bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of saturated hydraulic conductivity estimated by empirical, hydraulic and numerical modeling methods at different scales in a coastal sand aquifer in Northern Ireland
Authors: Águila Jesús F. , McDonnell Mark C. , Flynn Raymond , Butler Adrian P. , Hamill Gerard A. , Etsias Georgios , Benner Eric M. , Donohue Shane
Published: June 2023

Hydraulic conductivity is one of the most challenging hydrogeological properties to appropriately measure due to its dependence on the measurement scale and the influence of heterogeneity. This paper presents a comparison of saturated hydraulic conductivities (K) determined for a quasi-homogeneous coastal sand aquifer, estimated using eight different methodologies, encompassing empirical, hydraulic and numerical modeling methods. The geometric means of K, determined using 22 methods, spanning measurement scales varying between 0.01 and 100 m, ranged between 3.6 and 58.3 m/d. K estimates from Cone Penetration Test (CPT) data proved wider than those obtained using the other methods, while various empirical equations, commonly used to estimate K from grain-size analysis and Tide-Aquifer interaction techniques revealed variations of up to one order of magnitude. Single-well tracer dilution tests provided an alternative for making preliminary estimates of K when hydraulic gradients were known. Estimates from the slug tests proved between 1.2 and 1.6 times larger than those determined from pumping tests which, with one of the smallest ranges of variation, provided a representative average K of the aquifer as revealed by numerical modeling. By contrast, variations in K with depth could be detected at small scales (~ 0.1 m). Hydraulic Profiling Tool (HPT) system data indicated that K decreases with depth, which was supported by the numerical model results. No scale effect on K was apparent when considering the ensemble of results, suggesting that hydraulic conductivity estimates do not depend on the scale of measurement in the absence of significant aquifer heterogeneities.
Calcium-Treated Steel Cleanliness Prediction Using High-Dimensional Steelmaking Process Data
Authors: Piva Stephano , Nogueira Assis Andre , Pistorius Petrus Christiaan , Kan Michael
Published: June 2023

Control of calcium treatment in steel is challenging due to the reactivity of Ca and difficulty of measuring total oxygen of steel in-process to make actionable decisions. In this work, a method combining statistics and process engineering are developed using partial least squares regression (PLS) to predict non-metallic inclusion content (oxides and CaS) and composition at the end of ladle treatment and in the tundish using extensive process data and SEM/EDS-based non-metallic inclusion analysis. Total oxygen at the end of the ladle treatment can be predicted to an accuracy of 7 ppm, and the Mg/(Mg+Al) ratio in inclusions to an accuracy of 3at% providing enough data to recommend Ca addition based on a thermodynamic calculation for the Ca liquid window. Alternatively, the model can predict total inclusion fraction to 20 ppm accuracy, and accurately predict average CaS content and Ca/Al ratio of inclusions in the tundish. Model interpretability is hindered by high dimensionality and multicollinearity of the data. Non-metallic inclusion compositions correspond to the expected composition at the onset of CaS formation based on steel composition.
A hybrid method for generating heterogeneous digital models for granites using a conditional filtering process and multiple level Weibull distribution functions
Authors: Wang Zhaofeng , Pan Peng-Zhi , Feng Guangliang , Feng Yujie , Liu Xufeng
Published: June 2023

In this study, combining geometric and statistical modelling techniques together, a novel hybrid heterogeneity digital model generation method for granites is developed. It is motivated by the complexity of the digital core method and the limitations of the traditional random Weibull distributed heterogeneous method in reflecting the mechanical behaviour influenced by the spatial distribution of mineral particles. The initial mineral proportion is acquired from the feature extraction of the input image. Then a conditional filtering process is proposed in order to acquire a reasonable mineral particle distribution. Finally, the multiple-level Weibull distribution function is applied to describe the heterogeneity of different minerals. The new method has been validated in particle distribution configuration and mechanical reflection using a simulation software. In contrast to the previous methods, the multiple heterogeneity material assignment results obtained from the conditional filtering process can better reflect the actual mineral particle distribution. Moreover, reflection of failure mode behaviour is greatly improved by the proposed method compared to the traditional single-level heterogeneity model. The current data emphasize the independent and significant influence of each mineral heterogeneity, which can only be investigated using the traditional method, which ignores mineral differences. The present study lays the groundwork for future research into the influences of mineral mechanical properties and mineral particle spatial distribution on macro mechanical behaviour.
Detection and parameter estimation of intra-pulse modulated radar signals in complex interference environments+
Authors: Duong Van Minh , Vesely Jiri , Hubacek Petr , Janu Premysl , Tran Xuan Luong
Published: June 2023

The main aim of this review is to describe in detail an advanced technique to detect and estimate the prior unknown parameters of intra-pulse modulated signals and the verification with typical radar signals. The method is approved for detecting parameters successfully, including chirp rate, carrier frequency, and pulse width. The review presents already-done research on detecting and estimating single and multi-component linear frequency modulation (LFM) and binary phase shift keying (BPSK) signals in a strong noise environment and studies the technique on one more case, a mixture of LFM and BPSK signals. Firstly, the accuracy of the revised technique is shown in detecting and estimating parameters of a single and multi-component LFM signal in white noise and a mixture of continuous wave signals and noise, or a single BPSK signal in strong white noise. All of them have been done in the existing studies. This method is continuously tested in the second part by detecting a mixture of LFM and BPSK signals and estimating their parameters in intense noise. The tested experimental results demonstrate that the technique can detect single and multi-component real-time LFM signals, single BPSK as well as verification with a mixture of real-time LFM and BPSK signals with $$SNR \ge - 12{\text{ dB}}$$

S
N
R
≥
-
12

dB

is performed. As a result, the technique outperforms the existing detection methods based on machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Propulsion integration study of civil aero-engine nacelles
Authors: Tejero F. , MacManus D. , Goulos I. , Sheaf C.
Published: June 2023

It is envisaged that future civil aero-engines will operate with ultra-high bypass ratios to reduce the specific fuel consumption. To achieve the expected benefits from the new engine cycles, these new powerplants may mount compact nacelles. For these new configurations the aerodynamic coupling between the powerplant and the airframe may increase. For this reason, it is required to quantify and further understand the effects of aircraft integration for compact aero-engine nacelles. This study provides an insight of the changes in flow aerodynamics as well as quantification of the most relevant performance metrics of the powerplant, airframe and the combined aircraft system across a range of different installation positions. Relative to a conventional architecture, there is an aerodynamic benefit in net vehicle force of about 1.2% for a compact powerplant when installed in forward positions. This is the same improvement that was identified when the aero-engine nacelles were in isolation. However, for close-coupled installation positions, the aerodynamic benefit in net vehicle force erodes to 0.44% due to the larger effects of aircraft integration on compact nacelles.
NON-TIGHTNESS IN CLASS THEORY AND SECOND-ORDER ARITHMETIC
Authors: FREIRE ALFREDO ROQUE , WILLIAMS KAMERYN J.
Published: June 2023

A theory T is tight if different deductively closed extensions of T (in the same language) cannot be bi-interpretable. Many well-studied foundational theories are tight, including

$\mathsf {PA}$

[39],

$\mathsf {ZF}$

,

$\mathsf {Z}_2$

, and

$\mathsf {KM}$

[6]. In this article we extend Enayat’s investigations to subsystems of these latter two theories. We prove that restricting the Comprehension schema of

$\mathsf {Z}_2$

and

$\mathsf {KM}$

gives non-tight theories. Specifically, we show that

$\mathsf {GB}$

and

$\mathsf {ACA}_0$

each admit different bi-interpretable extensions, and the same holds for their extensions by adding

$\Sigma ^1_k$

-Comprehension, for

$k \ge 1$

. These results provide evidence that tightness characterizes

$\mathsf {Z}_2$

and

$\mathsf {KM}$

in a minimal way.
Queer Affect at Work
Authors: Vider Stephen
Published: June 2023

Early on in her often moving new book, Queer Career, Margot Canaday quotes from an oral history interview she conducted in New York in 2012, at the very beginning of her research. The participant, an African American gay man, recalled his entry into the working world: “I was a typist, and I wanted to type.” The sentence provides early evidence for one of the major findings of the book, that before gay liberation, many queer and trans people chose lower-paying jobs in office and service work because it allowed for greater flexibility to pursue a sexual and social life outside of their job, and because there was less to lose if you were arrested. But Canaday also slows down to parse not just the speaker's words but also his intonation. As Canaday recalls, “[H]e didn't just state this; he joyfully exclaimed it: ‘I was a typist,’ his voice rose, ‘and I wanted to type!’” (19).
What Do Sexes Have to Do with (Models of) Sexual Selection?
Authors: Evron Aya
Published: June 2023

Sexes are normally taken to be fundamental categories in biology—many sexually reproducing organisms fall under the categories of female/male. Much research aims at explaining differences between sexes. Sexual selection forms a central framework for explaining “typical” distributions of traits among sexes and explicating circumstances leading to “reversal.” I claim that sexual selection models need not make use of sexes and that sexes lack explanatory significance in such models. I offer a framework of reproductive dimorphism and argue that it is better than that of sexes because it (1) is more compatible with explanations of sexual selection and (2) allows for their greater applicability.
Life-course socio-economic status and its impact on functional health of Portuguese older adults
Authors: Henriques A. , Ruano L. , Fraga S. , Soares S. , Barros H. , Talih M.
Published: June 2023

Functional health is arguably one of the most important health indicators for older adults, because it assesses physical, cognitive and social functions in combination. However, life-course circumstances may impact this multidimensional construct. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between life-course socio-economic status (SES) and different dimensions of functional health in older adults. Data on 821 Portuguese adults aged 50 years and over in 2013–2015 were analysed. Life-course SES was computed using participants’ paternal occupation (non-manual (nm); manual (m)) and own occupation (nm; m), resulting in four patterns: stable high (nm + nm), upward (m + nm), downward (nm + m) and stable low (m + m). Functional health included physical and mental functioning, cognitive function, handgrip strength, and walking speed. Linear (beta coefficients) and logistic regressions (odds ratios) were used to estimate the association between life-course SES and functional health.

Overall, those who accumulated social disadvantage during life-course presented worse functional health than those with stable high SES (stable low – SF-36 physical functioning: β = −9.75; 95% CI: −14.34; −5.15; SF-36 mental health: β = −7.33; 95% CI: −11.55; −3.11; handgrip strength: β = −1.60; 95% CI: −2.86; −0.35; walking time, highest tertile: OR = 5.28; 95% CI: 3.07; 9.09). Those with an upward SES were not statistically different from those in the stable high SES for most of the health outcomes; however, those with an upward SES trajectory tended to have higher odds of cognitive impairment (OR = 1.75; 95% CI: 0.96; 3.19). A downward SES trajectory increased the odds of slower walking speed (OR = 4.62; 95% CI: 1.78; 11.95). A disadvantaged life-course SES impacts older adults’ physical and mental functioning. For some outcomes, this was attenuated by a favourable adulthood SES but those with a stable low SES consistently presented worse functional health.
Can adult children’s education prevent parental health decline in the short term and long term? Evidence from rural China
Authors: Wang Yiru
Published: June 2023

This paper presents the first evidence of the causal relationship between adult children’s schooling and changes in parental health in the short and long term. By using supply-side variation in schooling as an instrument for adult children’s education and a representative dataset for rural China, we find that adult children’ education has a positive influence on the long-term changes in parental health, with limited evidence of any short-term effect. Our results remain consistent after a variety of sensitivity tests. The heterogeneous analyses show differences in socio-economic status and gender, with low-educated parents and mothers being the primary beneficiaries of children’s schooling. Potential mechanisms for the long-term effects of adult children’s education on changes in parental health include better chronic disease management, improved access to health, sanitation, and clean fuel facilities, improved psychological well-being, and reduced smoking behaviours.
Vowels and consonants matter equally to British English-learning 11-month-olds’ familiar word form recognition
Authors: RATNAGE Paul , NAZZI Thierry , FLOCCIA Caroline
Published: June 2023

While adult studies show that consonants are more important than vowels in lexical processing tasks, the developmental trajectory of this consonant bias varies cross-linguistically. This study tested whether British English-learning 11-month-old infants’ recognition of familiar word forms is more reliant on consonants than vowels, as found by Poltrock and Nazzi (2015) in French. After establishing that infants prefer listening to a list of familiar words over pseudowords (Experiment 1), Experiment 2 examined preference for consonant versus vowel mispronunciations of these words. Infants listened to both alterations equally. In Experiment 3, using a simplified version of the task with one familiar word only (‘mummy’), infants’ preference for its correct pronunciation over a consonant or a vowel change confirmed an equal sensitivity to both alterations. British English-learning infants’ word form recognition appears to be equally impacted by consonant and vowel information, providing further evidence that initial lexical processes vary cross-linguistically.
Computational cognitive modeling for syntactic acquisition: Approaches that integrate information from multiple places
Authors: PEARL Lisa
Published: June 2023

Computational cognitive modeling is a tool we can use to evaluate theories of syntactic acquisition. Here, I review several models implementing theories that integrate information from both linguistic and non-linguistic sources to learn different types of syntactic knowledge. Some of these models additionally consider the impact of factors coming from children’s developing non-linguistic cognition. I discuss some existing child behavioral work that can inspire future model-building, and conclude by considering more specifically how to build better models of syntactic acquisition.
Archaeology of random recursive dags and Cooper-Frieze random networks
Authors: Briend Simon , Calvillo Francisco , Lugosi Gábor
Published: June 2023

We study the problem of finding the root vertex in large growing networks. We prove that it is possible to construct confidence sets of size independent of the number of vertices in the network that contain the root vertex with high probability in various models of random networks. The models include uniform random recursive dags and uniform Cooper-Frieze random graphs.
A Student-Centered, Expanded Approach to the Undergraduate Research Experience
Authors: Livny Avital
Published: June 2023

Student involvement in faculty research is on the rise because it serves at least three sets of interests: (1) students’ desire to build their résumés and develop close relationships with faculty members; (2) faculty members’ hope of getting research support from bright, attentive assistants; and (3) universities’ wish to publicize these opportunities to incoming student and faculty cohorts. At times, faculty members may come to see their undergraduate researchers as a source of inexpensive but high-quality labor, forgetting that they are students who are at the university to learn critical skills. In this article, I make the case for a student-centered approach to the undergraduate research experience (URE), which combines a traditional apprenticeship with a curriculum in the “what,” “why,” and “how” of research and expands the program over multiple semesters, supporting a team of student apprentices. I argue that this approach meets more of students’ goals while also supporting faculty and university interests. I describe the multi-semester URE that I have developed and provide tools to faculty members who want to adapt this program to their home institution.
Origins of Post-1960 Black Family Structure
Authors: Jaynes Gerald David
Published: June 2023

This paper shows how social structure shapes many behaviors of low-income Black peoples’ currently labeled “culture.” It refutes both culture of poverty arguments based in welfare dependency and deindustrialization explanations of the post-1960 increase in single-parent Black families. Historically, distinct discrimination experiences in urban versus rural Black enclaves structured distinct child socializations and Black family formations, North and South. Agrarian enclaves socialized conformity to two-parent-families and racist labor markets; urban enclaves socialized resistance to racially stratified labor markets to preserve self-worth, destabilizing families. Any census measure of pre-1960 Black family structure averages low mother-only rates among rural socialized Blacks and high rates among urban socialized Blacks. The 1960-1980 doubling (21% to 41%) of Black children in one-parent families emerged from urbanization converging Blacks toward urban socialized Blacks’ historically high rate. Post-1970 welfare liberalization and/or deindustrialization were exacerbating factors, not causes. Using a family head’s urban/rural residence at age sixteen to proxy socialization location, logistic regressions on 1960s census data confirm hypothesis.
The relationship between therapist experiential avoidance and observed CBT competence during training: a preliminary investigation
Authors: Presley Vickie L. , Jones Gwion , Marczak Magda
Published: June 2023

The psychological literature highlights experiential avoidance as a transdiagnostic maintenance factor for a number of psychopathologies. Some attention has been given to therapist experiential avoidance, with the suggestion that this interferes with the acquisition and execution of CBT skills; there is, however, a paucity of research directly examining this relationship. This study aimed to measure experiential avoidance in trainee cognitive behavioural therapists, and establish any relationships with observed clinical competence. Twenty-nine trainee therapists took part in the study; levels of experiential avoidance were measured using the Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire and were analysed in relation to observed CBT skills assessed using the Cognitive Therapy Scale (Revised). No overall relationship between therapist experiential avoidance and clinical competency was observed. However, a number of significant associations were observed between individual dimensions of therapist experiential avoidance and CBT skills in collaboration, guided discovery, conceptual integration and homework setting. Aspects of therapist experiential avoidance during training may therefore be associated with the acquisition of key CBT skills. Tentative interpretations and recommendations for CBT training and supervision have been made, although further investigation is required.

Key learning aims

(1)

To understand the role of experiential avoidance in psychopathology.

(2)

To understand the relevance of client experiential avoidance as part of CBT treatment.

(3)

To examine the potential impact of therapist experiential avoidance on the development and execution of key CBT skills.

(4)

To consider implications for CBT training, supervision and clinical practice.
Religion and Child Death in Ireland’s Industrial Capital: Belfast 1911
Authors: Scalone Francesco , Pozzi Lucia , Kennedy Liam
Published: June 2023

Ireland is often seen as an outlier within the western world in terms of demographic behavior. As a society it has also been noted for its religious fervor, including religious division, at least until fairly recently. Might there be connections historically between these two spheres? One intriguing area of enquiry relates to possible links between religious denomination and child mortality. We explore this possibility using individual-level data from the household schedules of the Irish Census of 1911. The study area is Belfast, Ireland’s leading industrial city, which allows for a wide range of occupational and social class differences. Combining regression techniques and the mortality index proposed by Preston and Haines (1991), we seek to tease out the relationship between child mortality and religious affiliation while controlling for a range of other explanatory variables. We show that religious identity is clearly associated with different infant and child mortality outcomes. Of the three major religious denominations, Catholics suffered the most from high infant mortality, Church of Ireland (Anglican) families were only a little better off, while the largest Protestant denomination, the Presbyterians, had the best infant mortality outcomes. These differences were related, in the main, to the varying socioeconomic composition of the three major religious denominations but religious affiliation also mattered in its own right.
Re‐Examining Temporal Variations in Intermediate‐Depth Seismicity
Authors: Wimpenny Sam , Craig Tim , Marcou Savvas
Published: June 2023

Changes in the frequency of intermediate‐depth (60–300 km) earthquakes in response to static stress transfer can provide insights into the mechanisms of earthquake generation within subducting slabs. In this study, we use the most up‐to‐date global and regional earthquake catalogs to show that both the aftershock productivity of large earthquakes, and the changes in the frequency of intermediate‐depth earthquakes around the timing of major megathrust slip, support the view that faults within the slab are relatively insensitive to static stress transfer on the order of earthquake stress drops. We interpret these results to suggest the population of faults within the slab are much further from their failure stress than is typical for shallow fault systems. We also find that aftershock productivity varies within slabs over small spatial scales, indicating that the mechanism that enables faults to rupture at intermediate depths is likely to be spatially heterogeneous over length‐scales of a few tens of kilometres. We suggest dehydration‐related weakening mechanisms can best account for this heterogeneity.
Stagnant North Atlantic Deep Water Heat Uptake With Reduced Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation During the Last Deglaciation
Authors: Barragán‐Montilla S. , Mulitza S. , Johnstone H. J. H. , Pälike H.
Published: June 2023

Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) plays a major role in the climate system by modulating the depth and rate of oceanic heat storage. Some climate simulations suggest that reduced AMOC decreases bottom water ventilation and that the heat absorbed by the ocean starts to mix downwards, warming Atlantic intermediate waters. This has been corroborated for the western North Atlantic by benthic foraminifera geochemical records from periods of reduced AMOC during the last deglaciation. However, the deep‐water response remains poorly constrained, and the lack of direct paleotemperature reconstructions limits our understanding about the effects of reduced circulation on ocean heat uptake. We present a new reconstruction of bottom water temperatures from core GeoB9508‐5 (2,384 m water depth, 15°29.90°N/17°56.88°W) off the northwestern African Margin. Our paleotemperature record, based on Uvigerina spp. Mg/Ca, shows two episodes of intense transient deep water warming in times of decreasing overturning circulation, followed by long periods of heat uptake stagnation. First, during AMOC slowdown in the Heinrich stadial 1, when paleotemperatures of ∼2°C persisted for ∼5.4 Kyr coincident with the weakest stage of AMOC; and second in the Younger Dryas, when bottom water temperatures >4°C lasted ∼2.5 Kyr during a less intense AMOC decline. This suggests a stagnation of deep‐water heat uptake in the deep NE Atlantic possibly linked to a reduced downward advection of heat during times of a reduced AMOC, supporting the hypothesis that AMOC strength sets the depth of oceanic heat storage in the North Atlantic.
Emission of Rn and CO2From Soil at Fault Zones Caused by Seismic Waves
Authors: Liu Lei , Chen Zhi , Li Ying , Liu Zhaofei , Hu Le , Wang Xiang , Yang Longxing , Du Jianguo , Zhou Xiaocheng
Published: June 2023

In the search for precursors to earthquakes, correlation has been found between geochemical characteristics of soil gases and seismic activity. In this paper we present evidence that seismic waves can trigger emission of soil radon (Rn) and carbon dioxide (CO2). An active experiment was performed in two fault zones in China, the Annighe fault in Sichuan province and the Xiadian fault in Heibei province. An active seismic source was used to generate seismic waves at 10 m depth in wells within bedrock. Rn and CO2detectors were placed around the wells at a distance of ∼1 m for observing the effects of the seismic waves on the emission of the gases. The observations confirm that the seismic waves have a significant and direct effect on the concentration and flux of soil radon and carbon dioxide. When the seismic events were triggered, the observed concentrations of Rn and CO2immediately increased and reached peak values within 5–50 min and 30–60 min, with corresponding increases of Rn and CO2concentrations by 10.5%–238.7% and 3.1%–54.1%, respectively. The measured concentrations and flux of CO2and Rn after the passage of the seismic waves showed strong correlation, confirming the suggestion that CO2is the carrier gas for Rn. To the best of our knowledge this is the first direct, in‐situ measurement of gas emission caused by the passage of seismic waves and provides important constraints for better understanding of geochemical earthquake precursors.
Structural insights into mechanisms of Argonaute protein-associated NADase activation in bacterial immunity
Authors: Wang Xiaoshen , Li Xuzichao , Yu Guimei , Zhang Lingling , Zhang Chendi , Wang Yong , Liao Fumeng , Wen Yanan , Yin Hang , Liu Xiang , Wei Yong , Li Zhuang , Deng Zengqin , Zhang Heng
Published: June 2023

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a central metabolite in cellular processes. Depletion of NAD+ has been demonstrated to be a prevalent theme in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic immune responses. Short prokaryotic Argonaute proteins (Agos) are associated with NADase domain-containing proteins (TIR-APAZ or SIR2-APAZ) encoded in the same operon. They confer immunity against mobile genetic elements, such as bacteriophages and plasmids, by inducing NAD+ depletion upon recognition of target nucleic acids. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the activation of such prokaryotic NADase/Ago immune systems remain unknown. Here, we report multiple cryo-EM structures of NADase/Ago complexes from two distinct systems (TIR-APAZ/Ago and SIR2-APAZ/Ago). Target DNA binding triggers tetramerization of the TIR-APAZ/Ago complex by a cooperative self-assembly mechanism, while the heterodimeric SIR2-APAZ/Ago complex does not assemble into higher-order oligomers upon target DNA binding. However, the NADase activities of these two systems are unleashed via a similar closed-to-open transition of the catalytic pocket, albeit by different mechanisms. Furthermore, a functionally conserved sensor loop is employed to inspect the guide RNA–target DNA base pairing and facilitate the conformational rearrangement of Ago proteins required for the activation of these two systems. Overall, our study reveals the mechanistic diversity and similarity of Ago protein-associated NADase systems in prokaryotic immune response.
Optimizing adrenal vein sampling in primary aldosteronism subtyping through LC–MS/MS and secretion ratios of aldosterone, 18-oxocortisol, and 18-hydroxycortisol
Authors: Chang Yu-Ling , Chen Guan-Yuan , Lee Bo-Ching , Chen Po-Ting , Liu Kao-Lang , Chang Chin-Chen , Weng Te-I , Wu Vin-Cent , Lin Yen-Hung ,   the TAIPAI Study Group
Published: June 2023

Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is the gold standard for identifying curable unilateral aldosterone excess in primary aldosteronism (PA). Studies have demonstrated the value of steroid profiling through liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) in AVS interpretation. First, the performance of LC–MS/MS and immunoassay in assessing selectivity and lateralization was compared. Second, the utility of the proportion of individual steroids in adrenal veins in subtyping PA was analyzed. We enrolled 75 consecutive patients with PA who underwent AVS between 2020 and 2021. Fifteen adrenal steroids were analyzed in peripheral and adrenal veins through LC–MS/MS before and after adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation. Through selectivity index that was based on cortisol and alternative steroids, LC–MS/MS rescued 45% and 66% of failed cases judged by immunoassay in unstimulated and stimulated AVS, respectively. LC–MS/MS identified more unilateral diseases than did immunoassay (76% vs. 45%, P < 0.05) and provided adrenalectomy opportunities to 69% of patients judged through immunoassay to have bilateral disease. The secretion ratios (individual steroid concentration/total steroid concentration) of aldosterone, 18-oxocortisol, and 18-hydroxycortisol were novel indicators for identifying unilateral PA. The 18-oxocortisol secretion ratio of ≥0.785‰ (sensitivity/specificity: 0.90/0.77) at pre-ACTH and aldosterone secretion ratio of ≤0.637‰ (sensitivity/specificity: 0.88/0.85) at post-ACTH enabled optimal accuracy for predicting ipsilateral and contralateral disease, respectively, in robust unilateral PA. LC–MS/MS improved the success rate of AVS and identified more unilateral diseases than immunoassay. The secretion ratios of steroids can be used to discriminate the broad PA spectrum.
Hydrogen and dark oxygen drive microbial productivity in diverse groundwater ecosystems
Authors: Ruff S. Emil , Humez Pauline , de Angelis Isabella Hrabe , Diao Muhe , Nightingale Michael , Cho Sara , Connors Liam , Kuloyo Olukayode O. , Seltzer Alan , Bowman Samuel , Wankel Scott D. , McClain Cynthia N. , Mayer Bernhard , Strous Marc
Published: June 2023

Around 50% of humankind relies on groundwater as a source of drinking water. Here we investigate the age, geochemistry, and microbiology of 138 groundwater samples from 95 monitoring wells (<250 m depth) located in 14 aquifers in Canada. The geochemistry and microbiology show consistent trends suggesting large-scale aerobic and anaerobic hydrogen, methane, nitrogen, and sulfur cycling carried out by diverse microbial communities. Older groundwaters, especially in aquifers with organic carbon-rich strata, contain on average more cells (up to 1.4 × 107 mL−1) than younger groundwaters, challenging current estimates of subsurface cell abundances. We observe substantial concentrations of dissolved oxygen (0.52 ± 0.12 mg L−1 [mean ± SE]; n = 57) in older groundwaters that seem to support aerobic metabolisms in subsurface ecosystems at an unprecedented scale. Metagenomics, oxygen isotope analyses and mixing models indicate that dark oxygen is produced in situ via microbial dismutation. We show that ancient groundwaters sustain productive communities and highlight an overlooked oxygen source in present and past subsurface ecosystems of Earth.
Embryonic vitamin D deficiency programs hematopoietic stem cells to induce type 2 diabetes
Authors: Oh Jisu , Riek Amy E. , Bauerle Kevin T. , Dusso Adriana , McNerney Kyle P. , Barve Ruteja A. , Darwech Isra , Sprague Jennifer E. , Moynihan Clare , Zhang Rong M. , Kutz Greta , Wang Ting , Xing Xiaoyun , Li Daofeng , Mrad Marguerite , Wigge Nicholas M. , Castelblanco Esmeralda , Collin Alejandro , Bambouskova Monika , Head Richard D. , Sands Mark S. , Bernal-Mizrachi Carlos
Published: June 2023

Environmental factors may alter the fetal genome to cause metabolic diseases. It is unknown whether embryonic immune cell programming impacts the risk of type 2 diabetes in later life. We demonstrate that transplantation of fetal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) made vitamin D deficient in utero induce diabetes in vitamin D-sufficient mice. Vitamin D deficiency epigenetically suppresses Jarid2 expression and activates the Mef2/PGC1a pathway in HSCs, which persists in recipient bone marrow, resulting in adipose macrophage infiltration. These macrophages secrete miR106-5p, which promotes adipose insulin resistance by repressing PIK3 catalytic and regulatory subunits and down-regulating AKT signaling. Vitamin D-deficient monocytes from human cord blood have comparable Jarid2/Mef2/PGC1a expression changes and secrete miR-106b-5p, causing adipocyte insulin resistance. These findings suggest that vitamin D deficiency during development has epigenetic consequences impacting the systemic metabolic milieu.
Coordinated adaptations define the ontogenetic shift from worm- to fish-hunting in a venomous cone snail
Authors: Rogalski Aymeric , Himaya S. W. A. , Lewis Richard J.
Published: June 2023

Marine cone snails have attracted researchers from all disciplines but early life stages have received limited attention due to difficulties accessing or rearing juvenile specimens. Here, we document the culture of Conus magus from eggs through metamorphosis to reveal dramatic shifts in predatory feeding behaviour between post-metamorphic juveniles and adult specimens. Adult C. magus capture fish using a set of paralytic venom peptides combined with a hooked radular tooth used to tether envenomed fish. In contrast, early juveniles feed exclusively on polychaete worms using a unique “sting-and-stalk” foraging behaviour facilitated by short, unbarbed radular teeth and a distinct venom repertoire that induces hypoactivity in prey. Our results demonstrate how coordinated morphological, behavioural and molecular changes facilitate the shift from worm- to fish-hunting in C. magus, and showcase juvenile cone snails as a rich and unexplored source of novel venom peptides for ecological, evolutionary and biodiscovery studies.
Berry curvature contributions of kagome-lattice fragments in amorphous Fe–Sn thin films
Authors: Fujiwara Kohei , Kato Yasuyuki , Abe Hitoshi , Noguchi Shun , Shiogai Junichi , Niwa Yasuhiro , Kumigashira Hiroshi , Motome Yukitoshi , Tsukazaki Atsushi
Published: June 2023

Amorphous semiconductors are widely applied to electronic and energy-conversion devices owing to their high performance and simple fabrication processes. The topological concept of the Berry curvature is generally ill-defined in amorphous solids, due to the absence of long-range crystalline order. Here, we demonstrate that the Berry curvature in the short-range crystalline order of kagome-lattice fragments effectively contributes to the anomalous electrical and magneto-thermoelectric properties in Fe–Sn amorphous films. The Fe–Sn films on glass substrates exhibit large anomalous Hall and Nernst effects comparable to those of the single crystals of topological semimetals Fe3Sn2 and Fe3Sn. With modelling, we reveal that the Berry curvature contribution in the amorphous state likely originates from randomly distributed kagome-lattice fragments. This microscopic interpretation sheds light on the topology of amorphous materials, which may lead to the realization of functional topological amorphous electronic devices.
Natural history of long-COVID in a nationwide, population cohort study
Authors: Hastie Claire E. , Lowe David J. , McAuley Andrew , Mills Nicholas L. , Winter Andrew J. , Black Corri , Scott Janet T. , O’Donnell Catherine A. , Blane David N. , Browne Susan , Ibbotson Tracy R. , Pell Jill P.
Published: June 2023

Previous studies on the natural history of long-COVID have been few and selective. Without comparison groups, disease progression cannot be differentiated from symptoms originating from other causes. The Long-COVID in Scotland Study (Long-CISS) is a Scotland-wide, general population cohort of adults who had laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection matched to PCR-negative adults. Serial, self-completed, online questionnaires collected information on pre-existing health conditions and current health six, 12 and 18 months after index test. Of those with previous symptomatic infection, 35% reported persistent incomplete/no recovery, 12% improvement and 12% deterioration. At six and 12 months, one or more symptom was reported by 71.5% and 70.7% respectively of those previously infected, compared with 53.5% and 56.5% of those never infected. Altered taste, smell and confusion improved over time compared to the never infected group and adjusted for confounders. Conversely, late onset dry and productive cough, and hearing problems were more likely following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Predicting the antigenic evolution of SARS-COV-2 with deep learning
Authors: Han Wenkai , Chen Ningning , Xu Xinzhou , Sahil Adil , Zhou Juexiao , Li Zhongxiao , Zhong Huawen , Gao Elva , Zhang Ruochi , Wang Yu , Sun Shiwei , Cheung Peter Pak-Hang , Gao Xin
Published: June 2023

The relentless evolution of SARS-CoV-2 poses a significant threat to public health, as it adapts to immune pressure from vaccines and natural infections. Gaining insights into potential antigenic changes is critical but challenging due to the vast sequence space. Here, we introduce the Machine Learning-guided Antigenic Evolution Prediction (MLAEP), which combines structure modeling, multi-task learning, and genetic algorithms to predict the viral fitness landscape and explore antigenic evolution via in silico directed evolution. By analyzing existing SARS-CoV-2 variants, MLAEP accurately infers variant order along antigenic evolutionary trajectories, correlating with corresponding sampling time. Our approach identified novel mutations in immunocompromised COVID-19 patients and emerging variants like XBB1.5. Additionally, MLAEP predictions were validated through in vitro neutralizing antibody binding assays, demonstrating that the predicted variants exhibited enhanced immune evasion. By profiling existing variants and predicting potential antigenic changes, MLAEP aids in vaccine development and enhances preparedness against future SARS-CoV-2 variants.
A chemiresistive-potentiometric multivariate sensor for discriminative gas detection
Authors: Zhang Hong , Zhang Zuobin , Li Zhou , Han Hongjie , Song Weiguo , Yi Jianxin
Published: June 2023

Highly efficient gas sensors able to detect and identify hazardous gases are crucial for numerous applications. Array of conventional single-output sensors is currently limited by problems including drift, large size, and high cost. Here, we report a sensor with multiple chemiresistive and potentiometric outputs for discriminative gas detection. Such sensor is applicable to a wide range of semiconducting electrodes and solid electrolytes, which allows to tailor and optimize the sensing pattern by tuning the material combination and conditions. The sensor performance is boosted by equipping a mixed-conducting perovskite electrode with reverse potentiometric polarity. A conceptual sensor with dual sensitive electrodes achieves superior three-dimensional (sub)ppm sensing and discrimination of humidity and seven hazardous gases (2-Ethylhexanol, ethanol, acetone, toluene, ammonia, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide), and enables accurate and early warning of fire hazards. Our findings offer possibilities to design simple, compact, inexpensive, and highly efficient multivariate gas sensors.
A single-domain green fluorescent protein catenane
Authors: Qu Zhiyu , Fang Jing , Wang Yu-Xiang , Sun Yibin , Liu Yajie , Wu Wen-Hao , Zhang Wen-Bin
Published: June 2023

Natural proteins exhibit rich structural diversity based on the folds of an invariably linear chain. Macromolecular catenanes that cooperatively fold into a single domain do not belong to the current protein universe, and their design and synthesis open new territories in chemistry. Here, we report the design, synthesis, and properties of a single-domain green fluorescent protein catenane via rewiring the connectivity of GFP’s secondary motifs. The synthesis could be achieved in two steps via a pseudorotaxane intermediate or directly via expression in cellulo. Various proteins-of-interest may be inserted at the loop regions to give fusion protein catenanes where the two subunits exhibit enhanced thermal resilience, thermal stability, and mechanical stability due to strong conformational coupling. The strategy can be applied to other proteins with similar fold, giving rise to a family of single-domain fluorescent proteins. The results imply that there may be multiple protein topological variants with desirable functional traits beyond their corresponding linear protein counterparts, which are now made accessible and fully open for exploration.
Imaging and controlling coherent phonon wave packets in single graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Luo Yang , Martin-Jimenez Alberto , Pisarra Michele , Martin Fernando , Garg Manish , Kern Klaus
Published: June 2023

The motion of atoms is at the heart of any chemical or structural transformation in molecules and materials. Upon activation of this motion by an external source, several (usually many) vibrational modes can be coherently coupled, thus facilitating the chemical or structural phase transformation. These coherent dynamics occur on the ultrafast timescale, as revealed, e.g., by nonlocal ultrafast vibrational spectroscopic measurements in bulk molecular ensembles and solids. Tracking and controlling vibrational coherences locally at the atomic and molecular scales is, however, much more challenging and in fact has remained elusive so far. Here, we demonstrate that the vibrational coherences induced by broadband laser pulses on a single graphene nanoribbon (GNR) can be probed by femtosecond coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) when performed in a scanning tunnelling microscope (STM). In addition to determining dephasing (~440 fs) and population decay times (~1.8 ps) of the generated phonon wave packets, we are able to track and control the corresponding quantum coherences, which we show to evolve on time scales as short as ~70 fs. We demonstrate that a two-dimensional frequency correlation spectrum unequivocally reveals the quantum couplings between different phonon modes in the GNR.
The mortality risk of night-time and daytime insomnia symptoms in an older population
Authors: Harvey Amy , Scott Hannah , Melaku Yohannes Adama , Lack Leon , Sweetman Alexander , Micic Gorica , Lovato Nicole
Published: June 2023

The current study examined the association between insomnia symptoms and all-cause mortality in older adults (≥ 65 years). Data was used from 1969 older adults [M = 78 years, SD = 6.7 years] who participated in the Australian Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Insomnia symptoms were defined by nocturnal symptoms (difficulty falling asleep, difficulty maintaining sleep, early morning awakenings) and daytime symptoms (concentration difficulties, effort, inability to get going). Frequency of symptoms were combined to calculate an insomnia symptom score ranging from 0 (no symptoms) to 24 (sever symptoms) and quintiles of the score were constructed to provide a range of symptom severity. Multivariable Cox models were conducted to assess associations between insomnia symptom severity and mortality risk. In the median follow up of 9.2 years, there were 17,403 person-years at risk and the mortality rate was 8-per 100 person-years. Insomnia symptom severity was associated with increased mortality in the most severe quintile (adjusted HRQ1vsQ5 = 1.26, 95%CI [1.03–1.53], p = .02). Subsequent analyses showed this association was driven by daytime symptoms (adjusted HRQ1vsQ5 = 1.66, [1.39–2.00], p < .0001), since nocturnal symptoms alone were not associated with increased mortality (adjusted HR Q1vsQ5 = 0.89, [0.72–1.10], p = .28). Findings suggest daytime symptoms drive increased mortality risk associated with insomnia symptoms. Findings may be therapeutically helpful by reassuring individuals with nocturnal insomnia symptoms alone that their longevity is unlikely to be impacted.
Running exercise with and without calcium supplementation from tuna bone reduced bone impairment caused by low calcium intake in young adult rats
Authors: Suntornsaratoon Panan , Thongklam Thachakorn , Saetae Thaweechai , Kodmit Buapuengporn , Lapmanee Sarawut , Malaivijitnond Suchinda , Charoenphandhu Narattaphol , Krishnamra Nateetip
Published: June 2023

Inadequate calcium intake during childhood and adolescence is detrimental to bone metabolism. Here, we postulated that calcium supplement prepared from tuna bone with tuna head oil should benefit for skeletal development than CaCO3. Forty female 4-week-old rats were divided into calcium-replete diet (0.55% w/w, S1, n = 8) and low-calcium groups (0.15% w/w for 2 weeks; L; n = 32). Then L were subdivided into 4 groups (8/group), i.e., remained on L, L + tuna bone (S2), S2 + tuna head oil + 25(OH)D3 and S2 + 25(OH)D3. Bone specimens were collected at week 9. We found that 2 weeks on low calcium diet led to low bone mineral density (BMD), reduced mineral content, and impaired mechanical properties in young growing rats. Intestinal fractional calcium absorption also increased, presumably resulting from higher plasma 1,25(OH)2D3 (1.712 ± 0.158 in L vs. 1.214 ± 0.105 nM in S1, P < 0.05). Four-week calcium supplementation from tuna bone further increased calcium absorption efficacy, which later returned to the basal level by week 9. Calcium supplementation successfully restored BMD, bone strength and microstructure. However, 25(OH)D3 + tuna head oil + tuna bone showed no additive effect. Voluntary running also effectively prevented bone defects. In conclusion, both tuna bone calcium supplementation and exercise are effective interventions for mitigating calcium-deficient bone loss.