bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the correlation of nitrates and phosphates to the effective removal of Fats, Oils, and Grease in Two Mangaung Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Sello Mpho Gladness , Oke Saheed A
Published: November 2022

This study is about the effectiveness of wastewater treatment technologies in two treatment plants at Mangaung Municipality in South Africa. The removal of FOG, nitrogen and phosphorus is an important component of wastewater treatment. Therefore, the study aims at investigating the effectiveness of the two treatment technologies (biological trickling filter and activated sludge) in the wastewater treatment plants studied. Grab samples of the influent and effluent of the North East Wastewater Treatment Plant (NEWTP) and the Bloemspruit Wastewater Treatment Plant (BWTP) were collected per week over a period of five months. The laboratory analysis of FOG followed the description of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 1664B. Hexane extraction and gravimetry-PBM method was used in the analysis. Nitrates were analysed using a SOP Chem 005 Spectroquant Nitrate test while phosphates were analysed using a Spectroquant Prove spectrophotometer in the laboratory. The results showed that the trickling filter from BWTP removed FOG by 61.36% while the activated sludge from NEWTP removed FOG by 52.81% which showed that the both of the two treatment technologies work the same and are ineffective in the removal of FOG. However, the nitrates and phosphates present in the effluent were found to be within the effluent discharge standards.
Kalman filtering for SAR satellite yaw steering
Authors: Chen Tao , Li Yu , Fang Zheng , Qiu Qiming , Yin Xiaochen , Yang Ting , Zhang Hengyang
Published: November 2022

The algorithm based on Kalman filtering was proposed to calculate yaw steering angles of spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems. We establish the process equation and the observation equation by proper design. Performance analysis and computer simulations demonstrate that Kalman filtering may take advantages in both numerical precision and computational efficiency. It therefore can be applied to SAR satellites in a wide range of microwave bands (C, X, Ku) along noncircular orbits. In addition, an efficient algorithm based on simple interpolation may be employed in practice. Since the Kalman filter is linear in nature, the fast computation makes possible the implementation of accurate onboard processing.
3D model construction and accuracy analysis based on UAV tilt photogrammetry
Authors: Chen Xuanyu , Pan Shaowei , Chen Guanyu
Published: November 2022

UAV equipped with tilt photogrammetry platform can obtain multiple angles images and establish 3D model of tilt photogrammetry, which has unique advantages in 3D intelligent construction. The purpose of this paper is to take the playground and library of the Department of Informatics of Wuhan University as the research area, obtain regional UAV images, and evaluate the residual in the spatial direction of the model by using the measured control points and model points collected in the field, so as to evaluate and analyze the accuracy of the 3D model. By analyzing the data, the root mean square error and maximum error of plane coordinates are 0.31 cm and 0.34 cm respectively, the root mean square error and maximum error of elevation are 0.07 cm and 0.11 cm respectively, and the field measured control point coordinates. Through the accuracy evaluation and analysis of the constructed three-dimensional model, it is concluded that the maximum error in X direction is 1.26 cm, the maximum error in Y direction is 1.39 cm, and the maximum error in Z direction is 1.60 cm. The results show that the accuracy of the three-dimensional model in the study area reaches centimeter-level and meets the requirements of relevant production specifications. It can provide reliable data support for construction and urban planning industries.
Global spatial distribution of vegetation and 20-years dynamic changes
Authors: Huo Sihui , Sun Qing , Shuai Yanmin , Shao Congying , Huang Jiapeng
Published: November 2022

Global spatial distribution of vegetation is determined jointly by climate, monsoon, ocean current and human activities. In recent decades, surface vegetation changes caused by global warming, extreme climate events and intensified human activities need a further understood. In this paper, we adopted available MODIS land cover dataset (MCD12Q1) to investigate the spatial distribution feature of global vegetation sand dynamics during the past 20 years. Results show that: (1) the spatial distribution pattern of global vegetation formed by the long-term ecosystem evolution exhibits stable with less variation in both latitude and vertical dimensions. Generally, the percent of forest, shrubland, grass and cropland respectively are 15.27%, 9.39%, 39.46% and 8.91% of surface covers, with a distinct land cover transition trend from rainforest at equator region to moss and lichen at the north and south pole. (2) In the past 20 years, the global forest land decreased by 3.0×105 km2, with an average annual decrease of 1.255%, open shrubs experienced slight fluctuations in 2001-2017 and increased sharply by 1.6×105 km2 in 2017-2018. And the grassland, croplands and cropland/natural vegetation mosaics had different degrees of growth rate, with an average annual dynamic increase of 0.021%, 0.019% and 0.502%, respectively. (3) There are about 4.2×106 km2 of forest changed into grassland in West Siberia and the Amazon, and 2.5×106 km2 of grassland into shrubs, as well as 1.9×106 km2 of grassland vegetation into farmland, and 9.4×104 km2 of forest into shrubs.
Stability analysis of surrounding rock in a lead-zinc mine stope based on fine numerical modeling technology
Authors: Wang Huiqiong , Duan Qibing , Xing Wencheng
Published: November 2022

In order to achieve accurate evaluation of the stability of the surrounding rocks in complex underground mining clusters, 3DMine-Midas-FLAC3D was used to form an accurate numerical modelling analysis technique for complex mining clusters, and the technique was applied to the analysis of the stability of the surrounding rocks in complex mining clusters in a lead-zinc mine to achieve an accurate evaluation of the stability of the surrounding rocks in complex mining clusters in this mine, and to reveal the ground pressure manifestation pattern of complex mining clusters. The results of the study show that the accurate numerical modelling analysis method has better consistency with the empirical method (Laubscher method and Mathews stability diagram method) than the empirical method, and at the same time, it provides a more reliable and accurate evaluation method for the stability analysis of large complex mining area clusters from multiple perspectives and indicators, effectively compensating for the limitations of the empirical method for the stability evaluation of complex form mining sites.
Imaging of karst cave using ground penetrating radar and electrical resistivity tomography: a case study in Shandong, China
Authors: Sun Xu , Lu Xiangxing , Li Kaitian
Published: November 2022

A denudation-dissolution hilly area about 20km southeast of Jinan city, Shandong Province, China is characterized by karst features. The upper part of the area is covered by quaternary Holocene flood and slope deposits, and the lower bedrock is Ordovician limestone, which is a moderately weathered massive structure with developed joints and fissured fractures, and solution grooves can be seen locally. The local government to better serve the surrounding residents and the surrounding facilities, here is planned for the substation, for later security construction, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) method and ground penetrating radar (GPR) method were used to investigate the underground karst caves. The aim of the joint use of the two methods is to better describe the characteristics of karst landform, a 160 MHz shielding antenna was employed in the GPR survey, while the frequency limits the scope of the depth of the electromagnetic waves can reach. However, it provides a lot of shallow stratigraphic information, which well represents the boundary between overburden and bedrock and the development of karst. The use of ERT method further makes up for the depth defects of the GPR method, and two-dimensional imaging of underground resistivity distribution was carried out, which also helps to further identify the characteristics of underground karst. The combination of the two geophysical methods can accurately delineate the development of underground karst, which also proves that the combination of the GPR method and ERT method has good application value in karst landform detection, and can also be applied to a similar geological survey.
Research on international project of China’s electric power industry standards - taking smart grid as an example
Authors: Zhao Xiaoming , Cao Lan , Zhang Cai , Huang Yuanping , Lou Chaoyan , Zhao Liming , Zhang Pengyue
Published: November 2022

International standardization has become more important because of the trend of economic globalization. Whoever has mastered the standards will have the right to speak. In developed countries, standard competition is the apex of all fields, and promoting the internationalization of domestic technology and standards is an effective way to promote the country’s market leader and international status. With the continuous improvement of China’s market competitiveness, the internationalization of standards related to the power industry has become more essential, therefore, it is urgent to further strengthen the development process of internationalization of standards in China’s power industry. Starting from the international standard project in the field of smart grid, this paper studies the difficulties of current international standard project in the field of smart grid, in addition, systematically analyzes the key problems of the standard project in the field of power grid under the internationalization of China’s standards. At last, the practical measures are given.
3D gravity inversion based on deep learning
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Yin Changchun , Cai Jing , Liu Yunhe , Ren Xiuyan , Zhang Bo , Su Yang
Published: November 2022

Gravity inversion is a typical geophysical inversion method that obtains the underground density distribution by analyzing the gravity anomaly. Normally, it can be divided into geophysics-based and deep learning based inversion. The 3D geophysics-based inversion is a time- and memory-consuming method, so 3D inversion is not routinely implemented in practical data interpretation. Here, we propose a deep learning method to transfer the 3D inversion problem to a multiple layers 2D mapping problem by decomposing the 3D target into four 2D images, including the horizontal location, vertical center, thickness and density distribution. This method is denoted as “decomposition network”. By implementing synthetic experiments with regular and complex models, and comparing with the 3D U-Net inversion, the proposed network has proved can reconstruct underground targets with high accuracy and high efficiency.
Amplification phenomenon and mechanism analysis of ground fissure activity rate in Jiaocheng fault
Authors: Han Xiaofei , Hao Xuejing , Dong Bin , Shi Shuangshuang , Xue Xiaodong
Published: November 2022

Jiaocheng fault ground fissure is the longest ground fissure extending intermittently in Fen Wei fault depression zone. The occurrence and development of ground fissures are affected by rainfall, groundwater pumping, fault activity, strata and other factors. The research shows that with the rainwater flowing down and replenishing the confined water layer, there will be undercutting, scouring and hollowing, which will aggravate the development of ground fissures; In the structural area, due to the multi-stage activity of the fault, a strong tensile stress area is formed, resulting in the rapid reactivation, expansion and rebirth of the ground fracture. At the same time, there is a thicker and finer silty clay layer that is easier to lose with water, which is another incentive factor for the rapid development of the ground fracture. However, when the tectonic action causes the dislocation of the aquifer and water resisting layer and blocks the loss of formation materials, the ground fracture will lose its development conditions. Jiaocheng fault is the main controlling factor for the shaping, formation, development and continuous influence of the geological environment of Jiaocheng ground fracture, while precipitation, groundwater exploitation and natural discharge are the incentive factors, and the loss of stratum material is the necessary condition. The North basin of Tianzhuang fault cannot form ground fracture without necessary conditions.
Perspectives and opportunities: a molecular toolkit for fundamental physics and matter-wave interferometry in microgravity
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Authors: D’Incao José P , Williams Jason R , Gaaloul Naceur , Efremov Maxim A , Nimmrichter Stefan , Schrinski Björn , Elliott Ethan , Ketterle Wolfgang
Published: November 2022

The study of molecular physics using ultracold gases has provided a unique probe into the fundamental properties of nature and offers new tools for quantum technologies. In this article we outline how ultracold molecular physics in a space environment opens opportunities for (a) exploring ultra-low energy regimes of molecular physics with high efficiency, (b) providing a toolbox of capabilities for fundamental physics, and (c) enabling new classes of matter-wave interferometers with applications in precision measurement for fundamental and many-body physics.
Multidimensional Deprivation amongst Refugees in the USA
Authors: Naseh Mitra , Lehman Held Mary , Gilbertson Anthony , Shrestha Lisha
Published: November 2022

Refugees are one of the most at-risk groups to experience economic exclusion and poverty due to the often abrupt and unplanned nature of their forced displacement and structural barriers after resettlement. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of multidimensional poverty (deprivations in five domains of education, health, living standard, economic security and housing) and factors associated with this complex problem amongst newly resettled refugees in the USA. Using 2016, 2017 and 2018 Annual Survey of Refugees data-sets and an adjusted version of the census Multidimensional Deprivation Index, poverty in different aspects of life was measured. Multivariate correlational analyses were utilised to explore possible associations between poverty, length of residence in the USA, permanent residency status and English language proficiency. The findings of this study suggested that over half of the surveyed refugees were multidimensionally poor. Limited English language proficiency at the time of the data collection was the best predictor of multidimensional poverty amongst the explored factors. Estimated rates of poverty amongst refugees call for further attention to policies fostering the economic integration of refugees as new Americans in the USA. Recommendations for resources, interventions and policies fostering refugees’ economic integration and well-being were discussed.
New molecular evidence for Canarian endemicRuta(Rutaceae: Ruteae) reveals a complex evolutionary history and overlooked diversification processes
Authors: Soto Moisés , Jaén-Molina Ruth , Marrero Águedo , Mesa Ricardo , Díaz-Pérez Antonio , Caujapé-Castells Juli
Published: November 2022

We studied four currently recognized endemics of Ruta (Rutaceae) from the Canary Islands, an oceanic biodiversity hotspot, to identify genetic variation, reconstruct evolutionary relationships and clarify the taxonomic delimitation of several recently discovered populations. We analysed four plastid DNA regions for a thorough population sampling of Ruta oreojasme on Gran Canaria, R. pinnata on Tenerife and La Palma and R. microcarpa and the only known population of the recently described R. nanocarpa on La Gomera. Bayesian clock dating analysis, haplotype network and ancestral area reconstructions were carried out. Our results reveal a complex, extremely dynamic and largely overlooked pattern of colonization and evolutionary history of Ruta in the archipelago. Thirty haplotypes were found, but only one of them was shared across more than one island. Species divergence and all colonization events in the Canary Islands were dated from the late Pliocene to the Pleistocene, and R. oreojasme has an earlier origin than its Canarian congeners. Multiple secondary colonization events between and within islands account for the diversification of R. pinnata and R. microcarpa. Our data cannot discard a possible independent origin of R. oreojasme and do not support the currently accepted circumscription of R. pinnata and R. microcarpa. Rather, the high levels of genetic differentiation detected suggest the existence of ongoing diversification processes and of new taxa. Urgent population-level conservation efforts should be undertaken, especially focused on the single population on La Gomera that can be attributed to R. microcarpa, R. nanocarpa and genetically distinct populations from La Palma and the palaeo-islands of Tenerife.
Temporopolar regions of the human brain
Authors: Mesulam M Marsel
Published: November 2022

Following prolonged neglect during the formative decades of behavioural neurology, the temporopolar region has become a site of vibrant research on the neurobiology of cognition and conduct. This turnaround can be attributed to increasing recognition of neurodegenerative diseases that target temporopolar regions for peak destruction. The resultant syndromes include behavioural dementia, associative agnosia, semantic forms of primary progressive aphasia and semantic dementia. Clinicopathological correlations show that object naming and word comprehension are critically dependent on the language-dominant (usually left) temporopolar region, whereas behavioural control and non-verbal object recognition display a more bilateral representation with a rightward bias. Neuroanatomical experiments in macaques and neuroimaging in humans show that the temporoparietal region sits at the confluence of auditory, visual and limbic streams of processing at the downstream (deep) pole of the ‘what’ pathway. The functional neuroanatomy of this region revolves around three axes, an anterograde horizontal axis from unimodal to heteromodal and paralimbic cortex; a radial axis where visual (ventral), auditory (dorsal) and paralimbic (medial) territories encircle temporopolar cortex and display hemispheric asymmetry; and a vertical depth-of-processing axis for the associative elaboration of words, objects and interoceptive states. One function of this neural matrix is to support the transformation of object and word representations from unimodal percepts to multimodal concepts. The underlying process is likely to start at canonical gateways that successively lead to generic (superordinate), specific (basic) and unique levels of recognition. A first sign of left temporopolar dysfunction takes the form of taxonomic blurring where boundaries among categories are preserved but not boundaries among exemplars of a category. Semantic paraphasias and coordinate errors in word–picture verification tests are consequences of this phenomenon. Eventually, boundaries among categories are also blurred and comprehension impairments become more profound. The medial temporopolar region belongs to the amygdalocentric component of the limbic system and stands to integrate exteroceptive information with interoceptive states underlying social interactions. Review of the pertinent literature shows that word comprehension and conduct impairments caused by temporopolar strokes and temporal lobectomy are far less severe than those seen in temporopolar atrophies. One explanation for this unexpected discrepancy invokes the miswiring of residual temporopolar neurons during the many years of indolently progressive neurodegeneration. According to this hypothesis, the temporopolar regions become not only dysfunctional but also sources of aberrant outputs that interfere with the function of areas elsewhere in the language and paralimbic networks, a juxtaposition not seen in lobectomy or stroke.
An ecological investigation of the capacity to follow simultaneous speech and preferential detection of ones’ own name
Authors: Pinto Danna , Kaufman Maya , Brown Adi , Zion Golumbic Elana
Published: November 2022

Many situations require focusing attention on one speaker, while monitoring the environment for potentially important information. Some have proposed that dividing attention among 2 speakers involves behavioral trade-offs, due to limited cognitive resources. However the severity of these trade-offs, particularly under ecologically-valid circumstances, is not well understood. We investigated the capacity to process simultaneous speech using a dual-task paradigm simulating task-demands and stimuli encountered in real-life. Participants listened to conversational narratives (Narrative Stream) and monitored a stream of announcements (Barista Stream), to detect when their order was called. We measured participants’ performance, neural activity, and skin conductance as they engaged in this dual-task. Participants achieved extremely high dual-task accuracy, with no apparent behavioral trade-offs. Moreover, robust neural and physiological responses were observed for target-stimuli in the Barista Stream, alongside significant neural speech-tracking of the Narrative Stream. These results suggest that humans have substantial capacity to process simultaneous speech and do not suffer from insufficient processing resources, at least for this highly ecological task-combination and level of perceptual load. Results also confirmed the ecological validity of the advantage for detecting ones’ own name at the behavioral, neural, and physiological level, highlighting the contribution of personal relevance when processing simultaneous speech.
Ultrasononography in Managing Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis: A Randomized, Controlled, Parallel, Superiority, Open-Label Trial
Authors: Ndege Robert , Ngome Omary , Vanobberghen Fiona , Bani Farida , Temba Yvan , Wilson Herieth , Hella Jerry , Gingo Winfrid , Sasamalo Mohamed , Mnzava Dorcas , Kimera Namvua , Hiza Hellen , Wigayi John , Mapesi Herry , Kato Irene B , Mhimbira Francis , Reither Klaus , Battegay Manuel , Paris Daniel H , Weisser Maja , Rohacek Martin
Published: November 2022

Background

Patients with suspected extrapulmonary tuberculosis are often treated empirically. We hypothesized that extended focused assessment with sonography for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (eFASH), in combination with other tests, would increase the proportion of correctly managed patients with suspected extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

Methods

This trial in adults with suspected extrapulmonary tuberculosis was performed in a rural and an urban hospital in Tanzania. Participants were randomized 1:1 to intervention or routine care, stratified by site and HIV status. All participants underwent clinical evaluation, chest radiography, and testing with sputum Xpert MTB/RIF and urine Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assays. The intervention was a management algorithm based on results of eFASH plus microbiology, adenosine deaminase (ADA), and chest radiography. The primary outcome was the proportion of correctly managed patients. The presence of positive microbiological or ADA results defined definite tuberculosis. An independent end-point review committee determined diagnoses of probable or no tuberculosis. We evaluated outcomes using logistic regression models, adjusted for randomization stratification factors.

Results

From September 2018 to October 2020, a total of 1036 patients were screened and 701 were randomized (350 to the intervention and 351 to the control group). Of participants in the intervention group, 251 (72%) had a positive eFASH outcome. In 258 (74%) of the intervention and 227 (65%) of the control participants antituberculosis was initiated treatment at baseline. More intervention participants had definite tuberculosis (n = 124 [35%]), compared with controls (n = 85 [24%]). There was no difference between groups for the primary outcome (intervention group, 266 of 286 [93%]; control group, 245 of 266 [92%]; odds ratio, 1.14 [95% confidence interval: .60–2.16]; P = .68). There were no procedure-associated adverse events.

Conclusions

eFASH did not change the proportion of correctly managed patients but increased the proportion of those with definite tuberculosis.

Clinical Trials Registration

Pan African Registry: PACTR201712002829221.
Telemental Health for Rural University-Assisted Community Schools
Authors: Lee Youjung , Bronstein Laura , Cook Kelley
Published: November 2022

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, children and families in rural communities have been experiencing unprecedented long-term social isolation and insufficient access to mental health services. Prior to the pandemic, access to mental healthcare in rural communities was already inadequate, leading rural populations to be routinely underserved when facing significant social issues and mental health needs. Even though the pandemic has disrupted the traditional delivery of mental healthcare and exacerbated needs, isolated children and families in rural areas can benefit from mental health services through a telemental health approach. This article presents an innovative telemental health practice model that implements solution-focused brief therapy with social work interns in rural university-assisted community schools (UACS). Implications for policies supporting telemental health in rural UACS, social work education, and evaluation are presented.
The Chevalier de Quincy: an officer and his musical passe-partout
Authors: Sadie Goode Julie Anne
Published: November 2022

In common with many military officers at the turn of the 18th century, Joseph Sevin kept a journal that chronicled army life on and off the battlefield. His memoirs, covering the years 1697 to 1713, are of particular interest because they reveal his pleasure in making music with his fellow officers and the women whom he met socially. While boasting of only modest attainments, the Chevalier de Quincy adored his basse de viole and took it everywhere he went in the course of the War of the Spanish Succession, from Paris to the châteaux of Quincy, Versailles and Fontainebleau, to Provence, Flanders and Italy. His descriptions bring to life the musical occasions in which he took part or simply attended. They also mention fellow officers who we know played and enjoyed the viol. Among the many bonds between members of the noblesse militaire, music can at last be counted.
Comparative genomics of Lactobacillaceae from the gut of honey bees, Apis mellifera, from the Eastern United States
Authors: Bradford Emma L , Wax Noah , Bueren Emma K , Walke Jenifer B , Fell Richard , Belden Lisa K , Haak David C
Published: November 2022

Lactobacillaceae are an important family of lactic acid bacteria that play key roles in the gut microbiome of many animal species. In the honey bee (Apis mellifera) gut microbiome, many species of Lactobacillaceae are found, and there is functionally important strain-level variation in the bacteria. In this study, we completed whole-genome sequencing of 3 unique Lactobacillaceae isolates collected from hives in Virginia, USA. Using 107 genomes of known bee-associated Lactobacillaceae and Limosilactobacillus reuteri as an outgroup, the phylogenetics of the 3 isolates was assessed, and these isolates were identified as novel strains of Apilactobacillus kunkeei, Lactobacillus kullabergensis, and Bombilactobacillus mellis. Genome rearrangements, conserved orthologous genes (COG) categories and potential prophage regions were identified across the 3 novel strains. The new A. kunkeei strain was enriched in genes related to replication, recombination and repair, the L. kullabergensis strain was enriched for carbohydrate transport, and the B. mellis strain was enriched in transcription or transcriptional regulation and in some genes with unknown functions. Prophage regions were identified in the A. kunkeei and L. kullabergensis isolates. These new bee-associated strains add to our growing knowledge of the honey bee gut microbiome, and to Lactobacillaceae genomics more broadly.
Involvement of the SAGA and TFIID coactivator complexes in transcriptional dysregulation caused by the separation of core and tail Mediator modules
Authors: Saleh Moustafa M , Hundley Heather A , Zentner Gabriel E
Published: November 2022

Regulation of RNA polymerase II transcription requires the concerted efforts of several multisubunit coactivator complexes, which interact with the RNA polymerase II preinitiation complex to stimulate transcription. We previously showed that separation of the Mediator core from Mediator’s tail module results in modest overactivation of genes annotated as highly dependent on TFIID for expression. However, it is unclear if other coactivators are involved in this phenomenon. Here, we show that the overactivation of certain genes by Mediator core/tail separation is blunted by disruption of the Spt-Ada-Gcn5-Acetyl transferase complex through the removal of its structural Spt20 subunit, though this downregulation does not appear to completely depend on reduced Spt-Ada-Gcn5-Acetyl transferase association with the genome. Consistent with the enrichment of TFIID-dependent genes among genes overactivated by Mediator core/tail separation, depletion of the essential TFIID subunit Taf13 suppressed the overactivation of these genes when Med16 was simultaneously removed. As with Spt-Ada-Gcn5-Acetyl transferase, this effect did not appear to be fully dependent on the reduced genomic association of TFIID. Given that the observed changes in gene expression could not be clearly linked to alterations in Spt-Ada-Gcn5-Acetyl transferase or TFIID occupancy, our data may suggest that the Mediator core/tail connection is important for the modulation of Spt-Ada-Gcn5-Acetyl transferase and/or TFIID conformation and/or function at target genes.
Rupture properties of the 2020Mw 6.8 Calama (northern Chile) intraslab earthquake. Comparison with similar intraslab events in the region
Authors: Herrera Carlos , Pastén-Araya Francisco , Cabrera Leoncio , Potin Bertrand , Rivera Efraín , Ruiz Sergio , Madariaga Raúl , Contreras-Reyes Eduardo
Published: November 2022

We study the 2020 Mw 6.8 Calama earthquake sequence that occurred within the subducting oceanic Nazca plate. The main shock is modelled via waveform inversion using a dynamic rupture model, while detection and location techniques are used to better characterize its aftershock sequence. We analyse the local seismotectonic and thermal context of the subducting Nazca plate to understand the trigger mechanism of this earthquake and how it compares with other significant earthquakes in the vicinity. The stress drop and the related dynamic rupture parameters of the Calama main shock are similar to those of the nearby 2007 Mw 6.8 Michilla and 2015Mw 6.7 Jujuy intraslab earthquakes, which occurred to the west (trenchwards) and to the east (under the backarc) of the Calama earthquake, respectively. The sequences of these three events were located using a 3-D tomographic velocity model. While the Michilla earthquake sequence occurred within the oceanic crust at temperatures of ∼250 °C, the Calama sequence occurred within the upper lithospheric mantle at ∼350 °C and exhibited a smaller aftershock productivity than Michilla. Additionally, the 3-D tomographic model shows intermediate VP/VS ratios (1.72–1.76) in the region of the Calama earthquake. This indicates a less hydrated environment that could be responsible for the smaller aftershock productivity of the Calama earthquake.
Making peace in the English civil wars
Authors: White William
Published: November 2022

This article argues that peacemaking became a central strand of political debate and practice in England during the 1640s. The traumatic experiences of civil war and the failure of elite politicians to negotiate a swift settlement forced English people to think more than ever before about how peace could be achieved and preserved. Those outside the usual spheres of political decision-making now offered themselves up as mediators between king and parliament and publicized their own schemes for national reconciliation. At the same time, the article shows how those most committed to the Parliamentarian or Royalist cause sought to present themselves as peacemakers. It argues that a crucial issue in these public debates about peace was whether a lasting settlement was more likely to be achieved through negotiation or through a decisive military victory for one side.
Macrophage-mediated immune response aggravates hearing disfunction caused by the disorder of mitochondrial dynamics in cochlear hair cells
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Fu Xiaolong , Li Yiyuan , Li Wen , Hong Guodong , Guo Siwei , Xiao Yu , Liu Ziyi , Ding Shuqin , Bi Xiuli , Ye Fanglei , Jin Jin , Chai Renjie
Published: November 2022

Mitochondrial dynamics is essential for maintaining the physiological function of the mitochondrial network, and its disorders lead to a variety of diseases. Our previous study identified mitochondrial dynamics controlled anti-tumor immune responses and anxiety symptoms. However, how mitochondrial dynamics affects auditory function in the inner ear remains unclear. Here, we show that the deficiency of FAM73a or FAM73b, two mitochondrial outer membrane proteins that mediate mitochondrial fusion, leads to outer hair cells (HCs) damage and progressive hearing loss in FVB/N mice. Abnormal mitochondrial fusion causes elevated oxidative stress and apoptosis of HCs in the early stage. Thereafter, the activation of macrophages and CD4+ T cell is found in the mutant mice with the increased expression of the inflammatory cytokines IL-12 and IFN-γ compared with control mice. Strikingly, a dramatically decreased number of macrophages by Clophosome®-A-Clodronate Liposomes treatment alleviates the hearing loss of mutant mice. Collectively, our finding highlights that FAM73a or FAM73b deficiency affects HCs survival by disturbing the mitochondrial function, and the subsequent immune response in the cochleae worsens the damage of HCs.
Therapeutic Applications of Garlic and Turmeric for the Diabetic Wound Healing in Mice
Authors: Farooq Muhammad A , Ali Shaukat , Sulayman Rida , Hassan Ali , Tahir Hafiz M , Shahzad Hafsa , Fiaz Umaima , Mughal Tafail A , Liaqat Irfana , Mumtaz Samaira , Nauroze Tooba , Mumtaz Shumaila
Published: November 2022

Diabetes is involved in delayed wound healing that can be cured by natural products such as garlic, turmeric, and fibroin extracts. Alloxan monohydrate is used for inducing diabetes in mice. The percent wound contraction of garlic (150 mg/ml), turmeric (100 mg/ml), and fibroin (50 mg/ml), individually and in combinations garlic (150 mg/ml) + fibroin (50 mg/ml), turmeric (100 mg/ml) + fibroin (50 mg/ml), garlic (150 mg/ml) + turmeric (100 mg/ml), and garlic (150 mg/ml) + turmeric (100 mg/ml) + fibroin (50 mg/ml) was checked by evaluating the healing time, % wound contraction and histological analysis. The serum level of MMPs (MMP 2, MMP7, MMP 9), pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8), and TIMPs were evaluated. With the combination of three extracts (Ga+Tu+Fi) garlic (150 mg/ml), turmeric (100 mg/ml) and fibroin (50 mg/ml), wounds healed in 12 days and had 97.3 ± 2.2% wound contraction. While the positive control (polyfax) and diabetic control (saline) wounds healed in 17- and 19-days with wound contraction of 96.7 ± 1.4% and 96.3 ± 1.1%, respectively. Histological analysis showed that the combination of Ga+Tu+Fi exhibited an increase in the growth of collagen fibers, fibroblasts number, and keratinocytes, and lessened inflammation of blood vessels. The combination of Ga+Tu+Fi significantly alleviated the serum concentration of TNF-α (14.2 ± 0.7 pg/ml), IL-6 (10.0 ± 1.0 pg/ml), IL-8 (16.0 ± 1.5 pg/ml), MMP2 (228.0 ± 18.1 pg/ml), MMP7 (271.0 ± 9.9 pg/ml), and MMP9 (141.0 ± 5.3 pg/ml) to diabetic control. The level of TIMPs (193.0 ± 9.1 pg/ml) was increased significantly with respect to diabetic control. We conclude that the combination of these biomaterials possessed high regenerative and healing capabilities and can be an effective remedy in the healing of chronic wounds in diabetic patients.
In-plane-dominated vibration characteristics of piezoelectric thick circular plates based on higher-order plate theories
Authors: Ji Ming , Wu Yi-Chuang , Ma Chien-Ching
Published: November 2022

Numerous engineering applications exist for the piezoelectric effect, which results from the electromechanical coupling between electrical and mechanical fields. In-plane vibrations of piezoelectric plates’ resonance frequencies and associated mode shapes have been thoroughly investigated. However, analytical solutions for in-plane-dominated vibrations of thick piezoelectric circular plates are limited. In this paper, higher-order plate theories for the in-plane-dominated vibration characteristics of piezoelectric circular thick plates under fully clamped and completely free boundary conditions are presented. The resonant frequencies and associated mode shapes were investigated based on two higher-order plate theories: second-order shear deformation plate theory and third-order shear deformation plate theory, as well as simplified third-order linear piezoelectric theory. Hamilton's principle was applied to derive equations of motion and boundary conditions. In the theoretical analysis, the resonant frequencies, associated mode shapes and distribution of electric displacements for various radius-to-thickness ratios were calculated. The numerical results obtained by the finite element method were compared with those obtained from theoretical analysis. Excellent agreement was found between the theoretical and numerical results for the thick piezoelectric circular plates.
Antiovarian cancer mechanism of esculetin: inducing G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis via JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway
Authors: Yin Wen , Fu Xu , Chang Wenwen , Han Li , Meng Jiahao , Cao Aijia , Ren Xiaomin , Fan Zhongxiong , Zhou Suqin
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Esculetin is a coumarin derivative, which is extracted from the dried barks of fraxinus chinensis Roxb. Although it is reported esculetin possesses multiple pharmacological activities, its associated regulatory mechanism on ovarian cancer isn’t well investigated.

Methods

Cytotoxicity is evaluated by MTT, clonogenic and living/dead cells staining assays. Migration and invasion effects are investigated by wound healing, and transwell assays. The effect of cell cycle and apoptosis are analyzed by flow cytometry and western blotting. Mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) is assessed by fluorescence microscope. Analysis of animal experiments are carried out by various pathological section assays.

Key findings

Esculetin exerts an anti- ovarian cancer effect. It is found that apoptosis induction is promoted by the accumulation of excessive ROS and inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway. In addition, exposure to esculetin leads to the cell viability reduction, migration and invasion capability decrease and G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest induced by down-regulating downstream targets of STAT3. In vivo experimental results also indicate esculetin can inhibit tumour growth of mice.

Conclusions

Our study provides some strong evidences to support esculetin as a potential anti-cancer agent in ovarian cancer.
Unusual twisting of a reconstructed FDP tendon of the little finger after spontaneous attrition rupture on the hamate bone: a case report
Authors: Mousa Samar , Shirley Rebecca
Published: November 2022

We describe a case of attrition rupture of flexor digitorum profundus tendon of the right little finger in a 64-year-old lady caused by a prominent hook of hamate. The tendon was reconstructed primarily by palmaris longus tendon graft and was complicated by tendon graft twisting by scar tissue, resulting in the inability to fully extend the finger.
Mouse Phenome Database: towards a more FAIR-compliant and TRUST-worthy data repository and tool suite for phenotypes and genotypes
Authors: Bogue Molly A , Ball Robyn L , Philip Vivek M , Walton David O , Dunn Matthew H , Kolishovski Georgi , Lamoureux Anna , Gerring Matthew , Liang Hongping , Emerson Jake , Stearns Tim , He Hao , Mukherjee Gaurab , Bluis John , Desai Sejal , Sundberg Beth , Kadakkuzha Beena , Kunde-Ramamoorthy Govindarajan , Chesler Elissa J
Published: November 2022

The Mouse Phenome Database (MPD; https://phenome.jax.org; RRID:SCR_003212), supported by the US National Institutes of Health, is a Biomedical Data Repository listed in the Trans-NIH Biomedical Informatics Coordinating Committee registry. As an increasingly FAIR-compliant and TRUST-worthy data repository, MPD accepts phenotype and genotype data from mouse experiments and curates, organizes, integrates, archives, and distributes those data using community standards. Data are accompanied by rich metadata, including widely used ontologies and detailed protocols. Data are from all over the world and represent genetic, behavioral, morphological, and physiological disease-related characteristics in mice at baseline or those exposed to drugs or other treatments. MPD houses data from over 6000 strains and populations, representing many reproducible strain types and heterogenous populations such as the Diversity Outbred where each mouse is unique but can be genotyped throughout the genome. A suite of analysis tools is available to aggregate, visualize, and analyze these data within and across studies and populations in an increasingly traceable and reproducible manner. We have refined existing resources and developed new tools to continue to provide users with access to consistent, high-quality data that has translational relevance in a modernized infrastructure that enables interaction with a suite of bioinformatics analytic and data services.
QTLbase2: an enhanced catalog of human quantitative trait loci on extensive molecular phenotypes
Authors: Huang Dandan , Feng Xiangling , Yang Hongxi , Wang Jianhua , Zhang Wenwen , Fan Xutong , Dong Xiaobao , Chen Kexin , Yu Ying , Ma Xin , Yi Xianfu , Li Mulin Jun
Published: November 2022

Deciphering the fine-scale molecular mechanisms that shape the genetic effects at disease-associated loci from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) remains challenging. The key avenue is to identify the essential molecular phenotypes that mediate the causal variant and disease under particular biological conditions. Therefore, integrating GWAS signals with context-specific quantitative trait loci (QTLs) (such as different tissue/cell types, disease states, and perturbations) from extensive molecular phenotypes would present important strategies for full understanding of disease genetics. Via persistent curation and systematic data processing of large-scale human molecular trait QTLs (xQTLs), we updated our previous QTLbase database (now QTLbase2, http://mulinlab.org/qtlbase) to comprehensively analyze and visualize context-specific QTLs across 22 molecular phenotypes and over 95 tissue/cell types. Overall, the resource features the following major updates and novel functions: (i) 960 more genome-wide QTL summary statistics from 146 independent studies; (ii) new data for 10 previously uncompiled QTL types; (iii) variant query scope expanded to fit 195 QTL datasets based on whole-genome sequencing; (iv) supports filtering and comparison of QTLs for different biological conditions, such as stimulation types and disease states; (v) a new linkage disequilibrium viewer to facilitate variant prioritization across tissue/cell types and QTL types.
A proto-telomere is elongated by telomerase in a shelterin-dependent manner in quiescent fission yeast cells
Authors: Vaurs Mélina , Audry Julien , Runge Kurt W , Géli Vincent , Coulon Stéphane
Published: November 2022

Telomere elongation is coupled with genome replication, raising the question of the repair of short telomeres in post-mitotic cells. We investigated the fate of a telomere-repeat capped end that mimics a single short telomere in quiescent fission yeast cells. We show that telomerase is able to elongate this single short telomere during quiescence despite the binding of Ku to the proto-telomere. While Taz1 and Rap1 repress telomerase in vegetative cells, both shelterin proteins are required for efficient telomere extension in quiescent cells, underscoring a distinct mode of telomerase control. We further show that Rad3ATR and Tel1ATM are redundantly required for telomere elongation in quiescence through the phosphorylation of Ccq1 and that Rif1 and its associated-PP1 phosphatases negatively regulate telomerase activity by opposing Ccq1 phosphorylation. The distinct mode of telomerase regulation in quiescent fission yeast cells may be relevant to that in human stem and progenitor cells.
Chromatin accessibility-based characterisation of brain gene regulatory networks in three distinct honey bee polyphenisms
Authors: Lowe Robert , Wojciechowski Marek , Ellis Nancy , Hurd Paul J
Published: November 2022

The honey bee genome has the capacity to produce three phenotypically distinct organisms (two diploid female castes: queen and worker, and a haploid male drone). Previous studies have implicated metabolic flux acting via epigenetic regulation in directing nutrition-driven phenotypic plasticity in the honey bee. However, the cis-acting DNA regulatory elements that establish tissue and polyphenism -specific epigenomes and gene expression programmes, remain unclear. Using a high resolution multiomic approach including assay for transposase-accessible chromatin by sequencing (ATAC-seq), RNA-seq and ChIP-seq, we produce the first genome-wide maps of the regulatory landscape across all three adult honey bee phenotypes identifying > 5000 regulatory regions in queen, 7500 in worker and 6500 in drone, with the vast majority of these sites located within intronic regions. These regions are defined by positive enrichment of H3K27ac and depletion of H3K4me3 and show a positive correlation with gene expression. Using ATAC-seq footprinting we determine queen, worker and drone -specific transcription factor occupancy and uncover novel phenotype-specific regulatory networks identifying two key nuclear receptors that have previously been implicated in caste-determination and adult behavioural maturation in honey bees; ecdysone receptor and ultraspiracle. Collectively, this study provides novel insights into key gene regulatory networks that are associated with these distinct polyphenisms in the honey bee.
Underwater acoustic metamaterials
Authors: Dong Erqian , Cao Peizheng , Zhang Jinhu , Zhang Sai , Fang Nicholas X , Zhang Yu
Published: November 2022

Acoustic metamaterials have been widely investigated over the past few decades and have realized acoustic parameters that are not achievable using conventional materials. After demonstrating that locally resonant acoustic metamaterials are capable of acting as subwavelength unit cells, researchers have evaluated the possibility of breaking the classical limitations of the material mass density and bulk modulus. Combined with theoretical analysis, additive manufacturing and engineering applications, acoustic metamaterials have demonstrated extraordinary capabilities, including negative refraction, cloaking, beam formation and super-resolution imaging. Owing to the complexity of impedance boundaries and mode transitions, there are still challenges in freely manipulating acoustic propagation in an underwater environment. This review summarizes the developments in underwater acoustic metamaterials over the past 20 years, which include underwater acoustic invisibility cloaking, underwater beam formation, underwater metasurfaces and phase engineering, underwater topological acoustics and underwater acoustic metamaterial absorbers. With the evolution of underwater metamaterials and the timeline of scientific advances, underwater acoustic metamaterials have demonstrated exciting applications in underwater resource development, target recognition, imaging, noise reduction, navigation and communication.