bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Both Cyclone‐induced and Convective Storms Drive Disturbance Patterns in European Primary Beech Forests
Authors: Pettit J. L. , Pettit J. M. , Janda P. , Rydval M. , Čada V. , Schurman J. S. , Nagel T. A. , Bače R. , Saulnier M. , Hofmeister J. , Matula R. , Kozák D. , Frankovič M. , Turcu D. O. , Mikoláš M. , Svoboda M.
Published: March 2021

Wind is the leading disturbance agent in European forests, and the magnitude of wind impacts on forest mortality has increased over recent decades. However, the atmospheric triggers behind severe winds in Western Europe (large‐scale cyclones) differ from those in Southeastern Europe (small‐scale convective instability). This geographic difference in wind drivers alters the spatial scale of resulting disturbances and potentially the sensitivity to climate change. Over the 20th century, the severity and prevalence of cyclone‐induced windstorms have increased while the prevalence of atmospheric instability has decreased and thus, the trajectory of Europe‐wide windthrow remains uncertain. To better predict forest sensitivity and trends of windthrow disturbance we used dendrochronological methods to reconstruct 140 years of disturbance history in beech‐dominated primary forests of Central and Eastern Europe. We compared generalized linear mixed models of these disturbance time series to determine whether large‐scale cyclones or small‐scale convective storms were more responsible for disturbance severity while also accounting for topography and stand character variables likely to influence windthrow susceptibility. More exposed forests, forests with a longer absence of disturbance, and forests lacking recent high severity disturbance showed increased sensitivity to both wind drivers. Large‐scale cyclone‐induced windstorms were the main driver of disturbance severity at both the plot and stand scale (0.1–∼100 ha) whereas convective instability effects were more localized (0.1 ha). Though the prevalence and severity of cyclone‐induced windstorms have increased over the 20 century, primary beech forests did not display an increase in the severity of windthrow observed over the same period.
Non‐Closure of Surface Energy Balance Linked to Asymmetric Turbulent Transport of Scalars by Large Eddies
Authors: Liu Heping , Gao Zhongming , Katul Gabriel G.
Published: March 2021

How large turbulent eddies influence non‐closure of the surface energy balance is an active research topic that cannot be uncovered by the mean continuity equation in isolation. It is demonstrated here that asymmetric turbulent flux transport of heat and water vapor by sweeps and ejections of large eddies under unstable atmospheric stability conditions reduce fluxes. Such asymmetry causes positive gradients in the third‐order moments in the turbulent flux budget equations, primarily attributed to substantially reduced flux contributions by sweeps and sustained large flux contributions by ejections. Small‐scale surface heterogeneity in heating generates ejecting eddies with larger air temperature variance than sweeping eddies, causing asymmetric flux transport in the atmospheric surface layer. Changes in asymmetry with increasing instability are congruent with observed increases in the surface energy balance non‐closure. To assess the contributions of asymmetric flux transport by large eddies to the non‐closure requires two eddy covariance systems on the tower to measure the gradients of the turbulent heat flux and other third‐order moments.
The Preservation of Climate‐Driven Landslide Dams in Western Oregon
Authors: Struble William T. , Roering Joshua J. , Burns William J. , Calhoun Nancy C. , Wetherell Logan R. , Black Bryan A.
Published: March 2021

Bedrock landsliding, including the formation of landslide dams, is a predominant geomorphic process in steep landscapes. Clarifying the importance of hydrologic and seismic mechanisms for triggering deep‐seated landslides remains an ongoing effort, and formulation of geomorphic metrics that predict dam preservation is crucial for quantifying secondary landslide hazards. Here, we identify >200 landslide‐dammed lakes in western Oregon and utilize dendrochronology and enhanced 14C dating (“wiggle matching”) of “ghost forests” to establish slope failure timing at 20 sites. Our dated landslide dataset reveals bedrock landsliding has been common since the last Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake in January 1700 AD. Our study does not reveal landslides that date to 1700 AD. Rather, we observe temporal clustering of at least four landslides in the winter of 1889/1890 AD, coincident with a series of atmospheric rivers that generated one of the largest regionally recorded floods. We use topographic and field analyses to assess the relation between dam preservation and topographic characteristics of the impounded valleys. In contrast to previous studies, we do not observe systematic scaling between dam size and upstream drainage area, though dam stability indices for our sites correspond with “stable” dams elsewhere. Notably, we observe that dams are preferentially preserved at drainage areas of ∼1.5 to 13 km2 and valley widths of ∼25 to 80 m, which may reflect the reduced downstream influence of debris flows and the accumulation of mature conifer trees upstream from landslide‐dammed lake outlets. We suggest that wood accumulation upstream of landslide dams tempers large stream discharges, thus inhibiting dam incision.
A Comparative Study on the Distributions of Incoherent and Coherent Plasmaspheric Hiss
Authors: He Zhaoguo , Yu Jiang , Li Kun , Liu Nigang , Chen Zewen , Cui Jun
Published: March 2021

We perform a comparative study on the distributions of incoherent and coherent plasmaspheric hiss, based on the Van Allen Probe data. The statistics show that incoherent hiss (∼10–20 pT) is widely distributed in dayside plasmasphere, with peak frequencies below 500 Hz; intense coherent hiss (amplitudes up to 80 pT) occurs in outer plasmasphere of L > 4 (L denotes the L‐shell.), whose frequency increases with ambient magnetic field significantly. The Poynting flux analysis indicates that incoherent hiss generally propagates omni‐directionally inside the plasmasphere, with features of external sources; the coherent hiss propagates away from the equatorial region in outer plasmasphere and has a reversed direction in inner plasmasphere, indicating two different wave sources by local generation and ducted lightning generated whistler, respectively. This comparative study helps us to better understand the origination of plasmaspheric hiss.
Evaluating Variations in Tropical Cyclone Precipitation in Eastern Mexico Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Zhu Laiyin , Aguilera Pascual
Published: March 2021

Tropical Cyclone Precipitation (TCP) is one of the major triggers of flash flooding and landslide in eastern Mexico. We apply different statistical and machine learning techniques to study a 99 years TCP climatology in high resolution. Strong correlations exist between location variables and annual mean TCP, as well as between dynamic variables and event TCP. Topographic variables observe mixed signals with the elevation variances positively correlated with TCP. The Random Forest (RF) model is a powerful tool with excellent fitting and predicting skills for TCP variations. It has a very small out‐of‐sample cross‐validation error and well captures the spatial variations of historical TCP events. Only three location variables are needed to construct the best model for the annual mean TCP while the best model needs 18 variables to explain the complex variations in the event TCP. The distance to the track is the most important variable for the event TCP model and many other factors contribute to the TCP collectively and nonlinearly, which can't be captured fully by the previous correlation analysis. They include translation characteristics of the storms, locations of the precipitation grid, and topography. Event TCP is generally larger in storms with slower translation speed and more variance in their tracks. While the lower coastal area generally has a higher probability of TCP, the higher inland has elevation variances that enhance less frequent but extreme TCP events. The RF algorithm is an efficient machine learning approach showing potentials for future Quantitative Precipitation Forecasting (QPF).
Late Pleistocene Uniform Rate of Thrusting Along the Fault's Strike: A Case Study From the Northern Tian Shan Foreland
Authors: Pang Lichen , Lu Honghua , Wu Dengyun , Guan Xue , Zhao Junxiang , Zheng Xiangmin , Li Youli
Published: March 2021

Along‐strike distributions of both the displacement and slip rate of a fault are crucial for understanding its kinematics. This work focuses on along‐strike pattern of the rate of slip on the Huoerguos fault (HF), a thrust fault controlling growth and propagation of the E‐W striking Huoerguos anticline in Fold‐and‐Thrust Belt II in the northern Tian Shan foreland, northwestern China. By using morphological analyses and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating on the terraces, the Late Pleistocene slip rates of the HF have been determined at the north‐flowing Jingou and Sangequan rivers, which are ∼15 km apart and incise deeply the Huoerguos anticline roughly perpendicular to its strike. Our results show that the rate of slip on the HF at the Jingou River is 1.0 + 0.22/−0.15 mm/yr over the past ∼13 kyr. This rate is consistent with the slip rate at the Sangequan River, cutting through the anticline's eastern part, which has been determined between 0.69 + 0.18/−0.11 mm/yr and 1.02 + 0.15/−0.13 mm/yr. This consistence implies that the Late Pleistocene slip rate of the HF is relatively uniform along its strike. Our new data also suggest that the time interval between the age of the topmost terrace alluvium and the basal age of its overlying sediments might not be ignored. Using these two ages as the abandonment age of a given terrace would yield two deformation rates with obvious difference, especially when this terrace has a relatively young abandonment age.
Polygenic risk for obesity and its interaction with lifestyle and sociodemographic factors in European children and adolescents
Authors: Hüls Anke , Wright Marvin N. , Bogl Leonie H. , Kaprio Jaakko , Lissner Lauren , Molnár Dénes , Moreno Luis A. , De Henauw Stefaan , Siani Alfonso , Veidebaum Toomas , Ahrens Wolfgang , Pigeot Iris , Foraita Ronja
Published: March 2021

Background

Childhood obesity is a complex multifaceted condition, which is influenced by genetics, environmental factors, and their interaction. However, these interactions have mainly been studied in twin studies and evidence from population-based cohorts is limited. Here, we analyze the interaction of an obesity-related genome-wide polygenic risk score (PRS) with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors for BMI and waist circumference (WC) in European children and adolescents.

Methods

The analyses are based on 8609 repeated observations from 3098 participants aged 2–16 years from the IDEFICS/I.Family cohort. A genome-wide polygenic risk score (PRS) was calculated using summary statistics from independent genome-wide association studies of BMI. Associations were estimated using generalized linear mixed models adjusted for sex, age, region of residence, parental education, dietary intake, relatedness, and population stratification.

Results

The PRS was associated with BMI (beta estimate [95% confidence interval (95%—CI)] = 0.33 [0.30, 0.37],r2 = 0.11,pvalue = 7.9 × 10−81) and WC (beta [95%—CI] = 0.36 [0.32, 0.40],r2 = 0.09,pvalue = 1.8 × 10−71). We observed significant interactions with demographic and lifestyle factors for BMI as well as WC. Children from Southern Europe showed increased genetic liability to obesity (BMI: beta [95%—CI] = 0.40 [0.34, 0.45]) in comparison to children from central Europe (beta [95%—CI] = 0.29 [0.23, 0.34]),p-interaction = 0.0066). Children of parents with a low level of education showed an increased genetic liability to obesity (BMI: beta [95%—CI] = 0.48 [0.38, 0.59]) in comparison to children of parents with a high level of education (beta [95%—CI] = 0.30 [0.26, 0.34]),p-interaction = 0.0012). Furthermore, the genetic liability to obesity was attenuated by a higher intake of fiber (BMI: beta [95%—CI] interaction = −0.02 [−0.04,−0.01]) and shorter screen times (beta [95%—CI] interaction = 0.02 [0.00, 0.03]).

Conclusions

Our results highlight that a healthy childhood environment might partly offset a genetic predisposition to obesity during childhood and adolescence.
Chemotherapy-based versus chemotherapy-free stem cell mobilization (± plerixafor) in multiple myeloma patients: an Italian cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Lazzaro Carlo , Castagna Luca , Lanza Francesco , Laszlo Daniele , Milone Giuseppe , Pierelli Luca , Saccardi Riccardo
Published: March 2021

Given the availability and efficacy of the mobilizing agent plerixafor in augmenting hematopoietic progenitor cell mobilization with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), there is a strong case for comparing the cost-effectiveness of mobilization with G-CSF + cyclophosphamide versus G-CSF alone. This study investigated the cost and effectiveness (i.e., successful 4 million-CD34+collection) of G-CSF alone versus high-dose cyclophosphamide (4 g/m2) + G-CSF mobilization (± on-demand plerixafor) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) eligible for autograft in Italy. A decision tree-supported cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) model in MM patients was developed from the societal perspective. The CEA model compared G-CSF alone with cyclophosphamide 4 g/m2 + G-CSF (± on-demand plerixafor) and was populated with demographic, healthcare and non-healthcare resource utilization data collected from a questionnaire administered to six Italian oncohematologists. Costs were expressed in Euro (€) 2019. The CEA model showed that G-CSF alone was strongly dominant versus cyclophosphamide + G-CSF ( ± on-demand plerixafor), with incremental savings of €1198.59 and an incremental probability of a successful 4 million-CD34+apheresis (+0.052). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the base-case results. In conclusion, chemotherapy-free mobilization (± on-demand plerixafor) is a “good value for money” option for MM patients eligible for autograft.
Unraveling a fine-scale high genetic heterogeneity and recent continental connections of an Arabian Peninsula population
Authors: Eaaswarkhanth Muthukrishnan , Pathak Ajai K. , Ongaro Linda , Montinaro Francesco , Hebbar Prashantha , Alsmadi Osama , Metspalu Mait , Al-Mulla Fahd , Thanaraj Thangavel Alphonse
Published: March 2021

Recent studies have showed the diverse genetic architecture of the highly consanguineous populations inhabiting the Arabian Peninsula. Consanguinity coupled with heterogeneity is complex and makes it difficult to understand the bases of population-specific genetic diseases in the region. Therefore, comprehensive genetic characterization of the populations at the finest scale is warranted. Here, we revisit the genetic structure of the Kuwait population by analyzing genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms data from 583 Kuwaiti individuals sorted into three subgroups. We envisage a diverse demographic genetic history among the three subgroups based on drift and allelic sharing with modern and ancient individuals. Furthermore, our comprehensive haplotype-based analyses disclose a high genetic heterogeneity among the Kuwaiti populations. We infer the major sources of ancestry within the newly defined groups; one with an obvious predominance of sub-Saharan/Western Africa mostly comprising Kuwait-B individuals, and other with West Eurasia including Kuwait-P and Kuwait-S individuals. Overall, our results recapitulate the historical population movements and reaffirm the genetic imprints of the legacy of continental trading in the region. Such deciphering of fine-scale population structure and their regional genetic heterogeneity would provide clues to the uncharted areas of disease-gene discovery and related associations in populations inhabiting the Arabian Peninsula.
Retroviral gene therapy in Germany with a view on previous experience and future perspectives
Authors: Morgan Michael A. , Galla Melanie , Grez Manuel , Fehse Boris , Schambach Axel
Published: March 2021

Gene therapy can be used to restore cell function in monogenic disorders or to endow cells with new capabilities, such as improved killing of cancer cells, expression of suicide genes for controlled elimination of cell populations, or protection against chemotherapy or viral infection. While gene therapies were originally most often used to treat monogenic diseases and to improve hematopoietic stem cell transplantation outcome, the advent of genetically modified immune cell therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor modified T cells, has contributed to the increased numbers of patients treated with gene and cell therapies. The advancement of gene therapy with integrating retroviral vectors continues to depend upon world-wide efforts. As the topic of this special issue is “Spotlight on Germany,” the goal of this review is to provide an overview of contributions to this field made by German clinical and research institutions. Research groups in Germany made, and continue to make, important contributions to the development of gene therapy, including design of vectors and transduction protocols for improved cell modification, methods to assess gene therapy vector efficacy and safety (e.g., clonal imbalance, insertion sites), as well as in the design and conduction of clinical gene therapy trials.
Delivery of functional exogenous proteins by plant-derived vesicles to human cells in vitro
Authors: Garaeva Luiza , Kamyshinsky Roman , Kil Yury , Varfolomeeva Elena , Verlov Nikolai , Komarova Elena , Garmay Yuri , Landa Sergey , Burdakov Vladimir , Myasnikov Alexander , Vinnikov Ilya A. , Margulis Boris , Guzhova Irina , Kagansky Alexander , Konevega Andrey L. , Shtam Tatiana
Published: March 2021

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) gain more and more attention as promising carriers of exogenous bioactive molecules to the human cells. Derived from various edible sources, these EVs are remarkably biocompatible, biodegradable and highly abundant from plants. In this work, EVs from grapefruit juice were isolated by differential centrifugation followed by characterization of their size, quantity and morphology by nanoparticle tracking analysis, dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy and cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM). In Cryo-EM experiments, we visualized grapefruit EVs with the average size of 41 ± 13 nm, confirmed their round-shaped morphology and estimated the thickness of their lipid bilayer as 5.3 ± 0.8 nm. Further, using cell culture models, we have successfully demonstrated that native grapefruit-derived extracellular vesicles (GF-EVs) are highly efficient carriers for the delivery of the exogenous Alexa Fluor 647 labeled bovine serum albumin (BSA) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) into both human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and colon cancer cells. Interestingly, loading to plant EVs significantly ameliorated the uptake of exogenous proteins by human cells compared to the same proteins without EVs. Most importantly, we have confirmed the functional activity of human recombinant HSP70 in the colon cancer cell culture upon delivery by GF-EVs. Analysis of the biodistribution of GF-EVs loaded with 125I-labeled BSA in mice demonstrated a significant uptake of the grapefruit-derived extracellular vesicles by the majority of organs. The results of our study indicate that native plant EVs might be safe and effective carriers of exogenous proteins into human cells.
Comprehensive characterization of motor and coordination functions in three adolescent wild-type mouse strains
Authors: Eltokhi Ahmed , Kurpiers Barbara , Pitzer Claudia
Published: March 2021

Neuropsychiatric disorders are often associated with motor and coordination abnormalities that have important implications on the etiology, pathophysiology, and management of these disorders. Although the onset of many neuropsychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder emerges mainly during infancy and adolescence, most of the behavioral studies in mice modeling neuropsychiatric phenotypes are performed in adult animals, possibly missing valuable phenotypic information related to the effect of synaptic maturation during development. Here, we examined which behavioral tests assessing both motor and coordination functions can be performed in mice at two different adolescent stages. As strain and sex affect mouse behavior, our experiments covered both male and female mice of three inbred wild-type strains, C57BL/6N, DBA/2, and FVB/N. Adolescent mice of both postnatal days (P)22–30 and P32–40 developmental stages were capable of mastering common motor and coordination tests. However, results differed significantly between strains and sexes. Moreover, the 10-day interval between the two tested cohorts uncovered a strong difference in the behavioral results, confirming the significant impact of maturation on behavioral patterns. Interestingly, the results of distinct behavioral experiments were directly correlated with the weight of mice, which may explain the lack of reproducibility of some behavioral results in genetically-modified mice. Our study paves the way for better reproducibility of behavioral tests by addressing the effect of the developmental stage, strain, sex, and weight of mice on achieving the face validity of neuropsychiatric disorder-associated motor dysfunctions.
Selection for high levels of resistance to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) using non-transgenic foliar delivery
Authors: Mishra Swati , Dee James , Moar William , Dufner-Beattie Jodi , Baum James , Dias Naymã Pinto , Alyokhin Andrei , Buzza Aaron , Rondon Silvia I. , Clough Mark , Menasha Sandy , Groves Russell , Clements Justin , Ostlie Ken , Felton Gary , Waters Tim , Snyder William E. , Jurat-Fuentes Juan Luis
Published: March 2021

Insecticidal double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) silence expression of vital genes by activating the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism in insect cells. Despite high commercial interest in insecticidal dsRNA, information on resistance to dsRNA is scarce, particularly for dsRNA products with non-transgenic delivery (ex. foliar/topical application) nearing regulatory review. We report the development of the CEAS 300 population of Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) with > 11,100-fold resistance to a dsRNA targeting the V-ATPase subunit A gene after nine episodes of selection using non-transgenic delivery by foliar coating. Resistance was associated with lack of target gene down-regulation in CEAS 300 larvae and cross-resistance to another dsRNA target (COPI β; Coatomer subunit beta). In contrast, CEAS 300 larvae showed very low (~ 4-fold) reduced susceptibility to the Cry3Aa insecticidal protein from Bacillus thuringiensis. Resistance to dsRNA in CEAS 300 is transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait and is polygenic. These data represent the first documented case of resistance in an insect pest with high pesticide resistance potential using dsRNA delivered through non-transgenic techniques. Information on the genetics of resistance and availability of dsRNA-resistant L. decemlineata guide the design of resistance management tools and allow research to identify resistance alleles and estimate resistance risks.
Capsular polysaccharide switching in Streptococcus suis modulates host cell interactions and virulence
Authors: Okura Masatoshi , Auger Jean-Philippe , Shibahara Tomoyuki , Goyette-Desjardins Guillaume , Van Calsteren Marie-Rose , Maruyama Fumito , Kawai Mikihiko , Osaki Makoto , Segura Mariela , Gottschalk Marcelo , Takamatsu Daisuke
Published: March 2021

The capsular polysaccharide (CPS) of Streptococcus suis defines various serotypes based on its composition and structure. Though serotype switching has been suggested to occur between S. suis strains, its impact on pathogenicity and virulence remains unknown. Herein, we experimentally generated S. suis serotype-switched mutants from a serotype 2 strain that express the serotype 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, or 14 CPS. The effects of serotype switching were then investigated with regards to classical properties conferred by presence of the serotype 2 CPS, including adhesion to/invasion of epithelial cells, resistance to phagocytosis by macrophages, killing by whole blood, dendritic cell-derived pro-inflammatory mediator production and virulence using mouse and porcine infection models. Results demonstrated that these properties on host cell interactions were differentially modulated depending on the switched serotypes, although some different mutations other than loci of CPS-related genes were found in each the serotype-switched mutant. Among the serotype-switched mutants, the mutant expressing the serotype 8 CPS was hyper-virulent, whereas mutants expressing the serotype 3 or 4 CPSs had reduced virulence. By contrast, switching to serotype 7, 9, or 14 CPSs had little to no effect. These findings suggest that serotype switching can drastically alter S. suis virulence and host cell interactions.
Vibrational communication and mating behavior of the greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Fattoruso Valeria , Anfora Gianfranco , Mazzoni Valerio
Published: March 2021

The greenhouse whitefly (GW), Trialeurodes vaporariorum is considered one of the most harmful insect pests in greenhouses worldwide. The GW mating behavior has been partially investigated and its vibrational communication is only in part known. A deeper knowledge of its intraspecific communication is required to evaluate the applicability of control methods based on techniques of behavioral manipulation. In this study, for the first time, we provided a detailed ethogram of the GW mating behavior and we characterized the vibrational signals emitted during the process of pair formation. We characterized two types of male vibrational emissions (“chirp” and “pulses”), differently arranged according to the behavioral stage to form stage-specific signals, and a previously undescribed Male Rivalry Signal. We recorded and characterized two new female signals: The Female Responding Signal and the Female Rejective Signal. The mating behavior of GW can be divided into six different stages that we named “call”, “alternated duet”, “courtship”, “overlapped duet”, “mating”, “failed mating attempt”. The analysis performed with the Markovian behavioral transition matrix showed that the “courtship” is the key stage in which male exhibits its quality and can lead to the “overlapped duet” stage. The latter is strictly associated to the female acceptance and therefore it plays a crucial role to achieve mating success. Based on our findings, we consider the use of vibrational playbacks interfering with GW mating communication a promising option for pest control in greenhouses. We discuss the possibility to start a research program of behavioral manipulation to control the populations of GW.
Characteristics and comparative clinical outcomes of prisoner versus non-prisoner populations hospitalized with COVID-19
Authors: Altibi Ahmed M. , Pallavi Bhargava , Liaqat Hassan , Slota Alexander A. , Sheth Radhika , Al Jebbawi Lama , George Matthew E. , LeDuc Allison , Abdallah Enas , Russell Luke R. , Jain Saniya , Shirvanian Nariné , Masri Ahmad , Kak Vivek
Published: March 2021

Prisons in the United States have become a hotbed for spreading COVID-19 among incarcerated individuals. COVID-19 cases among prisoners are on the rise, with more than 143,000 confirmed cases to date. However, there is paucity of data addressing clinical outcomes and mortality in prisoners hospitalized with COVID-19. An observational study of all patients hospitalized with COVID-19 between March 10 and May 10, 2020 at two Henry Ford Health System hospitals in Michigan. Clinical outcomes were compared amongst hospitalized prisoners and non-prisoner patients. The primary outcomes were intubation rates, in-hospital mortality, and 30-day mortality. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox-regression models were used to investigate primary outcomes. Of the 706 hospitalized COVID-19 patients (mean age 66.7 ± 16.1 years, 57% males, and 44% black), 108 were prisoners and 598 were non-prisoners. Compared to non-prisoners, prisoners were more likely to present with fever, tachypnea, hypoxemia, and markedly elevated inflammatory markers. Prisoners were more commonly admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) (26.9% vs. 18.7%), required vasopressors (24.1% vs. 9.9%), and intubated (25.0% vs. 15.2%). Prisoners had higher unadjusted inpatient mortality (29.6% vs. 20.1%) and 30-day mortality (34.3% vs. 24.6%). In the adjusted models, prisoner status was associated with higher in-hospital death (odds ratio, 2.32; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.33 to 4.05) and 30-day mortality (hazard ratio, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.33 to 3.00). In this cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, prisoner status was associated with more severe clinical presentation, higher rates of ICU admissions, vasopressors requirement, intubation, in-hospital mortality, and 30-day mortality.
Social categorization based on permanent versus transient visual traits in neurotypical children and children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Kiss Orsolya , Oláh Katalin , Fehér Lili Julia , Topál József
Published: March 2021

The present study was designed to test the relative weight of different types of category markers in children’s representations of social and biological kinds. We reasoned that in order to efficiently navigate through the mesh network of overlapping social categories, the representational system dedicated to processing information about social groups should be prepared to flexibly switch between potential ways of categorizing fellow humans. Thus, we hypothesized that children would assign more relevance to transient but symbolic features, such as shirt colour, when categorizing humans than other animal species. Across two experiments, we investigated whether typically developing children as well as children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder would categorize drawings of humans and dogs along a transient or a biologically set, permanent marker. The results show that both groups of children overwhelmingly selected the permanent feature to categorize dogs, however, they were more likely to categorize fellow humans based on transient features. We suggest that this tendency lays the ground for humans’ ability to efficiently represent the complex structure of societies.
Functional foregut anatomy of the blue–green sharpshooter illustrated using a 3D model
Authors: White Daniel , Backus Elaine A. , Marcus Ian M. , Walker Sharon L. , Roper M. Caroline
Published: March 2021

Sharpshooter leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae) are important vectors of the plant pathogenic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al. (Xanthomonadales: Xanthomonadaceae). This pathogen causes economically significant diseases in olive, citrus, and grapes on multiple continents. Bacterial acquisition and inoculation mechanisms are linked to X. fastidiosa biofilm formation and fluid dynamics in the functional foregut of sharpshooters, which together result in egestion (expulsion) of fluids likely carrying bacteria. One key X. fastidiosa vector is the blue–green sharpshooter, Graphocephala atropunctata (Signoret, 1854). Herein, a 3D model of the blue–green sharpshooter functional foregut is derived from a meta-analysis of published microscopy images. The model is used to illustrate preexisting and newly defined anatomical terminology that is relevant for investigating fluid dynamics in the functional foregut of sharpshooters. The vivid 3D illustrations herein and supplementary interactive 3D figures are suitable resources for multidisciplinary researchers who may be unfamiliar with insect anatomy. The 3D model can also be used in future fluid dynamic simulations to better understand acquisition, retention, and inoculation of X. fastidiosa. Improved understanding of these processes could lead to new targets for preventing diseases caused by X. fastidiosa.
A surface plasmon resonance based approach for measuring response to pneumococcal vaccine
Authors: Garrido-Jareño Marta , Puchades-Carrasco Leonor , Orti-Pérez Leticia , Sahuquillo-Arce José Miguel , del Carmen Meyer-García María , Mollar-Maseres Joan , Lloret-Sos Carmina , Gil-Brusola Ana , López-Hontangas José Luis , Beltrán-Garrido José Manuel , Pemán-García Javier , Pineda-Lucena Antonio
Published: March 2021

Incidence of pneumococcal disease has increased worldwide in recent years. Response to pneumococcal vaccine is usually measured using the multiserotype enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) pneumococcal test. However, this approach presents several limitations. Therefore, the introduction of new and more robust analytical approaches able to provide information on the efficacy of the pneumococcal vaccine would be very beneficial for the clinical management of patients. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) has been shown to offer a valuable understanding of vaccines’ properties over the last years. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability of SPR for the anti-pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides (anti-PnPs) IgGs quantification in vaccinated. Fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) was used for the isolation of total IgGs from serum samples of vaccinated patients. Binding-SPR assays were performed to study the interaction between anti-PnPs IgGs and PCV13. A robust correlation was found between serum levels of anti-PnPs IgGs, measured by ELISA, and the SPR signal. Moreover, it was possible to correctly classify patients into “non-responder”, “responder” and “high-responder” groups according to their specific SPR PCV13 response profiles. SPR technology provides a valuable tool for reliably characterize the interaction between anti-PnPs IgGs and PCV13 in a very short experimental time.
Rainfall increasing offsets the negative effects of nighttime warming on GHGs and wheat yield in North China Plain
Authors: Zhang Yaojun , Shou Wenkai , Maucieri Carmelo , Lin Feng
Published: March 2021

The effects of nighttime warming and rainfall increasing on crop productivity and soil greenhouse gas emissions are few studied. This study was conducted with a field experiment to investigate the effects of nighttime warming, rainfall increasing and their interaction on wheat grain yield, methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions during a winter wheat growing season in the North China Plain (NCP). The results showed that nighttime warming and rainfall increasing significantly altered soil temperature and moisture, and thus the CH4and N2O emissions from the soil. Nighttime warming significantly promoted soil CH4uptake by 21.2% and increased soil N2O emissions by 22.4%. Rainfall increasing stimulated soil N2O emissions by 15.7% but decreased soil CH4uptake by 18.6%. Nighttime warming significantly decreased wheat yield by 5.5%, while rainfall increasing enhanced wheat yield by 4.0%. The results indicate that the positive effect of nighttime warming on CH4uptake and negative effect on wheat yield can be offset by rainfall increasing in the NCP. Generally, rainfall increasing significantly raised the global warming potential and greenhouse gas intensity induced by CH4and N2O emissions. Overall, this study improves our understanding of agroecosystem C and N cycling in response to nighttime warming and rainfall increasing under future climate change.
Greece and Turkey Shaken by African tectonic retreat
Authors: Meng Jiannan , Sinoplu Ozan , Zhou Zhipeng , Tokay Bulent , Kusky Timothy , Bozkurt Erdin , Wang Lu
Published: March 2021

Earthquakes are a consequence of the motions of the planet’s tectonic plates, yet predicting when and where they may occur, and how to prepare remain some of the shortcomings of using scientific knowledge to protect human life. A devastating Mw 7.0 earthquake on October 30, 2020, offshore Samos Island, Greece was a consequence of the Aegean and Anatolian upper crust being pulled apart by north–south extensional stresses resulting from slab rollback, where the African plate is subducting northwards beneath Eurasia, while the slab is sinking by gravitational forces, causing it to retreat southwards. Since the retreating African slab is coupled with the overriding plate, it tears the upper plate apart as it retreats, breaking it into numerous small plates with frequent earthquakes along their boundaries. Historical earthquake swarms and deformation of the upper plate in the Aegean have been associated with massive volcanism and cataclysmic devastation, such as the Mw 7.7 Amorgos earthquake in July 1956 between the islands of Naxos and Santorini (Thera). Even more notable was the eruption of Santorini 3650 years ago, which contributed to the fall of the Minoan civilization. The Samos earthquake highlights the long historical lack of appreciation of links between deep tectonic processes and upper crustal deformation and geological hazards, and is a harbinger of future earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, establishing a basis for studies to institute better protection of infrastructure and upper plate cultures in the region.
Gathering, processing, and interpreting information about COVID-19
Authors: Boot Arnout B. , Eerland Anita , Jongerling Joran , Verkoeijen Peter P. J. L. , Zwaan Rolf A.
Published: March 2021

Does cognitive motivation influence how people gather and interpret information about COVID-19 and their adherence to measures? To address these questions, we conducted a longitudinal survey among European and American respondents. Wave 1 (N = 501) was conducted on March 27, 2020 and Wave 2 (N = 326) on July 1, 2020. We assessed COVID-19 knowledge, endorsement of COVID-19 conspiracy theories, media use, Need for Cognition (NC), Need for Cognitive Closure (NCC), and self-reported adherence to governmental measures taken. Results showed that nearly three-quarters of our respondents actively searched for information about COVID-19. Most at least once a day. Information seeking behaviour was not influenced by cognitive motivation (i.e., NC and NCC). However, cognitive motivation was related to (1) knowledge about COVID-19, (2) conspiracy rejection, and (3) change in knowledge over time. Respondents with more knowledge on COVID-19 also indicated to adhere more often to measures taken by their government. Self-reported adherence to measures was not influenced by cognitive motivation. Implications of these findings will be discussed.
On the importance of RH3C⋯N tetrel bonding interactions in the solid state of a dinuclear zinc complex with a tetradentate Schiff base ligand
Authors: Mondal Ipsita , Frontera Antonio , Chattopadhyay Shouvik
Published: March 2021

The tetrel bonding and π-stacking interactions in a new dinuclear zinc complex using a tetradentate N2O2 donor Schiff base have been analysed energetically using DFT calculations and several computational tools.
Interface engineering of a hierarchical ZnxCd1−xS architecture with favorable kinetics for high-performance solar water splitting
Authors: Zhang Miaomiao , Chu Xianqiang , Zhang Hui , Huang Fangzhi , Liu Pianpian , Li Shikuo
Published: March 2021

A hierarchical ZnxCd1−xS nanorod array with binder-free heterojunction interfaces and favorable type-II band alignment displays significantly enhanced photoactivity and stability.
Nonlinear microfluidics: device physics, functions, and applications
Authors: Xia H. M. , Wu J. W. , Zheng J. J. , Zhang J. , Wang Z. P.
Published: March 2021

Nonlinear microfluidics, including the typical devices, their working mechanisms and applications are discussed.
Stress buffering in cyclodextrin-based membranes coated on emulsion droplet surfaces
Authors: Xu Hua-Neng , Hou Jie , Liu Huanhuan , Zhang Lianfu
Published: March 2021

Two types of buffering patterns are achieved in cyclodextrin-based emulsions. The triglyceride cyclodextrin/oil inclusion complexes are mobile to relax the stress. The n-dodecane inclusion complexes wrap the droplet in a cracked pattern separated by buffering zones.
A 2D–3D co-conduction effect in PEO-based all-solid-state batteries for long term cycle stability
Authors: He Hao , Chai Yuan , Zhang Xinlong , Shi Penghui , Fan Jinchen , Xu Qunjie , Min Yulin
Published: March 2021

We synthesized a lithium ion conductor oxide, Li19La36Ga7O74, with high bulk conductivity and used it as an active filler to improve the long-cycle stability and low self-discharge of PEO-based lithium metal solid-state batteries.
A graph-convolutional neural network for addressing small-scale reaction prediction
Authors: Wu Yejian , Zhang Chengyun , Wang Ling , Duan Hongliang
Published: March 2021

The GCN model predicts reactions based on small-scale datasets, and its accuracy is shown to be significantly higher than that of the transformer model.
Near-infrared emitting Cu–In–Se/ZnS core/shell quantum dots: aqueous synthesis and sulfur source effects
Authors: Jia Yuxiu , Liu Hui , Cai Peng , Liu Xinran , Wang Luolisha , Ding Ling , Xu Guiyun , Wang Wei , Jiao Mingxia , Luo Xiliang
Published: March 2021

The effects of an organic sulfur precursor on the near-infrared emission of aqueous based Cu–In–Se/ZnS quantum dots are revealed.
Lithium ion battery degradation: what you need to know
Authors: Edge Jacqueline S. , O’Kane Simon , Prosser Ryan , Kirkaldy Niall D. , Patel Anisha N. , Hales Alastair , Ghosh Abir , Ai Weilong , Chen Jingyi , Yang Jiang , Li Shen , Pang Mei-Chin , Bravo Diaz Laura , Tomaszewska Anna , Marzook M. Waseem , Radhakrishnan Karthik N. , Wang Huizhi , Patel Yatish , Wu Billy , Offer Gregory J.
Published: March 2021

The expansion of lithium-ion batteries from consumer electronics to larger-scale transport and energy storage applications has made understanding the many mechanisms responsible for battery degradation increasingly important.
4-Aminocoumarin derivatives: synthesis and applications
Authors: Sadeghpour Madieh , Olyaei Abolfazl , Adl Alireza
Published: March 2021

4-Aminocoumarins represent an important class of a versatile scaffold in organic synthesis and have been consistently used as a building block in organic chemistry for the synthesis of different heterocyclic compounds.
High-performance broadband photodetectors based on all-inorganic perovskite CsPb(Br/I)3 nanocrystal/CdS-microwire heterostructures
Authors: Li Haixia , Lin Weiwei , Ma Liang , Liu Yang , Wang Yu , Li Ao , Jin Xiaorui , Xiong Lun
Published: March 2021

The high performance photodetector based on CsPb(Br/I)3-NC/CdS-MW heterostructures showed broadband photodetection that covers UV-VIS-NIR range due to the charge transfer at the heterojunction interface and the absorption capability of CsPb(Br/I)3.
Single metal four-electron reduction by U(ii) and masked “U(ii)” compounds
Authors: Modder Dieuwertje K. , Palumbo Chad T. , Douair Iskander , Scopelliti Rosario , Maron Laurent , Mazzanti Marinella
Published: March 2021

Both a masked and the actual complex [U(ii){N(SiMe3)2}3]+ effect the reduction of azobenzene to yield a U(vi) bis-imido species providing the first example of a “clear-cut” metal centred four-electron reduction in f-element chemistry.
Large-current-stable bifunctional nanoporous Fe-rich nitride electrocatalysts for highly efficient overall water and urea splitting
Authors: Cai Fengming , Liao Liling , Zhao Yang , Li Dongyang , Zeng Jinsong , Yu Fang , Zhou Haiqing
Published: March 2021

Iron is a good enhancer for boosting the sluggish water and urea oxidation reactions with low potentials of 1.518 and 1.372 V, respectively, which further actualize 500 mA cm−2 at 1.623 and 1.472 V stably for water and urea electrolysis, respectively.
Nb-doped layered FeNi phosphide nanosheets for highly efficient overall water splitting under high current densities
Authors: Wen Shuting , Chen Guangliang , Chen Wei , Li Mengchao , Ouyang Bo , Wang Xingquan , Chen Dongliang , Gong Teng , Zhang Xianhui , Huang Jun , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken)
Published: March 2021

A double-layered trimetallic phosphide of Ni12P5–Fe2P–NbP is engineered on plasma-treated nickel foam, and its overpotentials for the HER and OER are only 265 and 330 mV at j400 respectively, as well as showing a low cell voltage of 1.65 V at j100.
Pyridinylphosphorothioate-based blue iridium(iii) complex with double chiral centers for circularly polarized electroluminescence
Authors: Lu Jun-Jian , Tu Zhen-Long , Luo Xu-Feng , Zhang Yi-Pin , Qu Zhong-Ze , Liang Xiao , Wu Zheng-Guang , Zheng You-Xuan
Published: March 2021

A blue Ir(iii) complex with double chiral centers based on the λ or δ isomer together with a chiral phosphine center (RorS) can be separated into four isomers, which can show obvious CPL intensity and CPEL properties.
Rate of Communicative Gestures and Developmental Outcomes in Toddlers With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder During a Home Observation
Authors: Delehanty Abigail D. , Wetherby Amy M.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Most toddlers with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental delays receive early intervention at home and may not participate in a clinic-based communication evaluation. However, there is limited research that has prospectively examined communication in very young children with and without autism in a home-based setting. This study used granular observational coding to document the communicative acts performed by toddlers with autism, developmental delay, and typical development in the home environment.

Method

Children were selected from the archival database of the FIRST WORDS Project (
N
= 211). At approximately 20 months of age, each child participated in everyday activities with a caregiver during an hour-long, video-recorded, naturalistic home observation. Inventories of unique gestures, rates per minute, and proportions of types of communicative acts and communicative functions were coded and compared using a one-way analysis of variance. Concurrent and prospective relationships between rate of communication and measures of social communication, language development, and autism symptoms were examined.

Results

A total of 40,738 communicative acts were coded. Children with autism, developmental delay, and typical development used eight, nine, and 12 unique gestures on average, respectively. Children with autism used deictic gestures, vocalizations, and communicative acts for behavior regulation at significantly lower rates than the other groups. Statistically significant correlations were observed between rate of communication and several outcome measures.

Conclusion

Observation of social communication in the natural environment may improve early identification of children with autism and communication delays, complement clinic-based assessments, and provide useful information about a child's social communication profile and the family's preferred activities and intervention priorities.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14204522