bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of zinc coatings during drawing process of steel wires
Authors: Suliga Maciej , Wartacz Radosław , Hawryluk Marek
Published: April 2023

The paper shows a significant influence of the multi-stage wire drawing technology on deformability and phase transformations in the zinc coating. SEM tests proved that the coating after hot-dip galvanizing consists of a number of thin layers, ranging from 1 to 5 µm, and differing in thickness, chemical composition and properties. When pulled through the drawing die the zinc coating heats up (as a result of friction between the material and the tool) and its dynamic plastic deformation. It resulted in the fracture and partial crushing of the hard-intermetallic phases. It has been proven that as the wire passes through successive drawing dies, the coating is thinned and diffusion as well as phase remodelling of individual structural components occurs; in the place of phase ζ, the intermetallic phase δ1 develops, increasing its share in the diffusion layer. The crystals of intermetallic phases located on the border of the diffusion and outer layers break up and remain dispersed in the zinc. An analysis of the microhardness of the coating has proven that the level of the increase in the microhardness of the zinc coating is contingent on percentage of iron in particular layers of coating.
Intelligent Medicine on the Regulation Effect of Weekend Catch-Up Sleep on the Relationship Between Hypertension and All-Cause Mortality
Authors: Li Hui , Yang Min , Bao Yanchun
Published: April 2023

The current studies did not take into consideration the significant differences in sleep duration between weekdays and weekends, and the evidence on weekend catch-up sleep and the risk of cardiovascular/metabolic-related diseases was limited. This study was aimed to explore whether weekend catch-up sleep could modify the association between hypertension and all-cause mortality. This cohort study extracted the data of 5344 participants aged > 18 years in NHANES database. Demographic and clinical variables were included, and univariable and multivariable Proportional Hazards Model regression models were utilized to screen the potential confounding factors. The regulation role of mean weekend catch-up sleep on the association between hypertension and all-cause mortality was explored via the interactive product terms including mean weekend catch-up sleep, hypertension and mean weekend catch-up sleep × hypertension. In total, there were 3157 participants had hypertension. The mean follow-up time was 24.45 ± 1.51 months, and 5235 (98.57%) people were alive at the end of the follow-up. The mean weekend catch-up sleep was 0.71 h in alive people and 0.60 h in people with hypertension. After adjusting for age, gender, race, income, body mass index (BMI), depression, respiratory disease, and diabetes, hypertension was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19–3.96]. The interaction between hypertension and mean weekend catch-up sleep was statistically significant in the adjusted model (P = 0.048). When we examined the HR for different mean weekend catch-up sleep groups, we observed that in people with mean weekend catch-up sleep ≤ 1 h, the HR of all-cause mortality associated with hypertension was 3.06 (95% CI 1.44–6.47) after adjusting for age, gender, race, income, BMI, depression, respiratory disease, and diabetes. Mean weekend catch-up sleep modified the association between hypertension and all-cause mortality, which suggested that weekend catch-up sleep might be important for people with hypertension. The findings might provide evidence in the management of sleep and hypertension for intelligent medical information system.
Student Anxiety and Its Impact: A Recent American History
Authors: Stearns Peter N.
Published: April 2023

This article traces the rise of anxiety among American high school and college students since the late 1950s, with particular focus on the decades before 2000. Evidence for rates of change comes from anxiety tests administered during the period, as well as a variety of psychological studies. The article also takes up the issue of causation, highlighting the extension of counseling services and psychological vocabulary that affected evaluations of nervousness; the impact of negative developments like crime rates and growing family instability; and the results both of changes in educational patterns—such as more frequent examinations—and significant shifts in student goals and expectations. Finally, the article touches on efforts to mitigate anxiety, such as expanding student services, and also their limited impact.
Soft Power, Modernization, and Security: US Educational Foreign Policy Toward Authoritarian Spain in the Cold War
Authors: Martín García Óscar José
Published: April 2023

Cold War strategic priorities led the United States to establish an enduring military alliance with General Francisco Franco's dictatorship in Spain between 1953 and 1975. This article examines the educational diplomacy carried out by the US government during the 1960s and early 1970s to foster Spain's stable modernization through the training of national development elites and the dissemination of US educational ideas. The work surveys US educational, informational, and cultural programs aimed at shaping an educational framework conducive to the expansion and legitimization of a US-oriented socioeconomic liberalization in Spain. On the one hand, this US soft power strategy sought to attract those groups who could play an important role in the capitalist modernization of the educational and economic structures of the Iberian country. On the other hand, it sought to reduce the identification of the United States with Franco's dictatorship and to link the image of the American superpower to the hopes for progress of the Spanish people. All of this was pursued in order to preserve US defensive interests in Spain. The piece also discusses US assistance to the crucial 1970 Spanish General Education Law, which allows us to explore how the US ideology of development and education was received by Spanish educational audiences. Thus, by delving deeper into the intersection between cultural diplomacy, international development, and the history of education, we aim to contribute to the integration of education into the histories of modernization and to deepen our understanding of US educational foreign policy in the Cold War.
Mixing across stable density interfaces in forced stratified turbulence
Authors: Couchman Miles M.P. , de Bruyn Kops Stephen M. , Caulfield Colm-cille P.
Published: April 2023

Understanding how turbulence enhances irreversible scalar mixing in density-stratified fluids is a central problem in geophysical fluid dynamics. While isotropic overturning regions are commonly the focus of mixing analyses, we here investigate whether significant mixing may arise in anisotropic statically stable regions of the flow. Focusing on a single forced direct numerical simulation of stratified turbulence, we analyse spatial correlations between the vertical density gradient

$\partial \rho /\partial z$

and the dissipation rates of kinetic energy

$\epsilon$

and scalar variance

$\chi$

, the latter quantifying scalar mixing. The domain is characterized by relatively well-mixed density layers separated by sharp stable interfaces that are correlated with high vertical shear. While static instability is most prevalent within the mixed layers, much of the scalar mixing is localized to the intervening interfaces, a phenomenon not apparent if considering local static instability or

$\epsilon$

alone. While the majority of the domain is characterized by the canonical flux coefficient

$\varGamma \equiv \chi /\epsilon =0.2$

, often assumed in ocean mixing parametrizations, extreme values of

$\chi$

within the statically stable interfaces, associated with elevated

$\varGamma$

, strongly skew the bulk statistics. Our findings suggest that current parametrizations of turbulent mixing may be biased by undersampling, such that the most common, but not necessarily the most significant, mixing events are overweighted. Having focused here on a single simulation of stratified turbulence, it is hoped that our results motivate a broader investigation into the role played by stable density interfaces in mixing, across a wider range of parameters and forcing schemes representative of ocean turbulence.
Career calling climate: The development and validation of a scale for a new construct
Authors: Chen Jiatian , May Douglas R. , Schwoerer Catherine E.
Published: April 2023

Having a sense of calling toward one's work has key benefits for both the employee and the employer. Yet, little is known about whether and what kind of work climate facilitates employees' senses of calling, hindering efforts toward positive changes from managers and organizations. This research introduces the concept of ‘career calling climate’ and describes the development of a scale (i.e., Career Calling Climate Scale) to measure the level of support that a work unit provides for its employees' pursuit of a calling. We established the scale's validity and reliability using survey responses from participants of various occupations and age. To provide evidence of its predictive validity, we examined career calling climate's relation with career callings using a sample of 189 healthcare employees nested in 34 work units. Results suggested that career calling climate predicted individuals' career callings. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Acculturation, Hispanic ethnicity, and trust: Verifying and explaining racial/ethnic differences in trust in health providers in North Carolina Medicaid
Authors: Smith Galen H. , Hampton Cicily , Tripp Hollie L. , Brandon William P.
Published: April 2023

Three North Carolina Medicaid surveys conducted from 2000 to 2012 reported increasing numbers of Hispanic children enrolled in Medicaid and much lower trust in providers expressed by their adult caregiver respondents compared with responses for non-Hispanic Black and White children. To verify and explain this apparent trust chasm, we used bivariate and regression analyses. The variables employed included trust (dependent variable); child’s race/ethnicity, age, and sex; satisfaction and health status scales; two utilization measures; respondent’s age, sex, and education; geographical region; and population density of county of residence. Race/ethnicity was strongly associated with trust (p < .001), controlling for other independent variables. Access, satisfaction, and respondent’s age and education were also significant. Our results fit the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations, which maps the role of significant variables in health-seeking behavior. After analyzing the concept of trust, we argue that lower acculturation explains lower Hispanic trust compared with non-Hispanic Blacks. We suggest policies to improve acculturation.
The new Cypriot music curriculum: teachers’ interpretation and implementation of differentiation
Authors: Hadjikou Chryso , Creech Andrea
Published: April 2023

Differentiation is a key concept in the Cypriot music curriculum, last revised in 2010. This paper aims to investigate teachers’ interpretation and implementation of differentiation in their music classrooms. Interviews with Cypriot classroom music teachers and focus groups with their students took place within the context of a larger research project that investigated how elements of the Cypriot music curriculum were interpreted and applied by teachers and how this pedagogy in turn influenced students’ motivation. Interviews were carried out with eight music teachers. Differentiation, as understood and implemented by these Cypriot music teachers, differed in fundamental ways to differentiation as conceptualised in academic literature concerned with this concept. These findings may serve as a point of reflection for future professional development in Cyprus relating to differentiation and its implementation.
The big picture: Reassessing population estimates and socio-spatial structure at the Zacapu Malpaís urban settlements using LiDAR
Authors: Forest Marion
Published: April 2023

Recent research conducted in northern Michoacan, west Mexico, has yielded significant new datasets that can be used to reconsider the occupation of this region in the Postclassic period (a.d. 900–1541), prior to and during the rise of the Tarascan state. LiDAR data, in particular, has facilitated reassessment of the archaeological record and its implications concerning the population and social dynamics of this region. In this article, I combine data collected through traditional field-based research with LiDAR-derived data to reassess the population aggregation that occurred during a.d. 1250–1450 in the Zacapu Basin, resulting in the formation of a large urban system. Compared to prior population estimates and interpretations regarding the urban structure of the Zacapu Malpaís sites, the integration of these datasets enables both an increased scale of analysis and finer resolution, thus providing a clearer picture of one of the earliest episodes of urbanization in west Mexico.
Evolution of ancient farming systems and demography in the volcanic highlands of Zacapu: A model drawn from Geoarchaeology and archaeogeography
Authors: Dorison Antoine , Siebe Christina
Published: April 2023

Among the numerous archaeological remains that recent LiDAR flights revealed in Guatemala and Mexico, agrarian features are the most abundant. Archaeologists today are compelled to revise their paradigms in terms of methodology and assessment of environmental appropriation for agriculture. The Malpaís de Zacapu in west Mexico is one example. Besides the discovery of a substantial Epiclassic occupation near the well-documented Postclassic urban centers of the area, LiDAR imagery brought to light a deeply modified agrarian landscape and thereby dramatically changed our understanding of human settlement in this lava flows complex.

Focusing on the northern part of the Malpaís, this study uses archaeogeographical and soil science methods to assess ancient farming systems and their evolution. We updated the archaeological and soil maps of the area, combining traditional field survey techniques and LiDAR-derived data interpretation. This allowed us to identify residential zones and a wide range of associated agrarian features adapted to the variety and agronomic challenges of volcanic soils. We further implemented a production-consumption model to reconstruct agricultural strategies from the Epiclassic to the Middle Postclassic period, from self-reliance to the necessity of supra-local agricultural inputs, possibly foreshadowing the Tarascan state tribute system.
Caracterización espacial de un paisaje de extracción prehispánico: el yacimiento de dacita de Las Minas, Zacapu, Michoacán
Authors: Quezada Ramírez Osiris , Darras Véronique
Published: April 2023

En la cuenca lacustre de Zacapu a lo largo de su ocupación prehispánica (100 a.C. a 1450 d.C.), la dacita, una roca de origen volcánico, fue un recurso estratégico dentro de la economía regional, con el cual los antiguos habitantes de la zona elaboraron una serie de artefactos líticos ligados tanto a actividades de subsistencia y artesanales como rituales. Las investigaciones iniciadas en 2011 en dos minas-taller del yacimiento de dacita del Cerro Vicente expusieron una explotación extensa y organizada en torno a este recurso. En 2015, a partir de la cobertura LiDAR, se identificó un tercer complejo minero con evidencias de una explotación a cielo abierto y subterránea, esta vez en el yacimiento de Las Minas. Con el fin de comprender los mecanismos de explotación de la dacita, se ha llevado a cabo un análisis espacial de este sitio con distintas escalas de aproximación, para caracterizar las evidencias materiales vinculadas con la actividad extractiva. La combinación en nuestra investigación de la información que aporta el LiDAR y la proveniente de la prospección en el campo, nos ofrece un panorama completo del yacimiento, su organización espacial y funcional en un contexto más amplio como un paisaje prehispánico de extracción.
Failure to post-dilate BeSmooth peripheral stents to adult vessel size diameters during benchside tests
Authors: Haddad Raymond N. , Bonnet Damien , Malekzadeh-Milani Sophie
Published: April 2023

Background:

Low-profile stent implantation remains a rescue treatment for aortic coarctation and branch pulmonary arteries stenosis in small children. Stent re-expansion to cope with vascular growth remains problematic.

Objectives:

To evaluate ex vivo feasibility and mechanical behaviour of over-dilating BeSmooth peripheral stents (Bentley InnoMed, Germany).

Methods:

Three BeSmooth peripheral stents in diameters of 7, 8, and 10 mm were dilated to nominal pressure and then 13 atm. BeSmooth Ø7 × 23 mm was sequentially post-dilated using 12, 14, and 16 mm high-pressure balloons. BeSmooth Ø10 × 57 mm was post-dilated with a 14 mm balloon and then with a 48 mm bare-metal Optimus XXL stent hand-mounted on a 14 mm balloon (stent-in-stent). BeSmooth Ø8 × 57 mm was directly post-dilated with a 48 mm bare-metal Optimus XXL stent hand-mounted on a 16 mm balloon (stent-in-stent). The stents’ diameter and length were measured. Digital inflation pressure was noted. Balloon rupture and stent fracture patterns were closely evaluated.

Results:

At 20atm pressure, BeSmooth Ø7 × 23 mm shortened to 2 mm forming a 12 mm diameter solid ring circle and the woven balloon ruptured radially. At 10 atm pressure, BeSmooth Ø10 × 57 mm fractured longitudinally in various dispatched breaking points at a diameter of 13 mm without shortening and ruptured the balloon with multiple pinholes. At 10 atm pressure, BeSmooth Ø8 × 57 mm fractured centrally at three different points at a diameter of 11.5 mm without shortening and the balloon broke radially in half.

Conclusions:

In our benchmark tests, extreme shortening, severe balloon rupture, or unpredictable stent fracture patterns at small balloon diameters limits safe post-dilation of BeSmooth stents beyond 13 mm. BeSmooth stents are not ideal candidates for off-label stent interventions in smaller patients.
How does economic openness affect the relative economic voting?
Authors: Park Brandon Beomseob
Published: April 2023

Contrary to conventional wisdom, globalization strengthens the linkage between the economy (across-border benchmarked measures) and vote choice, thereby facilitating electoral accountability by enriching the information available to the public. In the pre-globalization era, ordinary citizens had difficulty assessing domestic economic conditions in a comparative setting, in part because they were less exposed to information concerning other countries’ economic performance. However, globalization has provided citizens with excellent sources for comparisons in the form of media coverage. Moreover, openness results in a reduction in relative variance of exogenous rather than competence shocks. Using media-guided comparisons from 29 countries since the 1980s, this study finds that relative economic performance significantly affects citizens’ vote choices when their economy is highly integrated into the world market.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity and anxiety levels of young mental health patients and their parents
Authors: Vella Fondacaro Daniel , Vella Fondacaro Francesca , Camilleri Nigel
Published: April 2023

Abstract: Introduction: One restriction measure during the COVID-19 pandemic period was the closure of sport-related facilities, generating substantial anxiety. This study analyzed longitudinal changes in anxiety and physical activity (PA) levels in young people (YP) attending a community child and adolescent mental health service, and their parents/caregivers from 2020 to 2022. Method: This quantitatively driven convergent mixed-methods cohort study utilized validated scoring tools (GAD-7/GLTEQ) as the core quantitative component, and open-ended questions as the supplementary qualitative component. The quantitative and qualitative data were statistically analyzed, and both results were integrated. Questionnaires were distributed in August–October 2020 (Phase 1: At the peak of restriction period), August–October 2021 (Phase 2: During gradual removal of restrictions) and August–October 2022 (Phase 3: When all restrictions were removed). Results: Parent/caregiver’s anxiety levels significantly reduced from Phase 1 to Phase 3. Results revealed non-significant improvements in YP’s PA levels from Phase 1 to Phase 3. PA levels in YP were significantly higher than those of parents/caregivers throughout all Phases. A significant negative correlation was revealed between PA and anxiety levels in parents/caregivers throughout all Phases. The fear of getting infected, lifting of restrictive measures, vaccination benefits, and pandemic-induced social/financial struggles were common themes generated from the qualitative comments. Conclusion: The authors recommend PA promotional campaigns and incentives during such restrictive periods, helping the population’s mental well-being. The high attrition rates in this study may decrease its generalizability. However, the results generated from this innovative study may serve as a platform for future research carried out during traumatic periods.
A North Pacific Meridional Section (U.S. GEOTRACES GP15) of Helium Isotopes and Noble Gases I: Deep Water Distributions
Authors: Jenkins William J. , Doney Scott C. , Seltzer Alan M. , German Christopher R. , Lott Dempsey E. , Cahill Kevin L.
Published: April 2023

The noble gas signature of incoming Pacific Bottom Water (PBW), when compared to North Atlantic Deep Water, indicates the addition of 450 ± 70 GT a−1glacial melt water to form AABW and subsequently PBW. The downstream evolution of this signature between the southern (20°S to equator) and northern (25°–45°N) bottom waters indicates a decrease in sea level pressure around Antarctica over the past two millennia. Vertical profiles of noble gases in the deep Pacific show exponential relationships with depth with scale heights identical to temperature and salinity. Unlike the other noble gases, helium isotopes show evidence of mid‐depth injection of non‐atmospheric helium. Using observed deviations from exponential behavior, we quantify its magnitude and isotope ratio. There is a clear latitude trend in the isotope ratio of this added helium that decreases from a high exceeding 9 RA(atmospheric3He/4He ratio) in the south to around 8 RAnear the equator. North of 30–40°N, it systematically decreases northward to a low of ∼2 RAnorth of 50°N. This decline results from a combination of northward decline in seafloor spreading, release of radiogenic helium from increased sediment thickness, and the possible emission of radiogenic helium through cold seeps along the Alaskan and North American margins. Finally, we derive an improved method of computing the excess helium isotope concentrations and that the distributions of bottom water3HeXS/4HeXSare consistent with what is known about bottom water flow patterns and the input of low3He/4He sedimentary helium.
Influence of Creep Compaction and Dilatancy on Earthquake Sequences and Slow Slip
Authors: Yang Yuyun , Dunham Eric M.
Published: April 2023

Fluids influence fault zone strength and the occurrence of earthquakes, slow slip events, and aseismic slip. We introduce an earthquake sequence model with fault zone fluid transport, accounting for elastic, viscous, and plastic porosity evolution, with permeability having a power‐law dependence on porosity. Fluids, sourced at a constant rate below the seismogenic zone, ascend along the fault. While the modeling is done for a vertical strike‐slip fault with 2D antiplane shear deformation, the general behavior and processes are anticipated to apply also to subduction zones. The model produces large earthquakes in the seismogenic zone, whose recurrence interval is controlled in part by compaction‐driven pressurization and weakening. The model also produces a complex sequence of slow slip events (SSEs) beneath the seismogenic zone. The SSEs are initiated by compaction‐driven pressurization and weakening and stalled by dilatant suctions. Modeled SSE sequences include long‐term events lasting from a few months to years and very rapid short‐term events lasting for only a few days; slip is ∼1–10 cm. Despite ∼1–10 MPa pore pressure changes, porosity and permeability changes are small and hence fluid flux is relatively constant except in the immediate vicinity of slip fronts. This contrasts with alternative fault valving models that feature much larger changes in permeability from the evolution of pore connectivity. Our model demonstrates the important role that compaction and dilatancy have on fluid pressure and fault slip, with possible relevance to slow slip events in subduction zones and elsewhere.
Southern Ocean Ice‐Covered Eddy Properties From Satellite Altimetry
Authors: Auger Matthis , Sallée Jean‐Baptiste , Thompson Andrew F. , Pauthenet Etienne , Prandi Pierre
Published: April 2023

We investigate statistical properties of surface currents as well as coherent mesoscale eddies in the seasonally ice‐covered Southern Ocean. Based on a recent regional Sea Level Anomaly satellite altimetry data set, we compute Eddy Kinetic Energy (EKE) and detect mesoscale eddies. EKE is about one order of magnitude higher in the northern sector of the subpolar basin and over the continental slope, as compared to the middle of the subpolar gyres. An eddy detection methodology reveals that eddies are distributed evenly in the subpolar Southern Ocean, and their amplitude follows the spatial pattern of EKE. In addition to regional circulation variations, sea ice concentration arises as an important driver of eddy properties. Eddies have low amplitude and density in the pack ice, in particular in the middle of the gyres where the background circulation is unfavorable for instabilities. In contrast, the northern part of the Marginal Ice Zone is favorable for mesoscale eddies, especially cyclonic. There, eddies are stronger and their density is higher than in any other region of the ice‐covered or ice‐free subpolar Southern Ocean. This region is expected to be a site of frontogenesis due to sea ice melt and upwelling generated from interactions between the wind and the sea ice. While many mesoscale eddies will fall below detection level due to the small Rossby radius at high latitudes, these results contribute to understanding the interactions between mesoscale eddies, sea ice, and the background circulation in the subpolar region.
Assessing the Impact of Self‐Lofting on Increasing the Altitude of Black Carbon in a Global Climate Model
Authors: Johnson B. T. , Haywood J. M.
Published: April 2023

Black carbon (BC) absorbs solar radiation, increasing the buoyancy and vertical ascent of absorbing aerosol in the atmosphere. This self‐lofting process has been observed for individual plumes in the troposphere and lower stratosphere but here we show it occurring at broader scales through enhanced large‐scale ascent over BC‐rich regions. This is demonstrated in a pair of simulation using the UKESM1 Earth‐System model where BC aerosols were modeled either with or without the ability to absorb radiation. With absorption included the annual global mean concentration of BC in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (8–22 km) rose by up to 50% and the column loading over some remote oceanic regions more than doubled. The increase in aerosol height was particularly notable over the southeast Atlantic where biomass burning aerosol from Africa was elevated up to 1 km higher when their absorption was included. Similar effects were seen over the Arctic where the absorbing haze was transported in at higher levels and surface concentrations were halved. The absorption by BC also increased ascent over southern Asia, which tended to thicken the Asian brown cloud during the dry season but in the wet season enhancing ascent promoted deep convection and had the tendency to deplete the aerosol through wash‐out. We conclude that representing aerosol absorption accurately is important in simulating the vertical distribution, transport and abundance of aerosol in the Earth‐system that will affect their interactions with climate.
Simulation of the Propagation and Effects of Gravity Waves Generated by Tonga Volcano Eruption in the Thermosphere and Ionosphere Using Nested‐Grid TIEGCM
Authors: Wu Haonan , Lu Xian , Wang Wenbin , Liu Han‐Li
Published: April 2023

The Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai volcano eruption on 15 January 2022 triggered strong atmospheric gravity wave (GW) activity in the upper atmosphere, which was later detected by various observations. We perform one of the first ionosphere‐thermosphere (I‐T) model studies of the GW effects from the Tonga eruption in the ionosphere‐thermosphereI‐T system using the thermosphere‐ionosphere‐electrodynamics general circulation model (TIEGCM). We implement a high‐resolution mesh inside a regional domain (nested grid) in addition to the global low‐resolution mesh, which differs from the standard global uniform resolution setup. The nested‐grid TIEGCM (TIEGCM‐NG) successfully simulates the observed wave propagation and effects in the I‐T system by further nudging GW fields at TIEGCM lower boundaries (∼97 km) using output from the high‐resolution whole atmosphere community climate model with thermosphere and ionosphere extension simulations. The simulation results indicate that the critical parameter to simulate GW propagation is horizontal resolution. Inside the high‐resolution nested region, GWs with horizontal wavelengths of ∼400 km and periods of 10–30 min can propagate outward and upward and produce significant ionospheric disturbances close to observations. Outside the nested region, only long‐wavelength, low‐frequency waves survive. Another test indicates that GWs can be better resolved when geopotential height is nudged at TIEGCM lower boundaries. With the capability of simultaneously simulating local, small to mesoscale I‐T processes, TIEGCM‐NG is superior to global high‐resolution simulations due to its largely reduced computation cost and may find its application in the study of I‐T system regional dynamics.
Trends in dietary patterns over the last decade and their association with long-term mortality in general US populations with undiagnosed and diagnosed diabetes
Authors: Yuan Sheng , He Jining , Wu Shaoyu , Zhang Rui , Qiao Zheng , Bian Xiaohui , Wang Hongjian , Dou Kefei
Published: April 2023

Background

Dietary management plays an important role in diabetes care, while the trends in dietary patterns over the last decade in US adults with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes remain unknown. This study aims to estimate the dietary patterns over the last decade by baseline diabetes diagnoses and explore their association with long-term prognosis.

Methods

Participants’ data were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2018, which were divided into three groups according to the diabetes diagnosis: without diabetes, undiagnosed diabetes, and diagnosed diabetes. Healthy eating index (HEI) and dietary inflammatory index (DII) were used to evaluate dietary patterns. Survival analyses were adopted to estimate the association between HEI/DII scores and long-term all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality.

Results

The prevalence of diabetes was increasing among US adults over the last decade. HEI scores of all three groups presented a downward trend in recent years. Participants with undiagnosed diabetes (weighted mean: 50.58, 95% CI: 49.79, 51.36) got significantly lower HEI score in comparison to participants with diagnosed diabetes (weighted mean: 51.59, 95% CI: 50.93, 52.25). Compared with participants without diabetes, participants in the undiagnosed or diagnosed diabetes group had higher DII scores, indicating a higher dietary inflammatory potential. Survival analysis found a significant association between HEI scores and all-cause mortality and death of heart diseases. Similar correlation was observed in DII scores.

Conclusions

Along with the growth in diabetes prevalence in the US, dietary management of people with diabetes is decreasing. The management of US adults’ diets needs special attention, and dietary inflammatory potential may be considered in the dietary intervention.
Convergent genomic diversity and novel BCAA metabolism in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Kitagawa Akihiro , Osawa Tsuyoshi , Noda Miwa , Kobayashi Yuta , Aki Sho , Nakano Yusuke , Saito Tomoko , Shimizu Dai , Komatsu Hisateru , Sugaya Maki , Takahashi Junichi , Kosai Keisuke , Takao Seiichiro , Motomura Yushi , Sato Kuniaki , Hu Qingjiang , Fujii Atsushi , Wakiyama Hiroaki , Tobo Taro , Uchida Hiroki , Sugimachi Keishi , Shibata Kohei , Utsunomiya Tohru , Kobayashi Shogo , Ishii Hideshi , Hasegawa Takanori , Masuda Takaaki , Matsui Yusuke , Niida Atsushi , Soga Tomoyoshi , Suzuki Yutaka , Miyano Satoru , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Mori Masaki , Nakayama Keiichi I. , Shimamura Teppei , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Mimori Koshi
Published: April 2023

Background

Driver alterations may represent novel candidates for driver gene-guided therapy; however, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) with multiple genomic aberrations makes them intractable. Therefore, the pathogenesis and metabolic changes of ICC need to be understood to develop new treatment strategies. We aimed to unravel the evolution of ICC and identify ICC-specific metabolic characteristics to investigate the metabolic pathway associated with ICC development using multiregional sampling to encompass the intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneity.

Methods

We performed the genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic analysis of 39–77 ICC tumour samples and eleven normal samples. Further, we analysed their cell proliferation and viability.

Results

We demonstrated that intra-tumoral heterogeneity of ICCs with distinct driver genes per case exhibited neutral evolution, regardless of their tumour stage. Upregulation of BCAT1 and BCAT2 indicated the involvement of ‘Val Leu Ile degradation pathway’. ICCs exhibit the accumulation of ubiquitous metabolites, such as branched-chain amino acids including valine, leucine, and isoleucine, to negatively affect cancer prognosis. We revealed that this metabolic pathway was almost ubiquitously altered in all cases with genomic diversity and might play important roles in tumour progression and overall survival.

Conclusions

We propose a novel ICC onco-metabolic pathway that could enable the development of new therapeutic interventions.
Temporal trends in cardiovascular burden among patients with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Chan Jeffrey Shi Kai , Satti Danish Iltaf , Lee Yan Hiu Athena , Hui Jeremy Man Ho , Dee Edward Christopher , Ng Kenrick , Liu Kang , Tse Gary , Ng Chi Fai
Published: April 2023

Background

Although androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is associated with cardiovascular risks, the extent and temporal trends of cardiovascular burden amongst patients with prostate cancer receiving ADT are unclear.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study analyzed adults with PCa receiving ADT between 1993–2021 in Hong Kong, with follow-up until 31/9/2021 for the primary outcome of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; composite of cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure), and the secondary outcome of mortality. Patients were stratified into four groups by the year of ADT initiation for comparisons.

Results

Altogether, 13,537 patients were included (mean age 75.5 ± 8.5 years old; mean follow-up 4.7 ± 4.3 years). More recent recipients of ADT had more cardiovascular risk factors and used more cardiovascular or antidiabetic medications. More recent recipients of ADT had higher risk of MACE (most recent (2015–2021) vs least recent (1993–2000) group: hazard ratio 1.33 [1.11, 1.59], P = 0.002; Ptrend < 0.001), but lower risk of mortality (hazard ratio 0.76 [0.70, 0.83], P < 0.001; Ptrend < 0.001). The 5-year risk of MACE and mortality for the most recent group were 22.5% [20.9%, 24.2%] and 52.9% [51.3%, 54.6%], respectively.

Conclusions

Cardiovascular risk factors were increasingly prevalent amongst patients with prostate cancer receiving ADT, with increasing risk of MACE despite decreasing mortality.
RUVBL1-modulated chromatin remodeling alters the transcriptional activity of oncogenic CTNNB1 in uveal melanoma
Authors: Zhang Chao , Wu Shuai
Published: April 2023

Recent years have witnessed an increasing research interest in the therapeutic value of aberrant chromatin regulatory processes in carcinogenesis. Our study was performed to explore the possible carcinogenic mechanism of the chromatin regulator RuvB-like protein 1 (RUVBL1) in uveal melanoma (UVM). The expression pattern of RUVBL1 was retrieved in bioinformatics data. The correlation between RUVBL1 expression and the prognosis of patients with UVM was analyzed in publicly available database. The downstream target genes of RUVBL1 were predicted and further verified by co-immunoprecipitation. The bioinformatics analysis results showed that RUVBL1 may be associated with the transcriptional activity of CTNNB1 by regulating chromatin remodeling, and that RUVBL1 functioned as an independent prognostic factor for patients with UVM. The UVM cells manipulated with RUVBL1 knockdown were introduced for in vitro investigation. CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, scratch assay, Transwell assay and Western blot analysis were used for detection on the resultant UVM cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and cell cycle distribution. In vitro cell experimental data showed that RUVBL1 expression was significantly increased in UVM cells and RUVBL1 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of UVM cells, accompanied by augmented apoptosis rate and blocked cell cycle progression. To sum up, RUVBL1 enhances the malignant biological characteristics of UVM cells by increasing the chromatin remodeling and subsequent transcription activity of CTNNB1.
Cell invasion during competitive growth of polycrystalline solidification patterns
Authors: Song Younggil , Mota Fatima L. , Tourret Damien , Ji Kaihua , Billia Bernard , Trivedi Rohit , Bergeon Nathalie , Karma Alain
Published: April 2023

Spatially extended cellular and dendritic array structures forming during solidification processes such as casting, welding, or additive manufacturing are generally polycrystalline. Both the array structure within each grain and the larger scale grain structure determine the performance of many structural alloys. How those two structures coevolve during solidification remains poorly understood. By in situ observations of microgravity alloy solidification experiments onboard the International Space Station, we have discovered that individual cells from one grain can unexpectedly invade a nearby grain of different misorientation, either as a solitary cell or as rows of cells. This invasion process causes grains to interpenetrate each other and hence grain boundaries to adopt highly convoluted shapes. Those observations are reproduced by phase-field simulations further demonstrating that invasion occurs for a wide range of misorientations. Those results fundamentally change the traditional conceptualization of grains as distinct regions embedded in three-dimensional space.
Direct correction of haemoglobin E β-thalassaemia using base editors
Authors: Badat Mohsin , Ejaz Ayesha , Hua Peng , Rice Siobhan , Zhang Weijiao , Hentges Lance D. , Fisher Christopher A. , Denny Nicholas , Schwessinger Ron , Yasara Nirmani , Roy Noemi B. A. , Issa Fadi , Roy Andi , Telfer Paul , Hughes Jim , Mettananda Sachith , Higgs Douglas R. , Davies James O. J.
Published: April 2023

Haemoglobin E (HbE) β-thalassaemia causes approximately 50% of all severe thalassaemia worldwide; equating to around 30,000 births per year. HbE β-thalassaemia is due to a point mutation in codon 26 of the human HBB gene on one allele (GAG; glutamatic acid → AAG; lysine, E26K), and any mutation causing severe β-thalassaemia on the other. When inherited together in compound heterozygosity these mutations can cause a severe thalassaemic phenotype. However, if only one allele is mutated individuals are carriers for the respective mutation and have an asymptomatic phenotype (β-thalassaemia trait). Here we describe a base editing strategy which corrects the HbE mutation either to wildtype (WT) or a normal variant haemoglobin (E26G) known as Hb Aubenas and thereby recreates the asymptomatic trait phenotype. We have achieved editing efficiencies in excess of 90% in primary human CD34 + cells. We demonstrate editing of long-term repopulating haematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSCs) using serial xenotransplantation in NSG mice. We have profiled the off-target effects using a combination of circularization for in vitro reporting of cleavage effects by sequencing (CIRCLE-seq) and deep targeted capture and have developed machine-learning based methods to predict functional effects of candidate off-target mutations.
Mapping genomic regulation of kidney disease and traits through high-resolution and interpretable eQTLs
Authors: Han Seong Kyu , McNulty Michelle T. , Benway Christopher J. , Wen Pei , Greenberg Anya , Onuchic-Whitford Ana C. ,   Nephrotic Syndrome Study Network (NEPTUNE), Jang Dongkeun , Flannick Jason , Burtt Noël P. , Wilson Parker C. , Humphreys Benjamin D. , Wen Xiaoquan , Han Zhe , Lee Dongwon , Sampson Matthew G.
Published: April 2023

Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) studies illuminate genomic variants that regulate specific genes and contribute to fine-mapped loci discovered via genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Efforts to maximize their accuracy are ongoing. Using 240 glomerular (GLOM) and 311 tubulointerstitial (TUBE) micro-dissected samples from human kidney biopsies, we discovered 5371 GLOM and 9787 TUBE genes with at least one variant significantly associated with expression (eGene) by incorporating kidney single-nucleus open chromatin data and transcription start site distance as an “integrative prior” for Bayesian statistical fine-mapping. The use of an integrative prior resulted in higher resolution eQTLs illustrated by (1) smaller numbers of variants in credible sets with greater confidence, (2) increased enrichment of partitioned heritability for GWAS of two kidney traits, (3) an increased number of variants colocalized with the GWAS loci, and (4) enrichment of computationally predicted functional regulatory variants. A subset of variants and genes were validated experimentally in vitro and using a Drosophila nephrocyte model. More broadly, this study demonstrates that tissue-specific eQTL maps informed by single-nucleus open chromatin data have enhanced utility for diverse downstream analyses.
The microbial food revolution
Authors: Graham Alicia E. , Ledesma-Amaro Rodrigo
Published: April 2023

Our current food system relies on unsustainable practices, which often fail to provide healthy diets to a growing population. Therefore, there is an urgent demand for new sustainable nutrition sources and processes. Microorganisms have gained attention as a new food source solution, due to their low carbon footprint, low reliance on land, water and seasonal variations coupled with a favourable nutritional profile. Furthermore, with the emergence and use of new tools, specifically in synthetic biology, the uses of microorganisms have expanded showing great potential to fulfil many of our dietary needs. In this review, we look at the different applications of microorganisms in food, and examine the history, state-of-the-art and potential to disrupt current foods systems. We cover both the use of microbes to produce whole foods out of their biomass and as cell factories to make highly functional and nutritional ingredients. The technical, economical, and societal limitations are also discussed together with the current and future perspectives.
Allosteric role of the citrate synthase homology domain of ATP citrate lyase
Authors: Wei Xuepeng , Schultz Kollin , Pepper Hannah L. , Megill Emily , Vogt Austin , Snyder Nathaniel W. , Marmorstein Ronen
Published: April 2023

ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) is the predominant nucleocytosolic source of acetyl-CoA and is aberrantly regulated in many diseases making it an attractive therapeutic target. Structural studies of ACLY reveal a central homotetrameric core citrate synthase homology (CSH) module flanked by acyl-CoA synthetase homology (ASH) domains, with ATP and citrate binding the ASH domain and CoA binding the ASH-CSH interface to produce acetyl-CoA and oxaloacetate products. The specific catalytic role of the CSH module and an essential D1026A residue contained within it has been a matter of debate. Here, we report biochemical and structural analysis of an ACLY-D1026A mutant demonstrating that this mutant traps a (3S)-citryl-CoA intermediate in the ASH domain in a configuration that is incompatible with the formation of acetyl-CoA, is able to convert acetyl-CoA and OAA to (3S)-citryl-CoA in the ASH domain, and can load CoA and unload acetyl-CoA in the CSH module. Together, this data support an allosteric role for the CSH module in ACLY catalysis.
Formation of calcareous deposits in the tidal zone and its effect on cathodic protection
Authors: Yao Caiqi , Wang Xinru , Zhang Wei , Xia Wenting , Chen Zhiwei , Han Bing
Published: April 2023

Using the wire beam electrode technique, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, the formation of calcareous deposits in a tidal zone and its effects on the corrosion and protection of Q235 steel under cathodic protection were studied. Results showed that the production of aragonite CaCO3 crystals significantly reduced from the immersion zone to the high-tide zone, the protective performance of the deposited layer weakened, and the corrosion of the metal intensified. In the immersion zone, the cathodic protection current density decreased, and the potential shifted negatively, indicating that the protection performance of the deposited layer was enhanced and the metal was effectively protected. In the tidal zone, the deposited layer was stratified, and the porosity of the deposited layer increased by dry-wet cycling. During flood tide, the cathodic reaction is accelerated near the waterline, which promotes the corrosion of the metal and the loss of the sacrificial anode under water.
Molecular dynamic study of radiation-moisture aging effects on the interface properties of nano-silica/silicone rubber composites
Authors: Lou Weitao , Xie Chaoyang , Guan Xuefei
Published: April 2023

The influence of radiation-moisture aging on the thermodynamic and interface properties of nano-silica/silicone rubber (PDMS) composites was investigated using molecular dynamics simulation. The deterioration of polymer matrix was incorporated into the PDMS-silica interface models based on the hydrolysis products and the dominant role of cross-linking over chain scission. The results indicate that the long-chain structure with the higher molecular weight and the stronger intermolecular interactions are formed by incorporating multi-chain cross-linking and more hydroxyl groups. The coupling effects of the long-chain structure and stronger intermolecular interactions enhance the binding strength between the silica and PDMS matrix owing to the formation of more hydrogen bonds, and restrict the diffusion mobility of PDMS chains and water molecules. The aging of the PDMS matrix facilitates water molecules to adsorb on the surface of the silica and the PDMS matrix to form hydrogen bonds, and eventually weakens the bonding strength of the silica-PDMS interface.