bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endangering the integrity of science by misusing unvalidated models and untested assumptions as facts: General considerations and the mineral and phosphorus scarcity fallacy
Authors: Scholz Roland W. , Wellmer Friedrich W.
Published: August 2021

There is increasing demand for science to contribute to solving societal problems (solutionism). Thereby, scientists may become normative activists for solving certain problems (advocacy). When doing this, they may insufficiently differentiate between scientific and political modes of reasoning and validation (de-differentiationism), which is sometimes linked to questionable forms of utilizing the force of facts (German: Faktengewalt). Scientific findings are simplified and communicated in such a way that they acquire a status as unfalsifiable and absolutely true (truth to power). This becomes critical if the consistency and validation of the findings are questionable and scientific models underlying science activists’ actions are doubtful, oversimplified, or incorrect. Herein, we exemplarily elaborate how the integrity of science is endangered by normative solutionist and sociopolitically driven transition management and present mineral scarcity claims that ignore that reserves or resources are dynamic geotechnological-socioeconomic entities. We present the main mineral scarcity models and their fallacious assumptions. We then discuss the phosphorus scarcity fallacy, which is of particular interest as phosphorus is non-substitutable and half of all current food production depends on fertilizers (and thus phosphorus). We show that phosphorus scarcity claims are based on integrating basic geoeconomic knowledge and discuss cognitive and epistemological barriers and motivational and sociopolitical drivers promoting the scarcity fallacy, which affects high-level public media. This may induce unsustainable environmental action. Scientists as honest knowledge brokers should communicate the strengths but also the constraints and limits of scientific modeling and of applying it in reality.
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D might be negatively associated with hyperuricemia in U.S. adults: an analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2014
Authors: Han Y. , Han K. , Zhang Y. , Zeng X.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The results of previous studies on the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and hyperuricemia are controversial. We hypothesized that serum 25(OH)D concentrations of U.S. adults would negatively correlate with the risk of hyperuricemia.

Method

Data came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2014 were used, after excluding those who met at least one of the exclusion criteria, a total of 9096 male individuals and 9500 female individuals aged 18 years or older were included. Binary logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic spline with fully adjusted confounding factors were applied to evaluate the association between serum 25(OH)D and hyperuricemia. We further performed stratified analysis and sensitivity analysis to minimize the influence of gender, metabolic syndrome, obesity and renal dysfunction on the above association.

Results

We found a negative correlation between serum 25(OH)D and hyperuricemia. In the binary logistic regression analysis, compared with the highest serum 25(OH)D quartile [Q4: 25(OH)D > 77.10 nmol/L] group, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) in the lowest quartile [Q1: 25(OH)D ≤ 43.20 nmol/L] was 1.46 (1.22–1.75) in the fully adjusted model. Restricted cubic spline analysis showed L-shaped and non-linear relationships between 25(OH)D and hyperuricemia. In sensitivity analysis, after restricting to participants without significant renal dysfunction and obesity, the above association remained significant. After restricting to participants who were diagnosed as metabolic syndrome, above association remained significant in the fully adjusted model. In stratified analysis by gender, the association remained significant among males and females.

Conclusions

Serum 25(OH)D might be inversely associated with hyperuricemia in general U.S. adults. From our study, for people with unexplained hyperuricemia, screening for serum Vitamin D concentration might be necessary.
Do 3D Face Images Capture Cues of Strength, Weight, and Height Better than 2D Face Images do?
Authors: Holzleitner Iris J , Jones Alex L , O’Shea Kieran J , Cassar Rachel , Fasolt Vanessa , Shiramizu Victor , Jones Benedict C , DeBruine Lisa M
Published: August 2021

Objectives

A large literature exists investigating the extent to which physical characteristics (e.g., strength, weight, and height) can be accurately assessed from face images. While most of these studies have employed two-dimensional (2D) face images as stimuli, some recent studies have used three-dimensional (3D) face images because they may contain cues not visible in 2D face images. As equipment required for 3D face images is considerably more expensive than that required for 2D face images, we here investigated how perceptual ratings of physical characteristics from 2D and 3D face images compare.

Methods

We tested whether 3D face images capture cues of strength, weight, and height better than 2D face images do by directly comparing the accuracy of strength, weight, and height ratings of 182 2D and 3D face images taken simultaneously. Strength, height and weight were rated by 66, 59 and 52 raters respectively, who viewed both 2D and 3D images.

Results

In line with previous studies, we found that weight and height can be judged somewhat accurately from faces; contrary to previous research, we found that people were relatively inaccurate at assessing strength. We found no evidence that physical characteristics could be judged more accurately from 3D than 2D images.

Conclusion

Our results suggest physical characteristics are perceived with similar accuracy from 2D and 3D face images. They also suggest that the substantial costs associated with collecting 3D face scans may not be justified for research on the accuracy of facial judgments of physical characteristics.
The application of deep learning algorithms to classify subsurface drilling lost circulation severity in large oil field datasets
Authors: Mardanirad Sajjad , Wood David A. , Zakeri Hassan
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we present how precise deep learning algorithms can distinguish loss circulation severities in oil drilling operations. Lost circulation is one of the costliest downhole problem encountered during oil and gas well construction. Applying artificial intelligence can help drilling teams to be forewarned of pending lost circulation events and thereby mitigate their consequences. Data-driven methods are traditionally employed for fluid loss complexity quantification but are not able to achieve reliable predictions for field cases with large quantities of data. This paper attempts to investigate the performance of deep learning (DL) approach in classification the types of fluid loss from a very large field dataset. Three DL classification models are evaluated: Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) and Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM). Five fluid-loss classes are considered: No Loss, Seepage, Partial, Severe, and Complete Loss. 20 wells drilled into the giant Azadegan oil field (Iran) provide 65,376 data records are used to predict the fluid loss classes. The results obtained, based on multiple statistical performance measures, identify the CNN model as achieving superior performance (98% accuracy) compared to the LSTM and GRU models (94% accuracy). Confusion matrices provide further insight to the prediction accuracies achieved. The three DL models evaluated were all able to classify different types of lost circulation events with reasonable prediction accuracy. Future work is required to evaluate the performance of the DL approach proposed with additional large datasets. The proposed method helps drilling teams deal with lost circulation events efficiently.

Article Highlights

Three deep learning models classify fluid loss severity in an oil field carbonate reservoir.

Deep learning algorithms advance machine learning a large resource dataset with 65,376 data records.

Convolution neural network outperformed other deep learning methods.
Notating Deconstruction: What Can Ethnomusicological Transcription Learn from the Notational Practices of Contemporary Composers?
Authors: WARREN MATTHEW
Published: August 2021

Drawing on Jacques Derrida’s (1981) approach to deconstructing Platonic dichotomies, this article argues that any notational system is inherently structuring and should be subjected to deconstructive efforts. Further, my contention is that this deconstruction can be realized in how notation itself is used, in what I refer to as ‘deconstructive notation’. This article looks at how notation has been used by composers to deconstruct the categories of Western staff notation, opening up the ways in which music is studied as an invitation to all those engaged in notating music to make room in their work for deconstructive notational play.
Der Pneumonie keine Chance geben
Authors: Lauffer-Vogt Stefan Urs , Maier Jürgen
Published: August 2021

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Healthcare-assoziierte Infektionen (HAI) bei stationären Patient_innen führen zu einem erschwerten Behandlungsverlauf. In Europa entwickeln 5,5 % der Patient_innen eine HAI. Etwa die Hälfte dieser Infektionen wäre vermeidbar. In der Klinik für Traumatologie des Universitätsspitals Zürich planten wir ein Maßnahmenpaket, um HAI zu reduzieren. Der Fokus lag auf nicht-ventilatorassoziierten nosokomialen Pneumonien (nvHAP). Ziel: Zusätzlich zur nvHAP-Reduktion war es unser Ziel, die Mobilität der Patient_innen zu erhöhen, die Pflegefachpersonen zu befähigen und die multiprofessionelle Zusammenarbeit zu stärken. Methode: Um diese Ziele zu erreichen, führten wir ein Praxisentwicklungsprojekt durch. Es umfasste Fortbildungen, Workshops, Informationsposter, strukturelle Änderungen und die begleitete Aktion „Mobilisationswochen“. Ergebnisse: Die Mobilisationen erhöhten sich um 40 %, die Mobilisationsdauer um 46,5 %. Die deutliche Steigerung der mobilisationsbezogenen Interventionen im Halbjahresvergleich liegt bei 7,6 %. Pflegefachpersonen berichteten über Wissenszuwachs, stark verbesserte multiprofessionelle Zusammenarbeit und erhöhte Betreuungsqualität. Diskussion: Durch die Verbindung verschiedener Methoden und mithilfe eines multiprofessionellen Ansatzes lässt sich ein nachhaltiger Effekt auf die Anzahl mobilitätsbezogener Interventionen erzielen. Grenzen und Transfer: Gezielte Praxisentwicklung eignet sich, um die Patientenmobilität zu fördern. Regelmäßige Wiederholungen und die Präsenz der Physiotherapie zu Randzeiten sind zentral, um Nachhaltigkeit sicherzustellen.
Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-/Hyperaktivitätsstörung (ADHS) im Erwachsenenalter
Authors: Heine Simone , Exner Cornelia
Published: August 2021

Zusammenfassung. Die Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-/Hyperaktivitätsstörung (ADHS) ist eine Störung der neuronalen und mentalen Entwicklung des Kindes- und Jugendalters. In vielen Fällen persistiert die Störung jedoch bis in das Erwachsenenalter. Die Störung ist neben den Kernsymptomen Aufmerksamkeitsstörung, Impulsivität und Hyperaktivität bzw. innere Unruhe auch von Störungen der Affektregulation und der exekutiven Funktionen gekennzeichnet. Daher zeigen Patient_innen Funktionseinschränkungen in sämtlichen Lebensbereichen und haben ein höheres Risiko für die Entwicklung komorbider Störungen. Die deutsche S3-Leitlinie „Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-/Hyperaktivitätsstörung (ADHS) im Kindes-, Jugend- und Erwachsenenalter“ empfiehlt die Kombination medikamentöser und psychosozialer Interventionen zur Behandlung der Patient_innen. Für den Bereich des Erwachsenenalters konnten in kontrollierten Studien besonders verhaltenstherapeutische Behandlungskonzepte positive Effekte hinsichtlich der Kompensation funktioneller Beeinträchtigungen im Alltag und der Reduktion komorbider Affekt- und Angststörungen aufzeigen.
Cooper Elsworth: Cycling‑Inspired Science
Authors: Wheeling Kate
Published: August 2021

A sustainability start-up provides a cross-disciplinary platform.
The Health and Climate Benefits of Reducing Air Pollution
Authors: Wheeling Kate
Published: August 2021

In a new study, researchers apply a global Earth system model to estimate the impacts of emissions reductions by sector.
Measurements of the Diversity of Shape and Mixing State for Ambient Black Carbon Particles
Authors: Hu Kang , Liu Dantong , Tian Ping , Wu Yangzhou , Deng Zhaoze , Wu Yunfei , Zhao Delong , Li Ruijie , Sheng Jiujiang , Huang Mengyu , Ding Deping , Li Weijun , Wang Yuanyuan , Wu Yu
Published: August 2021

The complex particle morphology of black carbon (BC) induces considerable uncertainties in constraining its optical properties. In particular, the diversity of how the BC core and coating are combined is yet to be resolved due to the lack of direct ambient quantification. In this study, by concurrent measurements of the electrical mobility diameter (Dm) and optical volume‐equivalent diameter (Dve), the dynamic shape factor (χ = Dm/Dve) of ambient BC‐containing particles at different mixing states was quantified for the first time. BC in urban Beijing showed a widely distributed χ of 1.4 ± 0.43. Particles with larger refractory BC (rBC) cores showed higher non‐sphericity and higher χ. A ten‐fold increase in the volume ratio of the coating over rBC (VR) could decrease the fraction of fractal BC by 36%. This study proposed a χ‐VR space to describe the particle shape, which is able to include all ambient quantified BC morphologies in optical model.
Repeating Infrasound From an Earthquake Doublet in Alaska
Authors: Yang Minghan , Wang Tao , Shi Jing
Published: August 2021

Earthquake infrasound contains information concerning the underground media and the earthquake source. We identify three types of repeating infrasound: local, secondary, and epicentral infrasound from two successive Mw6.2 earthquakes (separated by <2 h and <10 km) in Alaska. The path effects are the same for the two sets of repeating infrasound, letting us focus on the coupling mechanism. We calculate the relative power spectral density change between the two events using acoustic and seismic records from array I53 and individual USArray stations. In the 0.9–2.1 Hz band, we find that seismic energy is converted efficiently into acoustic energy. In addition, we identify similar spatial distributions of the seismic and diffracted infrasonic energies, which indicate the influence of different earthquake focal mechanisms on the infrasound observations. This study sheds light on the generation mechanism of earthquake infrasound and demonstrates the potential for monitoring infrasound to constrain earthquake source properties.
Distinct patterns of within-host virus populations between two subgroups of human respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Lin Gu-Lung , Drysdale Simon B. , Snape Matthew D. , O’Connor Daniel , Brown Anthony , MacIntyre-Cockett George , Mellado-Gomez Esther , de Cesare Mariateresa , Bonsall David , Ansari M. Azim , Öner Deniz , Aerssens Jeroen , Butler Christopher , Bont Louis , Openshaw Peter , Martinón-Torres Federico , Nair Harish , Bowden Rory ,   RESCEU Investigators, Campbell Harry , Cunningham Steve , Bogaert Debby , Beutels Philippe , Wildenbeest Joanne , Clutterbuck Elizabeth , McGinley Joseph , Thwaites Ryan , Wiseman Dexter , Gómez-Carballa Alberto , Rodriguez-Tenreiro Carmen , Rivero-Calle Irene , Dacosta-Urbieta Ana , Heikkinen Terho , Meijer Adam , Fischer Thea Kølsen , van den Berge Maarten , Giaquinto Carlo , Abram Michael , Dormitzer Philip , Stoszek Sonia , Gallichan Scott , Rosen Brian , Molero Eva , Machin Nuria , Spadetto Martina , Golubchik Tanya , Pollard Andrew J.
Published: August 2021

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infection in young children globally, but little is known about within-host RSV diversity. Here, we characterised within-host RSV populations using deep-sequencing data from 319 nasopharyngeal swabs collected during 2017–2020. RSV-B had lower consensus diversity than RSV-A at the population level, while exhibiting greater within-host diversity. Two RSV-B consensus sequences had an amino acid alteration (K68N) in the fusion (F) protein, which has been associated with reduced susceptibility to nirsevimab (MEDI8897), a novel RSV monoclonal antibody under development. In addition, several minor variants were identified in the antigenic sites of the F protein, one of which may confer resistance to palivizumab, the only licensed RSV monoclonal antibody. The differences in within-host virus populations emphasise the importance of monitoring for vaccine efficacy and may help to explain the different prevalences of monoclonal antibody-escape mutants between the two subgroups.
Counteracting dephasing in Molecular Nanomagnets by optimized qudit encodings
Authors: Petiziol F. , Chiesa A. , Wimberger S. , Santini P. , Carretta S.
Published: August 2021

Molecular Nanomagnets may enable the implementation of qudit-based quantum error-correction codes which exploit the many spin levels naturally embedded in a single molecule, a promising step towards scalable quantum processors. To fully realize the potential of this approach, a microscopic understanding of the errors corrupting the quantum information encoded in a molecular qudit is essential, together with the development of tailor-made quantum error correction strategies. We address these central points by first studying dephasing effects on the molecular spin qudit produced by the interaction with surrounding nuclear spins, which are the dominant source of errors at low temperatures. Numerical quantum error correction codes are then constructed, by means of a systematic optimization procedure based on simulations of the coupled system-bath dynamics, that provide a striking enhancement of the coherence time of the molecular computational unit. The sequence of pulses needed for the experimental implementation of the codes is finally proposed.
Optical coherence tomographic angiography study of perfusion recovery after surgical lowering of intraocular pressure
Authors: Liu Liang , Takusagawa Hana L. , Greenwald Miles F. , Wang Jie , Alonzo Brock , Edmunds Beth , Morrison John C. , Tan Ou , Jia Yali , Huang David
Published: August 2021

We investigated the time and location of retinal perfusion recovery after surgical intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering in glaucoma by using optical coherent tomography angiography (OCTA). Seventeen patients were analyzed. The 4.5 × 4.5-mm OCTA scans centered on the disc were performed preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. The peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (NFL) thickness, NFL plexus capillary density (NFLP-CD) and visual field (VF) were measured overall and in 8 corresponding sectors. The low-perfusion area (LPA) was used to assess the cumulative area where local NFLP-CD was significantly below normal. At 6 months, the average IOP decreased 5.3 mmHg (P = 0.004), LPA decreased by 15% (P = 0.005), and NFLP-CD improved by 12% (P < 0.001). The NFL thickness and VF mean deviation didn’t change significantly at any time point. Among the sectors with significant preoperative NFLP-CD loss, the recovery at 6 months was greatest in sectors with minimal preoperative NFL thinning (P < 0.001). In conclusion, surgical IOP lowering may improve NFLP capillary perfusion after 6 months. The perfusion recovery tended to occur in areas with minimal NFL thinning at baseline. OCTA parameters may have potential usefulness as pharmacodynamic biomarkers for glaucoma therapy.
Pressure-induced reconstitution of Fermi surfaces and spin fluctuations in S-substituted FeSe
Authors: Kuwayama T. , Matsuura K. , Gouchi J. , Yamakawa Y. , Mizukami Y. , Kasahara S. , Matsuda Y. , Shibauchi T. , Kontani H. , Uwatoko Y. , Fujiwara N.
Published: August 2021

FeSe is a unique high-$$T_c$$

T
c

iron-based superconductor in which nematicity, superconductivity, and magnetism are entangled with each other in the P-T phase diagram. We performed $$^{77}$$

77

Se-nuclear magnetic resonance measurements under pressures of up to 3.9 GPa on 12% S-substituted FeSe, in which the complex overlap between the nematicity and magnetism are resolved. A pressure-induced Lifshitz transition was observed at 1.0 GPa as an anomaly of the density of states and as double superconducting (SC) domes accompanied by different types of antiferromagnetic (AF) fluctuations. The low-$$T_{\mathrm{c}}$$

T
c

SC dome below 1 GPa is accompanied by strong AF fluctuations, whereas the high-$$T_{\mathrm{c}}$$

T
c

SC dome develops above 1 GPa, where AF fluctuations are fairly weak. These results suggest the importance of the $$d_{xy}$$

d

xy

orbital and its intra-orbital coupling for the high-$$T_{\mathrm{c}}$$

T
c

superconductivity.
Genomic skimming and nanopore sequencing uncover cryptic hybridization in one of world’s most threatened primates
Authors: Malukiewicz Joanna , Cartwright Reed A. , Dergam Jorge A. , Igayara Claudia S. , Nicola Patricia A. , Pereira Luiz M. C. , Ruiz-Miranda Carlos R. , Stone Anne C. , Silva Daniel L. , Silva Fernanda de Fatima Rodrigues da , Varsani Arvind , Walter Lutz , Wilson Melissa A. , Zinner Dietmar , Roos Christian
Published: August 2021

The Brazilian buffy-tufted-ear marmoset (Callithrix aurita), one of the world’s most endangered primates, is threatened by anthropogenic hybridization with exotic, invasive marmoset species. As there are few genetic data available forC. aurita, we developed a PCR-free protocol with minimal technical requirements to rapidly generate genomic data with genomic skimming and portable nanopore sequencing. With this direct DNA sequencing approach, we successfully determined the complete mitogenome of a marmoset that we initially identified asC. aurita. The obtained nanopore-assembled sequence was highly concordant with a Sanger sequenced version of the same mitogenome. Phylogenetic analyses unexpectedly revealed that our specimen was a cryptic hybrid, with aC. auritaphenotype andC. penicillatamitogenome lineage. We also used publicly available mitogenome data to determine diversity estimates forC. auritaand three other marmoset species. Mitogenomics holds great potential to address deficiencies in genomic data for endangered, non-model species such asC. aurita. However, we discuss why mitogenomic approaches should be used in conjunction with other data for marmoset species identification. Finally, we discuss the utility and implications of our results and genomic skimming/nanopore approach for conservation and evolutionary studies ofC. auritaand other marmosets.
Effect of pH on the denitrification proteome of the soil bacterium Paracoccus denitrificans PD1222
Authors: Olaya-Abril Alfonso , Hidalgo-Carrillo Jesús , Luque-Almagro Víctor M. , Fuentes-Almagro Carlos , Urbano Francisco J. , Moreno-Vivián Conrado , Richardson David J. , Roldán María Dolores
Published: August 2021

Denitrification is a respiratory process by which nitrate is reduced to dinitrogen. Incomplete denitrification results in the emission of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide and this is potentiated in acidic soils, which display reduced denitrification rates and high N2O/N2 ratios compared to alkaline soils. In this work, impact of pH on the proteome of the soil denitrifying bacterium Paracoccus denitrificans PD1222 was analysed with nitrate as sole energy and nitrogen source under anaerobic conditions at pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. Quantitative proteomic analysis revealed that the highest difference in protein representation was observed when the proteome at pH 6.5 was compared to the reference proteome at pH 7.2. However, this difference in the extracellular pH was not enough to produce modification of intracellular pH, which was maintained at 6.5 ± 0.1. The biosynthetic pathways of several cofactors relevant for denitrification and nitrogen assimilation like cobalamin, riboflavin, molybdopterin and nicotinamide were negatively affected at pH 6.5. In addition, peptide representation of reductases involved in nitrate assimilation and denitrification were reduced at pH 6.5. Data highlight the strong negative impact of pH on NosZ synthesis and intracellular copper content, thus impairing active NosZ assembly and, in turn, leading to elevated nitrous oxide emissions.
The integration of training and off-training activities substantially alters training volume and load analysis in elite rowers
Authors: Treff Gunnar , Leppich Robert , Winkert Kay , Steinacker Jürgen M. , Mayer Benjamin , Sperlich Billy
Published: August 2021

Training studies in elite athletes traditionally focus on the relationship between scheduled training (TRAIN) and performance. Here, we added activities outside of scheduled training i.e., off-training (OFF) contributing to total training (TOTAL) to evaluate the contribution of OFF on performance. Eight elite rowers recorded OFF and TRAIN during waking hours for one season (30–45 weeks) with multisensory smartwatches. Changes in performance were assessed via rowing ergometer testing and maximum oxygen uptake ($${\dot{\text{V}}}$$

V
˙

O2max). Based on 1-Hz-sampling of heart rate data during TRAIN and OFF (> 60% maximum heart rate (HRmax), the volume, session count, intensity, training impulse (TRIMP), and training intensity distribution were calculated. OFF altered volume, TRIMP, and session count by 19 ± 13%, 13 ± 9%, and 41 ± 67% (p < 0.001). On an individual level, training intensity distribution changed in 3% of the valid weeks. Athletes exercised 31% of their weekly volume below 60% HRmax. Low to moderate intensities dominated during OFF with 87% (95% CI [79, 95]); however, in some weeks high-intensity activities > 89% HRmax during OFF amounted to 21 min·week−1 (95% CI [4, 45]). No effect of OFF on changes of performance surrogates was found (0.072 > p > 0.604). The integration of OFF substantially altered volume, TRIMP, and session count. However, no effect on performance was found.
Pupillary response reflects attentional modulation to sound after emotional arousal
Authors: Nakakoga Satoshi , Shimizu Kengo , Muramatsu Junya , Kitagawa Takashi , Nakauchi Shigeki , Minami Tetsuto
Published: August 2021

There have been various studies on the effects of emotional visual processing on subsequent non-emotional auditory stimuli. A previous study with EEG has shown that responses to deviant sounds presented after presenting negative pictures collected more attentional resources than those for neutral pictures. To investigate such a compelling between emotional and cognitive processing, this study aimed to examined pupillary responses to an auditory stimulus after a positive, negative, or neutral emotional state was elicited by an emotional image. An emotional image was followed by a beep sound that was either repetitive or unexpected, and the pupillary dilation was measured. As a result, we found that the early component of the pupillary response to the beep sound was larger for negative and positive emotional states than the neutral emotional state, whereas the late component was larger for the positive emotional state than the negative and neutral emotional states. In addition, the peak latency of the pupillary response was earlier for negative than neutral or positive images. Further, to compensate for the disadvantage of low-temporal resolution of the pupillary data, the pupillary responses were deconvoluted and used in the analysis. The deconvolution analysis of pupillary responses confirmed that the responses to beep sound were more likely to be modulated by the emotional state rather than being influenced by the short presentation interval between the images and sounds. These findings suggested that pupil size index modulations in the compelling situation between emotional and cognitive processing.
Lithium causes differential effects on postsynaptic stability in normal and denervated neuromuscular synapses
Authors: Zelada Diego , Barrantes Francisco J. , Henríquez Juan Pablo
Published: August 2021

Lithium chloride has been widely used as a therapeutic mood stabilizer. Although cumulative evidence suggests that lithium plays modulatory effects on postsynaptic receptors, the underlying mechanism by which lithium regulates synaptic transmission has not been fully elucidated. In this work, by using the advantageous neuromuscular synapse, we evaluated the effect of lithium on the stability of postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in vivo. We found that in normally innervated neuromuscular synapses, lithium chloride significantly decreased the turnover of nAChRs by reducing their internalization. A similar response was observed in CHO-K1/A5 cells expressing the adult muscle-type nAChRs. Strikingly, in denervated neuromuscular synapses, lithium led to enhanced nAChR turnover and density by increasing the incorporation of new nAChRs. Lithium also potentiated the formation of unstable nAChR clusters in non-synaptic regions of denervated muscle fibres. We found that denervation-dependent re-expression of the foetal nAChR γ-subunit was not altered by lithium. However, while denervation inhibits the distribution of β-catenin within endplates, lithium-treated fibres retain β-catenin staining in specific foci of the synaptic region. Collectively, our data reveal that lithium treatment differentially affects the stability of postsynaptic receptors in normal and denervated neuromuscular synapses in vivo, thus providing novel insights into the regulatory effects of lithium on synaptic organization and extending its potential therapeutic use in conditions affecting the peripheral nervous system.
Fine-scale variation in projected climate change presents opportunities for biodiversity conservation in Europe
Authors: Hlásny Tomáš , Mokroš Martin , Dobor Laura , Merganičová Katarína , Lukac Martin
Published: August 2021

Climate change is a major threat to global biodiversity, although projected changes show remarkable geographical and temporal variability. Understanding this variability allows for the identification of regions where the present-day conservation objectives may be at risk or where opportunities for biodiversity conservation emerge. We use a multi-model ensemble of regional climate models to identify areas with significantly high and low climate stability persistent throughout the twenty-first century in Europe. We then confront our predictions with the land coverage of three prominent biodiversity conservation initiatives at two scales. The continental-scale assessment shows that areas with the least stable future climate in Europe are likely to occur at low and high latitudes, with the Iberian Peninsula and the Boreal zones identified as prominent areas of low climatic stability. A follow-up regional scale investigation shows that robust climatic refugia exist even within the highly exposed southern and northern macro-regions. About 23–31% of assessed biodiversity conservation sites in Europe coincide with areas of high future climate stability, we contend that these sites should be prioritised in the formulation of future conservation priorities as the stability of future climate is one of the key factors determining their conservation prospects. Although such focus on climate refugia cannot halt the ongoing biodiversity loss, along with measures such as resilience-based stewardship, it may improve the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation under climate change.
Optimal loading dose of meropenem before continuous infusion in critically ill patients: a simulation study
Authors: Liebchen Uwe , Salletmeier Hanna , Kallee Simon , Scharf Christina , Huebner Lucas , Weber Alexandra , Zoller Michael
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate optimal loading doses prior to continuous infusion of meropenem in critically ill patients. A previously published and successfully evaluated pharmacokinetic model of critically ill patients was used for stochastic simulations of virtual patients. Maintenance doses administered as continuous infusion of 1.5–6 g/24 h with preceding loading doses (administered as 30 min infusion) of 0.15–2 g were investigated. In addition to the examination of the influence of individual covariates, a best-case and worst-case scenario were simulated. Dosing regimens were considered adequate if the 5th percentile of the concentration–time profile did not drop at any time below four times the S/I breakpoint (= 2 mg/L) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa according to the EUCAST definition. Low albumin concentrations, high body weight and high creatinine clearances increased the required loading dose. A maximum loading dose of 0.33 g resulted in sufficient plasma concentrations when only one covariate showed extreme values. If all three covariates showed extreme values (= worst-case scenario), a loading dose of 0.5 g was necessary. Higher loading doses did not lead to further improvements of target attainment. We recommend the administration of a loading dose of 0.5 g meropenem over 30 min immediately followed by continuous infusion.
Spatial distribution of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody-positive wild boars in Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Saito Taizo , Kitamura Yuko , Tanaka Eiji , Ishigami Itsuki , Taniguchi Yuji , Moribe Junji , Kitoh Katsuya , Takashima Yasuhiro
Published: August 2021

Toxoplasma gondii is a globally wide-spread parasite that infects almost all species of mammals and birds, including humans. We studied the spatial distribution of individual T. gondii-seropositive wild boar in Gifu Prefecture (10,621 km2), Japan. Altogether, 744 wild boars were captured at 663 points around human settlements in Gifu Prefecture. Serum samples were collected after recording the exact capture locations, along with each wild boar’s body length and sex. We then used a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit for swine to measure anti-T. gondii antibodies in these animals. Among the 744 wild boars, 169 tested positive for T. gondii (22.7%). No significant difference in T. gondii seroprevalence was observed between the mountainous northern region with high winter snow cover and the mild-wintered geographical plain of the southern part of the prefecture. In contrast, 8 of the 11 wild boars that were captured in a public park surrounded by residential areas showed T. gondii seropositivity (72.7%), a value significantly higher than those of the wild boar populations in the other prefecture areas. This in-depth analysis, which spans the big city suburbs and rural areas of a whole prefecture, explains the seroprevalence of zoonotic T. gondii in wild boar and has public health implications.
Operational planning steps in smart electric power delivery system
Authors: Jayachandran M. , Reddy Ch. Rami , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar , Milyani A. H.
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a comprehensive review of advanced technologies with various control approaches in terms of their respective merits and outcomes for power grids. Distributed energy storage control is classified into automatic voltage regulator and load frequency control according to corresponding functionalities. These control strategies maintain a power balance between generation and demand. Besides, three basic electric vehicle charging technologies can be distinguished, i.e. stationary, quasi-dynamic and dynamic control. For realizing charge-sustaining operation at minimum cost quasi-dynamic and dynamic strategies are adopted for in-route charging, while stationary control can only be utilized when the electric vehicle is in stationary mode. Moreover, power system frequency stability and stabilization techniques in non-synchronous generator systems are reviewed in the paper. Specifically, a synchronverter can damp power system oscillations and ensure stability by providing virtual inertia. Furthermore, it is crucial to manage the massive information and ensure its security in the smart grid. Therefore, several attack detection and mitigation schemes against cyber-attacks are further presented to achieve reliable, resilient, and stable operation of the cyber-physical power system. Thus, bidirectional electrical power flows with two-way digital control and communication capabilities have poised the energy producers and utilities to restructure the conventional power system into a robust smart distribution grid. These new functionalities and applications provide a pathway for clean energy technology. Finally, future research trends on smart grids such as IoT-based communication infrastructure, distributed demand-response with artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions, and synchrophasor-based wide-area monitoring protection and control (WAMPC) are examined in the present study.
Visual recognition of words learned with gestures induces motor resonance in the forearm muscles
Authors: Repetto Claudia , Mathias Brian , Weichselbaum Otto , Macedonia Manuela
Published: August 2021

According to theories of Embodied Cognition, memory for words is related to sensorimotor experiences collected during learning. At a neural level, words encoded with self-performed gestures are represented in distributed sensorimotor networks that resonate during word recognition. Here, we ask whether muscles involved in gesture execution also resonate during word recognition. Native German speakers encoded words by reading them (baseline condition) or by reading them in tandem with picture observation, gesture observation, or gesture observation and execution. Surface electromyogram (EMG) activity from both arms was recorded during the word recognition task and responses were detected using eye-tracking. The recognition of words encoded with self-performed gestures coincided with an increase in arm muscle EMG activity compared to the recognition of words learned under other conditions. This finding suggests that sensorimotor networks resonate into the periphery and provides new evidence for a strongly embodied view of recognition memory.
Moisture modulates soil reservoirs of active DNA and RNA viruses
Authors: Wu Ruonan , Davison Michelle R. , Gao Yuqian , Nicora Carrie D. , Mcdermott Jason E. , Burnum-Johnson Kristin E. , Hofmockel Kirsten S. , Jansson Janet K.
Published: August 2021

Soil is known to harbor viruses, but the majority are uncharacterized and their responses to environmental changes are unknown. Here, we used a multi-omics approach (metagenomics, metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics) to detect active DNA viruses and RNA viruses in a native prairie soil and to determine their responses to extremes in soil moisture. The majority of transcribed DNA viruses were bacteriophage, but some were assigned to eukaryotic hosts, mainly insects. We also demonstrated that higher soil moisture increased transcription of a subset of DNA viruses. Metaproteome data validated that the specific viral transcripts were translated into proteins, including chaperonins known to be essential for virion replication and assembly. The soil viral chaperonins were phylogenetically distinct from previously described marine viral chaperonins. The soil also had a high abundance of RNA viruses, with highest representation of Reoviridae. Leviviridae were the most diverse RNA viruses in the samples, with higher amounts in wet soil. This study demonstrates that extreme shifts in soil moisture have dramatic impacts on the composition, activity and potential functions of both DNA and RNA soil viruses.
Approximate analog computing with metatronic circuits
Authors: Miscuglio Mario , Gui Yaliang , Ma Xiaoxuan , Ma Zhizhen , Sun Shuai , El Ghazawi Tarek , Itoh Tatsuo , Alù Andrea , Sorger Volker J.
Published: August 2021

Analog photonic solutions offer unique opportunities to address complex computational tasks with unprecedented performance in terms of energy dissipation and speeds, overcoming current limitations of modern computing architectures based on electron flows and digital approaches. The lack of modularization and lumped element reconfigurability in photonics has prevented the transition to an all-optical analog computing platform. Here, we explore, using numerical simulation, a nanophotonic platform based on epsilon-near-zero materials capable of solving in the analog domain partial differential equations (PDE). Wavelength stretching in zero-index media enables highly nonlocal interactions within the board based on the conduction of electric displacement, which can be monitored to extract the solution of a broad class of PDE problems. By exploiting the experimentally achieved control of deposition technique through process parameters, used in our simulations, we demonstrate the possibility of implementing the proposed nano-optic processor using CMOS-compatible indium-tin-oxide, whose optical properties can be tuned by carrier injection to obtain programmability at high speeds and low energy requirements. Our nano-optical analog processor can be integrated at chip-scale, processing arbitrary inputs at the speed of light.
Observation of contact angle hysteresis due to inhomogeneous electric fields
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Qi , Zhou Jia , Riaud Antoine
Published: August 2021

Static contact angle hysteresis determines droplet stickiness on surfaces, and is widely attributed to surface roughness and chemical contamination. In the latter case, chemical defects create free-energy barriers that prevent the contact line motion. Electrowetting studies have demonstrated the similar ability of electric fields to alter the surface free-energy landscape. Yet, the increase of apparent static contact angle hysteresis by electric fields remains unseen. Here, we report the observation of electrowetting hysteresis on micro-striped electrodes. Unlike most experiments with stripes, the droplet spreading on the substrate is experimentally found to be isotropic, which allows deriving a simple theoretical model of the contact angle hysteresis depending the applied voltage. This electrowetting hysteresis enables the continuous and dynamic control of contact angle hysteresis, not only for fundamental studies but also to manufacture sticky-on-demand surfaces for sample collection.
Unified treatment of synchronization patterns in generalized networks with higher-order, multilayer, and temporal interactions
Authors: Zhang Yuanzhao , Latora Vito , Motter Adilson E.
Published: August 2021

When describing complex interconnected systems, one often has to go beyond the standard network description to account for generalized interactions. Here, we establish a unified framework to simplify the stability analysis of cluster synchronization patterns for a wide range of generalized networks, including hypergraphs, multilayer networks, and temporal networks. The framework is based on finding a simultaneous block diagonalization of the matrices encoding the synchronization pattern and the network topology. As an application, we use simultaneous block diagonalization to unveil an intriguing type of chimera states that appear only in the presence of higher-order interactions. The unified framework established here can be extended to other dynamical processes and can facilitate the discovery of emergent phenomena in complex systems with generalized interactions.
An extremeness threshold determines the regional response of floods to changes in rainfall extremes
Authors: Brunner Manuela I. , Swain Daniel L. , Wood Raul R. , Willkofer Florian , Done James M. , Gilleland Eric , Ludwig Ralf
Published: August 2021

Precipitation extremes will increase in a warming climate, but the response of flood magnitudes to heavier precipitation events is less clear. Historically, there is little evidence for systematic increases in flood magnitude despite observed increases in precipitation extremes. Here we investigate how flood magnitudes change in response to warming, using a large initial-condition ensemble of simulations with a single climate model, coupled to a hydrological model. The model chain was applied to historical (1961–2000) and warmer future (2060–2099) climate conditions for 78 watersheds in hydrological Bavaria, a region comprising the headwater catchments of the Inn, Danube and Main River, thus representing an area of expressed hydrological heterogeneity. For the majority of the catchments, we identify a ‘return interval threshold’ in the relationship between precipitation and flood increases: at return intervals above this threshold, further increases in extreme precipitation frequency and magnitude clearly yield increased flood magnitudes; below the threshold, flood magnitude is modulated by land surface processes. We suggest that this threshold behaviour can reconcile climatological and hydrological perspectives on changing flood risk in a warming climate.
UCYN-A/haptophyte symbioses dominate N2 fixation in the Southern California Current System
Authors: Turk-Kubo Kendra A , Mills Matthew M , Arrigo Kevin R , van Dijken Gert , Henke Britt A , Stewart Brittany , Wilson Samuel T , Zehr Jonathan P
Published: August 2021

The availability of fixed nitrogen (N) is an important factor limiting biological productivity in the oceans. In coastal waters, high dissolved inorganic N concentrations were historically thought to inhibit dinitrogen (N2) fixation, however, recent N2 fixation measurements and the presence of the N2-fixing UCYN-A/haptophyte symbiosis in nearshore waters challenge this paradigm. We characterized the contribution of UCYN-A symbioses to nearshore N2 fixation in the Southern California Current System (SCCS) by measuring bulk community and single-cell N2 fixation rates, as well as diazotroph community composition and abundance. UCYN-A1 and UCYN-A2 symbioses dominated diazotroph communities throughout the region during upwelling and oceanic seasons. Bulk N2 fixation was detected in most surface samples, with rates up to 23.0 ± 3.8 nmol N l−1 d−1, and was often detected at the deep chlorophyll maximum in the presence of nitrate (>1 µM). UCYN-A2 symbiosis N2 fixation rates were higher (151.1 ± 112.7 fmol N cell−1 d−1) than the UCYN-A1 symbiosis (6.6 ± 8.8 fmol N cell−1 d−1). N2 fixation by the UCYN-A1 symbiosis accounted for a majority of the measured bulk rates at two offshore stations, while the UCYN-A2 symbiosis was an important contributor in three nearshore stations. This report of active UCYN-A symbioses and broad mesoscale distribution patterns establishes UCYN-A symbioses as the dominant diazotrophs in the SCCS, where heterocyst-forming and unicellular cyanobacteria are less prevalent, and provides evidence that the two dominant UCYN-A sublineages are separate ecotypes.
SARS-CoV-2 spike protein N501Y mutation causes differential species transmissibility and antibody sensitivity: a molecular dynamics and alchemical free energy study
Authors: Hou Xudong , Zhang Zhilin , Gao Jiali , Wang Yingjie
Published: August 2021

Computational study reveals that the N501Y mutation alters host recognition to human and cat ACE2 in diverged scenarios, which is attributed to the competition of favorable hydrophobic packingversusunfavorable steric hindrance.
A surprisingly gentle approach to cavity containing spherocylindrical microparticles from ordinary polymer dispersions in flow
Authors: Tripathi Amit K. , Tsavalas John G.
Published: August 2021

We demonstrate a facile approach to fully transform ordinary spherical polymeric microparticles to elongated spherocylinders containing an internal voided cavity by plastic deformation under ambient and mild flow.
Role of cooperative factors in the photocatalytic activity of Ba and Mn doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles
Authors: Dubey Astita , Schmitz Alexander , Shvartsman Vladimir V. , Bacher Gerd , Lupascu Doru C. , Castillo Marianela Escobar
Published: August 2021

The escalated photocatalytic (PC) efficiency of the visible light absorber Ba-doped BiFe0.95Mn0.05O3 (BFM) nanoparticles (NPs) as compared to BiFeO3 (BFO) NPs is reported for the degradation of the organic pollutants rhodamine B and methyl orange.
Self-assembly of Keggin-type U(vi)-containing tungstophosphates with a sandwich structure: an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of sulfonyl pyrazoles
Authors: Yang Guo-Ping , Zhang Xing-Lei , Liu Yu-Feng , Zhang Dong-Di , Li Ke , Hu Chang-Wen
Published: August 2021

Two Keggin-type U(vi)-containing tungstophosphates with sandwich structure were synthesized and characterized. Compound 1 presents excellent catalytic activity towards the condensation cyclization of sulfonyl hydrazines with 1,3-diketones to synthesize sulfonyl pyrazoles.