bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative assessment of left ventricular myocardial involvement in patients with connective tissue disease: a 3.0T contrast-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance study
Authors: Wang Jin , Gao Yue , Yang Zhi-Gang , Guo Ying-Kun , Jiang Li , Shi Rui , Xu Hua-Yan , Huang Shan , Li Yuan
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) myocardial involvement in connective tissue disease (CTD) patients using multiparemetric imaging derived from cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). CMR was performed on 146 CTD patients (comprising of 74 with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) and 72 with non-IIM) and 72 healthy controls and included measures of LV global strains [including peak strain (PS), peak systolic (PSSR) and diastolic strain rate (PDSR)], myocardial perfusion [including upslope, max signal intensity (MaxSI), and time to maximum signal intensity (TTM)], and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) parameters. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to determine the association between LV deformation and microvascular perfusion, as well as LGE. Our results indicated that CTD patients had decreased global longitudinal PS (GLPS), PSSR, PDSR, and myocardial perfusion (all p < 0.017) compared with normal controls. Non-IIM patients exhibited lower LV global strain and longer TTM than IIM patients. The presence of LGE was independently associated with global radial PS (GRPS: β = − 0.165, p = 0.011) and global circumferential PS (GCPS: β =  − 0.122, p = 0.022). TTM was independently correlated with GLPS (β = − 0.156, p = 0.027). GLPS was the best indicator for differentiating CTD patients from normal controls (area under curve of 0.78). This study indicated that CTD patients showed impaired LV global myocardial deformation and microvascular perfusion, and presence of LGE. Cardiac involvement might be more severe in non-IIM patients than in IIM patients. Impaired microvascular perfusion and the presence of LGE were independently associated with LV global deformation.
CHANS-Law: preventing the next pandemic through the integration of social and environmental law
Authors: Davies Kirsten , Lim Michelle , Qin Tianbao , Riordan Philip
Published: March 2022

Zoonotic viruses have sacrificed hundreds of millions of people throughout human history. There are currently 1.7 million unidentified viruses estimated to be circulating in mammal and bird populations. It is foreseeable that in the near future, another of these will transmit to people, heralding the start of the next pandemic—one potentially more deadly than COVID-19. At the core of this article is a call for pre-emptive protection of the natural environment and its regenerative systems as the first fundamental step in the prevention of future epidemics and pandemics. While zoonoses originate in nature, the predominant legal discipline, managing these crises, is international health law which is invoked reactively once an outbreak has been reported. In this paper, we identify the need for a legal shift in epidemic and pandemic responses. In particular, we call for the incorporation of international environmental agreements to prevent the initial viral spillover from animal to human populations. We propose a strategy of strengthening existing agreements and a coupling of legal disciplines, such as health and environmental law, emphasizing the need for synergies across legal disciplines to enhance the emergence and management of future pandemics and epidemics. We introduce Coupled Human and Natural Systems (CHANS) Law to frame the required integration across legal instruments to regulate inextricably human-nature connections and advocate for the development of a Convention on Epidemics and Pandemics.
The Li stance on precipitation in Al–Li-based alloys: an investigation by X-ray Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Klobes Benedikt , Petschke Danny , Lotter Frank , Potapkin Vasily , Staab Torsten E. M.
Published: March 2022

Decomposition and precipitation processes in a binary Al–Li alloy and a technical Al–Li–Cu–Mg alloy were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray Raman spectroscopy (XRS). The formation of $$\delta $$
δ
’ and T1 precipitates in the Al–Li and the T8 heat-treated Al–Li–Cu–Mg alloy, respectively, was confirmed using DSC. The XRS measurements complemented by simulated spectra allowed for probing specifically Li and its environment within the Al matrix. Based on linear combination fits of the XRS spectra, the relative contributions of $$\delta '$$

δ
′

and T1 precipitates were quantified. These results are in agreement with estimates of the relative amount of Li taking part in the precipitation process. Difficulties and limitations of the application of XRS to Al alloy systems are also discussed.
Integrating strategic planning and performance management in universities: a multiple case-study analysis
Authors: Biondi Lucia , Russo Salvatore
Published: March 2022

Over time, public universities have been involved in a process of modernisation based on a new concept of governance and managerial methods for increasing efficiency and effectiveness, as well as transparency and accountability. This paper aims to investigate the link between strategic planning systems and performance management systems in Italian universities by answering the following research question: to what extent do strategic planning tools contribute to performance management systems and, vice versa, to what extent can performance management systems help in the reshaping of universities’ strategies? To this end, we adopt a qualitative approach by conducting a multiple case-study analysis in the Italian context. Data are gathered through documentary analysis and interviews as primary research methods. Since scholars have mainly focused their attention on strategic planning or performance management in universities in isolation, the originality of this research lies in the attempt to connect these two important research fields, whose mutual interdependences are still to a certain extent unexplored. The implications of this study concern recommendations and suggestions for universities’ governance bodies to support their decision-making processes in the definition of their long-term objectives and performance management systems.
Substructured two-grid and multi-grid domain decomposition methods
Authors: Ciaramella G. , Vanzan T.
Published: March 2022

Two-level Schwarz domain decomposition methods are very powerful techniques for the efficient numerical solution of partial differential equations (PDEs). A two-level domain decomposition method requires two main components: a one-level preconditioner (or its corresponding smoothing iterative method), which is based on domain decomposition techniques, and a coarse correction step, which relies on a coarse space. The coarse space must properly represent the error components that the chosen one-level method is not capable to deal with. In the literature, most of the works introduced efficient coarse spaces obtained as the span of functions defined on the entire space domain of the considered PDE. Therefore, the corresponding two-level preconditioners and iterative methods are defined in volume. In this paper, we use the excellent smoothing properties of Schwarz domain decomposition methods to define, for general elliptic problems, a new class of substructured two-level methods, for which both Schwarz smoothers and coarse correction steps are defined on the interfaces (except for the application of the smoother that requires volumetric subdomain solves). This approach has several advantages. On the one hand, the required computational effort is cheaper than the one required by classical volumetric two-level methods. On the other hand, our approach does not require, like classical multi-grid methods, the explicit construction of coarse spaces, and it permits a multilevel extension, which is desirable when the high dimension of the problem or the scarce quality of the coarse space prevents the efficient numerical solution. Numerical experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed new numerical framework.
Bivariate general Appell interpolation problem
Authors: Costabile F. A. , Gualtieri M. I. , Napoli A.
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the solution to a bivariate Appell interpolation problem proposed in a previous work is given. Bounds of the truncation error are considered. Ten new interpolants for real, regular, bivariate functions are constructed. Numerical examples and comparisons with bivariate Bernstein polynomials are considered.
Gas sensing applications using magnetized cold plasma multilayers
Authors: Zaky Zaky A. , Amer Hussein A. , Suthar Bhuvneshwer , Aly Arafa H.
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we theoretically propose a novel magnetic field-dependent sensor using omnidirectional magnetized cold plasma photonic crystal in one dimension for TE polarization. The structure consists of asymmetric two periodic arrays from magnetized cold plasma and sample cavity layer. Between the periodic arrays, a sample cavity is sandwiched between two quartz layers. The methodology of the proposed detector depends on the appearance of a sensitive defect mode. The results clear that the defect mode frequency depends significantly on the refractive index of the sample, and it is extremely sensitive to incident angle changes, applied magnetic field, the number density of electrons, and sample layer thickness. The optimized proposed sensor has high sensitivity of 15.14 GHz/RIU, quality-factor of 527.32, and figure of merit of 1066.20 RIU−1, where RIU means refractive index unit. So, the proposed sensor can aid in solving many challenges in chemical and environmental applications.
Set-Valued Evenly Convex Functions: Characterizations and C-Conjugacy
Authors: Fajardo M. D.
Published: March 2022

In this work we deal with set-valued functions with values in the power set of a separated locally convex space where a nontrivial pointed convex cone induces a partial order relation. A set-valued function is evenly convex if its epigraph is an evenly convex set, i.e., it is the intersection of an arbitrary family of open half-spaces. In this paper we characterize evenly convex set-valued functions as the pointwise supremum of its set-valued e-affine minorants. Moreover, a suitable conjugation pattern will be developed for these functions, as well as the counterpart of the biconjugation Fenchel-Moreau theorem.
In defense of Aristotelian universals
Authors: Giordani Alessandro , Tremolanti Eric
Published: March 2022

To be an Aristotelian about universals is to hold that universals depend for their existence on their exemplifiers. An argument against Aristotelianism about universals has recently been put forward by Costa to the effect that a contradiction follows from assuming a certain formulation of Aristotelianism together with some highly plausible principles governing the notions employed in that formulation. In this paper, we provide different ways of articulating the Aristotelian position which, while being related with some of the main contributions in the current Aristotelian tradition, do not fall prey to the argument.
From Body to Language: Gestural and Pantomimic Scenarios of Language Origin in the Enlightenment
Authors: Żywiczyński Przemysław , Wacewicz Sławomir
Published: March 2022

Gestural and pantomimic accounts of language origins propose that language did not develop directly from ape vocalisations, but rather that its emergence was preceded by an intervening stage of bodily-visual communication, during which our ancestors communicated with their hands, arms, and the entire body. Gestural and pantomimic scenarios are again becoming popular in language evolution research, but this line of thought has a long and interesting history that gained special prominence in the Enlightenment, often considered the golden age of glottogony. We highlight several themes key to this line of reflection, such as the idea of innate communication that consists of visual bodily signs and non-linguistic vocalisations; the division of labour between these two semiotic resources (with visual signs used for referential communication and vocal signs for emotional expression); or the developmental trajectory of this bi-modal system of communication determined by its transmission through generations of users and the intervention of social factors. We confront these ideas with problems discussed in current language evolution research, focusing on polysemioticity, sign function, conventionality and modality transition (a postulated transition from gestures to speech in the course of human phylogeny).
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in COVID-19 patients: a pocket guide for radiologists
Authors: Gabelloni Michela , Faggioni Lorenzo , Cioni Dania , Mendola Vincenzo , Falaschi Zeno , Coppola Sara , Corradi Francesco , Isirdi Alessandro , Brandi Nicolò , Coppola Francesca , Granata Vincenza , Golfieri Rita , Grassi Roberto , Neri Emanuele
Published: March 2022

During the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been proposed as a possible therapy for COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. This pictorial review is intended to provide radiologists with up-to-date information regarding different types of ECMO devices, correct placement of ECMO cannulae, and imaging features of potential complications and disease evolution in COVID-19 patients treated with ECMO, which is essential for a correct interpretation of diagnostic imaging, so as to guide proper patient management.
Non-uniform Grain Boundary Migration During Static Recrystallization: A Cellular Automaton Study
Authors: Lin Fengxiang , Sitko Mateusz , Madej Lukasz , Delannay Laurent
Published: March 2022

During static recrystallization, grains often have non-constant and non-uniform growth rates, significantly affecting the recrystallization kinetics and the microstructure after recrystallization. A cellular automaton model was employed in order to evaluate the relative influences of gradients of stored energy, grain boundary curvature, and heterogeneity of grain boundary mobility on the non-uniform migration of grain boundary segments, leading to the formation of protrusions and retrusions. Electron back-scatter diffraction measurements of a cold-rolled copper microstructure served to feed the model. Orientation maps obtained after partial recrystallization were used to assess the model outcome. The model was capable to predict the shapes of recrystallized grains with retrusions and protrusions. Effects of different model assumptions were compared to reveal individual contributions of different factors to grain size distribution, grain shape and boundary roughness. The model predicted a decreasing average grain growth rate as a result of the progressive immobilization of an increasing fraction of grain boundary segments. The model prediction was compared with experimental results, explaining the origin of stationary boundaries and indicating some further improvements necessary to reach quantitative agreement.

Graphical Abstract
Spatial Modeling of Day-Within-Year Temperature Time Series: An Examination of Daily Maximum Temperatures in Aragón, Spain
Authors: Castillo-Mateo Jorge , Lafuente Miguel , Asín Jesús , Cebrián Ana C. , Gelfand Alan E. , Abaurrea Jesús
Published: March 2022

Acknowledging a considerable literature on modeling daily temperature data, we propose a multi-level spatiotemporal model which introduces several innovations in order to explain the daily maximum temperature in the summer period over 60 years in a region containing Aragón, Spain. The model operates over continuous space but adopts two discrete temporal scales, year and day within year. It captures temporal dependence through autoregression on days within year and also on years. Spatial dependence is captured through spatial process modeling of intercepts, slope coefficients, variances, and autocorrelations. The model is expressed in a form which separates fixed effects from random effects and also separates space, years, and days for each type of effect. Motivated by exploratory data analysis, fixed effects to capture the influence of elevation, seasonality, and a linear trend are employed. Pure errors are introduced for years, for locations within years, and for locations at days within years. The performance of the model is checked using a leave-one-out cross-validation. Applications of the model are presented including prediction of the daily temperature series at unobserved or partially observed sites and inference to investigate climate change comparison.

Supplementary materials accompanying this paper appear online.
Shape-specific microfabricated particles for biomedical applications: a review
Authors: Moore Thomas L. , Cook Alexander B. , Bellotti Elena , Palomba Roberto , Manghnani Purnima , Spanò Raffaele , Brahmachari Sayanti , Di Francesco Martina , Palange Anna Lisa , Di Mascolo Daniele , Decuzzi Paolo
Published: March 2022

The storied history of controlled the release systems has evolved over time; from degradable drug-loaded sutures to monolithic zero-ordered release devices and nano-sized drug delivery formulations. Scientists have tuned the physico-chemical properties of these drug carriers to optimize their performance in biomedical/pharmaceutical applications. In particular, particle drug delivery systems at the micron size regime have been used since the 1980s. Recent advances in micro and nanofabrication techniques have enabled precise control of particle size and geometry–here we review the utility of microplates and discoidal polymeric particles for a range of pharmaceutical applications. Microplates are defined as micrometer scale polymeric local depot devices in cuboid form, while discoidal polymeric nanoconstructs are disk-shaped polymeric particles having a cross-sectional diameter in the micrometer range and a thickness in the hundreds of nanometer range. These versatile particles can be used to treat several pathologies such as cancer, inflammatory diseases and vascular diseases, by leveraging their size, shape, physical properties (e.g., stiffness), and component materials, to tune their functionality. This review highlights design and fabrication strategies for these particles, discusses their applications, and elaborates on emerging trends for their use in formulations.

Graphical abstract
TGFα-EGFR pathway in breast carcinogenesis, association with WWOX expression and estrogen activation
Authors: Pospiech Karolina , Orzechowska Magdalena , Nowakowska Magdalena , Anusewicz Dorota , Płuciennik Elżbieta , Kośla Katarzyna , Bednarek Andrzej K.
Published: March 2022

WWOX is a tumor-suppressive steroid dehydrogenase, which relationship with hormone receptors was shown both in animal models and breast cancer patients. Herein, through nAnT-iCAGE high-throughput gene expression profiling, we studied the interplay of estrogen receptors and the WWOX in breast cancer cell lines (MCF7, T47D, MDA-MB-231, BT20) under estrogen stimulation and either introduction of the WWOX gene by retroviral transfection (MDA-MB-231, T47D) or silenced with shRNA (MCF7, BT20). Additionally, we evaluated the consequent biological characteristics by proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and adhesion assays. TGFα-EGFR signaling was found to be significantly affected in all examined breast cancer cell lines in response to estrogen and strongly associated with the level of WWOX expression, especially in ER-positive MCF7 cells. Under the influence of 17β-estradiol presence, biological characteristics of the cell lines were also delineated. The study revealed modulation of adhesion, invasion, and apoptosis. The obtained results point at a complex role of the WWOX gene in the carcinogenesis of the breast tissue, which seems to be closely related to the presence of estrogen α and/or β receptors.
Highly sensitive electrochemical azaperone sensor based on magnetic silica –NH2-CS2 in the ostrich meat and rat plasma and its comparison with HPLC–MS/MS
Authors: Gandomi Faezeh , Taghizadeh Mohammad Javad , Khosrowshahi Elnaz Marzi , Mohammadnia Maryam Saleh , Irannejad Neda , Sohouli Esmail , Ehrlich Hermann , Joseph Yvonne , Rahimi-Nasrabadi Mehdi
Published: March 2022

Azaperone is a very important phenylbutanone-based neurotransmitter used in the treatment of some animal (veterinary) clinics. This compound has various nerve and tendon stabilizing agents on livestock and animals. Muscular injection of azaperone is used to reduce stress in livestock and reduce their acting. In the present work, Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2/CS2 nanocomposite was synthesized and thoroughly characterized using FE-SEM, FT-IR, and XRD technique. The glassy carbon electrode was then modified with nanocomposite to fabricate a sensor named GCE/Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2/CS2. The application of modified electrode was tested for analysis of azaperone in ostrich meat and rat plasma. The electrochemical behavior of azaperone was tested using differential pulse and cyclic voltammetry. In Briton–Robinson buffer solution (pH = 6), azaperone had an oxidation peak at 0.82 V. Cyclic voltammetry studies indicated that the azaprone oxidation process on the modified electrode is irreversible. Experimental variables, including pH and accumulation time were optimized by monitoring the cyclic voltammetry responses toward azaperone peak current. Measurement of azaperone by differential pulse voltammetry technique showed linearity of anodic peak current vs. azaperone concentration in a range of 0.01–100.0 μM with detection and quantification limits of 3 nM and 10 nM, respectively. Also, the effect of disturbance of some species as possible interferers on the electrochemical response of azaperone was checked out. Finally, the capability of the fabricated sensor for azaperone measurement was successfully tested in ostrich meat and rat plasma as real samples.

Graphical abstract
Monocular Photogrammetric System for 3D Reconstruction of Welds in Turbid Water
Authors: Kahmen Oliver , Luhmann Thomas
Published: March 2022

This article presents a methodology for the 3D reconstruction of welds under water. A monocular measuring system, equipped with a hemispherical (dome) port, and its methodology are introduced. Furthermore, a simple but effective approach for the alignment of a dome port and the entrance pupil of a lens is presented. The alignment is mechanically supported by the presented lens alignment shell. Turbidity experiments in the laboratory quantify the accuracy of the 3D reconstruction of an underwater welded hollow weld in comparison with a high-quality reference measurement. The analyses show that the system is capable to reconstruct the surface of the weld in high quality using least-squares image matching. The quality level ranges from 0.06 mm in clear water to 0.11 mm in turbid water featuring a visibility of ~ 140 mm.
States, nations, and self-determination: Afghanistan and decolonization at the United Nations
Authors: Leake Elisabeth
Published: March 2022

Afghanistan is not traditionally seen as a ‘decolonized’ state, given that it was never formally part of any empire. Yet Afghan state leaders embraced the language of anti-colonialism and self-determination to assert influence in the international community, and especially at the UN. This paper explores the interactions between Afghan elites and the UN, particularly the way that Afghanistan fought the growing global consensus that self-determination in the era of decolonization meant the establishment of an international states system. Afghan elites instead argued that self-determination was for peoples, not states. Afghanistan’s stance on self-determination, as an exception to territorial state centrism, provides a way of thinking about decolonization’s universalisms and particularities, as well as how it ultimately complicated Afghanistan’s own place in the international community. The article uses Afghanistan’s engagement with the UN General Assembly and its various subcommittees, from its membership in 1946 to the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989, to reflect on the ways decolonization became a global yet fractured phenomenon that came to mean numerous practices and could be used by different historical actors to articulate multiple, potentially competing visions of political autonomy and rights. International institutions like the UN provided crucial arenas where postcolonial statehood became the norm yet was nevertheless contested and questioned. By providing an exception to the UN’s focus on territorial statehood, Afghanistan demonstrates the ongoing fluidity and complexity of decolonization’s meaning and consequences, as well as the ways in which nations continue to inform the global.
Lithospheric Conductors Shed Light on the Non‐Uniform Destruction of North China Craton
Authors: Shi Yuan , Xu Yixian , Yang Bo , Liu Shuyu
Published: March 2022

Low resistivity in the continental lower crust and uppermost mantle has been commonly observed in both Phanerozoic and Precambrian areas. Given different tectonic history, these conductors could be attributed to different conductive mechanisms. The North China Craton (NCC) is one of typical craton that have suffered from extensive destruction, part of which was modified by Phanerozoic tectonic‐thermal events and the others remain stable cratonic lithosphere. We here present a high‐resolution 3‐D electrical resistivity model from the inversion of magnetotelluric data collected in 183 sites of NCC. Beneath the stable craton in the north part of Ordos Block, an E‐W trending conductor extends from lower crust to uppermost mantle, which can be attributed to the concentration of sulfides/graphite emplaced through oceanic subduction during the Paleoproterozoic assembly of Columbia. The conductors beneath the Taihang Mountains and the south part of Ordos Block also reflect ancient sutures. In contrast, the conductor in mantle beneath the south part of North China Plain (SNCP) reflects an on‐going process of craton destruction relating to the subduction of the Pacific Plate in Cenozoic. The MT data, combined with seismic radial anisotropy model suggest the lower crust and uppermost mantle beneath SNCP is anisotropic. And a significant electrical anisotropic layer with the most conductive direction along N70°W and the anisotropy factor of 6.3 is revealed in the 20–70 km depth by 2‐D anisotropic inversion. We attribute the enhanced conductivity along anisotropy direction to the accumulation of melts in sills, resulting from the upwelling of asthenosphere in Cenozoic.
Characteristics and Sources of Intense Geoelectric Fields in the United States: Comparative Analysis of Multiple Geomagnetic Storms
Authors: Shi Xueling , Hartinger Michael D. , Baker Joseph B. H. , Murphy Benjamin S. , Bedrosian Paul A. , Kelbert Anna , Rigler Erin Joshua
Published: March 2022

Intense geoelectric fields during geomagnetic storms drive geomagnetically induced currents in power grids and other infrastructure, yet there are limited direct measurements of these storm‐time geoelectric fields. Moreover, most previous studies examining storm‐time geoelectric fields focused on single events or small geographic regions, making it difficult to determine the typical source(s) of intense geoelectric fields. We perform the first comparative analysis of (a) the sources of intense geoelectric fields over multiple geomagnetic storms, (b) using 1‐s cadence geoelectric field measurements made at (c) magnetotelluric survey sites distributed widely across the United States. Temporally localized intense perturbations in measured geoelectric fields with prominences (a measure of the relative amplitude of geoelectric field enhancement above the surrounding signal) of at least 500 mV/km were detected during geomagnetic storms with Dst minima (Dstmin) of less than −100 nT from 2006 to 2019. Most of the intense geoelectric fields were observed in resistive regions with magnetic latitudes greater than 55° even though we have 167 sites located at lower latitudes during geomagnetic storms of −200 nT ≤ Dstmin < −100 nT. Our study indicates intense short‐lived (<1 min) and geoelectric field perturbations with periods on the order of 1–2 min are common. Most of these perturbations cannot be resolved with 1‐min data because they correspond to higher frequency or impulsive phenomena that vary on timescales shorter than that sampling interval. The sources of geomagnetic perturbations inducing these intense geoelectric fields include interplanetary shocks, interplanetary magnetic field turnings, substorms, and ultralow frequency waves.
The Influence of Basement Terranes on Tectonic Deformation: Joint Earthquake Travel‐Time and Ambient Noise Tomography of the Southern South Island, New Zealand
Authors: Eberhart‐Phillips Donna , Upton Phaedra , Reyners Martin , Barrell David J. A. , Fry Bill , Bourguignon Sandra , Warren‐Smith Emily
Published: March 2022

Determining how the crustal structure developed in previous tectonic regimes influences current deformation is important for understanding seismogenic behavior. Paleozoic‐Mesozoic convergent‐margin tectonics produced the southeastern South Island crust, which is currently involved in late Cenozoic transpressional collision. We examine crustal velocity structure through joint inversion of earthquake travel times and ambient noise derived group velocities to increase the resolution of Vp (P‐wave velocity) and Vp/Vs across the region. This method improves the details of the shallow velocity structure and highlights lithological properties, uplifted regions, and distributed fracture zones. The Otago schist shows thick lower crust while contrasting higher Vp below 15 km depth characterizes the Matai terrane and Median batholith, both backstops during accretion and deformation. The complex velocity structure, integrated with late Cenozoic faults, structural domains, seismicity patterns, and geodynamic modeling, shows how Cenozoic structures relate to deeper properties. Seismicity within the schist is distributed within transition regions rather than along specific faults, and these zones contain low Vp and low Qp (1/attenuation). The most prominent seismicity zone is along the transition from northern Otago ranges to the Southern Alps, where faulting and brittle deformation corresponds to the eastern edge of ductile crustal thickening above the bending of the strong oceanic lower crust. The thick weak crust rheology of Otago, relative to Canterbury, enables broad deformation, with numerous late Cenozoic faults that may not persist to great depth. Along the southern stronger plutonic terranes, there is a band of sparse deeper (15–35 km) seismicity, consistent with strong elastic brittle crust.
Innovative Model Elucidates Geothermal Energy Resource
Authors: Sidder Aaron
Published: March 2022

Data from deep wells and a Bayesian modeling framework shed new light on one of Iceland’s valuable geothermal reservoirs.
Distinct neurocognitive bases for social trait judgments of faces in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Yu Hongbo , Cao Runnan , Lin Chujun , Wang Shuo
Published: March 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in social processes, interactions, and communication. Yet, the neurocognitive bases underlying these difficulties are unclear. Here, we triangulated the ‘trans-diagnostic’ approach to personality, social trait judgments of faces, and neurophysiology to investigate (1) the relative position of autistic traits in a comprehensive social-affective personality space, and (2) the distinct associations between the social-affective personality dimensions and social trait judgment from faces in individuals with ASD and neurotypical individuals. We collected personality and facial judgment data from a large sample of online participants (N = 89 self-identified ASD; N = 307 neurotypical controls). Factor analysis with 33 subscales of 10 social-affective personality questionnaires identified a 4-dimensional personality space. This analysis revealed that ASD and control participants did not differ significantly along the personality dimensions of empathy and prosociality, antisociality, or social agreeableness. However, the ASD participants exhibited a weaker association between prosocial personality dimensions and judgments of facial trustworthiness and warmth than the control participants. Neurophysiological data also indicated that ASD participants had a weaker association with neuronal representations for trustworthiness and warmth from faces. These results suggest that the atypical association between social-affective personality and social trait judgment from faces may contribute to the social and affective difficulties associated with ASD.
Principles of human movement augmentation and the challenges in making it a reality
Authors: Eden Jonathan , Bräcklein Mario , Ibáñez Jaime , Barsakcioglu Deren Yusuf , Di Pino Giovanni , Farina Dario , Burdet Etienne , Mehring Carsten
Published: March 2022

Augmenting the body with artificial limbs controlled concurrently to one’s natural limbs has long appeared in science fiction, but recent technological and neuroscientific advances have begun to make this possible. By allowing individuals to achieve otherwise impossible actions, movement augmentation could revolutionize medical and industrial applications and profoundly change the way humans interact with the environment. Here, we construct a movement augmentation taxonomy through what is augmented and how it is achieved. With this framework, we analyze augmentation that extends the number of degrees-of-freedom, discuss critical features of effective augmentation such as physiological control signals, sensory feedback and learning as well as application scenarios, and propose a vision for the field.
Germline mutation landscape of DNA damage repair genes in African Americans with prostate cancer highlights potentially targetable RAD genes
Authors: Kohaar Indu , Zhang Xijun , Tan Shyh-Han , Nousome Darryl , Babcock Kevin , Ravindranath Lakshmi , Sukumar Gauthaman , Mcgrath-Martinez Elisa , Rosenberger John , Alba Camille , Ali Amina , Young Denise , Chen Yongmei , Cullen Jennifer , Rosner Inger L. , Sesterhenn Isabell A. , Dobi Albert , Chesnut Gregory , Turner Clesson , Dalgard Clifton , Wilkerson Matthew D. , Pollard Harvey B. , Srivastava Shiv , Petrovics Gyorgy
Published: March 2022

In prostate cancer, emerging data highlight the role of DNA damage repair genes (DDRGs) in aggressive forms of the disease. However, DDRG mutations in African American men are not yet fully defined. Here, we profile germline mutations in all known DDRGs (N = 276) using whole genome sequences from blood DNA of a matched cohort of patients with primary prostate cancer comprising of 300 African American and 300 European Ancestry prostate cancer patients, to determine whether the mutation status can enhance patient stratification for specific targeted therapies. Here, we show that only 13 of the 46 DDRGs identified with pathogenic/likely pathogenic mutations are present in both African American and European ancestry patients. Importantly,RADfamily genes (RAD51, RAD54L, RAD54B), which are potentially targetable, as well asPMS2andBRCA1, are among the most frequently mutated DDRGs in African American, but not in European Ancestry patients.
Mapping the sequence specificity of heterotypic amyloid interactions enables the identification of aggregation modifiers
Authors: Louros Nikolaos , Ramakers Meine , Michiels Emiel , Konstantoulea Katerina , Morelli Chiara , Garcia Teresa , Moonen Nele , D’Haeyer Sam , Goossens Vera , Thal Dietmar Rudolf , Audenaert Dominique , Rousseau Frederic , Schymkowitz Joost
Published: March 2022

Heterotypic amyloid interactions between related protein sequences have been observed in functional and disease amyloids. While sequence homology seems to favour heterotypic amyloid interactions, we have no systematic understanding of the structural rules determining such interactions nor whether they inhibit or facilitate amyloid assembly. Using structure-based thermodynamic calculations and extensive experimental validation, we performed a comprehensive exploration of the defining role of sequence promiscuity in amyloid interactions. Using tau as a model system we demonstrate that proteins with local sequence homology to tau amyloid nucleating regions can modify fibril nucleation, morphology, assembly and spreading of aggregates in cultured cells. Depending on the type of mutation such interactions inhibit or promote aggregation in a manner that can be predicted from structure. We find that these heterotypic amyloid interactions can result in the subcellular mis-localisation of these proteins. Moreover, equilibrium studies indicate that the critical concentration of aggregation is altered by heterotypic interactions. Our findings suggest a structural mechanism by which the proteomic background can modulate the aggregation propensity of amyloidogenic proteins and we discuss how such sequence-specific proteostatic perturbations could contribute to the selective cellular susceptibility of amyloid disease progression.
A peroxisomal heterodimeric enzyme is involved in benzaldehyde synthesis in plants
Authors: Huang Xing-Qi , Li Renqiuguo , Fu Jianxin , Dudareva Natalia
Published: March 2022

Benzaldehyde, the simplest aromatic aldehyde, is one of the most wide-spread volatiles that serves as a pollinator attractant, flavor, and antifungal compound. However, the enzyme responsible for its formation in plants remains unknown. Using a combination of in vivo stable isotope labeling, classical biochemical, proteomics and genetic approaches, we show that in petunia benzaldehyde is synthesized via the β-oxidative pathway in peroxisomes by a heterodimeric enzyme consisting of α and β subunits, which belong to the NAD(P)-binding Rossmann-fold superfamily. Both subunits are alone catalytically inactive but, when mixed in equal amounts, form an active enzyme, which exhibits strict substrate specificity towards benzoyl-CoA and uses NADPH as a cofactor. Alpha subunits can form functional heterodimers with phylogenetically distant β subunits, but not all β subunits partner with α subunits, at least in Arabidopsis. Analysis of spatial, developmental and rhythmic expression of genes encoding α and β subunits revealed that expression of the gene for the α subunit likely plays a key role in regulating benzaldehyde biosynthesis.
Molecular orbital theory in cavity QED environments
Authors: Riso Rosario R. , Haugland Tor S. , Ronca Enrico , Koch Henrik
Published: March 2022

Coupling between molecules and vacuum photon fields inside an optical cavity has proven to be an effective way to engineer molecular properties, in particular reactivity. To ease the rationalization of cavity induced effects we introduce an ab initio method leading to the first fully consistent molecular orbital theory for quantum electrodynamics environments. Our framework is non-perturbative and explains modifications of the electronic structure due to the interaction with the photon field. In this work, we show that the newly developed orbital theory can be used to predict cavity induced modifications of molecular reactivity and pinpoint classes of systems with significant cavity effects. We also investigate electronic cavity-induced modifications of reaction mechanisms in vibrational strong coupling regimes.
Gut microbiota and fermentation-derived branched chain hydroxy acids mediate health benefits of yogurt consumption in obese mice
Authors: Daniel Noëmie , Nachbar Renato Tadeu , Tran Thi Thu Trang , Ouellette Adia , Varin Thibault Vincent , Cotillard Aurélie , Quinquis Laurent , Gagné Andréanne , St-Pierre Philippe , Trottier Jocelyn , Marcotte Bruno , Poirel Marion , Saccareau Mathilde , Dubois Marie-Julie , Joubert Philippe , Barbier Olivier , Koutnikova Hana , Marette André
Published: March 2022

Meta-analyses suggest that yogurt consumption reduces type 2 diabetes incidence in humans, but the molecular basis of these observations remains unknown. Here we show that dietary yogurt intake preserves whole-body glucose homeostasis and prevents hepatic insulin resistance and liver steatosis in a dietary mouse model of obesity-linked type 2 diabetes. Fecal microbiota transplantation studies reveal that these effects are partly linked to the gut microbiota. We further show that yogurt intake impacts the hepatic metabolome, notably maintaining the levels of branched chain hydroxy acids (BCHA) which correlate with improved metabolic parameters. These metabolites are generated upon milk fermentation and concentrated in yogurt. Remarkably, diet-induced obesity reduces plasma and tissue BCHA levels, and this is partly prevented by dietary yogurt intake. We further show that BCHA improve insulin action on glucose metabolism in liver and muscle cells, identifying BCHA as cell-autonomous metabolic regulators and potential mediators of yogurt’s health effects.
DIAMetAlyzer allows automated false-discovery rate-controlled analysis for data-independent acquisition in metabolomics
Authors: Alka Oliver , Shanthamoorthy Premy , Witting Michael , Kleigrewe Karin , Kohlbacher Oliver , Röst Hannes L.
Published: March 2022

The extraction of meaningful biological knowledge from high-throughput mass spectrometry data relies on limiting false discoveries to a manageable amount. For targeted approaches in metabolomics a main challenge is the detection of false positive metabolic features in the low signal-to-noise ranges of data-independent acquisition results and their filtering. Another factor is that the creation of assay libraries for data-independent acquisition analysis and the processing of extracted ion chromatograms have not been automated in metabolomics. Here we present a fully automated open-source workflow for high-throughput metabolomics that combines data-dependent and data-independent acquisition for library generation, analysis, and statistical validation, with rigorous control of the false-discovery rate while matching manual analysis regarding quantification accuracy. Using an experimentally specific data-dependent acquisition library based on reference substances allows for accurate identification of compounds and markers from data-independent acquisition data in low concentrations, facilitating biomarker quantification.
Wildfires enhance phytoplankton production in tropical oceans
Authors: Liu Dongyan , Zhou Chongran , Keesing John K. , Serrano Oscar , Werner Axel , Fang Yin , Chen Yingjun , Masque Pere , Kinloch Janine , Sadekov Aleksey , Du Yan
Published: March 2022

Wildfire magnitude and frequency have greatly escalated on a global scale. Wildfire products rich in biogenic elements can enter the ocean through atmospheric and river inputs, but their contribution to marine phytoplankton production is poorly understood. Here, using geochemical paleo-reconstructions, a century-long relationship between wildfire magnitude and marine phytoplankton production is established in a fire-prone region of Kimberley coast, Australia. A positive correlation is identified between wildfire and phytoplankton production on a decadal scale. The importance of wildfire on marine phytoplankton production is statistically higher than that of tropical cyclones and rainfall, when strong El Niño Southern Oscillation coincides with the positive phase of Indian Ocean Dipole. Interdecadal chlorophyll-a variation along the Kimberley coast validates the spatial connection of this phenomenon. Findings from this study suggest that the role of additional nutrients from wildfires has to be considered when projecting impacts of global warming on marine phytoplankton production.
λ/30 inorganic features achieved by multi-photon 3D lithography
Authors: Jin Feng , Liu Jie , Zhao Yuan-Yuan , Dong Xian-Zi , Zheng Mei-Ling , Duan Xuan-Ming
Published: March 2022

It’s critically important to construct arbitrary inorganic features with high resolution. As an inorganic photoresist, hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) has been patterned by irradiation sources with short wavelength, such as EUV and electron beam. However, the fabrication of three- dimensional nanoscale HSQ features utilizing infrared light sources is still challenging. Here, we demonstrate femtosecond laser direct writing (FsLDW) of HSQ through multi-photon absorption process. 26 nm feature size is achieved by using 780 nm fs laser, indicating super-diffraction limit photolithography of λ/30 for HSQ. HSQ microstructures by FsLDW possess nanoscale resolution, smooth surface, and thermal stability up to 600 °C. Furthermore, we perform FsLDW of HSQ to construct structural colour and Fresnel lens with desirable optical properties, thermal and chemical resistance. This study demonstrates that inorganic features can be flexibly achieved by FsLDW of HSQ, which would be prospective for fabricating micro-nano devices requiring nanoscale resolution, thermal and chemical resistance.
Neuroprotective effects of violacein in a model of inherited amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Olivera-Bravo Silvia , Bolatto Carmen , Otero Damianovich Gabriel , Stancov Matías , Cerri Sofía , Rodríguez Paola , Boragno Daniela , Hernández Mir Karina , Cuitiño María Noel , Larrambembere Fernanda , Isasi Eugenia , Alem Diego , Canclini Lucía , Marco Marta , Davyt Danilo , Díaz-Amarilla Pablo
Published: March 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive death of motor neurons and muscle atrophy, with defective neuron-glia interplay and emergence of aberrant glial phenotypes having a role in disease pathology. Here, we have studied if the pigment violacein with several reported protective/antiproliferative properties may control highly neurotoxic astrocytes (AbAs) obtained from spinal cord cultures of symptomatic hSOD1G93A rats, and if it could be neuroprotective in this ALS experimental model. At concentrations lower than those reported as protective, violacein selectively killed aberrant astrocytes. Treatment of hSOD1G93A rats with doses equivalent to the concentrations that killed AbAs caused a marginally significant delay in survival, partially preserved the body weight and soleus muscle mass and improved the integrity of the neuromuscular junction. Reduced motor neuron death and glial reactivity was also found and likely related to decreased inflammation and matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9. Thus, in spite that new experimental designs aimed at extending the lifespan of hSOD1G93A rats are needed, improvements observed upon violacein treatment suggest a significant therapeutic potential that deserves further studies.
Giant paleo-seafloor craters and mass wasting associated with magma-induced uplift of the upper crust
Authors: Omosanya K. O. , Duffaut K. , Alves T. M. , Eruteya O. E. , Johansen S. E. , Waldmann N.
Published: March 2022

Giant seafloor craters are known along many a continental margin with recurrent mass-wasting deposits. However, the impact of breakup-related magmatism on the evolution of such craters is barely understood. Using high-quality geophysical datasets, this work examines the genetic relationship among the location of magmatic sills, forced folds and the formation of giant paleo-seafloor craters underneath an ancient mass-transport complex in the Møre and Vøring basins, offshore Norway. The data reveal that forced folding of near-seafloor strata occurred because of the intrusion of several interconnected magmatic sills. Estimates of 1-dimensional uplift based on well data show that uplift occurred due to the intrusion of magma in Upper Cretaceous to Lower Eocene strata. Our findings also prove that subsurface fluid plumbing associated with the magmatic sills was prolonged in time and led to the development of several vertical fluid flow conduits, some of which triggered mass wasting in Neogene to Recent times. The repeated vertical expulsion of subsurface fluids weakened the strata on the continental slope, thereby promoting mass wasting, the selective cannibalization of the paleo-seafloor, and the formation of elongated craters at the basal shear zone of the mass-transport complex. Significantly, the model presented here proves a close link between subsurface magmatic plumbing systems and mass wasting on continental margins.