bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exceptional scalar theories in de Sitter space
Authors: Bonifacio James , Hinterbichler Kurt , Joyce Austin , Roest Diederik
Published: April 2022

Abstract

The special galileon and Dirac-Born-Infeld (DBI) theories are effective field theories of a single scalar field that have many interesting properties in flat space. These theories can be extended to all maximally symmetric spaces, where their algebras of shift symmetries are simple. We study aspects of the curved space versions of these theories: for the special galileon, we find a new compact expression for its Lagrangian in de Sitter space and a field redefinition that relates it to the previous, more complicated formulation. This field redefinition reduces to the well-studied galileon duality redefinition in the flat space limit. For the DBI theory in de Sitter space, we discuss the brane and dilaton formulations of the theory and present strong evidence that these are related by a field redefinition. We also give an interpretation of the symmetries of these theories in terms of broken diffeomorphisms of de Sitter space.
Inhibition of p38 MAPK decreases hyperglycemia-induced nephrin endocytosis and attenuates albuminuria
Authors: Woznowski Magdalena Patrycja , Potthoff Sebastian Alexander , Königshausen Eva , Haase Raphael , Hoch Henning , Meyer-Schwesinger Catherine , Wiech Thorsten , Stegbauer Johannes , Rump Lars Christian , Sellin Lorenz , Quack Ivo
Published: April 2022

Chronic hyperglycemia, as in diabetes mellitus, may cause glomerular damage with microalbuminuria as an early sign. Noteworthy, even acute hyperglycemia can increase glomerular permeability before structural damage of the glomerular filter can be detected. Despite intensive research, specific antiproteinuric therapy is not available so far. Thus, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of albuminuria is desirable. P38 MAPK signaling is involved in the development of hyperglycemia-induced albuminuria. However, the mechanism of increased p38 MAPK activity leading to increased permeability and albuminuria remained unclear. Recently, we demonstrated that acute hyperglycemia triggers endocytosis of nephrin, the key molecule of the slit diaphragm, and induces albuminuria. Here, we identify p38 MAPK as a pivotal regulator of hyperglycemia-induced nephrin endocytosis. Activated p38 MAPK phosphorylates the nephrin c-terminus at serine 1146, facilitating the interaction of PKCα with nephrin. PKCα phosphorylates nephrin at threonine residues 1120 and 1125, mediating the binding of β-arrestin2 to nephrin. β-arrestin2 triggers endocytosis of nephrin by coupling it to the endocytic machinery, leading to increased glomerular permeability. Pharmacological inhibition of p38 MAPK preserves nephrin surface expression and significantly attenuates albuminuria.

Key messages

Acute hyperglycemia triggers endocytosis of nephrin.

Activated p38 MAPK phosphorylates the nephrin c-terminus at serine 1146, facilitating the interaction of PKCα with nephrin.

PKCα phosphorylates nephrin at threonine residues 1120 and 1125, mediating the binding of β-arrestin2 to nephrin.

β-arrestin2 triggers endocytosis of nephrin by coupling it to the endocytic machinery, leading to a leaky glomerular filter.

Pharmacological inhibition of p38 MAPK preserves nephrin surface expression and significantly attenuates albuminuria under hyperglycemic conditions.
Does education matter for the earnings of former entrepreneurs? Longitudinal evidence using entry and exit dynamics
Authors: Lappi Emma , Eklund Johan E. , Klaesson Johan
Published: April 2022

Wage employment is the most commonly observed type of employment after a spell of entrepreneurship. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of having been an entrepreneur on earnings after individuals exit. The question is how the entrepreneurship spell influences their value in the labor market? Based on a theoretical framework and earlier literature, our specific interest lies in how these outcomes interact with education level and the nature of the entrepreneurial venture. To investigate this question, we use longitudinal register data on firms and individuals in Sweden. The empirical strategy builds on matching techniques and estimations of earnings equations in a difference-in-differences framework with heterogenous treatment years. We provide evidence that there exists an earnings penalty when highly educated entrepreneurs return to wage employment. This effect is persistent throughout the time period that we observe. For individuals with lower educational attainment, we find no or weak evidence of a wage penalty. Our results suggest that the wage penalty for highly educated individuals operates through the depreciation of specific specialized skills valuable in wage employment.
Infinitely many solutions for elliptic equations with non-symmetric nonlinearities
Authors: Molle Riccardo , Passaseo Donato
Published: April 2022

We deal with the existence of infinitely many solutions for a class of elliptic problems with non-symmetric nonlinearities. Our result, which is motivated by a well known conjecture formulated by A. Bahri and P.L. Lions, suggests a new approach to tackle these problems. The proof is based on a method which does not require to use techniques of deformation from the symmetry and may be applied to more general non-symmetric problems.
Development and structure of karstification of the Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark, North Vietnam based on cave survey data
Authors: Tran Diep Anh , Goeppert Nadine , Palmer Arthur N. , Goldscheider Nico
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a quantitative study of the relationship between the cave system and the tectonic and karst evolution of the Dong Van Karst Plateau based on analysis and statistics of geometric parameters and orientation of cave passages. The region is located in northern Vietnam and belongs to the extended part of the South China karst belt (Yunnan karst plateau), which is composed mainly of carbonate rocks. Cave classification based on cave conduits geometric parameters shows that caves developed mainly in the vadose zone (27 vadose branchwork caves, 10 mixed caves developed under the control of fault systems, and 12 water-table caves). The degree of correlation between cave levels and planation surfaces suggests that the development of horizontal cave passages is related to two levels of planation surfaces, including one at 1250–1450 masl (equivalent to cave level at 1350–1450 masl), and at 1000–1250 masl (corresponding to cave level at 1200–1250 masl). Additionally, cave passage orientation shows that the cave system formed and developed under the influence of tectonic activities in the Cenozoic. The dominant orientation trend is roughly in the East–West direction and occurred in the early phase (Eocene–Miocene). Next is a trend roughly North–South that occurred in the late phase (Pliocene–Quaternary). The last orientation trend follows the NW–SE direction due to the reactivation of paleo-fault systems in the same direction. Although there are limitations due to accessibility and the level of cave exploration, this research suggests that analysis and statistics of the geometric parameters and orientation of cave passages based on cave survey data can be one of the effective approaches used to identify the development and structure of karstification in the karst region.
Absorption paths and equilibria in quitting games
Authors: Ashkenazi-Golan Galit , Krasikov Ilia , Rainer Catherine , Solan Eilon
Published: April 2022

We study quitting games and introduce an alternative notion of strategy profiles—absorption paths. An absorption path is parametrized by the total probability of absorption in past play rather than by time, and it accommodates both discrete-time aspects and continuous-time aspects. We then define the concept of sequentially 0-perfect absorption paths, which are shown to be limits of $$\varepsilon $$
ε
-equilibrium strategy profiles as $$\varepsilon $$
ε
goes to 0. We establish that all quitting games that do not have simple equilibria (that is, an equilibrium where the game terminates in the first period or one where the game never terminates) have a sequentially 0-perfect absorption path. Finally, we prove the existence of sequentially 0-perfect absorption paths in a new class of quitting games.
Utility/privacy trade-off as regularized optimal transport
Authors: Boursier Etienne , Perchet Vianney
Published: April 2022

Strategic information is valuable either by remaining private (for instance if it is sensitive) or, on the other hand, by being used publicly to increase some utility. These two objectives are antagonistic and leaking this information by taking full advantage of it might be more rewarding than concealing it. Unlike classical solutions that focus on the first point, we consider instead agents that optimize a natural trade-off between both objectives. We formalize this as an optimization problem where the objective mapping is regularized by the amount of information revealed to the adversary (measured as a divergence between the prior and posterior on the private knowledge). Quite surprisingly, when combined with the entropic regularization, the Sinkhorn loss naturally emerges in the optimization objective, making it efficiently solvable via better adapted optimization schemes. We empirically compare these different techniques on a toy example and apply them to preserve some privacy in online repeated auctions.
Comparison of Ceramic Insulation Coatings via Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Bobzin Kirsten , Wietheger Wolfgang , Burbaum Elisa , Hosenfeldt Tim , Bagcivan Nazlim , Öte Mehmet , Müller Björn , Kunde Carsten , Elsner Anna-Lena
Published: April 2022

Alumina is often used for electrical insulation. However, different material systems promise to increase the insulation due to their material characteristics. Because of the process properties including high cooling rates, thermally sprayed coatings generally differ from sintered material, which also effect the electrical properties. Within this study, different thermally sprayed coatings are analyzed via impedance spectroscopy to evaluate the capacitive and the electrical insulation behavior. Besides comparing the frequency-dependent resistance, equivalent circuit diagrams were used to calculate the relative permittivity of the coatings. X-ray diffractograms reveal the phase stability of the coatings during thermal spraying. X-ray diffraction was additionally conducted to classify the systems and the respective effects. In particular, the investigated mullite-based coatings exhibit slightly increased impedance values compared to conventionally used alumina-based coating systems.
LncRNA BIRF Promotes Brain Ischemic Tolerance Induced By Cerebral Ischemic Preconditioning Through Upregulating GLT-1 via Sponging miR-330-5p
Authors: Li Shichao , Zhang Lingyan , Lin Jiajie , Su Achou , Liu Xiyun , Zhang Jingge , Xian Xiaohui , Hu Yuyan , Li Wenbin , Sun Shaoguang , Zhang Min
Published: April 2022

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important regulatory role in various diseases. However, the role of lncRNAs in brain ischemic tolerance (BIT) induced by cerebral ischemic preconditioning (CIPC) is still unknown. The lncRNA profile of rat cortical astrocytes pretreated with ischemic preconditioning was analyzed by high-throughput sequencing. The results of Cell-Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay showed that a novel lncRNA, NONRATT009133.2, which we referred to as brain ischemia–related factor (BIRF), was highly correlated with BIT. Through bioinformatics analysis, we predicted that BIRF, miR-330-5p, and GLT-1 (also named Slc1a2) might constitute a ceRNA regulatory network in the induction of BIT. We found that BIRF was upregulated by CIPC, which promoted GLT-1 expression and BIT induction. BIRF could directly bind to miR-330-5p. Furthermore, miR-330-5p directly targeted GLT-1, and miR-330-5p inhibited both GLT-1 expression and BIT induction in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, BIRF acts as a molecular sponge to competitively bind to miR-330-5p with GLT-1 mRNA, while the miR-330-5p inhibitor reversed all the effects of BIRF siRNA on GLT-1 expression and neuronal vitality. Taken together, our results demonstrate the important roles of the BIRF/miR-330-5p/GLT-1 axis in the induction of BIT by CIPC. BIRF may be a potentially effective therapeutic strategy against stroke injury.
The effect of electrocoagulation (EC) on total arsenic, arsenite (As3+) and arsenate (As5+) species removal from model groundwater investigating toxicity and sludge characteristic
Authors: Demirel Tuğçe , Özmen Fadime Karaer , Yavuz Yusuf , Koparal Ali Savaş
Published: April 2022

This study showed that the model groundwater containing As3+and As5+species was successfully treated with electrocoagulation (EC) first time in the literature investigating toxicity reduction, inorganic arsenic species and detailed sludge characterization. The arsenic removal from model groundwater with 1000 µg/l total arsenic containing equal arsenite (As3+) and arsenate (As5+) concentration was examined by the EC treatment optimized with following parameters; current density (5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 mA/cm2) supporting sodium sulfate electrolyte amount (10, 20 and 30 mM Na2SO4) and initial water pH (3, 6 and 9). In EC treatment, the 99.87% arsenic removal was obtained with 10 mA/cm2, 10 mM Na2SO4at pH 3 after 40 min supplying 1.44 μg/l effluent As concentration lower than the WHO limit for drinking water. Through transformation mechanisms of more toxic As3+to less toxic and easily settled As5+according to As speciation analysis, the toxicity of the model groundwater was successfully decreased in parallel with total arsenic, As3+and As5+removal during EC. The precipitated Al(OH)3and Al2O3coagulants were the main peaks in the FTIR-ATR spectrum as well as As(III)–O vibration observed between 717 and 721 cm−1peaks and As(V)–O vibration dominated 899 and 972 cm−1peaks were detected in the produced sludge after the EC. The SEM–EDS morphological analysis was demonstrated that the sludge was consisted of mostly amorphous structure aggregated size range of 200 μm–2 mm, relatively uniform cake including O, Al, As, Na, and S.
Advancement in biological wastewater treatment using hybrid moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR): a review
Authors: Madan Sangeeta , Madan Richa , Hussain Athar
Published: April 2022

Last two decades have brought commendable respect for biofilm processes in wastewater treatment. Preeminent components from both the biofilter processes and activated sludge are utilized in evolving the moving bed process which eliminates major pollutants, organic matter and nutrients from municipal as well as industrial wastewater. The present review work is an endeavor to focus on the moving bed biofilm process for wastewater treatment applied in different aspects. An overview of MBBR development along with the factors affecting the operational performance of the system is discussed. It also analyses and investigates the state of the art of MBBR process for organic matter and nutrient removal. The review further assesses  the MBBR technology as a hybrid system with current findings. Furthermore, the scope for future research prospects and challenges of the moving bed process has been discussed.
Fuzzy acceptance sampling plan for transmuted Weibull distribution
Authors: Khan Muhammad Zahir , Khan Muhammad Farid , Aslam Muhammad , Mughal Abdur Razzaque
Published: April 2022

In conventional sampling plans, the rate of the fraction of faulty items is supposed and fixed, but in some practical situations, this value is not fixed but fuzzy. To attain real and flexible value, we used transmuted Weibull distribution in a fuzzy environment. Fuzzy transmuted Weibull distribution is based on fuzzy set theory. According to our investigation, transmuted Weibull is not used in acceptance sampling in a fuzzy environment. The improvement of this research is to evaluate the vague portion of malfunctioning items ($$\tilde{p }$$

p
~

) based on the probability distribution function of transmuted Weibull model and attain a fuzzy operating characteristic curve. First-time transmuted Weibull distribution is applied in acceptance sampling plan for cases where the quality of the product is imprecise. Therefore, fuzzy statistics has been used in this design instead of classical statistics. The results are described by numerical examples and an application of real data is considered for illustration.
Leveraging Dignity Theory to Understand Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Children’s Rights
Authors: Milosevic Tijana , Collier Anne , Norman James O’Higgins
Published: April 2022

This article outlines how dignity theory could be used to better understand bullying behaviors. Dignity is defined here as the inherent worth of every human being and it allows us to trace the motivations behind bullying behaviors to broader social values that are rarely the primary focus of bullying research, as well as prevention and intervention efforts. In this manner, the theory could elucidate the cultural patterns which contribute to not only child bullying and cyberbullying, but to workplace bullying, and to similar abusive behaviors among adults. We give special attention to cyberbullying and illustrate how dignity theory can clarify why this behavior is not only about online safety but about relational issues, which are reflective of social values. We argue that seeing cyberbullying through the lens of online safety can limit the scope of artificial intelligence–based solutions whose development is gaining momentum at this time. We provide suggestions about  dignity-based considerations that collaborations between computer and social scientists could take into account in order to pave the way towards innovation that upholds dignity and children’s rights.
Correction to: Treatments, resource utilization, and outcomes of COVID-19 patients presenting to emergency departments across pandemic waves: an observational study by the Canadian COVID-19 Emergency Department Rapid Response Network (CCEDRRN)
Authors: Hohl Corinne M. , Rosychuk Rhonda J. , Hau Jeffrey P. , Hayward Jake , Landes Megan , Yan Justin W. , Ting Daniel K. , Welsford Michelle , Archambault Patrick M. , Mercier Eric , Chandra Kavish , Davis Philip , Vaillancourt Samuel , Leeies Murdoch , Small Serena , Morrison Laurie J. ,   the Canadian COVID-19 Rapid Response Network (CCEDRRN) investigators for the Network of Canadian Emergency Researchers, for the Canadian Critical Care Trials Group
Published: April 2022

In this article, the name of the Canadian COVID-19 Rapid Response Network (CCEDRRN) investigators for the Network of Canadian Emergency Researchers, for the Canadian Critical Care Trials Group was incorrect in the author line. The original article has been corrected.
Fake News and Epistemic Vice: Combating a Uniquely Noxious Market
Authors: FRITTS MEGAN , CABRERA FRANK
Published: April 2022

The topic of fake news has received increased attention from philosophers since the term became a favorite of politicians. Notably missing from the conversation, however, is a discussion of fake news and conspiracy theory media as a market. This paper will take as its starting point the account of noxious markets put forward by Debra Satz and will argue that there is a pro tanto moral reason to restrict the market for fake news. Specifically, we begin with Satz's argument that restricting a market may be required when (i) that market inhibits citizens from being able to stand in an equal relationship with one another, and (ii) this problem cannot be solved without such direct restrictions. Our own argument then proceeds in three parts: first, we argue that the market for fake news fits Satz's description of a noxious market; second, we argue against explanations of the proliferation of fake news that are couched in terms of ‘epistemic vice’ and likewise argue against prescribing critical thinking education as a solution to the problem; finally, we conclude that, in the absence of other solutions to mitigate the noxious effects of the fake news market, we have a pro tanto moral reason to impose restrictions on this market. At the end of the paper, we consider one proposal to regulate the fake news market, which involves making social media outlets potentially liable in civil court for damages caused by the fake news hosted on their websites.
What's Wrong with Unhelpful Comments? Conversational Helpfulness and Unhelpfulness and Why They Matter
Authors: ROBERTSON SETH
Published: April 2022

It is common to criticize certain comments as ‘unhelpful’. This criticism is richer than it might first appear. In this paper, I sketch an account of conversational helpfulness and unhelpfulness, the reasons why they matter, and the utility of calling out comments as helpful or unhelpful. First, some unhelpful comments are or easily could be demoralizing for proponents of projects, and criticizing them as such can diminish, deflect, or defend against that demoralization. Second, some unhelpful comments redirect or derail conversations away from their projects and criticizing comments as unhelpful can steer conversations back. Third, some unhelpful comments are made out of a lack of epistemic effort and criticizing them as such can help maintain epistemic standards, standards of respect for other people and their projects, and can ensure that such comments do not receive more attention and consideration than they deserve.
Survey of pharmacists on their roles and perceptions of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy in the United States
Authors: Rivera Christina G. , Mara Kristin C. , Mahoney Monica V. , Ryan Keenan L.
Published: April 2022

Objectives:

To define outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) clinical pharmacy practice across the United States, specifically pharmacist functions, design of pharmacist involvement, and to compare pharmacist training of those who practice in OPAT to infectious diseases pharmacists who do not.

Methods:

A survey of a possible 32 questions was emailed to the American College of Clinical Pharmacists (ACCP) Infectious Diseases Practice and Research Network (PRN) e-mail list. Results were focused on US-based respondents.

Participants:

In total, 87 pharmacists responded; 27 of these pharmacists (31%) practiced in OPAT.

Results:

Training background did not differ between groups. Programs with an OPAT pharmacist were more likely to have a formal OPAT team compared to those without an OPAT pharmacist (P < .001). OPAT pharmacists were early in their careers with 66.7% practicing <5 years in OPAT. Most OPAT pharmacists (66.7%) practiced at an academic medical center with a median full-time equivalent (FTE) of 0.6. Moreover, 63% utilized a collaborative practice agreement and 81.5% shared job functions with other pharmacist roles, most commonly antimicrobial stewardship. Few OPAT programs involved a dispensing component (28%). The median daily census was 43 patients followed by an OPAT pharmacist. Pharmacists performed a variety of tasks in OPAT.

Conclusion:

Pharmacist nondispensing involvement in OPAT is an emerging trend in the United States with wide variability in program structure and pharmacist tasks. A ratio of 1 OPAT pharmacist for every 45–70 OPAT patients is proposed to facilitate expansion of pharmacist clinical practice in OPAT.
The Atiyah–Patodi–Singer rho invariant and signatures of links
Authors: Toffoli Enrico
Published: April 2022

Relations between the Atiyah–Patodi–Singer rho invariant and signatures of links have been known for a long time, but they were only partially investigated. In order to explore them further, we develop a versatile cut-and-paste formula for the rho invariant, which allows us to manipulate manifolds in a convenient way. With the help of this tool, we give a description of the multivariable signature of a link$L$as the rho invariant of some closed three-manifold$Y_L$intrinsically associated with$L$. We study then the rho invariant of the manifolds obtained by the Dehn surgery on$L$along integer and rational framings. Inspired by the results of Casson and Gordon and Cimasoni and Florens, we give formulas expressing this value as a sum of the multivariable signature of$L$and some easy-to-compute extra terms.
Immunity acquired by a minority active fraction of the population could explain COVID-19 spread in Greater Buenos Aires (June–November 2020)
Authors: Fabricius Gabriel , Borzi R. A. , Caminos José , Grigera Tomás S.
Published: April 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had an uneven development in different countries. In Argentina, the pandemic began in March 2020 and, during the first 3 months, the vast majority of cases were concentrated in a densely populated region that includes the city of Buenos Aires (country capital) and the Greater Buenos Aires (GBA) area that surrounds it. This work focuses on the spread of COVID-19 between June and November 2020 in GBA. Within this period of time there was no vaccine, basically only the early wild strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was present, and the official restriction and distancing measures in this region remained more or less constant. Under these particular conditions, the incidences show a sharp rise from June 2020 and begin to decrease towards the end of August until the end of November 2020. In this work we study, through mathematical modelling and available epidemiological information, the spread of COVID-19 in this region and period of time. We show that a coherent explanation of the evolution of incidences can be obtained assuming that only a minority fraction of the population got involved in the spread process, so that the incidences decreased as this group of people was becoming immune. The observed evolution of the incidences could then be a consequence at the population level of lasting immunity conferred by SARS-CoV-2.
Winning during a pandemic: epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 during EURO2020 in Italy
Authors: Riccardo Flavia , Frisicale Emanuela Maria , Guzzetta Giorgio , Ferraro Federica , Merler Stefano , Maringhini Guido , Spuri Matteo , Petrone Daniele , Rota Maria Cristina , Rapiti Alessia , Angeloni Ulrico , Rossi Pasqualino , Tallon Marco , Giannitelli Stefania , Pezzotti Patrizio , Del Manso Martina , Bella Antonino , Maraglino Francesco Paolo
Published: April 2022

Introduction

EURO2020 generated a growing media and population interest across the month period, that peaked with large spontaneous celebrations across the country upon winning the tournament.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed data from the national surveillance system (indicator-based) and from event-based surveillance to assess how the epidemiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) changed in June–July 2021 and to describe cases and clusters linked with EURO2020.

Results

Widespread increases in transmission and case numbers, mainly among younger males, were documented in Italy, none were linked with stadium attendance. Vaccination coverage against SARS-CoV-2 was longer among cases linked to EURO2020 than among the general population.

Conclusions

Transmission increased across the country, mainly due to gatherings outside the stadium, where, conversely, strict infection control measures were enforced. These informal ‘side’ gatherings were dispersed across the entire country and difficult to control. Targeted communication and control strategies to limit the impact of informal gatherings occurring outside official sites of mass gathering events should be further developed.
HEALTH CARE IN THE MARKETPLACE: EXPLORING MAYA MEDICINAL PLANTS AND PRACTICES AT PIEDRAS NEGRAS, GUATEMALA
Authors: Watson Sarah E. , Schnell Joshua T. , Morell-Hart Shanti , Scherer Andrew K. , Dussol Lydie
Published: April 2022

Botanical residues recovered from excavations in the Southeast Marketplace of Piedras Negras provide information about the healing and medical activities of the site's Classic period (a.d. 350–900) inhabitants, and point towards the intersection between commerce and medicine for the ancient Maya. The plants were likely exchanged at the market then used on-site for the purposes of healing. The botanical remains are complemented by both architectural and bioarchaeological evidence for healing at this locus, including a high concentration of sweatbaths and evidence for palliative tooth extraction. With the aid of ethnohistory, we identify health care practices potentially associated with the plant remains. However, we expand on basic understandings of “healing” with a critical look at how some medicinal plants may have been ritually invoked, even when never directly ingested or applied topically.
Reflections on experiential training in meaning-centered psychotherapy: How MCP ended up facilitating professional wellbeing
Authors: Snyder Deborah J. , Mournet Annabelle M. , Pao Maryland
Published: April 2022

Objective

Meaning-centered psychotherapy (MCP) principles may provide a framework for engaging healthcare professionals in meaning-centered exploration as a novel approach to prevent burnout and enhance wellbeing in healthcare professionals through heightening personal meaning. This case study aimed to teach MCP to masters-trained social workers for use with medical patients. While the primary aim was to teach MCP to masters-trained social workers, this proof-of-concept project and this paper focus on a secondary aim of enhancing meaning and connection in the virtual workplace.

Methods

A group of social workers participated in a 7-session MCP pilot from October 13th to November 24th, 2020. After each session, participants were asked to complete an anonymous continuing education evaluation with questions regarding clarity, organization, and relevance of the presentation related to use with their patient populations. Additional open-ended items queried participants for general comments about their experience using MCP to enhance professional fulfillment during COVID-19.

Results

Nine social workers participated in the MCP pilot. Several qualitative themes emerged, including enhanced meaning, communication, connection, and agency in the virtual workplace.

Significance of the results

This pilot demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of using an adapted MCP instruction with hospital-based social workers during the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate wellbeing. While MCP was originally created to intervene with patients with life-threatening illnesses, the brief, manualized experiential nature of the intervention lends itself to modification with staff for the purpose of enhancing meaning and community in their own lives.
A high gain antenna utilizing Mu-near-zero metasurface structures for 5G applications
Authors: Abdelaziem Islam H. , Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Abdalla Mahmoud A.
Published: April 2022

A high gain antenna with Mu-near-zero metasurface (MNZ-MS) is introduced in this work. The proposed antenna can be utilized for future 5G applications. The patch antenna is designed on the upper face of the square substrate with a ground plane at the bottom face. To improve the antenna gain, a layer of MNZ-MS unit cells is placed above the antenna substrate with 0.48λ0 air space between the two layers, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space at the resonance frequency of 26.3 GHz. The MNZ-MS layer consists of four double-sided split square resonators. The overall thickness of the proposed antenna is 0.66λ0. To approve the execution of the proposed antenna, a prototype model is manufactured and tested. The outcomes fulfill a reflection coefficient lower than −10 dB over the frequency spectrum of 26–28 GHz. A gain improvement better than 5 dB is obtained compared to the gain of the reference patch at the center frequency of 26.3 GHz.
Decomposing Driving Forces of Carbon Emission Variation—A Structural Decomposition Analysis of Japan
Authors: Li Yuan , Huang Liqiao , Bai Yangchun , Long Yin
Published: April 2022

Although it has been emphasized for years, there remains insufficient knowledge on how to decompose the driving forces of carbon emissions that fluctuate with time, especially when considering the major natural or socio‐economic events. To bridge the knowledge gap, we use the structural decomposition analysis method and select Japan for a case study. The results show that such events were followed by temporary emission increases due to economic recovery, but the general decreasing trend of carbon emissions has been unchanged in a long run. In the case of Japan, during the financial crisis period (2005–2011), emissions increased due to production structure (136.2 Mt‐CO2) and consumption structure (61.8 Mt‐CO2). However, the intensity change and per capita consumption effect were the main driving forces that offset this increasing trend, which reduced by 209.7 Mt‐CO2 in total. After the 2011 earthquake, a significant gain in upgraded production structure led to a 78.2 Mt‐CO2 reduction until 2015, partially offset the 126.4 Mt‐CO2 increase caused by per capita consumption and export volume. In conclusion, although post‐event economic recovery has led to an increasing trend of carbon emissions, continuously optimized emission intensity and production structure are the major driving forces for repressing carbon emission rebound brought by unexpected events.
Increasing Daytime Stability Enhances Downslope Moisture Transport in the Subcanopy of an Even‐Aged Conifer Forest in Western Oregon, USA
Authors: Drake S. A. , Rupp D. E. , Thomas C. K. , Oldroyd H. J. , Schulze M. , Jones J. A.
Published: April 2022

Mountain breezes, including katabatic and anabatic flows, and temperature inversions are common features of forested mountain landscapes. However, the effects of mountain breezes on moisture transport in forests and implications for regional climate change are not well understood. A detailed, instrumented study was conducted from July to September 2012 in an even‐aged conifer forest in the Oregon Cascade Range to investigate how temperature profiles within the forest canopy influenced atmospheric surface layer processes that ventilate the forest. Subcanopy inversion strength has a bimodal relationship to subcanopy wind speed and moisture flux from the forest. On days with relatively modest heating of the top of the canopy and weak subcanopy inversions, above canopy winds more efficiently mix subcanopy air, leading to greater than average vertical moisture flux and weaker than average along‐slope, subcanopy water vapor advection. On days with strong heating of the top of the canopy and a strong subcanopy inversion, vertical moisture flux is suppressed, and daytime downslope winds are stronger than average under the canopy. Increased downslope winds lead to increased downslope transport of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other scalars under the canopy. Increasing summer vapor pressure deficit in the Pacific Northwest will enhance both processes: vertical moisture transport by mountain breezes when subcanopy inversions are weak and downslope water vapor transport when subcanopy inversions are strong. These mountain breeze dynamics have implications for climate refugia in forested mountains, forest plantations, and other forested regions with a similar canopy structure and regional atmospheric forcings.
Establishment and Persistence of Trees Growing in the Channel of an Intermittent Stream in a Temperate, Karst Environment
Authors: Christensen Nicholas D. , Czuba Jonathan A. , Triantafillou Shayla , Copenheaver Carolyn A. , Peterson John A. , Hession W. Cully
Published: April 2022

Trees, mostly sycamore (Platanus occidentalisL.), are growing in the channel of the lower 7 km of Sinking Creek in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. Sinking Creek is a gravel‐bedded stream that disappears into a subsurface cave network and for its lower 7 km, flows intermittently throughout the year, exposing a dry streambed. We hypothesize that there have been low‐flow periods in the past conducive to tree‐seedling establishment. We describe this system and test our hypothesis through an analysis of hydrologic, dendrochronological, and geomorphic data to better understand the conditions leading to tree establishment and persistence in the stream channel. To our knowledge, this is the first study on trees growing in the channel of an intermittent stream in a temperate environment. Most riparian vegetation studies along intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams focus on dryland areas, where trees have also been observed growing in the channel. Our results show that sycamores are the oldest trees in the channel, that they established during periods of low precipitation, and they are located at the upstream end of bars. In their wake, on bars, other younger trees have established. Analysis of tree roots suggest that scour of the base of some trees occurred during thalweg migration. Additionally, we present a conceptual model of the flow‐tree‐sediment dynamics occurring in Sinking Creek that can be further tested as part of future work. This work highlights the conditions for tree establishment in streams, which is an important threshold for any streams under projected future drying.
Paired Gas Measurements: A New Biogeochemical Tracer?
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: April 2022

A technique that measures the ratio of carbon dioxide produced to oxygen consumed could improve predictions of soil’s response to climate change.
Tonga Eruption Made Waves in Earth’s Ionosphere
Authors: Lee Jack
Published: April 2022

The blast from Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai produced far-reaching ionospheric disturbances, including one with an initial speed up to 950 meters per second.
Revegetation Does Not Decrease Water Yield in the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Zhang Baoqing , Tian Lei , Yang Yuting , He Xiaogang
Published: April 2022

Vegetation restoration over degraded drylands has considerable climate, carbon and ecosystem benefits, yet its water impacts remain contentious. Previous studies suggest that extra vegetation in drylands could lead to decreased soil moisture and runoff caused by enhanced evapotranspiration. However, these studies ignore important vegetation‐climate feedbacks that can partially offset such negative consequences. Here, we examine how revegetation affects water budgets in China's Loess Plateau, where the world's largest revegetation occurs. Despite increased evapotranspiration, long‐term observations exhibit robust increasing trends (2.76 mm yr−2) of surface water yield over a large swath (82.3%) of the Plateau since revegetation starts. This is mainly caused by increased regional precipitation that outweighs increases in evapotranspiration. Numerical experiments further reveal that the increased precipitation is largely driven by revegetation‐induced enhancement in land‐atmosphere interactions that greatly accelerate local moisture recycling. Our findings highlight the importance of considering vegetation‐climate feedbacks in assessing hydrological responses to large‐scale vegetation changes.
Multiple Mantle Sources of High‐Magnesium Terranes on Mercury
Authors: Wang Yichen , Xiao Zhiyong , Xu Rui
Published: April 2022

The composition and interior structure of Mercury's mantle are poorly known but critical to understanding its magma ocean differentiation, mantle dynamics, and crustal petrogenesis. Various crustal geochemical terranes are identified on Mercury based on their Mg/Si and Al/Si values, but element abundances exhibit a weak correlation with surface reflectances. The high‐magnesium region (HMR), which includes end‐members for both reflectance spectral units (high‐reflectance plains and low‐reflectance materials (HRP and LRM)) and geochemical terranes (Mg and Al contents), contains important information about Mercury's mantle composition and dynamics. We propose that the northwestern boundary of HMR can be extended to the Sobkou basin and its ejecta deposits. Within the resolution limit of element maps, we notice that mantle materials beneath the Sobkou basin have an elevated content of magnesium, and a large area of HRP‐like materials in HMR exhibit Mg/Si greater than 0.5. Our results suggest that HMR was formed by partial melting of heterogeneous mantle sources in terms of compositions, supporting the existence of stratified and/or lateral geochemical diversities in the mantle. While typical HRP on Mercury, including the Borealis Planitia and Caloris interior plains formed by effusive volcanism around 3.7 Ga, exhibit a lower Mg/Si than the global average, the Rachmaninoff interior plains emplaced by volcanism at 1.7 Ga exhibit a Mg/Si greater than 0.5. This observation indicates that local thermal anomalies may be prolonged in the mantle, inducing a higher degree of partial melting. We also report a weak correlation between the global LRM and magnesium content in the crust.
Professionalism in the dental practice: perspectives from members of the public, dentists and dental care professionals
Authors: Cserző Dorottya , Bullock Alison , Cowpe Jonathan , Bartlett Sophie
Published: April 2022

Introduction This paper examines views on professionalism in the dental practice workplace through a thematic analysis of data from eight focus groups.

Methods Focus groups were conducted with 19 dentists, 13 dental care professionals and 19 members of the public in England and Wales. The research was part of a larger mixed-methods study of professionalism in dentistry commissioned by the General Dental Council.

Results The four most prominent themes in the focus group data were: communication, the cost of treatment, the role of the dental team and consequences of professionalism concerns. Participants agreed that these are fundamental professionalism issues, although there was some difference of opinion about addressing them. There was disagreement about the responsibilities of different members of the dental team in maintaining professionalism.

Conclusion We conclude that communication skills training should be a central part of the professionalism at all levels of training. Education about team working could foster a more collaborative approach to professionalism across the dental team and support good, patient-centred oral healthcare. Support and guidance are required to help professionals reflect and learn from mistakes.
Protective autophagy decreases lorlatinib cytotoxicity through Foxo3a-dependent inhibition of apoptosis in NSCLC
Authors: Lu Conghua , Yu Rui , Zhang Chong , Lin Caiyu , Dou Yuanyao , Wu Di , Pan Yonghong , Peng Tao , Tang Huan , Han Rui , He Yong
Published: April 2022

Lorlatinib is a promising third-generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that has been approved for treating ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with previous ALK-TKI treatment failures. However, the inevitable emergence of acquired resistance limits its long-term efficacy. A more comprehensive understanding of the acquired resistance mechanisms to lorlatinib will enable the development of more efficacious therapeutic strategies. The efficacy of chloroquine (CQ) in combination with lorlatinib in ALK-positive NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo was assessed using CCK-8, colony formation, immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry analysis, western blot analysis, and xenograft implantation. Here, we show that lorlatinib induced apoptosis and protective autophagy in ALK-positive NSCLC cells. However, the protective autophagy can gradually lead to decreased cytotoxicity of loratinib in ALK-positive NSCLC cells. Meanwhile, we found that the combination of lorlatinib and CQ, an inhibitor of autophagy, inhibited autophagy and promoted apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo, which sensitized cells to lorlatinib through the dephosphorylation of Foxo3a and promoted nuclear translocation, then activation of Foxo3a/Bim axis. Taken together, our results suggest that inhibition of protective autophagy might be a therapeutic target for delaying the occurrence of acquired resistance to lorlatinib in ALK-positive NSCLC patients.
Simulating a chemically fueled molecular motor with nonequilibrium molecular dynamics
Authors: Albaugh Alex , Gingrich Todd R.
Published: April 2022

Most computer simulations of molecular dynamics take place under equilibrium conditions—in a closed, isolated system, or perhaps one held at constant temperature or pressure. Sometimes, extra tensions, shears, or temperature gradients are introduced to those simulations to probe one type of nonequilibrium response to external forces. Catalysts and molecular motors, however, function based on the nonequilibrium dynamics induced by a chemical reaction’s thermodynamic driving force. In this scenario, simulations require chemostats capable of preserving the chemical concentrations of the nonequilibrium steady state. We develop such a dynamic scheme and use it to observe cycles of a particle-based classical model of a catenane-like molecular motor. Molecular motors are frequently modeled with detailed-balance-breaking Markov models, and we explicitly construct such a picture by coarse graining the microscopic dynamics of our simulations in order to extract rates. This work identifies inter-particle interactions that tune those rates to create a functional motor, thereby yielding a computational playground to investigate the interplay between directional bias, current generation, and coupling strength in molecular information ratchets.
Generic self-stabilization mechanism for biomolecular adhesions under load
Authors: Braeutigam Andrea , Simsek Ahmet Nihat , Gompper Gerhard , Sabass Benedikt
Published: April 2022

Mechanical loading generally weakens adhesive structures and eventually leads to their rupture. However, biological systems can adapt to loads by strengthening adhesions, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of tissue and whole organisms. Inspired by cellular focal adhesions, we suggest here a generic, molecular mechanism that allows adhesion systems to harness applied loads for self-stabilization through adhesion growth. The mechanism is based on conformation changes of adhesion molecules that are dynamically exchanged with a reservoir. Tangential loading drives the occupation of some states out of equilibrium, which, for thermodynamic reasons, leads to association of further molecules with the cluster. Self-stabilization robustly increases adhesion lifetimes in broad parameter ranges. Unlike for catch-bonds, bond rupture rates can increase monotonically with force. The self-stabilization principle can be realized in many ways in complex adhesion-state networks; we show how it naturally occurs in cellular adhesions involving the adaptor proteins talin and vinculin.
CinA mediates multidrug tolerance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Kreutzfeldt Kaj M. , Jansen Robert S. , Hartman Travis E. , Gouzy Alexandre , Wang Ruojun , Krieger Inna V. , Zimmerman Matthew D. , Gengenbacher Martin , Sarathy Jansy P. , Xie Min , Dartois Véronique , Sacchettini James C. , Rhee Kyu Y. , Schnappinger Dirk , Ehrt Sabine
Published: April 2022

The ability of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) to resist and tolerate antibiotics complicates the development of improved tuberculosis (TB) chemotherapies. Here we define the Mtb protein CinA as a major determinant of drug tolerance and as a potential target to shorten TB chemotherapy. By reducing the fraction of drug-tolerant persisters, genetic inactivation of cinA accelerated killing of Mtb by four antibiotics in clinical use: isoniazid, ethionamide, delamanid and pretomanid. Mtb ΔcinA was killed rapidly in conditions known to impede the efficacy of isoniazid, such as during nutrient starvation, during persistence in a caseum mimetic, in activated macrophages and during chronic mouse infection. Deletion of CinA also increased in vivo killing of Mtb by BPaL, a combination of pretomanid, bedaquiline and linezolid that is used to treat highly drug-resistant TB. Genetic and drug metabolism studies suggest that CinA mediates drug tolerance via cleavage of NAD-drug adducts.