bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Genetic Spectrum of Inborn Errors of Immunity in a Tertiary Care Center in Southern India
Authors: Lashkari Harsha Prasada , Madkaikar Manisha , Dalvi Aparna , Gupta Maya , Bustamante Jacinta , Sharma Madhubala , Rawat Amit , Bhatia Prateek , Bhat Kamalakshi G. , Rao Sadashiva , Kamath Nutan , Moideen Faheem , Latour Sylvain , Winter Sarah , Bhavani Gandham SriLakshmi , Girisha Katta M.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To study the incidence, clinical manifestations, and genetic spectrum of primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID)/inborn errors of immunity (IEI) in a tertiary care hospital in Southern India.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all patients with a clinical suspicion of PID/IEI seen at a tertiary care hospital was performed. All patients had at least one or more warning signs of PID. Serum immunoglobulin levels and other targeted investigations were performed as warranted by the clinical presentation. All families with suspected PID were counseled and offered genetic testing.

Results

A total of 225 children were evaluated for PID during the study period of 6 y. Fifty-six of them did not meet the European Society of Immunodeficiencies (ESID) criteria (working definition of clinical diagnosis) and were excluded. An IEI was found in 30/49 (61.2%) patients. The most frequent reason for referral was recurrent/unusual or serious infections (28%), or cytopenia (16%). Group IV diseases of immune dysregulation was the most common category (19%), followed by group III predominant antibody deficiencies in 23/163 (14%), as per the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) classification.

Conclusions

This study highlights the heterogeneity of the present cohort, the underuse of genetic tests, and efforts to provide optimal care for children with possible IEI in this center.
Initial experience, feasibility and safety of permanent left bundle branch pacing: results from a prospective single-centre study
Authors: Rademakers L. M. , van den Broek J. L. P. M. , Op ’t Hof M. , Bracke F. A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Left bundle branch (LBB) pacing is a novel pacing technique which may serve as an alternative to both right ventricular pacing for symptomatic bradycardia and cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT). A substantial amount of data is reported by relatively few, highly experienced centres. This study describes the first experience of LBB pacing in a high-volume device centre.

Methods

Success rates (i.e. the ability to achieve LBB pacing), electrophysiological parameters and complications at implant and up to 6 months of follow-up were prospectively assessed in 100 consecutive patients referred for various pacing indications.

Results

The mean age was 71 ± 11 years and 65% were male. Primary pacing indication was atrioventricular (AV) block in 40%, CRT in 42%, and sinus node dysfunction or refractory atrial fibrillation prior to AV node ablation in 9% each. Baseline left ventricular ejection fraction was < 50% in 57% of patients, mean baseline QRS duration 145 ± 34 ms. Overall LBB pacing was successful in 83 of 100 (83%) patients but tended to be lower in patients with CRT pacing indication (69%,p = ns). Mean left ventricular activation time (LVAT) during LBB pacing was 81 ms and paced QRS duration was 120 ± 19 ms. LBB capture threshold and R‑wave sense at implant was 0.74 ± 0.4 mV at 0.4 ms and 11.9 ± 5.9 V and remained stable at 6‑month follow-up. No complications occurred during implant or follow-up.

Conclusion

LBB pacing for bradycardia pacing and resynchronisation therapy can be easily adopted by experienced implanters, with favourable success rates and safety profile.
Agricultural seasonality, market access, and food security in Sierra Leone
Authors: Bonuedi Isaac , Kornher Lukas , Gerber Nicolas
Published: November 2021

Seasonal variations in agriculture is a major contributor to undernutrition in many agrarian economies. While recent studies have highlighted the role of markets in improving nutrition, the relative importance of markets in smoothing food consumption across seasons remains largely unexamined. Using data from Sierra Leone, this paper analyses whether access to local food markets mitigates seasonal fluctuations in household dietary diversity and food security. Our results confirm that agricultural seasonality imposes significant fluctuations on household dietary diversity and food security. Households, especially those in rural areas, are found to experience significant deteriorations in dietary diversity and food security during the lean season. Most importantly, the results also show that households with better market access consume more diverse diets and are more food secure in both lean and non-lean seasons than remoter households. An important policy implication of these results is that market-based interventions aimed at strengthening market access through improved market infrastructure and roads can significantly contribute to year-long food consumption smoothing, improved dietary diversity and overall food and nutrition security.
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin: a visionary in controversy
Authors: Vidal Clément
Published: November 2021

Teilhard de Chardin developed an evolutionary vision of our planetary future, currently developing from a sphere of life, orbiospheretowards a sphere of mind, ornoosphere. As a visionary, Teilhard was not only on the brink of formulating the internet, but he also anticipated current academic efforts to understand globalization, as well as human, cultural and technological evolution. However, his ideas are sources of enduring controversies in both scientific and theological circles. Here I uncover some of the core reasons why his ways of thinking and writing are often problematic, and propose a way forward. This note aims to introduce Teilhard’s central article about the noosphere (The Formation of the Noosphere, 1947), but can also be read as an independent introduction to Teilhard’s system of thought. A detailed exegesis of Teilhard’s article is available as a supplementary document.
Structural Stability of Sandvik 3R60™ After 240 131 Hours Ageing and Creep Test at 700 °C
Authors: Öhlin Oscar , Chai Guocai , Siriki Raveendra
Published: November 2021

Sandvik 3R60™ is an AISI 316/316L type of stainless steel. In this paper, the structural stability of the material under long-term ageing or creep test has been studied. The material had been creep tested with a stress of 45 MPa at 700 °C. The predicted rupture time for the creep specimen was about 100,000 h; however, the specimen broke first after 240,131 h. The oxidation behavior and structural stability in both aged and creep-tested samples were studied using SEM/EDS, EBSD and ECCI techniques. Thin oxide layers near the sample surface are mainly spinel oxides and eskolaite (Cr2O3). Sigma phase, χ-phase, Eta phase, M23C6 and Cr2N have been observed in the matrix of the samples. In the crept sample, the amount of sigma phase has increased, so has Eta phase and χ-phase as well. Thermo-Calc evaluation can reasonably predict precipitation of sigma phase, Eta phase and M23C6, but not χ-phase and Cr2N phases. Creep crack initiation behavior has been studied. It is mainly noticed to start at surface oxide layer or coarse sigma particles at grain boundary or triple point. Additionally, it is also observed that the presence of a thin Cr2O3 layer between the oxide and matrix along with discontinuous sigma phase distribution at grain boundary that will reduce the risk for creep crack initiation. Further, the crack propagation behavior has also been discussed.
Ion mobility spectrometry-tandem mass spectrometry strategies for the on-line monitoring of a continuous microflow reaction
Authors: Hadavi Darya , Han Peiliang , Honing Maarten
Published: November 2021

Continuous flow chemistry is an efficient, sustainable and green approach for chemical synthesis that surpasses some of the limitations of the traditional batch chemistry. Along with the multiple advantages of a flow reactor, it could be directly connected to the analytical techniques for on-line monitoring of a chemical reaction and ensure the quality by design. Here, we aim to use ion mobility, mass and tandem mass spectrometry (IMS-MS and MS/MS) for the on-line analysis of a pharmaceutically relevant chemical reaction. We carried out a model hetero-Diels Alder reaction in a microflow reactor directly connected to the IMS-MS and MS/MS using either electrospray or atmospheric pressure photo ionization methods. We were able to monitor the reaction mechanism of the Diels Alder reaction and structurally characterize the reaction product and synthesis side-products. The chosen approach enabled identification of two isomers of the main reaction product. A new strategy to annotate the ion mobility spectrum in the absence of standard molecules was introduced and tested for its validity. This was achieved by determining the survival yield of each isomer upon ion mobility separation and density functional theory calculations. This approach was verified by comparing the theoretically driven collision cross section values to the experimental data. In this paper, we demonstrated the potential of combined IMS-MS and MS/MS on-line analysis platform to investigate, monitor and characterize structural isomers in the millisecond time scale.
Computational analyses of tail fin configurations for a sounding rocket
Authors: Sankalp S. Sai , Sharma Vansh , Singh Abhyudaya , Salian Aneesh Surendra , Srinivas G.
Published: November 2021

Missiles and sounding rockets usually deviate from the trajectory due to unstable roll. Fins with cant angles are generally used to provide a rolling moment in sounding rockets and missiles to minimize the instability. Inducing a rolling moment also leads to an increase in the rocket motor’s power consumption due to the rise in drag, so inducing an optimal rolling moment with a minimal increase in drag is a crucial design criterion. It is crucial to maintain the similarity parameters while testing a scaled-down model in a wind tunnel. Therefore, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is more efficient than extensive wind tunnel tests. In this paper, three-dimensional, incompressible simulations were performed on different models of sounding rockets using commercial CFD package fluent. The simulations were performed with the help of $$k-\epsilon $$

k
-
ϵ

standard turbulence model. The results obtained were tabulated and graphically represented, and the trends of aerodynamic coefficients like $$C_{\text {d}}$$

C
d

and $$C_{\text {m}}$$

C
m

were analyzed. The purpose of this study is to analyze the dependency of aerodynamic coefficients on different fin configurations with emphasis on the cant angle. This study will be helpful to researchers designing a sounding rocket and help in maximizing apogee. The experimental and computational results show a favourable comparison. The results will show a particular configuration of fin having greater $$C_{\text {m}}/C_{\text {d}}$$

C
m

/

C
d

which yields in a greater rolling moment and least amount of drag.
Institutional Roles and Goals for Retrospective Regulatory Analysis
Authors: Bennear Lori S. , Wiener Jonathan B.
Published: November 2021

Despite repeated calls for retrospective regulatory review by every President since the 1970s, progress on implementing such reviews has been slow. We argue that part of the explanation for the slow progress to date stems from misalignment between the goals of regulatory review and the institutional framework used for the review. We define three distinct goals of regulatory review – the rule relevance goal, the rule improvement goal, and the regulatory learning goal. We then examine the text of the Presidential Executive Orders and major Congressional legislation addressing retrospective review, and document which goals were targeted and which institutions were used to conduct the reviews. We find that the U.S. federal government has almost always sought review of one rule at a time, conducted by the agency that issued or promulgated the rule and that these reviews tend to focus on rule relevance and costs. This institutional framework for retrospective review – one rule, assessed by the promulgating agency, focused on relevance and cost – is only well-suited to a narrow interpretation of the rule improvement goal. We then review alternative institutional structures that could better meet the rule improvement goal and the broader regulatory learning goal across multiple rules and agencies, and we offer recommendations for developing new guidance and institutions to promote multiagency regulatory learning.
Punishing Moral Animals
Authors: Shupe Eli
Published: November 2021

There has been recent speculation that some (nonhuman) animals are moral agents. Using a retributivist framework, I argue that if some animals are moral agents, then there are circumstances in which some of them deserve punishment. But who is best situated to punish animal wrongdoers? This paper explores the idea that the answer to this question is humans.
DLX6-AS1: a putative lncRNA candidate in multiple human cancers
Authors: Sheykhhasan Mohsen , Ahmadyousefi Yaghoub , Seyedebrahimi Reihaneh , Tanzadehpanah Hamid , Manoochehri Hamed , Dama Paola , Hosseini Nashmin Fayazi , Akbari Mohammad , Eslami Farsani Mohsen
Published: November 2021

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have important roles in regulating the expression of genes and act as biomarkers in the initial development of different cancers. Increasing research studies have verified that dysregulation of lncRNAs occurs in various pathological processes including tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Among the different lncRNAs, DLX6-AS1 has been reported to act as an oncogene in the development and prognoses of different cancers, by affecting many different signalling pathways. This review summarises and analyses the recent research studies describing the biological functions of DLX6-AS1, its overall effect on signalling pathways and the molecular mechanisms underlying its action on the expression of genes in multiple human cancers. Our critical analysis suggests that different signalling pathways associated to this lncRNA may be used as a biomarker for diagnosis, or targets of treatment in cancers.
Do Regulations Matter in Fighting the COVID-19 Pandemic? Lessons from Poland
Authors: GRUSZCZYNSKI Lukasz , ZATOŃSKI Mateusz , MCKEE Martin
Published: November 2021

In this article, we argue that the design and timing of regulatory responses, as well as the adherence of the population to the relevant rules, have a critical impact on the progression and public health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. This hypothesis is empirically tested using the example of Poland, a country that experienced, compared to its Western European neighbours, a relatively mild first phase of the pandemic. In this context, we compare Poland with selected countries, including France, Germany, Spain and the UK, and we supplement them with examples from other Visegrad Four (V4) countries – Czechia, Slovakia and Hungary. On that basis, we conclude that while the observed differences between the countries in the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic are the result of a multitude of complex and interrelated reasons (such as demographic structure, population density and connectivity or cultural factors), well-designed public health measures, which are implemented early as a part of the proactive strategy that anticipates and reacts quickly to changing circumstances, can effectively decrease the number of COVID-19 infections and related deaths, provided that the adherence of the relevant population is high.
Acoustic microstreaming produced by two interacting gas bubbles undergoing axisymmetric shape oscillations
Authors: Doinikov Alexander A. , Regnault Gabriel , Mauger Cyril , Blanc-Benon Philippe , Inserra Claude
Published: November 2021

An analytical theory is developed that describes acoustic microstreaming produced by two interacting bubbles. The bubbles are assumed to undergo axisymmetric oscillation modes, which can include radial oscillations, translation and shape modes. Analytical solutions are derived in terms of complex amplitudes of oscillation modes, which means that the modal amplitudes are assumed to be known and serve as input data when the velocity field of acoustic microstreaming is calculated. No restrictions are imposed on the ratio of the bubble radii to the viscous penetration depth and the distance between the bubbles. The interaction between the bubbles is considered both when the linear velocity field is calculated and when the second-order velocity field of acoustic microstreaming is calculated. Capabilities of the analytical theory are illustrated by computational examples.
Viscous flow around three-dimensional macroscopic cavities in a granular material
Authors: Sano Osamu , Karmakar Timir , Raja Sekhar G.P.
Published: November 2021

Viscous flow around spherical macroscopic cavities in a granular material is investigated. The Stokes equation inside and the Darcy–Brinkman equation outside the cavities are considered. In particular, the interaction of two equally sized cavities positioned in tandem is examined in detail, where the asymptotic effect of the other cavity is taken into account. The present analysis gives a reasonable estimate on the volume flow into the cavity and the local enhancement of stresses. This is applicable to predict the microscale waterway formation in that material, onset of landslides, collapse of cliffs and river banks, etc.
Adopting a Mediterranean-style eating pattern with low, but not moderate, unprocessed, lean red meat intake reduces fasting serum trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in adults who are overweight or obese
Authors: Krishnan Sridevi , O’Connor Lauren E. , Wang Yu , Gertz Erik R. , Campbell Wayne W. , Bennett Brian J.
Published: November 2021

A Mediterranean-style eating pattern (MED-EP) may include moderate red meat intake. However, it is unknown if the pro-atherogenic metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is affected by the amount of red meat consumed with a MED-EP. The results presented are from a secondary, retrospective objective of an investigator-blinded, randomised, crossover, controlled feeding trial (two 5-week interventions separated by a 4-week washout) to determine if a MED-EP with 200 g unprocessed lean red meat/week (MED-CONTROL) reduces circulating TMAO concentrations compared to a MED-EP with 500 g unprocessed lean red meat/week (MED-RED). Participants were seventy-seven women and twelve men (n39 total) who were either overweight or obese (BMI: mean (30·5) (sem0·3) kg/m2). Serum samples were obtained following an overnight fast both before (pre) and after (post) each intervention. Fasting serum TMAO, choline, carnitine and betaine concentrations were measured using a targeted liquid chromatography-MS. Data were analysed to assess if (a) TMAO and related metabolites differed by intervention and (b) if changes in TMAO were associated with changes in Framingham 10-year risk score. Serum TMAO was lower post-intervention following MED-CONTROL compared with MED-RED intervention (post-MED-CONTROL 3·1 (sem0·2) µmv. post-MED-RED 5·0 (sem0·5) µm,P< 0·001), and decreased following MED-CONTROL (pre-v. post-MED-CONTROL,P= 0·025). Exploratory analysis using mixed model ANCOVA identified a positive association between changes in TMAO and changes in homoeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (P= 0·036). These results suggest that lower amounts of red meat intake lead to lower TMAO concentrations in the context of a MED-EP.
Septoplasty: early (first year) and late (fourth year) post-operative results in 604 patients
Authors: Haye R , Døsen L K , TarAngen M , Gay C , Egeland M T , Shiryaeva O
Published: November 2021

Objective

As prospective outcomes of septoplasty with or without turbinoplasty beyond the first year are few and have diverging results, this study evaluated later septoplasty results three to four years post-operatively.

Methods

Patients undergoing septoplasty completed the Nasal Surgical Questionnaire pre-operatively, and at 6–12 months (early post-operative assessment) and 36–48 months (late post-operative assessment) after surgery. Primary outcome was visual analogue scale ratings for nasal obstruction (with a scale ranging from 0 to 100).

Results

In 604 patients with high response rates, the largest improvements in nasal obstruction were from pre-operative to early post-operative assessments (daytime score reduction = 33.9, night-time reduction 40.5). Nasal obstruction ratings worsened slightly between early and late post-operative assessments (daytime score increase = 5.3, night-time score increase = 9.7). Improvements were better in patients aged over 35 years and in those with pre-operative nasal obstruction scores of more than 62. There were no differences based on surgery type, septal deviation, allergy or smoking.

Conclusion

Septoplasty improves nasal obstruction in both the first and the fourth year after surgery. Post-operative improvements decline slightly over time but remain significant.
The destruction and looting of cultural heritage sites by ISIS in Syria: The case of Manbij and its countryside
Authors: Almohamad Adnan
Published: November 2021

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) occupied the city of Manbij and its countryside from 23 January 2014 until 12 August 2016. During this period, the region suffered greatly as ISIS monopolized control and brutally imposed its ideology. Fierce battles were fought for the control of oil wells, bakeries, mills, dams, and power stations, all of which were sources of revenue. Antiquities were soon recognized as another potential income source. This article demonstrates the ways in which ISIS began to administer and facilitate the looting of antiquities through the Diwan Al-Rikaz. Within this diwan, ISIS established the Qasmu Al-Athar, which was specifically responsible for looting antiquities. Based on interviews conducted in 2015 and primary documents, this article studies the specific ways in which ISIS facilitated the quarrying and looting of antiquities in Manbij and the rich archaeological sites of its countryside. Further, by examining the damage at a previously undocumented archaeological site, Meshrefet Anz, the looting of antiquities under the direct supervision of the Diwan Al-Rikaz is studied. Using documentary evidence including ISIS’s internal documentation as well as photographs collected by the author between 2014 and 2016, the article demonstrates the methods used by ISIS, reveals its financial motivations, and bears witness to the damage done at specific Syrian heritage sites.
Constituency and left-sharing in coordination
Authors: AL KHALAF EMAN
Published: November 2021

A long-standing assumption in the syntactic literature is that coordination can only target constituents. This assumption has been a subject of much debate, with many authors questioning its validity. This article enters this debate by reconsidering a constraint on left-sharing in coordination which Osborne & Gross (2017) have recently introduced, namelyleft node blocking. To account for this constraint, Osborne & Gross proposethePrinciple ofFullClusivitywhich states that coordination cannot cut into a constituent. They couch their analysis in a Dependency Grammar, assuming that coordination does not have to conjoin constituents and that syntactic structures should be construed as flat. Given that the empirical ground on which the LNB is based is not firm, I seek to experimentally investigate it by conducting a large-scale experiment. The results of the investigation reveal that LNB is wrong; left-sharing is as permissive as right-sharing. The results of the investigation have the immediate consequence that the assumptions on which LNB is based are wrong as well, namely that syntactic structures should be construed as flat. I spell out an analysis couched in terms of left-to-right syntax to account for major cases of left-sharing in coordination.
A Strategy for Choosing Red‐Light Thresholds to Manage Hydraulic Fracturing Induced Seismicity in North America
Authors: Schultz Ryan , Beroza Gregory C. , Ellsworth William L.
Published: November 2021

Induced earthquakes caused by hydraulic fracturing are a growing concern, with risks that are often managed by traffic light protocols (TLPs). Here, we apply a risk‐informed strategy for choosing TLP red‐light thresholds. We utilize a combination of probabilistic maximum magnitudes, formation depth, site amplification, ground motion relationships, felt/damaging shaking tolerances, and population information to simulate the spatial distribution of nuisance and damage impacts. We apply this approach to many of the prominent North American shale plays that have caused earthquakes: the Horn River Basin, the Duvernay Formation, the Montney Formation, the Utica Shale, the Marcellus Shale, the SCOOP & STACK play in Oklahoma, the Eagle Ford Formation, and the Delaware Basin. We find that induced earthquake impacts are spatially heterogeneous, depending most strongly on population density. These spatial heterogeneities vary on different length scales, depending on if they are related to nuisance (longer range, 100s kms) or damage (shorter range, 10s kms). Because of this variability, we suggest an approach that sets red‐light magnitudes based on tolerances to nuisance and damage risks (varying between Mw 2.0–5.0). Comparison of the results between North American shale plays where TLPs have been enacted suggests that nuisance risks have been an influencing factor in determining red‐light thresholds. Our method provides quantitative guidelines for traffic light protocols designed in a risk‐informed manner that retains the implementational simplicity of magnitude‐based thresholds. In addition, our results provide a benchmark for jurisdictional nuisance tolerances that future TLPs could be guided by.
Semi‐Brittle Deformation of Carrara Marble: Hardening and Twinning Induced Plasticity
Authors: Rybacki E. , Niu L. , Evans B.
Published: November 2021

Semi‐brittle flow occurs when crystal plasticity and cataclastic mechanisms operate concurrently and may be common at mid‐levels of the Earth's crust. Using a Paterson gas‐deformation apparatus, we performed 67 conventional triaxial deformation experiments on dry samples of Carrara marble in the temperature range of T = 20–800°C; confining pressures (PC) were 30, 50,100, 200, and 300 MPa, and strain rates () were 10−3, 10−4, 10−5, and 10−6 s−1. Axial strains (ε) were ≲0.12. The measured (differential) stress, , changes with strain at most applied conditions. At ε = 0.05, both stress and the hardening coefficient (h), that is, the rate of increase of stress with strain, increase as T decreases and PC increases. At T ≲ 400°C, h is quite large and the sensitivity of on is low, while both are sensitive to increasing pressure. In this temperature range, the mechanical behavior of the marble is very similar to that exhibited by high‐strength, high‐ductility, hexagonal metals that deform by processes called twinning induced plasticity (TWIP). Twinning and dislocation motion are abundant in the samples, as are inter‐ and intracrystalline microfractures. The concurrent activation of these deformation mechanisms leads to complex relationships of and h with the applied T ‐ PC ‐ conditions. This behavior suggests that peak stresses for calcite rocks deforming by semi‐brittle processes will occur at PC ‐ T conditions of the middle crust, and that they might be more strongly influenced by total strain rather than by strain rate.
Calibrated Suspended Sediment Observations Beneath Large Amplitude Non‐Linear Internal Waves
Authors: Edge W. C. , Jones N. L. , Rayson M. D. , Ivey G. N.
Published: November 2021

While it has been recognized for some time that large amplitude non‐linear internal waves (NLIW) can mobilize and transport sediment, quantitative observations of this process are rare. Rarer still are accompanying estimates of suspended sediment mass concentration (SSC) during the passage of NLIW. Here, we present high resolution observations of NLIW and the SSC response within the bottom boundary layer. The observations were made in 250 m of water in a mildly sloping region of the Browse Basin on Australia’s Northwest Shelf. We compare two independent but direct calibration methods, and employ Bayesian methods to estimate the uncertainty in SSC. During a large NLIW event, the peak mean SSC estimate at 0.49 m above the sea bed was 161 mg L−1, with a maximum time‐rate‐of‐change of 0.14 mg L−1 s−1. The unsteady boundary layer forcing under NLIW resulted in a variable time‐height dependent relationship between bed stress and SSC with increasing height above the sea bed. Suspended sediment was restricted to the bottom mixing layer, with sharp vertical gradients of up to 40 mg L−1 m−1 observed at the edge of the layer. The observations presented here are intended to offer guidance to numerical sediment modelers about likely SSC under strong NLIW.
Fire Regime Impacts on Postfire Diurnal Land Surface Temperature Change Over North American Boreal Forest
Authors: Zhao Jie , Wang Liang , Hou Xin , Li Guangyao , Tian Qi , Chan Eme , Ciais Philippe , Yu Qiang , Yue Chao
Published: November 2021

Wildfire is the most prevalent natural disturbance in the North American boreal forest (NABF) and can cause postfire land surface temperature change (ΔTfire) through biophysical processes. Fire regimes, such as fire severity, fire intensity, and percentage of burned area (PBA), may influence ΔTfire through their impacts on postfire vegetation damage and, if so, there may be important feedbacks between fire regime and climate warming through biophysical effects. Here, we employ satellite observations to investigate postfire diurnal ΔTfire across NABF. We further use a stepwise multiple linear regression model to examine the driving factors for ΔTfire by incorporating latitude, fire regime variables, and their interactions. Our results demonstrate a pronounced asymmetry in diurnal ΔTfire, characterized by daytime warming in contrast to nighttime cooling. Clear latitudinal patterns are found in ΔTfire, with stronger effects in lower latitudes. Such latitudinal patterns of ΔTfire, especially the daytime one, are driven by both latitudinal patterns in fire regimes and an increased sensitivity of ΔTfire to fire regime as the latitude decreases. The multiple linear regression model explains 37% of the variance in daytime ΔTfire, whereas for the nighttime ΔTfire the explanatory power is rather low (5%). For daytime ΔTfire, fire severity accounted for most (43.65%) of the model explanatory power, followed by PBA (24.60%) and fire intensity (13.10%). Our results highlight important fire regime impacts on daytime ΔTfire and, further, on the annual ΔTfire, suggesting that fire might amplify future boreal climate change through positive feedbacks between fire regime and postfire surface warming.
Climate and Seasonal Temperature Controls on Biogeochemical Transformations in Unconfined Coastal Aquifers
Authors: Cogswell Clara , Heiss James W.
Published: November 2021

Coastal aquifers are host to a range of biogeochemical reactions that alter groundwater‐derived nutrient, metal, and other chemical loads to coastal ecosystems. Temperature is a strong control on microbially mediated reactions; thus, chemical reactivity in coastal aquifers may vary spatially and temporally with changes to groundwater temperature. In this study, we investigated the influence of global groundwater and sea surface temperature controls and seasonal temperature variability on biogeochemical processing in coastal aquifers using variable‐density groundwater flow, heat transport, and reactive transport models. The coupled models showed that nitrate removal efficiency in coastal aquifers increased from 5% to 88% as fresh groundwater temperature increased from 5°C to 35°C, while ocean temperature had a negligible effect on removal efficiency. Transient simulations based on monthly groundwater and ocean temperature measurements showed that denitrification and ammonification hotspots migrated seaward seasonally within warm fresh groundwater masses. The reaction hotspots were separated by colder groundwater emplaced during winter months. The reaction hotspots and nitrate plumes oscillated vertically along horizontal flow paths due to buoyancy effects between warm and cold groundwater. Comparison between transient and temperature‐equivalent steady‐state models suggests that steady‐state models adequately capture mean annual NO3− removal, but neglect local reactive transience and changes to plume geometry. The sensitivity analysis provides a first‐order estimate of the reactive potential of coastal aquifers considering globally diverse thermal regimes. The findings have implications for regional‐scale estimates of groundwater nutrient fluxes and for predicting coastal aquifer reactivity in a warming climate.
Quantifying the Uncertainty in CME Kinematics Derived From Geometric Modeling of Heliospheric Imager Data
Authors: Barnard L. , Owens M. J. , Scott C. J. , Lockwood M. , de Koning C. A. , Amerstorfer T. , Hinterreiter J. , Möstl C. , Davies J. A. , Riley P.
Published: November 2021

Geometric modeling of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) is a widely used tool for assessing their kinematic evolution. Furthermore, techniques based on geometric modeling, such as ELEvoHI, are being developed into forecast tools for space weather prediction. These models assume that solar wind structure does not affect the evolution of the CME, which is an unquantified source of uncertainty. We use a large number of Cone CME simulations with the HUXt solar wind model to quantify the scale of uncertainty introduced into geometric modeling and the ELEvoHI CME arrival times by solar wind structure. We produce a database of simulations, representing an average, a fast, and an extreme CME scenario, each independently propagating through 100 different ambient solar wind environments. Synthetic heliospheric imager observations of these simulations are then used with a range of geometric models to estimate the CME kinematics. The errors of geometric modeling depend on the location of the observer, but do not seem to depend on the CME scenario. In general, geometric models are biased towards predicting CME apex distances that are larger than the true value. For these CME scenarios, geometric modeling errors are minimised for an observer in the L5 region. Furthermore, geometric modeling errors increase with the level of solar wind structure in the path of the CME. The ELEvoHI arrival time errors are minimised for an observer in the L5 region, with mean absolute arrival time errors of 8.2 ± 1.2 h, 8.3 ± 1.0 h, and 5.8 ± 0.9 h for the average, fast, and extreme CME scenarios.
Active Structural Geometries and Their Correlation With Moderate (M 5.5‐7.0) Earthquakes in the Jiashi‐Keping Region, Tian Shan Southwestern Front
Authors: Lü Lixing , Li Tao , Chen Zhuxin , Chen Jie , Jobe Jessica Thompson , Fang Lihua
Published: November 2021

In the tectonic framework of the seismically active Tian Shan, the Jiashi‐Keping region, located at the mountain's southwestern front, is characterized by frequent moderate (M 5.5–7.0) earthquakes, rather than by strong (M ≥ 7.5) earthquakes as observed in other Tian Shan regions. What structures are responsible for these moderate earthquakes and whether or not more destructive earthquakes can occur remain largely unexplored. Based on an integrated analysis of published geologic and geomorphic mapping data, Google Earth satellite images, published and our collected 2D petroleum seismic‐reflection profiles, as well as available seismologic data and InSAR observations, in this study, we investigate active structural geometries and their correlation with the 2020 Mw6.0, the 2003 Mw6.2, and other recorded major earthquakes. Our study indicates that active structures in the region can be grouped into the Kepintagh thrust imbricates, the Bachu‐Kepintagh transpressional fault system, and the Xiasuhong transtensional fault system. The recorded major earthquakes are correlated with the Kepintagh thrust imbricates and the Xiasuhong fault system, both of which are highly segmented along strike and have limited downdip extensions. Although the recorded seismicity is characterized by moderate earthquakes, larger earthquakes may be generated by (i) the Bachu transpressional fault system (Mw≥ 7.3) and the Kepintagh lower ramp (Mw> 7.5). Our study highlights the control of fault geometry on the seismic rupture process and regional seismic activities and enhances our understanding of seismic hazards in the Tian Shan.
A microwell-based impedance sensor on an insertable microneedle for real-time in vivo cytokine detection
Authors: Song Naixin , Xie Pengfei , Shen Wen , Oh Hanju , Zhang Yejia , Vitale Flavia , Javanmard Mehdi , Allen Mark G.
Published: November 2021

Impedance-based protein detection sensors for point-of-care diagnostics require quantitative specificity, as well as rapid or real-time operation. Furthermore, microfabrication of these sensors can lead to the formation of factors suitable for in vivo operation. Herein, we present microfabricated needle-shaped microwell impedance sensors for rapid-sample-to-answer, label-free detection of cytokines, and other biomarkers. The microneedle form factor allows sensors to be utilized in transcutaneous or transvascular sensing applications. In vitro, experimental characterization confirmed sensor specificity and sensitivity to multiple proteins of interest. Mechanical characterization demonstrated sufficient microneedle robustness for transcutaneous insertion, as well as preserved sensor function postinsertion. We further utilized these sensors to carry out real-time in vivo quantification of human interleukin 8 (hIL8) concentration levels in the blood of transgenic mice that endogenously express hIL8. To assess sensor functionality, hIL8 concentration levels in serum samples from the same mice were quantified by ELISA. Excellent agreement between real-time in vivo sensor readings in blood and subsequent ELISA serum assays was observed over multiple transgenic mice expressing hIL8 concentrations from 62 pg/mL to 539 ng/mL.
Polygenic risk scores across the extended psychosis spectrum
Authors: Smigielski Lukasz , Papiol Sergi , Theodoridou Anastasia , Heekeren Karsten , Gerstenberg Miriam , Wotruba Diana , Buechler Roman , Hoffmann Per , Herms Stefan , Adorjan Kristina , Anderson-Schmidt Heike , Budde Monika , Comes Ashley L. , Gade Katrin , Heilbronner Maria , Heilbronner Urs , Kalman Janos L. , Klöhn-Saghatolislam Farahnaz , Reich-Erkelenz Daniela , Schaupp Sabrina K. , Schulte Eva C. , Senner Fanny , Anghelescu Ion-George , Arolt Volker , Baune Bernhard T. , Dannlowski Udo , Dietrich Detlef E. , Fallgatter Andreas J. , Figge Christian , Jäger Markus , Juckel Georg , Konrad Carsten , Nieratschker Vanessa , Reimer Jens , Reininghaus Eva , Schmauß Max , Spitzer Carsten , von Hagen Martin , Wiltfang Jens , Zimmermann Jörg , Gryaznova Anna , Flatau-Nagel Laura , Reitt Markus , Meyers Milena , Emons Barbara , Haußleiter Ida Sybille , Lang Fabian U. , Becker Thomas , Wigand Moritz E. , Witt Stephanie H. , Degenhardt Franziska , Forstner Andreas J. , Rietschel Marcella , Nöthen Markus M. , Andlauer Till F. M. , Rössler Wulf , Walitza Susanne , Falkai Peter , Schulze Thomas G. , Grünblatt Edna
Published: November 2021

As early detection of symptoms in the subclinical to clinical psychosis spectrum may improve health outcomes, knowing the probabilistic susceptibility of developing a disorder could guide mitigation measures and clinical intervention. In this context, polygenic risk scores (PRSs) quantifying the additive effects of multiple common genetic variants hold the potential to predict complex diseases and index severity gradients. PRSs for schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD) were computed using Bayesian regression and continuous shrinkage priors based on the latest SZ and BD genome-wide association studies (Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, third release). Eight well-phenotyped groups (n = 1580; 56% males) were assessed: control (n = 305), lower (n = 117) and higher (n = 113) schizotypy (both groups of healthy individuals), at-risk for psychosis (n = 120), BD type-I (n = 359), BD type-II (n = 96), schizoaffective disorder (n = 86), and SZ groups (n = 384). PRS differences were investigated for binary traits and the quantitative Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Both BD-PRS and SZ-PRS significantly differentiated controls from at-risk and clinical groups (Nagelkerke’s pseudo-R2: 1.3–7.7%), except for BD type-II for SZ-PRS. Out of 28 pairwise comparisons for SZ-PRS and BD-PRS, 9 and 12, respectively, reached the Bonferroni-corrected significance. BD-PRS differed between control and at-risk groups, but not between at-risk and BD type-I groups. There was no difference between controls and schizotypy. SZ-PRSs, but not BD-PRSs, were positively associated with transdiagnostic symptomology. Overall, PRSs support the continuum model across the psychosis spectrum at the genomic level with possible irregularities for schizotypy. The at-risk state demands heightened clinical attention and research addressing symptom course specifiers. Continued efforts are needed to refine the diagnostic and prognostic accuracy of PRSs in mental healthcare.
PACS-2 attenuates diabetic kidney disease via the enhancement of mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane formation
Authors: Xue Mei , Fang Ting , Sun Hongxi , Cheng Ying , Li Ting , Xu Chaofei , Tang Chao , Liu Xiaohuan , Sun Bei , Chen Liming
Published: November 2021

The altered homeostasis of mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes (MAM) was closely associated with the pathological process of nervous system diseases and insulin resistance. Here, the exact implication of phosphofurin acidic cluster sorting protein 2 (PCAS-2), an anchor protein in the MAM interface, in diabetic kidney disease was investigated. In the kidneys of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mice and HG-induced HK-2 cells, a notable disruption of ER-mitochondria interactions, accompanied by a decreased PACS-2 expression in all subcellular fractions. Furthermore, PACS-2 knockout mice with diabetes displayed accelerated development of proteinuria, deterioration of kidney function, and aggravated disruption of MAM area, ER stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, renal apoptosis, and fibrosis. However, overexpression of PACS-2 effectively protected diabetic kidneys and HG-treated HK-2 cells from renal tubular impairments. Importantly, experimental uncoupling of ER-mitochondria contacts reversed the protective effects of PACS-2 restoration on HK-2 cells under HG conditions. In summary, our data indicate a pivotal role of PACS-2 in the development of diabetic renal tubular injury via the stabilization of MAM.
Maintenance of quiescent oocytes by noradrenergic signals
Authors: Kim Jeongho , Hyun Moonjung , Hibi Masahiko , You Young-Jai
Published: November 2021

All females adopt an evolutionary conserved reproduction strategy; under unfavorable conditions such as scarcity of food or mates, oocytes remain quiescent. However, the signals to maintain oocyte quiescence are largely unknown. Here, we report that in four different species – Caenorhabditis elegans, Caenorhabditis remanei, Drosophila melanogaster, and Danio rerio – octopamine and norepinephrine play an essential role in maintaining oocyte quiescence. In the absence of mates, the oocytes of Caenorhabditis mutants lacking octopamine signaling fail to remain quiescent, but continue to divide and become polyploid. Upon starvation, the egg chambers of D. melanogaster mutants lacking octopamine signaling fail to remain at the previtellogenic stage, but grow to full-grown egg chambers. Upon starvation, D. rerio lacking norepinephrine fails to maintain a quiescent primordial follicle and activates an excessive number of primordial follicles. Our study reveals an evolutionarily conserved function of the noradrenergic signal in maintaining quiescent oocytes.
Temporal loss boundary engineered photonic cavity
Authors: Cong Longqing , Han Jiaguang , Zhang Weili , Singh Ranjan
Published: November 2021

Losses are ubiquitous and unavoidable in nature inhibiting the performance of most optical processes. Manipulating losses to adjust the dissipation of photons is analogous to braking a running car that is as important as populating photons via a gain medium. Here, we introduce the transient loss boundary into a photon populated cavity that functions as a ‘photon brake’ and probe photon dynamics by engineering the ‘brake timing’ and ‘brake strength’. Coupled cavity photons can be distinguished by stripping one photonic mode through controlling the loss boundary, which enables the transition from a coupled to an uncoupled state. We interpret the transient boundary as a perturbation by considering both real and imaginary parts of permittivity, and the dynamic process is modeled with a temporal two-dipole oscillator: one with the natural resonant polarization and the other with a frequency-shift polarization. The model unravels the underlying mechanism of concomitant coherent spectral oscillations and generation of tone-tuning cavity photons in the braking process. By synthesizing the temporal loss boundary into a photon populated cavity, a plethora of interesting phenomena and applications are envisioned such as the observation of quantum squeezed states, low-loss nonreciprocal waveguides and ultrafast beam scanning devices.
Global warming-induced Asian hydrological climate transition across the Miocene–Pliocene boundary
Authors: Ao Hong , Rohling Eelco J. , Zhang Ran , Roberts Andrew P. , Holbourn Ann E. , Ladant Jean-Baptiste , Dupont-Nivet Guillaume , Kuhnt Wolfgang , Zhang Peng , Wu Feng , Dekkers Mark J. , Liu Qingsong , Liu Zhonghui , Xu Yong , Poulsen Christopher J. , Licht Alexis , Sun Qiang , Chiang John C. H. , Liu Xiaodong , Wu Guoxiong , Ma Chao , Zhou Weijian , Jin Zhangdong , Li Xinxia , Li Xinzhou , Peng Xianzhe , Qiang Xiaoke , An Zhisheng
Published: November 2021

Across the Miocene–Pliocene boundary (MPB; 5.3 million years ago, Ma), late Miocene cooling gave way to the early-to-middle Pliocene Warm Period. This transition, across which atmospheric CO2 concentrations increased to levels similar to present, holds potential for deciphering regional climate responses in Asia—currently home to more than half of the world’s population— to global climate change. Here we find that CO2-induced MPB warming both increased summer monsoon moisture transport over East Asia, and enhanced aridification over large parts of Central Asia by increasing evaporation, based on integration of our ~1–2-thousand-year (kyr) resolution summer monsoon records from the Chinese Loess Plateau aeolian red clay with existing terrestrial records, land-sea correlations, and climate model simulations. Our results offer palaeoclimate-based support for ‘wet-gets-wetter and dry-gets-drier’ projections of future regional hydroclimate responses to sustained anthropogenic forcing. Moreover, our high-resolution monsoon records reveal a dynamic response to eccentricity modulation of solar insolation, with predominant 405-kyr and ~100-kyr periodicities between 8.1 and 3.4 Ma.