bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rescue Robots for the Urban Earthquake Environment
Authors: Li Fuhao , Hou Shike , Bu Chunguang , Qu Bo
Published: June 2022

Robotics have important applications in the field of disaster medical rescue. The deployment of urban rescue robots at the earthquake site can help shorten response time, improve rescue efficiency and keep rescue personnel away from danger. This discussion introduces the performance of some robots in actual rescue scenarios, focuses on the current research status of robots that can provide medical assistance, and analyzes the merits and shortcomings of each system. Based on existing studies, the limitations and development directions of urban rescue robots are also discussed.
Hegel's Ontological Argument: A Reconstruction
Authors: McNulty Jake
Published: June 2022

This essay takes up a challenge recently posed by Graham Oppy: to clearly express, in premise-conclusion form, Hegel's version of the ontological argument. In addition to employing this format, it seeks to supplement existing treatments by locating a core component of Hegel's argument in a slightly different place than is common. Whereas some prominent recent treatments (Williams, Bubbio, Melechar) focus on Hegel's definition of the Absolute as the Concept, from the third part of his Science of Logic (the Doctrine of the Concept), mine focuses on earlier definitions from the first (the Doctrine of Being). As I hope to show, there are even more resources in Hegel's Logic for an ontological argument than those emphasized in recent treatments: the concept, the Idea, etc. Already in the first third of the Logic, we find a compelling response to a famous Kantian counter-argument to the ontological proof. The counter-argument is summed up in the phrase ‘existence [Sein] is not a real predicate’. Hence, Hegel's response as I interpret it will take the form of a competing analysis of Being, a Lehre vom Sein (Doctrine of Being). What do we learn when we put the ontology back into Hegel's ontological argument? That Being is neither predicate, nor subject, nor copula, but a monist (or ‘infinite’) category. The larger importance of this exercise to our understanding of Hegel's thought lies in the way it clarifies his profound debt to even non-idealist conceptions of God, such as the one espoused by Spinoza.
The effects of diethylcarbamazine on the ultrastructure of microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti
Authors: FLORÊNCIO M. S. , PEIXOTO C. A.
Published: June 2022

An ultrastructural study of microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti was performed after in vitro treatment with diethylcarbamazine. One of the first morphological alterations produced by treatment with 5, 10 or 50 μg/ml of DEC was the loss of microfilarial sheaths. Drastic effects of DEC were only detected when microfilariae were exsheathed. Microfilariae treated with 5, 10 or 50 μg/ml DEC showed severely affected organelles, formation of several vacuoles mainly in the hypodermis, and cytolysis. Some microfilariae showed extreme cellular disorganization with abundance of electron-dense degenerating organelles, numerous large vacuoles, and nuclear condensation. Lamellar bodies probably related to an assembly of endoplasmic reticulum membranes were observed in some damaged microfilariae. Thus, in vitro treatment with concentrations of DEC similar to therapeutic conditions had direct effect by causing a loss of the microfilarial sheath of W. bancrofti with subsequent damage of organelles and apoptosis.
Interventions for mental health, cognition, and psychological wellbeing in long COVID: a systematic review of registered trials
Authors: Hawke Lisa D. , Nguyen Anh T. P. , Ski Chantal F. , Thompson David R. , Ma Clement , Castle David
Published: June 2022

Background

Among patients diagnosed with COVID-19, a substantial proportion are experiencing ongoing symptoms for months after infection, known as ‘long COVID’. Long COVID is associated with a wide range of physical and neuropsychological symptoms, including impacts on mental health, cognition, and psychological wellbeing. However, intervention research is only beginning to emerge. This systematic review synthesizes currently registered trials examining interventions for mental health, cognition, and psychological wellbeing in patients with long COVID.

Methods

Standard systematic review guidelines were followed. Trials registered in two large trial registries in 2020 to May 2022 were reviewed. Included studies were narratively synthesized by type of intervention and a risk-of-bias assessment was conducted.

Results

Forty-two registered trials were included, with a total target sample size of 5814 participants. These include 11 psychological interventions, five pharmacological and other medical interventions, and five evaluating herbal, nutritional, or natural supplement interventions. An additional nine trials are examining cognitive and neurorehabilitation interventions and 12 are examining physiotherapy or physical rehabilitation. Most trials are randomized, but many are feasibility trials; trials are evaluating a wide spectrum of outcomes.

Conclusions

While there is a newly emerging body of research testing interventions for mental health, cognition, and psychological wellbeing in long COVID, the breadth and scope of the research remains limited. It is urgently incumbent on researchers to expand upon the intervention research currently under way, in order to generate high-quality evidence on a wide range of candidate interventions for diverse long COVID patient populations.
Determining human upper limb postures with a developed inverse kinematic method
Authors: Chen Jiahuan , Li Xinming
Published: June 2022

Body posture determination methods have many applications, including product design, ergonomic workplace design, human body simulation, virtual reality, and animation industry. Initiated in robotics, inverse kinematic (IK) method has been widely applied to proactive human body posture estimation. The analytic inverse kinematic (AIK) method is a convenient and time-saving type of IK methods. It is also indicated that, based on AIK methods, a specific body posture can be determined by the optimization of an arbitrary objective function. The objective of this paper is to predict the postures of human arms during reaching tasks. In this research, a human body model is established in MATLAB, where the middle rotation axis analytic kinematic method is accomplished, based on this model. The joint displacement function and joint discomfort function are selected to be initially applied in this AIK method. Results show that neither the joint displacement function nor the joint discomfort function predicts postures that are close enough to natural upper limb postures of human being, during reaching tasks. Therefore, a bi-criterion objective function is proposed by integrating the joint displacement function and joint discomfort function. The accuracy of the arm postures, predicted by the proposed objective function, is the most satisfactory, while the optimal value of the coefficient, in the proposed objective function, is determined by golden section search.
Psychometric Properties of Disaster Preparedness Tools in Nurses: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Kalanlar Bilge
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

There is no widely-recommended standardized and valid measurement tool for evaluating the disaster preparedness of nurses. This study aims to assess the psychometric properties of scales developed or adapted to evaluate the sudden-impact natural disaster preparedness of nurses.

Methods:

This study is a systematic literature review for the psychometric properties of disaster preparedness tools. Studies published from 2010 through June 2021 were identified from a systematic search of five databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and ProQuest. The Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist was used for the systematic review and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline for reporting. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) report on the Development of a Disaster Preparedness Tool Kit for Nursing and Midwifery was used to evaluate scale contents.

Results:

Six articles were identified that met the inclusion criteria. The scales generally had a multi-dimensional structure and used Likert scoring with internal consistency coefficients ranging from 0.785 to 0.97. All scales were rated sufficient in content validity, structural validity, and cross-cultural validity. One scale was rated sufficient in criterion validity while the others were rated indeterminate. One scale was rated insufficient in reliability and internal consistency while the others were rated sufficient.

Conclusion:

The findings suggest improving the psychometric properties of scales of nurses’ disaster preparedness according to COSMIN, expanding their content scope, and developing new scales. The study will provide beneficial data to users and researchers regarding the need for a comprehensive assessment tool in determining the disaster preparedness of nurses.
The fragility of trust between patients and oncologists: A multiple case study
Authors: Fracheboud Thomas , Stiefel Friedrich , Bourquin Céline
Published: June 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to explore in a naturalistic, real-life setting the dynamics of trust in oncological consultations.

Methods

Cases to study were purposively selected from a data set of audio-recorded and transcribed consultations between oncology physicians and patients with advanced cancer, and analyzed qualitatively. The analytical approach was deductive, relying on a thematic framework of dimensions of trust, and inductive, not restricted by this framework.

Results

The multiple case study approach allowed to identify factors, which play a role in the dynamics of trust. These factors are the number of treating physicians and how they communicate, continuity of care and the capital of trust, the hierarchical position of the physician and the physician's self-trust, and the patient's personality.

Significance of results

The findings illustrate the importance to contextualize trust in the flow of oncological consultations and to conceive it comprehensively for each singular encounter between patients and clinicians.
Merk- und Lernfähigkeit im Kindesalter
Authors: Lepach-Engelhardt Anja C.
Published: June 2022

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Der Begriff Merk- und Lernfähigkeit bezieht sich hier insbesondere auf Gedächtnisleistungen als zentrale kognitive Basisfunktionen der Entwicklung. Störungen dieser Gedächtnisleistungen finden ihren Ausdruck in vielfältigen Lern- und Entwicklungsauffälligkeiten und werden nicht immer korrekt identifiziert. Nach einem Überblick zu den Grundlagen von Gedächtnis und Arbeitsgedächtnis, werden zentrale Aspekte der Diagnostik und Behandlung mit Fokus auf Gedächtnisstrategien betrachtet. Methoden: Es handelt sich um eine selektive Literaturübersicht. Die Übersicht soll etablierte praktische Vorgehensweisen um Erkenntnisse und Trends des aktuellen internationalen Forschungsfelds erweitern und Effekte von Trainings diskutieren. Dafür wurden zunächst 66 peer-review Publikation im Zeitraum 2013–2021 auf Eignung geprüft und anschließend 31 Studien Kategorien zugeordnet. Diskussion: Von den 31 inkludierten Studien bezogen sich 16 auf Effekte von Strategien und Trainings. Mit 13 Studien zeigte sich ein deutlicher Forschungstrend zu Gunsten von Studien, die das Arbeitsgedächtnis fokussieren. Der Studienlage folgend, wurden insbesondere die Effekte von Arbeitsgedächtnistrainings und Strategien betrachtet. Während Arbeitsgedächtnistrainings überwiegend nahe Transfereffekte aufzeigen, ergeben sich Hinweise auf den Nutzen einer Kombination mit Gedächtnisstrategien und metakognitiven Strategien. Auch der Elternberatung kann eine besondere Relevanz zugesprochen werden.
Geodynamic and Isotopic Constraints on the Genesis of Kimberlites, Lamproites and Related Magmas From the Finnish Segment of the Karelian Craton
Authors: Dalton Hayden , Giuliani Andrea , Hergt Janet , Phillips David , O’Brien Hugh , Ballmer Maxim D. , Maas Roland , Woodhead Jon
Published: June 2022

Despite the scientific and economic significance of kimberlites and related magmas, their origin is unclear. Here, we address this issue using whole‐rock and perovskite‐derived Sr‐Nd‐Hf isotopes for the three occurrences of kimberlite, lamproites and ultramafic lamprophyres (UMLs) in Finland. Mesoproterozoic olivine lamproites at Lentiira‐Kuhmo and UMLs at Kuusamo have different isotopic signatures yet were emplaced contemporaneously at 1,200 Ma in response to an extensional regime linked to the Baltica‐Laurentia breakup. The low εNd(i) and εHf(i) values of the olivine lamproites are consistent with an enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) source while UML compositions are intermediate between those of typical kimberlites and lamproites and are interpreted to reflect mixing of asthenospheric melts and ∼10%–15% of melts sourced from metasomatized SCLM. The ∼750 Ma Kuusamo kimberlites, are probably linked to the mantle plume activity that initiated Rodinia's break‐up, exhibiting homogenous isotopic compositions which mirror the prominent Geodynamic and Source Constraints for ∼1,200 Ma Olivine Lamproite and Ultramafic Lamprophyre Magmatism in Eastern Finland (PREMA)‐like signature of kimberlites globally. By contrast, ∼620–585 Ma Kaavi‐Kuopio kimberlites show limited range in εNd(i) and 87Sr/86Sr(i) but have remarkably heterogeneous εHf(i) (+6.5 to −6.3) with a temporal trend toward lower εHf(i) values. While the Kuusamo kimberlites erupted during the early stage of continental break‐up, the Kaavi‐Kuopio kimberlites were emplaced when Rodinia break‐up was completed, coeval with formation of the Central Iapetus large igneous province. Magmas forming the Kaavi‐Kupio kimberlites may have formed from an upwelling mantle source similar to PREMA modified by increasing incorporation (up to 10%) of recycled crustal material through time accounting for the trend toward lower εHf(i) in these kimberlites.
Implications of 3D Forest Stand Reconstruction Methods for Radiative Transfer Modeling: A Case Study in the Temperate Deciduous Forest
Authors: Liu C. , Calders K. , Meunier F. , Gastellu‐Etchegorry J. P. , Nightingale J. , Disney M. , Origo N. , Woodgate W. , Verbeeck H.
Published: June 2022

This study investigated the implications of different assumptions of 3D forest stand reconstructions for the accuracy and efficiency of radiative transfer (RT) modeling based on two highly detailed 3D stand representations: 3D‐explicit and voxel‐based. The discrete anisotropic radiative transfer (DART) model was used for RT simulations. The 3D‐explicit and voxel‐based 3D forest scenes were used as structural inputs for the DART model, respectively. Using the 3D‐explicit RT simulation as the benchmark, the accuracy and efficiency of the voxel‐based RT simulation were evaluated under multiple simulation conditions. The results showed that for voxel‐based RT simulations: with voxel sizes 0.1, 1, and 10 m and in blue, green, red, and near‐infrared wavebands, the normalized deviations of simulated directional reflectance exceeded the 5% tolerance limit in 89% viewing directions; with voxel sizes 0.2, 1, and 10 m, the normalized deviations of simulated spectral albedo exceeded the 5% tolerance limit in 90.5% wavelengths; for simulated spectral albedo in blue, green, red, and near‐infrared wavebands and fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation, the normalized deviations exceeded the 5% tolerance limit in 65.3% voxel sizes and spatial resolutions. The two major causes for differences in the 3D‐explicit versus voxel‐based RT simulations were: (a) the difference between light interaction in spatially explicit objects and in turbid medium, and (b) the structural difference of 3D contours between voxel‐based and 3D‐explicit models. However, voxel‐based RT simulations were substantially more computationally efficient than 3D‐explicit RT simulations in large voxel sizes (≥1 m) and coarse spatial resolutions (≥1 m).
Representing Irrigation Processes in the Land Surface‐Hydrological Model and a Case Study in the Yangtze River Basin, China
Authors: Xia Qian , Liu Pan , Fan Yangzhen , Cheng Lei , An Rihui , Xie Kang , Zhou Liting
Published: June 2022

Irrigation is the dominant section of human water use, exerting essential impacts on hydrological processes and water resources. To more realistically simulate irrigation processes in water‐rich regions, an irrigation scheme is incorporated into a land surface‐hydrological model. It calculates the irrigation water requirement according to meteorological conditions, cropping area and growing stage, and root‐zone soil moisture, and determines the irrigation water withdrawal based on the available water resources as well as describing water extraction and irrigation processes in the model. The coupled model is applied to the Yangtze River Basin (YRB) in China, and verified using the observed daily river discharge from 1987 to 1990, evapotranspiration and irrigation amounts from 1999 to 2003. The results first show that the model can well reproduce hydrological processes within the basin, and the simulated irrigation largely agrees with the observation, in terms of annual irrigation and its spatial pattern. Second, inclusion of irrigation processes allows the model to better estimate evapotranspiration, with relative biases decreased from about −10% to −3%. It is also found that in comparison to arid/semi‐arid areas, although presenting a less effect on river discharge and groundwater, the irrigation in the YRB significantly alters hydrological processes through water redistribution. The irrigation‐induced evapotranspiration increment and runoff decrease indicate a shift in the surface water and energy balance, implying a potential effect on the atmosphere. Therefore, representing irrigation processes properly is important, particularly for understanding the coupling effect of the nature‐human system and improving the hydrological prediction accuracy.
Multi‐Manifold Based Sparse Representation With Application to SAR Target Configuration Recognition
Authors: Liu M. , Chen S.
Published: June 2022

A multi‐manifold based sparse representation (MMSR) algorithm which can preserve the local structure of the datasets in the reconstruction space with multiple descriptions is proposed for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) target configuration recognition. Different from the traditional manifold learning‐based algorithms that preserve the local structure of the datasets in the low‐dimensional space, the proposed MMSR guarantees local structure preserving of the datasets after feature extraction and sparse representation. The proposed MMSR can avoid corrupted relationships of the samples to ease the obstacle of target aspect angle sensitivity, which can realize more accurate SAR target configuration recognition. Satisfying results are obtained on the moving and stationary target acquisition and recognition database.
Therapeutic use of α2-antiplasmin as an antifibrinolytic and hemostatic agent in surgery and regenerative medicine
Authors: Liu Jialu , Solanki Ani , White Michael J. V. , Hubbell Jeffrey A. , Briquez Priscilla S.
Published: June 2022

The biomaterial fibrin is widely used as a clinical tissue sealant in surgery. In preclinical research, fibrin is also extensively studied as a carrier material for growth factor delivery. In these applications, premature fibrin degradation leads to recurrent bleeding, tissue dehiscence and limited regenerative efficacy. Therefore, fibrinolysis inhibitors have been added to clinical fibrin formulations, for example the bovine-derived serine protease inhibitor aprotinin. Aprotinin is additionally used as a hemostatic agent to prevent excessive bleeding during surgery, in this case protecting endogenous fibrin clots. Nevertheless, aprotinin use has been associated with serious safety issues. Here, we explore the use the human physiological fibrinolysis inhibitor α2-antiplasmin (α2PI) as a substitute for aprotinin. We evaluate the efficacy of α2PI in the three main applications of aprotinin. We first showed that recombinant α2PI can successfully prolong the durability of fibrin biomaterials as compared to aprotinin in a model of subcutaneous implantation in mice mimicking application as a tissue sealant. We then used α2PI to enhance the delivery of engineered vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB in fibrin in promoting diabetic wound healing, which lead to improved wound closure, granulation tissue formation and angiogenesis. Lastly, we demonstrated that α2PI can be as effective as aprotinin as an intravenous hemostatic agent to prevent blood loss, using a tail-vein bleeding model in mice. Therefore, we believe that engineering fibrin biomaterials or endogenous fibrin with α2PI can have a strong impact in surgery and regenerative medicine by providing a competitive substitute to aprotinin that is of human origin.
Surface-to-space atmospheric waves from Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption
Authors: Wright Corwin J. , Hindley Neil P. , Alexander M. Joan , Barlow Mathew , Hoffmann Lars , Mitchell Cathryn N. , Prata Fred , Bouillon Marie , Carstens Justin , Clerbaux Cathy , Osprey Scott M. , Powell Nick , Randall Cora E. , Yue Jia
Published: June 2022

The January 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption was one of the most explosive volcanic events of the modern era1,2, producing a vertical plume that peaked more than 50 km above the Earth3. The initial explosion and subsequent plume triggered atmospheric waves that propagated around the world multiple times4. A global-scale wave response of this magnitude from a single source has not previously been observed. Here we show the details of this response, using a comprehensive set of satellite and ground-based observations to quantify it from surface to ionosphere. A broad spectrum of waves was triggered by the initial explosion, including Lamb waves5,6 propagating at phase speeds of 318.2 ± 6 m s−1 at surface level and between 308 ± 5 to 319 ± 4 m s−1 in the stratosphere, and gravity waves7 propagating at 238 ± 3 to 269 ± 3 m s−1 in the stratosphere. Gravity waves at sub-ionospheric heights have not previously been observed propagating at this speed or over the whole Earth from a single source8,9. Latent heat release from the plume remained the most significant individual gravity wave source worldwide for more than 12 h, producing circular wavefronts visible across the Pacific basin in satellite observations. A single source dominating such a large region is also unique in the observational record. The Hunga Tonga eruption represents a key natural experiment in how the atmosphere responds to a sudden point-source-driven state change, which will be of use for improving weather and climate models.
Mechanisms of membrane protein crystallization in ‘bicelles’
Authors: Murugova Tatiana N. , Ivankov Oleksandr I. , Ryzhykau Yury L. , Soloviov Dmytro V. , Kovalev Kirill V. , Skachkova Daria V. , Round Adam , Baeken Christian , Ishchenko Andrii V. , Volkov Oleksandr A. , Rogachev Andrey V. , Vlasov Alexey V. , Kuklin Alexander I. , Gordeliy Valentin I.
Published: June 2022

Despite remarkable progress, mainly due to the development of LCP and ‘bicelle’ crystallization, lack of structural information remains a bottleneck in membrane protein (MP) research. A major reason is the absence of complete understanding of the mechanism of crystallization. Here we present small-angle scattering studies of the evolution of the “bicelle” crystallization matrix in the course of MP crystal growth. Initially, the matrix corresponds to liquid-like bicelle state. However, after adding the precipitant, the crystallization matrix transforms to jelly-like state. The data suggest that this final phase is composed of interconnected ribbon-like bilayers, where crystals grow. A small amount of multilamellar phase appears, and its volume increases concomitantly with the volume of growing crystals. We suggest that the lamellar phase surrounds the crystals and is critical for crystal growth, which is also common for LCP crystallization. The study discloses mechanisms of “bicelle” MP crystallization and will support rational design of crystallization.
Preparation and characterization analysis of biofuel derived through seed extracts of Ricinus communis (castor oil plant)
Authors: Abel Saka , Jule Leta Tesfaye , Gudata Lamessa , Nagaraj Nagaprasad , Shanmugam R. , Dwarampudi L. Priyanka , Stalin B. , Ramaswamy Krishnaraj
Published: June 2022

The current study assesses the prospect of using R. Communis seed oil as a substitute fuel for diesel engines. Biodiesel is prepared from the R. Communis plant seed oil by a single-step base catalytic transesterification procedure. The investigation deals with the Physico-chemical characteristics of R. Communis biodiesel and has been associated with the base diesel. It has been perceived that the characteristics of biodiesel are well-matched with the base diesel under the ASTM D6751 limits correspondingly. R. Communis biodiesel is blended in different proportions with base diesel such as D10, D20, D30, D40, D50 and D100 and is tested in a Kirloskar TV1 single-cylinder, 4 blows DI engine under altered loading conditions. Outcomes demonstrate that BTE and BSFC for D10 as well as D20 are similar to base diesel. BSFC indicates that the precise BSFC of base diesel, D10, D20, D30, D40 and D50 was 0.87, 1.70, 2.60, 3.0, 3.4, and 3.5 kg/kW-hr, respectively. The extreme BTE at full load condition for base diesel, D10, D20, D30, D40, D50 and D100 are 28.2%, 28.1%, 27.9%, 25.5%, 24.1%, and 23.6% , respectively. In the case of engine emissions, R. Communis biodiesel blends provided an average decrease in hydrocarbon (HC), Carbon-monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) associated with base diesel. Nevertheless, R. Communis biodiesel blends discharged high stages of nitrogen oxide (NOx) compares to base diesel. Base diesel, D10, D20, D30, D40, D50, and D100 had UBHC emissions of 45 ppm, 40 ppm, 44 ppm, 46 ppm, 41 ppm, and 43 ppm, respectively. The reduction in CO emissions for D10, D20, D30, D40, D50 and D100 are 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.17%, 0.18% and 0.21% respectively. The dissimilarity in NOx attentiveness within brake powers for D10, D20, D30, D40, and D50 and base diesel are 50-ppm, 100 ppm, 150 ppm, 250 ppm, 350 ppm, and 500 ppm, respectively. The dissimilarity of CO2 emanation with reverence to break powers for the base-diesel, D10, D20, D30, D40, D50, and D100 are 4.8%, 4.9%, 4.8%, 4.56%, 4.9% and 5.1%, respectively. The present research provides a way for renewable petrol blends to substitute diesel for powering diesel engines in that way dropping the reliance on fossil fuels.
Dynamic ensemble prediction of cognitive performance in spaceflight
Authors: Tu Danni , Basner Mathias , Smith Michael G. , Williams E. Spencer , Ryder Valerie E. , Romoser Amelia A. , Ecker Adrian , Aeschbach Daniel , Stahn Alexander C. , Jones Christopher W. , Howard Kia , Kaizi-Lutu Marc , Dinges David F. , Shou Haochang
Published: June 2022

During spaceflight, astronauts face a unique set of stressors, including microgravity, isolation, and confinement, as well as environmental and operational hazards. These factors can negatively impact sleep, alertness, and neurobehavioral performance, all of which are critical to mission success. In this paper, we predict neurobehavioral performance over the course of a 6-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), using ISS environmental data as well as self-reported and cognitive data collected longitudinally from 24 astronauts. Neurobehavioral performance was repeatedly assessed via a 3-min Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT-B) that is highly sensitive to the effects of sleep deprivation. To relate PVT-B performance to time-varying and discordantly-measured environmental, operational, and psychological covariates, we propose an ensemble prediction model comprising of linear mixed effects, random forest, and functional concurrent models. An extensive cross-validation procedure reveals that this ensemble outperforms any one of its components alone. We also identify the most important predictors of PVT-B performance, which include an individual's previous PVT-B performance, reported fatigue and stress, and temperature and radiation dose. This method is broadly applicable to settings where the main goal is accurate, individualized prediction of human behavior involving a mixture of person-level traits and irregularly measured time series.
Elevated temperature and carbon dioxide levels alter growth rates and shell composition in the fluted giant clam, Tridacna squamosa
Authors: Armstrong Eric J. , Watson Sue-Ann , Stillman Jonathon H. , Calosi Piero
Published: June 2022

Giant clams produce massive calcified shells with important biological (e.g., defensive) and ecological (e.g., habitat-forming) properties. Whereas elevated seawater temperature is known to alter giant clam shell structure, no study has examined the effects of a simultaneous increase in seawater temperature and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) on shell mineralogical composition in these species. We investigated the effects of 60-days exposure to end-of-the-century projections for seawater temperature (+ 3 °C) and pCO2 (+ 500 µatm) on growth, mineralogy, and organic content of shells and scutes in juvenile Tridacna squamosa giant clams. Elevated temperature had no effect on growth rates or organic content, but did increase shell [24Mg]/[40Ca] as well as [40Ca] in newly-formed scutes. Elevated pCO2 increased shell growth and whole animal mass gain. In addition, we report the first evidence of an effect of elevated pCO2 on element/Ca ratios in giant clam shells, with significantly increased [137Ba]/[40Ca] in newly-formed shells. Simultaneous exposure to both drivers greatly increased inter-individual variation in mineral concentrations and resulted in reduced shell N-content which may signal the onset of physiological stress. Overall, our results indicate a greater influence of pCO2 on shell mineralogy in giant clams than previously recognized.
Occlusion of dopamine-dependent synaptic plasticity in the prefrontal cortex mediates the expression of depressive-like behavior and is modulated by ketamine
Authors: Lamanna Jacopo , Isotti Francesco , Ferro Mattia , Spadini Sara , Racchetti Gabriella , Musazzi Laura , Malgaroli Antonio
Published: June 2022

Unpredictable chronic mild stress (CMS) is among the most popular protocols used to induce depressive-like behaviors such as anhedonia in rats. Differences in CMS protocols often result in variable degree of vulnerability, and the mechanisms behind stress resilience are of great interest in neuroscience due to their involvement in the development of psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder. Expression of depressive-like behaviors is likely driven by long-term alterations in the corticolimbic system and by downregulation of dopamine (DA) signaling. Although we have a deep knowledge about the dynamics of tonic and phasic DA release in encoding incentive salience and in response to acute/chronic stress, its modulatory action on cortical synaptic plasticity and the following implications on animal behavior remain elusive. Here, we show that the expression of DA-dependent synaptic plasticity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is occluded in rats vulnerable to CMS, likely reflecting differential expression of AMPA receptors. Interestingly, such difference is not observed when rats are acutely treated with sub-anesthetic ketamine, possibly through the recruitment of dopaminergic nuclei such as the ventral tegmental area. In addition, by applying the synaptic activity sensor SynaptoZip in vivo, we found that chronic stress unbalances the synaptic drive from the infralimbic and prelimbic subregions of the mPFC toward the basolateral amygdala, and that this effect is counteracted by ketamine. Our results provide novel insights into the neurophysiological mechanisms behind the expression of vulnerability to stress, as well as behind the antidepressant action of ketamine.
Evaluation of Neoproterozoic source rock potential in SE Pakistan and adjacent Bikaner–Nagaur Basin India
Authors: Yasin Qamar , Baklouti Syrine , Sohail Ghulam Mohyuddin , Asif Muhammad , Xufei Gong
Published: June 2022

Discoveries of heavy crude oil in the Neoproterozoic rocks (Infracambrian rock sequence) from the Bikaner-Nagaur Basin of India emphasize the significance of studying and exploring the Neoproterozoic source rock potential in the southeastern part of Pakistan. This study evaluates the potential of the source rock in the Infracambrian rock sequence (Salt Range Formation) based on surface geochemical surveys, Rock–Eval pyrolysis, source biomarkers, geophysical characterization, and seismic inversion using machine learning for maturity index estimation. Core samples of Infracambrian rock were extracted for Rock–Eval pyrolysis and biomarker characterization. Additionally, 81 geomicrobial soil and gas samples were collected from the surface to explore the petroleum system and potential source rocks in the subsurface. Advanced interpretation techniques were used to investigate the origin and concentration of hydrocarbon gases at the surface, including Rock–Eval pyrolysis, thermal maturity, source biomarkers, and the environment of deposition of organic matter. The results show that the investigated samples are characterized by restricted marine clay devoid of sedimentary carbonate facies with thermal maturity in the early stage of the oil generation window. The seismic inverted maturity index profile demonstrates a reasonable correlation of thermal maturity with the biomarkers and Rock–Eval pyrolysis. Further scrutiny of the surface geochemical samples confirms the presence of higher concentrations of thermogenic C2–C4 hydrocarbons in the vicinity of anticlinal structures, suggesting the existence of an effective migration path along deep-seated faults to the surface. This study concludes that the Infracambrian rocks on the eastern flank of Pakistan are thicker, thermally mature, and have deep-seated structural closures, indicating a greater probability of heavy and light oil in this area than in the Bikaner–Nagaur Basin, India.
The influence of CeF3 on radiation hardness and luminescence properties of Gd2O3–B2O3 glass scintillator
Authors: Kaewnuam E. , Wantana N. , Ruangtaweep Y. , Cadatal-Raduban M. , Yamanoi K. , Kim H. J. , Kidkhunthod P. , Kaewkhao J.
Published: June 2022

The effect of CeF3 concentration and γ-irradiation on the physical, optical and luminescence properties of Gd2O3–B2O3–CeF3 glasses were studied in this work. Before irradiation, the addition of CeF3 in glass degraded the network connectivity observed from FTIR and possibly created the non-bridging oxygen (NBO) in glass structure. This NBO caused the reduction of Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio in XANES, the red-shift in transmission spectra and the raise of refractive index with addition of CeF3 content. Such red-shift also was influenced by 4f–5d transition of Ce3+ dopant. This ion generated the strongest photoluminescence (PL) and radioluminescence (RL) in 0.3 mol% CeF3-doped glass with nanoseconds decay time. The irradiation with γ-rays damaged the glass structure, broke the chemical bonds, and created color center in the glass network. The non-bridging oxygen hole center (NBOHC), that absorbed photons in the visible light region, caused the darkening, color change and increment of refractive index. These irradiation effects on glass were mitigated by the addition of CeF3 that the electron donation of Ce3+ decreased the number of NBOHC. The Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio in most glasses after irradiation then reduced compared to them before irradiation, resulting to the decrease in PL and RL intensity. Our results confirm that CeF3 can enhance the radiation hardness of glass and the 0.3 mol% CeF3-doped glass is a promising glass scintillator.
Genetic diversity of Prosopis juliflora in the state of Qatar and its valuable use against postharvest pathogen of mango fruits
Authors: Saleh Iman , Ahmed Talaat , Halboosi Ream , Abu-Dieyeh Mohammed
Published: June 2022

Mango (Mangifera indica) is the second most internationally traded tropical fruit in the world. The fruit has high nutritional value. Its susceptibility to postharvest diseases and chill injuries increases its storage cost and put stress on exploring natural products that can increase its shelf-life. Our team has previously described Prosopis juliflora water-soluble leaf ethanolic (PJ-WS-LE) extract with fungicidal effectiveness against spoiling fungi. The present study explores P. juliflora genetic diversity in the state of Qatar and the antifungal effectiveness of the leaf extract of plants collected from different locations. The study also evaluates PJ-WS-LE extract efficacy against Alternaria. alternata and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides inoculated in mango samples and the power of the extract as coating material. P. juliflora samples collected from six different locations showed genetic and antimicrobial effectiveness similarities. They showed also similarity to the sequence representing P. juliflora 18S ribosomal RNA partial sequence, accession number JX139107.1 originated from India. PJ-WS-LE extract (8 mg/ml) has 80% efficacy in controlling A. alternata in mango and it lowers C. gloeosporioides disease severity by 53.4%. PJ-WS-LE extract (8 mg/ml) embedded in 1% chitosan maintained mango quality for 5 weeks. In vivo results of PJ-WS-LE extract highlights the potentials of the extract as chemical fungicides replacement.
Simulation-based evaluation of two insect trapping grids for delimitation surveys
Authors: Fang Hui , Caton Barney P. , Manoukis Nicholas C. , Pallipparambil Godshen R.
Published: June 2022

In the United States of America, delimitation trapping surveys with square grids have been used for decades for exotic insects without rigorous evaluation. We used simulations to investigate the effectiveness of two representative designs: an 8-km grid for Acrolepiopsis assectella (leek moth) and a 14.5-km grid for Ceratitis capitata (Mediterranean fruit fly, “Medfly”). We investigated grid compositions and design factors, measuring performance as the mean probability of pest capture over all traps, p(capture), and designed improved grids for both species. For the standard designs, p(capture) was 0.86 for leek moth and 0.71 for Medfly, with the latter performing better due to greater lure and trap attractiveness. For both designs, 86 percent or more of mean p(capture) came from core area captures. Egress testing indicated that both grids were oversized. An improved grid for leek moths would use 177 traps in a 4.8-km diameter circle, which had mean p(capture) = 0.73 and reduced the cost by 80 percent. The best Medfly grid was a 4.8-km diameter circle with 232 traps, which gave mean p(capture) of 0.66 and reduced the cost by 86 percent. Simulation may be used to improve trapping survey plans, often saving significantly on costs while maintaining survey performance.
Milk microbiomes of three great ape species vary among host species and over time
Authors: Bornbusch Sally L. , Keady Mia M. , Power Michael L. , Muletz-Wolz Carly R.
Published: June 2022

In mammalian neonates, milk consumption provides nutrients, growth factors, immune molecules, and microbes. Milk microbiomes are increasingly recognized for their roles in seeding infant gut microbiomes and priming immune development. However, milk microbiome variation within and among individuals remains under investigation. We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate factors shaping milk microbiomes in three captive great ape species:Gorilla gorilla gorilla(individuals, N = 4; samples, n = 29),Pongo abelii(N = 2; n = 16), andPongo pygmaeus(N = 1; n = 9). We demonstrate variation among host species, over lactation, and between housing facilities. In phylogenetic community composition, milk microbiomes were distinct among the three ape species. We found only a few shared, abundant bacterial taxa and suggest that they likely serve functional roles. The diversity and community composition of milk microbiomes showed gradual changes over time in gorillas and the Bornean orangutan, which was detectable with our comprehensive sampling over lactation stages (> 300-day span). In gorillas, milk microbiomes differed between housing facilities, but were similar between dams within a facility. These results support the strong influence of evolutionary history in shaping milk microbiomes, but also indicate that more proximate cues from mother, offspring, and the environment affect the distribution of rarer microbial taxa.
A Nurr1 ligand C-DIM12 attenuates brain inflammation and improves functional recovery after intracerebral hemorrhage in mice
Authors: Kinoshita Keita , Yoshimizu Ayaka , Ichihara Yusei , Ushida Keisuke , Kotani Shunsuke , Kurauchi Yuki , Seki Takahiro , Katsuki Hiroshi
Published: June 2022

We have previously reported that amodiaquine, a compound that binds to the ligand-binding domain of a nuclear receptor Nurr1, attenuates inflammatory responses and neurological deficits after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in mice. 1,1-Bis(3′-indolyl)-1-(p-chlorophenyl)methane (C-DIM12) is another Nurr1 ligand that recognizes a domain of Nurr1 different from the ligand-binding domain. In the present study, mice were treated daily with C-DIM12 (50 or 100 mg/kg, p.o.) or amodiaquine (40 mg/kg, i.p.), or twice daily with 1400 W (20 mg/kg, i.p.), an inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor, from 3 h after ICH induction by microinjection of collagenase into the striatum. C-DIM12 improved the recovery of neurological function and prevented neuron loss in the hematoma, while suppressed activation of microglia/macrophages and expression of inflammatory mediators interleukin-6 and CC chemokine ligand 2. In addition, C-DIM12 as well as amodiaquine preserved axonal structures in the internal capsule and axonal transport function. We also found that C-DIM12 and amodiaquine suppressed the increases of iNOS mRNA expression after ICH. Moreover, 1400 W improved neurological function and prevented neuron loss, activation of microglia/macrophages and axonal transport dysfunction. These results suggest that suppression of iNOS induction contributes to several features of the therapeutic effects of Nurr1 ligands.
Prospective bidirectional associations between depression and chronic kidney diseases
Authors: Zheng Xiaowei , Wu Wenyan , Shen Suwen
Published: June 2022

Previous studies had reported the mutual relation between depression and chronic kidney diseases (CKD). This study aimed to investigate potential bidirectional relationships between depression and CKD. Participants more than 45 years from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were included in present study. In study I, we tended to assess the association between baseline depression with the risk of subsequent CKD. In study II, we aimed to examine whether the onset of CKD could predict the development of depression. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) in study I and study II, respectively. In study I, 301 (6.16%) respondents experienced CKD in participants without depression, and 233 (8.48%) respondents experienced CKD in participants with depression. Participants with depression had higher risk of developing CKD with the corresponding ORs (95% CIs) was 1.38(1.08–1.76). In study II, 1333 (22.29%) subjects in the non-CKD group and 97 (27.17%) in CKD group developed depressive symptoms. Individuals with CKD had higher risk of developing depression than those without CKD, with the multivariate ORs (95% CIs) was 1.48(1.23–1.78). Significant bidirectional relationships remained in both sensitivity and subgroup analyses. Findings demonstrate bidirectional relationships between depression and CKD. Individuals with depression were associated with increasing risk of CKD; in addition, CKD patients had higher risk of developing depression.
Decision-making of citizen scientists when recording species observations
Authors: Bowler Diana E. , Bhandari Netra , Repke Lydia , Beuthner Christoph , Callaghan Corey T. , Eichenberg David , Henle Klaus , Klenke Reinhard , Richter Anett , Jansen Florian , Bruelheide Helge , Bonn Aletta
Published: June 2022

Citizen scientists play an increasingly important role in biodiversity monitoring. Most of the data, however, are unstructured—collected by diverse methods that are not documented with the data. Insufficient understanding of the data collection processes presents a major barrier to the use of citizen science data in biodiversity research. We developed a questionnaire to ask citizen scientists about their decision-making before, during and after collecting and reporting species observations, using Germany as a case study. We quantified the greatest sources of variability among respondents and assessed whether motivations and experience related to any aspect of data collection. Our questionnaire was answered by almost 900 people, with varying taxonomic foci and expertise. Respondents were most often motivated by improving species knowledge and supporting conservation, but there were no linkages between motivations and data collection methods. By contrast, variables related to experience and knowledge, such as membership of a natural history society, were linked with a greater propensity to conduct planned searches, during which typically all species were reported. Our findings have implications for how citizen science data are analysed in statistical models; highlight the importance of natural history societies and provide pointers to where citizen science projects might be further developed.
Identification of ultra-rare genetic variants in pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) by exome and whole genome sequencing
Authors: Trifiletti Rosario , Lachman Herbert M. , Manusama Olivia , Zheng Deyou , Spalice Alberto , Chiurazzi Pietro , Schornagel Allan , Serban Andreea M. , van Wijck Rogier , Cunningham Janet L. , Swagemakers Sigrid , van der Spek Peter J.
Published: June 2022

Abrupt onset of severe neuropsychiatric symptoms including obsessive–compulsive disorder, tics, anxiety, mood swings, irritability, and restricted eating is described in children with Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). Symptom onset is often temporally associated with infections, suggesting an underlying autoimmune/autoinflammatory etiology, although direct evidence is often lacking. The pathological mechanisms are likely heterogeneous, but we hypothesize convergence on one or more biological pathways. Consequently, we conducted whole exome sequencing (WES) on a U.S. cohort of 386 cases, and whole genome sequencing (WGS) on ten cases from the European Union who were selected because of severe PANS. We focused on identifying potentially deleterious genetic variants that were de novo or ultra-rare (MAF) < 0.001. Candidate mutations were found in 11 genes (PPM1D, SGCE, PLCG2, NLRC4, CACNA1B, SHANK3, CHK2, GRIN2A, RAG1, GABRG2, and SYNGAP1) in 21 cases, which included two or more unrelated subjects with ultra-rare variants in four genes. These genes converge into two broad functional categories. One regulates peripheral immune responses and microglia (PPM1D, CHK2, NLRC4, RAG1, PLCG2). The other is expressed primarily at neuronal synapses (SHANK3, SYNGAP1, GRIN2A, GABRG2, CACNA1B, SGCE). Mutations in these neuronal genes are also described in autism spectrum disorder and myoclonus-dystonia. In fact, 12/21 cases developed PANS superimposed on a preexisting neurodevelopmental disorder. Genes in both categories are also highly expressed in the enteric nervous system and the choroid plexus. Thus, genetic variation in PANS candidate genes may function by disrupting peripheral and central immune functions, neurotransmission, and/or the blood-CSF/brain barriers following stressors such as infection.