bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The COVID-19 Pandemic, International Cooperation, and Populism
Authors: Pevehouse Jon C.W.
Published: December 2020

Inconsistent efforts at international cooperation often undermined global efforts to mitigate the COVID-19 health pandemic. Pundits and scholars alike laid much of the blame for this lack of cooperation on domestic political factors, especially populist leaders. Could international relations theories have predicted this behavior? I argue that there are no off-the-shelf theories that engage populism with traditional mechanisms of international cooperation, especially cooperation facilitated by international institutions. I explore how populist sentiment, whether stemming from the public or leaders, can pose barriers to cooperation. I argue that populists are especially likely to resist cues from foreign actors; are especially reticent to delegate national sovereignty; and are especially resistant to policies that result in gains for elites and, when coupled with nationalism, foreigners. The essay concludes with suggestions for further theoretical and empirical research.
Ageing well in a foreign land: group memberships protect older immigrants’ wellbeing through enabling social support and integration
Authors: Haslam Catherine , Dane Sharon , Lam Ben C. P. , Jetten Jolanda , Liu Shuang , Gallois Cindy , Tran Tran Le Nghi
Published: December 2020

Despite the numerous challenges of ageing in a foreign land, many older immigrants are fairly resilient and report experiencing good wellbeing. The key question that the present paper addresses is how this is achieved. Drawing on frameworks from cross-cultural and social identity literatures, the present study proposes and tests a model of serial multiple mediation that identifies possible mechanisms supporting the wellbeing of older immigrants who have resided in the host country for some time. In this model, it is predicted that new group memberships acquired post-migration enable access to social support that in turn provides the basis for perceived integration, which enhances wellbeing. This model was tested in a survey study with 102 older people, whose mean age was 80.3 years and who had migrated to Australia from Asian, European, and Central and South American countries on average 36 years previously. The survey assessed cultural identity, social group memberships acquired post-migration, perceived social support, perceived integration and wellbeing. Results supported the hypothesised model, indicating that joining new heritage culture and wider groups in Australia post-migration provided a platform for social support and integration, which enhanced life satisfaction and reduced loneliness. The implications of these findings for theory and adapting successfully to both migration and ageing are discussed.
Ethical dilemmas: balancing choice and risk with a duty of care in extending personalisation into the care home
Authors: Miller Emma , Barrie Karen
Published: December 2020

The article reports the perspectives of senior care staff as part of a study exploring personalisation in care homes. Behind the conceptual sword and shield of ‘choice and control’ associated with personalisation in the United Kingdom (UK) lie irreconcilable flaws, thrown into sharp relief in this context. Personalisation, which originated in community-based social services, has recently been extended into UK care homes. This service development has been stimulated by a desire to promote a humane response to caring for an ageing population, whilst containing costs. Seemingly promoting a relational approach, personalisation also entails consumerist underpinnings, with consequent tensions resulting in weakened policy mechanisms. Discussing findings pertaining to ‘food and eating’, the article illustrates the complex interplay between supporting resident capabilities with poor staff ratios; when choice is not really choice at all; balancing choice, risk and the duty of care; and responding to diverse perspectives about what matters. This complexity reflects the highly skilled nature of care work as promoted by care ethicists. The tensions permeated care home life and found parallels in the wider system of care. Honesty about the limitations of choice and control is essential to achieve ethical care in care homes. The care home constitutes fertile ground for exposing and exploring the shortcomings of the ‘logic of choice’ and for advancing a more relational, inclusive and sustainable conceptualisation of personalisation.
A CUMULATIVE RESIDUAL INACCURACY MEASURE FOR COHERENT SYSTEMS AT COMPONENT LEVEL AND UNDER NONHOMOGENEOUS POISSON PROCESSES
Authors: da Costa Bueno Vanderlei , Balakrishnan Narayanaswamy
Published: December 2020

Inaccuracy and information measures based on cumulative residual entropy are quite useful and have attracted considerable attention in many fields including reliability theory. Using a point process martingale approach and a compensator version of Kumar and Taneja's generalized inaccuracy measure of two nonnegative continuous random variables, we define here an inaccuracy measure between two coherent systems when the lifetimes of their common components are observed. We then extend the results to the situation when the components in the systems are subject to failure according to a double stochastic Poisson process.
Subclinical atherosclerosis in children and adolescents with congenital heart disease
Authors: Cardoso Silvia M. , Honicky Michele , Moreno Yara M. F. , de Lima Luiz R. A. , Pacheco Matheus A. , Back Isabela de C.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Subclinical atherosclerosis in childhood can be evaluated by carotid intima-media thickness, which is considered a surrogate marker for atherosclerotic disease in adulthood. The aims of this study were to evaluate carotid intima-media thickness and, to investigate associated factors.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study with children and adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD). Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed. Subclinical atherosclerosis was evaluated by carotid intima-media thickness. Cardiovascular risk factors, such as physical activity, screen time, passive smoke, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, dietary intake, lipid parameters, glycaemia, and C-reactive protein, were also assessed. Factors associated with carotid intima-media thickness were analysed using multiple logistic regression.

Results:

The mean carotid intima-media thickness was 0.518 mm and 46.7% had subclinical atherosclerosis (carotid intima-media thickness ≥ 97th percentile). After adjusting for confounding factors, cyanotic CHD (odds ratio: 0.40; 95% confidence interval: 0.20; 0.78), cardiac surgery (odds ratio: 3.17; 95% confidence interval: 1.35; 7.48), and be hospitalised to treat infections (odds ratio: 1.92; 95% confidence interval: 1.04; 3.54) were associated with subclinical atherosclerosis.

Conclusion:

Clinical characteristics related to CHD were associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. This finding suggests that the presence of CHD itself is a risk factor for subclinical atherosclerosis. Therefore, the screen and control of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors should be made early and intensively to prevent atherosclerosis.
The use of aperture shape controller and convergence mode in radiotherapy treatment planning
Authors: Rossi Maija , Boman Eeva
Published: December 2020

Aim:

Studying the use of Aperture Shape Controller (ASC) and Convergence Mode (CM) in Eclipse (Varian Medical System) in terms of plan quality and complexity of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT).

Materials and methods:

Forty VMAT plans were re-optimised for the prostate, prostate + lymph nodes, breast and head & neck patients retrospectively, changing the ASC settings (off, moderate, very high) and CM settings (off, on and extended).

Results:

Using ‘on’ or ‘extended’ CM increased plan quality in terms of planning target volume homogeneity and low-dose spread to the organs at risk (OAR). ‘Extended’ CM increased the optimisation time 4·3-fold compared to ‘on’, and deteriorated the plan quality in several simple planning cases. ‘Moderate’ ASC decreased plan complexity with minor effect on plan quality compared to ‘off’, but ‘very high’ ASC had larger adverse dosimetric effects. However, the ASC decreased the plan complexity only if the CM was turned ‘on’.

Findings:

Using ‘on’ CM increases the plan quality but using ‘extended’ CM is not recommended. The ‘moderate’ ASC decreased complexity without significant adverse effects on plan quality, and even ‘very high’ ASC may be used when plan simplicity is prioritised. However, if CM is not used, the ASC should also be turned off.
The Financialization of International Law
Authors: Kalyanpur Nikhil , Newman Abraham L.
Published: December 2020

We investigate how the international investment regime turned into an investment vehicle. Through the process called third-party funding, financiers back international legal claims by firms against countries and in turn seek a share of any potential award. More generally, we add to debates on how international regimes evolve and at times generate unanticipated consequences. Building off work on the sociology of fields, we argue that institutional change can occur when individuals from different fields interact. Each field has its own local practices and beliefs about how governance institutions like international regimes function. When professionals from one field analyze problems in another, they use the tools from their native field. If potential solutions provide material and status benefits for the dominant actors in the targeted regime, cross-field coalitions can form and change the targeted regime’s practice. As hedge funds in the finance field and lawyers in the international law field sought to reinvent themselves after the 2008 financial crisis, they teamed up to make Investor State Dispute Settlement a speculator’s game. Theoretically, we embed theories of regime change within larger social relations, highlighting the importance of informal interactions among regime operators for the use and function of governance institutions. We underscore the role of field interdependence as actors engage in contestation across social and political domains. Empirically, we demonstrate the way in which financialization has had far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond traditional economic sectors, reconfiguring the practice of international law.
The Geographical Spread of State Executions during the Irish Civil War, 1922–23
Authors: Kissane Bill
Published: December 2020

The state executions of 81 IRA men during the Irish civil war have long been a bitter, almost taboo subject in Irish society. This article provides a geographical perspective on these executions. While the origins of the policy can be traced to elite divisions, the geographical spread of the executions, especially in 1923, reflected the geography of the civil war, and the need to broadcast state power at the local level during its guerrilla phase. The article maps the geographical spread of the executions and analyzes their diffusion in terms of a number of general and Irish-specific theories of civil war violence. Because the civil war originated in elite differences over a treaty, and because the two sides of the conflict had been so personally close at the elite level, historians have tended to explain the executions in terms of elite psychology. Yet while the initial development of the policy reflected the centralization of power by the protreaty elite, in terms of timing, strategic rationale, and location territorial perspectives on civil war explain much more about their diffusion in 1923.
A Deep Learning Approach to Spatiotemporal Sea Surface Height Interpolation and Estimation of Deep Currents in Geostrophic Ocean Turbulence
Authors: Manucharyan Georgy E. , Siegelman Lia , Klein Patrice
Published: December 2020

Satellite altimeters provide global observations of sea surface height (SSH) and present a unique data set for advancing our theoretical understanding of upper‐ocean dynamics and monitoring its variability. Considering that mesoscale SSH patterns can evolve on timescales comparable to or shorter than satellite return periods, it is challenging to accurately reconstruct the continuous SSH evolution as currently available altimetry observations are still spatially and temporally sparse. Here we explore the possibility of SSH interpolation via Deep Learning by using synthetic observations from an idealized quasigeostrophic model of baroclinic ocean turbulence. We demonstrate that Convolutional Neural Networks with Residual Learning are superior in SSH reconstruction to linear and recently developed dynamical interpolation techniques. Also, the deep neural networks can provide a skillful state estimate of unobserved deep ocean currents at mesoscales. These conspicuous results suggest that SSH patterns of eddies might contain substantial information about the underlying deep ocean currents that are necessary for SSH prediction. Our training data are focused on highly idealized physics and diversification of processes needs to be considered to more accurately represent the real ocean. In addition, methodological improvements such as transfer learning and implementation of dynamically aware loss functions might be necessary to consider before its ultimate use with real satellite observations. Nonetheless, by providing a proof of concept based on synthetic data, our results point to deep learning as a viable alternative to existing interpolation and, more generally, state estimation methods for satellite observations of eddying currents.
A Technique for Automated Detection of Lightning in Images and Video From the International Space Station for Scientific Understanding and Validation
Authors: Schultz Christopher J. , Lang Timothy J. , Leake Skye , Runco Mario , Stefanov William
Published: December 2020

A combination of Chiba University's METEOR camera, International Space Station Lightning Imaging Sensor (ISS LIS), Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM), National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) data, and other space and ground based data sets were utilized to develop a METEOR‐derived lightning identification technique to automatically identify lightning flashes within International Space Station video and still frame imagery. Approximately 14,000 frames were used from two METEOR camera videos. Zero lightning events were missed by the technique using manual inspection of both videos, and the technique did not identify other sources of light (e.g., city lights). Three‐hundred and nine METEOR‐identified flashes were matched with 289 GLM flashes and 285 ISS LIS flashes in the METEOR field of view on May 17, 2017. On average, the flash area determined by the analysis technique developed in this study was 266 km2 smaller than the flash area observed by GLM. The primary reason for this difference in size was the spatial resolution of GLM and METEOR (>8 km vs. 260 m). When NLDN flashes were observed, there was a 200–500 km2 increase in the algorithm‐derived flash area within 100 ms of the NLDN time, indicative of return stroke processes as bright light is scattered through cloud top. Accurate reverse geolocation using lightning data alone was difficult due to the different spatial resolution, temporal resolution, and other geolocation assumptions between the camera images and comparison data. However, the use of satellite‐derived city lights aided in the geolocation process for scientific comparisons.
Estimating Submicron Aerosol Mixing State at the Global Scale With Machine Learning and Earth System Modeling
Authors: Zheng Zhonghua , Curtis Jeffrey H. , Yao Yu , Gasparik Jessica T. , Anantharaj Valentine G. , Zhao Lei , West Matthew , Riemer Nicole
Published: December 2020

This study integrates machine learning and particle‐resolved aerosol simulations to develop emulators that predict submicron aerosol mixing state indices from the Earth system model (ESM) simulations. The emulators predict aerosol mixing state using only quantities that are predicted by the ESM, including bulk aerosol species concentrations, which do not by themselves carry mixing state information. We used PartMC‐MOSAIC as the particle‐resolved model and NCAR's CESM as the ESM. We trained emulators for three different mixing state indices for submicron aerosol in terms of chemical species abundance (χa), the mixing of optically absorbing and nonabsorbing species (χo), and the mixing of hygroscopic and nonhygroscopic species (χh). Our global mixing state maps show considerable spatial and seasonal variability unique to each mixing state index. Seasonal averages varied spatially between 13% and 94% for χa, between 38% and 94% for χo, and between 20% and 87% for χh with global annual averages of 67%, 68%, and 56%, respectively. High values in one index can be consistent with low values in another index depending on the grouping of species and their relative abundance, meaning that each mixing state index captures different aspects of the population mixing state. Although a direct validation with observational data has not been possible yet, our results are consistent with mixing state index values derived from ambient observations. This work is a prototypical example of using machine learning emulators to add information to ESM simulations.
Magnetospheric Multiscale Statistics of High Energy Electrons Trapped in Diamagnetic Cavities
Authors: Burkholder B. L. , Nykyri K. , Ma X.
Published: December 2020

High‐energy electrons observed in the magnetosheath must be accelerated by some mechanism that is as yet undetermined. We present observations of high‐energy electrons trapped in diamagnetic cavities as measured by Magnetospheric Multiscale from 2015 to 2018. The observations support the notion of local acceleration in the reconnection quasi‐potential as many of events show particles with pitch angles that are increasingly closer to 90° with increasing energy. It is suggested that these particles can end up in the loss cone and be transported to the magnetosheath. We also characterize each diamagnetic cavity as formed due to low‐ or high‐latitude reconnection based on prevailing solar wind conditions. The character of the ions in the diamagnetic cavity is only briefly mentioned as their properties warrant another stand‐alone investigation.
Nonlinear Landau Resonant Interaction Between Kinetic Alfvén Waves and Thermal Electrons: Excitation of Time Domain Structures
Authors: An Xin , Bortnik Jacob , Zhang Xiao‐Jia
Published: December 2020

Phase space holes, double layers and other solitary electric field structures, referred to as time domain structures (TDSs), often occur around dipolarization fronts in the Earth's inner magnetosphere. They are considered to be important because of their role in the dissipation of the injection energy and their potential for significant particle scattering and acceleration. Kinetic Alfvén waves are observed to be excited during energetic particle injections, and are typically present in conjunction with TDS observations. Despite the availability of a large number of spacecraft observations, the origin of TDSs and their relation to kinetic Alfvén waves remains poorly understood to date. Part of the difficulty arises from the vast scale separations between kinetic Alfvén waves and TDSs. Here, we demonstrate that TDSs can be excited by electrons in nonlinear Landau resonance with kinetic Alfvén waves. These electrons get trapped by the parallel electric field of kinetic Alfvén waves, form localized beam distributions, and subsequently generate TDSs through beam instabilities. A big picture emerges as follows: macroscale dipolarization fronts first transfer the ion flow (kinetic) energy to kinetic Alfvén waves at intermediate scale, which further channel the energy to TDSs at the microscale and eventually deposit the energy to the thermal electrons in the form of heating. In this way, the ion flow energy associated with dipolarization fronts is effectively dissipated in a cascade from large to small scales in the inner magnetosphere.
Inner Magnetospheric Response to the Interplanetary Magnetic Field By Component: Van Allen Probes and Arase Observations
Authors: Case N. A. , Hartley D. P. , Grocott A. , Miyoshi Y. , Matsuoka A. , Imajo S. , Kurita S. , Shinohara I. , Teramoto M.
Published: December 2020

We utilize 17 years of combined Van Allen Probes and Arase data to statistically analyze the response of the inner magnetosphere to the orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) By component. Past studies have demonstrated that the IMF By component introduces a similarly oriented By component into the magnetosphere. However, these studies have tended to focus on field lines in the magnetotail only reaching as close to the Earth as the geosynchronous orbit. By exploiting data from these inner magnetospheric spacecraft, we have been able to investigate the response at radial distances of <7RE. When subtracting the background magnetic field values, provided by the T01 and IGRF magnetic field models, we find that the IMF By component does affect the configuration of the magnetic field lines in the inner magnetosphere. This control is observed throughout the inner magnetosphere, across both hemispheres, all radial distances, and all magnetic local time sectors. The ratio of IMF By to the observed By residual, also known as the “penetration efficiency,” is found to be ∼0.33. The IMF Bz component is found to increase, or inhibit, this control depending upon its orientation.
Factors Controlling Terminus Position of Hansbreen, a Tidewater Glacier in Svalbard
Authors: Błaszczyk Małgorzata , Jania Jacek A. , Ciepły Michał , Grabiec Mariusz , Ignatiuk Dariusz , Kolondra Leszek , Kruss Aleksandra , Luks Bartłomiej , Moskalik Mateusz , Pastusiak Tadeusz , Strzelewicz Agnieszka , Walczowski Waldemar , Wawrzyniak Tomasz
Published: December 2020

The mechanism of glacier recession and its climatic controls are complex processes that differ across the Arctic region. Here, we investigate factors influencing front variations of Hansbreen, a glacier terminated in Hornsund fjord (SW Svalbard). We apply remote sensing data to observe glacier front fluctuations between 1992 and 2015 and compare them to atmospheric and oceanographic data, sea water depth at the terminus and surface velocity. Rate of subglacial meltwater discharge approximated by the seasonal positive degree‐day index (PDD) together with sea thermal conditions appear to be the main factors responsible for the fluctuations of the front of Hansbreen, while water depth at the front plays a secondary role. Taking into account ocean and air thermal conditions, the studied period has been divided into warm, cold and moderate years. The glacier retreated considerably throughout a bedrock overdeepening in the very warm period 2012–2014. This recession coincided with a slower ice flow due to intense subglacial runoff and increased submarine melting. The long‐term retreat was interrupted by glacier advances in colder years, regardless of water depth at the front. The slower recession rate was the combined effect of decreased subglacial melting and increased glacier movement associated with lower subglacial runoff. Although the seasonal PDD is a good indicator of the front fluctuations, the duration of the retreat and advance periods are strongly correlated with the sea surface temperature. Expected climate warming and an increase of water temperature in the West Spitsbergen Current will stimulate further recession of Hansbreen in future.
A Mountain‐Front Recharge Component Characterization Approach Combining Groundwater Age Distributions, Noble Gas Thermometry, and Fluid and Energy Transport Modeling
Authors: Markovich Katherine H. , Condon Laura E. , Carroll Kenneth C. , Purtschert Roland , McIntosh Jennifer C.
Published: December 2020

Mountain‐front recharge (MFR), or all inflow to a basin‐fill aquifer with its source in the mountain block, is an important component of recharge to basin‐fill aquifer systems. Distinguishing and quantifying the surface from subsurface components of MFR is necessary for water resource planning and management, particularly as climate change may impact these components in distinct ways. This study tests the hypothesis that MFR components can be distinguished in long‐screened, basin‐fill production wells by (1) groundwater age and (2) the median elevation of recharge. We developed an MFR characterization approach by combining age distributions in six wells using tritium, krypton‐85, argon‐39, and radiocarbon, and median recharge elevations from noble gas thermometry combined with numerical experiments to determine recharge temperature lapse rates using flow and energy transport modeling. We found that groundwater age distributions provided valuable information for characterizing the dominant flow system behavior captured by the basin‐fill production wells. Tracers indicated the presence of old (i.e., no detectable tritium) water in a well completed in weathered bedrock located close to the mountain front. Two production wells exhibited age distributions of binary mixing between modern and a small fraction of old water, whereas the remaining wells captured predominantly modern flow paths. Noble gas thermometry provided important complementary information to the age distributions; however, assuming constant recharge temperature lapse rates produced improbable recharge elevations. Numerical experiments suggest that surface MFR, if derived from snowmelt, can locally suppress water table temperatures in the basin‐fill aquifer, with implications for recharge elevations estimated from noble gas thermometry.
Peroxiredoxin 4 protects against ovarian ageing by ameliorating d-galactose-induced oxidative damage in mice
Authors: Liang Xiuru , Yan Zhengjie , Ma Weiwei , Qian Yi , Zou Xiaofei , Cui Yugui , Liu Jiayin , Meng Yan
Published: December 2020

Peroxiredoxin 4 (Prdx4), a member of the Prdx family, is a vital ER-resident antioxidant in cells. As revealed in our previous study, Prdx4 expression was detected in ovarian granulosa cells and was closely related to ovarian function. This research aimed to explore the effect and underlying molecular mechanism of the protective role of Prdx4 against d-gal-induced ovarian ageing in mice. The d-gal-induced ovarian ageing model has been extensively used to study the mechanisms of premature ovarian failure (POF). In this study, adult Prdx4−/− and wild-type mice were intraperitoneally injected with d-gal (150 mg/kg/day) daily for 6 weeks. Ovarian function, granulosa cell apoptosis, oxidative damage and ER stress in the ovaries were evaluated in the two groups. Ovarian weight was significantly lower, the HPO axis was more strongly disrupted, and the numbers of atretic follicles and apoptotic granulosa cells were obviously higher in Prdx4−/− mice. In addition, Prdx4−/− mice showed increased expression of oxidative damage-related factors and the ovarian senescence-related protein P16. Moreover, the levels of the proapoptotic factors CHOP and activated caspase-12 protein, which are involved in the ER stress pathway, and the level of the apoptosis-related BAX protein were elevated in the ovaries of Prdx4−/− mice. Thus, d-gal-induced ovarian ageing is accelerated in Prdx4−/− mice due to granulosa cell apoptosis via oxidative damage and ER stress-related pathways, suggesting that Prdx4 is a protective agent against POF.
Automated calculation and convergence of defect transport tensors
Authors: Swinburne Thomas D. , Perez Danny
Published: December 2020

Defect diffusion is a key process in materials science and catalysis, but as migration mechanisms are often too complex to enumerate a priori, calculation of transport tensors typically have no measure of convergence and require significant end-user intervention. These two bottlenecks prevent high-throughput implementations essential to propagate model-form uncertainty from interatomic interactions to predictive simulations. In order to address these issues, we extend a massively parallel accelerated sampling scheme, autonomously controlled by Bayesian estimators of statewide sampling completeness, to build atomistic kinetic Monte Carlo models on a state-space irreducible under exchange and space group symmetries. Focusing on isolated defects, we derive analytic expressions for drift and diffusion coefficients, providing a convergence metric by calculating the Kullback–Leibler divergence across the ensemble of diffusion processes consistent with the sampling uncertainty. The autonomy and efficacy of the method is demonstrated on surface trimers in tungsten and Hexa-interstitials in magnesium oxide, both of which exhibit complex, correlated migration mechanisms.
Species-specific bioaccumulation of trace metals among fish species from Xincun Lagoon, South China Sea
Authors: Feng Weihua , Wang Zhifu , Xu Hengtao , Zhang Dongrong , Zhang Haifeng , Zhu Wenzhuo
Published: December 2020

Xincun Lagoon is an important fishing area in northern Hainan Island, China. It has long been exposed to pollutants from local sewage, breeding cages and fishing boats, resulting in serious pollution threats to the survival of fish. In this study, we examined the concentrations of seven trace metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Hg, As and Cr) in sixteen economic fish species collected from Xincun Lagoon and their exposed environment (water and sediment). The concentrations of Pb and Zn in the water column were higher than the safety threshold stipulated by Chinese legislation, while the contents of all examined metals in the sediment and fish species were lower than the legislative thresholds set by China and international organizations. The contents of trace metals in the fish species in high trophic levels or those that prefer to live in/on the sediment layer were significantly higher than those in other trophic levels and pelagic/subbenthic fish, these species had homogeneous anthropogenic pollution sources for Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg and As. Our results show that the trace metal contents in fish were mainly affected by trophic level and habitat preference. The contribution of metal exposure from the sediment to metal accumulation in fish was lower than that in water, especially for the Cd and Hg in the sediment. These results provide valuable information for further understanding the species-specific patterns of metal accumulation in fish and the development of targeted conservation measures for the environment and fish consumers.
Sonodynamic therapy in combination with photodynamic therapy shows enhanced long-term cure of brain tumor
Authors: Borah Ballav M. , Cacaccio Joseph , Durrani Farukh A. , Bshara Wiam , Turowski Steven G. , Spernyak Joseph A. , Pandey Ravindra K.
Published: December 2020

This article presents the construction of a multimodality platform that can be used for efficient destruction of brain tumor by a combination of photodynamic and sonodynamic therapy. For in vivo studies, U87 patient-derived xenograft tumors were implanted subcutaneously in SCID mice. For the first time, it has been shown that the cell-death mechanism by both treatment modalities follows two different pathways. For example, exposing the U87 cells after 24 h incubation with HPPH [3-(1′-hexyloxy)ethyl-3-devinyl-pyropheophorbide-a) by ultrasound participate in an electron-transfer process with the surrounding biological substrates to form radicals and radical ions (Type I reaction); whereas in photodynamic therapy, the tumor destruction is mainly caused by highly reactive singlet oxygen (Type II reaction). The combination of photodynamic therapy and sonodynamic therapy both in vitro and in vivo have shown an improved cell kill/tumor response, that could be attributed to an additive and/or synergetic effect(s). Our results also indicate that the delivery of the HPPH to tumors can further be enhanced by using cationic polyacrylamide nanoparticles as a delivery vehicle. Exposing the nano-formulation with ultrasound also triggered the release of photosensitizer. The combination of photodynamic therapy and sonodynamic therapy strongly affects tumor vasculature as determined by dynamic contrast enhanced imaging using HSA-Gd(III)DTPA.
Controlling biodiversity impacts of future global hydropower reservoirs by strategic site selection
Authors: Dorber Martin , Arvesen Anders , Gernaat David , Verones Francesca
Published: December 2020

Further reservoir-based hydropower development can contribute to the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs) on affordable and clean energy, and climate action. However, hydropower reservoir operation can lead to biodiversity impacts, thus interfering with the SDGs on clean water and life on land. We combine a high-resolution, location-specific, technical assessment with newly developed life cycle impact assessment models, to assess potential biodiversity impacts of possible future hydropower reservoirs, resulting from land occupation, water consumption and methane emissions. We show that careful selection of hydropower reservoirs has a large potential to limit biodiversity impacts, as for example, 0.3% of the global hydropower potential accounts for 25% of the terrestrial biodiversity impact. Local variations, e.g. species richness, are the dominant explanatory factors of the variance in the quantified biodiversity impact and not the mere amount of water consumed, or land occupied per kWh. The biodiversity impacts are mainly caused by land occupation and water consumption, with methane emissions being much less important. Further, we indicate a trade-off risk between terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity impacts, as due to the weak correlation between terrestrial and aquatic impacts, reservoirs with small aquatic biodiversity impacts tend to have larger terrestrial impacts and vice versa.
Prognostic value of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and mean platelet volume/platelet ratio for 1-year mortality in critically ill patients
Authors: Ham Sung Yeon , Yoon Hei Jin , Nam Sang Beom , Yun Byung Hwan , Eum Darhae , Shin Cheung Soo
Published: December 2020

Several studies have reported that the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and mean platelet volume (MPV) are associated with poor prognosis. This study investigated whether NLR and/or the MPV/platelet ratio could function as predictive markers of mortality in critically ill patients. We retrospectively reviewed 1,154 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) between January 2017 and December 2017. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to 1-year mortality. We compared the NLR and MPV/platelet ratio on each day of ICU admission. Patients were classified into tertiles based on their NLR and MPV/platelet ratios, and the incidence of 1-year mortality was compared. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were plotted to evaluate their potential as prognostic factors for 1-year mortality. The NLR and MPV/platelet ratio were higher in the non-survivor group than in the survivor group. The incidence of 1-year mortality was the highest in the third tertile for both the NLR and MPV/platelet ratio. The MPV/platelet ratio was an independent predictor for 1-year mortality based on the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Our data showed that the MPV/platelet ratio is a predictive factor for 1-year mortality in critically ill patients.
YY1 directly interacts with myocardin to repress the triad myocardin/SRF/CArG box-mediated smooth muscle gene transcription during smooth muscle phenotypic modulation
Authors: Zheng Jian-Pu , He Xiangqin , Liu Fang , Yin Shuping , Wu Shichao , Yang Maozhou , Zhao Jiawei , Dai Xiaohua , Jiang Hong , Yu Luyi , Yin Qin , Ju Donghong , Li Claire , Lipovich Leonard , Xie Youming , Zhang Kezhong , Li Hui J. , Zhou Jiliang , Li Li
Published: December 2020

Yin Yang 1 (YY1) regulates gene transcription in a variety of biological processes. In this study, we aim to determine the role of YY1 in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic modulation both in vivo and in vitro. Here we show that vascular injury in rodent carotid arteries induces YY1 expression along with reduced expression of smooth muscle differentiation markers in the carotids. Consistent with this finding, YY1 expression is induced in differentiated VSMCs in response to serum stimulation. To determine the underlying molecular mechanisms, we found that YY1 suppresses the transcription of CArG box-dependent SMC-specific genes including SM22α, SMα-actin and SMMHC. Interestingly, YY1 suppresses the transcriptional activity of the SM22α promoter by hindering the binding of serum response factor (SRF) to the proximal CArG box. YY1 also suppresses the transcription and the transactivation of myocardin (MYOCD), a master regulator for SMC-specific gene transcription by binding to SRF to form the MYOCD/SRF/CArG box triad (known as the ternary complex). Mechanistically, YY1 directly interacts with MYOCD to competitively displace MYOCD from SRF. This is the first evidence showing that YY1 inhibits SMC differentiation by directly targeting MYOCD. These findings provide new mechanistic insights into the regulatory mechanisms that govern SMC phenotypic modulation in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases.
Gray matter declines with age and hearing loss, but is partially maintained in tinnitus
Authors: Koops Elouise A. , de Kleine Emile , van Dijk Pim
Published: December 2020

The impact of age-related hearing loss extends beyond the auditory pathway and impacts brain areas related to cognitive impairment and even dementia. The presence of tinnitus, a sensation of sound that frequently co-occurs with hearing loss, is additionally linked to cognitive decline. Interestingly, structural neuroimaging studies have reported that hearing loss may precede or modulate the onset of cognitive impairment. In this study, we aimed to disentangle the effects of age, hearing loss, and tinnitus on gray matter structure. In total, 39 participants with hearing loss and tinnitus, 21 with hearing loss but without tinnitus, and 39 controls were included in this voxel- and surface-based morphometry MRI study. Whole brain volume and surface thickness measures were compared between the groups. Age-related gray matter volume decline was observed in all groups. Several brain areas showed smaller gray matter volume and cortical surface thickness in hearing loss without tinnitus, relative to controls. This reduction was observed both within and outside of the auditory pathway. Interestingly, these reductions were not observed in participants with tinnitus, who had similar hearing loss and were of similar age. Since we have tools to improve hearing loss, hearing screening may aid in the battle against cognitive decline.
The polymicrogyria-associated GPR56 promoter preferentially drives gene expression in developing GABAergic neurons in common marmosets
Authors: Murayama Ayako Y. , Kuwako Ken-ichiro , Okahara Junko , Bae Byoung-Il , Okuno Misako , Mashiko Hiromi , Shimogori Tomomi , Walsh Christopher A. , Sasaki Erika , Okano Hideyuki
Published: December 2020

GPR56, a member of the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor family, is abundantly expressed in cells of the developing cerebral cortex, including neural progenitor cells and developing neurons. The human GPR56 gene has multiple presumptive promoters that drive the expression of the GPR56 protein in distinct patterns. Similar to coding mutations of the human GPR56 gene that may cause GPR56 dysfunction, a 15-bp homozygous deletion in the cis-regulatory element upstream of the noncoding exon 1 of GPR56 (e1m) leads to the cerebral cortex malformation and epilepsy. To clarify the expression profile of the e1m promoter-driven GPR56 in primate brain, we generated a transgenic marmoset line in which EGFP is expressed under the control of the human minimal e1m promoter. In contrast to the endogenous GPR56 protein, which is highly enriched in the ventricular zone of the cerebral cortex, EGFP is mostly expressed in developing neurons in the transgenic fetal brain. Furthermore, EGFP is predominantly expressed in GABAergic neurons, whereas the total GPR56 protein is evenly expressed in both GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons, suggesting the GABAergic neuron-preferential activity of the minimal e1m promoter. These results indicate a possible pathogenic role for GABAergic neuron in the cerebral cortex of patients with GPR56 mutations.
Comparison of pelvic floor dysfunction 6 years after uncomplicated vaginal versus elective cesarean deliveries: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Baud David , Sichitiu Joanna , Lombardi Valeria , De Rham Maud , Meyer Sylvain , Vial Yvan , Achtari Chahin
Published: December 2020

Clinicians and patients have traditionally believed that elective cesarean section may protect against certain previously ineluctable consequences of labor, including a plethora of urinary, anorectal and sexual dysfunctions. We aimed to evaluate fecal, urinary and sexual symptoms 6 years postpartum, comparing uncomplicated vaginal delivery and elective cesarean delivery, and to assess their impact on quality of life. We conducted a cross-sectional study to compare perineal functional symptomatology between women having singleton elective cesarean deliveries (eCS) and singleton uncomplicated vaginal deliveries (uVD). Women who delivered 6 years before this study were chosen randomly from our hospital database. This database includes demographic, labor, and delivery information, as well as data regarding maternal and neonatal outcomes, all of which is collected at the time of delivery by the obstetrician. Four validated self-administrated questionnaires were sent by post to the participants: the short forms of the Urogenital Distress Inventory, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, Wexner fecal incontinence scale, and Female Sexual Function Index. Current socio-demographic details, physical characteristics, obstetrical history and mode of delivery at subsequent births were also registered using a self-reported questionnaire. A total of 309 women with uVD and 208 with eCS returned postal questionnaires. The response rate was 49%. Socio-demographic characteristics and fecal incontinence were similar between groups. After eCS, women reported significantly less urgency urinary incontinence (adjusted Relative Risk 0.55; 95% confidence interval 0.34–0.88) and stress incontinence (adjusted Relative Risk 0.53; 95% confidence interval 0.35–0.80) than after uVD. No difference in total Incontinence Impact Questionnaire score was found between both modes of delivery. Lower abdominal or genital pain (adjusted Relative Risk 1.58; 95% confidence interval 1.01–2.49) and pain related to sexual activity (adjusted Relative Risk 2.50; 95% confidence interval 1.19–5.26) were significantly more frequent after eCS than uVD. Six years postpartum, uVD is associated with urinary incontinence, while eCS is associated with sexual and urination pain.
Utilizing the National Basketball Association’s COVID-19 restart “bubble” to uncover the impact of travel and circadian disruption on athletic performance
Authors: McHill Andrew W. , Chinoy Evan D.
Published: December 2020

On March 11th, 2020, the National Basketball Association (NBA) paused its season after ~ 64 games due to the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, only to resume ~ 5 months later with the top 22 teams isolated together (known as the “bubble”) in Orlando, Florida to play eight games each as an end to the regular season. This restart, with no new travel by teams, provided a natural experiment whereby the impact of travel and home-court advantage could be systematically examined. We show here that in the pre-COVID-19 regular season, traveling across time zones reduces winning percentage, team shooting accuracy, and turnover percentage, whereas traveling in general reduces offensive rebounding and increases the number of points the opposing (home) team scores. Moreover, we demonstrate that competition in a scenario where no teams travel (restart bubble) reduces the typical effects of travel and home-court advantage on winning percentage, shooting accuracy, and rebounding. Thus, home-court advantage in professional basketball appears to be linked with the away team’s impaired shooting accuracy (i.e., movement precision) and rebounding, which may be separately influenced by either circadian disruption or the general effect of travel, as these differences manifest differently when teams travel within or across multiple time zones.
A multivariable miRNA signature delineates the systemic hemodynamic impact of arteriovenous shunt placement in a pilot study
Authors: Henn Dominic , Abu-Halima Masood , Kahraman Mustafa , Falkner Florian , Fischer Katharina S. , Barrera Janos A. , Chen Kellen , Gurtner Geoffrey C. , Keller Andreas , Kneser Ulrich , Meese Eckart , Schmidt Volker J.
Published: December 2020

Arteriovenous (AV) fistulas for hemodialysis can lead to cardiac volume loading and increased serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. Whether short-term AV loop placement in patients undergoing microsurgery has an impact on cardiac biomarkers and circulating microRNAs (miRNAs), potentially indicating an increased hemodynamic risk, remains elusive. Fifteen patients underwent AV loop placement with delayed free flap anastomosis for microsurgical reconstructions of lower extremity soft-tissue defects. N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP), copeptin (CT-proAVP), and miRNA expression profiles were determined in the peripheral blood before and after AV loop placement. MiRNA expression in the blood was correlated with miRNA expression from AV loop vascular tissue. Serum NT-proBNP and copeptin levels exceeded the upper reference limit after AV loop placement, with an especially strong NT-proBNP increase in patients with preexistent cardiac diseases. A miRNA signature of 4 up-regulated (miR-3198, miR-3127-5p, miR-1305, miR-1288-3p) and 2 down-regulated miRNAs (miR30a-5p, miR-145-5p) which are related to cardiovascular physiology, showed a significant systemic deregulation in blood and venous tissue after AV loop placement. AV loop placement causes serum elevations of NT-proBNP, copeptin as well as specific circulating miRNAs, indicating a potentially increased hemodynamic risk for patients with cardiovascular comorbidities, if free flap anastomosis is delayed.
Altered diversity and composition of gut microbiota in Wilson's disease
Authors: Cai Xiangsheng , Deng Lin , Ma Xiaogui , Guo Yusheng , Feng Zhiting , Liu Minqi , Guan Yubin , Huang Yanting , Deng Jianxin , Li Hongwei , Sang Hong , Liu Fang , Yang Xiaorong
Published: December 2020

Wilson’s disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder of chronic copper toxicosis with high mortality and disability. Recent evidence suggests a correlation between dysbiosis in gut microbiome and multiple diseases such as genetic and metabolic disease. However, the impact of intestinal microbiota polymorphism in WD have not been fully elaborated and need to be explore for seeking some microbiota benefit for WD patients. In this study, the 16S rRNA sequencing was performed on fecal samples from 14 patients with WD and was compared to the results from 16 healthy individuals. The diversity and composition of the gut microbiome in the WD group were significantly lower than those in healthy individuals. The WD group presented unique richness of Gemellaceae, Pseudomonadaceae and Spirochaetaceae at family level, which were hardly detected in healthy controls. The WD group had a markedly lower abundance of Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Verrucomicrobia, and a higher abundance of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Fusobacteria than that in healthy individuals. The Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio in the WD group was significantly lower than that of healthy control. In addition, the functional profile of the gut microbiome from WD patients showed a lower abundance of bacterial groups involved in the host immune and metabolism associated systems pathways such as transcription factors and ABC-type transporters, compared to healthy individuals. These results implied dysbiosis of gut microbiota may be influenced by the host metabolic disorders of WD, which may provide a new understanding of the pathogenesis and new possible therapeutic targets for WD.