bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COUNTING HECKE EIGENFORMS WITH NONVANISHING -VALUE
Authors: MANICKAM M. , MURTY V. KUMAR , SANDEEP E. M.
Published: January 2022

We develop some asymptotics for a kernel function introduced by Kohnen and use them to estimate the number of normalised Hecke eigenforms in
$S_k(\Gamma _0(1))$
whose L-values are simultaneously nonvanishing at a given pair of points each of which lies inside the critical strip.
A GENERALISATION OF A THEOREM OF ERDŐS AND NIVEN
Authors: JIANG XIAO , HONG SHAOFANG
Published: January 2022

In 1946, Erdős and Niven proved that no two partial sums of the harmonic series can be equal. We present a generalisation of the Erdős–Niven theorem by showing that no two partial sums of the series
$\sum _{k=0}^\infty {1}/{(a+bk)}$
can be equal, where a and b are positive integers. The proof of our result uses analytic and p-adic methods.
ABELIAN DIFFERENCE SETS AS LATTICE COVERINGS AND LATTICE TILINGS
Authors: KOVAČEVIĆ MLADEN
Published: January 2022

We demonstrate that every difference set in a finite Abelian group is equivalent to a certain ‘regular’ covering of the lattice
$ A_n = \{ \boldsymbol {x} \in \mathbb {Z} ^{n+1} : \sum _{i} x_i = 0 \} $
with balls of radius
$ 2 $
under the
$ \ell _1 $
metric (or, equivalently, a covering of the integer lattice
$ \mathbb {Z} ^n $
with balls of radius
$ 1 $
under a slightly different metric). For planar difference sets, the covering is also a packing, and therefore a tiling, of
$ A_n $
. This observation leads to a geometric reformulation of the prime power conjecture and of other statements involving Abelian difference sets.
Effects of an alternative host on the prevalence and intensity of infection of a bumble bee parasite
Authors: Pinilla-Gallego Mario S. , Irwin Rebecca E.
Published: January 2022

Several bee parasites are transmitted through flowers, and some of them can infect multiple host species. Given the shared use of flowers by bee species, parasites can potentially encounter multiple host species, which could affect the evolution of parasite virulence. We used the trypanosomatid parasite Crithidia bombi and its host, the common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), to explore the effect of infecting an alternative host, the alfalfa leaf-cutter bee (Megachile rotundata), on parasite infectivity and ability to replicate. We conducted a serial passage experiment on primary and alternative hosts, assessing infectivity and intensity of infection during five passes. Parasite cells from each pass through the alternative host were also used to infect a group of primary hosts. We found that serial passes through the alternative host increased infectivity, but there was no effect on intensity of infection. Interestingly, both the probability and intensity of infection on the primary host increased after serial passage through the alternative host. This increase in intensity of infection could be due to maladaptation after selection of new C. bombi strains has occurred in the alternative host. This study suggests that host switching has the potential to affect the adaptation of bee parasites to their hosts.
Population migration in the supporting regions of the Russian Arctic to improve international competitiveness of the Northern Sea Route
Authors: Shaparov A. E. , Sokolova F. K. , Magomedov A. K. , Bhagwat J.
Published: January 2022

The Russian Arctic regions have a significant geographical, historical, and economic connection with the Northern Sea Route (NSR); the successful implementation of Russia’s geo-political and geo-economic strategies in the Arctic is mainly dependent upon the socio-economic situation in these regions. Population migration is a determinant of the current and future labour potential of the supporting regions; compared to natural growth, it has been a key driver of population and an indicator of the quality of human resources. The research herein considered the factors and impacts of migration on the quality of human resources in the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation (AZRF). Russian population census data for 2002 and 2010, and statistical materials were analysed by age and migrant education to characterise the quality of human resources. To identify the causes of migration, the quantitative data analyses were supplemented with results from sociological studies and expert assessments. An index methodology was used to compare the quality of life and human capital development of the Arctic regions. Accordingly, most of the analysed Arctic regions showed high indicators of human development, which were higher than the national average in education, but significantly lower in longevity. Further, most of the Arctic regions occupied lower positions in Russian regional quality of life. It was concluded that the AZRF regions hold high quality of human capital; however, since high-quality living conditions are lacking, they serve as donors of human capital to other parts of the country. These regions would require external labour resources in the near future due to the planned large-scale projects for the development of the NSR, concurrent reduction and ageing of labour resources, and demand changes in the labour market. The government’s socio-economic policies would determine the scale, dynamics, and direction of migration, as well as their impact on the demographics and labour potential of the supporting regions of the NSR.
Local interaction and navigation guidance for hunters drones: a chase behavior approach with real-time tests
Authors: de Souza C. , Castillo P. , Vidolov B.
Published: January 2022

A behavioral-based strategy for cooperative hunting using drones is proposed in this paper. In this decentralized scheme, each drone acts as an individual agent computing its guidance strategy toward the target based on the relative position of its neighbors without the use of direct communication. The algorithm is based on the deviated pure pursuit methodology, and the emerged behavior mimics a natural hunting formation. Simulations and real-time experiments with varying conditions were carried out to validate the effectiveness of the proposed hunting scheme. Videos of the system in action can be seen on: https://youtu.be/g2dODbd6ZLA.
Contextualizing /s/ retraction: Sibilant variation and change in Washington D.C. African American Language
Authors: Gunter Kaylynn , Vaughn Charlotte , Kendall Tyler
Published: January 2022

Recent work has demonstrated an ongoing change across varieties of English in which /s/ retracts before consonants, particularly before /tɹ/ clusters (e.g., Lawrence, 2000; Shapiro, 1995; Stuart-Smith et al., 2019). Much of this work has focused on the social and linguistic distributions of /stɹ/ within single communities, without an examination of the broader sibilant space (e.g., /s/ and /ʃ/). Meanwhile, analyses across multiple corpora have shown that /s/ and /ʃ/ also show within-community variability, beyond /stɹ/ contexts (Stuart-Smith et al., 2019, 2020). Intersecting these approaches, this paper explores sibilant variation and change across /stɹ/, /s/, and /ʃ/ using a corpus of Washington D.C. African American Language (AAL). Results indicate that /stɹ/-retraction is a stable variant in this variety of AAL and /s/ and /ʃ/ show evidence of socially stratified variation and change. Overall, this paper demonstrates the need to examine the sibilant space more holistically when examining changes in /stɹ/.
Enhancement of Twitter event detection using news streams
Authors: Karimi Samaneh , Shakery Azadeh , Verma Rakesh M.
Published: January 2022

A new framework for improving event detection is proposed that employs joint information in news media content and social networks, such as Twitter, to leverage detailed coverage of news media and the timeliness of social media. Specifically, a short text clustering method is employed to detect events from tweets, then the language model representations of the detected events are expanded using another set of events obtained from news articles published simultaneously. The expanded representations of events are employed as a new initialization of the clustering method to run another iteration and consequently enhance the event detection results. The proposed framework is evaluated using two datasets: a tweet dataset with event labels and a news dataset containing news articles published during the same time interval as the tweets. Experimental results show that the proposed framework improves the event detection results in terms of F1 measure compared to the results obtained from tweets only.
Disclosure of funding sources and conflicts of interest in evidence underpinning vitamin D and calcium recommendations in bone health guidelines
Authors: Baram Liora , Dai Zhaoli , McDonald Sally , Bero Lisa A
Published: January 2022

Objective:

The present study aims to examine the relationship between study funding sources, author conflicts of interest (COI) and conclusions in studies supporting vitamin D and Ca intake cited in bone health guideline recommendations.

Design:

Cross-sectional

Setting:

Forty-seven global bone health guidelines with vitamin D and/or Ca recommendations for adults aged 40 years and above.

Participants:

The evidence cited to support the recommendations was extracted by two independent reviewers and classified by type of recommendation, article characteristics, study design, types of funding sources and conflict of interest (COI) disclosure and direction of study conclusions.

Results:

Of 156 articles cited to support the bone health recommendations, 120 (77 %) disclosed a funding source, and 43 (28 %) declared that at least one author had a COI. Compared with articles with non-commercial or no funding source, those funded by commercial sponsors tended to have a study conclusion favourable towards vitamin D/Ca (relative risk (95 % CI): 1·32 (0·94, 1·87), P = 0·16), but the association was not statistically significant (Fisher’s exact test). Compared to those with a COI disclosure statement, articles with missing or unclear COI disclosure were more likely to have favourable conclusions (1·56 (1·05, 2·31), P = 0·017) (Fisher’s exact test).

Conclusion:

In the evidence underpinning a sample of global bone health guidelines, COI disclosure was low and studies with missing or unclear COI disclosures were more likely to have favourable study conclusions than those with disclosures, suggesting a need for greater transparency of COI in bone health guidelines.
How is Religious Experience Possible? On the (Quasi-Transcendental) Mode of Argument in Kant’s Religion
Authors: Palmquist Stephen R.
Published: January 2022

Kant’s general mode of argument in Religion within the Bounds of Bare Reason, especially his defence of human nature’s propensity to evil, is a matter of considerable controversy: while some interpret his argument as strictly a priori, others interpret it as anthropological. In dialogue with Allen Wood’s recent work, I defend my earlier claim that Religion employs a quasi-transcendental mode of argument, focused on the possibility of a specific type of experience, not experience in general. In Religion, Kant portrays religious experience as possible only for beings with a good predisposition and a propensity to evil. Kant’s theory of the archetype and his theory of symbolism illustrate the same mode of argument. Taking Religion as a sequel to the third Critique more than the second, my perspectival interpretation makes room for a robust view of unsociable sociability without the absurd deception of regarding it as the source of human evil.
In vivo haploid induction potential of Himalayan maize (Zea mays) and cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) gene pools in different segregational cycles of intra and inter-generic crosses of wheat
Authors: Kapoor Chandan , Chaudhary Harinder Kumar , Sharma Parul , Relan Ashima , Manoj N. V. , Singh Kritika , Sood Vinod Kumar
Published: January 2022

Maize and Imperata cylindrica have been utilized globally as a pollen source for induction of haploids in wheat through chromosome elimination technique. Pollen parents with a higher haploid induction rate are desired for recovering the high frequency of haploids in wheat and related species. The present investigation was carried out with the aim to assess haploid induction efficiency of diverse germplasm of maize and I. cylindrica in different generations of intra and intergeneric crosses of hexaploid and tetraploid wheat and triticale-wheat derivatives. Crosses of twenty-six lines (female) with each of two I. cylindrica and twenty-one maize genotypes (testers) were evaluated for four haploid induction parameters viz., pseudoseed formation frequency (PFF), embryo formation frequency (EFF), haploid regeneration frequency (HRF) and haploid formation frequency (HFF). I. cylindrica outperformed maize in haploid induction rate with a frequency of embryos formed with I. cylindrica (18.39%) were significantly higher as compared to maize (4.08%). In the case of I. cylindrica genotype Ic-ye identified best with mean EFF of 30.55, 14.48 and 25.43% for hexaploids, tetraploids and triticale × wheat derivatives, respectively whereas in the case of maize genotype HPMC-60 performed best with EFF of 12.61% for hexaploids, HPMC-58 (12.58%) for tetraploids and HPMC-16 for triticale × wheat derivatives with EFF of 8.91%. I. cylindrica genotype Ic-ye and maize genotypes HPMC-14, HPMC-53, HPMC-60, HPMC-64 with significantly positive GCA for haploid induction parameters may be utilized as efficient pollen parents for recovering higher frequency of haploids in wheat.
Dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibition delays developmental programming of obesity and metabolic disease in male offspring of obese mothers
Authors: Montaniel Kim Ramil C. , Bucher Matthew , Phillips Elysse A. , Li Cun , Sullivan Elinor L. , Kievit Paul , Rugonyi Sandra , Nathanielsz Peter W. , Maloyan Alina
Published: January 2022

Maternal obesity programs the offspring to metabolic diseases later in life; however, the mechanisms of programming are yet unclear, and no strategies exist for addressing its detrimental transgenerational effects. Obesity has been linked to dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV), an adipokine, and treatment of obese individuals with DPPIV inhibitors has been reported to prevent weight gain and improve metabolism. We hypothesized that DPPIV plays a role in maternal obesity-mediated programming. We measured plasma DPPIV activity in human maternal and cord blood samples from normal-weight and obese mothers at term. We found that maternal obesity increases maternal and cord blood plasma DPPIV activity but only in male offspring. Using two non-human primate models of maternal obesity, we confirmed the activation of DPPIV in the offspring of obese mothers. We then created a mouse model of maternal high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, and found an early-life increase in plasma DPPIV activity in male offspring. Activation of DPPIV preceded the progression of obesity, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in male offspring of HFD-fed mothers. We then administered sitagliptin, DPPIV inhibitor, to regular diet (RD)- and HFD-fed mothers, starting a week prior to breeding and continuing throughout pregnancy and lactation. We found that sitagliptin treatment of HFD-fed mothers delayed the progression of obesity and metabolic diseases in male offspring and had no effects on females. Our findings reveal that maternal obesity dysregulates plasma DPPIV activity in males and provide evidence that maternal inhibition of DPPIV has potential for addressing the transgenerational effects of maternal obesity.
Control of waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) at multiple locations in Illinois with single preemergence applications of VLCFA-inhibiting herbicides
Authors: Strom Seth A. , Jacobs Kip E. , Seiter Nicholas J. , Davis Adam S. , Riechers Dean E. , Hager Aaron G.
Published: January 2022

Herbicides that inhibit very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) have been widely used for preemergence control of annual monocot and small-seeded dicot weed species, such as waterhemp, since their discovery in the 1950s. VLCFA-inhibiting herbicides are often applied in combination with active ingredients that possess residual activity on small-seeded broadleaf weeds, which can make their contribution to preemergence waterhemp control difficult to quantify. Bare-ground field experiments were designed to investigate the efficacy of eight VLCFA-inhibiting herbicides applied at their minimum and maximum labeled rates for control of Illinois waterhemp populations. Four different locations were selected, two of which contained previously characterized VLCFA inhibitor–resistant waterhemp populations in Champaign County (CHR) and McLean County (MCR). Two locations with VLCFA inhibitor–sensitive waterhemp populations included the University of Illinois South Farm in Urbana, IL, and the Orr Research Center in Perry, IL. Soils at the CHR, MCR, and Urbana locations contained greater than 3% organic matter, but less than 3% organic matter at Perry. Non-encapsulated acetochlor and alachlor controlled CHR and MCR waterhemp populations 28 d after treatment (DAT), whereas other VLCFA-inhibiting herbicides resulted in 61% and 76% control of the CHR and MCR populations, respectively. In contrast, all VLCFA-inhibiting herbicides resulted in 81% and 88% control of the Perry and Urbana waterhemp populations, respectively, 28 DAT. Waterhemp control decreased by 42 DAT, especially for the VLCFA inhibitor–resistant CHR and MCR populations. Overall, VLCFA-inhibiting herbicides remain effective for controlling sensitive waterhemp, but most are not effective for controlling VLCFA inhibitor–resistant waterhemp populations. Proper herbicide stewardship and integrated weed management practices should be implemented to maintain VLCFA-inhibiting herbicide efficacy for waterhemp management in the future.
Achtsamkeit für Menschen mit Autismus
Authors: Spek Annelies
Published: January 2022

Menschen mit Autismus haben trotz ihrer offensichtlichen Stärken oft Schwierigkeiten, sich in der Gesellschaft zu behaupten. Sie fühlen sich zum Beispiel leicht überreizt, leiden unter Niedergeschlagenheit und Ängsten oder können sich nur schwer entspannen. Dieses Achtsamkeitstraining wurde speziell für Erwachsene mit Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen (ASS) entwickelt und auf seine Wirksamkeit hin überprüft. Es kann den Betroffenen helfen, sich weniger überlastet zu fühlen, die Gedanken loszulassen und die eigenen körperlichen Grenzen besser zu spüren. Das Buch ist ein praktischer Leitfaden sowohl für Menschen mit Autismus, die selbst Achtsamkeit trainieren möchten, als auch für professionelle Helfer, die Erwachsene mit ASS bei der Achtsamkeits-Therapie anleiten wollen.
Association Between Air Pollutants and Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Time Stratified Case‐Crossover Design With a Distributed Lag Nonlinear Model
Authors: Liu Yanchen , Han Xiaoli , Cui Xudong , Zhao Xiangkai , Zhao Xin , Zheng Hongmiao , Zhang Benzhong , Ren Xiaowei
Published: January 2022

Acute exacerbation of chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (AECOPD) as a respiratory disease, is considered to be related to air pollution by more and more studies. However, the evidence on how air pollution affect the incidence of AECOPD and whether there are population differences is still insufficient. Therefore, we select PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3 as representatives combined with daily AECOPD admission data from 1 January 2015 to 26 June 2016 in the rural areas of Qingyang, northwestern China to explore the associations of air pollution with AECOPD. Based on a time‐stratified case‐crossover design, we constructed a distributed lag nonlinear model to qualify the single and cumulative lagged effects of air pollution on AECOPD. Stratified related risks by sex and age were also reported. The cumulative exposure‐response curves were approximately linear for PM2.5, “V”‐shaped for PM10, “U”‐shaped for NO2 and inverted‐“V” for SO2, CO and O3. Exposure to high‐PM2.5 (42 μg/m3), high‐PM10 (91 μg/m3), high‐SO2 (58 μg/m3), low‐NO2 (12 μg/m3), and high‐CO (1.55 mg/m3) increased the risk of AECOPD. Females aged 15–64 were more susceptible under extreme concentrations of PM2.5, SO2, CO, and low‐PM10 than other subgroups. In addition, adults aged 15–64 were more sensitive to extreme concentrations of NO2 compared with the elderly ≥65 years old, while the latter were more sensitive to high‐PM10. High‐SO2, high‐NO2, and extreme concentrations of PM2.5 had the greatest effects on the day of exposure, while low‐SO2 and low‐CO had lagged effects on AECOPD. Precautionary measures should be taken with a focus on vulnerable subgroups, to control hospitalization for AECOPD associated with air pollutants.
Distributions of Birkeland Current Density Observed by AMPERE are Heavy‐Tailed or Long‐Tailed
Authors: Coxon John C. , Chisham Gareth , Freeman Mervyn P. , Anderson Brian J. , Fear Robert C.
Published: January 2022

We analyze probability distributions of Birkeland current densities measured by the Active Magnetosphere and Planetary Electrodynamics Response Experiment. We find that the distributions are leptokurtic rather than normal and they are sometimes heavy‐tailed. We fit q‐exponential functions to the distributions and use these to estimate where the largest currents are likely to occur. The shape and scale parameters of the fitted q‐exponential distribution vary with location: The scale parameter maximizes for current densities with the same polarity and in the same location as the average Region 1 current, whereas the shape parameter maximizes for current densities with the same polarity and in the same location as the average Region 2 current. We find that current densities |J| ≥ 0.2 μA m−2 are most likely to occur in the average Region 1 current region, and second most likely to occur in the average Region 2 current region. However, for extreme currents (|J| ≥ 4.0 μA m−2), we find that the most likely location is colocated with the average Region 2 current region on the dayside, at a colatitude of 18°−22°.
Daytime Ionospheric Large‐Scale Plasma Density Depletion Structures Detected at Low Latitudes Under Relatively Quiet Geomagnetic Conditions
Authors: Sun Wenjie , Li Guozhu , Le Huijun , Chen Yiding , Hu Lianhuan , Yang Sipeng , Zhao Xiukuan , Xie Haiyong , Li Yi , Zhao Biqiang , Ning Baiqi , Liu Libo
Published: January 2022

The ionospheric electron density is expected to enhance after sunrise during geomagnetic quiet days. In this paper, we report an anomalous large‐scale ionospheric TEC depletion structure occurring in morning hours over low latitudes in China under relatively quiet geomagnetic conditions. The depletion structure, which occurred over a wide longitude range of >35°, developed toward higher latitudes at the speed of ∼250 m/s. A statistical analysis using the data in 2018–2020 showed that such large‐scale daytime TEC depletion mainly occurred in summer (mostly with Kp < 3), with large intensities at ∼16–30°N. The geomagnetic ΔH measurements at the stations near and away from the magnetic dip equator showed positive values, which rules out the possible contribution from a westward electric field. Observations from multiple ionosondes revealed a net downward plasma transport during the TEC depletion. An enhanced poleward neutral wind during the early morning hours, which may induce downward plasma transport, was surmised to play a leading role in driving the large‐scale morning TEC depletion.
Localized Deformation of Lawsonite During Cold Subduction
Authors: Shiraishi R. , Muto J. , Tsunoda A. , Sawa S. , Suzuki A.
Published: January 2022

One of the causes of intermediate depth (50–300 km) earthquakes in cold subduction zones is proposed to be the dehydration of lawsonite, a hydrous mineral that forms a major component of cold subducting oceanic crust. However, experimental studies are limited and the deformation mechanism of lawsonite remains uncertain. Here, we conducted deformation experiments on lawsonite under seismogenic conditions appropriate to cold subduction zones at pressures from 2.5 to 6.0 GPa and temperatures from 300°C to 800°C. Deformation experiments incorporating temperature ramping, in which deformation and heating were synchronous, did not show unstable fault slip associated with dehydration. Instead, we find localized deformation accompanying a rapid stress drop prior to the initiation of dehydration, and then more gradual strain weakening during dehydration. Such microstructures as microcracks and comminution of lawsonite imply a brittle behavior for lawsonite accompanied by the partial amorphization along the fault. Our results suggest that fault slip may occur within the stability field of lawsonite under conditions suitable for the generation of intermediate depth earthquakes.
Unexpected High Contribution of Residential Biomass Burning to Non‐Methane Organic Gases (NMOGs) in the Yangtze River Delta Region of China
Authors: Gao Yaqin , Wang Hongli , Liu Ying , Zhang Xuan , Jing Shengao , Peng Yarong , Huang Dandan , Li Xin , Chen Shiyi , Lou Shengrong , Li Yingjie , Huang Cheng
Published: January 2022

Residential biomass burning (BB) plays an important role in the generation of household energy in rural China and can contribute to the degradation of regional air quality. Here, unexpectedly strong residential BB emissions were identified during the EXPeriment on the eLucidation of the atmospheric Oxidation capacity and aerosol foRmation, and their Effects in Yangtze River Delta (YRD) campaign in the rural area of the Eastern China based on the early summertime measurements of non‐methane organic gases (NMOGs) by a Proton Transfer Reaction‐Quadruple Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometer. These widespread and long‐lasting residential BB emissions feature high levels of acetonitrile, oxygenated‐aromatics, and naphthalene, and are independent of the characteristic emissions from the open field BB but relate to miscellaneous fuels burning such as combustible wastes. The positive matrix factorization approach was applied to quantitatively appoint sources and understand the role of residential BB on OH reactivity (LOH) and secondary organic aerosols formation potential (SOAP) in the rural atmosphere of China. We find that residential BB accounts for 24.0% ± 6.4% of all NMOG mixing ratios, compared to 40.1% ± 7.7% of urban emissions. The contribution of these two sources to the total calculated LOH (23.2% ± 6.2% from BB and 26.4% ± 5.1% from urban) and SOAP (22.0% ± 7.5% from BB and 23.2% ± 6.7% from urban) are comparable during normal days. In addition, biogenic emissions and sporadic field BB are also important sources of NMOGs in the YRD region during the harvest season. This study highlights the critical importance of residential BB emissions in the Eastern China, which were unaccounted for by the past air pollution regulations.
Potential Links Between Tropospheric and Stratospheric Circulation Extremes During Early 2020
Authors: Rupp Philip , Loeffel Sheena , Garny Hella , Chen Xiaoyang , Pinto Joaquim G. , Birner Thomas
Published: January 2022

February‐March 2020 was marked by highly anomalous large‐scale circulations in the Northern extratropical troposphere and stratosphere. The Atlantic jet reached extreme strength, linked to some of the strongest and most persistent positive values of the Arctic Oscillation index on record, which provided conditions for extreme windstorms hitting Europe. Likewise, the stratospheric polar vortex reached extreme strength that persisted for an unusually long period. Past research indicated that such circulation extremes occurring throughout the troposphere‐stratosphere system are dynamically coupled, although the nature of this coupling is still not fully understood and generally difficult to quantify. We employ sets of numerical ensemble simulations to statistically characterize the mutual coupling of the early 2020 extremes. We find the extreme vortex strength to be linked to the reflection of upward propagating planetary waves and the occurrence of this reflection to be sensitive to the details of the vortex structure. Our results show an overall robust coupling between tropospheric and stratospheric anomalies: ensemble members with polar vortex exceeding a certain strength tend to exhibit a stronger tropospheric jet and vice versa. Moreover, members exhibiting a breakdown of the stratospheric circulation (e.g., sudden stratospheric warming) tend to lack periods of persistently enhanced tropospheric circulation. Despite indications for vertical coupling, our simulations underline the role of internal variability within each atmospheric layer. The circulation extremes during early 2020 may be viewed as resulting from a fortuitous alignment of dynamical evolutions within the troposphere and stratosphere, aided by each layer's modification of the other layer's boundary condition.
U‐Pb Zircon Geochronology From the Northern Cordillera, Central Yukon, With Implications for Its Tectonic Assembly
Authors: Parsons Andrew J. , McClelland William C. , Zagorevski Alexandre , Ryan James J. , Coleman Mark J. , Cleven Nathan , van Staal Cees R.
Published: January 2022

The tectonic assembly of the Northern Cordillera is currently disputed and directly impacts Paleozoic‐to‐recent paleogeographic and plate tectonic reconstructions of North America. In this study, we present new U‐Pb zircon geochronology from the allochthonous Yukon‐Tanana terrane and the parautochthonous Cassiar terrane of the Northern Cordillera from south‐central Yukon, Canada. Our data provide new constraints for the assembly of the Northern Cordillera in this region. Metasedimentary samples from the Ingenika Group (Cassiar terrane) and the Snowcap and Finlayson assemblages (Yukon‐Tanana terrane) yielded detrital zircon age spectra that are comparable to known northwest Laurentia age spectra. One of our samples from the Snowcap assemblage yields a detrital zircon age spectrum that is anomalous for northwest Laurentia, but comparable to Early Paleozoic strata deposited in the Nevada‐Idaho‐Utah region. Zircon rim growth and Pb‐loss recorded by detrital zircon in the Snowcap assemblage and Ingenika Group samples record metamorphism at 370 ± 4 Ma and between 171 ± 5 and 135 ± 3 Ma. Late Devonian metamorphism and magmatism possibly corresponds to rifting of the Snowcap assemblage from the Laurentian margin. Middle Jurassic‐Early Cretaceous metamorphic zircon rim ages from the Cassiar terrane record metamorphism during collisions between the Intermontane superterrane (including the Yukon‐Tanana terrane) and Laurentia (Early to Middle Jurassic), and between the Insular superterrane and Laurentia (Middle to Late Jurassic). Our study suggests that collision between the Yukon‐Tanana terrane and the Laurentian margin began no earlier than ∼205 Ma.
SARS-CoV-2 NSP5 and N protein counteract the RIG-I signaling pathway by suppressing the formation of stress granules
Authors: Zheng Yi , Deng Jian , Han Lulu , Zhuang Meng-Wei , Xu Yanwen , Zhang Jing , Nan Mei-Ling , Xiao Yang , Zhan Peng , Liu Xinyong , Gao Chengjiang , Wang Pei-Hui
Published: January 2022

As a highly pathogenic human coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 has to counteract an intricate network of antiviral host responses to establish infection and spread. The nucleic acid-induced stress response is an essential component of antiviral defense and is closely related to antiviral innate immunity. However, whether SARS-CoV-2 regulates the stress response pathway to achieve immune evasion remains elusive. In this study, SARS-CoV-2 NSP5 and N protein were found to attenuate antiviral stress granule (avSG) formation. Moreover, NSP5 and N suppressed IFN expression induced by infection of Sendai virus or transfection of a synthetic mimic of dsRNA, poly (I:C), inhibiting TBK1 and IRF3 phosphorylation, and restraining the nuclear translocalization of IRF3. Furthermore, HEK293T cells with ectopic expression of NSP5 or N protein were less resistant to vesicular stomatitis virus infection. Mechanistically, NSP5 suppressed avSG formation and disrupted RIG-I–MAVS complex to attenuate the RIG-I–mediated antiviral immunity. In contrast to the multiple targets of NSP5, the N protein specifically targeted cofactors upstream of RIG-I. The N protein interacted with G3BP1 to prevent avSG formation and to keep the cofactors G3BP1 and PACT from activating RIG-I. Additionally, the N protein also affected the recognition of dsRNA by RIG-I. This study revealed the intimate correlation between SARS-CoV-2, the stress response, and innate antiviral immunity, shedding light on the pathogenic mechanism of COVID-19.
Nogo-B promotes invasion and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma via RhoA-SRF-MRTFA pathway
Authors: Wang Jingyi , Zhong Qian , Zhang Hua , Liu Shangxin , Li Shibing , Xia Tianliang , Xiao Zhiwen , Chen Renhui , Ye Yuchu , Liang Faya , Han Ping , Huang Xiaoming
Published: January 2022

Distant metastasis remains the major cause for treatment failure in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Thus, it is necessary to investigate the underlying regulation mechanisms and potential biomarkers for NPC metastasis. Nogo-B (neurite outgrowth inhibitor B), encoded by reticulon-4, has been shown to be associated with the progression and advanced stage of several cancer types. However, the relationship between Nogo-B and NPC remains unknown. In this study, we found that higher expression of Nogo-B was detected in NPC cells and tissues. Higher expression of Nogo-B was statistically relevant to N stage, M stage, and poor prognosis in NPC patients. Further functional investigations indicated that Nogo-B overexpression could increase the migration, invasion, and metastasis ability of NPC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, Nogo-B promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and enhanced the invasive potency by interacting directly with its receptor NgR3 in NPC. Additionally, overexpression of Nogo-B could upregulate the protein levels of p-RhoA, SRF, and MRTFA. A positive relationship was found between the expression of Nogo-B and the p-RhoA in NPC patients as well as in mouse lung xenografts. Nogo-Bhighp-RhoAhighexpression was significantly associated with N stage, M stage, and poor prognosis in NPC patients. Notably, CCG-1423, an inhibitor of the RhoA-SRF-MRTFA pathway, could reverse the invasive potency of Nogo-B and NgR3 in NPC cell lines, and decrease the expression of N-Cadherin, indicating that CCG-1423 may be a potential target drug of NPC. Taken together, our findings reveal that Nogo-B enhances the migration and invasion potency of NPC cells via EMT by binding to its receptor NgR3 to regulate the RhoA-SRF-MRTFA pathway. These findings could provide a novel insight into understanding the metastasis mechanism and targeted therapy of advanced NPC.
MicroRNA-181a–2–3p shuttled by mesenchymal stem cell-secreted extracellular vesicles inhibits oxidative stress in Parkinson’s disease by inhibiting EGR1 and NOX4
Authors: Ma Jianjun , Shi Xiaoxue , Li Mingjian , Chen Siyuan , Gu Qi , Zheng Jinhua , Li Dongsheng , Wu Shaopu , Yang Hongqi , Li Xue
Published: January 2022

The current study investigated the physiological mechanisms by which extracellular vesicle (EV)-encapsulated miR-181a–2–3p derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) might mediate oxidative stress (OS) in Parkinson’s disease (PD). First, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced PD cell and mouse models were established, after which miR-181a–2–3p, EGR1, and NOX4 expression patterns were determined in SH-SY5Y cells and substantia nigra (SN) of PD mice. Next, the binding affinity among miR-181a–2–3p, EGR1, and NOX4 was identified using multiple assays. Gain- or loss-of-function experiments were further adopted to detect SH-SY5Y cell proliferation and apoptosis and to measure the levels of SOD, MDA, and ROS. Finally, the effects of miR-181a–2–3p from MSC-derived EVs in PD mouse models were also explored. It was found that miR-181a–2–3p was poorly expressed in 6-OHDA-induced SH-SY5Y cells, whereas miR-181a–2–3p from MSCs could be transferred into SH-SY5Y cells via EVs. In addition, miR-181a–2–3p could target and inhibit EGR1, which promoted the expression of NOX4. The aforementioned miR-181a–2–3p shuttled by MSC-derived EVs facilitated SH-SY5Y proliferation and SOD levels, but suppressed apoptosis and MDA and ROS levels by regulating EGR1 via inhibition of NOX4/p38 MAPK, so as to repress OS of PD. Furthermore, in PD mice, miR-181a–2–3p was carried by EVs from MSCs to alleviate apoptosis of dopamine neurons and OS, accompanied by increased expressions of α-syn and decreased 4-HNE in SN tissues. Collectively, our findings revealed that MSC-derived EV-loaded miR-181a–2–3p downregulated EGR1 to inhibit OS via the NOX4/p38 MAPK axis in PD.
A pandemic-enabled comparison of discovery platforms demonstrates a naïve antibody library can match the best immune-sourced antibodies
Authors: Ferrara Fortunato , Erasmus M. Frank , D’Angelo Sara , Leal-Lopes Camila , Teixeira André A. , Choudhary Alok , Honnen William , Calianese David , Huang Deli , Peng Linghan , Voss James E. , Nemazee David , Burton Dennis R. , Pinter Abraham , Bradbury Andrew R. M.
Published: January 2022

As a result of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic numerous scientific groups have generated antibodies against a single target: the CoV-2 spike antigen. This has provided an unprecedented opportunity to compare the efficacy of different methods and the specificities and qualities of the antibodies generated by those methods. Generally, the most potent neutralizing antibodies have been generated from convalescent patients and immunized animals, with non-immune phage libraries usually yielding significantly less potent antibodies. Here, we show that it is possible to generate ultra-potent (IC50 < 2 ng/ml) human neutralizing antibodies directly from a unique semisynthetic naïve antibody library format with affinities, developability properties and neutralization activities comparable to the best from hyperimmune sources. This demonstrates that appropriately designed and constructed naïve antibody libraries can effectively compete with immunization to directly provide therapeutic antibodies against a viral pathogen, without the need for immune sources or downstream optimization.
COVID-19 school and kindergarten closure relates to children's social relationships: a longitudinal study in Japan
Authors: Hagihara Hiromichi , Yamamoto Nozomi , Meng Xianwei , Sakata Chifumi , Wang Jue , Watanabe Ryoichi , Moriguchi Yusuke
Published: January 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has led children to experience school closures. Although increasing evidence suggests that such intense social quarantine influences children’s social relationships with others, longitudinal studies are limited. Using longitudinal data collected during (T1) and after (T2) intensive school closure and home confinement, this study investigated the impacts of social quarantine on children’s social relationships. Japanese parents of children aged 0–9 years (n = 425) completed an online questionnaire that examined children’s socio-emotional behavior and perceived proximity to parents or others. The results demonstrated that social quarantine was not significantly related to children’s socio-emotional behavior across all age groups. However, changes in children’s perceived proximity varied depending on certain age-related factors: elementary schoolers’ perceived closeness to parents significantly decreased after the reopening of schools, whereas that to others, such as peers, increased. Such effects were not observed in infants and preschoolers. The follow-up survey 9-month after the reopening of schools (T3; n = 130) did not detect significant differences in both children’s socio-emotional behavior and perceived proximity from that after the intense quarantine. These findings suggest that school closure and home confinement may have influenced children’s social development differently across their age, and its effects were larger in perceived closeness rather than social behavior.
The impact of hydration status and fluid distribution on pulmonary function in COPD patients
Authors: Orea-Tejeda Arturo , Gómez-Martínez Manuel , González-Islas Dulce , Flores-Cisneros Laura , Keirns-Davis Candace , Sánchez-Santillán Rocío , Pérez-García Ilse , Martínez-Luna Nathalie , Robles-Hernández Robinson , Sánchez-Moreno Carlos , Orozco-Gutíerrez Juan José
Published: January 2022

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients have alterations in body composition. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) evaluates body composition, hydration status, and fluid distribution. Subjects with fluid disturbances have been found to have lower FEV1, respiratory muscle strength, and poor prognosis. We aimed to evaluate the effect of hydration status and fluid distribution on pulmonary function in COPD patients. A cross-sectional study, 180 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COPD were included. Patients with asthma, advanced renal or liver disease, acute HF, exacerbation of COPD, or pacemakers were excluded. Hydration status variables (TBW, ECW, ICW) and disturbance of fluid distribution [impedance ratio (IR) > 0.84 and phase angle (PhA)] were evaluated by BIA. Pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry. The mean population age was 71.55 ± 8.94 years; 55% were men. Subjects were divided into two groups according to the IR ≥ 0.84 or < 0.84. The group with higher IR ≥ 0.84 had lower FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, DLCO and, PhA compared to those with IR < 0.84. After adjusting for confounding variables TBW, ECW, IR ≥ 0.84, PhA, and resistance/height increase were associated with decreased FEV1. In the same way, with IR ≥ 0.84, edema index ≥ 0.48, trunk and abdominal IR were negatively associated with FVC, and PhA had a positive association with FVC. Fluid distribution, especially IR and PhA, could be a useful parameter for predicting pulmonary function in COPD patients.
Research on a high-sensitivity asymmetric metamaterial structure and its application as microwave sensor
Authors: Cao Yunhao , Ruan Cunjun , Chen Kanglong , Zhang Xingyun
Published: January 2022

In this paper, an Asymmetric Electric Split-Ring Resonator (AESRR) metamaterial structure is proposed to explore the interaction between metamaterials and electromagnetic waves with the influence of Fano resonance on electromagnetic properties. With the symmetry of basic electric Split-Ring Resonator (eSRR) being broken, a new Fano resonant peak appears at around 11.575 GHz and this peak is very sensitive to the dielectric environment. Based on the proposed high sensitivity of AESRR, a microwave sensor based on a 13 × 13 arrays of AESRR was designed and verified using printed circuit board (PCB) technology. T-shape channel was integrated to the sensor by grooving in the FR-4 substrate which improved the integration and provided the feasibility of liquids detection. Seven organic liquids and four dielectric substrates are measured by this sensor. The measured results show the transmission frequency shifts from 11.575 to 11.150 GHz as the liquid samples permittivity changes from 1 to 7 and the transmission frequency shifts from 11.575 to 8.260 GHz as the solid substrates permittivity changes from 1 to 9. The results have proven the improved sensitivity and the larger frequency shift ∆f on material under test (MUTs) compared with the conventional reported sensor. The relative permittivity of liquid samples and solid samples can be obtained by establishing approximate models in CST, respectively. Two transcendental equations derived from measured results are proposed to predict the relative permittivity of liquid samples and solids samples. The accuracy and reliability of measured results and predicted results are numerically verified by comparing them with literature values. Thus, the proposed sensor has many advantages, such as low-cost, high-sensitivity, high-robustness, and extensive detecting range, which provided a great potential to be implemented in a lab-on-a-chip sensor system in the future.
Flanking sequences influence the activity of TET1 and TET2 methylcytosine dioxygenases and affect genomic 5hmC patterns
Authors: Adam Sabrina , Bräcker Julia , Klingel Viviane , Osteresch Bernd , Radde Nicole E. , Brockmeyer Jens , Bashtrykov Pavel , Jeltsch Albert
Published: January 2022

TET dioxygenases convert 5-methylcytosine (5mC) preferentially in a CpG context into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and higher oxidized forms, thereby initiating DNA demethylation, but details regarding the effects of the DNA sequences flanking the target 5mC site on TET activity are unknown. We investigated oxidation of libraries of DNA substrates containing one 5mC or 5hmC residue in randomized sequence context using single molecule readout of oxidation activity and sequence and show pronounced 20 and 70-fold flanking sequence effects on the catalytic activities of TET1 and TET2, respectively. Flanking sequence preferences were similar for TET1 and TET2 and also for 5mC and 5hmC substrates. Enhanced flanking sequence preferences were observed at non-CpG sites together with profound effects of flanking sequences on the specificity of TET2. TET flanking sequence preferences are reflected in genome-wide and local patterns of 5hmC and DNA demethylation in human and mouse cells indicating that they influence genomic DNA modification patterns in combination with locus specific targeting of TET enzymes.
A sensitive UPLC/ESI/MS/MS method for concomitant quantification of active plant constituent combinations in rat plasma after single oral administration
Authors: Chaudhari Vishal Sharad , Jala Aishwarya , Murty Upadhyayula Suryanarayana , Borkar Roshan M. , Banerjee Subham
Published: January 2022

UPLC/ESI/MS/MS mediated bio-analytical method to quantify quercetin and piperine in rat plasma simultaneously. Application to exploration of bioavailability enhancement through nano carriers.
Construction of a fluorescence biosensor for ochratoxin A based on magnetic beads and exonuclease III-assisted DNA cycling signal amplification
Authors: Liu Mei , Liu Shasha , Ma Yue , Li Baoxin
Published: January 2022

An enzyme-assisted DNA cycling signal amplification fluorescence aptasensor was developed for the detection of ochratoxin A combining magnetic beads which offered a manner for the accumulation and separation.
Nanoporous germanium prepared by a mechanochemical reaction with enhanced lithium storage properties
Authors: Liu Xianyu , Zhang Qianliang , Zhu Yansong , Xu Shengjie , Zhang Jia , Zheng Yanping , Zhang Lei , Ma Mingguang , Rao Honghong , Liu Zheng
Published: January 2022

Nanoporous Z–Ge was fabricated via a mechanochemical reaction with Mg2Ge and ZnCl2, exhibiting long-term cycling stability in Li-ion batteries.
Manipulation of the halloysite clay nanotube lumen for environmental remediation: a review
Authors: Li Ying , Yuan Xingzhong , Jiang Longbo , Dai Huan , Zhao Yanlan , Guan Xian , Bai Jing , Wang Hou
Published: January 2022

The halloysite clay nanotube lumen has shown great application potential in the field of environmental remediation. This relies on delicate manipulation of the clay nanotube lumen and benefits from the unique functionality of the nanotube lumen.
The contribution of gastric digestion of starch to the glycaemic index of breads with different composition or structure
Authors: Freitas Daniela , Souchon Isabelle , Le Feunteun Steven
Published: January 2022

The rate of starch hydrolysis by salivary α-amylase during oro-gastric digestion was influenced by bread density and was well correlated with the glycemic index.
Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside ameliorates high fat diet-induced colon inflammation and regulates gut microbiota in mice
Authors: Zhang Li , Lan Ying , Wang Yan , Yang Yiying , Han Wenzheng , Li Jingyan , Wang Yutang , Liu Xuebo
Published: January 2022

Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside was shown to have a great anti-inflammatory effect on colon inflammation and a positive regulatory effect on gut microbiota.
Photon-upconverters for blue organic light-emitting diodes: a low-cost, sky-blue example
Authors: Yang Le , Chua Xian Wei , Yang Zhihong , Ding Xiangpeng , Yu Yong , Suwardi Ady , Zhao Meng , Ke Karen Lin , Ehrler Bruno , Di Dawei
Published: January 2022

We advocate triplet–triplet annihilation upconverters as candidates for blue FuLEDs (OLEDs enhanced by triplet-fusion), demonstrating here with the sky-blue DPBF. Its TTA or triplet-fusion behaviour is explored in both solutions and FuLED devices.