bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The genetic editing of GS3 via CRISPR/Cas9 accelerates the breeding of three-line hybrid rice with superior yield and grain quality
Authors: Huang Juan , Gao Lijun , Luo Shuming , Liu Kaiqiang , Qing Dongjin , Pan Yinghua , Dai Gaoxing , Deng Guofu , Zhu Changlan
Published: April 2022

Grain size is one of the major traits that determine rice grain yield and quality. The GS3 gene is the first major quantitative trait locus (QTL) that was identified in regulating rice grain length and weight. It was reported that the gs3 allele with a mutation in the organ size regulation (OSR) domain of the GS3 protein produced longer grains. In this study, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology to introduce an edited gs3 allele into our indica maintainer line, Mei1B, to enhance its grain yield and quality. Through molecular analysis and sequencing, a homologous edited-gs3 mutant line without any transgene was obtained in the T1 generation and was named Mei2B. A superior male sterile line Mei2A was generated by backcrossing the cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) line Mei1A with Mei2B. Mei2B had a higher grain quality and yield compared to its wild-type Mei1B. Its grain length increased by 7.9%, its length/width ratio increased from 3.89 to 4.19, TGW increased by 6.7%, and grain yield per plant increased by 14.9%. In addition, genetic improvement of other quality traits including brown rice length (6.83 mm), brown rice grain length/width ratio (3.61), matched the appearance standards set for traditional Simiao (silk seedling) type cultivars. Two restorer lines were outcrossed to both Mei1A and Mei2A to produce hybrid rice. Compared to two hybrids of Mei1A, the hybrids of Mei2A had longer grains, higher length/width ratio, TGW, and yield per plant. In addition, the hybrids of Mei2A showed a better grain appearance including better translucency, a lower chalky rice rate, and degree of chalkiness than the hybrids of Mei1A. These results demonstrated that the introduction of an elite gs3 allele into Mei1A via CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology led to significant genetic improvement of the rice grain. The resultant CMS line Mei2A(gs3) displayed much higher grain quality and yield than the original Mei1A. Therefore, our study demonstrated that the targeted genetic improvement via gene editing technology can enhance rice breeding, especially the breeding of three-line hybrid rice.
Exploring polarisation in economic hardship among Italian macro-regions
Authors: Ruiu Gabriele
Published: April 2022

Economic polarisation in a society may be defined as the creation of groups with strong within-group identity and significant distance from other groups, where the distance is measured in terms of income. The literature on social conflicts considers polarisation a menace to political stability. Italy is characterised by a wide economic divide between the north and the south. This paper investigates the polarisation among Italian macro-regions in 2004–2016. We find that polarisation is low across the country. Paradoxically, the large inequalities inside each region, by hampering the formation of group identity, have hindered the increase in polarisation.
Schedulability analysis of dynamic priority real-time systems with contention
Authors: Guasque Ana , Aceituno José María , Balbastre Patricia , Simó José , Crespo Alfons
Published: April 2022

In multicore scheduling of hard real-time systems, there is a significant source of unpredictability due to the interference caused by the sharing of hardware resources. This paper deals with the schedulability analysis of multicore systems where the interference caused by the sharing of hardware resources is taken into account. We rely on a task model where this interference is integrated in a general way, without depending on a specific type of hardware resource. There are similar approaches but they consider fixed priorities. The schedulability analysis is provided for dynamic priorities assuming constrained deadlines and based on the demand bound function. We propose two techniques, one more pessimistic than the other but with a lower computational cost. We evaluate the two proposals for different task allocators in terms of the increased estimated utilization. The results show that both bounds are valid for ensuring schedulability although, as expected, one is tighter than the other. The evaluation also serves to compare allocators to see which one produces less interference.
Performance analysis of a millimeter wave MIMO channel estimation method in an embedded multi-core processor
Authors: Aviles Pablo M. , Lloria Diego , Belloch Jose A. , Roger Sandra , Lindoso Almudena , Cobos Maximo
Published: April 2022

The emerging Multi-Processor System-on-Chip (MPSoC) technology, which combines heterogeneous computing with the high performance of field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), is a promising platform for a large number of applications, including wireless communications and vehicular technology. In this specific application context, when multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) scenarios are considered, the system usually has to manage a large number of communication links among sensors and antennas involving different vehicles and users. Millimeter wave (mmWave) communications are one of the key technology enablers toward achieving high data rates in beyond 5G systems (B5G). Communication at these frequency bands usually involves the use of large antenna arrays, often requiring high computational resources. One of the candidate platforms able to manage a huge number of communications is the Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ EG Heterogeneous MPSoC, which is composed of a dual-core Cortex-R5, a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53, a graphics processing unit (GPU) and a high-end FPGA. This work analyzes the computational performance that requires a recent mmWave MIMO channel estimation algorithm in a platform of this kind. As a first approach, we will focus our work on the performance that can be achieved via the quad-core ARM Cortex-A53. To this end, we will use the libraries for numerical algebra (BLAS and LAPACK). The results show that our reference implementation is able to manage a large MIMO communication system with 256 antennas without exhausting platform resources.
Computational modeling in philosophy: introduction to a topical collection
Authors: Scheller Simon , Merdes Christoph , Hartmann Stephan
Published: April 2022

Computational modeling should play a central role in philosophy. In this introduction to our topical collection, we propose a small topology of computational modeling in philosophy in general, and show how the various contributions to our topical collection fit into this overall picture. On this basis, we describe some of the ways in which computational models from other disciplines have found their way into philosophy, and how the principles one found here still underlie current trends in the field. Moreover, we argue that philosophers contribute to computational modeling not only by building their own models, but also by thinking about the various applications of the method in philosophy and the sciences. In this context, we note that models in philosophy are usually simple, while models in the sciences are often more complex and empirically grounded. Bridging certain methodological gaps that arise from this discrepancy may prove to be challenging and fruitful for the further development of computational modeling in philosophy and beyond.
Bridging medical education goals and health system outcomes: An instrumental case study of pre-clerkship students’ improvement projects
Authors: O’Brien Bridget C. , Zapata Josué , Chang Anna , Pierluissi Edgar
Published: April 2022

Introduction Many medical schools engage students in health system improvement (HSI) efforts. Evaluation of these efforts often focuses on students’ learning outcomes and rarely considers the impact on health systems, despite the significant commitment health systems make to these efforts. Our study identified and evaluated system-level outcomes of pre-clerkship medical students’ engagement in HSI efforts. Methods We used an instrumental case study approach to examine the effects of pre-clerkship medical students’ engagement in HSI projects as part of a 15-month experiential curriculum. We extracted data from 53 project summaries and posters completed during the 2017–18 academic year and follow-up survey data collected in May 2019 from physician coaches and health system professionals who mentored students, contributed to these projects, and worked in the clinical microsystems where the projects occurred. Results We identified three categories and ten indicators of health system outcomes relevant to medical student engagement in HSI. Using these indicators, our evaluation found multiple benefits to the microsystems in which projects occurred. These included achievement of project aims, perceived immediate and sustained project impact on the health system, and development and implementation of projects with aims that aligned with national and health system priorities. Conclusion Evaluation of HSI curricula needs to include effects on health systems so that program design can optimize the experience for all involved. Our study offers a framework others can use to evaluate system-level effects of project-based HSI curricula and shows several ways in which students’ engagement can add value to health systems.
Advances in Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Zhang Jingming , Li Yicheng , Cao Kun , Chen Rong
Published: April 2022

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a thin-film fabrication technique that has great potential in nanofabrication. Based on its self-limiting surface reactions, ALD has excellent conformality, sub-nanometer thickness control, and good process compatibility. These merits promote the industrial and research applications of ALD in various fields. This article provides an introduction to ALD and highlights its applications in semiconductors, pan-semiconductors, environment and energy, and other fields. The applications of ALD in the key nodes of integrated circuits are initially demonstrated, and the area-selective ALD technique is discussed as a bottom-up method for self-aligned nanomanufacturing. Emerging applications of ALD are illustrated in the fabrication of passivation layers, functional surface layers, and buffer layers, which have shown the development trend of ALD in miniaturization and diversification. ALD is an enabling technique for atomic and close-to-atomic scale manufacturing (ACSM) of materials, structures, devices, and systems in versatile applications. The use of theory calculation, multiscale simulation, and more novel methods would steer ALD into further evolution, which makes it possible to cater to the demand of ACSM.
Telehealth and racial disparities in colorectal cancer screening: A pilot study of how virtual clinician characteristics influence screening intentions
Authors: Cooks Eric J. , Duke Kyle A. , Neil Jordan M. , Vilaro Melissa J. , Wilson-Howard Danyell , Modave Francois , George Thomas J. , Odedina Folakemi T. , Lok Benjamin C. , Carek Peter , Laber Eric B. , Davidian Marie , Krieger Janice L.
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

Racial disparities in colorectal cancer (CRC) can be addressed through increased adherence to screening guidelines. In real-life encounters, patients may be more willing to follow screening recommendations delivered by a race concordant clinician. The growth of telehealth to deliver care provides an opportunity to explore whether these effects translate to a virtual setting. The primary purpose of this pilot study is to explore the relationships between virtual clinician (VC) characteristics and CRC screening intentions after engagement with a telehealth intervention leveraging technology to deliver tailored CRC prevention messaging.

Methods:

Using a posttest-only design with three factors (VC race-matching, VC gender, intervention type), participants (N= 2267) were randomised to one of eight intervention treatments. Participants self-reported perceptions and behavioral intentions.

Results:

The benefits of matching participants with a racially similar VC trended positive but did not reach statistical significance. Specifically, race-matching positively influenced screening intentions for Black participants but not for Whites (b= 0.29,p= 0.10). Importantly, perceptions of credibility, attractiveness, and message relevance significantly influenced screening intentions and the relationship with race-matching.

Conclusions:

To reduce racial CRC screening disparities, investments are needed to identify patient-focused interventions to address structural barriers to screening. This study suggests that telehealth interventions that match Black patients with a Black VC can enhance perceptions of credibility and message relevance, which may then improve screening intentions. Future research is needed to examine how to increase VC credibility and attractiveness, as well as message relevance without race-matching.
Weakly nonlinear analysis of the viscoelastic instability in channel flow for finite and vanishing Reynolds numbers
Authors: Buza Gergely , Page Jacob , Kerswell Rich R.
Published: April 2022

The recently discovered centre-mode instability of rectilinear viscoelastic shear flow (Garget al.,Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 121, 2018, 024502) has offered an explanation for the origin of elasto-inertial turbulence that occurs at lower Weissenberg numbers ($Wi$). In support of this, we show using weakly nonlinear analysis that the subcriticality found in Pageet al.(Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 125, 2020, 154501) is generic across the neutral curve with the instability becoming supercritical only at low Reynolds numbers ($Re$) and high$Wi$. We demonstrate that the instability can be viewed as purely elastic in origin, even for$Re=O(10^3)$, rather than ‘elasto-inertial’, as the underlying shear doesnotfeed the kinetic energy of the instability. It is also found that the introduction of a realistic maximum polymer extension length,$L_{max}$, in the FENE-P model moves the neutral curve closer to the inertialess$Re=0$limit at a fixed ratio of solvent-to-solution viscosities,$\beta$. At$Re=0$and in the dilute limit ($\beta \rightarrow 1$) with$L_{max} =O(100)$, the linear instability can be brought down to more physically relevant$Wi\gtrsim 110$at$\beta =0.98$, compared with the threshold$Wi=O(10^3)$at$\beta =0.994$reported recently by Khalidet al.(Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 127, 2021, 134502) for an Oldroyd-B fluid. Again, the instability is subcritical, implying that inertialess rectilinear viscoelastic shear flow is nonlinearly unstable – i.e. unstable to finite-amplitude disturbances – for even lower$Wi$.
THE IAEA FORENSICS PROGRAM: RESULTS OF THE AMS 14C INTERCOMPARISON EXERCISE ON CONTEMPORARY WINES AND COFFEES
Authors: Quarta G , Hajdas I , Molnár M , Varga T , Calcagnile L , D’Elia M , Molnar A , Dias J F , Jull A J T
Published: April 2022

In the frame of the IAEA-CRP (Coordinated Research Projects): Enhancing Nuclear Analytical Techniques to Meet the Needs of Forensic Sciences, an intercomparison exercise was organized between three AMS laboratories. Aim of the program is to promote the use of nuclear and accelerator-based techniques in routine forensics practice. In this view, one of the key points is the assessment of the precision and accuracy levels achievable on material of forensic interest. We review the general structure and status of the project, with emphasis on results obtained in the analysis of wines of different grape varieties and grounded coffee beans from different locations such as Brazil, Spain, and Italy. The three laboratories processed the samples according to different chemical protocols and performed the 14C measurements using different systems: MICADAS in Zurich and Debrecen and a HVEE 4130HC 3 MV Tandetron in Lecce. Within the quoted uncertainty, the results showed good reproducibility, indicating that uncertainty level of the order of 0.3% are achieved by AMS on a single sample while multiple sample analyses results in precision down to 0.1–0.2%. The measured 14C concentrations on coffee and wine samples resulted to be consistent with atmospheric 14C levels in the growing years.
Neoplatonism and the Pax Mongolica in the making of ṣulḥ-i kull. A view from Akbar's millennial history
Authors: Gommans Jos , Huseini Said Reza
Published: April 2022

This article argues that ṣulḥ-i kull (peace for all) as a specific term was introduced in the 1590s by a small group of avant-garde Neoplatonists who worked at the court of the Mughal emperor Akbar. It was only in the following century that ṣulḥ-i kull developed into the ethos that became the ideological mainstay of Mughal rule both internally, for its administrative elites, and externally, vis-à-vis their main rivals: the Uzbeks in Central Asia and the Safavids in Iran. The early stages in the making of this ideology can be followed in some detail by studying Akbar's neglected millennial history, the Tarikh-i Alfi. In fact, this vast Mughal world history demonstrates that apart from Neoplatonic akhlāq, there was another important building block that so far has been missing altogether in the making of ṣulḥ-i kull, that is, the practical model of the Pax Mongolica, as established under Chinggis Khan, the most famous of Mughal ancestors. Most crucially, it is in the Tarikh-i Alfi that we find the legacies of Persianate akhlāq and Mongol yasa (law) married to each other. In fact, it was through akhlāq that the peace of the Mongols became the Mughal peace for all.
Mehmed the Conqueror between Sulh-i Kull and Prisca Theologia
Authors: Casale Giancarlo
Published: April 2022

This article presents a new interpretation of the reign of the Ottoman sultan Mehmed the Conqueror (r. 1444–46, 1451–81) as refracted through the twin historical lenses of Mughal South Asia and the Renaissance Mediterranean. On the one hand, it argues that Mehmed, despite his current reputation as a conquering hero of Islam, in fact aspired to a model of sovereignty analogous to Akbar's Sulh-i Kull, and with a common point of origin in the conceptual worlds of post-Mongol Iran and Timurid central Asia. On the other hand, it also draws from the historiography of the Italian Renaissance to interpret Mehmed's cultural politics as being simultaneously inspired by a particular thread of Renaissance philosophy, the Prisca Theologia, which in many ways served as the Ottoman equivalent of Akbar's Sulh-i Kull.
Epidemiological characteristics of mumps from 2004 to 2020 in Jiangsu, China: a flexible spatial and spatiotemporal analysis
Authors: Li Mingma , Liu Yuxiang , Yan Tao , Xue Chenghao , Zhu Xiaoyue , Yuan Defu , Hu Ran , Liu Li , Wang Zhiguo , Liu Yuanbao , Wang Bei
Published: April 2022

The mumps resurgence has frequently been reported around the world in recent years, especially in many counties mumps vaccines have been widely used. This study aimed to describe the spatial epidemiological characteristics of mumps in Jiangsu, and provide a scientific basis for the implementation and adjustment of strategies to prevent and control mumps. The epidemiological characteristics were described with ratio or proportion. Spatial autocorrelation, Tango's flexible spatial scan statistics, and Kulldorff's elliptic spatiotemporal scan statistics were applied to identify the spatial autocorrelation, detect hot and cold spots of mumps incidence, and aggregation areas. A total of 172 775 cases were reported from 2004 to 2020 in Jiangsu. The general trend of mumps incidence is declining with a bimodal seasonal distribution identified mainly in summer and winter, respectively. Children aged 5–10 years old are the main risk group. A migration trend of hot spots from southeast to northwest over time was found. Similar high-risk aggregations were detected in the northwestern parts through spatial-temporal analysis with the most likely cluster time frame around 2019. Local medical and health administrations should formulate and implement targeted health care policies and allocate health resources more appropriately corresponding to the epidemiological characteristics of mumps.
A complete case of Cantrell’s Pentalogy with isolated left ventricular diverticulum
Authors: Basgoze Serdar , Ogunc Begum , Erek Ersin
Published: April 2022

The congenital left ventricular diverticulum is a rare cardiac malformation, and it may associate with Cantrell’s Pentalogy with other cardiac defects. However, isolated ventricular diverticulum without any other cardiac defect in complete Cantrell’s syndrome is very rare. We describe a 6-year-old male patient with a complete Cantrell’s syndrome with isolated left ventricular diverticulum.
The voice synthesis business: 2022 update
Authors: Dale Robert
Published: April 2022

In the past few years, high-quality automated text-to-speech synthesis has effectively become a commodity, with easy access to cloud-based APIs provided by a number of major players. At the same time, developments in deep learning have broadened the scope of voice synthesis functionalities that can be delivered, leading to a growth in the range of commercially viable use cases. We take a look at the technology features and use cases that have attracted attention and investment in the past few years, identifying the major players and recent start-ups in the space.
Estimating Reservoir Inflow and Outflow From Water Level Observations Using Expert Knowledge: Dealing With an Ill‐Posed Water Balance Equation in Reservoir Management
Authors: Song Jung‐Hun , Her Younggu , Kang Moon‐Seong
Published: April 2022

Quantifying reservoir water balance is an essential process for the efficient management of water resources. Water level records are often the only data available for reservoir analysis, which causes an ill‐posed problem in water resource system planning. This study proposes an analytical framework to estimate reservoir inflow and outflow from water level observations using hydrological models and reasoning carefully derived from expert knowledge and soft data. Partial reservoir inflow hydrographs were constructed from water level observations using a continuity equation and knowledge‐based constraints developed for periods of no spillway discharge. A bucket‐type rainfall‐runoff model was then calibrated to the partial inflow hydrographs. Finally, a complete reservoir inflow hydrograph was constructed using the calibrated models, which were then employed to estimate detailed reservoir outflow components under a full water balance relationship between inflow, outflow, water levels, and reservoir operation rules. The proposed solution for the ill‐posed water balance equation outperformed conventional (benchmark) approaches in accuracy and uncertainty in its application to agricultural reservoirs. This study demonstrates how hydrological modeling and reasoning, which are discreetly designed based on expert knowledge, can help to solve the ill‐posed water balance equation by creating supplementary information regarding the problem. The proposed framework is expected to assist in reconstructing reservoir routing processes using water level observations for hydrological analysis and water resource management planning.
Using Clustering, Statistical Modeling, and Climate Change Projections to Analyze Recent and Future Region‐Specific Compound Ozone and Temperature Burden Over Europe
Authors: Jahn Sally , Hertig Elke
Published: April 2022

High ground‐level ozone concentrations and high air temperatures present two health‐relevant natural hazards. The most severe health outcomes are generally associated with concurrent elevated levels of both variables, representing so‐called compound ozone and temperature (o‐t‐) events. These o‐t‐events, their relationship with identified main meteorological and synoptic drivers, as well as ozone and temperature levels themselves and the linkage between both variables, vary temporally and with the location of sites. Due to the serious health burden and its spatiotemporal variations, the analysis of o‐t‐events across the European domain represents the focus of the current work. The main objective is to model and project present and future o‐t‐events, taking region‐specific differences into account. Thus, a division of the European domain into six o‐t‐regions with homogeneous, similar ground‐level ozone and temperature characteristics and patterns built the basis of the study. In order to assess region‐specific main meteorological and synoptic drivers of o‐t‐events, statistical downscaling models were developed for selected representative stations per o‐t‐region. Statistical climate change projections for all central European o‐t‐regions were generated to assess potential frequency shifts of o‐t‐events until the end of the 21st century. The output of eight Earth System Models from the sixth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project considering SSP245 and SSP370 scenario assumptions was applied. By comparing midcentury (2041–2060) and late century (2081–2100) time slice differences with respect to a historical base period (1995–2014), substantial increases of the health‐relevant compound o‐t‐events were projected across all central European regions.
High‐Fidelity Analysis of ULF Wave Mode Structure Following Interplanetary Shock Compression of the Dayside Magnetopause Using MMS Multi‐Point Observations
Authors: Barani Mohammad , Tu Weichao , Hudson Mary K. , Sarris Theodore
Published: April 2022

During the 9 March 2018 event with two consecutive interplanetary shocks compressing the dayside magnetosphere, the azimuthal mode structure and frequency spectrum of ultra low frequency magnetic pulsations are resolved using a cross‐spectral analysis based on high‐fidelity multi‐probe Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) magnetometer data. The results based on the MMS 4 and MMS 3 pair of measurements show that shock arrival leads to low mode () magnetic fluctuations in the Pc4‐5 regimes, and smaller spatial scale fluctuations implied by the dominant high mode numbers are observed after both shock signatures hit and passed the magnetosphere. Detailed evolution of the mode structure is also shown for the first shock to reveal the development of high mode structure from a bump‐on‐tail distribution at to a dominant peak at in about 10 min. In addition, an interesting change of sign in from negative to positive is observed as MMS crosses ∼11 MLT pre‐noon, which is consistent with the picture of wave generation by dayside magnetopause compression and then anti‐sunward propagation. For both shocks, the contribution of higher frequency waves (Pc‐4 range compared with Pc‐5) to the total wave power is found to be negligible before and after the shock impact, but it becomes more significant during the shock impact.
Reparameterization Required After Model Structure Changes From Carbon Only to Carbon‐Nitrogen Coupling
Authors: Wang Song , Luo Yiqi , Niu Shuli
Published: April 2022

Prediction of carbon (C) sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems under climate change depends on C‐nitrogen (N) interactions. While many newly developed C‐N coupling models predict lower C storage than their C‐only counterpart models, it has not been carefully examined whether or not such model predictions would be supported by real‐world observations. This study is to retrieve knowledge on N cycle from one field warming experiment in an alpine meadow of China so that we can better predict land C sequestration. We estimated two sets of parameters with one C‐only model and one C‐N coupling model, respectively, with the data assimilation technique. Our results showed that estimated process rates (e.g., senescence and decomposition rates) of organic C from almost all pools except standing litter and leaf are higher with the C‐N coupling model than those with the C‐only model. The allocation coefficient of C to root estimated with the C‐only model was 68.0% and 56.6% smaller than that with the C‐N coupling model under the ambient and warming treatments, respectively. Both the C‐only and C‐N coupling models simulate similar C pool sizes as observed at either the ambient or warming treatment with their respective parameter estimates. Meanwhile, the warming treatment increased the slow soil organic matter (SOM) pool due to decrease in estimated decomposition rate of the slow SOM via parameter fitting and increase in the C input from surface litter. In general, our results suggest that reparameterization is required when we add N processes to a C cycle model to realistically predict the ecosystem dynamics in response to future changes in N availability.
How Well Do We Understand the Land‐Ocean‐Atmosphere Carbon Cycle?
Authors: Crisp David , Dolman Han , Tanhua Toste , McKinley Galen A. , Hauck Judith , Bastos Ana , Sitch Stephen , Eggleston Simon , Aich Valentin
Published: April 2022

Fossil fuel combustion, land use change and other human activities have increased the atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) abundance by about 50% since the beginning of the industrial age. The atmospheric CO2 growth rates would have been much larger if natural sinks in the land biosphere and ocean had not removed over half of this anthropogenic CO2. As these CO2 emissions grew, uptake by the ocean increased in response to increases in atmospheric CO2 partial pressure (pCO2). On land, gross primary production also increased, but the dynamics of other key aspects of the land carbon cycle varied regionally. Over the past three decades, CO2 uptake by intact tropical humid forests declined, but these changes are offset by increased uptake across mid‐ and high‐latitudes. While there have been substantial improvements in our ability to study the carbon cycle, measurement and modeling gaps still limit our understanding of the processes driving its evolution. Continued ship‐based observations combined with expanded deployments of autonomous platforms are needed to quantify ocean‐atmosphere fluxes and interior ocean carbon storage on policy‐relevant spatial and temporal scales. There is also an urgent need for more comprehensive measurements of stocks, fluxes and atmospheric CO2 in humid tropical forests and across the Arctic and boreal regions, which are experiencing rapid change. Here, we review our understanding of the atmosphere, ocean, and land carbon cycles and their interactions, identify emerging measurement and modeling capabilities and gaps and the need for a sustainable, operational framework to ensure a scientific basis for carbon management.
Automatic Identification of the Main Ionospheric Trough in Total Electron Content Images
Authors: Starr Gregory , Mrak Sebastijan , Nishimura Yukitoshi , Hirsch Michael , Ishwar Prakash , Semeter Joshua
Published: April 2022

The main ionospheric trough (MIT) is a salient density feature in the mid‐latitude ionosphere and characterizing its structure is important for understanding Global Positioning System and HF signal propagation, and identifying geospace phenomena such as the plasmapause boundary layer. While a number of previous studies have statistically investigated the properties of the MIT utilizing low‐altitude satellite observations, they have been limited to latitudinal cross sections, and have not considered the inherent two‐dimensional structure of the MIT. In this work, we develop a regularized inversion method for identifying the two dimensional structure of the MIT in Total Electron Content maps. Because no ground truth labels exist for the MIT, we extensively characterize the behavior of the algorithm by comparing it to the method developed by Aa, Zou, et al. (2020, doi:https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JA027583). We show that statistics computed on the resulting labels are robust to our choice of algorithm parameters and that we are able to match the results of Aa, Zou, et al. (2020, doi:https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JA027583) with a particular selection of the parameters. In addition to enabling fundamentally different studies, our MIT labels are able to provide statistical MIT properties with higher resolution. Code to reproduce our data set is provided in a GitHub repository: https://github.com/gregstarr/trough.
The prevalence of high blood pressure and its determinants among Tunisian adolescents
Authors: Soua Sarra , Ghammam Rim , Maatoug Jihene , Zammit Nawel , Ben Fredj Sihem , Martinez Fernando , Ghannem Hassen
Published: April 2022

Hypertension can originate in childhood and remain undetected unless special screening is performed. The burden of hypertension in adolescents in Tunisia is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of blood pressure (BP) within the hypertension range and its association with other risk factors among Tunisian adolescents. A cross-sectional study that included 1385 secondary school students in Sousse, Tunisia, was performed during 2017–2018. A two-stage cluster sampling strategy was used to obtain a representative sample of the study population. BP within the hypertension range (HBP)was classified following the European guideline recommendations for measuring BP in children and adolescents. Anthropometric indices were measured using a standard protocol. A structured questionnaire collected information about sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, mental health status, and addictions. Adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess hypertension-related risk factors. Our study included 39.5% boys and 60.5% girls. The mean age of our population was 17 ± 1.5 years. The prevalence of HBP was 15.4% (13.1–18.0%), and it was significantly higher in boys (22.8%) than in girls (10.6%, p value < 0.001). In the multivariate logistic regression model, overweight [OR = 1.72(1.18–2.51)] and obesity [OR = 3.73(2.55–5.41)] were independent risk factors for HBPrange, (p value < 0.001), whereas female sex [OR = 0.41(0.29–0.56), p value < 0.001] and depression [OR = 0.67(0.51–0.88), p value = 0.008] were independent protective factors. Among Tunisian secondary school adolescents, the prevalence of HBP was high and associated with excess body weight. A comprehensive strategy for the prevention of hypertension and its risk factors among youth is urgently needed.
Spatial modulation of nanopattern dimensions by combining interference lithography and grayscale-patterned secondary exposure
Authors: Gan Zhuofei , Feng Hongtao , Chen Liyang , Min Siyi , Liang Chuwei , Xu Menghong , Jiang Zijie , Sun Zhao , Sun Chuying , Cui Dehu , Li Wen-Di
Published: April 2022

Functional nanostructures are exploited for a variety of cutting-edge fields including plasmonics, metasurfaces, and biosensors, just to name a few. Some applications require nanostructures with uniform feature sizes while others rely on spatially varying morphologies. However, fine manipulation of the feature size over a large area remains a substantial challenge because mainstream approaches to precise nanopatterning are based on low-throughput pixel-by-pixel processing, such as those utilizing focused beams of photons, electrons, or ions. In this work, we provide a solution toward wafer-scale, arbitrary modulation of feature size distribution by introducing a lithographic portfolio combining interference lithography (IL) and grayscale-patterned secondary exposure (SE). Employed after the high-throughput IL, a SE with patterned intensity distribution spatially modulates the dimensions of photoresist nanostructures. Based on this approach, we successfully fabricated 4-inch wafer-scale nanogratings with uniform linewidths of <5% variation, using grayscale-patterned SE to compensate for the linewidth difference caused by the Gaussian distribution of the laser beams in the IL. Besides, we also demonstrated a wafer-scale structural color painting by spatially modulating the filling ratio to achieve gradient grayscale color using SE.
Variation of Antigen 43 self-association modulates bacterial compacting within aggregates and biofilms
Authors: Vo Julieanne L. , Ortiz Gabriela C. Martínez , Totsika Makrina , Lo Alvin W. , Hancock Steven J. , Whitten Andrew E. , Hor Lilian , Peters Kate M. , Ageorges Valentin , Caccia Nelly , Desvaux Mickaël , Schembri Mark A. , Paxman Jason J. , Heras Begoña
Published: April 2022

The formation of aggregates and biofilms enhances bacterial colonisation and infection progression by affording protection from antibiotics and host immune factors. Despite these advantages there is a trade-off, whereby bacterial dissemination is reduced. As such, biofilm development needs to be controlled to suit adaptation to different environments. Here we investigate members from one of largest groups of bacterial adhesins, the autotransporters, for their critical role in the assembly of bacterial aggregates and biofilms. We describe the structural and functional characterisation of autotransporter Ag43 variants from different Escherichia coli pathotypes. We show that specific interactions between amino acids on the contacting interfaces of adjacent Ag43 proteins drives a common mode of trans-association that leads to cell clumping. Furthermore, subtle variation of these interactions alters aggregation kinetics and the degree of compacting within cell clusters. Together, our structure–function investigation reveals an underlying molecular basis for variations in the density of bacterial communities.
BNT162b2-elicited neutralization of Delta plus, Lambda, Mu, B.1.1.519, and Theta SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Liu Jianying , Liu Yang , Xia Hongjie , Zou Jing , Weaver Scott C. , Swanson Kena A. , Cai Hui , Cutler Mark , Cooper David , Muik Alexander , Jansen Kathrin U. , Sahin Ugur , Xie Xuping , Dormitzer Philip R. , Shi Pei-Yong
Published: April 2022

BNT162b2-elicited human sera neutralize the currently dominant Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant. Here, we report the ability of 20 human sera, drawn 2 or 4 weeks after two doses of BNT162b2, to neutralize USA-WA1/2020 SARS-CoV-2 bearing variant spikes from Delta plus (Delta-AY.1, Delta-AY.2), Delta-∆144 (Delta with the Y144 deletion of the Alpha variant), Lambda, B.1.1.519, Theta, and Mu lineage viruses. Geometric mean plaque reduction neutralization titers against Delta-AY.1, Delta-AY.2, and Mu viruses are slightly lower than against USA-WA1/2020, but all sera neutralize the variant viruses to titers of ≥80, and neutralization titers against the Delta-∆144, Lambda, B.1.1.519 and Theta variants not significantly reduced relative to those against USA-WA1/2020. The susceptibility of Delta plus, Lambda, B.1.1.519, Theta, Mu, and other variants to neutralization by the sera indicates that antigenic change has not led to virus escape from vaccine-elicited neutralizing antibodies and supports ongoing mass immunization with BNT162b2 to control the variants and to minimize the emergence of new variants.
Recipes of Ancient Egyptian kohls more diverse than previously thought
Authors: Riesmeier Marabel , Keute Jennifer , Veall Margaret-Ashley , Borschneck Daniel , Stevenson Alice , Garnett Anna , Williams Alice , Ragan Maria , Devièse Thibaut
Published: April 2022

Kohl, a dark eye cosmetic, is a well-known part of Ancient Egyptian culture. Modern chemical analyses of kohls have largely found lead-based inorganic constituents, whereas earlier studies argued for a much broader range of constituents. Furthermore, organic materials in kohls remain severely understudied. This raises questions regarding the true diversity of materials and recipes used to produce kohls. We analysed the contents of 11 kohl containers from the Petrie Museum collection in London. The objects selected cover a broad range of times and locations in Egypt. Our multi-analytical approach allowed us to characterise both inorganic and organic components. Our data show that inorganic ingredients in kohl recipes are not only lead-based but also manganese- and silicon-based. Our analyses also revealed that organic ingredients derived from both plant and animal sources were commonly used in kohl recipes and sometimes even represent the main constituent. All these findings point towards more varied recipes than initially thought and significantly shift our understanding of Ancient Egyptian kohls.
Application of humic acid and biofertilizers changes oil and phenolic compounds of fennel and fenugreek in intercropping systems
Authors: Ghaderimokri Lavin , Rezaei-Chiyaneh Esmaeil , Ghiyasi Mahdi , Gheshlaghi Mohammad , Battaglia Martin Leonardo , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: April 2022

The study investigated the effect of organic/biofertilizers in intercropping patterns on seed yield and yield components and essential oil, fatty acid, and phenolic compounds of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.). Experimental treatments included the application of humic acid (HA), biofertilizers (BFS), and the unfertilized control in five planting patterns [1 row fennel + 2 rows fenugreek intercropping (1F:2FG), 2 rows fennel + 2 rows fenugreek intercropping (2F:2FG), 2 rows fennel + 4 rows fenugreek intercropping (2F:4FG), and sole cropping of each species]. Sole cropping with BFS produced the highest seed yields for fennel (2233 kg ha−1) and fenugreek (1240 kg ha–1). In contrast, the 2F:2FG intercropping ratio with BFS yielded the maximum fixed oil content for fennel (17.4%) and fenugreek (8.3%). Application of HA and BFS enhanced oil yields by 66% and 75% in fennel and 40% and 57% in fenugreek, respectively. The 2F:2FG intercropping ratio with BFS produced the maximum essential oil constituents [(E)-anethole, estragole, and fenchone] in fennel. In addition, 2F:4FG with BFS and 1F:1FG with HA produced the highest unsaturated fatty acid (oleic and linoleic acids) concentration in both species. The 2F:2FG intercropping ratio with BFS and HA produced the highest chlorogenic acid and quercetin contents, respectively, in fennel. In contrast, the 2F:4FG intercropping ratio with HA produced the highest chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid contents in fenugreek. Intercropping fennel/fenugreek with BFS or HA improved the essential oil content (fennel only), fixed oil quality and quantity, and phenolic compounds and created a more sustainable cultivation system than sole cropping systems for both species under low-input conditions.
Enhancing the magnetic response on polycrystalline nanoframes through mechanical deformation
Authors: Castro Mario , Baltazar Samuel E. , Rojas-Nunez Javier , Bringa Eduardo , Valencia Felipe J. , Allende Sebastian
Published: April 2022

The mechanical and magnetic properties of polycrystalline nanoframes were investigated using atomistic molecular dynamics and micromagnetic simulations. The magneto-mechanical response of Fe hollow-like nanocubes was addressed by uniaxial compression carried out by nanoindentation. Our results show that the deformation of a nanoframe is dominated at lower strains by the compression of the nanostructure due to filament bending. This leads to the nanoframe twisting perpendicular to the indentation direction for larger indentation depths. Bending and twisting reduce stress concentration and, at the same time, increase coercivity. This unexpected increase of the coercivity occurs because the mechanical deformation changes the cubic shape of the nanoframe, which in turn drives the system to more stable magnetic states. A coercivity increase of almost 100 mT is found for strains close to 0.03, which are within the elastic regime of the Fe nanoframe. Coercivity then decreases at larger strains. However, in all cases, the coercivity is higher than for the undeformed nanoframe. These results can help in the design of new magnetic devices where mechanical deformation can be used as a primary tool to tailor the magnetic response on nanoscale solids.
Indigenous cellulolytic aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacterial community enhanced the composting of rice straw and chicken manure with biochar addition
Authors: Zainudin Mohd Huzairi Mohd , Singam Jamuna Thurai , Sazili Awis Qurni , Shirai Yoshihito , Hassan Mohd Ali
Published: April 2022

Microbial degradation of organic matters is crucial during the composting process. In this study, the enhancement of the composting of rice straw and chicken manure with biochar was evaluated by investigating the indigenous cellulolytic bacterial community structure during the composting process. Compared with control treatment, composting with biochar recorded higher temperature (74 °C), longer thermophilic phase (> 50 °C for 18 days) and reduced carbon (19%) with considerable micro- and macronutrients content. The bacterial community succession showed that composting with biochar was dominated by the cellulolytic Thermobifida and Nocardiopsis genera, which play an important role in lignocellulose degradation. Twenty-three cellulolytic bacterial strains were successfully isolated at different phases of the composting with biochar. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing similarity showed that they were related to Bacilluslicheniformis, Bacillussubtilis,Bacillusaerius, and Bacillushaynesii, which were known as cellulolytic bacteria and generally involved in lignocellulose degradation. Of these isolated bacteria, Bacilluslicheniformis, a facultative anaerobe, was the major bacterial strain isolated and demonstrated higher cellulase activities. The increase in temperature and reduction of carbon during the composting with biochar in this study can thus be attributed to the existence of these cellulolytic bacteria identified.
Characterization of internal fatigue cracks in aluminum alloys by simulation of phase contrast tomography
Authors: Xiao Ce , Létang Jean Michel , Buffière Jean-Yves
Published: April 2022

Synchrotron Radiation Computed Tomography (SRCT) allows a better detection of fatigue cracks in metals than laboratory CT due to the existence of phase contrast. However the presence in reconstructed images of fringes at the edges of objects generated by Fresnel diffraction makes it difficult to identify and analyze the cracks quantitatively. Simulations of phase contrast synchrotron tomography images containing cracks with different sizes and shapes are obtained by using GATE software. Analyzing the simulation results, firstly, we confirmed that the bright parts with strong contrast in SRCT image are streak artifacts; secondly, we found that the gray scale values within the cracks in SRCT images are related to the crack size; these simulation results are used to analyse SRCT images of internal fatigue cracks in a cast Al alloy, providing a clearer visualisation of damage.
Pseudoprogression prediction in high grade primary CNS tumors by use of radiomics
Authors: Ari Asena Petek , Akkurt Burak Han , Musigmann Manfred , Mammadov Orkhan , Blömer David A. , Kasap Dilek N. G. , Henssen Dylan J. H. A. , Nacul Nabila Gala , Sartoretti Elisabeth , Sartoretti Thomas , Backhaus Philipp , Thomas Christian , Stummer Walter , Heindel Walter , Mannil Manoj
Published: April 2022

Our aim is to define the capabilities of radiomics and machine learning in predicting pseudoprogression development from pre-treatment MR images in a patient cohort diagnosed with high grade gliomas. In this retrospective analysis, we analysed 131 patients with high grade gliomas. Segmentation of the contrast enhancing parts of the tumor before administration of radio-chemotherapy was semi-automatically performed using the 3D Slicer open-source software platform (version 4.10) on T1 post contrast MR images. Imaging data was split into training data, test data and an independent validation sample at random. We extracted a total of 107 radiomic features by hand-delineated regions of interest (ROI). Feature selection and model construction were performed using Generalized Boosted Regression Models (GBM). 131 patients were included, of which 64 patients had a histopathologically proven progressive disease and 67 were diagnosed with mixed or pure pseudoprogression after initial treatment. Our Radiomics approach is able to predict the occurrence of pseudoprogression with an AUC, mean sensitivity, mean specificity and mean accuracy of 91.49% [86.27%, 95.89%], 79.92% [73.08%, 87.55%], 88.61% [85.19%, 94.44%] and 84.35% [80.19%, 90.57%] in the full development group, 78.51% [75.27%, 82.46%], 66.26% [57.95%, 73.02%], 78.31% [70.48%, 84.19%] and 72.40% [68.06%, 76.85%] in the testing group and finally 72.87% [70.18%, 76.28%], 71.75% [62.29%, 75.00%], 80.00% [69.23%, 84.62%] and 76.04% [69.90%, 80.00%] in the independent validation sample, respectively. Our results indicate that radiomics is a promising tool to predict pseudo-progression, thus potentially allowing to reduce the use of biopsies and invasive histopathology.