bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging roles of the P2X7 receptor in cancer pain
Authors: Wu Ping , Wang Yin , Liu Yansong , Liu Yan , Zhou Guohua , Wu Xiaoqi , Wen Qingping
Published: November 2022

Cancer pain is the most prevalent symptom experienced by cancer patients. It substantially impacts a patient’s long-term physical and emotional health, making it a pressing issue that must be addressed. Purinergic receptor P2X7 (P2X7R) is a widely distributed and potent non-selective ATP-gated ion channel that regulates tumor proliferation, chronic pain, and the formation of inflammatory lesions in the central nervous system. P2X7R plays an essential role in cancer pain and complications related to cancer pain including depression and opioid tolerance. This review focuses on the structure and distribution of P2X7R, its role in diverse tissues in cancer pain, and the application of P2X7R antagonists in the treatment of cancer pain to propose new ideas for cancer pain management.
Biochar improves the performance of Avena sativa L. grown in gasoline-polluted soils
Authors: Fedeli Riccardo , Alexandrov Dmitriy , Celletti Silvia , Nafikova Elvira , Loppi Stefano
Published: November 2022

This study investigated the effect of soil contamination by different concentrations of gasoline on oat (Avena sativa L.) and tested the effect of biochar supply to the polluted soils on the performance of oat plants. Oat seeds were sowed in contaminated soils with different concentrations of gasoline: 0% (control), 1%, 2%, 6%, and 10% (v/w), and grown for 2 weeks. Germination, fresh weight, root and stem length, photosynthetic parameters (i.e., chlorophyll content, PIABS, FV/FM, and NDVI), and total antioxidant power were analyzed. The results showed a remarkable negative effect on almost all the investigated parameters starting from the gasoline concentration of 6%. Based on these results, a new experiment was run by adding 5% (w/w) biochar (a carbon-rich byproduct of wood biomass pyrolysis) to the 6% and 10% polluted soils to test whether adding biochar had a beneficial effect on oat performance. The results showed that biochar supply greatly reduced the negative effects caused by gasoline on all the investigated parameters.
On ambiguity-averse market equilibrium
Authors: Vespermann Niklas , Hamacher Thomas , Kazempour Jalal
Published: November 2022

We develop a Nash equilibrium problem representing a perfectly competitive market wherein all players are subject to the same source of uncertainty with an unknown probability distribution. Each player—depending on her individual access to and confidence over empirical data—builds an ambiguity set containing a family of potential probability distributions describing the uncertain event. The ambiguity set of different players is not necessarily identical, yielding a market with potentially heterogeneous ambiguity aversion. Built upon recent developments in the field of Wasserstein distributionally robust chance-constrained optimization, each ambiguity-averse player maximizes her own expected payoff under the worst-case probability distribution within her ambiguity set. Using an affine policy and a conditional value-at-risk approximation of chance constraints, we define a tractable Nash game. We prove that under certain conditions a unique Nash equilibrium point exists, which coincides with the solution of a single optimization problem. Numerical results indicate that players with comparatively lower consumption utility are highly exposed to rival ambiguity aversion.
Exploring the Nature of Authority Over, and Ownership of Data Generated by Archaeological Lidar Projects in Latin America
Authors: Cohen Anna S. , Fernandez-Diaz Juan Carlos , Meeks Amanda
Published: November 2022

Data ownership and accessibility are critical issues across academia, but especially in fields that touch upon digital heritage that relates to pre-colonial/colonial societies. Who can access spatial datasets about pre-colonial landscapes, who is writing about these topics, and who, by extension, is considered an authority on these topics? This paper explores data ownership, gender, and local affiliation by examining publications on archaeological lidar in Latin America between 2011 and 2021. For over 10 years, archaeological remote sensing derived from lidar has transformed research in Latin America and especially in Mesoamerica, yet there are numerous issues related to data ownership and authoritative voice that remain unresolved. This study shows that publication authorship, including first and co-authorship, is dominated by male researchers at US institutions while women and individuals associated with institutions in Latin America are poorly represented. The limited representation of authors with local or community affiliations suggests that local authoritative voices are largely muted in archaeological lidar research in the region. We discuss working toward more collaborative lidar research in Latin America.
Understanding crowdsourcing in science
Authors: Lenart-Gansiniec Regina , Czakon Wojciech , Sułkowski Łukasz , Pocek Jasna
Published: November 2022

Over the past 16 years, the concept of crowdsourcing has rapidly gained traction across many research fields. While related debates focused mainly on its importance for business, the public and non-governmental sectors, its relevance for generating scientific knowledge is increasingly emphasized. This rising interest remains in contradiction with its feeble recognition, and excessive simplifications reducing crowdsourcing in science to citizen science. Conceptual clarity and a coherent framework would help integrate the various research streams. The aim of this paper is to extend reflection on crowdsourcing in science by analyzing the characteristics of the phenomenon. We synthesize a consensual definition from the literature, and structure key characteristics into a coherent framework, useful in guiding further research. We use a systematic literature review procedure to generate a pool of 42 definitions from a comprehensive set of 62 articles spanning different literatures, including: business and economics, education, psychology, biology, and communication studies. We follow a mixed-method approach that combines bibliometric and frequency analyses with deductive coding and thematic analysis. Based on triangulated results we develop an integrative definition: crowdsourcing in science is a collaborative online process through which scientists involve a group of self-selected individuals of varying, diverse knowledge and skills, via an open call to the Internet and/or online platforms, to undertake a specified research task or set of tasks. We also provide a conceptual framework that covers four key characteristics: initiator, crowd, process, and technology.
Evaluation of loci to predict ear morphology using two SNaPshot assays
Authors: Noreen Saadia , Ballard David , Mehmood Tahir , Khan Arif , Khalid Tanveer , Rakha Allah
Published: November 2022

Human ear morphology prediction with SNP-based genotypes is growing in forensic DNA phenotyping and is scarcely explored in Pakistan as a part of EVCs (externally visible characteristics). The ear morphology prediction assays with 21 SNPs were assessed for their potential utility in forensic identification of population. The SNaPshot™ multiplex chemistries, capillary electrophoresis methods and GeneMapper™ software were used for obtaining genotypic data. A total of 33 ear phenotypes were categorized with digital photographs of 300 volunteers. SHEsis software was applied to make LD plot. Ordinal and multinomial logistic regression was implemented for association testing. Multinomial logistic regression was executed to construct the prediction model in 90% training and 10% testing subjects. Several influential SNPs for ear phenotypic variation were found in association testing. The model based on genetic markers predicted ear phenotypes with moderate to good predictive accuracies demonstrated with the area under curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of predicted phenotypes. As an additional EVC, the estimated ear phenotypic profiles have the possibility of determining the human ear morphology differences in unknown biological samples found in crimes that do not result in a criminal database hit. Furthermore, this can help in facial reconstruction and act as an investigational lead.
Planning for Climate Change Impacts on Geoheritage Interests in Protected and Conserved Areas
Authors: Gordon John E. , Wignall Rachel M. L. , Brazier Vanessa , Crofts Roger , Tormey Dan
Published: November 2022

Climate change presents challenges for the management of geoheritage at all scales from individual geosites to whole landscapes, and affecting all areas of the planet. Direct impacts will arise principally through the effects of climate changes on geomorphological processes and vegetation cover, while indirect impacts will result from hard engineering interventions to mitigate risks from natural hazards. We present an indicative framework that sets out key steps to help geoconservation practitioners and managers of all protected and conserved areas (PCAs) with geoheritage interests to assess and manage the impacts of climate change on geoheritage. Strategies for mitigation and adaptation to assist contingency planning and implementation should be supported by site condition monitoring and as far as possible work with nature, but will require to be adaptive in the face of many uncertainties. Our approach is based on assessment of the risk of degradation of geosites and their features and processes arising from the likelihood of climate change affecting them and the predicted severity of impacts. The risk of degradation of a site, feature or process will depend on (i) its geographic location and proximity to geomorphological systems that are likely to respond dynamically to climate changes; (ii) the magnitude, rate and duration of these changes; and (iii) intrinsic factors that include the geological and physical characteristics of the site and its features and processes. Management options range from non-intervention to planned interventions informed by the risk of degradation assessment. However, documentation for posterity may be the only practical option for geoheritage interests close to existential thresholds, such as small mountain glaciers, and sites at risk from sea-level rise and coastal or river erosion. Adaptation strategies for geoheritage in protected and conserved areas should, as far as practicable, align with those for biodiversity and aim to deliver multiple co-benefits for nature and people, although economic, social and political constraints may hinder implementation where wider stakeholder interests are involved. Managers of PCAs will need substantial input from geoconservation experts to carry out the assessments recommended and determine the action required.
The periotic of a basal balaenopterid from the Tortonian of the Stirone River, northern Italy (Cetacea, Mysticeti, Balaenopteridae)
Authors: Bisconti Michelangelo , Raineri Gianluca , Tartarelli Giandonato , Monegatti Paola , Carnevale Giorgio
Published: November 2022

A new periotic (MuMAB 240508) is described from the Tortonian of the Stirone River, Northern Italy. The new specimen is described and compared to all the known periotics of extant and extinct balaenopterid species. The new specimen shows balaenopterid characters, including the triangular anterior process, the transverse and anteroposterior elongations of the pars cochlearis, as well as in the arrangement of the endocranial foramina of the periotic. The presence of a medial promontorial groove, a lack of separation between the round window and the perilymphatic foramen together with the presence of a protruding set of medial crests suggest that this periotic may belong to an archaic and undescribed balaenopterid species. A phylogenetic analysis was performed to understand the relationships of this specimen within the broader context of balaenopterid phylogeny; this analysis showed that MuMAB 240508 belongs to a basal balaenopterid taxon that is the sister group to all the other Balaenopteridae with the exception of ‘Balaenoptera’ ryani. An ordinary least squares regression analysis showed that a relationship exists linking the length of the anterior process of the periotic and the total body length in Balaenopteridae. By means of such a relationship, the total body length of the individual to which MuMAB 240508 belonged to was reconstructed and resulted in c. 14.4 m. This individual was longer than all the other contemporaneous balaenopterid mysticetes confiming the hypothesis that the origin of large size occurred in this family earlier than previously thought.
Prognostic value of Beclin 1, EGFR and ALK in non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wan Yanhui , Qian Youhui , Wang Youyu , Fang Fuyuan , Wu Guodong
Published: November 2022

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most malignant tumors. The study was carried out to investigate the prognostic value of Beclin 1, EGFR and ALK for this cancer. Patients diagnosed with non-squamous NSCLC and admitted to our hospital from January 2011 to September 2016 were analyzed. Expression of Beclin 1 and mutation of EGFR and ALK were assessed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and analyzed for their relationship with demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients. Multivariate Cox regression models were applied to analyze the risk factors associated with survival and receiver response curves (ROC) were plotted to determine the prognostic value of Beclin 1, EGFR and ALK for patients with non-squamous NSCLC. Compared with adjacent normal tissue, Beclin 1 expression was elevated in the cancer tissue significantly; assessments of EGFR and ALK mutations showed that out of the 480 patients, 233 (48.5%) and 75 (12.6%) patients had EGFR and ALK mutations. Univariate analysis revealed that Beclin 1 level, EGFR and ALK mutations were associated with lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, tumor differentiation and prognosis, but not with gender, age and smoking status. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated that low Beclin 1 expression and positive EGFR and ALK rearrangements were associated with higher survival rate and longer progress-free survival (PFS). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that Beclin 1, EGFR, ALK mutations, tumor differentiation grade, TNM stage and lymph node metastasis were independently associated with PFS. ROC analysis showed that Beclin 1, EGFR and ALK were significant predictors for PFS; the areas under curve (AUC) for Beclin 1, EGFR and ALK were 0.812 (P = 0.018, cut-off value: 1.2), 0.781 (P = 0.011, cut-off value: 15%) and 0.722 (P = 0.010, cut-off value: 11%), respectively, suggesting that they have significant prognostic value for lung cancer patients. Our data indicate that Beclin 1, EGFR and ALK genes are associated with the prognosis of patients with non-squamous NSCLC. High Beclin 1 expression and negative EGFR and ALK mutations predict a poor prognosis with PFS.
Lefschetz properties for jacobian rings of cubic fourfolds and other Artinian algebras
Authors: Bricalli Davide , Favale Filippo Francesco
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we exploit some geometric-differential techniques to prove the strong Lefschetz property in degree 1 for a complete intersection standard Artinian Gorenstein algebra of codimension 6 presented by quadrics. We prove also some strong Lefschetz properties for the same kind of Artinian algebras in higher codimensions. Moreover, we analyze some loci that come naturally into the picture of “special” Artinian algebras: for them we give some geometric descriptions and show a connection between the non emptiness of the so-called non-Lefschetz locus in degree 1 and the “lifting” of a weak Lefschetz property to an algebra from one of its quotients.
Variability of photosynthetic and related traits in maize and other summer crops in a temperate humid area
Authors: Álvarez-Iglesias Lorena , Vales María I. , De Ron Antonio M. , Rodiño Ana P. , Tejada-Hinojoza Juan L. , Taboada Alfredo , Revilla Pedro
Published: November 2022

Photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency (WUE) are crucial for the sustainable use of water in agriculture. Our objective was to analyze the variability of photosynthetic and related traits in maize (Zea mays L.) and other summer crops in a temperate humid area. We evaluated photosynthetic parameters in maize for three years and compared them to pigeonpea and chickpea, adapted to arid environments, and pepper, tomato and common bean, as irrigated crops. Variability was significant in maize for most photosynthetic parameters and no consistent patterns of variability were found among genotypes. Compared to other crops, maize (C4 crop) had the highest CO2 assimilation and WUE, and the lowest stomatal conductance, substomatal CO2 concentration, and transpiration. CO2 assimilation was lowest for chickpea, stomatal conductance was highest for pigeonpea, substomatal CO2 concentration was highest for tomato and pigeonpea, transpiration was highest for pigeonpea, and WUE was lowest for pigeonpea. Chickpea lacked variability for photosynthetic traits, while pigeonpea has the largest potential for improving photosynthetic traits. Net assimilation, conductance, and transpiration could be improved in common bean, and substomatal CO2 concentration in pepper. Water Use Efficiency could be improved in some C3 crops, but more genetic biodiversity has to be identified in maize.
Role of 18F-FDG PET-CT in Pre-Operative Planning of Surgical Debridement in Chronic Osteomyelitis
Authors: Elsheikh Ahmed , Elazazy Mostafa , Elkaramany Mamdouh
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Osteomyelitis is a challenge in diagnosis and treatment. 18F-FDG PET-CT provides a non-invasive tool for diagnosing and localizing osteomyelitis with a sensitivity reaching 94% and specificity reaching 100%. We aimed to assess the agreement in identifying the geographic area of infected bone and planned resection on plain X-ray versus 18F-FDG PET-CT.

Methods

Clinical photos and X-rays of ten osteomyelitis patients were shown to ten consultant surgeons; they were asked to draw the area of infection and extent of planned surgical debridement; data will be compared to 18F-FDG PET-CT results.

Results

We tested the agreement between the surgeons in every parameter. Regarding height, there was poor agreement between surgeons. Regarding perimeter, the ten surgeons showed low-moderate agreement. The ten surgeons showed a low-moderate agreement for circularity. Results document the variability of assessment and judgement based on plain X-rays. In comparison to PET-CT, All parameters were significantly different in favour of 18F-FDG PET-CT over X-ray (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

18F FDG PET-CT provides a three-dimensional tool for localizing the exact location of the infected bone and differentiating it from the normal bone. Thus, it could be beneficial in precise pre-operative planning and surgical debridement of chronic osteomyelitis.
Integrated full-scale solar CPC/UV-LED–filtration system as a tertiary treatment in a conventional WWTP for agricultural reuse purposes
Authors: Ponce-Robles L. , Mena E. , Diaz S. , Pagán-Muñoz A. , Lara-Guillén A. J. , Fellahi I. , Alarcón J. J.
Published: November 2022

Today, the emergence of increasingly restrictive treatment and reuse policies make the implementation of full-scale tertiary treatment, capable of improving the quality of water, a priority. Full-scale TiO2 photocatalysis systems are resulting in a promising option, since TiO2 is commercially available. However, questions such as how to work continuously during day/night irradiation cycle, or the removing of TiO2 in outlet flow are still unresolved. In this work, a full-scale system integrating a solar CPC/UV-LED step combined with commercial microfiltration membranes was installed in a conventional WWTP for agricultural reuse purposes. After optimization, 0.5 g/L of catalyst and combined SOLAR + UV-LED showing the highest pharmaceutical removal percentages, while a self-designed UV-LED included in the own reaction tank resulting in higher efficiencies compared with commercial lamps. Longer membrane surface area decreased fouling problems in the system. However, 60 min of irradiation time was necessary to reach the most restrictive water quality values according with (EU 2020/741). After optimization step, total costs were reduced by 45%. However, it was shown that a reduction in operating and maintenance costs, along with the development of more effective and economical commercial filtration membranes is a key factor; therefore, working on these aspects is essential in the treated water cost reduction.

Graphical abstract
Autophagic Clearance of Lipid Droplets Alters Metabolic Phenotypes in a Genetic Obesity–Diabetes Mouse Model
Authors: Chen Ningxie , Lu Boxun , Fu Yuhua
Published: November 2022

Lipid droplets (LDs) are intracellular organelles that store neutral lipids, and their aberrant accumulation is associated with many diseases including metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Meanwhile, the potential pathological contributions of LDs in these diseases are unclear, likely due to a lack of chemical biology tools to clear LDs. We recently developed LD-clearance small molecule compounds, Lipid Droplets·AuTophagy TEthering Compounds (LD·ATTECs), that are able to induce autophagic clearance of LDs in cells and in the liver of db/db (C57BL/6J Leprdb/Leprdb) mouse model, which is a widely used genetic model for obesity–diabetes. Meanwhile, the potential effects on the metabolic phenotype remain to be elucidated. Here, using the metabolic cage assay and the blood glucose assay, we performed phenotypic characterization of the effects of the autophagic degradation of LDs by LD·ATTECs in the db/db mouse model. The study reveals that LD·ATTECs increased the oxygen uptake of mice and the release of carbon dioxide, enhanced the heat production of animals, partially enhanced the exercise during the dark phase, decreased the blood glucose level and improved insulin sensitivity. Collectively, the study characterized the metabolic phenotypes induced by LD·ATTECs in an obesity–diabetes mouse model, revealing novel functional impacts of autophagic clearance of LDs and providing insights into LD biology and obesity–diabetes pathogenesis from the phenotypic perspective.
Effective Judicial Protection in Consumer Litigation
Authors: van Duin Anna
Published: November 2022

In EU consumer law, the rise of Article 47 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights - which guarantees the right to an effective remedy and a fair trial - over the past decade has coincided with a wave of crisis-induced litigation. Courts were confronted with large numbers of cases against overindebted consumers. This has prompted many questions on the need for effective judicial protection, for instance in mortgage enforcement and order for payment procedures.

This book provides a unique perspective on the role of civil courts at the crossroads of EU fundamental rights, consumer law and access to justice. It examines how the Court of Justice of the European Union, as well as civil courts in Spain and the Netherlands, refer to Article 47 in unfair terms cases, where procedural obstacles and inequalities have become particularly visible - especially in Spanish case law. The analysis reveals a divergence between European and national practices and also shows the potential of Article 47, which is often wrongly equated with the principle of effectiveness, in consumer litigation.

Effective Judicial Protection in Consumer Litigation makes a vital contribution to the debate on the functions of Article 47 and fundamental rights reasoning in European private law adjudication and is a must read for anyone interested in the application of Article 47 in judicial decision-making.
Cross-Border Traders in Northern Laos
Authors: Rowedder Simon , Harris Tina
Published: November 2022

Northern Laos has
become a prominent spot in large-scale, top-down mappings and
studies of neoliberal globalisation and infrastructural
development linking Thailand and China, and markets further
beyond. Yet in the common narrative, in which Laos appears as a
weak victim helplessly exposed to its larger neighbours,
attention is seldom paid to local voices. This book fills this
gap. Building on long-term multi-sited fieldwork, it accompanies
northern Lao cross-border traders closely in their transnational
worlds of mobilities, social relations, economic experimentation
and aspiration. Cross-Border Traders in Northern Laos:
Mastering Smallness demonstrates that these traders'
indispensable but often invisible role in the everyday workings
of the China-Laos-Thailand borderland economy relies on their
rhetoric and practices of 'smallness'-of framing their
transnational trade activities in a self-deprecating manner and
stressing their economic inferiority. Decoding their discursive
surface of insignificance, this ethnography of 'smallness'
foregrounds remarkable transnational social and economic skills
that are mostly invisible in Sino-Southeast Asian borderland
scholarship.
Courtly Riddles
Authors: Seyed-Gohrab Asghar
Published: November 2022

This book is the first study of Persian literary riddles to appear in English, analysing a wide range of complex riddling poems systematically from the tenth to the twelfth century. In addition to the genre of riddles, the book examines the relationship between metaphors and riddles and the genre of literary description.

Riddles belong to the oldest genre in many literary traditions. Riddles were composed at courts in the Iranian world for various purposes, such as highlighting the courtly insignia that refer to the ruler's administrative and military power. The aesthetic of puzzlement was much appreciated at courts. Through a riddle, the poet aims to demonstrate his artistic accomplishment in a short space; and at the same time he secures his social, professional and personal position at the court and in cultured circles. Literary riddles occur in the early specimens of Persian literature from the tenth century and they continue to be used in modern Iranian society.
Agreement Restrictions in Persian
Authors: Sedighi Anousha
Published: November 2022

Agreement Restrictions in Persian is the first comprehensive attempt to tackle the issue of verbal agreement in Persian from a cross-linguistic point of view. Persian is a field of research within theoretical linguistics that is yet to be sufficiently explored. This book adopts the Minimalist Program of Chomsky (1995-2004) which is at the forefront of recent theories of formal syntax and applies it to the Persian language.

Although it is commonly believed that in Persian the verb agrees with the subject, several constructions seem to constrain this obligatory rule. Adopting the framework of Distributed Morphology, the author argues that agreement is in fact obtained with the plural inanimate subjects but a morphological rule may block the result. Unlike the previous analyses which consider the experiencer as the subject of the psychological constructions, the author argues that the psychological state is the subject of the sentence. The findings of this book not only contribute to better understanding of Persian syntax, but also have important implications for grammar theory.
The Mastcam‐Z Radiometric Calibration Targets on NASA's Perseverance Rover: Derived Irradiance Time‐Series, Dust Deposition, and Performance Over the First 350 Sols on Mars
Authors: Merusi M. , Kinch K. B. , Madsen M. B. , Bell J. F. , Maki J. N. , Hayes A. G. , Joseph J. , Johnson J. R. , Rice M. , Cloutis E. A. , Applin D. , Lemmon M. T. , Vaughan A. F. , Núñez J. I. , Jensen E. , Kristensen J. Z. , Paris K. , Cisneros E. , Kennedy M. R. , Gasnault O.
Published: November 2022

The Mastcam‐Z radiometric calibration targets mounted on the NASA's Perseverance rover proved to be effective in the calibration of Mastcam‐Z images to reflectance (I/F) over the first 350 sols on Mars. Mastcam‐Z imaged the calibration targets regularly to perform reflectance calibration on multispectral image sets of targets on the Martian surface. For each calibration target image, mean radiance values were extracted for 41 distinct regions of the targets, including patches of color and grayscale materials. Eight strong permanent magnets, placed under the primary target, attracted magnetic dust and repelled it from central surfaces, allowing the extraction of radiance values from eight regions relatively clean from dust. These radiances were combined with reflectances obtained from laboratory measurements, a one‐term linear fit model was applied, and the slopes of the fits were retrieved as estimates of the solar irradiance and used to convert Mastcam‐Z images from radiance to reflectance. Derived irradiance time series are smoothly varying in line with expectations based on the changing Mars‐Sun distance, being only perturbed by a few significant dust events. The deposition of dust on the calibration targets was largely concentrated on the magnets, ensuring a minimal influence of dust on the calibration process. The fraction of sunlight directly hitting the calibration targets was negatively correlated with the atmospheric optical depth, as expected. Further investigation will aim at explaining the origin of a small offset observed in the fit model employed for calibration, and the causes of a yellowing effect affecting one of the calibration targets materials.
Seasonal Climatic Variations Inferred From Pollen in a Laminated Glacier in the Southeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Cui Anning , Wang Mo , Lu Houyuan , Xu Baiqing , Xu Deke , Li Hao
Published: November 2022

A new, seasonal, laminated ice core pollen record spanning the last 13 years (2000–2012) from Zuoqiupu Glacier (5,600 m a.s.l.), located on the southeastern Tibetan Plateau (TP), reveals clear variations in pollen concentration and assemblage. A total of 117 continuous ice core layers were used for pollen analysis. Samples with high concentrations of Pinus and Tsuga could be identified as layers accumulated in spring, samples with high concentrations of Alnus and Artemisia could be identified as layers accumulated in autumn, and samples rich in herbaceous plant pollen could be regarded as layers deposited in summer. Three peaks of Tsuga pollen concentration accompanied by high Pinus content occurred in the spring of 2003, 2007, and 2010, which corresponded to wetter and warmer conditions modulated by the El Niño decaying phase (April–May in 2003, 2007, and 2010). Thus, pollen grains deposited on the Zuoqiupu Glacier can be used to study the impacts of atmospheric circulations on seasonal climate change over the southeastern TP.
Day‐to‐Day Temperature Variability in China During Last 60 Years Relative to Arctic Oscillation
Authors: Wang Xuejie , Wu Guocan , Qin Yanyan
Published: November 2022

Day‐to‐day (DTD) temperature variability is an important characteristic of air temperature and is closely related to the economy, ecology, and human health. According to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the air temperature has increased particularly during the most recent decades. However, the temporal and spatial variations of DTD temperature variability have not been fully addressed. In this study, the DTD temperature variability is calculated using observed air temperature from meteorological stations in China. The regional and seasonal performances are evaluated among different climate regions and half‐year periods. In addition, the relationship between DTD temperature variability and the Arctic Oscillation (AO) is evaluated. The national mean DTD temperature variability in 1961–2020 during the warming (cooling) half‐year was 1.8°C (1.5°C), with minimum (maximum) values occurring in the southwestern (northeastern) regions of mainland China. Negative correlation was found between DTD temperature variability and the AO, particularly during the warming half‐year in the northern region. The national mean trends of DTD temperature variability were −0.003°C and −0.007°C per decade during warming and cooling half‐years, respectively, indicating that the inter‐day variation is decreasing under the background of global warming, which may be ecologically beneficial. These results could be of great significance in understanding temperature change and can be used to quantify land–atmosphere interaction and climate change.
Chinese Fine‐Grained Geological Named Entity Recognition With Rules and FLAT
Authors: Chen Siying , Hua Weihua , Liu Xiuguo , Deng Xiaotong , Zeng Xinling , Duan Jianchao
Published: November 2022

Geological named entity recognition (NER) is an essential prerequisite to realizing geological information extraction and information retrieval and is an actual means for accomplishing structured reconstruction of unstructured geological data. Existing geological NER methods mainly focus on coarse‐grained geological entity recognition, but geological entities are fine‐grained. To solve this problem, a Chinese fine‐grained geological entity corpus encompassing 21 types of fine‐grained labels is constructed. In addition, in this article, a fine‐grained geological entity recognition model based on Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformer (BERT)‐Flat‐Lattice Transformer is designed. This paper names this method FGNER (Fine‐grained Geological Named Entity Recognition) which adds geological naming rules to revise the model results to improve the recognition of complex geological entities. The fine‐grained geological entity recognition method is evaluated using regional geological literature reports as experimental data. The experimental results show that the precision, recall, and F1‐score of the FGNER model are 95.73%, 89.26%, and 92.05%, respectively, thus achieving better performance than baseline models, such as BERT‐Conditional Random Field.
Dissecting Ocean Dynamics in Greenland Fjords
Authors: Sidder Aaron
Published: November 2022

Researchers explored the patterns and drivers of variability in fjords linking the Greenland Ice Sheet and the Atlantic Ocean using numerical simulations and in situ observations.
Correlations Between Subduction of Linear Oceanic Features and Arc Volcanism Volume Around the Pacific Basin
Authors: Adam Claudia , Vidal Valérie , Grosse Pablo , Ichihara Mie
Published: November 2022

Arc volcanoes, created by magma generated from the dehydration of subducting slabs, show great variability in their sizes and along‐arc spatial distributions. In this study, we address a fundamental question, namely, how do subduction zones and volcanic arcs respond to the subduction of “atypical” oceanic lithosphere. We investigate the correlation between the geographical location and volume of arc volcanoes and the subduction of linear oceanic features, including hotspot tracks, oceanic plateaus, volcanic ridges, mid‐oceanic ridges, arc volcano chains, and fracture zones, around the Pacific basin. We use multidisciplinary and complementary data sets (topography and bathymetry, seismology and volcano morphometry), and design new analytical and data processing methods. We analyze 35 oceanic linear features. The subduction of three oceanic plateaus and five hotspot chains are clearly associated with volcanism increase, whereas four hotspot chains are related to volcanic gaps. We propose that the patterns of volcanism increase or decrease related to these oceanic features depend on the interplay between chemical (potentially enhancing melting) and thermo‐mechanical (inhibiting melting) effects, and/or by the variations of the chemical signatures along hotspot chains. The subduction of volcanic ridges is generally associated with small increases in arc volcanism, which may be accounted for by the fact that these features are highly hydrated and therefore promote melt. The subduction of active mid‐oceanic ridges is generally associated with slab windows and arc volcano gaps. No clear inference is found for the subduction of inactive arc ridges.
Structural Heterogeneity of the Alaska‐Aleutian Forearc: Implications for Interplate Coupling and Seismogenic Behaviors
Authors: Gou Tao , Xia Shaohong , Huang Zhouchuan , Zhao Dapeng
Published: November 2022

We determine high‐resolution 3‐D seismic images (Vp, Vs, and Vp/Vs) of the Alaska‐Aleutian forearc region, which are used to further estimate the serpentinization volume fraction of the subducting Pacific slab. Our results show that the hydration degree of the lower plate is high in the Shumagin Gap but relatively low in the Semidi and Kodiak segments, which roughly shows a trend of eastward decrease that is correlated with an increase of the interseismic slip deficit rate. The variation of slab serpentinization degree derived from our Vp model shows an uneven decreasing trend, well consistent with the along‐strike segmentation of interplate coupling and coseismic slip distributions of the 2020 Mw 7.8 Simeonof and 2021 Mw 8.2 Chignik megathrust earthquakes. The 2020 Mw 7.6 Sand Point earthquake took place within the strongly hydrated slab, whose occurrence was probably related to the variation of slip deficit rate that is probably affected by the changes in plate hydration. In addition, slow earthquakes occurred between the hydrated slab with pre‐subduction structures (e.g., bending faults, seamounts, and fracture zones) and the fluid‐saturated overriding crust and mantle wedge, where the intraslab seismicity and dehydration are intensive. These features suggest that lower‐plate hydration and dehydration may affect the interplate coupling and seismogenic behaviors in subduction zones.
On the Use of Dissolved Oxygen Isotopologues as Biogeochemical Tracers in the Northeast Pacific Ocean
Authors: Li Boda , Hu Huanting , Berelson William M. , Adkins Jess F. , Yeung Laurence Y.
Published: November 2022

The isotopic composition of dissolved oxygen offers a family of potentially unique tracers of respiration and transport in the subsurface ocean. Uncertainties in transport parameters and isotopic fractionation factors, however, have limited the strength of the constraints offered by 18O/16O and 17O/16O ratios in dissolved oxygen. To improve our understanding of oxygen cycling in the ocean's interior, we investigated the systematics of oxygen isotopologues in the subsurface Pacific using new data and a 2‐D isotopologue‐enabled isopycnal reaction‐transport model. We measured 18O/16O and 17O/16O ratios, as well as the “clumped” 18O18O isotopologue in the northeast Pacific, and compared the results to previously published data. We find evidence that oxygen consumption in the northeast Pacific follows different mass‐dependent fractionation exponents from those typically used in oceanographic studies. These fractionation factors imply that an elevated proportion of 17O compared to 18O in dissolved oxygen—that is, its triple‐oxygen isotope composition—may not uniquely reflect only gross primary productivity and mixing. For all oxygen isotopologues, transport, respiration, and photosynthesis comprise important parts of their respective budgets. Mechanisms of oxygen removal in the subsurface ocean are discussed.
What Controls the Skill of General Circulation Models to Simulate the Seasonal Cycle in Water Isotopic Composition in the Tibetan Plateau Region?
Authors: Shi Xiaoyi , Risi Camille , Li Laurent , Wang Xuejie , Pu Tao , Zhang Guotao , Zhang Yuan , Wang Zhiyuan , Kong Yanlong
Published: November 2022

This study evaluates the simulation of the seasonal cycle of water isotopic composition over Tibetan Plateau regions (TP) from six isotope‐enabled general circulation models (GCMs) participating in the second Phase of Stable Water Isotope Intercomparison Group. For both meteorological factors (precipitation rate and wind field) and isotopic composition, GCMs generally agree with reanalysis data and in‐situ observations, but there is a significant spread across models and the isotopic seasonality is systematically underestimated. In the southern TP, the precipitation isotopic composition is more depleted in summer than in winter, and the amplitude of the simulated isotopic seasonal variations is primarily driven by the amplitude of the simulated upstream precipitation. In contrast, in the northern TP, the precipitation isotopic composition is more depleted in winter than in summer, and the amplitude of the simulated seasonal variability of isotopes is mainly driven by the simulated strength of the zonal wind. We conclude that the skill of a GCM to simulate the seasonal cycle in the isotopic composition depends mainly on the skill of the GCM to simulate the Indian summer monsoon precipitation and the westerlies. The same causes contributing to the underestimated seasonality at present‐day may also contribute to the underestimated δ18O change at the mid‐Holocene.
The Effect of Gradient and Shape on the Formation Process of Climbing Dunes in a Wind‐Tunnel Experiment
Authors: Wang Xiaoxu , Yan Ping , Dong Miao , Zhang Xiao , Wang Yong , Wang Yijiao , Yuan Wenjie
Published: November 2022

Climbing dunes are typical aeolian landforms. The study of their formation and development mechanisms is necessary for the prevention and control of dune migration. The gradient and shape are important geomorphic factors affecting the formation of climbing dunes, but their influencing mechanism is not clear at present. In this work, wind speed and sand deposition on a sloping surface were monitored at a constant wind speed of 8 m s−1 in wind‐tunnel experiments, under six gradients (8°, 15°, 25°, 35°, 45°, and 55°) and five shapes (planar, concave, convex, concave‐convex, and stepped). The results show that (a) The flow field structure was affected by gradient and shape of the surface. The influences of flow field expanded both horizontally and vertically as the gradient increased; while at the 25° gradient, the horizontal range of influence was similar, but the vertical influence varied with different shapes. (b) The development of the sand deposition on a sloping surface could be divided into two stages. First, sand deposition occurred rapidly and climbing height, deposition area and deposition amount increased. After the surface was filled, the deposition on the surface slowed down and stabilized. (c) When the surface shape is flat, 25°–35° is the easiest gradient to form climbing dunes. Concave and stepped surfaces were more prone to form climbing dunes than were surfaces of other shapes. Those preliminary findings may enhance our understanding the formation of climbing dunes as well as provide useful references for reducing their influences upon the arid environment.
Prevalence of mesiobuccal-2 canals in maxillary first and second molars among the Bruneian population—CBCT analysis
Authors: Onn Hui Yi , Sikun Malissa Siao Yun Abdullah , Abdul Rahman Hanif , Dhaliwal Jagjit Singh
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Identification of the second mesiobuccal canal (MB-2) in maxillary molars is considered an endodontic concern of many practitioners due to its complex morphology. The use of Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a necessity for easier location of this elusive canal during endodontic treatment.

Aim

To study the prevalence of the MB-2 canal in the maxillary first and second molars amongst the Bruneian population.

Materials and methods

A retrospective study involving a review of scans taken from a CBCT scanner (J Morita; Veraviewepocs 3D R100 Panoramic/Cephalometric) over a 5-year period, from May 2016 to May 2021 was carried out. A total of 342 maxillary molars were evaluated independently by two observers. Any contradicting outcomes were discussed by both observers until a consensus was reached. In addition, the correlation of MB-2 canals with gender and age were calculated using the chi-squared test.

Results

The prevalence of MB-2 canal in the maxillary first and second molars are 51.3% and 29.8% respectively. Both males and females have a similar prevalence of MB-2 canals in the maxillary first and second molars. The incidence of MB-2 canals in both maxillary first and second molars significantly decreases with increasing age. No significant correlation between the prevalence of MB-2 canals with different gender groups in the population.

Conclusions

It is crucial for clinicians to identify the presence of MB-2 canals when performing endodontic treatment of the maxillary first and second molars. Varying prevalence has been reported for different populations. Recognising this wide-ranging prevalence amongst different populations will allow for greater predictability in ensuring endodontic treatment success.
The role of SPATA2 in TNF signaling, cancer, and spermatogenesis
Authors: Masola Valentina , Greco Nicola , Tozzo Pamela , Caenazzo Luciana , Onisto Maurizio
Published: November 2022

The activation of TNF receptors can lead to cell death with a mechanism of cell necrosis regulated genetically and distinct from apoptosis which is defined as necroptosis. Necroptosis has been one of the most studied emerging cell death/signaling pathways in recent years, especially in light of the role of this process in human disease. However, not all regulatory components of TNF signaling have been identified in relation to both physiological and pathological conditions. In 2008, Spata2 (Spermatogenesis-associated protein 2) was identified as one of the seven fundamental genes for the cellular signaling network that regulates necroptosis and apoptosis. This gene had been cloned by our group and named Spata2 as its expression was found to be elevated in the testis compared to other tissues, localized at the Sertoli cell level and FSH-dependent. More recently, it has been demonstrated that deletion of Spata2 gene causes increased inhibin α expression and attenuated fertility in male mice. However, more importantly, five recently published reports have highlighted that SPATA2 is crucial for recruiting CYLD to the TNFR1 signaling complex thus promoting its activation leading to TNF-induced cell death. Loss of SPATA2 increases transcriptional activation of NF-kB and limits TNF-induced necroptosis. Here we will discuss these important findings regarding SPATA2 and, in particular, focus attention on the evidence that suggests a role for this protein in the TNF signaling pathway.
Metabolic and proteomic signatures of type 2 diabetes subtypes in an Arab population
Authors: Zaghlool Shaza B. , Halama Anna , Stephan Nisha , Gudmundsdottir Valborg , Gudnason Vilmundur , Jennings Lori L. , Thangam Manonanthini , Ahlqvist Emma , Malik Rayaz A. , Albagha Omar M. E. , Abou‑Samra Abdul Badi , Suhre Karsten
Published: November 2022

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has a heterogeneous etiology influencing its progression, treatment, and complications. A data driven cluster analysis in European individuals with T2D previously identified four subtypes: severe insulin deficient (SIDD), severe insulin resistant (SIRD), mild obesity-related (MOD), and mild age-related (MARD) diabetes. Here, the clustering approach was applied to individuals with T2D from the Qatar Biobank and validated in an independent set. Cluster-specific signatures of circulating metabolites and proteins were established, revealing subtype-specific molecular mechanisms, including activation of the complement system with features of autoimmune diabetes and reduced 1,5-anhydroglucitol in SIDD, impaired insulin signaling in SIRD, and elevated leptin and fatty acid binding protein levels in MOD. The MARD cluster was the healthiest with metabolomic and proteomic profiles most similar to the controls. We have translated the T2D subtypes to an Arab population and identified distinct molecular signatures to further our understanding of the etiology of these subtypes.