bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fe and As geochemical self-removal dynamics in mineral waters: evidence from the Ferrarelle groundwater system (Riardo Plain, Southern Italy)
Authors: Cuoco Emilio , Viaroli Stefano , Paolucci Vittorio , Mazza Roberto , Tedesco Dario
Published: April 2021

A theoretical pattern for Fe and As co-precipitation was tested directly in a groundwater natural system. Several monitoring wells were sampled to identify the different endmembers that govern the hydrodynamics of the Ferrarelle Groundwater System in the Riardo Plain (Southern Italy). In agreement with recent investigations, we found a mix of a deep and a shallow component in different proportions, resulting in a specific chemical composition of groundwater in each well depending on the percentages of each component. The shallow component was characterized by EC ~ 430 µS/cm, Eh ~ 300 mV, Fe ~ 0.06 µmol/L and As ~ 0.01–0.12 µmol/L, while the deep component was characterized by EC ~ 3400 µS/cm, Eh ~ 170 mV, Fe ~ 140 µmol/L and As ~ 0.59 µmol/L. A general attenuation of As and Fe concentration that was not due to a simple dilution effect was observed in the mixing process. The oxidation of Fe(II) to Fe(III) produces solid precipitates which adsorb As from solution and then co-precipitate. The reactions pattern of Fe(II) oxidation and As adsorption gave a linear function between [As] and [Fe], where the angular coefficient depends on the [O2]/[H+] ratio. Chemical data obtained from our samples showed a very good agreement with this theoretical relationship. The investigated geochemical dynamics represented a natural process of attenuation of Fe and As, two undesirable elements that usually affect groundwater quality in volcanic aquifers in central-southern Italy, which are exploited to supply drinking water.

Graphic abstract
Exploring socioeconomic inequalities and access to elite postgraduate education among English graduates
Authors: Mateos-González José Luis , Wakeling Paul
Published: April 2021

A worldwide trend towards high levels of participation in higher education, paired with concerns about the post-university destinations of an increasing pool of graduates, have brought about two parallel phenomena: a process of sharp stratification in higher education and the growing relevance of postgraduate education as undergraduate study becomes nearly ubiquitous, particularly among the most advantaged groups of students. To date, the literature on socioeconomic inequalities and access to higher education has focussed on undergraduate education, with some researchers specifically investigating access to the most prestigious institutions. We contribute to this body of research by investigating the effects of socioeconomic characteristics on access to postgraduate education at those universities believed to deliver elite forms of higher education. We look at access to ‘elite’ postgraduate education among English graduates, operationalised as belonging to the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. We analyse an exceptionally large dataset (N = 533,885) capturing graduate destinations, including postgraduate education at specific institutions. We find that socioeconomic inequalities in attending an elite postgraduate degree persist, but these are mediated by educational variables. Socioeconomically advantaged students are more likely to attain a good degree and to attend an elite institution at the undergraduate level, which powerfully predicts access to elite postgraduate education.
Electrodeposition of cuprous oxide on a porous copper framework for an improved photoelectrochemical performance
Authors: Kurniawan Mario , Stich Michael , Marimon Mayra , Camargo Magali , Peipmann Ralf , Hannappel Thomas , Bund Andreas
Published: April 2021

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting can be an efficient and economically feasible alternative for hydrogen production if easily processed photoelectrodes made of inexpensive and abundant materials are employed. Here, we present the preparation of porous Cu2O photocathodes with good PEC performance using solely inexpensive electrodeposition methods. Firstly, porous Cu structures with delicate pore networks were deposited on flat Cu substrates employing hydrogen-bubble-assisted Cu deposition. In a second electrodeposition step, the porous Cu structures were mechanically reinforced and subsequently detached from the substrates to obtain free-standing porous frameworks. In a third and final step, photoactive Cu2O films were electrodeposited. The PEC water splitting performance in 0.5 M Na2SO4 (pH ∼6) shows that these photocathodes have photocurrents of up to −2.25 mA cm−2 at 0 V versus RHE while maintaining a low dark current. In contrast, the Cu2O deposited on a flat Cu sample showed photocurrents only up to −1.25 mA cm−2. This performance increase results from the significantly higher reactive surface area while maintaining a thin and homogeneous Cu2O layer with small grain sizes and therefore higher hole concentrations as determined by Mott-Schottky analysis. The free-standing porous Cu2O samples show a direct optical transmittance of 23% (λ = 400–800 nm) and can therefore be used in tandem structures with a photoanode in full PEC cells.

Graphical abstract
Enlaces Por La Salud: A Personal Health Navigator Intervention Grounded in the Transnational Framework
Authors: Hightow-Weidman Lisa , Carcano Joaquin , Choi Seul Ki , Sampson Lynne , Barrington Clare
Published: April 2021

Despite the disproportionate burden of HIV among Latinxs, there is a paucity of culturally appropriate interventions that have shown efficacy at increasing their engagement and retention in HIV care. We describe the development and implementation of Enlaces, a six-session, individual-level intervention, guided by the transnational framework, to improve HIV care outcomes for newly diagnosed and out-of-care Mexican men and transgender women (TW). Descriptive statistics summarizing baseline data and implementation outcomes are provided. 91 participants enrolled between October 2014 and August 2017. Intervention engagement and satisfaction was high; 81.3% completed all six sessions and 100% were very satisfied/satisfied with their experience. Successful implementation of the ENLACES intervention was the result of establishing client trust and maintaining a flexible, supportive approach to intervention delivery. Use of the transnational framework provided a contextualized approach to engaging with Mexican men and TW living with HIV that can be adapted to other Latino populations.
Psychometric assessment of EQ-5D-5L and ReQoL measures in patients with anxiety and depression: construct validity and responsiveness
Authors: Franklin Matthew , Enrique Angel , Palacios Jorge , Richards Derek
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Generic health measures have been questioned for quantifying mental-health-related outcomes. In patients with anxiety and/or depression, our aim is to assess the psychometric properties of the preference-based EQ-5D-5L (generic health) and ReQoL-UI (recovery-focussed quality of life) for economic evaluation against the PHQ-9 (depression) and GAD-7 (anxiety). EQ-5D-5L anxiety/depression item and ReQoL-10 are also assessed.

Methods

A 2:1 (intervention: control) randomised controlled trial collected measures at baseline and 8 weeks post baseline; in the intervention arm, data were also collected 3, 6, 9, and 12-months post baseline. EQ-5D-5L preference-based scores were obtained from the value set for England (VSE) and ‘cross-walked’ EQ-5D-3L United Kingdom (UK) value set scores. ReQoL-UI preference-based scores were obtained from its UK value set as applied to seven ReQoL-10 items. EQ-5D-5L and ReQoL measures’ construct validity and responsiveness were assessed compared against PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores and group cut-offs.

Results

361 people were randomised to intervention (241) or control (120). ReQoL-UI/-10 had better construct validity with depression severity than the EQ-5D-5L (VSE/cross-walk scores), which had relatively better construct validity with anxiety severity than the ReQoL-UI/-10. Across all intervention-arm time-points relative to baseline, responsiveness was generally better for EQ-5D-5L (VSE in particular) than ReQoL-UI, but worse than ReQoL-10.

Conclusion

There is insufficient evidence to recommend the ReQoL-UI over EQ-5D-5L for economic evaluations to capture anxiety severity. However, there may be rationale for recommending the ReQoL-UI over the EQ-5D-5L to capture depression severity given its better construct validity, albeit poorer responsiveness, and if recovery-focussed quality of life relative to condition-specific symptomology is the construct of interest.
A tale of two cities: an experiment on inequality and preferences
Authors: Bigoni Maria , Bortolotti Stefania , Rattini Veronica
Published: April 2021

The existence of a strong link between socio-economic background and individual preferences has been documented among both children and grown-ups. Here, we study whether such a correlation persists even in a highly homogeneous population of young adults: university students. Our findings indicate that participants living in an area characterized by a high socio-economic environment tend to trust more and are more inclined to reciprocate higher levels of trust, as compared to those coming from less wealthy neighborhoods. This behavioral difference is, at least in part, driven by heterogeneities in beliefs: subjects from the most affluent part of the city have more optimistic expectations on their counterpart’s trustworthiness than those living in a lower socio-economic environment. By contrast, no significant differences emerge in other preferences: generosity, risk attitudes, and time preferences. Finally, we do not find any systematic evidence of out-group discrimination based on neighborhood identity.
Politische Social-Media-Influencer als Meinungsführer?
Authors: Bause Halina
Published: April 2021

Im Zuge der Digitalisierung finden große Teile der Meinungsbildung heute in Netzwerken statt, in denen Angebote neuer Kommunikator:innen neben die Berichterstattung professioneller Journalist:innen treten. Der Artikel widmet sich einem Typ dieser neuen reichweitenstarken Akteure der politischen Öffentlichkeit, der zwar gesellschaftlich viel Aufmerksamkeit auf sich zieht, in der politischen Kommunikationsforschung aber noch weitgehend unbekannt ist: politischen Social-Media-Influencer:innen (im Folgenden PSMI). Ziel des Beitrages ist es, theoretische Annahmen über PSMI zu treffen, um sie empirischer Forschung zugänglicher zu machen. Dafür werden PSMI auf Grundlage einer systematischen Literaturanalyse erstmalig definiert und ihre Eigenschaften mit jenen von politischen Meinungsführern verglichen. Die Analyse zeigt in konzeptionell-theoretischer Hinsicht, dass die Kommunikationsrolle von PSMI als Weiterentwicklung von Meinungsführerschaft beschrieben werden kann, hin zu einer Form von mediatisierter, (semi-)professioneller und öffentlicher Kommunikation, die auf strategischer Selbstinszenierung beruht. Mithilfe des Meinungsführerkonzepts lassen sich erste Annahmen formulieren, die mit Befragungen und Inhaltsanalysen empirisch überprüft werden sollten, um die Bedeutung von PSMI in der politischen Öffentlichkeit differenzierter bestimmen zu können.
Nucleation of SiO$$_{2}$$-CaO-Al$$_{2}$$O$$_{3}$$ Slag in Oxidative Ladle Refining of Metallurgical Grade Silicon
Authors: Bjørnstad Erlend L. , Tranell Gabriella
Published: April 2021

Oxidative ladle refining (OLR) is the most used refining method in industrial production of metallurgical grade silicon. OLR is performed by purging the liquid alloy with oxygen-enhanced air at 1823 K to 1873 K, reacting with silicon and the primary slag forming impurities to a SiO

$$_{2}$$

2

-CaO-Al

$$_{2}$$

2

O

$$_{3}$$

3

slag. To further increase our capability to control this process, it is paramount to understand how the slag nucleates and forms, and represent it such that it is useful for predicting and controlling the process behavior. This work aims to formulate a comprehensive theoretical description of slag nucleation and formation at nano/microscale using classical macroscale thermodynamics, bridging these spatial regimes. To achieve this, the work argues that silica’s liquid structure allows its nuclei to exhibit “well defined” surfaces. Furthermore, silica is predicted to be highly surface active, so if its concentration is high while the slag nucleus is small, the SiO

$$_{2}$$

2

-CaO-Al

$$_{2}$$

2

O

$$_{3}$$

3

slag should retain silica’s surface properties. An experiment confirmed the surface active nature of silica in the SiO

$$_{2}$$

2

-CaO-Al

$$_{2}$$

2

O

$$_{3}$$

3

system. It was also shown that increasing the slag’s calcia concentration has a greater effect on the interfacial tension between the molten slag and liquid alloy than alumina, confirming industrial observations of the coupling between refining rate and relative alloy/slag composition.
Analysis of spatio-temporal changes in forest biomass in China
Authors: Xu Weiyi , Jin Xiaobin , Liu Jing , Yang Xuhong , Ren Jie , Zhou Yinkang
Published: April 2021

Forests play a central role in the global carbon cycle. China's forests have a high carbon sequestration potential owing to their wide distribution, young age and relatively low carbon density. Forest biomass is an essential variable for assessing carbon sequestration capacity, thus determining the spatio-temporal changes of forest biomass is critical to the national carbon budget and to contribute to sustainable forest management. Based on Chinese forest inventory data (1999–2013), this study explored spatial patterns of forest biomass at a grid resolution of 1 km by applying a downscaling method and further analyzed spatio-temporal changes of biomass at different spatial scales. The main findings are: (1) the regression relationship between forest biomass and the associated influencing factors at a provincial scale can be applied to estimate biomass at a pixel scale by employing a downscaling method; (2) forest biomass had a distinct spatial pattern with the greatest biomass occurring in the major mountain ranges; (3) forest biomass changes had a notable spatial distribution pattern; increase (i.e., carbon sinks) occurred in east and southeast China, decreases (i.e., carbon sources) were observed in the northeast to southwest, with the largest biomass losses in the Hengduan Mountains, Southern Hainan and Northern Da Hinggan Mountains; and, (4) forest vegetation functioned as a carbon sink during 1999–2013 with a net increase in biomass of 3.71 Pg.
Efficacy and Drawbacks of Single-Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass After Sleeve Gastrectomy in a Tertiary Referral Bariatric Center
Authors: Liagre Arnaud , Martini Francesco , Anduze Yves , Boudrie Hubert , Van Haverbeke Olivier , Valabrega Stefano , Kassir Radwan , Debs Tarek , Petrucciani Niccolò
Published: April 2021

Background

The need for revisional procedures after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) for insufficient weight loss or weight regain, gastroesophageal reflux, or other complications is reported to be 18–36% in studies with 10-year follow-up. Single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass (SADI) may be performed as a revisional procedure after SG. This study aims to evaluate the short- and mid-term outcomes of SADI after SG in a referral center for bariatric surgery.

Materials and Methods

Data of patients who underwent SADI between March 2015 and March 2020 were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. Follow-up comprised clinical and biochemical assessment at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively, and once a year thereafter.

Results

Overall, 106 patients underwent SADI after a previous SG. The timeframe between SG and SADI was 50 ± 31.3 months. Postoperative mortality was observed in two cases (1.8%) and morbidity in 15.1% of patients. At 24 months, %total weight loss was 37.6 ± 12.3 and %excess weight loss 76.9 ± 25.2 (64 patients). Three patients were treated for malnutrition during follow-up, two with medical treatment and one with SADI reversal.

Conclusion

SADI after SG provides effective weight loss results in the short-term, even if in the present series the postoperative complication rate was non-negligible. Further trials are needed to establish the more advantageous revisional bariatric procedure after failed SG.
The Emerging Circadian Phenotype of Borderline Personality Disorder: Mechanisms, Opportunities and Future Directions
Authors: McGowan Niall M. , Saunders Kate E. A.
Published: April 2021

Purpose of Review

We review the recent evidence suggesting that circadian rhythm disturbance is a common unaddressed feature of borderline personality disorder (BPD); amelioration of which may confer substantial clinical benefit. We assess chronobiological BPD studies from a mechanistic and translational perspective and highlight opportunities for the future development of this hypothesis.

Recent Findings

The emerging circadian phenotype of BPD is characterised by a preponderance of comorbid circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders, phase delayed and misaligned rest-activity patterns and attenuated amplitudes of usually well-characterised circadian rhythms. Such disturbances may exacerbate symptom severity, and specific maladaptive personality dimensions may produce a liability towards extremes in chronotype. Pilot studies suggest intervention may be beneficial, but development is limited.

Endogenous and exogenous circadian rhythm disturbances appear to be common in BPD. The interface between psychiatry and chronobiology has led previously to novel efficacious strategies for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. We believe that better characterisation of the circadian phenotype in BPD will lead to a directed biological target for treatment in a condition where there is a regrettable paucity of accessible therapies.
Validity and reliability of the German versions of the CD-RISC-10 and CD-RISC-2
Authors: Wollny Anna Irena , Jacobs Ingo
Published: April 2021

The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) is an established instrument to assess trait resilience. The present study investigates the psychometric properties of the brief German CD-RISC-10 and CD-RISC-2 in an online sample of 360 students. The CD-RISC-10 showed good reliability, whereas the CD-RISC-2 just missed an acceptable level of reliability. The unifactorial structure of the CD-RISC-10 was supported in a confirmatory factor analysis. Correlational analysis with various clinical and non-clinical constructs (e.g., trait resilience, trait emotional intelligence, life satisfaction, well-being, perceived stress, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, and mental and physical health related quality of life) provided evidence for convergent, divergent, and incremental validity of both brief versions of the CD-RISC. Measured with the CD-RISC-10, trait resilience buffered the effects of perceived stress on life satisfaction and aggregated mental health problems, but not on physical health related quality of life. For the CD-RISC-2, a buffer effect was only found for life satisfaction. Taken together, the results of the present study provide support for the validity of the CD-RISC-10 and, to a lesser extent, of the CD-RISC-2. Implications and limitations of the results will be discussed.
Immune-related biomarkers in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Juan , Tian Qi , Zhang Mi , Wang Hui , Wu Lei , Yang Jin
Published: April 2021

Breast cancer is a commonly diagnosed female cancer in the world. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most dangerous and biologically aggressive subtype in breast cancer which has a high mortality, high rates of relapse and poor prognosis, representing approximately 15–20% of breast cancers. TNBC has unique and special biological molecular characteristics and higher immunogenicity than other breast cancer types. On the basis of molecular features, TNBC is divided into different subtypes and gets various treatments. Especially, immunotherapy becomes a promising and effective treatment to TNBC. However, not all of the TNBC patients are sensitive to immunotherapy, the need of selecting the patients suitable for immunotherapy is imperative. In this review, we discussed recent discoveries about the immune-related factors of TNBC, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), programmed death-ligand protein-1 (PD-L1), immune gene signatures, some other emerging biomarkers for immunotherapy effectivity and promising biomarkers for immunotherapy resistance. In addition, we summarized the features of these biomarkers contributing to predict the prognosis and effect of immunotherapy. We hope we can provide some helps or evidences to clinical immunotherapy and combined treatment for TNBC patients.
How political philosophies can help to discuss and differentiate theories in community ecology
Authors: Voigt Annette
Published: April 2021

This paper uses structural analogies to competing political philosophies of human society as a heuristic tool to differentiate between ecological theories and to bring out new aspects of apparently well-known classics of ecological scholarship. These two different areas of knowledge have in common that their objects are ‘societies’, i.e. units composed of individuals, and that contradictory and competing theories about these supra-individual units exist. The benefit of discussing ecological theories in terms of their analogies to political philosophies, in this case liberalism, democratism and conservatism, consists in the fact that political philosophies show clear differences and particularities as regards their approach to the concepts of individuality and intentional action. The method therefore helps to expose peculiarities of ecological theories that are usually considered canonical (e.g. Clements, Gleason), as well as hybrid forms (E. P. Odum), and to differentiate between two different types of theories about functional wholes. The basis of this method is the constitutional-theoretical premise that modern paradigms of socialization structure the ecological discourse.
Strain-Insensitive Hierarchically Structured Stretchable Microstrip Antennas for Robust Wireless Communication
Authors: Zhu Jia , Zhang Senhao , Yi Ning , Song Chaoyun , Qiu Donghai , Hu Zhihui , Li Bowen , Xing Chenghao , Yang Hongbo , Wang Qing , Cheng Huanyu
Published: April 2021

As the key component of wireless data transmission and powering, stretchable antennas play an indispensable role in flexible/stretchable electronics. However, they often suffer from frequency detuning upon mechanical deformations; thus, their applications are limited to wireless sensing with wireless transmission capabilities remaining elusive. Here, a hierarchically structured stretchable microstrip antenna with meshed patterns arranged in an arched shape showcases tunable resonance frequency upon deformations with improved overall stretchability. The almost unchanged resonance frequency during deformations enables robust on-body wireless communication and RF energy harvesting, whereas the rapid changing resonance frequency with deformations allows for wireless sensing. The proposed stretchable microstrip antenna was demonstrated to communicate wirelessly with a transmitter (input power of − 3 dBm) efficiently (i.e., the receiving power higher than − 100 dBm over a distance of 100 m) on human bodies even upon 25% stretching. The flexibility in structural engineering combined with the coupled mechanical–electromagnetic simulations, provides a versatile engineering toolkit to design stretchable microstrip antennas and other potential wireless devices for stretchable electronics.
Medication Safety during Anesthesia and the Perioperative Period
Authors: Merry Alan , Wahr Joyce
Published: April 2021

With medication errors in healthcare an internationally recognised problem, this much-needed book delivers a comprehensive approach to understanding medication safety in the perioperative period. It reviews what medication adverse events are, and how often and where these errors occur, as well as exploring human cognitive psychology and explaining why things can go wrong at any time in a complex system. Detailed discussions around mistakes, judgement errors, slips and lapses, and violations, are presented alongside real-life examples of the indistinct line between negligence and inevitable error. The co-authors bring a wide and practical perspective to the theories and interventions that are available to improve medication safety, including legal and regulatory actions that further or impede safety. Essential reading for anesthesiologists, nurses, pharmacists and other perioperative team members committed to improving medication safety for their patients, and also an invaluable resource for those who fund, manage and regulate healthcare.
Empire of Eloquence
Authors: McManus Stuart M.
Published: April 2021

The global reach of the Spanish and Portuguese empires prompted a remarkable flourishing of the classical rhetorical tradition in various parts of the early modern world. Empire of Eloquence is the first study to examine this tradition as part of a wider global renaissance in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa, with a particular focus on the Iberian world. Spanning the sixteenth to the early nineteenth centuries, the book argues that the classical rhetorical tradition contributed to the ideological coherence and equilibrium of this early modern Iberian world, providing important occasions for persuasion, legitimation and eventual (and perhaps inevitable) confrontation. Drawing on archival collections in thirteen countries, Stuart M. McManus places these developments in the context of civic, religious and institutional rituals attended by the multi-ethnic population of the Iberian world and beyond, and shows how they influenced public speaking in non-European languages, such as Konkani and Chinese.
Murder on the Middle Passage
Authors: Rogers Nicholas
Published: April 2021

On 2 April 1792, John Kimber, captain of the Bristol slave ship Recovery, was denounced in the House of Commons by William Wilberforce for flogging a fifteen-year old female slave to death. The story, caricatured in a contemporary Isaac Cruikshank print, raced across newspapers in Britain and Ireland and was even reported in America. Soon after, Kimber was indicted for murder.
Winner and Waster and its Contexts
Authors: Ormrod W. Mark
Published: April 2021

First recent full-length analysis of a major medieval poem.
Notes toward a Postsecular History of Modern British Secularization
Authors: Brewitt-Taylor Sam
Published: April 2021

This article argues that British historiography's secularization debate is largely misconceived, being enmeshed in secular ideological assumptions inherited from the West's secular revolution of the 1960s. It therefore introduces an alternative, postsecular paradigm for understanding British secularization, which conceptualizessecularityas an ideological culture in its own right,religionas secularity's othering category, andsecularizationas the positive dissemination and enactment of secularity. British Christianity declined gradually from around 1900, but widespread secularization in this positive sense could only happen once British public discussion had embraced secularity's ideological framework, which it did in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Before the mid-1950s, British discussion had routinely adhered to a “Christian civilization” metanarrative, which insisted that “religion” is essential to long-term social stability, such that “secularization” is a regrettable stepbackwardin human development. Yet in the late 1950s and early 1960s British discussion abruptly embraced secularity's rival metanarrative, which states that “religion” is a primordial condition unnecessary in “advanced” societies, such that “secularization” is an irreversible stepforwardin human development. This conceptual revolution was contingent, culturally specific, and importantly influenced by radical rereadings of Christian eschatology. Nonetheless, it created both the secular revolution of the 1960s, and the ideological framework within which the British secularization debate continues to be conducted today.
Observational Signal of the Interaction Between Mountain–Plain Wind and Urban Breeze Under Weak Synoptic Systems
Authors: Yu Bu , Zhu Bin , Miao Shiguang , Kang Hanqing , He Xiaodong , Liu Hongnian , Liang Zhuoran , Chen Feng
Published: April 2021

Valley winds and urban breezes induced by thermal circulation have been the subject of numerous studies; however, their interactions deserve further observational study under different geographical conditions globally. We propose quantitative criteria for analysis of observations, including identification of valley and mountain–plain wind episodes, determination of the direction and duration of valley winds, and exclusion of suspect cases induced by strong synoptic systems. We selected a subset of 345 valley wind days that occurred during 2013–2015 in Hangzhou, China. Valley winds in the study area occur mainly in autumn and early winter (annual frequency: 32%). To the west (east) of the urban center of Hangzhou are small mountains (is a plain). At night, the directions of mountain–plain circulation and urban thermal circulation are consistent in the region from the mountains to western parts of the city, resulting in a strengthened mountain wind at the surface. Their interaction also delays the reversal of the mountain wind to the plain wind in the morning, and slightly advances the reversal of the plain wind to the mountain wind in the evening. Conversely, in the plain area to the east of Hangzhou, the interaction delays the time of reversal of the plain wind to the mountain wind in the evening. Our results indicate that interactions between the urban breeze and local thermal circulations could have distinct impact on the environment of the city and surrounding areas, and thus they should be taken into consideration in relation to urban planning and management.
Stratospheric Impacts of Continuing CFC‐11 Emissions Simulated in a Chemistry‐Climate Model
Authors: Fleming Eric L. , Liang Qing , Oman Luke D. , Newman Paul A. , Li Feng , Hurwitz Margaret M.
Published: April 2021

Trichlorofluoromethane (CFC‐11, CFCl3) is a major anthropogenic ozone‐depleting substance and greenhouse gas, and its production and consumption are controlled under the Montreal Protocol. However, recent studies show that CFC‐11 emissions increased during 2014–2017 relative to 2008–2012. In this study, we use a chemistry‐climate model to investigate the stratospheric impacts of potential CFC‐11 emissions continuing into the future. As a sensitivity test, we use a high CFC‐11 scenario in which the inferred 2013–2016 average emissions of 72.5 Gg/yr is sustained to year 2100. This increases equivalent effective stratospheric chlorine by 15% in 2100, relative to the WMO (2018) baseline scenario in which future emissions decay with a bank release rate of 6.4%/year. Consistent with recent studies, the resulting ozone response has a linear dependence on the accumulated CFC‐11 emissions, yielding global and Antarctic spring total ozone sensitivity per 1,000 Gg of −0.37 and −3.9 DU, respectively, averaged over 2017–2100. The deepened ozone hole reduces UV heating, causing a colder Antarctic lower stratosphere in spring/early summer. Through thermal wind balance, this accelerates the circumpolar jet which in turn alters planetary and gravity wave propagation through the Southern Hemisphere stratosphere, and modifies the Brewer‐Dobson circulation. Age of air in the high scenario is slightly younger than the baseline in the lower stratosphere globally during 2090–2099, with a maximum change of −0.1 years. Coupled atmosphere‐ocean model simulations show that the resulting greenhouse gas impact of CFC‐11 is small and not statistically significant throughout the troposphere and stratosphere.
Spatial Scaling of Gross Primary Productivity Over Sixteen Mountainous Watersheds Using Vegetation Heterogeneity and Surface Topography
Authors: Xie Xinyao , Chen Jing M. , Gong Peng , Li Ainong
Published: April 2021

Land surface models intended for large‐scale applications are often executed at coarse resolutions, and the sub‐grid heterogeneity is usually ignored. Here, a spatial scaling algorithm that integrates the information of vegetation heterogeneity (land cover type and leaf area index) and surface topography (elevation, slope, relative azimuth (Raz) between the sun and the slope background, sky‐view factor, and topographic wetness index), was proposed to correct errors in gross primary productivity (GPP) estimates at a coarse spatial resolution. An eco‐hydrological model named BEPS‐TerrainLab was used to simulate GPP at 30 and 480 m resolutions for 16 mountainous watersheds selected globally. Results showed that an obvious improvement on GPP estimates at 480 m resolution was achieved after the correction in comparison with GPP modeled at 30 m resolution, with the determination coefficient increased by 0.38 and mean bias error reduced by 203gCm−2 yr−1. The combination of all the seven factors made the largest improvement for GPP estimation at 480 m resolution, suggesting that a larger improvement would be achieved when more factors of surface heterogeneity are considered. More specifically, our results indicated that five factors, including land cover type and leaf area index regarded as integrated outcomes of all the environmental conditions, Raz and sky‐view factor associated with radiation redistribution, and slope related to soil water redistribution, were especially important in the spatial scaling procedure. This study suggests that incorporating the information of surface heterogeneity into the spatial scaling algorithm is useful for improving coarse resolution GPP estimates over mountainous areas.
Tower‐Based Remote Sensing Reveals Mechanisms Behind a Two‐phased Spring Transition in a Mixed‐Species Boreal Forest
Authors: Pierrat Zoe , Nehemy Magali F. , Roy Alexandre , Magney Troy , Parazoo Nicholas C. , Laroque Colin , Pappas Christoforos , Sonnentag Oliver , Grossmann Katja , Bowling David R. , Seibt Ulli , Ramirez Alexandra , Johnson Bruce , Helgason Warren , Barr Alan , Stutz Jochen
Published: April 2021

The boreal forest is a major contributor to the global climate system, therefore, reducing uncertainties in how the forest will respond to a changing climate is critical. One source of uncertainty is the timing and drivers of the spring transition. Remote sensing can provide important information on this transition, but persistent foliage greenness, seasonal snow cover, and a high prevalence of mixed forest stands (both deciduous and evergreen species) complicate interpretation of these signals. We collected tower‐based remotely sensed data (reflectance‐based vegetation indices and Solar‐Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence [SIF]), stem radius measurements, gross primary productivity, and environmental conditions in a boreal mixed forest stand. Evaluation of this data set shows a two‐phased spring transition. The first phase is the reactivation of photosynthesis and transpiration in evergreens, marked by an increase in relative SIF, and is triggered by thawed stems, warm air temperatures, and increased available soil moisture. The second phase is a reduction in bulk photoprotective pigments in evergreens, marked by an increase in the Chlorophyll‐Carotenoid Index. Deciduous leaf‐out occurs during this phase, marked by an increase in all remotely sensed metrics. The second phase is controlled by soil thaw. Our results demonstrate that remote sensing metrics can be used to detect specific physiological changes in boreal tree species during the spring transition. The two‐phased transition explains inconsistencies in remote sensing estimates of the timing and drivers of spring recovery. Our results imply that satellite‐based observations will improve by using a combination of vegetation indices and SIF, along with species distribution information.
Future Decreases in Thermospheric Neutral Density in Low Earth Orbit due to Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Authors: Brown M. K. , Lewis H. G. , Kavanagh A. J. , Cnossen I.
Published: April 2021

Increasing carbon dioxide causes cooling in the upper atmosphere and a secular decrease in atmospheric density over time. With the use of the Whole Atmospheric Community Climate Model with thermosphere and ionosphere extension (WACCM‐X), neutral thermospheric densities up to 500 km have been modeled under increasing carbon dioxide concentrations. Only carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide concentrations are changed between simulations, and solar activity is held low at F10.7 = 70 throughout. Neutral density decreases through to the year 2100 have been modeled using four carbon dioxide emission scenarios produced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The years 1975 and 2005 have also been simulated, which indicated a historic trend of −5.8% change in neutral density per decade. Decreases in the neutral density relative to the year 2000 have been given for increasing ground‐level carbon dioxide concentrations. WACCM‐X shows there has already been a 17% decrease in neutral densities at 400 km relative to the density in the year 2000. This becomes a 30% reduction at the 50:50 probability threshold of limiting warming to 1.5°C, as set out in the Paris Agreement. A simple orbital propagator has been used to show the impact the decrease in density has on the orbital lifetime of objects traveling through the thermosphere. If the 1.5°C target is met, objects in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) will have orbital lifetimes around 30% longer than comparable objects from the year 2000.
Laboratory Landquakes: Insights From Experiments Into the High‐Frequency Seismic Signal Generated by Geophysical Granular Flows
Authors: Arran M. I. , Mangeney A. , De Rosny J. , Farin M. , Toussaint R. , Roche O.
Published: April 2021

Geophysical granular flows exert basal forces that generate seismic signals, which can be used to better monitor and model these severe natural hazards. A number of empirical relations and existing models link these signals' high‐frequency components to a variety of flow properties, many of which are inaccessible by other analyses. However, the range of validity of the empirical relations remains unclear and the models lack validation, owing to the difficulty of adequately controlling and instrumenting field‐scale flows. Here, we present laboratory experiments investigating the normal forces exerted on a basal plate by dense and partially dense flows of spherical glass particles. We measured the power spectra of these forces and inferred predictions for these power spectra from the models for debris flows' seismic signals proposed by Kean et al. (2015, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015GL064811), Lai et al. (2018, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018GL077683), and Farin, Tsai, et al. (2019, https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.4677), using Hertz theory to extend Farin, Tsai, et al. (2019)'s models to higher frequencies. Comparison of our observations to these predictions, and to predictions derived from Bachelet (2018) and Bachelet et al. (2021)'s model for granular flows' seismic signals, shows those of Farin, Tsai, et al. (2019)'s “thin‐flow” model to be the most accurate, so we examine explanations for this accuracy and discuss its implications for geophysical flows' seismic signals. We also consider the normalization, by the mean force exerted by each flow, of the force's mean squared fluctuations, showing that this ratio varies by 4 orders of magnitude over our experiments, but is determined by the bulk inertial number of the flow.
Neuroendocrine control of appetite and metabolism
Authors: Yoo Eun-Seon , Yu Jieun , Sohn Jong-Woo
Published: April 2021

Body homeostasis is predominantly controlled by hormones secreted by endocrine organs. The central nervous system contains several important endocrine structures, including the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Conventionally, neurohormones released by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland (hypophysis) have received much attention owing to the unique functions of the end hormones released by their target peripheral organs (e.g., glucocorticoids released by the adrenal glands). Recent advances in mouse genetics have revealed several important metabolic functions of hypothalamic neurohormone-expressing cells, many of which are not readily explained by the action of the corresponding classical downstream hormones. Notably, the newly identified functions are better explained by the action of conventional neurotransmitters (e.g., glutamate and GABA) that constitute a neuronal circuit. In this review, we discuss the regulation of appetite and metabolism by hypothalamic neurohormone-expressing cells, with a focus on the distinct contributions of neurohormones and neurotransmitters released by these neurons.
Cell-type-specific synaptic imbalance and disrupted homeostatic plasticity in cortical circuits of ASD-associated Chd8 haploinsufficient mice
Authors: Ellingford Robert A. , Panasiuk Martyna J. , de Meritens Emilie Rabesahala , Shaunak Raghav , Naybour Liam , Browne Lorcan , Basson M. Albert , Andreae Laura C.
Published: April 2021

Heterozygous mutation of chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 8 (CHD8) is strongly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and results in dysregulated expression of neurodevelopmental and synaptic genes during brain development. To reveal how these changes affect ASD-associated cortical circuits, we studied synaptic transmission in the prefrontal cortex of a haploinsufficient Chd8 mouse model. We report profound alterations to both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission onto deep layer projection neurons, resulting in a reduced excitatory:inhibitory balance, which were found to vary dynamically across neurodevelopment and result from distinct effects of reduced Chd8 expression within individual neuronal subtypes. These changes were associated with disrupted regulation of homeostatic plasticity mechanisms operating via spontaneous neurotransmission. These findings therefore directly implicate CHD8 mutation in the disruption of ASD-relevant circuits in the cortex.
Genetically predicted circulating B vitamins in relation to digestive system cancers
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Carter Paul , Vithayathil Mathew , Kar Siddhartha , Mason Amy M. , Burgess Stephen , Larsson Susanna C.
Published: April 2021

Background

Folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 have been associated with digestive system cancers. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomisation study to assess the causality of these associations.

Methods

Two, one and 14 independent single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with serum folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 at the genome-wide significance threshold were selected as genetic instruments. Summary-level data for the associations of the vitamin-associated genetic variants with cancer were obtained from the UK Biobank study including 367,561 individuals and FinnGen consortium comprising up to 176,899 participants.

Results

Genetically predicted folate and vitamin B6 concentrations were not associated with overall cancer, overall digestive system cancer or oesophageal, gastric, colorectal or pancreatic cancer. Genetically predicted vitamin B12 concentrations were positively associated with overall digestive system cancer (ORSD, 1.12; 95% CI 1.04, 1.21, p = 0.003) and colorectal cancer (ORSD 1.16; 95% CI 1.06, 1.26, p = 0.001) in UK Biobank. Results for colorectal cancer were consistent in FinnGen and the combined ORSD was 1.16 (95% CI 1.08, 1.25, p < 0.001). There was no association of genetically predicted vitamin B12 with any other site-specific digestive system cancers or overall cancer.

Conclusions

These results provide evidence to suggest that elevated serum vitamin B12 concentrations are associated with colorectal cancer.
Vertical monolithic integration of wide- and narrow-bandgap semiconductor nanostructures on graphene films
Authors: Tchoe Youngbin , Jo Janghyun , Kim HoSung , Kim Heehun , Baek Hyeonjun , Lee Keundong , Yoo Dongha , Choi Won Jun , Kim Miyoung , Yi Gyu-Chul
Published: April 2021

We report monolithic integration of indium arsenide (InAs) nanorods and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanotubes using a multilayer graphene film as a suspended substrate, and the fabrication of dual-wavelength photodetectors with the hybrid configuration of these materials. For the hybrid nanostructures, ZnO nanotubes and InAs nanorods were grown vertically on the top and bottom surfaces of the graphene films by metal-organic vapor-phase epitaxy and molecular beam epitaxy, respectively. The structural, optical, and electrical characteristics of the hybrid nanostructures were investigated using transmission electron microscopy, spectral photoresponse analysis, and current–voltage measurements. Furthermore, the hybrid nanostructures were used to fabricate dual-wavelength photodetectors sensitive to both ultraviolet and mid-infrared wavelengths.
Fine-scale population structure in five rural populations from the Spanish Eastern Pyrenees using high-coverage whole-genome sequence data
Authors: Maceda Iago , Álvarez Miguel Martín , Athanasiadis Georgios , Tonda Raúl , Camps Jordi , Beltran Sergi , Camps Agustí , Fàbrega Jordi , Felisart Josefina , Grané Joan , Remón José Luis , Serra Jordi , Moral Pedro , Lao Oscar
Published: April 2021

The area of the Spanish Pyrenees is particularly interesting for studying the demographic dynamics of European rural areas given its orography, the main traditional rural condition of its population and the reported higher patterns of consanguinity of the region. Previous genetic studies suggest a gradient of genetic continuity of the area in the West to East axis. However, it has been shown that micro-population substructure can be detected when considering high-quality NGS data and using spatial explicit methods. In this work, we have analyzed the genome of 30 individuals sequenced at 40× from five different valleys in the Spanish Eastern Pyrenees (SEP) separated by less than 140 km along a west to east axis. Using haplotype-based methods and spatial analyses, we have been able to detect micro-population substructure within SEP not seen in previous studies. Linkage disequilibrium and autozygosity analyses suggest that the SEP populations show diverse demographic histories. In agreement with these results, demographic modeling by means of ABC-DL identify heterogeneity in their effective population sizes despite of their close geographic proximity, and suggests that the population substructure within SEP could have appeared around 2500 years ago. Overall, these results suggest that each rural population of the Pyrenees could represent a unique entity.
Improved prime editors enable pathogenic allele correction and cancer modelling in adult mice
Authors: Liu Pengpeng , Liang Shun-Qing , Zheng Chunwei , Mintzer Esther , Zhao Yan G. , Ponnienselvan Karthikeyan , Mir Aamir , Sontheimer Erik J. , Gao Guangping , Flotte Terence R. , Wolfe Scot A. , Xue Wen
Published: April 2021

Prime editors (PEs) mediate genome modification without utilizing double-stranded DNA breaks or exogenous donor DNA as a template. PEs facilitate nucleotide substitutions or local insertions or deletions within the genome based on the template sequence encoded within the prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA). However, the efficacy of prime editing in adult mice has not been established. Here we report an NLS-optimized SpCas9-based prime editor that improves genome editing efficiency in both fluorescent reporter cells and at endogenous loci in cultured cell lines. Using this genome modification system, we could also seed tumor formation through somatic cell editing in the adult mouse. Finally, we successfully utilize dual adeno-associated virus (AAVs) for the delivery of a split-intein prime editor and demonstrate that this system enables the correction of a pathogenic mutation in the mouse liver. Our findings further establish the broad potential of this genome editing technology for the directed installation of sequence modifications in vivo, with important implications for disease modeling and correction.