bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jet A and Propane gas combustion in a turboshaft engine: performance and emissions reductions
Authors: Hasan Ali , Haidn Oskar J.
Published: March 2021

The Paris Agreement has highlighted the need in reducing carbon emissions. Attempts in using lower carbon fuels such as Propane gas have seen limited success, mainly due to liquid petroleum gas tanks structural/size limitations. A compromised solution is presented, by combusting Jet A fuel with a small fraction of Propane gas. Propane gas with its relatively faster overall igniting time, expedites the combustion process. Computational fluid dynamics software was used to demonstrate this solution, with results validated against physical engine data. Jet A fuel was combusted with different Propane gas dosing fractions. Results demonstrated that depending on specific propane gas dosing fractions emission reductions in ppm are; NOx from 84 to 41, CO2 from less than 18,372 to less than 15,865, escaping unburned fuels dropped from 11.4 (just Jet A) to 6.26e-2 (with a 0.2 fraction of Propane gas). Soot and CO increased, this is due to current combustion chamber air mixing design.
Design of a mono-disperse aerosol generator for efficiency testing of HEPA filter
Authors: Qin Guoxiu , Pan Liangliang , Xu Youning , Li Fan , Liang Yi
Published: March 2021

A set of mono-disperse aerosol generator was designed to meet the requirement of efficiency testing for high efficiency particle air filter. The aerosol generation tests and performance tests were conducted by using evaporation–condensation method, with NaCl solutions at different concentrations as the condensation nucleus and respectively using the DEHS, DOP, PAO–4 as reagents. The results show that three reagents can generate mono-disperse aerosol particles by strictly controlling various parameters which affects the aerosol performance, where the particle size range is 0.33–0.36 μm for DEHS, 0.35–0.37 μm for DOP and 0.34–0.36 μm for PAO–4 and the concentrations of the aerosols lager than 106 cm–3. The particle size characteristics and concentrations generated through such method basically conform to the requirements of efficiency testing for high efficiency particle air filter.
Ars Erotica
Authors: Shusterman Richard
Published: March 2021

The term ars erotica refers to the styles and techniques of lovemaking with the honorific title of art. But in what sense are these practices artistic and how do they contribute to the aesthetics and ethics of self-cultivation in the art of living? In this book, Richard Shusterman offers a critical, comparative analysis of the erotic theories proposed by the most influential premodern cultural traditions that shaped our contemporary world. Beginning with ancient Greece, whose god of desiring love gave eroticism its name, Shusterman examines the Judaeo-Christian biblical tradition and the classical erotic theories of Chinese, Indian, Islamic, and Japanese cultures, before concluding with medieval and Renaissance Europe. His exploration of their errors and insights shows how we could improve the quality of life and love today. By using the engine of eros to cultivate qualities of sensitivity, grace, skill, and self-mastery, we can reimagine a richer, more positive vision of sex education.
Consumer perspectives of vocational rehabilitation and return to work following acquired brain injury
Authors: Watter Kerrin , Kennedy Areti , McLennan Vanette , Vogler Jessica , Jeffery Sarah , Murray Alena , Ehlers Shelley , Nielsen Mandy
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Following acquired brain injury, the goal of return to work is common. While return to work is supported through different rehabilitation models and services, access to vocational rehabilitation varies within and between countries, and global rates of employment post-injury remain low. The literature identifies outcomes from vocational programs and experiences with return to work, yet little is known about individuals’ perceptions and experiences regarding rehabilitation to support their vocational goals and experiences in attempting to return to work.

Method:

This qualitative study investigated the experiences of community-living adults with acquired brain injury (n = 8; mean age 45 years; mean time post-injury of 5.5 years) regarding their vocational rehabilitation and return to work. Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted, with data analyzed via thematic analysis.

Results:

Participants identified negative and positive experiences with vocational rehabilitation and return to work. Five overarching themes were identified: addressing vocational rehabilitation in rehabilitation; facilitators of recovery and return to work; the importance and experience of working again; acquired brain injury and identity; and services, systems and policies. Participants also identified five key areas for early vocational rehabilitation services: education; service provision; employer liaison; workplace supports; and peer mentors. Study findings inform current and future practice and service delivery, at a clinical, service and system level.
Outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among operating room staff of a tertiary referral center: An epidemiologic and environmental investigation
Authors: McDougal April N. , Elhassani Dana , DeMaet Mary Ann , Shores Shirley , Plante Kenneth S. , Plante Jessica A. , Pyles Richard , Weaver Scott C. , Williams-Bouyer Natalie , Tyler Brenda J. , Davis Hollie R. , Patel Janak
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Investigate an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among operating room staff utilizing contact tracing, mass testing for severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and environmental sampling.

Design:

Outbreak investigation.

Setting:

University-affiliated tertiary-care referral center.

Patients:

Operating room staff with positive SARS-CoV-2 molecular testing.

Methods:

Epidemiologic and environmental investigations were conducted including contact tracing, environmental surveys, and sampling and review of the operating room schedule for staff-to-staff, staff-to-patient, and patient-to-staff SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Results:

In total, 24 healthcare personnel (HCP) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, including nurses (29%), surgical technologists (25%), and surgical residents (16%). Moreover, 19 HCP (79%) reported having used a communal area, most commonly break rooms (75%). Overall, 20 HCP (83%) reported symptomatic disease. In total, 72 environmental samples were collected from communal areas for SARS-CoV-2 genomic testing; none was positive. Furthermore, 236 surgical cases were reviewed for transmission: 213 (90%) had negative preoperative SARS-CoV-2 testing, 21 (9%) had a positive test on or before the date of surgery, and 2 (<1%) did not have a preoperative test performed. In addition, 40 patients underwent postoperative testing (mean, 13 days to postoperative testing), and 2 returned positive results. Neither of these 2 cases was linked to our outbreak.

Conclusions:

Complacency in infection control practices among staff during peak community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is believed to have driven staff-to-staff transmission. Prompt identification of the outbreak led to rapid interventions, ultimately allowing for uninterrupted surgical service.
Multipronged infection control strategy to achieve zero nosocomial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases among Hong Kong healthcare workers in the first 300 days of the pandemic
Authors: Cheng Vincent Chi-Chung , Wong Shuk-Ching , Tong Danny Wah-Kun , Chuang Vivien Wai-Man , Chen Jonathan Hon-Kwan , Lee Larry Lap-Yip , To Kelvin Kai-Wang , Hung Ivan Fan-Ngai , Ho Pak-Leung , Yeung Deacons Tai-Kong , Chung Kin-Lai , Yuen Kwok-Yung
Published: March 2021

Background:

Nosocomial outbreaks leading to healthcare worker (HCW) infection and death have been increasingly reported during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Objective:

We implemented a strategy to reduce nosocomial acquisition.

Methods:

We summarized our experience in implementing a multipronged infection control strategy in the first 300 days (December 31, 2019, to October 25, 2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic under the governance of Hospital Authority in Hong Kong.

Results:

Of 5,296 COVID-19 patients, 4,808 (90.8%) were diagnosed in the first pandemic wave (142 cases), second wave (896 cases), and third wave (3,770 cases) in Hong Kong. With the exception of 1 patient who died before admission, all COVID-19 patients were admitted to the public healthcare system for a total of 78,834 COVID-19 patient days. The median length of stay was 13 days (range, 1–128). Of 81,955 HCWs, 38 HCWs (0.05%; 2 doctors and 11 nurses and 25 nonprofessional staff) acquired COVID-19. With the exception of 5 of 38 HCWs (13.2%) infected by HCW-to-HCW transmission in the nonclinical settings, no HCW had documented transmission from COVID-19 patients in the hospitals. The incidence of COVID-19 among HCWs was significantly lower than that of our general population (0.46 per 1,000 HCWs vs 0.71 per 1,000 population; P = .008). The incidence of COVID-19 among professional staff was significantly lower than that of nonprofessional staff (0.30 vs 0.66 per 1,000 full-time equivalent; P = .022).

Conclusions:

A hospital-based approach spared our healthcare service from being overloaded. With our multipronged infection control strategy, no nosocomial COVID-19 in was identified among HCWs in the first 300 days of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong.
ON A WEIGHTED SUM OF MULTIPLE -VALUES OF FIXED WEIGHT AND DEPTH
Authors: TAKEYAMA YOSHIHIRO
Published: March 2021

The multiple T-value, which is a variant of the multiple zeta value of level two, was introduced by Kaneko and Tsumura [‘Zeta functions connecting multiple zeta values and poly-Bernoulli numbers’, in: Various Aspects of Multiple Zeta Functions, Advanced Studies in Pure Mathematics, 84 (Mathematical Society of Japan, Tokyo, 2020), 181–204]. We show that the generating function of a weighted sum of multiple T-values of fixed weight and depth is given in terms of the multiple T-values of depth one by solving a differential equation of Heun type.
Empirical linkages between female genital mutilation and multiple sexual partnership: evidence from the 2018 Mali and 2013 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Hagan John Elvis , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Budu Eugene , Armah-Ansah Ebenezer Kwesi , Adu Collins , Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Yaya Sanni
Published: March 2021

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is very pervasive in Africa, with significant regional variations in the prevalence of this traditional practice. This study examined the linkages between FGM and multiple sexual partnership in Mali and Sierra Leone – two African countries with a high prevalence of FGM. Data were from the 2018 Mali and 2013 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Surveys, and the study sample comprised 4750 women from Mali and 16,614 from Sierra Leone. Multilevel logistic regression was used for the data analysis, with reported adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and associated 95% confidence intervals. In Mali, women who had not undergone FGM were less likely to have multiple sexual partners (aOR=0.60, CI=0.38–0.96) compared with those who had undergone FGM. In Sierra Leone, women who had undergone FGM (aOR=1.15, CI=1.02–1.30) were more likely to have multiple sexual partners compared with those who had not undergone FGM. Age, level of education, wealth quintile, sex of household head, community socioeconomic status, mass media exposure, and community literacy level were found to be associated with the likelihood of multiple sexual partnership among women in Mali and Sierra Leone. Comprehensive, age-group-based risk-reduction strategies, such as abstinence education and decision-making skills (assertiveness) training, are needed to reduce girls’ and young women’s engagement in multiple sexual partnerships. Policy interventions, such as anti-FGM legislation and initiatives like the ‘Schooling for the Female Child’ initiative aimed at reducing social inequality among girls and women, might help decrease FGM and the likelihood of health-compromising behaviours like multiple sexual partnership.
Morphological and phylogenetic analyses of Toniniopsis subincompta s. lat. (Ramalinaceae, Lecanorales) in Eurasia
Authors: Gerasimova Julia V. , Urbanavichene Irina N. , Urbanavichus Gennady P. , Beck Andreas
Published: March 2021

In recent years, several species that have long been considered to belong in Bacidia s. lat. have been transferred to other genera such as Bellicidia, Bibbya, Scutula, and also to Toniniopsis, accommodating species previously placed in Bacidia and Toninia. One of its widespread species, Toniniopsis subincompta, can be recognized by its thinly granular thallus, dark brown to black apothecia, green epithecium, red-brown hypothecium, and bacilliform ascospores. However, it shows considerable variation in thallus structure, and coloration of apothecia, hypothecium and exciple. We sequenced 20 specimens of T. subincompta to investigate whether there is phylogenetic support for the delimitation of species in accordance with the variability of the observed characters. For phylogenetic analyses, we used newly generated sequence data from the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (nrITS), mitochondrial small subunit (mtSSU) and DNA-directed RNA polymerase II subunit (RPB2). Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses, as well as three species delimitation programs, provided consistent evidence that T. subincompta forms two separate lineages, to be recognized at the species level. The complex nomenclature of T. subincompta (basionym Lecidea subincompta) shows it to be a synonym of Bellicidia incompta. For the most common taxon previously called Bacidia (Toniniopsis) subincompta, the new combination T. separabilis is made, rather than proposing a conserved type for Lecidea subincompta. Toniniopsis dissimilis is newly described to accommodate the less common taxon. Toniniopsis dissimilis is characterized by a predominantly wrinkled to warted to subsquamulose thallus; generally grey-brown to dark brown apothecia, often with a lighter margin; a dark brown hypothecium, frequently gradually merging into the coloration of the exciple below and the lateral part of the exciple attached to the hymenium; a mostly colourless rim and lateral part of the exciple. The closely related T. separabilis is characterized by a thallus of mostly single or contiguous ±loose granules, often forming short, coralloid, isidium-like bulges; darker apothecia, with a margin mostly of the same colour or darker than the disc; a comparatively thinner hypothecium easily separated from the exciple below. The rim and lateral part of the exciple often contain either a blue, brown or mixed blue-brown colour in the upper part or along the whole margin. Lectotypes of Bacidia vegeta, Lecidea bacillifera f. melanotica and Secoliga atrosanguinea var. affinis (the synonyms of T. separabilis) are selected. Cyanotrophy and the occurrence of albino morphs in T. separabilis are discussed.
Worry about debt is related to social loneliness in older adults in the Netherlands
Authors: Loibl Cäzilia , Drost Madeleine A. , Huisman Martijn , Suanet Bianca , Bruine de Bruin Wändi , McNair Simon , Summers Barbara
Published: March 2021

The amount of financial debt held by older adults has grown substantially over the past two decades in Europe. This study examines the association of objective and subjective debt burden with social and emotional loneliness among 1,606 older adults in the Netherlands. Objective debt burden is based on financial terms, such as debt-to-income ratio; whereas subjective debt burden measures the psychological distress caused by financial debt. Data are from the 2015/2016 wave of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam. First, we use means-comparison tests to examine whether older adults who experience social and emotional loneliness differ from older adults who do not experience loneliness regarding their subjective and objective debt burdens. Subsequently, using linear regression models we address two questions: whether social loneliness and emotional loneliness are associated with objective and subjective debt burden; and whether social participation, social network size, anxiety and depression mediate these relationships. We find that subjective debt burden (i.e. the worry related to debt) is a significant predictor of social loneliness, above and beyond the role of social and psychological measures. Objective debt burden, in contrast, is unrelated to social and emotional loneliness. Social participation, social network size, anxiety and depression do not mediate the debt-burden-to-loneliness relationships. The results point to the importance of subjective debt burden in understanding social loneliness and designing interventions.
Beyond ‘puffins and moss’: Iceland Airwaves and post-crash musical tourism
Authors: Cannady Kimberly D.
Published: March 2021

This article explores relationships between the significant growth of foreign tourism to Iceland, following the 2008 economic crash, and the popular music festival Iceland Airwaves. I consider the effects of Iceland Airwaves on popular music in Reykjavík during the festival and outside of the festival season. My focus is primarily on how the local population experiences Iceland Airwaves and musical tourism in general. Based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in Iceland between 2010 and 2018, I examine how musicians, politicians, festival management, tourism sector workers, business people, and other music industry workers approach and negotiate the rising role of popular music in Iceland's new tourism economy. This research contributes to broader understandings of how music festivals and musical tourism shape local musical life year-round, and it also offers insight into Iceland's internationally renowned popular music industry.
‘Mama, he treats your daughter mean’: Reassessing the narrative of British R&B with Ottilie Patterson
Authors: Lorre Sean
Published: March 2021

The phenomenon of British R&B is most often understood in terms of young, white, middle-class British men turning to the ‘down-home’ sounds of black American men for musical motivation. This article offers a revision to this dominant narrative by reinserting ‘slim, lively Irish girl’ Ottilie Patterson, the UK's most popular blues singer before 1963. I analyse the content and context of Patterson's 1961 album, Rhythm and Blues with Ottilie Patterson, drawing from contemporaneous mass-media discourse as well as Patterson's own notebooks held at Britain's National Jazz Archive. Patterson's performances captured on this record demonstrate how R&B was first publicly (re-)presented and understood in the UK. I argue that Patterson's work challenges the assumptions that (a) British R&B began with the formation of Alexis Korner's Blue Incorporated and (b) the R&B revival was predominately motivated by the appropriation and vicarious expression of African-American hypermasculinity.
A LONGITUDINAL INVESTIGATION OF EXPLICIT AND IMPLICIT AUDITORY PROCESSING IN L2 SEGMENTAL AND SUPRASEGMENTAL ACQUISITION
Authors: Sun Hui , Saito Kazuya , Tierney Adam
Published: March 2021

Precise auditory perception at a subcortical level (neural representation and encoding of sound) has been suggested as a form of implicit L2 aptitude in naturalistic settings. Emerging evidence suggests that such implicit aptitude explains some variance in L2 speech perception and production among adult learners with different first language backgrounds and immersion experience. By examining 46 Chinese learners of English, the current study longitudinally investigated the extent to which explicit and implicit auditory processing ability could predict L2 segmental and prosody acquisition over a 5-month early immersion. According to the results, participants’ L2 gains were associated with more explicit and integrative auditory processing ability (remembering and reproducing music sequences), while the role of implicit, preconscious perception appeared to be negligible at the initial stage of postpubertal L2 speech learning.
Spontaneous verbal repetition in toddler-adult conversations: a longitudinal study with Spanish-speaking two- year-olds
Authors: CASLA Marta , MÉNDEZ-CABEZAS Celia , MONTERO Ignacio , MURILLO Eva , NIEVA Silvia , RODRÍGUEZ Jessica
Published: March 2021

The role of children’s verbal repetition of parents’ utterances on vocabulary growth has been well documented (Masur, 1999). Nevertheless, few studies have analyzed adults’ and children’s spontaneous verbal repetition around the second birthday distinguishing between the types of repetition. We analyzed longitudinally Spanish-speaking parent-child dyads during spontaneous interaction at 21, 24 and 30 months. Linguistic level was measured using the Spanish version of the MacArthur CDI (López-Ornat et al., 2005). Children’s and adults’ repetitions are about 17% of the speech. Children repeated adults’ utterances in a reduced manner whereas adults produced more extended repetitions. Adults’ rate of repetition predicted children’s linguistic level at 30 months. Children’s rate of repetition did not predict linguistic level. These results suggest that parents adapt their speech to children’s communicative abilities. Since children’s rate of repetition did not predict linguistic level, we suggest that verbal imitation plays an indirect and complex role in communicative development.
A political framework for understanding heritage dynamics in Turkey (1950–1980)
Authors: Dinler Mesut
Published: March 2021

The article focuses on the actions of the High Council for Immovable Historic Works and Monuments (HC), which was active from 1951 to 1983 as the sole decision-maker in issues of historic preservation for all historic structures and sites in Turkey. The HC archives reveal a historical and political framework for understanding the context within which the HC operated. Expert knowledge, especially in the conservation of historic cities, has been a powerful instrument, although the use of this instrument depended on the political context. The HC extended its authority in the 1950s, operating under a conservative autocratic government. In the 1960s and 1970s, on the other hand, when central power was lacking and society was dominated by political violence, chaos and economic instability, the HC could reinforce and exercise its power to raise standards in historic preservation in line with the international conservation movement.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms and abdominal wall hernias – a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kontogeorgi Evangelia , Sagris Marios , Kokkinidis Damianos G. , Hasemaki Natasha , Tsakotos Georgios , Tsapralis Dimitrios , Kakisis John D. , Schizas Dimitrios
Published: March 2021

Summary: Background: Abdominal wall hernias (AWHs) share common epidemiological characteristics with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), typically presenting in male population and older ages. Prior reports have associated those two disease entities. Our objective was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis and examine whether AAA rates are higher among patients with AWH vs controls and whether the incidence of AWH was higher among patients with AAA vs patients without AAA. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the PRISMA guidelines. The Medline database was searched up to July 31, 2020. A random effects meta-analysis was performed. Results: In total, 17 articles and 738,972 participants were included in the systematic review, while 107,578 patients were eligible for the meta-analysis. Among four studies investigating the incidence of AAA in patients with hernias, AAA was more common in patients with hernias, compared to patients without hernias. [OR: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.24–5.16, I2=81.6%]. Among thirteen studies that compared patients with known AAA vs no AAA, the incidence of hernias was higher in patients with AAA, compared with patients without AAA [OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.66–3.09, I2=84.6%]. Conclusions: Our study findings indicate that a strong association between AWH and AAA exists. AWHs could therefore be used as an additional selection criterion for screening patients for AAA, apart from age, gender, family history and smoking.
Linking a Latitudinal Gradient in Ocean Hydrography and Elemental Stoichiometry in the Eastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Lee Jenna A. , Garcia Catherine A. , Larkin Alyse A. , Carter Brendan R. , Martiny Adam C.
Published: March 2021

A past global synthesis of marine particulate organic matter (POM) suggested latitudinal variation in the ratio of surface carbon (C): nitrogen (N): phosphorus (P). However, this synthesis relied on compiled datasets that may have biased the observed pattern. To demonstrate latitudinal shifts in surface C:N:P, we combined hydrographic and POM observations from 28°N to 69°S in the eastern Pacific Ocean (GO‐SHIP line P18). Both POM concentrations and ratios displayed distinct biome‐associated changes. Surface POM concentrations were relatively low in the North Pacific subtropical gyre, increased through the Equatorial Pacific, were lowest in the South Pacific subtropical gyre, and increased through the Southern Ocean. Stoichiometric elemental ratios were systematically above Redfield proportions in warmer regions. However, C:P and N:P gradually decreased across the Southern Ocean despite an abundance of macro‐nutrients. Here, a size‐fraction analysis of POM linked increases in the proportion of large plankton to declining ratios. Subsurface N* values support the hypothesis that accumulated remineralization products of low C:P and N:P exported POM helps maintain the Redfield Ratio of deep nutrients. We finally evaluated stoichiometric models against observations to assess predictive accuracy. We attributed the failure of all models to their inability to capture shifts in the specific nature of nutrient limitation. Our results point to more complex linkages between multinutrient limitation and cellular resource allocation than currently parameterized in models. These results suggest a greater importance of understanding the interaction between the type of nutrient limitation and plankton diversity for predicting the global variation in surface C:N:P.
Variational Bayesian Independent Component Analysis for InSAR Displacement Time‐Series With Application to Central California, USA
Authors: Gualandi Adriano , Liu Zhen
Published: March 2021

The exploitation of ever increasing Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data sets to monitor the Earth's surface deformation is an important goal of today's geodesy. In this study our observations consist of deformations along the Line‐Of‐Sight direction of the satellite. Our observations are the result of the combination of a multitude of sources (either volcano‐tectonic or nontectonic deformation). In most cases, we are facing a Blind source separation (BSS) problem. Natural approaches to tackle BSS problems are multivariate statistical techniques that attempt to decompose the data set into a limited number of statistically independent sources, under the assumption that the different physical mechanisms contributing to the observations have independent footprints in space and/or time. We show the capabilities of a variational Bayesian independent component analysis (vbICA) algorithm in dealing with synthetic InSAR time series and compare it to the commonly used FastICA algorithm. We explore the effectiveness of the spatial and temporal mode decompositions. We apply vbICA on data relative to the San Joaquin Valley and the Central San Andreas fault (CSAF), California, spanning the time range 2015/03/01–2019/07/14. The proposed approach likely isolates the contribution of shallow and deep aquifers to the surface deformation as well as the elastic and inelastic deformation. We present a 1‐dimensional compaction estimation of the elastic and inelastic storage coefficients adopting a formalism that takes into account the last century water level history. Concerning the CSAF, the algorithm helps separating tectonic loading from seasonal behavior concentrated in the Quaternary sediments of the Salinas Valley.
Synergy of In Situ and Satellite Ocean Observations in Determining Meridional Heat Transport in the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Dong Shenfu , Goni Gustavo , Domingues Ricardo , Bringas Francis , Goes Marlos , Christophersen Jonathan , Baringer Molly
Published: March 2021

The meridional overturning circulation (MOC) is a major driver in global redistribution of heat, which modulates global climate and weather. Altimeter sea surface height measurements and in situ hydrographic data are combined in this work to derive monthly synthetic temperature and salinity (T/S) profiles along zonal transbasin sections in both the North (26.5°N) and South (20°S, 25°S, 30°S, and 35°S) Atlantic Ocean since 1993, which are then used to estimate the MOC and meridional heat transport (MHT). Consistent with previous studies, the results indicate that the MHT is highly correlated with the MOC at all five latitudes. At 26.5°N the mean MHT from synthetic profiles (1.09 ± 0.21 PW) is slightly lower than that from the RAPID‐MOCHA‐WBTS array (1.20 ± 0.28 PW), but their interannual variabilities show good agreements. Both the geostrophic and Ekman components contribute significantly to the MHT variability, with the geostrophic component dominating during 1993–2004 and the Ekman component dominating during 2005–2014. In the South Atlantic, the MHT seasonal cycle strengthens southward from 20°S to 34.5°S. On interannual time scale, the MHT at 20°S and 25°S experiences larger variations than that at 30°S and 34.5°S, in part due to the fact that the geostrophic and Ekman components work together to strengthen the MHT changes, while they tend to work against each other at 30°S and 34.5°S. Results shown here suggest that integrating data from different observing platforms provides better means to estimate the MOC and MHT in near real time.
The Impact of Orography on the African Easterly Wave Stormtrack
Authors: White J. D. , Aiyyer A. , Russell J. O. H.
Published: March 2021

We examined the sensitivity of African easterly waves (AEWs) to elevated terrain over North Africa using a numerical weather prediction model. We formed five ensembles of simulated AEW activity with orographic features independently reduced in four key regions. The ensemble members consisted of 10 consecutive AEW seasons simulated separately. From the ensembles, the southern AEW stormtrack was most sensitive to the reduction of the Ethiopian highlands. Energy budgets showed that diminished diabatic heating associated with precipitating convection was the likely driver of the weaker AEWs. Baroclinic overturning was the dominant pathway for this response. The northern AEW stormtrack was most sensitive to the reduction of the Hoggar and Tibesti mountains. In this case, a reduction in the vertical shear and diminished baroclinic energy conversions from the background state was associated with weaker AEWs. Through terrain reduction, our results provide a view of thermodynamic and dynamic feedback in AEWs that is complementary to what has been shown in past studies.
Impact of a Nocturnal Low‐Level Jet on Surface‐Layer Turbulent Characteristics
Authors: Brunsell N. A. , Rahn D. A. , Mechem D. B.
Published: March 2021

The impact of the Great Plains Low‐Level Jet (GPLLJ) on the surface‐layer turbulent characteristics is investigated using a long‐term data set of eddy‐covariance observations. The presence of the GPLLJ alters the distribution of the normalized wind velocity standard deviations and the turbulent intensity. Spectral analysis indicates that the presence of the GPLLJ can alter the low‐frequency contribution in the u‐spectra as well as the anisotropy of the u and w components of the flow. The intensity of the LLJ impacts the high‐frequency contributions to the w‐spectra. Using quadrant analysis to examine how the LLJ impacts sweeps and ejections, we find that the presence and the intensity of the LLJ alters the correlation between u and w. In addition, the intensity of the LLJ impacts the relative contribution from different quadrants to the overall flux and also impacts the third‐order moments. Therefore, the presence of the LLJ alters surface‐layer turbulence, while LLJ intensity appears to impact only a subset of these factors.
Iron‐Mediated Organic Matter Preservation in the Mississippi River‐Influenced Shelf Sediments
Authors: Ghaisas Neha A. , Maiti Kanchan , Roy Amitava
Published: March 2021

Continental shelves are important land–ocean interfaces where natural and anthropogenic processes as well as sediment geochemistry regulate organic matter sequestration. The major objective of this work is to understand spatial variability in reactive iron (rFe) bound organic carbon (OC) during low‐ and high‐flow conditions in the recent sediments of the Mississippi River‐influenced Louisiana shelf in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Sediment samples were collected from five sites along the river plume during low (August 2016) and high (May 2017) discharge. Reactive iron was significantly higher in May (6.9 ± 1.7 mg g−1dw) compared to August (4.3 ± 0.9 mg g−1dw), while OC in August (11.9 ± 3.7 mg g−1dw) and May (7.8 ± 4.8 mg g−1dw) was similar. The fraction of OC bound to rFe (Fe‐OC) in the sediment in May (2.4 ± 1.5 mg g−1dw) was not significantly different from August (3.7 ± 2.7 mg g−1dw). Molar OC:Fe ratios in the rFe‐associated OC ranged between 0.9 and 6.2, with higher ratios in the deeper sediments (6–20 cm). Our results show that 31.7% ± 6.2% of the total OC in the recent sediments is associated with the rFe phase. Sediment mineralogical composition was characterized using X‐ray diffractometry and Fe‐K edge X‐ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy. Our findings indicate that most of the iron is present as nonreactive iron in clay mineral smectite and the dominant form of rFe associated with OC is goethite.
Real‐Time Thermospheric Density Estimation via Radar and GPS Tracking Data Assimilation
Authors: Gondelach David J. , Linares Richard
Published: March 2021

As the number of man‐made Earth‐orbiting objects increases, satellite operators need enhanced space traffic management capabilities to ensure safe space operations. For objects in Low Earth orbit, orbit determination and prediction require accurate estimates of the local thermospheric density. In previous work, the estimation of thermospheric densities using two‐line element data and a reduced‐order model for the upper atmosphere was demonstrated. In this study we demonstrate an approach for density estimation using radar and GPS tracking data. For this, we assimilate the tracking data in a dynamic reduced‐order density model using a Kalman filter by simultaneously estimating the orbits and global density. We used the radar range and range rate measurements of 20 objects and the GPS position measurements of 10 commercial satellites. The estimated density was validated against accurate SWARM density data and compared with NRLMSISE‐00, JB2008, and two‐line element (TLE)‐estimated densities. We found that the estimated densities are significantly more accurate than NRLMSISE‐00 and JB2008 densities. In particular, using the GPS data of 10 satellites, we obtain density estimates with a daily 1‐σ error of only 5% compared to 14% and 22% for empirical models and 10% for TLE‐estimated density. These accurate density estimates can be used to improve orbit determination and the use of real‐time tracking data would enable real‐time density estimation.
High-performance quasi-2D perovskite light-emitting diodes: from materials to devices
Authors: Zhang Li , Sun Changjiu , He Tingwei , Jiang Yuanzhi , Wei Junli , Huang Yanmin , Yuan Mingjian
Published: March 2021

Quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) perovskites have attracted extraordinary attention due to their superior semiconducting properties and have emerged as one of the most promising materials for next-generation light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The outstanding optical properties originate from their structural characteristics. In particular, the inherent quantum-well structure endows them with a large exciton binding energy due to the strong dielectric- and quantum-confinement effects; the corresponding energy transfer among differentn-value species thus results in high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs), particularly at low excitation intensities. The review herein presents an overview of the inherent properties of quasi-2D perovskite materials, the corresponding energy transfer and spectral tunability methodologies for thin films, as well as their application in high-performance LEDs. We then summarize the challenges and potential research directions towards developing high-performance and stable quasi-2D PeLEDs. The review thus provides a systematic and timely summary for the community to deepen the understanding of quasi-2D perovskite materials and resulting LED devices.
Liver x receptor alpha drives chemoresistance in response to side-chain hydroxycholesterols in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Hutchinson Samantha A. , Websdale Alex , Cioccoloni Giorgia , Røberg-Larsen Hanne , Lianto Priscilia , Kim Baek , Rose Ailsa , Soteriou Chrysa , Pramanik Arindam , Wastall Laura M. , Williams Bethany J. , Henn Madeline A. , Chen Joy J. , Ma Liqian , Moore J. Bernadette , Nelson Erik , Hughes Thomas A. , Thorne James L.
Published: March 2021

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is challenging to treat successfully because targeted therapies do not exist. Instead, systemic therapy is typically restricted to cytotoxic chemotherapy, which fails more often in patients with elevated circulating cholesterol. Liver x receptors are ligand-dependent transcription factors that are homeostatic regulators of cholesterol, and are linked to regulation of broad-affinity xenobiotic transporter activity in non-tumor tissues. We show that LXR ligands confer chemotherapy resistance in TNBC cell lines and xenografts, and that LXRalpha is necessary and sufficient to mediate this resistance. Furthermore, in TNBC patients who had cancer recurrences, LXRalpha and ligands were independent markers of poor prognosis and correlated with P-glycoprotein expression. However, in patients who survived their disease, LXRalpha signaling and P-glycoprotein were decoupled. These data reveal a novel chemotherapy resistance mechanism in this poor prognosis subtype of breast cancer. We conclude that systemic chemotherapy failure in some TNBC patients is caused by co-opting the LXRalpha:P-glycoprotein axis, a pathway highly targetable by therapies that are already used for prevention and treatment of other diseases.
Classifying gastric cancer using FLORA reveals clinically relevant molecular subtypes and highlights LINC01614 as a biomarker for patient prognosis
Authors: Chen Yiyun , Cheng Wing Yin , Shi Hongyu , Huang Shengshuo , Chen Huarong , Liu Dabin , Xu Weiqi , Yu Jun , Wang Jiguang
Published: March 2021

Molecular-based classifications of gastric cancer (GC) were recently proposed, but few of them robustly predict clinical outcomes. While mutation and expression signature of protein-coding genes were used in previous molecular subtyping methods, the noncoding genome in GC remains largely unexplored. Here, we developed the fast long-noncoding RNA analysis (FLORA) method to study RNA sequencing data of GC cases, and prioritized tumor-specific long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) by integrating clinical and multi-omic data. We uncovered 1235 tumor-specific lncRNAs, based on which three subtypes were identified. The lncRNA-based subtype 3 (L3) represented a subgroup of intestinal GC with worse survival, characterized by prevalent TP53 mutations, chromatin instability, hypomethylation, and over-expression of oncogenic lncRNAs. In contrast, the lncRNA-based subtype 1 (L1) has the best survival outcome, while LINC01614 expression further segregated a subgroup of L1 cases with worse survival and increased chance of developing distal metastasis. We demonstrated that LINC01614 over-expression is an independent prognostic factor in L1 and network-based functional prediction implicated its relevance to cell migration. Over-expression and CRISPR-Cas9-guided knockout experiments further validated the functions of LINC01614 in promoting GC cell growth and migration. Altogether, we proposed a lncRNA-based molecular subtype of GC that robustly predicts patient survival and validated LINC01614 as an oncogenic lncRNA that promotes GC proliferation and migration.
Bioactive potential of natural biomaterials: identification, retention and assessment of biological properties
Authors: Joyce Kieran , Fabra Georgina Targa , Bozkurt Yagmur , Pandit Abhay
Published: March 2021

Biomaterials have had an increasingly important role in recent decades, in biomedical device design and the development of tissue engineering solutions for cell delivery, drug delivery, device integration, tissue replacement, and more. There is an increasing trend in tissue engineering to use natural substrates, such as macromolecules native to plants and animals to improve the biocompatibility and biodegradability of delivered materials. At the same time, these materials have favourable mechanical properties and often considered to be biologically inert. More importantly, these macromolecules possess innate functions and properties due to their unique chemical composition and structure, which increase their bioactivity and therapeutic potential in a wide range of applications. While much focus has been on integrating these materials into these devices via a spectrum of cross-linking mechanisms, little attention is drawn to residual bioactivity that is often hampered during isolation, purification, and production processes. Herein, we discuss methods of initial material characterisation to determine innate bioactivity, means of material processing including cross-linking, decellularisation, and purification techniques and finally, a biological assessment of retained bioactivity of a final product. This review aims to address considerations for biomaterials design from natural polymers, through the optimisation and preservation of bioactive components that maximise the inherent bioactive potency of the substrate to promote tissue regeneration.
The challenges characterizing the lived experience of caregiving. A qualitative study in the field of spinal cord injury
Authors: Zanini Claudia , Amann Julia , Brach Mirjam , Gemperli Armin , Rubinelli Sara
Published: March 2021

Study design

Qualitative exploratory study.

Objectives

To explore the lived experience of SCI caregivers, with a focus on the challenges of their role.

Setting

Caregivers of people with SCI living in the community in Switzerland.

Methods

Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was performed.

Results

The sample included 22 participants (16 women, 15 life partners) with a mean age of 61 years who had been caregivers for an average of 18 years. Caregiving in SCI seemed to be characterized by two phases. The first phase was relatively short and was central to becoming a caregiver; it was marked by challenges related to adjusting to the role of caregiver (e.g., dealing with shock, feeling unprepared). The second phase is lifelong and is characterized by a number of recurrent challenges related to balancing caregiving and personal life (e.g., having to prioritize caregiving over personal wishes, negotiating tasks and workload). Challenges related to lacking appropriate housing, facing financial uncertainty and dealing with bureaucracy were noted during both phases. Caregivers had to deal with these challenges to stay in step with life changes and newly emerging needs.

Conclusions

Informal caregivers have a major role in supporting people with SCI. But their needs are not static. Any strategy to empower them has to adapt to an evolving role characterized by multiple tasks and challenges. A functional relationship between caregivers and care recipients is based on the recognition of their individualities and the different phases of adaptation, which is also an enriching process.
Reducing FASN expression sensitizes acute myeloid leukemia cells to differentiation therapy
Authors: Humbert Magali , Seiler Kristina , Mosimann Severin , Rentsch Vreni , Sharma Katyayani , Pandey Amit V. , McKenna Sharon L. , Tschan Mario P.
Published: March 2021

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is the only human lipogenic enzyme available for de novo fatty acid synthesis and is often highly expressed in cancer cells. We found that FASN mRNA levels were significantly higher in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients than in healthy granulocytes or CD34+hematopoietic progenitors. Accordingly, FASN levels decreased during all-transretinoic acid (ATRA)-mediated granulocytic differentiation of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells, partially via autophagic degradation. Furthermore, our data suggest that inhibition of FASN expression levels using RNAi or (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) accelerated the differentiation of APL cell lines and significantly re-sensitized ATRA refractory non-APL AML cells. FASN reduction promoted translocation of transcription factor EB (TFEB) to the nucleus, paralleled by activation of CLEAR network genes and lysosomal biogenesis. Together, our data demonstrate that inhibition of FASN expression in combination with ATRA treatment facilitates granulocytic differentiation of APL cells and may extend differentiation therapy to non-APL AML cells.
Dietary changes and anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic: a multinational survey
Authors: Kaufman-Shriqui Vered , Navarro Daniela Abigail , Raz Olga , Boaz Mona
Published: March 2021

Background/objectives

The 2020 global coronavirus pandemic is characterized by increased anxiety. Anxiety has been associated with poor diet quality and weight gain, which may lead to obesity, a risk factor for adverse COVID-19 outcomes. The present study was designed to examine associations between diet quality and anxiety levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Subjects/methods

This cross-sectional, international online study was conducted between March 30 and April 25, 2020 and available in seven languages: Arabic (7.6%), English (43.7%), French (0.8%), Hebrew (42.1%), Italian (3%), Russian (1.1%), and Spanish (1.6%). Diet quality was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Score (possible range: 0–17 points) and anxiety scored using the General Anxiety Disorder 7-point scale (GAD-7). The Google Survey platform was used to conduct the survey.

Results

A total of 3797 persons were included in the present analysis. More than 75% of respondents were female; most completed the survey in English or Hebrew. Median age was 31 (IQ = 18) years. Almost 60% indicated that their pre-pandemic diet was healthier than their current diet. The median Mediterranean diet score was 9 (IQ = 3). The majority (54%) of participants reported at least mild anxiety, while 25% reported moderate anxiety or more severe. In a logistic regression model of at least moderate anxiety, Mediterranean diet score (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.89–0.95, p < 0.0001) reduced odds of elevated anxiety, even after controlling for age, sex and other variables.

Conclusions

Though causality cannot be inferred, associations between diet quality and anxiety might suggest public health interventions including diet and stress control during future mass lockdowns.