflow to surface waters and sediments at two sites above and two sites below it over a period of five months. When possible, we measured five physicochemical variables (e.g., temperature, turbidity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and salinity), four bioindicators (e.g., Escherichia coli, total coliforms, Enterococcus sp., and endotoxins), and two molecular indicators (e.g., intI1’s relative abundance, and 16S rRNA gene profiling). Preliminary results suggest that bioindicators correlate with environmental variables and that bacterial communities present in the water tables, sediments, and treated water differ greatly in composition and structure.
First-principles studies of defect behaviour in bismuth germanate
Authors: Akande Salawu Omotayo , Bouhali Othmane
Published: September 2022

Intrinsic defects are known to greatly affect the structural and electronic properties of scintillators thereby impacting performance when these materials are in operation. In order to overcome this effect, an understanding of the defect process is required for the design of more stable materials. Here we employed density functional theory calculations and the PBE0 hybrid functional to study the structural, electronic,defect process and optical properties of $$\hbox {Bi}_4\hbox {Ge}_3\hbox {O}_{{12}}$$

Bi
4

Ge
3

O
12

(BGO), a well know material used as scintillator. We examined possible intrinsic defects and calculated their formation energy and their impact on the properties that affect the scintillation process. Furthermore, we investigated the effect and role of rare earth element (REE = Nd, Pr, Ce and Tm) doping on the properties of the BGO system. While the PBE functional underestimated the band gap, the PBE0 was found to adequately describe the electronic properties of the system. Out of all the defects types considered, it was found that $$\hbox {Bi}_{{Ge}}$$

Bi

Ge

antisite is the most favourable defect. Analysis of the effect of this defect on the electronic properties of BGO revealed an opening of ingap states within the valence band. This observation suggests that the $$\hbox {Bi}^{3+}$$

Bi

3
+

could be a charge trapping defect in BGO. We found that the calculated dopant substitution formation energy increases with increase in the size of the dopant and it turns out that the formation of O vacancy is easier in doped systems irrespective of the size of the dopant. We analyzed the optical spectra and noted variations in different regions of the photon energy spectra.
Reciprocating intestinal flows enhance glucose uptake in C. elegans
Authors: Suzuki Yuki , Kikuchi Kenji , Numayama-Tsuruta Keiko , Ishikawa Takuji
Published: September 2022

Despite its physiological and pathological importance, the mechanical relationship between glucose uptake in the intestine and intestinal flows is unclear. In the intestine of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the defecation motor program (DMP) causes reciprocating intestinal flows. Although the DMP is frequently activated in the intestines, its physiological function is unknown. We evaluated the mechanical signature of enhanced glucose uptake by the DMP in worms. Glucose uptake tended to increase with increasing flow velocity during the DMP because of mechanical mixing and transport. However, the increase in input energy required for the DMP was low compared with the calorie intake. The findings suggest that animals with gastrointestinal motility exploit the reciprocating intestinal flows caused by peristalsis to promote nutrient absorption by intestinal cells.
Compounds from human odor induce attraction and landing in female yellow fever mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti)
Authors: Bello Jan E. , Cardé Ring T.
Published: September 2022

The femaleAedes aegypti mosquito is a vector of many human diseases such as yellow fever, dengue, and Zika. Transmission of these viruses occurs when an infected female mosquito locates a suitable human host, alights, and blood feeds.Aedes aegypti use human-emitted odors, as well as heat and visual cues, for host location. However, none of the previously identified human-produced compounds induce significant orientation and landing on a human host. Here we show that female yellow fever mosquitoes orient to and land on a mixture of compounds identified from human skin rubbings. Using odor collection, extraction, a two-choice, bioassay-guided fractionation, and chemical analysis, we identified mixtures of 2-ketoglutaric acid and L-lactic acid as landing attractants for female Ae. aegypti.The mixture of pyruvic acid and L-lactic acid were also found to be weakly attractive. Using ratio-response assays, we found that the attraction and alighting behaviors of the mosquitoes were directly related to the ratio of these compounds presented on the surface of the glass assay beads, suggesting that these compounds could mediate landing on a human host even at sub-nanogram dosages. The newly identified compounds fill a gap in our knowledge of odor-mediated attraction ofAe. aegyptiand may lead to the development of new attractant-based mosquito control tactics.
Colorectal cancer incidence and survival inequalities among labour immigrants in Belgium during 2004–2013
Authors: Vanthomme Katrien , Rosskamp Michael , De Schutter Harlinde , Vandenheede Hadewijch
Published: September 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. We aim to map out differences in CRC incidence and survival between first-generation traditional labour immigrants of Italian, Turkish and Moroccan descent and native Belgians; and assess the contribution of socioeconomic position (SEP) to these differences. Individually-linked data of the 2001 Belgian Census, the Crossroads Bank for Social Security and the Belgian Cancer Registry are used. Age-standardized incidence rates and incidence rate ratios are calculated by country of origin, with and without adjusting for SEP. For CRC patients, 5-year relative survival rates and the relative excess risk for dying within five years after diagnosis are calculated by migrant origin. Lower CRC incidence was observed among immigrants compared to native Belgians, in particular among non-Western immigrants, which could not be explained by SEP. Survival inequalities were less clear, yet, after adjusting for age and stage at diagnosis and educational attainment, we observed a survival advantage among Turkish and Italian immigrant men. Health gains can be made for the native population by adapting lifestyle. The later stage at diagnosis for immigrants is of concern. Barriers regarding screening as perceived by the vulnerable groups should be identified.