bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SnSe:Kx intermetallic thermoelectric polycrystals prepared by arc-melting
Authors: Gainza Javier , Moltó Sergio , Serrano-Sánchez Federico , Dura Oscar J. , Fernández-Díaz María Teresa , Biškup Neven , Martínez José Luis , Alonso José Antonio , Nemes Norbert M.
Published: January 2022

Neutron powder diffraction and thermoelectric characterization of SnSe:Kx intermetallic alloys are presented. Nanostructured ingots were prepared by arc-melting elemental tin and selenium along with potassium hydride. Up to x = 0.1 of K can be incorporated into SnSe. Rietveld refinement of the diffractograms locates potassium on the Sn site in the high-temperature Cmcm structure. However, in the low-temperature Pnma structure, K cannot be localized by difference Fourier maps, indicating the incorporation of K in a disordered form in the interlayer space. STEM-EELS indicates the incorporation of K into the SnSe grains. The resistivity upon K-doping at intermediate temperatures decreases by 1–2 orders of magnitude, but at high temperature is higher than the undoped SnSe. The Seebeck coefficient of K-doped SnSe remains p-type and almost temperature independent (400 μV/K for x = 0.1). The ultralow thermal conductivity of undoped SnSe decreases further upon K-doping to below 0.3 W/m K.
Josephson Current as a Boundary Condition for Gor’kov Equations
Authors: Ovchinnikov Yu. N.
Published: January 2022

The magnitude of the Josephson current completely determines the value of the order parameters in superconductors separated by a barrier of low transparency, up to the second order in transparency. The second harmonic in the current value is equal to zero in the second approximation of perturbation theory with respect to the barrier transparency, regardless of the approximation within which the bulk superconductors are considered. When considering the correction terms, a new small parameter arises associated with the height of the potential barrier. This effect leads to the suppression of the modulus of the order parameter at the barrier surface and, hence, to the renormalization of the amplitude of the Josephson current.
The relationship between physical and mental health multimorbidity and children’s health-related quality of life
Authors: O’Loughlin Rachel , Hiscock Harriet , Pan Tianxin , Devlin Nancy , Dalziel Kim
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To examine the relationships between physical health problems, and borderline or clinical levels of mental health symptoms and children’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods

Data were from theLongitudinal Study of Australian Children(2004–2018). Parents reported on their child’s HRQoL (PedsQL), physical health problems and mental health symptoms (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, SDQ). A pooled cross-sectional analysis using linear regressions examined the relationships between physical health and clinical/borderline mental health symptoms, individually and when multi-morbid, and children’s HRQoL, and whether these relationships vary by a range of child, family and social factors.

Results

The sample comprised 47,567 observations of children aged 4–17 years. Borderline and clinical levels of mental health symptoms were associated with significantly lower HRQoL, equal to more than two-times (10.5 points) and more than three-times (16.8 points) the clinically meaningful difference, respectively. This was a larger difference than that associated with physical health problems (4.4 points). We found a significant interaction effect between physical health problems and clinical mental health symptoms which was associated with even poorer HRQoL after accounting for the individual relationships of both problems. Mental health problems were associated with poorer HRQoL for older versus younger children; and the interaction effect was significant for boys but not girls.

Conclusion

Findings highlight the importance of identifying and addressing mental health symptoms in children of all ages, even if these problems do not meet formal clinical criteria. Particular attention should be paid to the mental health and HRQoL of children with physical–mental multimorbidity, who are at risk of disproportionately poorer HRQoL.
“Poison to the Economy”: (Un-)Taxing the Wealthy in the German Federal Parliament from 1996 to 2016
Authors: Hilmar Till , Sachweh Patrick
Published: January 2022

The concentration of wealth is a key component of the rise in economic inequality at the beginning of the twenty-first century. While the abolition of taxes on private wealth during the 1990s and 2000s is recognized as an important institutional driver behind this development, comparatively little is known about the justification of tax cuts for the wealthy in advanced democracies. This paper investigates how the abolishment of the personal net wealth tax in Germany, a country with high levels of wealth inequality, has been debated and justified in parliament over a period of 20 years. Using a mixed methods approach that combines computational social science methods and a qualitative analysis, we examine how Germany’s two major parties, the Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Social Democrats (SPD), have variously construed the meaning and purpose of the wealth tax and justified their support for or opposition to it. While the Social Democrats debate the wealth tax primarily from a social justice perspective, the Christian Democrats rely on an efficiency frame that invokes biological metaphors, enabling them to narrate the wealth tax as a threat to the social body. Paradoxically, then, by arguing that the tax is “poison to the economy”, conservative discourse succeeds in linking opposition to the wealth tax to a principle of social unity. On these grounds, we suggest that future research should scrutinize how the interrelation between political discourse and institutional architectures has facilitated the rise of wealth inequality in recent decades.
The effect of financial crises on deforestation: a global and regional panel data analysis
Authors: Antonarakis Alexander S. , Pacca Lucia , Antoniades Andreas
Published: January 2022

Managing our transition to sustainability requires a solid understanding of how conditions of financial crisis affect our natural environment. Yet, there has been little focus on the nature of the relationship between financial crises and environmental sustainability, especially in relation to forests and deforestation. This study addressed this gap by providing novel evidence on the impact of financial crises on deforestation. A panel data approach is used looking at Global Forest Watch deforestation data from > 150 countries in > 100 crises in the twenty-first century. This includes an analysis of crises effects on principle drivers of deforestation; timber and agricultural commodities—palm oil, soybean, coffee, cattle, and cocoa. At a global level, financial crises are associated with a reduction in deforestation rates (− 36 p.p) and deforestation drivers; roundwood (− 6.7 p.p.), cattle (− 2.3 p.p.) and cocoa production (− 8.3 p.p.). Regionally, deforestation rates in Asia, Africa, and Europe decreased by − 83, − 43, and 22 p.p, respectively. Drivers behind these effects may be different, from palm oil (− 1.3 p.p.) and cocoa (− 10.5 p.p.) reductions in Africa, to a combination of timber (− 9.5 p.p) and palm oil in Asia. Moreover, financial crises have a larger effect on deforestation in low-income, than upper middle- and high-income countries (− 51 vs − 39 and − 18 p.p. respectively). Using another main dataset on yearly forest cover—the ESA-Climate Change Initiative—a picture arises showing financial crises leading to small global decreases in forest cover (− 0.1 p.p.) with a small agricultural cover increase (0.1 p.p). Our findings point to financial crises as important moments for global deforestation dynamics. Yet, to consolidate benefits on decreasing deforestation, governments need to enhance their sustainable forest management during crisis periods rather than let it slip down national agendas. Finally, to achieve the SDGs related to forests, better global forest cover datasets are needed, with better forest loss/gain data, disturbance history, and understanding of mosaicked landscape dynamics within a satellite pixel.
Operating with Names: Operational Definitions in the Analects and Beyond
Authors: Rogacz Dawid
Published: January 2022

The philosophy of Confucius has often been accused of lacking classical definitions of its core concepts. However, as I shall argue, Confucius systematically used nonclassical definitions—to be precise, operational ones. The notion of operational definition comes from Percy Bridgman’s The Logic of Modern Physics (Bridgman 1927) and means that the definiendum is defined by a set of operations that results in determining the meaning of the term in question. In the case of Confucian argumentation, operational definitions are mostly nominal and, in contrast to unambiguous methods of measurement, also context-dependent. This results in there being various yet not mutually inconsistent definitions of one term, and in “paradigmatic examples” playing a crucial role. As I show, this mode of defining things had major implications for the content of Confucius’ thought. In fact, many of its forms could be traced back to other Chinese philosophers, including those of non-Confucian provenance.
Interferon regulatory factor-1 regulates cisplatin-induced apoptosis and autophagy in A549 lung cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Lemeng , Cheng Tianli , Yang Hua , Chen Jianhua , Wen Xiaoping , Jiang Zhou , Yi Huihuang , Luo Yongzhong
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to investigate the expression and function of interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). IRF-1 expression and its prognostic value were investigated through bioinformatic analysis. The protein expression levels of IRF-1, cleaved caspase 3, and LC3-I/II were analyzed by western blotting. A lentiviral vector was used to overexpress or knockdown IRF-1 in vitro. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analyzed by JC-1 and DCFH-DA staining, respectively. ATP, SOD, MDA, cell viability, LDH release, and caspase 3 activity were evaluated using commercial kits. Compared to the levels in normal tissues, IRF-1 expression was significantly lower in lung cancer tissues and was a prognostic factor for NSCLC. Cisplatin treatment-induced IRF-1 activation, ROS production, ATP depletion, SOD consumption, and MDA accumulation in A549 lung cancer cells. IRF-1 overexpression promoted mitochondrial depolarization, oxidative stress, and apoptotic cell death and inhibited autophagy in A549 cells, and these effects could be reversed by IRF-1 knockdown. These data suggest that IRF-1 regulates apoptosis, autophagy and oxidative stress, which might be served as a potential target for increasing chemotherapy sensitivity of lung cancer.
Some new convergence and stability results for Jungck generalized pseudo-contractive and Lipschitzian type operators using hybrid iterative techniques in the Hilbert space
Authors: Olatinwo M. O. , Omidire O. J.
Published: January 2022

The convergence of generalized pseudo-contractive operators were studied with regard to a unique fixed point in the article (Verma in Proc Roy Irish Acad Soct A, 97(1):83–86, 1997). In this present article, we introduce Jungck generalized pseudo-contractive and Lipschitzian type operators in the prehilbertian space and in the Hilbert space settings, establish the existence and the uniqueness of a common fixed point for the operator S and a sequence of operators $$\{T_i:D\rightarrow D\}_{i=1}^k$$

{

T
i

:
D
→
D
}

i
=
1

k

using a new Jungck–Kirk–Mann type fixed point iterative algorithm as well as the general Kirk–Mann type iterative algorithm. The strong convergence of these fixed point iterative algorithms to a unique common fixed point is also investigated for the same set of operators considered. Moreover, some stability results are established for the Jungck–Kirk–Mann type iterative algorithm as well as the general Kirk–Mann type iterative algorithm. In addition, some examples are given to support our arguments. The results are new, original as well as generalizing some existing ones in the literature.
On a Family of Quasimetric Spaces in Generalized Potential Theory
Authors: Åhag Per , Czyż Rafał
Published: January 2022

We construct a family of quasimetric spaces in generalized potential theory containing m-subharmonic functions with finite (p, m)-energy. These quasimetric spaces will be viewed both in $${\mathbb {C}}^n$$

C

n

and in compact Kähler manifolds, and their convergence will be used to improve known stability results for the complex Hessian equations.
Bounds on the First Betti Number: An Approach via Schatten Norm Estimates on Semigroup Differences
Authors: Hansmann Marcel , Rose Christian , Stollmann Peter
Published: January 2022

We derive new estimates for the first Betti number of compact Riemannian manifolds. Our approach relies on the Birman–Schwinger principle and Schatten norm estimates for semigroup differences. In contrast to previous works we do not require any a priori ultracontractivity estimates and we provide bounds which explicitly depend on suitable integral norms of the Ricci tensor.
Food web assessments in the Baltic Sea: Models bridging the gap between indicators and policy needs
Authors: Korpinen Samuli , Uusitalo Laura , Nordström Marie C. , Dierking Jan , Tomczak Maciej T. , Haldin Jannica , Opitz Silvia , Bonsdorff Erik , Neuenfeldt Stefan
Published: January 2022

Ecosystem-based management requires understanding of food webs. Consequently, assessment of food web status is mandatory according to the European Union’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) for EU Member States. However, how to best monitor and assess food webs in practise has proven a challenging question. Here, we review and assess the current status of food web indicators and food web models, and discuss whether the models can help addressing current shortcomings of indicator-based food web assessments, using the Baltic Sea as an example region. We show that although the MSFD food web assessment was designed to use food web indicators alone, they are currently poorly fit for the purpose, because they lack interconnectivity of trophic guilds. We then argue that the multiple food web models published for this region have a high potential to provide additional coherence to the definition of good environmental status, the evaluation of uncertainties, and estimates for unsampled indicator values, but we also identify current limitations that stand in the way of more formal implementation of this approach. We close with a discussion of which current models have the best capacity for this purpose in the Baltic Sea, and of the way forward towards the combination of measurable indicators and modelling approaches in food web assessments.
Accuracy and Interpretability: Struggling with the Epistemic Foundations of Machine Learning-Generated Medical Information and Their Practical Implications for the Doctor-Patient Relationship
Authors: Funer Florian
Published: January 2022

The initial successes in recent years in harnessing machine learning (ML) technologies to improve medical practice and benefit patients have attracted attention in a wide range of healthcare fields. Particularly, it should be achieved by providing automated decision recommendations to the treating clinician. Some hopes placed in such ML-based systems for healthcare, however, seem to be unwarranted, at least partially because of their inherent lack of transparency, although their results seem convincing in accuracy and reliability. Skepticism arises when the physician as the agent responsible for the implementation of diagnosis, therapy, and care is unable to access the generation of findings and recommendations. There is widespread agreement that, generally, a complete traceability is preferable to opaque recommendations; however, there are differences about addressing ML-based systems whose functioning seems to remain opaque to some degree—even if so-called explicable or interpretable systems gain increasing amounts of interest. This essay approaches the epistemic foundations of ML-generated information specifically and medical knowledge generally to advocate differentiations of decision-making situations in clinical contexts regarding their necessary depth of insight into the process of information generation. Empirically accurate or reliable outcomes are sufficient for some decision situations in healthcare, whereas other clinical decisions require extensive insight into ML-generated outcomes because of their inherently normative implications.
Focal solitary necrotic nodules in fatty liver: characteristics on conventional and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography
Authors: Peng Yue-ling , Liu Li-ping , Zhang Yan-jing , Liu Jing-jing , Yu Xiao-Ling
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Focal lesions in fatty liver are difficult to diagnose using conventional ultrasonography (CVUS). The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of solitary necrotic nodules (SNNs) in fatty liver using CVUS and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and to evaluate the diagnostic value of CEUS for SNNs in fatty liver.

Methods

Fifteen SNNs in the fatty liver of fifteen patients were examined by both CVUS and CEUS. The contrast agent SonoVue was used for CEUS. The characterization and shape of these SNNs in the fatty liver were analyzed using CEUS.

Results

CVUS revealed eight oval-shaped, six irregularly shaped, and one wedge-shaped SNN in the fatty liver. The six irregularly shaped lesions on CVUS were revealed to comprise four gourd-shaped, one serpiginous, and one 3-pin socket-shaped nodule on CEUS. One of these SNNs showed a subcapsular wedge shape, with peripheral and distinct internal septal hyperenhancement in the arterial phases that washed out in the portal phase; moreover, most areas of th lesion showed no internal enhancement in any of the three phases. Fourteen of the lesions were characterized as lacking internal enhancement, and 12 of them had mild–moderate peripheral thin enhancement in the arterial phases. Twelve of the 15 nodules could be considered for diagnosis as SNNs by CEUS, which was further proved by US-guided biopsy and histopathology. However none of them could be considered for diagnosis as SNNs by CVUS.

Conclusions

CEUS is a valuable tool for visualizing the characteristics of SNNs in fatty liver to improve the differential diagnosis.
Analysis of COVID-19 evolution based on testing closeness of sequential data
Authors: Matsui Tomoko , Azzaoui Nourddine , Murakami Daisuke
Published: January 2022

A practical algorithm has been developed for closeness analysis of sequential data that combines closeness testing with algorithms based on the Markov chain tester. It was applied to reported sequential data for COVID-19 to analyze the evolution of COVID-19 during a certain time period (week, month, etc.).
Risk factors of major intraoperative blood loss at primary debulking surgery for ovarian cancer
Authors: Dou Sha , Chen Junchen , Wang Yuanfen , Zhu Chongyuan , Cui Heng , Li Yi
Published: January 2022

Objective

The goal of this study was to find the risk factors for major intraoperative blood loss (MBL) of primary debulking surgery (PDS) for ovarian cancer.

Methods

Patients with ovarian cancer who underwent PDS in our hospital, from 2010 to 2017, were enrolled. The association between risk factors and MBL was modeled with the use of logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the predictive value of the logistic regression model.

Results

A total of 346 patients met the inclusion criteria. There were 150 patients with MBL. Tumor stage 3/4 (P ​< ​0.001), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score ≥3 (P ​= ​0.044), ascites volume ≥500 ​ml ​(P ​= ​0.002), radical or ultra-radical surgery (P ​= ​0.002), and diabetes (P ​= ​0.035) were independent risk factors for MBL in patients with ovarian cancer. The logistic regression combined model of these five factors is more reliable in the prediction of MBL with an area under the ROC curve of 0.729 than the tumor stage (ROC curve ​= ​0.645) and surgical complexity (ROC curve ​= ​0.568).

Conclusion

In patients with ovarian cancer, five risk factors for major intraoperative bleeding were identified. Planned surgical procedures and preoperative risk factors can be used to predict perioperative blood requirements.
Extent and Volume of Lava Flows Erupted at 9°50′N, East Pacific Rise in 2005–2006 From Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Surveys
Authors: Wu Jyun‐Nai , Parnell‐Turner Ross , Fornari Daniel J. , Kurras Gregory , Berrios‐Rivera Natalia , Barreyre Thibaut , McDermott Jill M.
Published: January 2022

Seafloor volcanic eruptions are difficult to directly observe due to lengthy eruption cycles and the remote location of mid‐ocean ridges. Volcanic eruptions in 2005–2006 at 9°50′N on the East Pacific Rise have been well documented, but the lava volume and flow extent remain uncertain because of the limited near‐bottom bathymetric data. We present near‐bottom data collected during 19 autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) Sentry dives at 9°50′N in 2018, 2019, and 2021. The resulting 1 m‐resolution bathymetric grid and 20 cm‐resolution sidescan sonar images cover 115 km2, and span the entire area of the 2005–2006 eruptions, including an 8 km2 pre‐eruption survey collected with AUV ABE in 2001. Pre‐ and post‐eruption surveys, combined with sidescan sonar images and seismo‐acoustic impulsive events recorded during the eruptions, are used to quantify the lava flow extent and to estimate changes in seafloor depth caused by lava emplacement. During the 2005–2006 eruptions, lava flowed up to ∼3 km away from the axial summit trough, covering an area of ∼20.8 km2; ∼50% larger than previously thought. Where pre‐ and post‐eruption surveys overlap, individual flow lobes can be resolved, confirming that lava thickness varies from ∼1 to 10 m, and increases with distance from eruptive fissures. The resulting lava volume estimate indicates that ∼57% of the melt extracted from the axial melt lens probably remained in the subsurface as dikes. These observations provide insights into recharge cycles in the subsurface magma system, and are a baseline for studying future eruptions at the 9°50′N area.
Lithology and Fault‐Related Stress Variations Along the TCDP Boreholes: The Stress State Before and After the 1999 Chi‐Chi Earthquake
Authors: Talukdar Mayukh , Sone Hiroki , Kuo Li‐Wei
Published: January 2022

Understanding the stress state before and after an earthquake is essential to study how stress on faults evolves during the seismic cycle. This study integrates wellbore failure analysis, laboratory experiments, and edge dislocation model to study the stress state before and after the Chi‐Chi earthquake. The post‐earthquake in‐situ stress state observed along boreholes of the Taiwan Chelungpu‐fault Drilling Project (TCDP) is heterogeneous due to lithological variations. Along the borehole, we observe that drilling‐induced tensile fractures are only present in sandstones, whereas breakouts are mostly present in silt‐rich rocks. Laboratory experiments on TCDP cores also show that tensile and compressive strength are weaker in sandstones than in silt‐rich rocks. These observations imply that both maximum and minimum horizontal principal stresses are higher in silt‐rich intervals. Extended leak‐off tests in the TCDP borehole also show lower minimum horizontal stress in sand‐rich intervals, consistent with the above observations. We combine these observations to estimate a profile of stress magnitudes along the well which explains the variability of stress states found in previous studies. The stress heterogeneity we observed underlines the importance of acknowledging the spatial scale that the stress data represent. We then use an edge dislocation model constrained by GPS surface displacements obtained during Chi‐Chi earthquake to calculate the coseismic stress changes. Our inferred pre‐earthquake stress magnitudes, obtained by subtracting the coseismic stress change from the post‐earthquake stress, suggest subcritical stress state before the earthquake despite the large displacements observed during the Chi‐Chi earthquake in the region where TCDP encountered the fault.
High Resolution Dynamical Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Measurements During the BIO‐MAÏDO Field Campaign (Réunion Island, Indian Ocean)
Authors: Rocco M. , Baray J.‐L. , Colomb A. , Borbon A. , Dominutti P. , Tulet P. , Amelynck C. , Schoon N. , Verreyken B. , Duflot V. , Gros V. , Sarda‐Estève R. , Péris G. , Guadagno C. , Leriche M.
Published: January 2022

This study presents a high‐resolution dynamical analysis of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) concentrations measured from March 11 to April 4 2019 at Réunion Island during the BIO‐MAÏDO (Bio‐physicochemistry of tropical clouds at Maïdo: processes and impacts on secondary organic aerosols formation) campaign. We detail the dynamical and chemical processes that govern atmospheric VOC concentrations at two targeted sites of the western slope of Réunion Island: Petite France (PF), 950 m above sea level (a.s.l.) and Maïdo Observatory (MO), 2150 m a.s.l. A dynamical connection between PF and MO is found during four selected days: March 28 and 31, April 1 and 3. Trajectory calculations using the coupling of Meso‐Computing Advection‐interpolation of atmospheric parameters and Trajectory tool (CAT) (100 m horizontal resolution of Meso‐NH high‐resolution non‐hydrostatic model and the CAT trajectory model) Lagrangian transport model showed that air masses were dynamically linked between the two measurements sites for 44.8% of the time during the complete campaign. Trajectories from the Meso‐CAT model combined with the Corine Land Cover‐2018 register shows that backward‐trajectories are frequently located above biogenic area (mixed forest, 8%–67% of total number trajectory point) and cultures area (e.g., sugar cane plantation, 0%–21%). Regarding VOCs concentrations, air masses coming from downhill MO are associated with significant measured concentrations of isoprene, isoprene oxidation products and benzene. Averaged concentration daytime ratios of isoprene and isoprene oxidation products from PF to MO are 0.73 ± 1.01 and 0.26 ± 0.26 respectively illustrating a loss of these VOCs due to deposition, oxidation, or possibility dilution on clouds.
Floods on Alluvial Fans: Implications for Reworking Rates, Morphology and Fan Hazards
Authors: Leenman A. S. , Eaton B. C. , MacKenzie L. G.
Published: January 2022

Flood events are the agents of change on alluvial fans. However, most alluvial fan experiments have used constant flows to model fans and the channels upon them. Here, we present results from a series of alluvial fan experiments with different patterns of flow variation (i.e., different hydrograph shapes). We conducted experiments with (a) constant flow, (b) alternating high and low flows, (c) a moderate flood peak that decayed slowly, alternating with a constant low flow, and (d) a high flood peak that decayed rapidly, alternating with a constant low flow. We found that different hydrographs generated fans with different slopes, even though all experiments had the same mean flow and sediment supply. In addition, higher peak flows led to increased lateral migration rates and increased erosion and deposition. These results challenge the notion that a single representative flow can be used to approximate the geomorphic effects of a range of flows in a natural stream. Moreover, our findings indicate that hydrograph shape can govern the geomorphic impact of a flood event. This means that altered basin hydrology (for instance, through land cover change) likely exerts an important impact on geomorphic change and natural hazards on alluvial fans.
Seasonal Variations in Fjord Sediment Grain Size: A Pre‐requisite for Hydrological and Climate Reconstructions in Partially Glacierized Watersheds (Baker River, Patagonia)
Authors: Amann Benjamin , Bertrand Sebastien , Alvarez‐Garreton Camila , Reid Brian
Published: January 2022

Fjord sediments are increasingly recognized as high‐resolution archives of past hydrological and climate variability. Using them as such, however, requires a comprehensive understanding of the variables that affect their accumulation rates and properties. Here, we conduct a spatial and temporal study of sediment samples collected at the head of Martínez Channel (Chilean Patagonia, 48°S), to understand how the fjord's sediments register changes in the hydrology of Baker River, Chile's largest river in terms of mean annual discharge. We apply end‐member modeling to particle‐size distributions of: (a) river suspended sediments, (b) surface sediments collected along a proximal‐distal transect at the fjord head, and (c) fjord sediments collected in a sequential sediment trap at 15‐day resolution during two consecutive years. We then validate the use of the grain‐size end members for hydrological and climate reconstructions, using a sediment core that covers the last 35 years. Results show that the river suspended sediments and fjord sediments are consistently composed of two grain‐size subpopulations. The finest end member (EM1; mode 4.03 μm) reflects the meltwater contribution, which dominates in all but the winter season. The coarser end member (EM2; mode 18.7 μm) dominates in winter, when meltwater contribution is reduced, and is associated with rainfall. We show that the fluxes of EM1and EM2provide quantitative estimates of baseflow (r = 0.87,p < 0.001) and quickflow (r = 0.86,p < 0.001), respectively. Additionally, we propose that log (EM1/EM2) can be used to reconstruct meltwater production (r = 0.67,p < 0.001) and temperature (r = 0.81,p < 0.001) in the lower Baker River watershed. These results support the use of fjord sediments for quantitative reconstructions of hydrological and climate variability in partially glacierized watersheds.
Silicic Acid Cycling in the Bering Sea During the Mid‐Pleistocene Transition
Authors: Worne Savannah , Swann George E. A. , Kender Sev , Lacey Jack H. , Leng Melanie J.
Published: January 2022

The rate of deep‐ocean carbon burial is considered important for modulating glacial‐interglacial atmospheric CO2 concentrations and global climate during the Quaternary. It has been suggested that glacial iron fertilization and increased efficiency of the biological pump in the Southern Ocean since the Mid‐Pleistocene Transition (MPT) was key in lowering atmospheric pCO2 and facilitating rapid land ice accumulation. There is growing evidence that a similar mechanism may have existed in the subarctic Pacific Ocean, although this has not yet been assessed. Here, the silicon isotope composition of diatoms (δ30Sidiatom) from the Bering Sea upwelling region is used to assess the role of nutrient cycling on the subarctic Pacific biological pump during the MPT. Results show that during and after the “900 kyr event,” the high productivity green belt zone was characterized by low silicic acid utilization but high supply, coincident with the dominance of diatom resting spores. We posit that as nutrient upwelling was suppressed following pack ice growth and expansion of glacial North Pacific Intermediate Water (GNPIW), primary productivity became nitrate‐limited and enhanced opal remineralization caused a relative increase in silicic acid supply. However, preferential preservation and higher cellular carbon content of diatom resting spores, as well as increased supply of iron from expanded sea ice, likely sustained the net efficiency of the Bering Sea biological pump through the MPT. Remnant iron and silicic acid may also have propagated into the lower subarctic Pacific Ocean through GNPIW, aiding a regionally efficient biological pump at 900 kyr and during post‐MPT glacials.
Neural Networks Can Identify Carbon Dioxide in Seismic Observations
Authors: Rehnberg Morgan
Published: January 2022

By establishing a machine-driven approach to interpreting seismic observations of carbon dioxide injection, researchers hope to improve tracking of carbon capture and sequestration projects.
Genome-wide meta-analysis of alcohol use disorder in East Asians
Authors: Zhou Hang , Kalayasiri Rasmon , Sun Yan , Nuñez Yaira Z. , Deng Hong-Wen , Chen Xiang-Ding , Justice Amy C. , Kranzler Henry R. , Chang Suhua , Lu Lin , Shi Jie , Sanichwankul Kittipong , Mutirangura Apiwat , Malison Robert T. , Gelernter Joel
Published: January 2022

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified ~30 AUD risk genes in European populations, but many fewer in East Asians. We conducted GWAS and genome-wide meta-analysis of AUD in 13,551 subjects with East Asian ancestry, using published summary data and newly genotyped data from five cohorts: (1) electronic health record (EHR)-diagnosed AUD in the Million Veteran Program (MVP) sample; (2) DSM-IV diagnosed alcohol dependence (AD) in a Han Chinese–GSA (array) cohort; (3) AD in a Han Chinese–Cyto (array) cohort; and (4) two AD Thai cohorts. The MVP and Thai samples included newly genotyped subjects from ongoing recruitment. In total, 2254 cases and 11,297 controls were analyzed. An AUD polygenic risk score was analyzed in an independent sample with 4464 East Asians (Genetic Epidemiology Research in Adult Health and Aging (GERA)). Phenotypes from survey data and ICD-9-CM diagnoses were tested for association with the AUD PRS. Two risk loci were detected: the well-known functional variant rs1229984 in ADH1B and rs3782886 in BRAP (near the ALDH2 gene locus) are the lead variants. AUD PRS was significantly associated with days per week of alcohol consumption (beta = 0.43, SE = 0.067, p = 2.47 × 10−10) and nominally associated with pack years of smoking (beta = 0.09, SE = 0.05, p = 4.52 × 10−2) and ever vs. never smoking (beta = 0.06, SE = 0.02, p = 1.14 × 10−2). This is the largest GWAS of AUD in East Asians to date. Building on previous findings, we were able to analyze pleiotropy, but did not identify any new risk regions, underscoring the importance of recruiting additional East Asian subjects for alcohol GWAS.
Differential age-dependent development of inter-area brain connectivity in term and preterm neonates
Authors: Arimitsu Takeshi , Shinohara Naomi , Minagawa Yasuyo , Hoshino Eiichi , Hata Masahiro , Takahashi Takao
Published: January 2022

Background

Among preterm infants, higher morbidities of neurological disturbances and developmental delays are critical issues. Resting-state networks (RSNs) in the brain are suitable measures for assessing higher-level neurocognition. Since investigating task-related brain activity is difficult in neonates, assessment of RSNs provides invaluable insight into their neurocognitive development.

Methods

The participants, 32 term and 71 preterm neonates, were divided into three groups based on gestational age (GA) at birth. Cerebral hemodynamic activity of RSNs was measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy in the temporal, frontal, and parietal regions.

Results

High-GA preterm infants (GA ≥ 30 weeks) had a significantly stronger RSN than low-GA preterm infants and term infants. Regression analyses of RSNs as a function of postnatal age (PNA) revealed a steeper regression line in the high-GA preterm and term infants than in the low-GA infants, particularly for inter-area brain connectivity between the frontal and left temporal areas.

Conclusions

Slower PNA-dependent development of the frontal–temporal network found only in the low-GA group suggests that significant brain growth optimal in the intrauterine environment takes place before 30 weeks of gestation. The present study suggests a likely reason for the high incidence of neurodevelopmental impairment in early preterm infants.

Impact

Resting-state fNIRS measurements in three neonate groups differing in gestational age (GA) showed stronger networks in the high-GA preterm infants than in the term and low-GA infants, which was partly explained by postnatal age (PNA).

Regression analyses revealed a similar PNA-dependence in the development of the inter-area networks in the frontal and temporal lobes in the high-GA and term infants, and significantly slower development in the low-GA infants.

These results suggest that optimal intrauterine brain growth takes place before 30 weeks of gestation. This explains one of the reasons for the high incidence of neurodevelopmental impairment in early preterm infants.
Walking improvement in chronic incomplete spinal cord injury with exoskeleton robotic training (WISE): a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Edwards Dylan J. , Forrest Gail , Cortes Mar , Weightman Margaret M. , Sadowsky Cristina , Chang Shuo-Hsiu , Furman Kimberly , Bialek Amy , Prokup Sara , Carlow John , VanHiel Leslie , Kemp Laura , Musick Darrell , Campo Marc , Jayaraman Arun
Published: January 2022

Study design

Clinical trial.

Objective

To demonstrate that a 12-week exoskeleton-based robotic gait training regimen can lead to a clinically meaningful improvement in independent gait speed, in community-dwelling participants with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI).

Setting

Outpatient rehabilitation or research institute.

Methods

Multi-site (United States), randomized, controlled trial, comparing exoskeleton gait training (12 weeks, 36 sessions) with standard gait training or no gait training (2:2:1 randomization) in chronic iSCI (>1 year post injury, AIS-C, and D), with residual stepping ability. The primary outcome measure was change in robot-independent gait speed (10-meter walk test, 10MWT) post 12-week intervention. Secondary outcomes included: Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG), 6-min walk test (6MWT), Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI-II) (assistance and devices), and treating therapist NASA-Task Load Index.

Results

Twenty-five participants completed the assessments and training as assigned (9 Ekso, 10 Active Control, 6 Passive Control). Mean change in gait speed at the primary endpoint was not statistically significant. The proportion of participants with improvement in clinical ambulation category from home to community speed post-intervention was greatest in the Ekso group (>1/2 Ekso, 1/3 Active Control, 0 Passive Control, p < 0.05). Improvements in secondary outcome measures were not significant.

Conclusions

Twelve weeks of exoskeleton robotic training in chronic SCI participants with independent stepping ability at baseline can improve clinical ambulatory status. Improvements in raw gait speed were not statistically significant at the group level, which may guide future trials for participant inclusion criteria. While generally safe and tolerable, larger gains in ambulation might be associated with higher risk for non-serious adverse events.
Impact of CYP2C19 metaboliser status on SSRI response: a retrospective study of 9500 participants of the Australian Genetics of Depression Study
Authors: Campos Adrian I. , Byrne Enda M. , Mitchell Brittany L. , Wray Naomi R. , Lind Penelope A. , Licinio Julio , Medland Sarah E. , Martin Nicholas G. , Hickie Ian B. , Rentería Miguel E.
Published: January 2022

Background

Variation within theCYP2C19gene has been linked to differential metabolism of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Pharmacogenetic recommendations based on the effect ofCYP2C19variants have been made available and are used increasingly by clinical practitioners. Nonetheless, the underlying assumption linking differential metabolism to efficacy or adverse side effects remains understudied. Here, we aim to fill this gap by studyingCYP2C19polymorphisms and inferred metabolism and patient-reported antidepressant response in a sample of 9531 Australian adults who have taken SSRIs.

Methods

Metaboliser status was inferred for participants based onCYP2C19alleles. Primary analysis consisted of assessing differences in treatment efficacy and tolerability betweennormal(reference) and:ultrarapid,rapid,intermediateandpoormetabolisers.

Results

Across medications, poor metabolisers reported a higher efficacy, whereas rapid metabolisers reported higher tolerability. When stratified by drug, associations between metaboliser status and efficacy did not survive multiple testing correction. Intermediate metabolisers were at greater odds of reporting any side effect for sertraline and higher number of side effects across medications and for sertraline.

Conclusions

The effects between metaboliser status and treatment efficacy, tolerability and side effects were in the expected direction. Our power analysis suggests we would detect moderate to large effects, at least nominally. Reduced power may also be explained by heterogeneity in antidepressant dosages or concomitant medications, which we did not measure. The fact that we identify slower metabolisers to be at higher risk of side effects even without adjusting for clinical titration, and the nominally significant associations consistent with the expected metabolic effects provide new evidence for the link between CYP2C19 metabolism and SSRI response. Nonetheless, longitudinal and interventional designs such as randomized clinical trials that stratify by metaboliser status are necessary to establish the effects ofCYP2C19metabolism on SSRI treatment efficacy or adverse effects.
Borophene as a rising star in materials chemistry: synthesis, properties and applications in analytical science and energy devices
Authors: Joshi Dharaben J. , Malek Naved I. , Kailasa Suresh Kumar
Published: January 2022

Borophene is a two-dimensional material that has shown outstanding applications in energy storage devices and analytical chemistry.
Chemical and chemoenzymatic stereoselective synthesis of β-nucleosides and their analogues
Authors: Wang Hui-Jing , Zhong Yang-Yang , Xiao You-Cai , Chen Fen-Er
Published: January 2022

β-Nucleosides are fundamental building blocks of biological systems and are used as therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer and viral infections. This review summarizes the stereoselective synthesis of β-nucleosides and their analogues.
Organic photoelectrochemical transistor detection of tear lysozyme
Authors: Li Zheng , Hu Jin , Gao Ge , Liu Xiang-Nan , Wu Jia-Qi , Xu Yi-Tong , Zhou Hong , Zhao Wei-Wei , Xu Jing-Juan , Chen Hong-Yuan
Published: January 2022

A high-performance organic photoelectrochemical transistor (OPECT) is developed by synergizing a light-sensitive aptamer/CdS QDs/Ti wire gate photoanode with a PEDOT:PSS-based device towards detection of the tear biomarker lysozyme.
An ultrathin and highly efficient interlayer for lithium–sulfur batteries with high sulfur loading and lean electrolyte
Authors: Fan Xialu , Liu Yingqi , Tan Junyang , Yang Shan , Zhang Xiaoyin , Liu Bilu , Cheng Huiming , Sun Zhenhua , Li Feng
Published: January 2022

An ultrathin and highly efficient boron nitride/single-wall carbon nanotube interlayer (UHEI) was prepared for lithium–sulfur batteries with high sulfur loading and lean electrolyte.
Optimizing the Na metal/solid electrolyte interface through a grain boundary design
Authors: Wang Chengzhi , Sun Chen , Sun Zheng , Wang Boyu , Song Tinglu , Zhao Yongjie , Li Jingbo , Jin Haibo
Published: January 2022

We propose grain boundary sealed Na3Zr2Si2PO12 (GBS-NZSP) to address the critical issues of solid-state Na batteries. Ultra-stable Na plating/striping cycles and high-rate solid-state Na metal batteries are realized at room temperature.
Solvent strategies toward high-performance perovskite light-emitting diodes
Authors: Xia Yu , Lou Yan-Hui , Zhou Yu-Hang , Wang Kai-Li , Chen Jing , Wang Zhao-Kui , Liao Liang-Sheng
Published: January 2022

Solvent engineering is playing an important role in improving the performance of perovskite light-emitting diode (PeLED) devices. In this review, solvent-based strategies for efficient PeLEDs are mainly discussed and an outlook is also proposed.
Planet populations inferred from debris discs
Authors: Pearce Tim D. , Launhardt Ralf , Ostermann Robert , Kennedy Grant M. , Gennaro Mario , Booth Mark , Krivov Alexander V. , Cugno Gabriele , Henning Thomas K. , Quirrenbach Andreas , Barcucci Arianna Musso , Matthews Elisabeth C. , Ruh Henrik L. , Stone Jordan M.
Published: January 2022

We know little about the outermost exoplanets in planetary systems because our detection methods are insensitive to moderate-mass planets on wide orbits. However, debris discs can probe the outer-planet population because dynamical modelling of observed discs can reveal properties of perturbing planets. We use four sculpting and stirring arguments to infer planet properties in 178 debris-disc systems from the ISPY, LEECH, and LIStEN planet-hunting surveys. Similar analyses are often conducted for individual discs, but we consider a large sample in a consistent manner. We aim to predict the population of wide-separation planets, gain insight into the formation and evolution histories of planetary systems, and determine the feasibility of detecting these planets in the near future. We show that a ‘typical’ cold debris disc likely requires a Neptune- to Saturn-mass planet at 10–100 au, with some needing Jupiter-mass perturbers. Our predicted planets are currently undetectable, but modest detection-limit improvements (e.g. from JWST) should reveal many such perturbers. We find that planets thought to be perturbing debris discs at late times are similar to those inferred to be forming in protoplanetary discs, so these could be the same population if newly formed planets do not migrate as far as currently thought. Alternatively, young planets could rapidly sculpt debris before migrating inwards, meaning that the responsible planets are more massive (and located farther inwards) than debris-disc studies assume. We combine self-stirring and size-distribution modelling to show that many debris discs cannot be self-stirred without having unreasonably high masses; planet- or companion-stirring may therefore be the dominant mechanism in many (perhaps all) debris discs. Finally, we provide catalogues of planet predictions and identify promising targets for future planet searches.
Short and Medium-term Outcomes of Omphalocele and Gastroschisis: A Survey from a Tertiary Center
Authors: Marques Alexandra Tavares , Estevão-Costa José , Soares Henrique , Fragoso Ana Catarina
Published: January 2022

Objective To characterize and compare the outcomes of omphalocele and gastroschisis from birth to 2 years of follow-up in a recent cohort at a tertiary center.

Methods This is a retrospective clinical record review of all patients with gastroschisis and omphalocele admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between January 2009 and December 2019.

Results There were 38 patients, 13 of whom had omphalocele, and 25 of whom had gastroschisis. Associated anomalies were present in 6 patients (46.2%) with omphalocele and in 10 (41.7%) patients with gastroschisis. Compared with patients with omphalocele, those with gastroschisis had younger mothers (24.7 versus 29.6 years; p = 0.033), were born earlier (36 versus 37 weeks, p = 0.006), had lower birth weight (2365 ± 430.4 versus 2944.2 ± 571.9 g; p = 0.001), and had a longer hospital stay (24 versus 9 days, p = 0.001). The neonatal survival rate was 92.3% for omphalocele and 91.7% for gastroschisis. Thirty-four patients were followed-up over a median of 24 months; 13 patients with gastroschisis (59.1%) and 8 patients with omphalocele (66.7%) had at least one adverse event, mainly umbilical hernia (27.3% vs 41.7%), intestinal obstruction (31.8% vs 8.3%), or additional surgical interventions (27.3% vs 33.3%).

Conclusion Despite the high proportion of prematurity, low birth weight, and protracted recovery, gastroschisis and omphalocele (without chromosomal abnormalities) may achieve very high survival rates; on the other hand, complications may develop in the first years of life. Thus, a very positive perspective in terms of survival should be transmitted to future parents, but they should also be informed that substantial morbidity may occur in the medium term.