bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extreme Positive Ionosphere Storm Triggered by a Minor Magnetic Storm in Deep Solar Minimum Revealed by FORMOSAT‐7/COSMIC‐2 and GNSS Observations
Authors: Rajesh P. K. , Lin C. H. , Lin C. Y. , Chen C. H. , Liu J. Y. , Matsuo T. , Chen S. P. , Yeh W. H. , Huang C. Y.
Published: December 2020

This study examines an unexpected and extreme positive ionospheric response to a minor magnetic storm on August 5, 2019 by using global ionosphere specification (GIS) 3D electron density profiles obtained by assimilating radio occultation total electron content (TEC) measurements of the recently launched FORMOSAT‐7/COSMIC‐2 satellites, and ground‐based global navigation satellite system (GNSS) TEC. The results reveal ∼300% enhancement of equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) crests, appearing over 200–300 km altitudes, and a much intense localized density enhancement over the European sector. These are the most intense ionospheric response that has ever been detected for a small magnetic storm with Dst ∼ −53 nT (SYM‐H ∼ −64 nT). The enhancements are validated by using global ionosphere map (GIM) TEC and ground‐based GNSS TEC. The GIS vertical electron density structures during the storm are examined to understand the physical processes giving rise to such an intense ionosphere response during deep solar minimum conditions when the background electron density is very low. Altitude variations and poleward shifts of the locations of the EIA crests indicate that prompt penetration electric fields (PPEF) play an important role in producing the observed positive storm responses, with the storm‐induced equatorward circulation supporting the plasma accumulation against recombination losses. Additional physical mechanisms are required to fully explain the unexpected electron density enhancements for this minor storm event.
Modeling of Compaction Trends of Anisotropic Elastic Properties of Shales
Authors: Yurikov Alexey , Pervukhina Marina , Beloborodov Roman , Delle Piane Claudio , Dewhurst David N. , Lebedev Maxim
Published: December 2020

Modeling of anisotropic elastic moduli of shales is a long‐standing problem in rock physics. Every year, industry and academia conduct hundreds of measurements of elastic and geomechanical properties of shales complemented with detailed mineralogical analysis, electron microscopy, and microtomographic images. However, a predictive theoretical model, which would be able to predict elastic properties of shale based on its detailed characterization, is still lacking. This is due to the complex multicomponent nature of shales which leads to multiparametric character of the modeling. It is extremely challenging to separate and investigate effects of these multiple parameters individually on natural shale samples. In this work, we analyze a unique data set of elastic properties measured on two artificial shales compacted with carefully controlled mineralogy, microstructure, and porosity. We developed a new modeling approach that consists of four steps that take into account effects of (1) the orientation of clay particles, (2) porosity, (3) silt fraction, and (4) the stiffness of contacts between clay particles. Three of these four steps require only measurable parameters and, only at the final step, the effect of unknown parameters (namely, contact properties of clay platelets) are accounted for. Further, the obtained contact properties are shown to be in a good agreement with the contact properties estimated for natural shale samples. Finally, we demonstrate the effect of each of these identified parameters on elastic coefficients and Thomsen's anisotropic parameters.
An Integrated Paleomagnetic, Multimethod‐Paleointensity, and Radiometric Study on Cretaceous and Paleogene Lavas From the Lesser Caucasus: Geomagnetic and Tectonic Implications
Authors: Calvo‐Rathert M. , Bógalo M. F. , Morales J. , Goguitchaichvili A. , Lebedev V. A. , Vashakidze G. , García‐Redondo N. , Herrero‐Bervera E.
Published: December 2020

Sixteen rhyolitic and dacitic Cretaceous and Paleocene‐Eocene lavas from the Lesser Caucasus have been subjected to paleomagnetic and multimethod paleointensity experiments to analyze the variations of the Earth's magnetic field. Paleointensity experiments were performed with two methods. Thellier‐type experiments with the IZZI method on 65 specimens (nine flows) yielded 15 successful determinations and experiments with the multispecimen method on 14 samples (seven flows) yielded two successful determinations. The joint analysis of the results obtained with both methods produced a mean FuK = (19.9 ± 3.7) µT for upper Cretaceous and FPg = (20.7 ± 3.3) µT for Paleogene sites. Low virtual axial dipole moments for the Cretaceous (3.4 × 1022 Am2) and Paleogene (3.5 × 1022 Am2) samples support the idea of a lower average dipole moment during periods of stable polarity of the Earth magnetic field. Mean flow paleomagnetic directions did not match expected upper Cretaceous to Paleogene directions calculated from the European Apparent Polar Wander Path. While inclination results roughly agreed with expected values, a group of sites showed nearly North‐South paleodeclinations (D = 1.1° ± 14.2°), and another group displayed eastward deviated paleodeclinations (D = 72.9° ± 26.6°). These results suggest the occurrence of nearly vertical‐axis rotations, probably as a result of continental collision since Oligocene. In addition to paleomagnetic and palaeointensity analyses, new K‐Ar absolute age determinations have been performed on three of the studied sites, yielding Late Cretaceous ages (78.7 ± 1.7, 79.7 ± 1.6, and 83.4 ± 1.8 Ma (2σ)).
Axisymmetric investigation of differential rotation in contracting stellar radiative zones
Authors: Gouhier B. , Lignières F. , Jouve L.
Published: December 2020

Context. Stars experience rapid contraction or expansion at different phases of their evolution. Modelling the transport of angular momentum and the transport of chemical elements occurring during these phases remains an unsolved problem.

Aims. We study a stellar radiative zone undergoing radial contraction and investigate the induced differential rotation and meridional circulation.

Methods. We consider a rotating spherical layer crossed by an imposed radial velocity field that mimics the contraction, and numerically solve the axisymmetric hydrodynamical equations in both the Boussinesq and anelastic approximations. An extensive parametric study is conducted to cover regimes of contraction, rotation, stable stratification, and density stratification that are relevant for stars.

Results. The differential rotation and the meridional circulation result from a competition between the contraction-driven inward transport of angular momentum and an outward transport dominated by either viscosity or an Eddington–Sweet-type circulation, depending on the value of the Pr(N0/Ω0)2 parameter, where Pr is the Prandtl number, N0 the Brunt–Väisäilä frequency, and Ω0 the rotation rate. Taking the density stratification into account is important to study more realistic radial contraction fields, and also because the resulting flow is less affected by unwanted effects of the boundary conditions. In these different regimes and for a weak differential rotation we derive scaling laws that relate the amplitude of the differential rotation to the contraction timescale.
Design and simulation of locally enhanced microchannel heat sink for diode partially pumped slab laser
Authors: Guo Zhanfeng , Sun Yunna , Wang Yan , Wang Guangyuan , Song Xutong , Ding Guifu
Published: December 2020

With the power level of diode-pumped solid-state laser (DPSSL) rising continuously, its thermal effect has become the main problem limiting the laser performance. In this paper, based on the heat distribution of diode partially end-pumped slab (Innoslab) laser, a shunt rectangular microchannel heat sink with locally enhanced heat dissipation is designed. Firstly, multi-stage parallel short channels are designed in the heat concentration area to enhance the solid-liquid heat exchange in this area, and the effects of structure and working conditions on its heat dissipation performance are investigated. Secondly, the copper layer is introduced into the end face of the low thermal conductivity crystal to form a high thermal conductivity path, which alleviates the heat accumulation inside the crystal. Under a certain condition, compared with the traditional liquid-cooled plate system, the maximum temperature of the laser crystal is reduced from 169.62 to 118.18 °C, the pressure drop is reduced by 66.75%, and the total mass of the system is reduced to 4.87% of the original system, which effectively improves the practical performance of the device.
How to Thrive in the Digital Economy
Authors:   BCS
Published: December 2020

BCS, The Chartered institute for IT, explains why building a resilient, digital workforce in the post-Covid digital economy is essential and how the BCS product pathway can help.
50 Most Influential Women
Authors: Matheson Amanda
Published: December 2020

BCSWomen feature in Computer Weekly’s list of the most influential women in UK IT
Hip arthroscopy via a peripheral compartment first capsular-preserving technique: a step-by-step description
Authors: Tang Hao-Che , Brockwell Jason , Dienst Michael
Published: December 2020

Hip arthroscopy is a well-recognized procedure for the treatment of several hip pathologies. Different methods of arthroscopic access to the hip have been published. The most popular approach is the central compartment first technique, where the first portal to the central compartment is placed under traction and fluoroscopic control. This technique, however, carries the risk of iatrogenic damage to the cartilage and labrum, especially when adequate distraction cannot be obtained. In addition, secondary exposure of the peripheral compartment frequently requires larger capsulotomies. The current article is to describe an alternative arthroscopic approach to the hip with the peripheral compartment being first accessed. The peripheral compartment first technique offers the advantages of a limited capsular release for peripheral compartment exposure and a reduced risk of iatrogenic cartilage and labrum damage during subsequent central compartment portal placement.
Spot auto-focusing and spot auto-stigmation methods with high-definition auto-correlation function in high-resolution TEM
Authors: Isakozawa Shigeto , Fuse Taishi , Amano Junpei , Baba Norio
Published: December 2020

As alternatives to the diffractogram-based method in high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, a spot auto-focusing (AF) method and a spot auto-stigmation (AS) method are presented with a unique high-definition auto-correlation function (HD-ACF). The HD-ACF clearly resolves the ACF central peak region in small amorphous-thin-film images, reflecting the phase contrast transfer function. At a 300-k magnification for a 120-kV transmission electron microscope, the smallest areas used are 64 × 64 pixels (~3 nm2) for the AF and 256 × 256 pixels for the AS. A useful advantage of these methods is that the AF function has an allowable accuracy even for a low s/n (~1.0) image. A reference database on the defocus dependency of the HD-ACF by the pre-acquisition of through-focus amorphous-thin-film images must be prepared to use these methods. This can be very beneficial because the specimens are not limited to approximations of weak phase objects but can be extended to objects outside such approximations.
Improving Detection of Cancer Predisposition Syndromes in Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Knoll Jasmine , Li Ashley , Smith Christy H. , Schratz Kristen , Cooper Stacy L. , Meah Tarek , Helmke Elizabeth , Pratilas Christine A. , Bodurtha Joann
Published: December 2020

Implementation and adherence to consensus statement criteria for referral of pediatric cancer patients for genetic evaluation are critical to identify the 5% to 10% with a genetic cancer predisposition syndrome. The authors implemented a Plan-Do-Study-Act quality improvement initiative aimed at increasing referrals of at-risk patients. Retrospective chart review was followed by educational intervention—with impact assessed over a 9-month prospective chart review. Referral rate improved >2-fold and there was an improvement in documented oncologic history to at least a third-degree relative. The integration of quality improvement can be an effective tool to improve the referral of patients with an elevated risk for a cancer predisposition syndrome.
Diagnostic Considerations in H1N1 Influenza-induced Thrombotic Microangiopathy
Authors: Sabulski Anthony , Nehus Edward J. , Jodele Sonata , Ricci Kiersten
Published: December 2020

Influenza virus can trigger atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and present with complement-driven thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). When administered promptly, complement-blocking therapies can spare organ injury and be lifesaving. However, diagnosing TMA in the setting of a severe viral infection can be challenging, as a significant overlap of symptoms and disease complications exists. This is particularly true in influenza virus infections and more recently, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections. We present a 16-year-old male with H1N1 influenza-induced atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome who quickly improved with complement-blocking therapy, highlighting an urgent need to include TMA in the differential diagnosis of severe viral infections.
Long-term Survival After Minimally Invasive Versus Open Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Kalff Marianne C. , Fransen Laura F.C. , de Groot Eline M. , Gisbertz Suzanne S. , Nieuwenhuijzen Grard A.P. , Ruurda Jelle P. , Verhoeven Rob H.A. , Luyer Misha D.P. , van Hillegersberg Richard , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I. ,   on behalf of the Dutch Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Audit group
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

This study aimed to compare long-term survival following MIE versus OE for esophageal cancer using a nationwide propensity-score matched cohort.

Summary of Background Data:

MIE provides lower postoperative morbidity and mortality, and similar short-term oncological quality compared to OE.

Methods:

Data was acquired from the Dutch Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Audit. Patients undergoing minimally invasive or open, transthoracic or transhiatal esophagectomy for primary esophageal cancer between 2011 and 2015 were included. A propensity-score matching analysis for MIE versus OE was performed separately for transthoracic and transhiatal esoph-agectomies.

Results:

A total of 1036 transthoracic MIE and OE patients, and 582 transhiatal MIE and OE patients were matched. Long-term survival was comparable for MIE and OE for both transthoracic and transhiatal procedures (5-year overall survival: transthoracic MIE 49.2% vs OE 51.1%, P 0.695; transhiatal MIE 48.4% vs OE 50.7%, P 0.832). For both procedures, MIE yielded more lymph nodes (transthoracic median 21 vs 18, P < 0.001; transhiatal 15 vs 13, P 0.007). Postoperative morbidity was comparable after transthoracic MIE and OE (60.8% vs 64.9%, P 0.177), with a reduced length of stay after transthoracic MIE (median 12 vs 15 days, P < 0.001). After transhiatal MIE, more postoperative complications (64.9% vs 56.4%, P 0.034) were observed, without subsequent difference in length of stay.

Conclusion:

Long-term survival after MIE was equivalent to open in both propensity-score matched cohorts of patients undergoing transthoracic or transhiatal esophageal resections. Transhiatal MIE was accompanied with

more postoperative morbidity. Both transthoracic and transhiatal MIE resulted in a more extended lymphadenectomy.
Adducin Regulates Sarcomere Disassembly During Cardiomyocyte Mitosis
Authors: Xiao Feng , Wang Ping , Li Shujuan , Thet Suwannee , Canseco Diana C. , Kimura Wataru , Luo Xiang , Nguyen Ngoc Uyen Nhi , Lam Nicholas , Elhelaly Waleed , Singh Rohit , Sadayappan Sakthivel , Kanchwala Mohammed , Xing Chao , Hajjar Roger J. , Hill Joseph A. , Sadek Hesham A.
Published: December 2020

Recent interest in understanding cardiomyocyte cell-cycle has been driven by potential therapeutic applications in cardiomyopathy. However, despite recent advances, cardiomyocyte mitosis remains a poorly understood process. For example, it is unclear how sarcomeres are disassembled during mitosis to allow abscission of daughter cardiomyocytes. Here we identify adducin as a regulator of sarcomere disassembly during mammalian cardiomyocyte mitosis. α/γ-adducins are selectively expressed in neonatal mitotic cardiomyocytes, and their levels decline precipitously thereafter. Cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of various splice isoforms and phosphoforms of α-adducin in-vitro and in-vivo identified Thr445/Thr480 phosphorylation of a short isoform of α adducin as a potent inducer of neonatal cardiomyocyte sarcomere disassembly. Concomitant overexpression of this α-adducin variant along with γ-adducin resulted in stabilization of the adducin complex and persistent sarcomere disassembly in adult mice, which is mediated by interaction with α-actinin. These results highlight an important mechanism for coordination of cytoskeletal morphological changes during cardiomyocyte mitosis.
Noise and landscape features influence habitat use of mammalian herbivores in a natural gas field
Authors: Kleist Nathan J. , Buxton Rachel T. , Lendrum Patrick E. , Linares Carlos , Crooks Kevin R. , Wittemyer George
Published: December 2020

Anthropogenic noise is a complex disturbance known to elicit a variety of responses in wild animals. Most studies examining the effects of noise on wildlife focus on vocal species, although theory suggests that the acoustic environment influences non‐vocal species as well.

Common mammalian prey species, like mule deer and hares and rabbits (members of the family Leporidae), rely on acoustic cues for information regarding predation, but the impacts of noise on their behaviour has received little attention.

We paired acoustic recorders with camera traps to explore how average daily levels of anthropogenic noise from natural gas activity impacted occupancy and detection of mammalian herbivores in an energy field in the production phase of development. We consider the effects of noise in the context of several physical landscape variables associated with natural gas infrastructure that are known to influence habitat use patterns in mule deer.

Our results suggest that mule deer detection probability was influenced by the interaction between physical landscape features and anthropogenic noise, with noise strongly reducing habitat use. In contrast, leporid habitat use was not related to noise but was influenced by landscape features. Notably, mule deer showed a stronger predicted negative response to roads with high noise exposure.

This study highlights the complex interactions of anthropogenic disturbance and wildlife distribution and presents important evidence that the effects of anthropogenic noise should be considered in research focused on non‐vocal specialist species and management plans for mule deer and other large ungulates.
Legacy effect of grazing intensity mediates the bottom‐up controls of resource addition on soil food webs
Authors: Wang Bing , Wu Ying , Chen Dima , Hu Shuijin , Bai Yongfei
Published: December 2020

Large‐scale studies have demonstrated that nitrogen (N) and water (W) availabilities greatly affect terrestrial ecosystems world‐wide, and this is especially true for the resource‐poor semi‐arid grasslands. Yet, experimental evidence is lacking for how N and W availabilities affect soil food webs across historical grazing intensity‐altered environments at a local scale.

Here, we included N‐ and W‐addition treatments in an 8‐year grazing experiment (with four grazing intensities) to determine how the legacy effects of grazing intensity mediate the responses of key components of soil food webs (plants, micro‐organisms and nematodes) to resource addition in a semi‐arid grassland.

After 4 years of N‐ and W‐addition treatments (with no grazing during that 4‐year period), we found that a legacy of grazing, even light grazing, had significant negative effects on the components of plant community and soil food webs. Both N and W addition increased above‐ and below‐ground plant biomass, especially under moderate and heavy grazing. N addition had negative effects on the biomass of bacteria under no grazing, while W addition increased the biomass of actinomycetes under light grazing. N addition decreased the abundance of omnivorous + carnivorous nematodes under light and heavy grazing, while W addition increased their abundance under heavy grazing. Overall, the effects of resource addition on soil food webs progressively decreased from the lowest trophic level (primary producers, i.e. plants), to intermediate trophic levels (micro‐organisms and root‐feeding nematodes), to higher trophic levels (microbial‐feeding nematodes and omnivorous + carnivorous nematodes).

Synthesis and applications. Our results, which are the first data concerning the effects of resource addition on key components of soil food webs across a historical grazing‐induced environmental gradient, show that the strong bottom‐up controls of resource addition on soil food webs are mediated by the legacy of grazing intensity. These findings should be useful for predicting the responses of grassland ecosystems to future climate change and suggest that the recovery of degraded grasslands will require more than restoration measure of resource inputs alone.
Dielectric properties of Mexican sauces for microwave‐assisted pasteurization process
Authors: Hernandez‐Gomez Edel‐Serafin , Olvera‐Cervantes Jose‐Luis , Sosa‐Morales Maria‐Elena , Corona‐Vazquez Benito , Corona‐Chavez Alonso , Lujan‐Hidalgo Maria‐Celina , Kataria Tejinder‐Kaur
Published: December 2020

The dielectric properties and specifically the complex relative permittivity of foods are key elements for the design of pasteurization processes with high frequency electromagnetic waves. Mexican sauces are recognized worldwide for their flavor and nutritional properties. In this work, the complex permittivity of four of the most representative sauces of Mexican cuisine (chipotle chili, habanero chili, red and green sauce) is presented. The permittivity was measured with the open coaxial probe method at temperatures of 25, 40, 55, 70, 85 °C and in the frequency range of 500 MHz to 6 GHz. Additionally, moisture content, specific heat, viscosity, water activity, density and electrical conductivity are reported, these last three at 25 °C. Dielectric properties were affected by the sauce formulation. The loss factor of each sauce sample at any temperature presents significant changes in relation to the frequency. At 915 and 2,450 MHz, , which would cause a thermal runaway effect or the uncontrolled rise in temperature in the sauces during the microwave pasteurization. At 5,800 MHz, , which would give better control for microwave heating than at 915 and 2,450 MHz. At 915 MHz, the loss factor of all sauces is higher than at 2,450 and 5,800 MHz, therefore, more rapid heating can be produced. Moreover, at 915 MHz, microwaves exhibit higher penetration depth than at 2,450 and 5,800 MHz; therefore, at 915 MHz, the greatest uniform microwave dielectric heating would be achieved. Thus, 915 MHz is the frequency recommended for the studied sauces pasteurization.

Practical Application

This work provides the dielectric properties of Mexican sauces at different temperatures and their penetration depths in the microwave range, which are key information for further microwave‐assisted pasteurization process and for getting safer sauces for consumers. Moreover, this research supplies suggestions about what frequency for ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) applications is the best for microwave‐assisted pasteurization according to the penetration depth of the electromagnetic wave in the sauces and microwave dielectric heating speed of the sauces.
Label‐free proteomic dissection on dptP‐deletion mutant uncovers dptP involvement in strain growth and daptomycin tolerance of Streptomyces roseosporus
Authors: Zhang Dan , Wang Xixi , Ye Yang , He Yu , He Fuqiang , Tian Yongqiang , Luo Yunzi , Liang Shufang
Published: December 2020

Daptomycin (DAP) is a novel microbial lipopeptide antibiotic synthesized by the DAP biosynthetic gene cluster dpt of Streptomyces roseosporus (S. roseosporus). DptP gene locates upstream of dpt and confers DAP resistance to Streptomyces ambofaciens (S. ambofaciens). So far, the biological functions of dptP gene for S. roseosporus growth are still completely uncovered. We performed label‐free quantification proteomic dissections with loss‐ and gain‐of‐function experiments to decipher dptP‐involved functions. Deletion of dptP gene activated energy metabolism and metabolism of secondary metabolites pathways and enhanced the transcription levels and protein abundance of key members of the dpt cluster. Whereas dptP deletion inhibited transport/signal transduction and drug resistance pathways and protein abundance of cell division‐relative proteins, subsequently decreased mycelia cell growth rate. S. roseosporus strain with dptP deletion was more sensitive to DAP treatment compared to the wild type. In contrast, overexpression of dptP gene decreased transcription levels of DAP biosynthetic genes and enhanced growth rate of Streptomcyes strain upon elevated culture temperature and DAP supplementation. Taken together, dptP gene contributes to Streptomcyes primary growth under elevated temperature and DAP treatment, whereas it plays negative roles on metabolism of secondary metabolites and transcription of DAP biosynthetic genes.
Antiallergic drug desloratadine as a selective antagonist of 5HT2A receptor ameliorates pathology of Alzheimer's disease model mice by improving microglial dysfunction
Authors: Lu Jian , Zhang Chuzhao , Lv Jianlu , Zhu Xialin , Jiang Xingwu , Lu Weiqiang , Lu Yin , Tang Zongxiang , Wang Jiaying , Shen Xu
Published: December 2020

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressively neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive deficits and alteration of personality and behavior. As yet, there is no efficient treatment for AD. 5HT2A receptor (5HT2AR) is a subtype of 5HT2 receptor belonging to the serotonin receptor family, and its antagonists have been clinically used as antipsychotics to relieve psychopathy. Here, we discovered that clinically first‐line antiallergic drug desloratadine (DLT) functioned as a selective antagonist of 5HT2AR and efficiently ameliorated pathology of APP/PS1 mice. The underlying mechanism has been intensively investigated by assay against APP/PS1 mice with selective 5HT2AR knockdown in the brain treated by adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐ePHP‐si‐5HT2AR. DLT reduced amyloid plaque deposition by promoting microglial Aβ phagocytosis and degradation, and ameliorated innate immune response by polarizing microglia to an anti‐inflammatory phenotype. It stimulated autophagy process and repressed neuroinflammation through 5HT2AR/cAMP/PKA/CREB/Sirt1 pathway, and activated glucocorticoid receptor (GR) nuclear translocation to upregulate the transcriptions of phagocytic receptors TLR2 and TLR4 in response to microglial phagocytosis stimulation. Together, our work has highly supported that 5HT2AR antagonism might be a promising therapeutic strategy for AD and highlighted the potential of DLT in the treatment of this disease.
Impact of climate change on sedimentation processes in the eastern Gulf of Finland during the Middle to Late Holocene
Authors: Ryabchuk Daria V. , Sergeev Alexander Yu. , Prishchepenko Diana V. , Zhamoida Vladimir A. , Elkina Daria V. , Piskarev Alexey L. , Bashirova Leyla D. , Ponomarenko Ekaterina P. , Budanov Leonid M. , Grigoriev Andrey G. , Evdokimenko Anton V.
Published: December 2020

This paper presents the results of high‐resolution sedimentological analyses of sediment cores from the eastern Gulf of Finland (Baltic Sea). Sampling sites in the periphery of sedimentary basins were selected on the basis of acoustic profiling analyses. The research allowed tracing of the transition from the freshwater Ancylus Lake to the Littorina Sea. A specific transitional layer of ‘blue clays’, indicating the first stage of brackish water inflow into the Gulf of Finland, was dated to 9.1 ka BP. The date of first appearance of Littorina silty clay sedimentation was as follows: from 8.0 ka BP near Gogland Island, from 7.0 ka BP near Moshchny Island and from 5.9 ka BP near the Berezovye Islands. Holocene cycles of hypoxia, associated with periods of warming, were identified and cycles of ‘warming – transgression – anoxic conditions’ and ‘cooling – regression – oxygen‐rich conditions’ were revealed. During the first stage of Littorina transgression (8.0–7.0 ka BP), the near‐bottom environment in the deepest sedimentary basin of the eastern Gulf of Finland was characterized by oxygen deficiency. In contrast, 7.0–6.0 ka BP was dominated by oxygen‐rich conditions and active processes of bioturbation. Anoxic conditions occurred again from 6.0–4.8 ka BP (Holocene Climatic Optimum), resulting in the accumulation of undisturbed silty clays with subhorizontal lamination. The interval from 4.8–2.0 ka was then characterized by oxygen‐rich near‐bottom conditions favourable for benthic organisms. The grain‐size distributions throughout the sediment cores from the easternmost sedimentary basins suggest a relative lowering of the sea level from 3.5–1.8 ka and a rise after 1.8 ka BP.
Comparative swimming performance and behaviour of three benthic fish species: The invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), the native bullhead (Cottus gobio), and the native gudgeon (Gobio gobio)
Authors: Egger Bernd , Wiegleb Joschka , Seidel Frank , Burkhardt‐Holm Patricia , Emanuel Hirsch Philipp
Published: December 2020

Efforts to restore river ecosystem connectivity focus predominantly on diadromous, economically important fish species, and less attention is given to nonmigratory, small‐bodied, benthic fish species. Data on benthic fish swimming performance and behaviour in comparison with ecologically similar native species are especially relevant for the study of one of the most successful invaders in the last decades: the Ponto‐Caspian gobiid species Neogobius melanostomus. To evaluate future measures against its further upstream dispersal, we conducted comparative swimming performance and behaviour experiments with round goby and two native species: the European bullhead (Cottus gobio) and the gudgeon (Gobio gobio). Experiments in a swim tunnel revealed a high variation in the swimming performance and behaviour within and among the three species. Gudgeon performed best in both Ucrit and Usprint experiments and displayed a rather continuous, subcarangiform swimming mode, whereas bullhead and round goby displayed a burst‐and‐hold swimming mode. Experiments in a vertical slot pass model, which contained a hydraulic barrier as a challenge to upstream movement, confirmed the high swimming performance of gudgeon. Gudgeon dispersed upstream even across the hydraulic barrier at the highest flow velocities. Round goby showed a higher capability to disperse upstream than bullhead, but failed to pass the hydraulic barrier. Our results on comparative swimming performance and behaviour can inform predictive distribution modelling and range expansion models, and also inform the design of selective barriers to prevent the round goby from dispersing farther upstream.
Cognitive functioning in first episode psychosis. Gender differences and relation with clinical variables
Authors: Vila‐Badia Regina , Del Cacho Núria , Butjosa Anna , Ochoa Susana , Serra‐Arumí Clara , Esteban‐Sanjusto Marina , Pardo Marta , Dolz Montserrat , Casado‐Ortega Ariadna , Coromina Marta ,   PROFEP Grup, Usall Judith
Published: December 2020

Aims

to study the differences in cognitive functioning in patients and controls. In addition, study the influence of symptoms, cannabis consumption, chlorpromazine doses, DUP and IQ in cognitive performance in patients, both in the total sample and divided by gender.

Methods

70 first episode psychosis patients and 63 healthy controls (HC) participated in the study and were assessed with the MATRICS battery and the Vocabulary subtest of WAIS‐IV. Symptoms in FEP patients were evaluated with the Emsley factors of the PANSS scale.

Results

patients showed lower scores than controls in all cognitive domains studied. There were no significant differences between FEP men and FEP women, but we found gender differences in favour of women in processing speed, working memory and composite total scored domains in the HC group. Finally, symptoms and Chlorpromazine doses showed an influence on cognitive performance in the total FEP sample. When splitting the sample by gender, positive symptoms may be more detrimental to women's cognitive functioning, while disorganized symptoms may play the most important role in cognitive performance in men.

Conclusions

patients showed worse cognitive performance in all cognitive domains compared to healthy controls. In our FEP sample, gender does not seem to influence cognitive performance measured with the MATRICS. Severity of symptoms influences positively in cognitive performance. The dose of Chlorpromazine and symptoms are influential variables to be taken into account in cognition rehabilitation programs.
Long‐term legacy of land‐use change in soils from a subtropical rainforest: Relating microbiological and physicochemical parameters
Authors: Tosi Micaela , Chludil Hugo D. , Correa Olga S. , Vogrig Jimena A. , Montecchia Marcela S.
Published: December 2020

Tropical and subtropical ecosystems are widely affected by the expansion of agriculture over pristine lands. Despite research efforts, knowledge of the impact of land‐use change on soil is still limited by intrinsic variability, inconsistent results and inadequate replication. This study aimed to better understand the consequences of land‐use change by focusing on long‐term effects on both soil biotic and abiotic parameters. For this purpose, we selected three productive farms under similar management, each of them with pristine forest sites and agricultural sites that had been deforested for ~15 and ~30 years. In each site, we analysed soil microbiological (phospholipid fatty acids [PLFAs], biomass and activity) and physicochemical parameters. Long‐term land‐use change caused a detriment in soil microbial biomass, activity and fungal abundance, but only small changes in PLFA composition. In fact, PLFA composition was more affected by soil physicochemical properties such as carbon‐to‐nutrient ratios and labile carbon than by land use. Some physicochemical parameters (e.g., organic carbon and nutrients) were also negatively affected by land‐use change and were more sensitive to time under agricultural use than microbiological parameters. The lower sensitivity of microbiological parameters could be the result of severe drought conditions at sampling, which may have affected soil microbial communities in both land uses. We were also able to detect associations between specific microbiological and physicochemical parameters. Among these, we identified some that seemed to result from their co‐variation in response to land‐use change and others that seemed to be independent of land use. Overall, our results show that soils can suffer further deterioration several years after deforestation. In order to restore soil health in these degraded lands, we need to keep on investigating the physical, chemical and biological mechanisms responsible for this deterioration.

Highlights

Land‐use change affected soil microbiological and physicochemical parameters.

Microbiological parameters seemed to stabilize after continuous agriculture.

Soil organic C, total N and fine particles were still reduced after long‐term cultivation.

Microbiological parameters were mostly associated with C‐to‐nutrient ratios and labile C.

Drought conditions may have affected microbial response to land‐use change.
Mutational and structural analysis of an ancestral fungal dye‐decolorizing peroxidase
Authors: Zitare Ulises A. , Habib Mohamed H. , Rozeboom Henriette , Mascotti Maria L. , Todorovic Smilja , Fraaije Marco W.
Published: December 2020

Dye‐decolorizing peroxidases (DyPs) constitute a superfamily of heme‐containing peroxidases that are related neither to animal nor to plant peroxidase families. These are divided into four classes (types A, B, C, and D) based on sequence features. The active site of DyPs contains two highly conserved distal ligands, an aspartate and an arginine, the roles of which are still controversial. These ligands have mainly been studied in class A‐C bacterial DyPs, largely because no effective recombinant expression systems have been developed for the fungal (D‐type) DyPs. In this work, we employ ancestral sequence reconstruction (ASR) to resurrect a D‐type DyP ancestor, AncDyPD‐b1. Expression of AncDyPD‐b1 in Escherichia coli results in large amounts of a heme‐containing soluble protein and allows for the first mutagenesis study on the two distal ligands of a fungal DyP. UV‐Vis and resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopic analyses, in combination with steady‐state kinetics and the crystal structure, reveal fine pH‐dependent details about the heme active site structure and show that both the aspartate (D222) and the arginine (R390) are crucial for hydrogen peroxide reduction. Moreover, the data indicate that these two residues play important but mechanistically different roles on the intraprotein long‐range electron transfer process.

Database

Structural data are available in the PDB database under the accession number 7ANV.
Clinical epidemiology and outcome of HIV‐associated talaromycosis in Guangdong, China, during 2011–2017
Authors: Ying RS , Le T , Cai WP , Li YR , Luo CB , Cao Y , Wen CY , Wang SG , Ou X , Chen WS , Chen SZ , Guo PL , Chen M , Guo Y , Tang XP , Li LH
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Talaromycosis is an invasive mycosis endemic to Southeast Asia. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology, clinical features and prognostic factors of HIV‐associated talaromycosis in Guangdong, China.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated HIV patients hospitalized with histopathology‐ or culture‐confirmed talaromycosis between 2011 and 2017. Factors associated with poor prognosis were identified using logistic regression.

Results

Overall, 1079 patients with HIV‐associated talaromycosis were evaluated. Both the number and prevalence of talaromycosis among HIV admissions increased from 125 and 15.7% in 2011 to 253 and 18.8% in 2017, respectively, reflecting the increase in HIV admissions. Annual admissions peaked during the rainy season between March and August. Common clinical manifestations included fever (85.6%), peripheral lymphadenopathy (72.3%), respiratory symptoms (60.8%), weight loss (49.8%), skin lesions (44.5%) and gastrointestinal symptoms (44.3%). Common laboratory abnormalities were hypoalbuminaemia (98.6%), anaemia (95.6%), elevated aspartate aminotransferase level (AST) (76.9%), elevated alkaline phosphatase level (55.8%) and thrombocytopenia (53.7%). The median CD4 count was 9 cells/μL. Talaromyces marneffei was isolated from blood and bone marrow cultures of 66.6% and 74.5% of patients, respectively. The rate increased to 86.6% when both cultures were performed concurrently. At discharge, 14% of patients showed worsening conditions or died. Leucocytosis, thrombocytopenia, elevated AST, total bilirubin, creatinine and azole monotherapy independently predicted poor prognosis.

Conclusions

The incidence of HIV‐associated talaromycosis has increased in Guangdong with the high HIV burden in China. Skin lesions were seen in less than half of patients. Induction therapy with azole alone is associated with higher mortality. Findings from this study should help to improve treatment of the disease.
Using longitudinally sampled viral nucleotide sequences to characterize the drivers of HIV‐1 transmission
Authors: Reichmuth ML , Chaudron SE , Bachmann N , Nguyen H , Böni J , Metzner KJ , Perreau M , Klimkait T , Yerly S , Hirsch HH , Hauser C , Ramette A , Vernazza P , Cavassini M , Bernasconi E , Günthard HF , Kusejko K , Kouyos RD ,   the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Understanding the drivers of HIV‐1 transmission is of importance for curbing the ongoing epidemic. Phylogenetic methods based on single viral sequences allow us to assess whether two individuals are part of the same viral outbreak, but cannot on their own assess who potentially transmitted the virus. We developed and assessed a molecular epidemiology method with the main aim to screen cohort studies for and to characterize individuals who are ‘potential HIV‐1 transmitters’, in order to understand the drivers of HIV‐1 transmission.

Methods

We developed and validated a molecular epidemiology approach using longitudinally sampled viral Sanger sequences to characterize potential HIV‐1 transmitters in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study.

Results

Our method was able to identify 279 potential HIV‐1 transmitters and allowed us to determine the main epidemiological and virological drivers of transmission. We found that the directionality of transmission was consistent with infection times for 72.9% of 85 potential HIV‐1 transmissions with accurate infection date estimates. Being a potential HIV‐1 transmitter was associated with risk factors including viral load [adjusted odds ratiomultivariable (95% confidence interval): 1.86 (1.49–2.32)], syphilis coinfection [1.52 (1.06–2.19)], and recreational drug use [1.45 (1.06–1.98)]. By contrast for the potential HIV‐1 recipients, this association was weaker or even absent [1.18 (0.82–1.72), 0.89 (0.52–1.55) and 1.53 (0.98–2.39), respectively], indicating that inferred directionality of transmission is useful at the population level.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that longitudinally sampled Sanger sequences do not provide sufficient information to identify transmitters with high certainty at the individual level, but that they allow the drivers of transmission at the population level to be characterized.
All Welcome Here? Attitudes towards Muslim Migrants in Europe
Authors: Gusciute Egle , Mühlau Peter , Layte Richard
Published: December 2020

Islam is becoming an increasingly prevalent religion in Europe due to large inflows of Muslims over the last few decades. Previous social survey research suggests that the European public is critical of immigration from Muslim countries with concerns relating to integration and security. Using the 7th round of the European Social Survey and linking it to other data sources, this paper examines whether threat hypotheses can explain anti‐Muslim sentiment in Europe. The study finds that opposition to Muslims is significantly higher than opposition to migrants in general, particularly in Eastern and Central Europe. The threat hypothesis is not supported on a country level as counties with higher “stock” of Muslim population and higher number of Islamic terrorist attacks are more welcoming towards further Muslim immigration. Furthermore, the study finds that women are more opposed to Muslim immigration than men. The wider implications of these findings and alternative explanations are discussed.
Prices of combination medicines and single‐molecule antihypertensive medicines in India's private health care sector
Authors: Negi Sagri , Neupane Dinesh , Sahoo Swagata Kumar , Mahajan Tanushree , Swaroop Kishan , Moran Andrew E. , Sharma Bhawna , Pathni Anupam Khungar
Published: December 2020

More than half of patients with hypertension require two or more medicines to control blood pressure. Combinations of anti‐hypertensive medicines are available as Single Pill Combinations (SPCs) or Single Agent Pills (SAPs). SPCs of two or more anti‐hypertensive medicines facilitate simpler dosing schedules, decrease pill burden, increase adherence to medicine, and simplify procurement and distribution. Despite this, equivalent combinations of separate pills (SAPs) are often prescribed instead of SPCs under the assumption that SAPs are priced lower. This study compared prices of anti‐hypertensive SPCs and equivalent SAPs in the private health care sector of India. High sales volume anti‐hypertensive SPCs and SAPs were selected from 2018 private sector pharmaceutical sales data. SPCs and SAPs price information was collected from online pharmacy websites between November 2019 and January 2020. Anti‐hypertensive SPCs represent approximately 39.1% of India's private sector anti‐hypertensive drug market. Multiple manufacturers produce the same top‐selling SPCs, suggesting a viable and competitive market. A comparison of SPCs and SAPs across different manufacturers showed that the lowest prices of both SPCs and the sum of component SAPs were nearly identical across different manufacturers. An analysis of dual‐drug SPCs and SAPs by the same manufacturer showed that most manufacturers (five of six) had priced their SPCs higher than SAPs. These observations suggest that the price of SPCs could be lowered to match the combined price of the component SAPs, and manufacturing costs and market forces do not present a barrier to the implementation of anti‐hypertensive SPCs.
N‐[2‐(4‐benzoyl‐1‐piperazinyl)phenyl]‐2‐(4‐chlorophenoxy) acetamide is a novel inhibitor of resorptive bone loss in mice
Authors: Chen Zhihao , Cho Eunjin , Ding Mina , Seong Jihyoun , Che Xiangguo , Lee Sunwoo , Park Byung‐Ju , Choi Je‐Yong , Lee Tae‐Hoon
Published: December 2020

The dynamic balance between bone formation and bone resorption is vital for the retention of bone mass. The abnormal activation of osteoclasts, unique cells that degrade the bone matrix, may result in many bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis, a bone metabolism disease, occurs when extreme osteoclast‐mediated bone resorption outstrips osteoblast‐related bone synthesis. Therefore, it is of great interest to identify agents that can regulate the activity of osteoclasts and prevent bone loss‐induced bone diseases. In this study, we found that N‐[2‐(4‐benzoyl‐1‐piperazinyl)phenyl]‐2‐(4‐chlorophenoxy) acetamide (PPOAC‐Bz) exerted a strong inhibitory effect on osteoclastogenesis. PPOAC‐Bz altered the mRNA expressions of several osteoclast‐specific marker genes and blocked the formation of mature osteoclasts, suppressing F‐actin belt formation and bone resorption activity in vitro. In addition, PPOAC‐Bz prevented OVX‐induced bone loss in vivo. These findings highlighted the potential of PPOAC‐Bz as a prospective drug for the treatment of osteolytic disorders.
Editorial Perspective: Rethinking child and adolescent mental health care after COVID‐19
Authors: Raballo Andrea , Poletti Michele , Valmaggia Lucia , McGorry Patrick D.
Published: December 2020

While COVID‐19 pandemic has allegedly passed its first peak in most western countries, health systems are progressively adapting to the ‘new normality’. In child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), such organizational envisioning is needed to cope with the foreseeable psychological effects of prolonged social isolation induced by nation‐wide public health measures such as school closure. CAMHS need to ensure flexible responses to the psychopathological consequences of evolving societal dynamics, as dramatically actualized by the unexpected COVID‐19 pandemic. This would imply (a) shifting the focus of intervention from symptom reduction and containment of acute crises in a comparatively small number of severe cases to a broader preventive strategy, guided by a gradient of increasing intensity and specificity of treatment; (b) promoting smooth access pathways into services and encouraging participation of families; (c) adopting a transdiagnostic staging model to capture the developmental fluctuations from subsyndromal to syndromal states and back, with related changes in the intensity of the need of care; and (d) implementing digital tools to encourage help‐seeking and compliance by digitally native youth.