bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does IRS Monitoring Matter for the Cost of Bank Loans?
Authors: Bermpei Theodora , Kalyvas Antonios Nikolaos , Wolfe Simon
Published: March 2023

We show that IRS monitoring exerts a significantly negative effect on the cost of syndicated loans. A one standard deviation increase in the probability of an IRS audit decreases loan spreads by around nine basis points. We also find that this effect is stronger for borrowers with better lending relationships and credible access to public markets. These results indicate that IRS monitoring could increase the bargaining power of borrowers and restrain banks from extracting informational rents from their lending relationships. Thus, they provide a novel insight into how IRS monitoring could lower the cost of financing from the banking system.
First-line management of necrotizing herpetic retinitis by prioritizing the investigation of immune status and prognostic factors for poor visual outcomes
Authors: Loubsens Emmanuelle , Adam Raphaël , Debard Alexa , Barioulet Lisa , Varenne Fanny , Fournié Pierre , Sales de Gauzy Thomas , Ollé Priscille , Martin-Blondel Guillaume , Soler Vincent
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To review management, treatment, and outcomes of patients with necrotizing herpetic retinitis (NHR) to propose an algorithm for first-line management of NHR.

Methods

Retrospective evaluation of a series of patients with NHR at our tertiary center between 2012 and 2021 using demographic, clinical, ophthalmologic, virological, therapeutic, and prognostic characteristics was performed. Patients were classified by NHR type: acute retinal necrosis (ARN), progressive outer retinal necrosis (PORN), cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis.

Results

Forty-one patients with NHR were included: 59% with ARN, 7% with PORN, and 34% with CMV retinitis. All patients with CMV retinitis and PORN were immunocompromised versus 21% of patients with ARN. CMV infection was found in 14 (34%) patients, varicella zoster virus infection in 14 (34%) patients, herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in 8 (20%) and type 1 infection in 5 (12%) patients. Intravenous antiviral therapy was received by 98% of patients and intravitreal antiviral injections by 90% of patients. The overall complication rate during follow-up was 83% of eyes. Most frequent complications were retinal detachment (33% eyes) and retinal break (29% eyes). Prognostic factors for poor visual outcomes were pre-existing monocular vision loss in contralateral eye among 17% of patients, bilateral NHR in 17% of patients, posterior pole involvement in 46% of eyes, and involvement > 2 retinal quadrants in 46% of eyes.

Conclusions

The visual prognosis of patients with NHR remains poor. Prompt investigation of immune status and presence of factors justifying intravitreal antiviral injections must be prioritized to initiate and adapt management while awaiting causative virus confirmation.
Influence of wood pretreatment, hardwood and softwood extractives on the compressive strength of fly ash-based geopolymer composite
Authors: Asante Bright , Appelt Jörn , Yan Libo , Krause Andreas
Published: March 2023

This paper investigated the specific compressive strength (specific strength) of fly ash-based geopolymer composites with four hardwood extractives and two softwood extractives, as well as specific wood extractives. Additionally, the effect of the portion of pine wood (i.e., sapwood and heartwood) and wood pretreatment with NaOH were considered. Geopolymer paste (with extractives) and geopolymer wood composites (GWCs) were cured at 60 °C for 24 h. The samples were stored in a climate chamber (20 °C, 65% RH) for 7 days before finally testing under compression. From the results, the specific strengths of geopolymers with hardwood extractives were not significantly affected. However, geopolymers containing pine extractives showed the most significant reduction in specific strength. There were no significant differences in the specific strengths of geopolymers containing polyphenols and resin acid. Generally, geopolymers containing fatty acids recorded the lowest specific strengths. There was no difference between the GWCs with untreated sapwood and heartwood. However, the wood pretreatment led to a 21% and 10% increase in the specific strengths of GWCs with sapwood and heartwood, respectively. The findings of this study form the basis for improved GWCs production and a wide range of applications for green composite materials.
Comparative RNA-sequencing analysis of the prostate in a mouse model of benign prostatic hyperplasia with bladder outlet obstruction
Authors: Tang Xiaohu , Liu Zhiyan , Ren Jingwen , Cao Ying , Xia Shujie , Sun Zhaolin , Luo Guangheng
Published: March 2023

In ageing men, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a chronic disease that leads to progressive lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by obstruction of the bladder outlet (BOO). Patients with LUTS (such as increased frequency and urgency of urination) and complications of BOO (such as hydronephrosis and bladder stones) are at risk of serious health problems. BPH causes a rapidly rising burden of LUTS far exceeding that of other urological conditions. Treatment outcomes are unsatisfactory for BPH largely due to the lacking of fully understanding of the pathogenesis. Hormonal imbalances related to androgen and oestrogen can cause BPH, but the exact mechanism is still unknown, even the animal model is not fully understood. Additionally, there are no large-scale data to explain this mechanism. A BPH mouse model was established using mixed slow-release pellets of testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2), and we measured gene expression in mouse prostate tissue using RNA-seq, verified the results using qRT‒PCR, and used bioinformatics methods to analyse the differentially expressed genes (DEGs).
Individuals with type 2 diabetes have higher density of small intestinal neurotensin-expressing cells
Authors: Ferreira Filipa P. , Pereira Sofia S. , Costa Madalena M. , Guimarães Marta , Albrechtsen Nicolai J. Wewer , Holst Jens J. , Nora Mário , Monteiro Mariana P.
Published: March 2023

Neurotensin (NT) is a gastro-intestinal hormone involved in several pathways that regulate energy and glucose homeostasis. NT was hypothesized to act in synergy with incretin hormones to potentiate its anti-diabetic effects. Additionally, circulating NT levels were shown to rise after bariatric surgery-induced weight loss. Knowledge of NT-secreting cells distribution along the small intestine and its variation according to diabetes status could provide insights on NT role in mediating type 2 diabetes (T2D) improvement after bariatric surgery. So, our aims were to characterize NT-expressing cell distribution along the human small intestine and to compare the relative density of NT-expressing cells in the small intestine of individuals with and without T2D undergoing bariatric surgery for obesity treatment. Autopsy-derived small intestine fragments (n = 30) were obtained at every 20 cm along the entire intestinal length. Additionally, jejunum biopsies (n = 29) were obtained during elective gastric bypass interventions from patients with (n = 10) or without T2D (n = 18). NT-expressing cells were identified by immunohistochemistry and quantified via computerized morphometric analysis. NT-expressing cell density increased along the human small intestine. NT-expressing cell density was significantly higher from 200 cm distal to the duodenojejunal flexure onward, as well as in subjects with T2D when compared to those without T2D. NT-expressing cell density increases along the human small gut, and a higher density is found in individuals with T2D. This finding suggests a potential role for NT in the mechanisms of disease and T2D improvement observed after bariatric surgery.
Performance evaluation of a Wi-Fi-based multi-node network for distributed audio-visual sensors
Authors: Cecchinato Niccolò , Toma Andrea , Drioli Carlo , Ferrin Giovanni , Foresti Gian Luca
Published: March 2023

The experimental research described in this manuscript proposes a complete network system for distributed multimedia acquisition by mobile remote nodes, streaming to a central unit, and centralized real-time processing of the collected signals. Particular attention is placed on the hardware structure of the system and on the research of the best network performances for an efficient and secure streaming. Specifically, these acoustic and video sensors, microphone arrays and video cameras respectively, can be employed in any robotic vehicles and systems, both mobile and fixed. The main objective is to intercept unidentified sources, like any kind of vehicles or robotic vehicles, drones, or people whose identity is not a-priory known whose instantaneous location and trajectory are also unknown. The proposed multimedia network infrastructure is analysed and studied in terms of efficiency and robustness, and experiments are conducted on the field to validate it. The hardware and software components of the system were developed using suitable technologies and multimedia transmission protocols to meet the requirements and constraints of computation performance, energy efficiency, and data transmission security.
Fault-tolerant control for an electro-hydraulic servo system with sensor fault compensation and disturbance rejection
Authors: Phan Van Du , Ahn Kyoung Kwan
Published: March 2023

The electro-hydraulic servo system (EHSS) usually faces multiple sensor faults and disturbances, which is difficult to achieve good tracking control, reliability, and stability control. In this article, an advanced fault-tolerant controller is proposed for an EHSS to deal with the above challenge. The three fault observers, called nonlinear unknown input observers (NUIOs), are developed to effectively estimate the position, velocity, pressure sensor faults and the system states. The fault detection, estimation, and isolation are then presented as effective for multiple sensors failure at a time. The first NUIO for position sensor fault is utilized for the tracking control, while the other NUIOs are used for alarm proposal. The adverse effects caused by the matched and unmatched disturbances are eliminated by two extended state observers (ESOs). In addition, to avoid the “explosion of complexity” when computing the derivatives of virtual control laws, the dynamic surface control is applied to design the fault-tolerant control (FTC) scheme. The Lyapunov principle ensures system stability under lumped disturbance and faulty conditions. Finally, simulation studies and evaluation results are performed to demonstrate the validity of the proposed FTC algorithm.
The Fertility Response to Cutting Child-Related Welfare Benefits
Authors: Sandner Malte , Wiynck Frederik
Published: March 2023

Despite long-term interest in whether welfare benefits motivate fertility, evidence from research has not been consistent. This paper contributes new evidence to this debate by investigating the fertility effect of a German welfare reform. The reform decreased the household income of families on welfare by 18% in the first year after the birth of a baby. Using exclusive access to German social security data on over 460,000 affected women, our analysis finds that the reform leads to a fertility reduction of 6.8%. This result implies that for mothers on welfare, fertility has an income elasticity of 0.38, which is much smaller than that of general populations reported in the literature. Our findings suggest that welfare recipients’ fertility reacts less strongly to financial incentives than the fertility of overall populations.
A review and meta-analysis of the environmental biology of bleak Alburnus alburnus in its native and introduced ranges, with reflections on its invasiveness
Authors: Latorre Dani , Masó Guillem , Cano-Barbacil Carlos , Zamora-Marin José M. , Almeida David , Vilizzi Lorenzo , Britton J. Robert , Cruz Alejandra , Fernández-Delgado Carlos , González-Rojas Anni G. , Miranda Rafael , Rubio-Gracia Francesc , Tarkan Ali Serhan , Torralva Mar , Vila-Gispert Anna , Copp Gordon H. , Ribeiro Filipe
Published: March 2023

The bleak Alburnus alburnus is a medium body-size leuciscid fish that is naturally distributed across central European and western Asian fresh waters. However, during the last two decades A. alburnus has been widely introduced elsewhere in Europe and in northern Africa, mostly as a forage species for game fishes. Given its relatively recent history of invasion in non-native Eurasian waters, where it can become highly abundant, A. alburnus poses a serious risk to native communities where introduced. This study provides a review and meta-analysis of the biological traits of A. alburnus coupled with insights into its invasiveness. In its native range, A. alburnus has a moderate lifespan, inhabiting lakes or still waters in medium-to-large rivers, where it feeds mainly on zooplankton. However, non-native A. alburnus populations display high phenotypic plasticity in their biological attributes. Thus, growth, reproductive and/or dietary traits have adapted to local environmental conditions, with the species also invading lotic (stream) ecosystems. Feeding changes to benthic invertebrates, plant material and detritus when zooplankton is scarce. Such plasticity, including broad physiological tolerance, is likely to facilitate the species' adaptation and invasion of new habitats in the near future.
The deep neural network approach to the reference class problem
Authors: Buchholz Oliver
Published: March 2023

Methods of machine learning (ML) are gradually complementing and sometimes even replacing methods of classical statistics in science. This raises the question whether ML faces the same methodological problems as classical statistics. This paper sheds light on this question by investigating a long-standing challenge to classical statistics: the reference class problem (RCP). It arises whenever statistical evidence is applied to an individual object, since the individual belongs to several reference classes and evidence might vary across them. Thus, the problem consists in choosing a suitable reference class for the individual. I argue that deep neural networks (DNNs) are able to overcome specific instantiations of the RCP. Whereas the criteria of narrowness, reliability, and homogeneity, that have been proposed to determine a suitable reference class, pose an inextricable tradeoff to classical statistics, DNNs are able to satisfy them in some situations. On the one hand, they can exploit the high dimensionality in big-data settings. I argue that this corresponds to the criteria of narrowness and reliability. On the other hand, ML research indicates that DNNs are generally not susceptible to overfitting. I argue that this property is related to a particular form of homogeneity. Taking both aspects together reveals that there are specific settings in which DNNs can overcome the RCP.
Genome-wide analysis of BrbHLH gene family and functional identification of the involvement of BcbHLH57 in abiotic stress in wucai (Brassica campestris L.)
Authors: Zhang Bingsheng , Zhang Liting , Lan Tian , Zhu Shidong , Hou Jinfeng , Chen Guohu , Tang Xiaoyan , Gan Defang , Wang Chenggang , Yuan Lingyun
Published: March 2023

Wucai (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis var. rosularis Tsen) is a subspecies of Brassica campestris, is a kind of cold-tolerant vegetable widely cultivated in the Yangtze-Huai River Basin of China. To breed new varieties of resistance to stress, it is necessary to study the tolerance of Resistance to different stresses. Transcriptomic data showed that exogenous application of 2, 4-epbrassinolide (EBR) significantly increased the bHLH genes expression in wucai at low temperature, and bHLH57 was up regulated significantly. BHLH (Basic helix-loop-helix) TFs (transcription factor) is a superfamily of TFs with complex functions and related to various plant life activities. In this study, a total of 239 bHLH genes were identified, and their amino acid physicochemical properties, chromosome location, gene structure, phylogeny and cis-acting elements were analyzed by bioinformatics. Phylogenetic analysis showed that bHLH gene families in Brassica rapa and Arabidopsis were divided into six groups, and the distribution of bHLH genes in Brassica rapa was uneven. The BrbHLHs were irregularly mapped in the cultivated B. rapa genome. The maximum number (40) of BrbHLH genes were mapped on Chr09. In addition, there were tandem repeats in some genes. The collinearity analysis showed that 152 AtbHLH genes and 239 BrbHLH protein genes formed 296 collinearity pairs, and the Ka/Ks ratio ofall duplicated BrbHLH gene pairs had a Ka/Ks ratio of < < 1, indicating that the bHLH family genes may have undergone strong purification and selection during the evolution process. Cis-acting elements analysis showed that the promoter region of bHLH family genes in Brassica rapa had more responsive elements related to light, hormone and abiotic stress. The BcbHLH57 overexpressing Arabidopsis thaliana lines were subjected to different stress treatments, and the seed germination rate, root growth, survival rate and various plant physiological indexes were determined. The results showed that the transgenic lines were more tolerant to salt, heat and drought stress. In this study, the response of BcbHLH57 gene to salt, heat and drought stress was reported for the first time, which provided a basis for further research on the function of BcbHLH57 in abiotic stress.
Dynamic Relative Permeabilities for Partially Saturated Porous Media Accounting for Viscous Coupling Effects: An Analytical Solution
Authors: Solazzi Santiago G. , Jougnot Damien , Rubino J. Germán , Holliger Klaus
Published: March 2023

We present an analytical model to compute frequency-dependent relative permeability functions for partially saturated porous media accounting for viscous coupling effects. For this, we consider the oscillatory motion of two immiscible fluid phases and solve the Navier–Stokes equations at the pore scale using suitable interface conditions between fluids. These calculations are combined with the generalized two-phase flow Darcy equations to obtain the corresponding upscaled macroscopic fluxes. By means of an analog pore model consisting of a bundle of cylindrical capillaries in which pore fluids are distributed in a concentric manner, we find closed analytical expressions for the complex-valued and frequency- and saturation-dependent relative permeability functions. These expressions allow for a direct assessment of viscous coupling effects on oscillatory flow for all frequencies and saturations. Our results show that viscous coupling effects significantly affect flow characteristics in the viscous and inertial regimes. Dynamic relative permeabilities are affected by the pore fluid densities and viscosities. Moreover, viscous coupling effects may induce two critical frequencies in the dynamic relative permeability curves, a characteristic that cannot be addressed by extending the classic dynamic permeability definition to partially saturated scenarios using effective fluids. The theoretical derivations and results presented in this work have implications for the estimation and interpretation of seismic and seismoelectric responses of partially saturated porous media.
Solving the Authority Problem: Why We Won’t Debate You, Bro
Authors: Cousens Chris
Published: March 2023

Public arguments can be good or bad not only as a matter of logic, but also in the sense that speakers can do good or bad things with arguments. For example, hate speakers use public arguments to contribute to the subordination of their targets. But how can ordinary speakers acquire the authority to perform subordinating speech acts? This is the ‘Authority Problem’. This paper defends a solution inspired by McGowan’s (Australas J Philos 87:389–407, 2009) analysis of oppressive speech, including against concerns raised by McGowan (Just words: On speech and hidden harm, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2019) herself. A deflated kind of authority can be gained from the hate speaker’s standing in a norm-governed ‘activity of oppression’. We should be wary about engaging with such speakers in public argument. Even if we counter their arguments, we may still elevate their standing within that activity and so enable them to perform more pernicious speech acts than was previously possible.
What is the sensitivity and exactness of post-mortem diagnostic method for cardiopulmonary nematodes in wild carnivores? towards the gold standard
Authors: Arcenillas-Hernández Irene , de Ybáñez M. R. Ruiz , Martínez-Carrasco Carlos
Published: March 2023

Cardiopulmonary nematodes cause health and fitness disorders in wild and domestic carnivores. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) participates in the spread of these shared parasites at the domestic-wildlife interface. This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of post-mortem diagnostic method for detecting lungworms in carnivores, and its exactness to estimate the parasite intensity of each nematode species. Cardiorespiratory system of fifty-one foxes were examined through three consecutively methodological steps: first, the tracheobronchial tree, pulmonary arteries and their branches were opened (OT); next, lung parenchyma was immersed in water and squeezed (WS); finally, the parenchyma was artificially digested in a pepsin and chlorhydric acid solution (AD).Eucoleus aerophilus,Angiostrongylus vasorum,Crenosoma vulpisandMetathelazia capsulatawere identified. The number of recovered nematodes in each step were 454 (OT), 285 (WS) and 141 (AD). The use of OT and WS helped to improve parasite intensity results and decreased false negative cases. Accordingly, when OT and WS were used together, the sensitivity in the detection of parasitized foxes was 96.1%, while the exactness of parasite intensity was 84%. When AD was performed, although sensitivity does not rise, results were more exact, increasing the total number of detected parasites by 16%. Moreover, AD improved the sensitivity in the detection ofA. vasorumandM. capsulata, as well as quantifying more exactly the parasite intensity (92.5% and 92.3% of exactness without AD, respectively). Our study provides valuable information that should be taken into account when planning epidemiological studies based on cardiopulmonary nematode detection in carnivores.
Multi-objective Optimisation Framework for Assessment of Trade-Offs between Benefits and Co-benefits of Nature-based Solutions
Authors: Yang Shengnan , Ruangpan Laddaporn , Torres Arlex Sanchez , Vojinovic Zoran
Published: March 2023

Urbanization and climate change are producing an escalation in the prevalence of urban problems, particularly those connected to flooding, prompting authorities and stakeholders to recognize the need for sustainable solutions. Nature-Based Solutions are progressively replacing traditional engineering solutions as an alternative since they are more eco-friendly. By re-activating the urban hydrological cycle processes, NBS intends to increase the natural water storage capacity to help decrease urban flooding. The work described here outlines a framework for optimising the efficacy of NBS for flood risk reduction and its co-benefits, as well as defining the trade-offs among these co-benefits. The framework integrates 1D hydrodynamic models with multi-objective optimisation techniques. To demonstrate the applicability of the framework and its methods it has been used in Sint Maarten, which is an island located in the Caribbean Sea. Four NBS measure were identified as having good potential to be applied in the case study, namely: green roof, permeable pavement, bio-retention pond, and open detention basin. The results showed that the developed framework has the ability to represent the link between benefits and costs when evaluating various NBS, hence aiding the decision-making process to select and implement NBS.
Groundwater characterization of the eastern Minesing Wetlands in support of the endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana)
Authors: Spoelstra John , Post Ryan
Published: March 2023

The Minesing Wetlands contain Canada’s only known population of Hine’s emerald dragonfly (HED), a species listed as endangered since 2011. The HED relies on groundwater discharge areas to complete its life cycle and therefore the population is potentially sensitive to changes in groundwater. The goals of this study were to, (1) characterize groundwater discharge to the eastern portion of the Minesing Wetlands, which corresponds to the HED habitat, (2) document any significant changes in groundwater chemistry since a 1998 study, and (3) establish a comprehensive baseline water quality data set to facilitate future comparisons. Consistent with HED habitats in the USA, the chemistry of Minesing Wetlands groundwater was dominated by calcium and bicarbonate. Low groundwater chloride and nitrate concentrations indicated minimal impact from activities such as road salt application and fertilizer use. Nitrate was generally only found at the wetland margin where groundwater springs emerged from the base of the uplands. The dominant form of inorganic nitrogen in wetland groundwater was ammonium (max = 1.5 mg N/L), and soluble reactive phosphorus concentrations were also relatively high (8 to 122 µg/L). The most consistent change in wetland groundwater chemistry between the 1998 study and samples collected in 2015–2017 was that chloride concentrations in 10 of 23 wells increased over time, however the maximum mean well chloride (11.6 mg/L) remained well below the guideline for the protection of aquatic life (120 mg/L). To preserve HED habitat, potential impacts to groundwater need to be considered during land use planning for the recharge area.
Dual-Band Millimeter Wave 2 × 2 MIMO Slot Antenna with Low Mutual Coupling for 5G Networks
Authors: Ali Wael A. E. , Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Ahmed Ashraf E.
Published: March 2023

A dual-band 28/38 GHz multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) two elements antenna for the next 5G network is proposed in this paper. The single element is composed of a slot monopole antenna loaded with stub and a small crescent with an entire size of 15 × 15 mm2. The two elements are added to compose the suggested configuration. One of the antennas is printed on the upper layer while the other is located on it's back of the substrate to improve the coupling between elements without using any decoupling structures. The innovative antenna of dual-band works at 28/38 GHz and is achieved by adjusting the stub length and the crescent radius. The introduced MIMO antenna system has been experimented and the results have the same compatible trace with the simulated outcomes. The proposed two ports MIMO achieved a reasonable gain that reaches 5.7 and 6.9 dBi in the 28/38 GHz bands, respectively. The proposed MIMO antenna performance is also analyzed and achieved the envelope correlation coefficient, a diversity gain, and channel capacity Loss of about 10–4, 10 dB, and less than 0.3 bit/s/Hz, respectively over the 28/38 GHz bands. Finally, from the simulated and measured outcomes, it can be confirmed that the suggested MIMO antenna system can be applied to 5G wireless telecommunication applications.
Embryonic Development of Pediculus humanus capitis: Morphological Update and Proposal of New External Markers for the Differentiation Between Early, Medium, and Late Eggs
Authors: Álvarez-Fernández Blanca E. , Valero M. Adela , Nogueda-Torres Benjamín , Morales-Suárez-Varela M. María
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives

The head louse Pediculus humanus capitis is a cosmopolitan ectoparasite that causes pediculosis. In the study of human lice, little research focuses on embryonic development. Currently, external markers of embryonic development represent a new approach in the evaluation of ovicidal drugs. The objective of this work was to update the morphology of embryonic development and propose novel external markers to differentiate between early, medium, or late P. h. capitis eggs.

Methods

Using stereoscopic light microscopy, we describe the morphological characteristics of P. h. capitis eggs with a special focus on embryonic development.

Results

The morphological analysis of the eggs revealed the presence of an operculum with ten aeropyles, although no micropyles were observed. For the first time, the presence of defective eggs that were non-viable due to the apparent absence of yolk granules was documented. The early eggs presented yolk granules and developing germ bands, while the medium eggs presented an embryonic rudiment and the outlines of the eyes and limbs. In late eggs, the head with eyes and antennae, the thorax with three pairs of legs, and the abdomen with six pairs of spiracles were observed as formed structures. At the end of this stage, the embryos acquired the morphology of the nymph I stage.

Conclusion

We propose novel biomarkers (e.g., the presence of spiracles and antennae, the proportion of the egg occupied by the embryo) to facilitate the differentiation between the developmental stages. The updated morphological characteristics of P. h. capitis eggs facilitate the standardization of toxicological tests in the quest for ovicidal drugs.
Daily combined measurement of platelet count and presepsin concentration can predict in-hospital death of patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Ishikura Hiroyasu , Maruyama Junichi , Nakashio Maiko , Hoshino Kota , Morimoto Shinichi , Izutani Yoshito , Noake Junta , Yamagaito Takahiro , Yoshida Maho , Kitamura Taisuke , Nakamura Yoshihiko
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study was to classify patients with severe COVID-19 into more detailed risk groups using coagulation/fibrinolysis, inflammation/immune response, and alveolar/myocardial damage biomarkers, as well as to identify prognostic markers for these patients. These biomarkers were measured every day for eight intensive care unit days in 54 adult patients with severe COVID-19. The patients were classified into survivor (n = 40) and non-survivor (n = 14) groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the combined measurement of platelet count and presepsin concentrations may be the most valuable for predicting in-hospital death, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis further confirmed this result (area under the curve = 0.832). Patients were consequently classified into three groups (high-, medium-, and low-risk) on the basis of their cutoff values (platelet count 53 × 103/µL, presepsin 714 pg/mL). The Kaplan–Meier curve for 90-day survival by each group showed that the 90-day mortality rate significantly increased as risk level increased (P < 0.01 by the log-rank test). Daily combined measurement of platelet count and presepsin concentration may be useful for predicting in-hospital death and classifying patients with severe COVID-19 into more detailed risk groups.
Leading teams while exhausted: Perspectives from healthcare epidemiology and beyond
Authors: Mullin Rebecca A. , Hota Susy S. , Bearman Gonzalo
Published: March 2023

Mental fatigue and burnout are concerns for healthcare organizations, but their effects on leaders have not been thoroughly studied. Infectious diseases teams and leaders are at risk for mental fatigue and burnout due to the increased demands from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, additive effects of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (omicron) and δ (delta) variant surges, and unique pre-existing pressures. No single intervention can reduce stress and burnout in healthcare workers. Work-hour limitations may have the biggest impact in physician burnout mitigation. Institutional and individual programs focused on mindfulness may improve well-being in the workplace. Leading during times of stress requires a multimodal approach and an understanding of goals and priorities. Greater awareness of burnout and fatigue across the healthcare spectrum and continued research are required to advance healthcare worker well-being.
Intersectoral and multisectoral approaches to enable recovery for people with severe mental illness in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review
Authors: J. van Rensburg André , Brooke-Sumner Carrie
Published: March 2023

The needs of people with severe mental illness are complex and require a range of services embedded in well-coordinated systems of care to enable recovery, promote well-being and optimise social integration. The concept of recovery is strongly rooted in the centrality of multi and intersectoral systems of care, and, while multi and -intersectoral dimensions of mental health systems have been highlighted in analyses focusing on high-income regions, little has been elaborated in terms of these approaches in the recovery of people with severe mental illness (SMI) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim of this review was to identify and describe multi and intersectoral approaches underpinning community-based SMI recovery interventions in LMICs. A scoping review was carried out following the following steps: (1) Objectives for the review were developed and refined; (2) A systematic search of databases (EbscoHost, PubMed, Google Scholar) and previous reviews were undertaken from 2012 to 2022, where relevant papers were identified; (3) Papers with a focus on SMI and recovery, a specific description of an intervention, located in LMICs, with explicit linkages between sectors, and published in English, were selected for inclusion; (4) Data were extracted and charted and (5) Findings were analysed and reported thematically. Thirty-six papers were included for analysis, from 18 countries, including qualitative studies, trials, desktop and secondary data reviews and case studies. Examples of multi- and intersectoral action included collaboration between healthcare and community support systems, collaboration in providing supported housing and supportive community spaces for recovery, and linkages between biomedical and social spheres of care. Barriers included the dominance of mental health professions in delivering care, community-based stigmatising attitudes towards SMI. Multi- and intersectoral collaboration for SMI recovery requires investments in financing, education and coordination by a governing body.
Introduction: National Traditions of Sinology
Authors: Fogel Joshua A.
Published: March 2023

Several years ago, Pat Ebrey, founding editor of this journal, solicited the board for ideas for special issues. I have long been interested in the historiography of different national Sinological traditions and suggested a series of essays on this topic from a host of such historiographical backgrounds. Pat agreed and enthusiastically supported the idea. I had spoken about such a topic in a vague, roundabout manner some twenty years earlier with Martin Kern (Princeton University), and so I consulted him and was extremely fortunate to be given by him a handful of names of scholars who might perform such a task for their countries of origin, mostly in Europe. I was able to gradually compile a list that runs now to fifteen essays. Most of the authors are senior scholars in their fields, although some are mid-career or even junior; one is written by a graduate student. It was, of course, also essential that these authors all be able to write in English.
Evaluation of tumour necrosis factor alpha-stimulated gene-6 and fibroblast growth factor-2 levels in patients diagnosed with multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children
Authors: Tasci Onur , Dogan Kubra
Published: March 2023

Investigations are still ongoing about the pathophysiology of multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children, which can progress with serious morbidity and mortality after COVID-19 infection. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether fibroblast growth factor-2 and tumour necrosis factor alpha-stimulated gene-6 levels play a role in the diagnosis of the disease and on cardiac involvement. Twenty-three patients (11 girls, 12 boys) and 26 healthy controls (10 girls, 16 boys) were included in the study. The mean age of the patient and control group was 8.45 ± 2.43 and 10.73 ± 4.27 years, respectively. There was no difference between the fibroblast growth factor-2 and tumour necrosis factor alpha-stimulated gene-6 levels of the patient and control groups. When the patients with myocardial involvement in the patient group were compared with the patients without myocardial involvement in terms of fibroblast growth factor-2 and tumour necrosis factor alpha-stimulated gene-6 levels, no difference was found between these groups. The correlation of fibroblast growth factor-2 and tumour necrosis factor alpha-stimulated gene-6 levels with other laboratory parameters was investigated in the patient group. Fibroblast growth factor-2 was moderately inversely correlated with white blood cell count (r = -0.541, p = 0.008), absolute neutrophil count (r = −0.502, p = 0.015) and C-reactive protein (r = −0.528, p = 0.010). Fibroblast growth factor-2 was strongly inversely correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r = −0.694, p =<0.001). Our data show that fibroblast growth factor-2 and tumour necrosis factor alpha stimulated gene-6 do not provide sufficient information about diagnosis and cardiac involvement in multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children.
Paleocene‐Eocene High‐Pressure Carbonation of Western Alps Serpentinites: Positive Feedback Between Deformation and CO2‐CH4 Fluid Ingression Responsible for Slab Slicing?
Authors: Herviou Clément , Bonnet Guillaume
Published: March 2023

Meter‐ to hectometer‐size horizons of carbonate‐bearing talcschists are found along or near the contacts between the different Liguro‐Piemont subduction slices. Through mineral and bulk‐rock geochemistry, fluid inclusion analyses, and titanite U‐Pb geochronology, this study shows that these horizons formed by the transformation of serpentinites, at conditions close to peak burial, due to fluid infiltration sourced from surrounding sediments. These rocks containing large amounts of carbonates and high concentrations of fluid‐mobile elements may be significant for carbon cycling and contribute to the composition of arc magmas once the main constitutive assemblage destabilizes at high‐pressure and high‐temperature conditions. Following fluid infiltration, the formation of talc likely controlled strain localization in these horizons, enhancing in turn the ingression of external fluids and creating a positive feedback loop between deformation and fluid infiltration. We suggest that these rocks may have acted as major rheological weaknesses responsible for material offscraping from the downgoing plate.
Glacier Surface Heatwaves Over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Chen Wenfeng , Yao Tandong , Zhang Guoqing , Woolway R. Iestyn , Yang Wei , Xu Fenglin , Zhou Tao
Published: March 2023

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) has warmed at a rate twice the global average and presents unique warming patterns in surface temperature changes. However, key characteristics of glacier surface heatwave duration and intensity over the TP during the present extreme warming period are still unknown. In this study, we show that surface temperatures in glacial regions of the TP (0.37 ± 0.10°C per decade) have increased faster than those in non‐glacial areas (0.29 ± 0.05°C per decade) between 2001 and 2020. Moreover, the duration (5.3 ± 3.2 days per decade) and cumulative intensity (24.9 ± 16.3 days °C per decade) of glacier surface heatwaves have increased significantly during autumn. Our results demonstrate an elevation dependence to these key warming characteristics, which we also suggest are associated with extreme glacier mass loss. Here, we highlight potential threats to the sustainability of glacier water resources and increasing risk of glacier related hazards at the “roof of the world.”
Constraining the Varied Response of Northern Hemisphere Winter Circulation Waviness to Climate Change
Authors: Nie Yu , Chen Gang , Lu Jian , Zhou Wenyu , Zhang Yang
Published: March 2023

While a large latitudinal displacement of the westerly jet brings about disproportionate socioeconomic impacts over Northern Hemisphere midlatitude continents, it is not well understood as to whether the winter circulation will become wavier or less in response to climate change. Here, using observations and large ensembles of climate models, we show that changes in atmospheric waviness can be estimated from the optimal structures of the westerly jet for wavier circulation, which are obtained from an advection‐diffusion model. Thus, the changes in westerly jet structure in climate models under climate change provide a physical constraint on changes in atmospheric waviness, indicating that the North Atlantic wave activity will experience a robust decline in a warmer climate, while future North Pacific wave activity is obscured by model uncertainty rather than internal variability. These findings highlight the changes to jet stream structure as a constraint for regional circulation waviness in a changing climate.
Seasonal West‐East Seesaw of M2 Internal Tides From the Luzon Strait
Authors: Zhao Zhongxiang , Qiu Bo
Published: March 2023

Satellite altimetry sea surface height (SSH) measurements from 1993 to 2017 are used to investigate the seasonal variability of mode‐1 M2 internal tides from the Luzon Strait. The 25 years of SSH data are divided into four seasonal subsets, from which four seasonal internal tide models are constructed following the same mapping procedure. Climatological seasonal hydrography in the World Ocean Atlas 2013 is used to calculate two seasonally variable parameters required in the mapping procedure: Wavelength and the transfer function from the SSH amplitude to depth‐integrated energy flux. The M2 internal tides from the Luzon Strait are extracted using propagation direction determined in plane wave analysis. The satellite results show that the westward and eastward M2 internal tides both demonstrate significant seasonal variation. The westward and eastward internal tides seesaw seasonally: The westward internal tides strengthen (weaken) in summer and fall (winter and spring); while the eastward internal tides strengthen (weaken) in winter and spring (summer and fall). We suggest that the seasonal seesaw is mainly determined by ocean stratification and the Kuroshio Current; however, further studies are needed to quantify their relative contributions.
Capturing High‐Resolution Air Pollution Features Using the Multi‐Scale Infrastructure for Chemistry and Aerosols Version 0 (MUSICAv0) Global Modeling System
Authors: Tang Wenfu , Pfister Gabriele G. , Kumar Rajesh , Barth Mary , Edwards David P. , Emmons Louisa K. , Tilmes Simone
Published: March 2023

The Multi‐Scale Infrastructure for Chemistry and Aerosols (MUSICA) enables the study of atmospheric chemistry and aerosols at global to local scales. MUSICA version 0 (MUSICAv0) is a configuration of the Community Earth System Model (CESM) with regional refinement (RR). We compared the regional scale spatial and temporal variabilities of air pollutants simulated by this newly developed multiscale model and a widely used regional model—WRF‐Chem (the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry). The O3 and PM2.5 mean biases of the two WRF‐Chem simulations over the U.S. are 5–9 ppb and −3 μg/m3 during August and September 2020. The MUSICAv0 simulation has larger O3 mean bias (11 ppb) but smaller PM2.5 mean bias (−1 μg/m3) compared to the two WRF‐Chem simulations. As indicated by spatial and temporal statistical measures, the variability in meteorological parameters (temperature, precipitation), and ozone and PM2.5 are similar across a range of temporal and spatial scales in MUSICAv0 and WRF‐Chem. We demonstrate the new capability of the global MUSICAv0 at regional scale through two examples—(a) plumes from western U.S. fires that passed through the domain boundary of WRF‐Chem and were transported back into the domain and impacted air quality on the eastern U.S.; and (b) impact of stratospheric intrusion on the troposphere.
CAFrgDB: a database for cancer-associated fibroblasts related genes and their functions in cancer
Authors: Yuan Qiang , Chu Yi , Li Xiaoyu , Shi Yunshu , Chen Yingying , Zhao Jimin , Lu Jing , Liu Kangdong , Guo Yaping
Published: March 2023

As one of the most essential components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) interact extensively with cancer cells and other stromal cells to remodel TME and participate in the pathogenesis of cancer, which earmarked themselves as new promising targets for cancer therapy. Numerous studies have highlighted the heterogeneity and versatility of CAFs in most cancer types. Thus, the identification and appropriate use of CAF-related genes (CAFGenes) in the context of specific cancer types will provide critical insights into disease mechanisms and CAF-related therapeutic targets. In this study, we collected and curated 5421 CAFGenes identified from small- or large-scale experiments, encompassing 4982 responsors that directly or indirectly participate in cancer malignant behaviors managed by CAFs, 1069 secretions that are secreted by CAFs and 281 regulators that contribute in modulating CAFs in human and mouse, which covered 24 cancer types. For these human CAFGenes, we performed gene expression and prognostic marker-based analyses across 24 cancer types using TCGA data. Furthermore, we provided annotations for CAF-associated proteins by integrating the knowledge of protein-protein interaction(s), drug-target relations and basic annotations, from 9 public databases. CAFrgDB (CAF related Gene DataBase) is free for academic research at http://caf.zbiolab.cn and we anticipate CAFrgDB can be a useful resource for further study of CAFs.
Rab32 promotes glioblastoma migration and invasion via regulation of ERK/Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission
Authors: Chen Pin , Lu Yanbing , He Binfeng , Xie Tao , Yan Chaolong , Liu Tengfei , Wu Silin , Yeh Yuyang , Li Zeyang , Huang Wei , Zhang Xiaobiao
Published: March 2023

The highly widespread and infiltrative nature of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) makes complete surgical resection hard, causing high recurrence rate and poor patients’ prognosis. However, the mechanism underlying GBM migration and invasion is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of a Ras-related protein Rab32 on GBM and uncovered its underlying molecular and subcellular mechanisms that contributed to GBM aggressiveness. The correlation of Rab32 expression with patient prognosis and tumor grade was investigated by public dataset analysis and clinical specimen validation. The effect of Rab32 on migration and invasion of GBM had been evaluated using wound healing assay, cell invasion assay, as well as protein analysis upon Rab32 manipulations. Mitochondrial dynamics of cells upon Rab32 alterations were detected by immunofluorescence staining and western blotting. Both the subcutaneous and intracranial xenograft tumor model were utilized to evaluate the effect of Rab32 on GBM in vivo. The expression level of Rab32 is significantly elevated in the GBM, especially in the most malignant mesenchymal subtype, and is positively correlated with tumor pathological grade and poor prognosis. Knockdown of Rab32 attenuated the capability of GBM’s migration and invasion. It also suppressed the expression levels of invasion-related proteins (MMP2 and MMP9) as well as mesenchymal transition markers (N-cadherin, vimentin). Interestingly, Rab32 transported Drp1 to mitochondrial from the cytoplasm and modulated mitochondrial fission in an ERK1/2 signaling-dependent manner. Furthermore, silencing of Rab32 in vivo suppressed tumor malignancy via ERK/Drp1 axis. Rab32 regulates ERK1/2/Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission and causes mesenchymal transition, promoting migration and invasion of GBM. It serves as a novel therapeutic target for GBM, especially for the most malignant mesenchymal subtype.