bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of the growth properties of meromorphic solutions of higher-order linear difference equations
Authors: Belaïdi Benharrat , Bellaama Rachid
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we investigate the growth of meromorphic solutions of homogeneous and non-homogeneous linear difference equations $$\begin{aligned} A_{k}(z)f(z+c_{k})+\cdots +A_{1}(z)f(z+c_{1})+A_{0}(z)f(z)= & {} 0, \\ A_{k}(z)f(z+c_{k})+\cdots +A_{1}(z)f(z+c_{1})+A_{0}(z)f(z)= & {} F, \end{aligned}$$

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Free triiodothyronine (T3) is negatively associated with fasting ghrelin serum levels in a population sample of euthyroid subjects
Authors: Wittekind D. A. , Kratzsch J. , Mergl R. , Baber R. , Witte V. , Villringer A. , Kluge M.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Ghrelin is an orexigenic peptide hormone secreted in times of stress and hunger. It is deeply involved in the regulation of metabolism and energy homeostasis, promoting energy intake and inhibiting energy expenditure on a metabolic level. In this regard, it has in many ways antagonistic effect on the thyroid hormones, which increase metabolism and thus energy expenditure. While there is reasonable evidence of a negative association between ghrelin and hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT-) axis from studies in patients with thyroid dysfunction and small intervention studies, large-scale studies in healthy subjects are lacking. Therefore, we studied the relationship between total ghrelin serum levels and serum levels of the thyroid hormones in a large sample of euthyroid subjects.

Methods

Total ghrelin, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4) and free triiodothyronine (fT3) were determined after an overnight fast in 1666 subjects participating in a population-based cross-sectional study (‘LIFE’) including 10,000 adults. 1012 subjects were included in this analysis. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed.

Results

FT3 was negatively associated with serum ghrelin; total sample: β = − 0.0001, p < 0.001; men: β = − 0.0002, p = 0.013; women: β = − 0.0001, p = 0.010, adjusted for age, BMI, alcohol consumption, serum levels of TSH and fT4 and smoking status. No associations were found between ghrelin serum levels and serum levels of fT4 or TSH.

Conclusion

This is to date the largest study investigating the relationship between total serum ghrelin and thyroid hormones. The results point to a complex interaction and should initiate further research.
Human gait analysis for osteoarthritis prediction: a framework of deep learning and kernel extreme learning machine
Authors: Khan Muhammad Attique , Kadry Seifedine , Parwekar Pritee , Damaševičius Robertas , Mehmood Asif , Khan Junaid Ali , Naqvi Syed Rameez
Published: April 2021

Human gait analysis is a novel topic in the field of computer vision with many famous applications like prediction of osteoarthritis and patient surveillance. In this application, the abnormal behavior like problems in walking style is detected of suspected patients. The suspected behavior means assessments in terms of knee joints and any other symptoms that directly affected patients’ walking style. Human gait analysis carries substantial importance in the medical domain, but the variability in patients’ clothes, viewing angle, and carrying conditions, may severely affect the performance of a system. Several deep learning techniques, specifically focusing on efficient feature selection, have been recently proposed for this purpose, unfortunately, their accuracy is rather constrained. To address this disparity, we propose an aggregation of robust deep learning features in Kernel Extreme Learning Machine. The proposed framework consists of a series of steps. First, two pre-trained Convolutional Neural Network models are retrained on public gait datasets using transfer learning, and features are extracted from the fully connected layers. Second, the most discriminant features are selected using a novel probabilistic approach named Euclidean Norm and Geometric Mean Maximization along with Conditional Entropy. Third, the aggregation of the robust features is performed using Canonical Correlation Analysis, and the aggregated features are subjected to various classifiers for final recognition. The evaluation of the proposed scheme is performed on a publicly available gait image dataset CASIA B. We demonstrate that the proposed feature aggregation methodology, once used with the Kernel Extreme Learning Machine, achieves accuracy beyond 96%, and outperforms the existing works and several other widely adopted classifiers.
Adaptive dropout for high-dimensional expensive multiobjective optimization
Authors: Lin Jianqing , He Cheng , Cheng Ran
Published: April 2021

Various works have been proposed to solve expensive multiobjective optimization problems (EMOPs) using surrogate-assisted evolutionary algorithms (SAEAs) in recent decades. However, most existing methods focus on EMOPs with less than 30 decision variables, since a large number of training samples are required to build an accurate surrogate model for high-dimensional EMOPs, which is unrealistic for expensive multiobjective optimization. To address this issue, we propose an SAEA with an adaptive dropout mechanism. Specifically, this mechanism takes advantage of the statistical differences between different solution sets in the decision space to guide the selection of some crucial decision variables. A new infill criterion is then proposed to optimize the selected decision variables with the assistance of surrogate models. Moreover, the optimized decision variables are extended to new full-length solutions, and then the new candidate solutions are evaluated using expensive functions to update the archive. The proposed algorithm is tested on different benchmark problems with up to 200 decision variables compared to some state-of-the-art SAEAs. The experimental results have demonstrated the promising performance and computational efficiency of the proposed algorithm in high-dimensional expensive multiobjective optimization.
Rainfall trend analysis and weather forecast accuracy in selected parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Alam Fakhri , Salam Muhammad , Khalil Nasir Ahmad , khan Owais , Khan Masaud
Published: April 2021

Climate change is a multidimensional phenomenon, which has various effects on people's environmental and socioeconomic conditions. In the agricultural economy that is susceptible to natural changes, its impact is more profound. Therefore, climate change directly affects society in different ways, and society must pay a price. Climate change, especially the changes in annual temperature and rainfall, has attracted widespread attention worldwide. The variability of these factors or the magnitude of fluctuations varies according to location. Therefore, in the context of climate change, especially in countries dominated by rainfed agriculture, studying the trend of meteorological variables is essential to assess climate-induced variations and propose feasible adaptation approaches. Focusing on this fact is the main goal of this research study was to determine the rainfall trend and the accuracy of predicted temperature at three particular stations of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Kp) Province, Pakistan. For this purpose, rainfall and temperature data were provided by Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Islamabad, for the period 1960–2020. Two types of nonparametric techniques, Sen’s slope estimate and the Mann–Kendall test, were applied to determine a trend in the average monthly and annual rainfall. The results of the annual rainfall trend analysis showed that Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan stations showed a positive increasing trend, while the monthly rainfall trend showed a negative decreasing trend for all stations. The trend was statistically significant for Peshawar and Saidu Sharif stations. The accuracy of predicted and actual temperature and rainfall indicated that mostly over-forecast occurred at Saidu Sharif and Peshawar. Most of the precipitation and temperature records showed under forecast for Dera Ismail Khan, but some over-prediction has also occurred.

Graphical abstract
Quantum Field Theory and the Standard Model
Authors: Schwartz Matthew D.
Published: April 2021

Providing a comprehensive introduction to quantum field theory, this textbook covers the development of particle physics from its foundations to the discovery of the Higgs boson. Its combination of clear physical explanations, with direct connections to experimental data, and mathematical rigor make the subject accessible to students with a wide variety of backgrounds and interests. Assuming only an undergraduate-level understanding of quantum mechanics, the book steadily develops the Standard Model and state-of-the-art calculation techniques. It includes multiple derivations of many important results, with modern methods such as effective field theory and the renormalization group playing a prominent role. Numerous worked examples and end-of-chapter problems enable students to reproduce classic results and to master quantum field theory as it is used today. Based on a course taught by the author over many years, this book is ideal for an introductory to advanced quantum field theory sequence or for independent study.
Decolonising the Museum
Authors: Pitman Thea
Published: April 2021

Explores the scope that there is for Indigenous curatorial agency in the relationship of Indigenous contemporary art with the 'art world'.
Examen de un perfil estratigráfico Lima en Maranga
Authors: Vega Centeno Rafael , Toledo Carlos , Huamán Luis , Alexandrino Grace
Published: April 2021

Se presentan los resultados del examen de un perfil estratigráfico ubicado en el sureste del Complejo Maranga-Lima, en el valle bajo del Rímac. Las evidencias recuperadas permiten fechar la ocupación de dicho sector entre los 620 dC y los 780 dC. Se analiza también la geomorfología vinculada con la ocupación humana, que incluyó eventos aluviales asociados con su abandono. También se analiza una columna palinológica que sugiere un ecosistema semi-árido impactado por el establecimiento de Maranga.
THE TEMPO OF CULTURAL CHANGE IN THE KOSTENKI UPPER PALEOLITHIC: FURTHER INSIGHTS
Authors: Dinnis Rob , Bessudnov Alexander A , Reynolds Natasha , Khlopachev Gennady A , Sablin Mikhail , Sinitsyn Andrei , Higham Thomas , Douka Katerina
Published: April 2021

The Kostenki-Borshchevo site complex (Voronezh region, Russia) serves as the foundation of Eastern Europe’s Upper Paleolithic chronocultural framework. Here we present new radiocarbon dates for three Kostenki sites. Dates of ∼27.5–27 ka BP for Kostenki 15 suggest that its archaeological layer accumulated over a short period. These results help to confirm that the site is unrelated to Aurignacian assemblages. New dates for the Kostenki-Avdeevo Culture (KAC) Layer I of Kostenki 1 address the longstanding question of its chronology. Our results of ∼23.5–23 ka BP from different areas of the site are consistent with the layer’s accumulation over a short period. These results accord with recently obtained dates for Kostenki’s other KAC sites. Our younger results of ∼22.5–21 ka BP for different material from Layer III of Kostenki 21 are similarly consistent with a short chronological window for Kostenki’s KAC sites. Overall, this and other recent publications support the view that many Kostenki assemblages are chronologically distinct. This provides an important insight into the tempo of Upper Paleolithic cultural change.
WHAT THE RULERS WANT: XENOPHON ON CYRUS’ PSYCHOLOGY
Authors: Illarraga Rodrigo
Published: April 2021

This article presents an interpretation of Cyrus’ psychology in Xenophon'sCyropaedia. Its point is that Cyrus’ psychological structure is composed by a set of three desires (philotimía, philanthrōpía, philomátheia) given by nature and a set of virtues (sōphrosúnēandenkráteia) acquired by education. The paper will argue that Cyrus, as an enkratic ruler, does not long for any kind of honours, but is guided by truephilotimía, that is, the desire for true honours—honours freely given by gratitude or admiration.philanthrōpíais the key to achieve these honours, since it naturally prompts a benevolent and generous behaviour. At the same time,philomátheiaprovides the desire of knowledge necessary to acquire the techniques in order to accomplish ambitious and philanthropic deeds. Therefore, confronting those who have posed negative interpretations of Cyrus, the article will argue that the uncommon combination of these psychological predispositions makes Cyrus a virtuous and effective ruler.
Effect of wheat powdery mildew on grain nitrogen metabolism
Authors: Gao H. Y. , Niu J. S. , Liu W. Q. , Zhang D. L. , Li S. P.
Published: April 2021

Glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate synthase (GOGAT) play a central role in plant nitrogen (N) metabolism. In order to study the effect of powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici, Bgt) on N metabolism, field experiments were carried out to evaluate GS and GOGAT activity, GS expression and grain protein content (GPC) in susceptible (Xi'nong 979) and resistant (Zhengmai 103) wheat cultivars under three treatments. The three treatments were no inoculation (CK), inoculated once with Bgt (MP) and inoculated nine times with Bgt (HP). For Xi'nong 979, the activities of GS and GOGAT in grains as well as GS activity in flag leaves increased at 10–15 days after anthesis (DAA), and decreased significantly at 15 or 20–30 DAA in HP and MP. However, GS activity in grains decreased from 20 DAA, which was later than that of flag leaves (15 DAA). At the same time, GS expression in grains was up-regulated at early stage, with GS1 at 10 DAA and GS2 at 15 DAA, followed by a continuous down-regulation. This result indicated that GS and GOGAT activity as well as GS expression were inhibited by powdery mildew, indicating that N metabolism in grains was inhibited at 20–30 DAA. The current study also found out that the yield of the susceptible cultivar decreased significantly, while its GPC increased obviously in HP. It was shown that the increase of GPC was not due to the enhancement of N metabolism, but due to the passive increase caused by yield reduction.
Study of livestock biogas upgrading using a pilot-scale photocatalytic desulphurizer followed by a hollow fibre carbon dioxide adsorption module
Authors: Su Jung-Jeng , Chung Hsin-Cheng
Published: April 2021

The objective of this project is to integrate a domestic photocatalytic desulphurization facility with a biogas upgrading module and try to develop a system for biogas desulphurization and upgrading under ambient conditions. Four photocatalytic desulphurization reactors (PDRs) and one activated carbon reactor (ACR) were applied for biogas desulphurization and filtration under ambient conditions. Moreover, a hollow fibre carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorption module was applied for biogas upgrading. The operation pressure of the PDR and ACR was under ambient pressure. Results showed that hydrogen sulphide removal efficiency of the photocatalytic desulphurizer was about 0.99–1.00 (v/v) under the inlet biogas flow less than 5 litres/min and the concentration of inlet hydrogen sulphide was lower than 5600 mg/m3. For desulphurized biogas upgrading, the removal efficiency of CO2 was higher than 0.90 (v/v) under the outlet biogas flow was 1 litre/min (i.e. inlet biogas flow was about 2 litres/min). However, the ratio of methane in the upgrading biogas was lower than 0.90 (v/v). Thus, nitrogen gas removal cartridges will be integrated with the biogas upgrading module to promote methane concentration in the upgraded biogas.
Redescription and synonymization of Oscheius citri Tabassum, Shahina, Nasira and Erum, 2016 (Rhabditida, Rhabditidae) from India and its taxonomical consequences
Authors: Rana A. , Bhat A.H. , Chaubey A.K. , Půža V. , Abolafia J.
Published: April 2021

A population of a nematode species belonging to the genus Oscheius was isolated in western Uttar Pradesh, India. Morphological and morphometrical studies on this species showed its high similarity with six species described previously from Pakistan (Oscheius citri, O. cobbi, O. cynodonti, O. esculentus, O. punctatus and O. sacchari). The molecular analysis of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA sequences of the Indian population and the six species described from Pakistan showed that all the sequences are almost identical. Thus, based on morphological and molecular characteristics, all of the six above-mentioned Pakistani species and Indian strain do not differ from each other, hence can be considered synonyms. The correct name for this taxon is the first described species O. citri. Additionally, the phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rDNA and the 28S rDNA sequences showed that Oscheius citri is sister to the clade formed by O. chongmingensis and O. rugaoensis from China. The high similarity of morphological and morphometric characteristics of O. citri and other species, O. maqbooli, O. nadarajani, O. niazii, O. shamimi and O. siddiqii, suggest their conspecificity; however, lack of molecular data for these species does not allow this hypothesis to be tested.
Prevalence and risk factors of psychiatric symptoms and diagnoses before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: findings from the ELSA-Brasil COVID-19 mental health cohort
Authors: Brunoni André Russowsky , Suen Paulo Jeng Chian , Bacchi Pedro Starzynski , Razza Lais Boralli , Klein Izio , dos Santos Leonardo Afonso , de Souza Santos Itamar , da Costa Lane Valiengo Leandro , Gallucci-Neto José , Moreno Marina Lopes , Pinto Bianca Silva , de Cássia Silva Félix Larissa , de Sousa Juliana Pereira , Viana Maria Carmen , Forte Pamela Marques , de Altisent Oliveira Cardoso Marcia Cristina , Bittencourt Marcio Sommer , Pelosof Rebeca , de Siqueira Luciana Lima , Fatori Daniel , Bellini Helena , Bueno Priscila Vilela Silveira , Passos Ives Cavalcante , Nunes Maria Angelica , Salum Giovanni Abrahão , Bauermeister Sarah , Smoller Jordan W. , Lotufo Paulo Andrade , Benseñor Isabela Martins
Published: April 2021

Background

There is mixed evidence on increasing rates of psychiatric disorders and symptoms during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020. We evaluated pandemic-related psychopathology and psychiatry diagnoses and their determinants in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Health (ELSA-Brasil) São Paulo Research Center.

Methods

Between pre-pandemic ELSA-Brasil assessments in 2008–2010 (wave-1), 2012–2014 (wave-2), 2016–2018 (wave-3) and three pandemic assessments in 2020 (COVID-19 waves in May–July, July–September, and October–December), rates of common psychiatric symptoms, and depressive, anxiety, and common mental disorders (CMDs) were compared using the Clinical Interview Scheduled-Revised (CIS-R) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Multivariable generalized linear models, adjusted by age, gender, educational level, and ethnicity identified variables associated with an elevated risk for mental disorders.

Results

In 2117 participants (mean age 62.3 years, 58.2% females), rates of CMDs and depressive disorders did not significantly change over time, oscillating from 23.5% to 21.1%, and 3.3% to 2.8%, respectively; whereas rate of anxiety disorders significantly decreased (2008–2010: 13.8%; 2016–2018: 9.8%; 2020: 8%). There was a decrease along three wave-COVID assessments for depression [β = −0.37, 99.5% confidence interval (CI) −0.50 to −0.23], anxiety (β = −0.37, 99.5% CI −0.48 to −0.26), and stress (β = −0.48, 99.5% CI −0.64 to −0.33) symptoms (all ps < 0.001). Younger age, female sex, lower educational level, non-white ethnicity, and previous psychiatric disorders were associated with increased odds for psychiatric disorders, whereas self-evaluated good health and good quality of relationships with decreased risk.

Conclusion

No consistent evidence of pandemic-related worsening psychopathology in our cohort was found. Indeed, psychiatric symptoms slightly decreased along 2020. Risk factors representing socioeconomic disadvantages were associated with increased odds of psychiatric disorders.
Reanalysis processes in non-native sentence comprehension
Authors: Fujita Hiroki , Cunnings Ian
Published: April 2021

We report two offline and two eye-movement experiments examining non-native (L2) sentence processing during and after reanalysis of temporarily ambiguous sentences like “While Mary dressed the baby laughed happily”. Such sentences cause reanalysis at the main clause verb (“laughed”), as the temporarily ambiguous noun phrase (“the baby”) may initially be misanalysed as the direct object of the subordinate clause verb (“dressed”). The offline experiments revealed that L2ers have difficulty reanalysing temporarily ambiguous sentences with a greater persistence of the initially assigned misinterpretation than native (L1) speakers. In the eye-movement experiments, we found that L2ers complete reanalysis similarly to L1ers but fail to fully erase the memory trace of the initially assigned interpretation. Our results suggested that the source of L2 reanalysis difficulty is a failure to erase the initially assigned misinterpretation from memory rather than a failure to conduct syntactic reanalysis.
Hong Kong breaking into the international league: Cathay Pacific's extension to long-haul routes, 1970s–1980s
Authors: Wong John D.
Published: April 2021

This article studies the process by which British politicians and corporate executives, in both Hong Kong and London, handled the colony's elevating economic status and negotiated its flagship carrier's penetration of international aviation networks. Through Cathay Pacific's extending reach, Hong Kong translated its economic success into an expanded presence in the world of commercial aviation. As the colonial government channeled Hong Kong's burgeoning financial prowess to fund an infrastructure upgrade, the colony's budding airline capitalized on the commercial availability of jumbo jets to leapfrog into the long-haul market. Such groundwork primed Hong Kong to take advantage of the opening skies as deregulation transformed the airline industry. As the colony's economy flourished, Cathay Pacific broke free from its regional configuration and arrived at faraway ports in Australia, North America, and Europe. The Hong Kong carrier's extended reach was but the material manifestation of the city's economic takeoff and growth into a global metropolis.
What Caused the Unprecedented Absence of Western North Pacific Tropical Cyclones in July 2020?
Authors: Wang Chao , Wu Kun , Wu Liguang , Zhao Haikun , Cao Jian
Published: April 2021

While the Atlantic basin experienced the busiest hurricane season in 2020, the typhoon activity over the western North Pacific (WNP) was also record‐setting with no tropical cyclone (TC) formation in July 2020, which is the first time in available historical records. The unprecedented absence of TC formation is consistent with the extremely unfavorable large‐scale conditions that are linked to an anomalous anticyclonic circulation over the WNP, which results mainly from sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies across the tropical oceans. Numerical experiments suggest that the tropical Indian Ocean SST anomalies, which were warmest in July 2020 since 1965, play a dominant role in the anomalous WNP anticyclonic circulation, while the increased zonal SST gradient across the tropical Pacific and the Atlantic SST warming also have important contributions. This study suggests that the configuration of SST anomalies across the tropical basins is quite important to the WNP TC activity.
Tectonic Deformation of the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau and Its Surroundings Revealed With GPS Block Modeling
Authors: Li Xinnan , Pierce Ian K. D. , Bormann Jayne M. , Hammond William C. , Zhang Zhuqi , Li Chuanyou , Zheng Wenjun , Zhang Peizhen
Published: April 2021

The northeastern Tibetan Plateau and its surroundings are a tectonically complex region resulting from the continuing collision of India with Eurasia. We studied the tectonic deformation of this region using a GPS block model, which was produced using the most recently published, dense, precise, and complete GPS velocities available combined with a detailed fault geometry. The comparison between our preferred model with numerous faults and a model with fewer faults demonstrates the need for inclusion of lesser active faults affords a closer examination of strain partitioning. The predicted senses of motion and slip rates of active faults in our preferred model are consistent with the geological estimates, supporting the assumption that the decadal GPS slip rates are representative of millennial‐scale geologic slip rates. The observed fault kinematics in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau and its surroundings can be interpreted as the consequence of relative motions between different blocks and block rotations.
Determination of Near Surface Shear‐Wave Velocities in the Central Los Angeles Basin With Dense Arrays
Authors: Jia Zhe , Clayton Robert W
Published: April 2021

In this study, we investigate the shallow shear wave velocity structure of the Los Angeles Basin in southern California, using ambient noise correlations between 5 dense arrays and 21 broadband stations from the Southern California Seismic Network (SCSN). We observe clear fundamental mode and first overtone Rayleigh waves in the frequency band 0.25–2.0 Hz, and obtain group velocity maps through tomography. We further derive a 3D shear wave velocity model, covering a large portion of the central LA Basin for the depths shallower than 3 km. We found that the small scale shallow velocity structure heterogeneities are better resolved compared with the SCEC Community velocity models. Our model captures the presence of the Newport‐Inglewood fault by a NW–SE trending high velocity belt. Our model provides more accurate constraints on local ground motion predictions with detailed mapping of structural heterogeneities.
Storm Surges Cause Simultaneous Salinization and Freshening of Coastal Aquifers, Exacerbated by Climate Change
Authors: Paldor A. , Michael H. A.
Published: April 2021

Ocean surge events are known to threaten coastal aquifers through vertical infiltration, with the degree of salinization depending on hydrogeologic factors. Another salinization process in coastal aquifers is lateral saltwater intrusion, which may also be affected during surges as the inundation alters the aquifer hydraulic heads. While these processes have been considered individually, here we consider the interplay between them and the longer‐term impact of climate change, which is projected to increase the frequency of surges in the future. Using numerical modeling, the location of the lateral freshwater‐saltwater interface and the total salt storage are calculated for single and repetitive surge events with different recurrence times to predict the long‐term effect of surges. Results point to two novel mechanisms: (1) Following a single overwash event, salt storage in the aquifer peaks due to vertical salinization, and a second, lower peak occurs on a longer time scale. This second peak is due to the surge‐induced rebound motion (seaward and then landward) of the interface. (2) The projected increase in surge frequency due to climate change can potentially induce long‐term migration of the interface seaward, independent of a change in sea level, depending on the aquifer permeability. Together with this freshening effect, the total salt load in the aquifer increases due to repetitive vertical salinization. Thus, we show for the first time the combined effect of storm surges and climate change on both vertical and horizontal movement of salt in coastal aquifers, with important implications for water management along global coastlines.
Importance of Gravity Wave Forcing for Springtime Southern Polar Vortex Breakdown as Revealed by ERA5
Authors: Gupta Aman , Birner Thomas , Dörnbrack Andreas , Polichtchouk Inna
Published: April 2021

Planetary waves (PWs) and gravity waves (GWs) are the key drivers of middle atmospheric circulation. Insufficient observations and inaccurate model representation of GWs limit our understanding of their stratospheric contributions, especially during the Antarctic polar vortex breakdown. This study employs the strength of the high‐resolution ERA5 reanalysis in resolving a broad spectrum of GWs in southern midlatitudes and its ability to estimate their forcing during the breakdown period. Most of the resolved southern hemisphere GWs deposit momentum around 60°S over the Southern Ocean. Further, a zonal momentum budget analysis during the breakdown period reveals that the resolved GW forcing in ERA5 provides as much as one‐fourth of the necessary wind deceleration at 60°S, 10 hPa. The parameterized GW drag, mostly from non‐orographic sources, provides more than half of the wind deceleration. Both findings highlight the key role of GWs in the vortex breakdown and discuss possibilities for further stratospheric GW analysis.
Extreme quantum nonlinearity in superfluid thin-film surface waves
Authors: Sfendla Y. L. , Baker C. G. , Harris G. I. , Tian L. , Harrison R. A. , Bowen W. P.
Published: April 2021

We show that highly confined superfluid films are extremely nonlinear mechanical resonators, offering the prospect to realize a mechanical qubit. Specifically, we consider third-sound surface waves, with nonlinearities introduced by the van der Waals interaction with the substrate. Confining these waves to a disk, we derive analytic expressions for the cubic and quartic nonlinearities and determine the resonance frequency shifts they introduce. We predict single-phonon shifts that are three orders of magnitude larger than in current state-of-the-art nonlinear resonators. Combined with the exquisitely low intrinsic dissipation of superfluid helium and the strongly suppressed acoustic radiation loss in phononic crystal cavities, we predict that this could allow blockade interactions between phonons as well as two-level-system-like behavior. Our work provides a pathway towards extreme mechanical nonlinearities, and towards quantum devices that use mechanical resonators as qubits.
Effects of cadmium stress on physiological indexes and fruiting body nutritions of Agaricus brasiliensis
Authors: Liu Lingyun , Chen Hua , Yuan Jing , Wang Yixiang , Weng Boqi , Liu Penghu , Li Guoxue
Published: April 2021

In this study, 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6 and 8 mg·kg−1 of cadmium were added to the cultivation materials. In order to study the effects of different concentrations of Cd stress on J1 and J77, the contents of antioxidant enzymes, proline and malondialdehyde, Cd content, agronomic traits and yield of fruiting bodies of Agaricus brasiliensis were determined, and the nutritional components such as polysaccharide, triterpene, protein, total sugar and total amino acid were determined. The results showed that the physiological indexes of strain J1 and J77 changed regularly under different concentrations of Cd stress. J1 was a high absorption and low tolerance variety, while J77 was a low absorption and high tolerance variety. Low concentration of Cd promoted the growth of strain J1, and higher concentration of Cd promoted the growth of strain J77. The contents of protein and total amino acids in the two strains changed greatly, followed by polysaccharides, which indicated that Cd stress had the greatest impact on the three nutrients, and other nutrients were not sensitive to Cd stress.
Collagen molecular phenotypic switch between non-neoplastic and neoplastic canine mammary tissues
Authors: Terajima Masahiko , Taga Yuki , Brisson Becky K. , Durham Amy C. , Sato Kotaro , Uzawa Katsuhiro , Saito Tomoaki , Hattori Shunji , Sørenmo Karin U. , Yamauchi Mitsuo , Volk Susan W.
Published: April 2021

In spite of major advances over the past several decades in diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer remains a global cause of morbidity and premature death for both human and veterinary patients. Due to multiple shared clinicopathological features, dogs provide an excellent model of human breast cancer, thus, a comparative oncology approach may advance our understanding of breast cancer biology and improve patient outcomes. Despite an increasing awareness of the critical role of fibrillar collagens in breast cancer biology, tumor-permissive collagen features are still ill-defined. Here, we characterize the molecular and morphological phenotypes of type I collagen in canine mammary gland tumors. Canine mammary carcinoma samples contained longer collagen fibers as well as a greater population of wider fibers compared to non-neoplastic and adenoma samples. Furthermore, the total number of collagen cross-links enriched in the stable hydroxylysine-aldehyde derived cross-links was significantly increased in neoplastic mammary gland samples compared to non-neoplastic mammary gland tissue. The mass spectrometric analyses of type I collagen revealed that in malignant mammary tumor samples, lysine residues, in particular those in the telopeptides, were markedly over-hydroxylated in comparison to non-neoplastic mammary tissue. The extent of glycosylation of hydroxylysine residues was comparable among the groups. Consistent with these data, expression levels of genes encoding lysyl hydroxylase 2 (LH2) and its molecular chaperone FK506-binding protein 65 were both significantly increased in neoplastic samples. These alterations likely lead to an increase in the LH2-mediated stable collagen cross-links in mammary carcinoma that may promote tumor cell metastasis in these patients.
An mTOR and VEGFR inhibitor combination arrests a doxorubicin resistant lung metastatic osteosarcoma in a PDOX mouse model
Authors: Oshiro Hiromichi , Tome Yasunori , Miyake Kentaro , Higuchi Takashi , Sugisawa Norihiko , Kanaya Fuminori , Nishida Kotaro , Hoffman Robert M.
Published: April 2021

In order to identify more effective therapy for recalcitrant osteosarcoma, we evaluated the efficacy of an mTOR-VEGFR inhibitor combination on tumor growth in a unique osteosarcoma patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) mouse model derived from the lung metastasis of an osteosarcoma patient who failed doxorubicin therapy. We also determined the efficacy of this inhibitor combination on angiogenesis using an in vivo Gelfoam fluorescence angiogenesis mouse model implanted with osteosarcoma patient-derived cells (OS-PDCs). PDOX models were randomly divided into five groups of seven nude mice. Group 1, control; Group 2, doxorubicin (DOX); Group 3, everolimus (EVE, an mTOR and VEGF inhibitor); Group 4, pazopanib (PAZ, a VEGFR inhibitor); Group 5, EVE-PAZ combination. Tumor volume and body weight were monitored 2 times a week. The in vivo Gelfoam fluorescence angiogenesis assay was performed with implanted OS-PDCs. The nude mice with implanted Gelfoam and OSPDCs also were divided into the four therapeutic groups and vessel length was monitored once a week. The EVE-PAZ combination suppressed tumor growth in the osteosarcoma PDOX model and decreased the vessel length ratio in the in vivo Gelfoam fluorescent angiogenesis model, compared with all other groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant body-weight loss in any group. Only the EVE-PAZ combination caused tumor necrosis. The present study demonstrates that a combination of an mTOR-VEGF inhibitor and a VEGFR inhibitor was effective for a DOX-resistant lung-metastatic osteosarcoma PDOX mouse model, at least in part due to strong anti-angiogenesis efficacy of the combination.
Process optimization with acid functionalised activated carbon derived from corncob for production of 4-hydroxymethyl-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane and 5-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane
Authors: Kaur Jaspreet , Sarma Anil Kumar , Gera Poonam , Jha Mithilesh Kumar
Published: April 2021

In this article, a two-step activated carbon preparation technique from corncob has been elucidated. The derived catalysts AAC-CC has been characterized using various techniques for the determination of their structural properties and compared with AC-CC, already reported with another article. The conjugated boat structure of AAC-CC resulted in a very high surface area (779.8 m2/g) and high pore volume (0.428 cc/g). This unveils the suitability of AAC-CC as better among the two catalytic pathways for solketal production. The activated carbons so prepared have been used for the valorization of glycerol to produce 2,2-Dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol (solketal), oxygenated additives to fuel. The face-centered composite design (FCCD) of RSM was applied for the optimization of the reaction parameters for the ketalisation reaction using AAC-CC as a catalyst. From the optimized results, the acidic catalyst AAC-CC resulted in a glycerol conversion, i.e. 80.3% under the actual laboratory experiment. Moreover, the catalyst could be reused for three consecutive batch reactions without (< 5%) much reduction of activity and no distinctive structural deformity.
Quercetin‑conjugated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles modulate glucose metabolism-related genes and miR-29 family in the hippocampus of diabetic rats
Authors: Dini Solmaz , Zakeri Mansoureh , Ebrahimpour Shiva , Dehghanian Fariba , Esmaeili Abolghasem
Published: April 2021

Quercetin (QC) is a dietary bioflavonoid that can be conjugated with nanoparticles to facilitate its brain bioavailability. We previously showed that quercetin-conjugated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (QCSPIONs) reduced the level of blood glucose in diabetic rats. Glucose transporters (GLUTs), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and microRNA-29 (miR-29) play a critical role in brain glucose homeostasis. In the current study, we examined the effects of QCSPION on the expression of glucose metabolism-related genes, and the miR-29 family as a candidate regulator of glucose handling in the hippocampus of diabetic rats. Our in silico analyses introduce the miR-29 family as potential regulators of glucose transporters and IGF-1 genes. The expression level of the miR-29 family, IGF-1, GLUT1, GLUT2, GLUT3, and GLUT4 were measured by qPCR. Our results indicate that diabetes significantly results in upregulation of the miR-29 family and downregulation of the GLUT1, 2, 3, 4, and IGF-1 genes. Interestingly, QCSPIONs reduced miR-29 family expression and subsequently enhanced GLUT1, 2, 3, 4, and IGF-1expression. In conclusion, our findings suggest that QCSPION could regulate the expression of the miR-29 family, which in turn increases the expression of glucose transporters and IGF-1, thereby reducing diabetic complications.
ALKBH4 promotes tumourigenesis with a poor prognosis in non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Jingushi Kentaro , Aoki Masaya , Ueda Kazuhiro , Kogaki Takahiro , Tanimoto Masaya , Monoe Yuya , Ando Masayuki , Matsumoto Takuya , Minami Kentaro , Ueda Yuko , Kitae Kaori , Hase Hiroaki , Nagata Toshiyuki , Harada-Takeda Aya , Yamamoto Masatatsu , Kawahara Kohichi , Tabata Kazuhiro , Furukawa Tatsuhiko , Sato Masami , Tsujikawa Kazutake
Published: April 2021

The human AlkB homolog family (ALKBH) of proteins play a critical role in some types of cancer. However, the expression and function of the lysine demethylaseALKBH4in cancer are poorly understood. Here, we examined the expression and function ofALKBH4in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and found thatALKBH4was highly expressed in NSCLC, as compared to that in adjacent normal lung tissues.ALKBH4knockdown significantly induced the downregulation of NSCLC cell proliferation via cell cycle arrest at the G1phase of in vivo tumour growth.ALKBH4knockdown downregulated E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) and its target gene expression in NSCLC cells.ALKBH4andE2F1expression was significantly correlated in NSCLC clinical specimens. Moreover, patients with highALKBH4expression showed a poor prognosis, suggesting that ALKBH4 plays a pivotal tumour-promoting role in NSCLC.
Fecal microbiota dynamics during disease activity and remission in newly diagnosed and established ulcerative colitis
Authors: Öhman Lena , Lasson Anders , Strömbeck Anna , Isaksson Stefan , Hesselmar Marcus , Simrén Magnus , Strid Hans , Magnusson Maria K.
Published: April 2021

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) have an altered gut microbiota composition, but the microbial relationship to disease activity needs to be further elucidated. Therefore, temporal dynamics of the fecal microbial community during remission and flare was determined. Fecal samples were collected at 2–6 time-points from UC patients during established disease (cohort EST) and at diagnosis (cohort NEW). Sampling range for cohort EST was 3–10 months and for cohort NEW 36 months. Relapses were monitored for an additional three years for cohort EST. Microbial composition was assessed by Genetic Analysis GA-map Dysbiosis Test, targeting ≥ 300 bacteria. Eighteen patients in cohort EST (8 with maintained remission and 10 experiencing a flare), provided 71 fecal samples. In cohort NEW, 13 patients provided 49 fecal samples. The microbial composition showed no clustering related to disease activity in any cohort. Microbial dissimilarity was higher between than within patients for both cohorts, irrespective of presence of a flare. Microbial stability within patients was constant over time with no major shift in overall composition nor modification in the abundance of any specific species. Microbial composition was not affected by intensified medical treatment or linked to future disease course. Thus in UC, the gut microbiota is highly stable irrespective of disease stage, disease activity or treatment escalation. This suggests that prolonged dietary interventions or repeated fecal transplantations are needed to be able to induce permanent alterations of the gut microbiota.
Knee loading in OA subjects is correlated to flexion and adduction moments and to contact point locations
Authors: Zeighami Ali , Dumas Raphael , Aissaoui Rachid
Published: April 2021

This study evaluated the association of contact point locations with the knee medial and lateral contact force (Fmed, Flat) alterations in OA and healthy subjects. A musculoskeletal model of the lower limb with subject-specific tibiofemoral contact point trajectories was used to estimate the Fmed and Flat in ten healthy and twelve OA subjects during treadmill gait. Regression analyses were performed to evaluate the correlation of the contact point locations, knee adduction moment (KAM), knee flexion moment (KFM), frontal plane alignment, and gait speed with the Fmed and Flat. Medial contact point locations in the medial–lateral direction showed a poor correlation with the Fmed in OA (R2 = 0.13, p = 0.01) and healthy (R2 = 0.24, p = 0.001) subjects. Anterior–posterior location of the contact points also showed a poor correlation with the Fmed of OA subjects (R2 = 0.32, p < 0.001). Across all subjects, KAM and KFM remained the best predictors of the Fmed and Flat, respectively (R2 between 0.62 and 0.69). Results suggest different mechanisms of contact force distribution in OA joints. The variations in the location of the contact points participate partially to explains the Fmed variations in OA subjects together with the KFM and KAM.
Perspectives and design considerations of capillary-driven artificial trees for fast dewatering processes
Authors: Lee Jongho
Published: April 2021

Recent progresses on nanocapillary-driven water transport under metastable conditions have substantiated the potential of artificial trees for dewatering applications in a wide pressure range. This paper presents a comprehensive performance analysis of artificial trees encompassing the principle for negative capillary pressure generation; impacts of structural, compositional, and environmental conditions on dewatering performance; and design considerations. It begins by delineating functionalities of artificial trees for evaporation (leaves), conduction (xylem), and filtration (root) of water, in the analogy to natural trees. The analysis revealed that the magnitude of (negative) capillary pressure in the artificial leaves and xylem must be sufficiently large to overcome the osmotic pressure of feed at the root. The required magnitude can be reduced by increasing the osmotic pressure in the artificial xylem conduits, which reduces the risk of cavitation and subsequent blockage of water transport. However, a severe concentration polarization that can occur in long xylem conduits would negate such compensation effect of xylem osmotic pressure, leading to vapor pressure depression at the artificial leaves and therefore reduced dewatering rates. Enhanced Taylor dispersions by increasing xylem conduit diameters are found to alleviate the concentration polarization, allowing for water flux enhancement directly by increasing leaf-to-root membrane area ratio.
CAPS1 is involved in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and hippocampus-associated learning
Authors: Ishii Chiaki , Shibano Natsumi , Yamazaki Mio , Arima Tomoki , Kato Yuna , Ishii Yuki , Shinoda Yo , Fukazawa Yugo , Sadakata Tetsushi , Sano Yoshitake , Furuichi Teiichi
Published: April 2021

Calcium-dependent activator protein for secretion 1 (CAPS1) is a key molecule in vesicular exocytosis, probably in the priming step. However, CAPS1’s role in synaptic plasticity and brain function is elusive. Herein, we showed that synaptic plasticity and learning behavior were impaired in forebrain and/or hippocampus-specific Caps1 conditional knockout (cKO) mice by means of molecular, physiological, and behavioral analyses. Neonatal Caps1 cKO mice showed a decrease in the number of docked vesicles in the hippocampal CA3 region, with no detectable changes in the distribution of other major exocytosis-related molecules. Additionally, long-term potentiation (LTP) was partially and severely impaired in the CA1 and CA3 regions, respectively. CA1 LTP was reinforced by repeated high-frequency stimuli, whereas CA3 LTP was completely abolished. Accordingly, hippocampus-associated learning was severely impaired in adeno-associated virus (AAV) infection-mediated postnatal Caps1 cKO mice. Collectively, our findings suggest that CAPS1 is a key protein involved in the cellular mechanisms underlying hippocampal synaptic release and plasticity, which is crucial for hippocampus-associated learning.
Electrocardiographic and electrophysiological characteristics of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias originating from the vicinity of tricuspid annulus
Authors: Yu Manli , Hou Liangliang , Yu Hang , Ge Junwei , Li Pan , Guo Zhifu , Huang Xinmiao , Zhao Xianxian , Cao Jiang , Huang Songqun
Published: April 2021

Electrocardiographic and electrophysiological characteristics of VAs originating from the vicinity of the TA are not fully understood. Hence, 104 patients (mean age 52.6 ± 17.9 years; 62 male) with VAs originating from the vicinity of the TA were enrolled. After electrophysiological evaluation and ablation, data were compared among those patients. The ECGs and the correction of the ECGs based on the long axis of the heart calculated from the chest X-Ray were also analyzed. VAs originating from the vicinity of TA had distinctive ECG characteristics that were useful for identifying the precise origin. Our localization algorithm adjusted by the angle between the cardiac long axis and the horizon was found to be accurate in predicting the exact ablation site in 92.3% (n = 96) cases. Logistic regression analysis showed fractionated electrograms, the magnitudes of the local atrial electrograms and a/V ratio were critical factors for successful ablation. Among the 104 patients with VAs, complete elimination could be achieved by RFCA in 96 patients (success rate 92.3%) during a follow-up period of 35.2 ± 19.6 months. This study suggests that the ablation site could be localized by ECG analysis adjusted by the angle between the cardiac long axis and the horizon. Fractionated electrograms, the magnitudes of the local atrial electrograms and a/V ratio were demonstrated to be critical factors for successful ablation.