bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biosynthesis of magnesium oxide nanoparticles using Hagenia abyssinica female flower aqueous extract for characterization and antibacterial activity
Authors: Hirphaye Belete Yilma , Bonka Nafikot Berhanu , Tura Alemu Mekonnen , Fanta Gada Muleta
Published: August 2023

The present study deals with the biosynthesis of magnesium oxide nanoparticles using the Hagenia abyssinica female flower aqueous extract. The prepared MgO NPs were characterized by visual observation, UV–Vis, XRD, FTIR, and SEM studies. Optimum parameters such as plant extract volume (25 mL), temperature (60 ℃), pH (12), precursor concentration (1 mM), reaction time (120 min), and the formation of the MgO NPs in the colloidal solution were monitored by a UV–Vis spectrophotometer. XRD patterns of MgO NPs confirmed the face-centered cubic structure and average crystallite size of NPs at 12.8 nm. The FTIR spectra depicted a peak at 407 cm−1, which corresponds to the stretching vibration of MgO and is the characteristic peak for MgO NPs. SEM confirms spherical morphology, and the overall size of MgO NPs ranges from 10 to 40 nm. The antibacterial activity of synthesized MgO NPs was determined by the agar-well-diffusion method, which found that nanoparticles have significant antibacterial activity zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (27 ± 0.28 mm) and against Escherichia coli (15 ± 0 mm).
Mechanisms Linking Physical Activity with Psychiatric Symptoms Across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nguyen Ho Phuong Thuy , Ha Pham Bich Tram , Tong Thao , Bramer Wichor M. , Hofman Amy , Lubans David Revalds , Vernooij Meike W. , Rodriguez-Ayllon María
Published: August 2023

Background

Physical activity has been suggested as a protective factor against psychiatric symptoms. While numerous studies have focused on the magnitude of physical activity’s effect on psychiatric symptoms, few have examined the potential mechanisms.

Objective

The current review aimed to synthesize scientific evidence of the mechanisms through which physical activity might reduce psychiatric symptoms across the lifespan.

Methods

We included articles that were published before March 2022 from five electronic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Embase, and Cochrane). A qualitative synthesis of studies was conducted. The risk of bias assessment was performed using The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for Systematic Reviews. Studies were included if they explored the possible mechanisms through which physical activity influences psychiatric symptoms (i.e., internalizing and externalizing symptoms) across the lifespan.

Results

A total of 22 articles were included (three randomized controlled trials, four non-randomized controlled trials, three prospective longitudinal studies, and 12 cross-sectional studies). Overall, most of the studies focused on children, adolescents, and young adults. Our findings showed that self-esteem, self-concept, and self-efficacy were the only consistent paths through which physical activity influences psychiatric symptoms (specifically depressive and anxiety symptoms) across the lifespan. There were insufficient studies to determine the role of neurobiological mechanisms.

Conclusions

Overall, future physical activity interventions with the purpose of improving mental health should consider these mechanisms (self-esteem, self-concept, self-efficacy) to develop more effective interventions.

Clinical Trial Registration: The protocol of this study was registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number CRD42021239440) and published in April 2022.
Idempotent set-theoretical solutions of the pentagon equation
Authors: Mazzotta Marzia
Published: August 2023

A set-theoretical solution of the pentagon equation on a non-empty set X is a function $$s:X\times X\rightarrow X\times X$$

s
:
X
×
X
→
X
×
X

satisfying the relation $$s_{23}\, s_{13}\, s_{12}=s_{12}\, s_{23}$$

s
23

s
13

s
12

=

s
12

s
23

, with $$s_{12}=s\times \,{{\,\textrm{id}\,}}_X$$

s
12

=
s
×

id

X

, $$s_{23}={{\,\textrm{id}\,}}_X \times \, s$$

s
23

=

id

X

×

s

and $$s_{13}=({{\,\textrm{id}\,}}_X\times \, \tau )s_{12}({{\,\textrm{id}\,}}_X\times \,\tau )$$

s
13

=

(

id

X

×

τ
)

s
12

(

id

X

×

τ
)

, where $$\tau :X\times X\rightarrow X\times X$$

τ
:
X
×
X
→
X
×
X

is the flip map given by $$\tau (x,y)=(y,x)$$

τ
(
x
,
y
)
=
(
y
,
x
)

, for all $$x,y\in X$$

x
,
y
∈
X

. Writing a solution as $$s(x,y)=(xy,\theta _x(y))$$

s

(
x
,
y
)

=
(
x
y
,

θ
x

(
y
)

)

, where $$\theta _x: X \rightarrow X$$

θ
x

:
X
→
X

is a map, for every $$x\in X$$

x
∈
X

, one has that X is a semigroup. In this paper, we study idempotent solutions, i.e., $$s^2=s$$

s
2

=
s

, by showing that the idempotents of X have a crucial role in such an investigation. In particular, we describe all such solutions on monoids having central idempotents. Moreover, we focus on idempotent solutions defined on monoids for which the map $$\theta _1$$

θ
1

is a monoid homomorphism.
Novel intuitionistic fuzzy Aczel Alsina Hamy mean operators and their applications in the assessment of construction material
Authors: Hussain Abrar , Wang Haolun , Ullah Kifayat , Pamucar Dragan
Published: August 2023

Aggregation operators (AOs) are utilized to overcome the effects of attributes under some specific degree of weight in the decision-making (DM) process. The AOs have a large capacity to deal with uncertain and unpredictable information in multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) problems. The Hamy mean (HM) aggregation tools are well-known aggregation models, which are utilized to define correlation among different input arguments adequately. The intuitionistic fuzzy (IF) sets (IFS) can express unpredictable and vague information. The Aczel Alsina aggregation expressions are extensions of triangular norms. Recently, Aczel Alsina aggregation tools attained a lot of attentions from numerous research scholars. By inspiring the robustness and reliability of Aczel Alsina aggregation tools, we expose some appropriate operations of Aczel Alsina expressions under consideration of IF information. In this manuscript, we developed an intuitionistic fuzzy Aczel Alsina HM (IFAAHM) and an intuitionistic fuzzy Aczel Alsina weighted HM (IFAAWHM) operator. We also expressed the theory of Dual HM (DHM) tools and established a series of new approaches including intuitionistic fuzzy Aczel Alsina Dual HM (IFAADHM) and intuitionistic fuzzy Aczel Alsina weighted Dual HM (IFAAWDHM) operators. Some reliable characteristics and special cases of our derived approaches are also presented. The authors solved an application of a MADM technique under consideration of our derived approaches. To check the reliability and dependency of our derived mythologies, we gave an experimental case study to evaluate a desirable construction material based on some specific criteria of different Alternatives. To see the advantages and compatibility of our derived approaches, by comparing the results of existing approaches with the results of currently discussed AOs.
A two-stage multiobjective evolutionary ensemble learning for silicon prediction in blast furnace
Authors: Li Qiang , Zhang Jingchuan , Wang Wenhao , Wang Xianpeng
Published: August 2023

Silicon content of molten iron is an important indicator in the blast furnace ironmaking process. Accurate prediction of silicon content is very important for monitoring the operating condition of the blast furnace and the quality of the molten iron. However, accurate and effective online prediction of silicon content is a challenging task due to the complex and high-dimensional nonlinear relationship between silicon content and process variables. Therefore, a two-stage multiobjective evolutionary ensemble learning algorithm is proposed to achieve a high-accuracy and low-complexity prediction model using support vector machine (SVR) as the base learner. In the first stage, a non-dominated sorting differential evolution algorithm with dynamic resource allocation (DRA-NSDE) is proposed to generate a set of non-dominated solutions (SVRs) with the objectives of accuracy and complexity. In the second stage, a stacking method based on clustering and differential evolution (CDE-Stacking) is proposed to select base learners with better diversity and construct the ensemble model. The effectiveness of the proposed DRA-NSDE and CDE-Stacking strategies is verified through a series of numerical experiments. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the rival methods on both the UCI benchmark data set and the actual blast furnace data set. In addition, the analysis of model complexity shows that the proposed model can achieve higher prediction accuracy with relatively low model complexity, which indicates that the algorithm is very suitable for the online prediction of silicon content in actual blast furnace ironmaking process.
Boosting of fruit choices using machine learning-based pomological recommendation system
Authors: Dutta Monica , Gupta Deepali , Juneja Sapna , Shah Asadullah , Shaikh Asadullah , Shukla Varun , Kumar Mukesh
Published: August 2023

Pomology, also known as fruticulture, is a significant contributor to the economies of many nations worldwide. While vertical farming methods are not well-suited for fruit cultivation, substrate-based cultivation is commonly practiced. Vertical farming methods use no soil for cultivation of the plants, and the cultivation is done in vertically stacked layers. Therefore, smaller herbs are best suited for such cultivation, whereas, the majority of the fruit trees are big and woody. Therefore, vertical farming methods are not well suited for fruit trees. However, to maximize fruit production, smarter substrate cultivation methods are needed. Utilizing remote sensing techniques, such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, agriculture sensors, and cloud computing, allows for precision agriculture and smart farming in autonomous systems. Nevertheless, a lack of understanding of fruit nutrient requirements, growing conditions, and soil health conditions can result in reduced fruit production. To address these challenges, this paper proposes an intelligent model based on machine learning that recommends the best fruit to grow based on prevailing soil and climatic conditions. The system is trained on a dataset that includes details on eleven different fruits, such as Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), Potassium (K), temperature, humidity, pH, and rainfall. The model takes into account the soil type and nutrient contents to recommend the most suitable fruit to grow in the prevailing climate. To enhance the model's efficiency, two novel techniques, Gradient-based Side Sampling (GOSS) and Exclusive Feature Bundling (EFB), have been incorporated. The results show that the proposed system has achieved 99% accuracy in recommending the right fruit based on the given environmental conditions. As a result, this system has the potential to significantly improve the profitability of the pomology industry and boost national economies.
Modeling and Simulation of Dynamics in Soft Robotics: a Review of Numerical Approaches
Authors: Qin Longhui , Peng Haijun , Huang Xiaonan , Liu Mingchao , Huang Weicheng
Published: August 2023

Purpose of review

In this review, we briefly summarize the numerical methods commonly used for the nonlinear dynamic analysis of soft robotic systems. The underlying mechanical principles as well as the geometrical treatment tailored for soft robots are introduced with particular emphasis on one-dimensional models. Additionally, the review encompasses three-dimensional frameworks, available simulation packages, and various types of interaction models, shedding light on the design, actuation, motion control, and internal and external forces of soft robots.

Recent findings

Reduced-order models can offer high efficiency in characterizing nonlinear deformations, allowing convenient tailoring based on specific structural and material configurations. For pursuing high simulation accuracy and detailed mechanics, the finite element method proves to be a valuable tool through numerous off-the-shelf platforms. Furthermore, machine learning has emerged as a promising tool to effectively address the challenges within the mechanics community.

Summary

A wide range of kinematic and dynamic numerical models is available for simulating the behaviors of soft robots, offering exceptional adaptability to different geometries and structures based on existing modeling theories and numerical solution algorithms. However, the trade-off between computational complexity and simulation accuracy remains a challenge in achieving fast, accurate, and robust control of soft robots in complex environments.
The (in-)visibility of difference: gay and lesbian identities and the German police
Authors: Staller Mario S. , Koerner Swen , Wilkes Rachel
Published: August 2023

While modern police organizations have included diversity in their portfolio of guiding orientations, there has been little research on the sexual identity of police officers and their perceptions in Germany. Based on current scientific discourses on the construction and impact of human categories, this article provides an explorative empirical-qualitative analysis of views, perceptions, and experiences of German police officers with gay and lesbian sexual identities. We conducted in-depth semi-structured interview with officers who identified themselves as gay or lesbian (n = 8). Applying a reflexive thematic approach to data analysis, the results point to an internal police dominance of a two-gender identity concept, in which heterosexual masculinity forms the guiding value and third possibilities remain largely invisible. The findings offer a reason to critically reflect on the existing dominance of heterosexually formatted distinctions and thus to further expand German police organization’s claim to diversity.
ANOTHER LOOK AT A SENSIBLE FISCAL POLICY FOR THE SHARP RISE IN GOVERNMENT DEBT
Authors: Capie Forrest , Chapman Meyrick , Marsh Chris , Wood Geoffrey
Published: August 2023

This paper weighs possible medium-term responsible policy choices to the extraordinary expansion of government spending in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The paper is divided into two parts. In part 1 of the paper, we look at conventional debt sustainability and question whether conventional rules created during a period of high interest rates and high inflation remain relevant. Current and future conditions support a case for government debt/GDP to remain elevated compared to history, conditional upon limited state interference in the economy to allow appropriate allocation of capital and resources. In part 2, we consider the historical experience of the United Kingdom. History shows the country had several examples of rapid, large-scale expansion of government debt relative to the size of the economy. On each occasion, the elevated level of debt-to-GDP was later reduced by a combination of relatively benign factors, including commitment to low inflation and sound monetary system. This supported the financial probity of the UK government and allowed it to continue to borrow unimpeded.
Investigation of Under‐Ice Phytoplankton Growth in the Fully‐Coupled, High‐Resolution Regional Arctic System Model
Authors: Clement Kinney Jaclyn , Frants Marina , Maslowski Wieslaw , Osinski Robert , Jeffery Nicole , Jin Meibing , Lee Younjoo J.
Published: August 2023

In July 2011, observations of a massive phytoplankton bloom in the ice‐covered waters of the western Chukchi Sea raised questions about the extent and frequency of under‐ice phytoplankton growth and its contribution to the carbon budget in the Arctic Ocean. To address some of these questions, we use the fully‐coupled, high‐resolution Regional Arctic System Model to simulate Arctic marine biogeochemistry over a 30‐year period. Our results demonstrate the presence of extensive under‐ice phytoplankton growth in the western Arctic (WA) in summer. In addition, similar growth, yet of lower magnitude, occurs annually in the eastern Arctic (EA). We investigate the critical levels of nitrate concentration and photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) that are necessary for under‐ice phytoplankton growth to occur. Our results show that while the majority of ice‐covered Arctic waters have sufficient surface nitrate levels to sustain growth, PAR reaching the ocean surface through the sea ice in early summer only exceeds critical levels in the WA. We therefore conclude that the EA high chlorophyll‐a concentrations shown in our simulations did not develop under sea ice, but were instead, at least in part, formed in open waters upstream and subsequently advected by ocean currents beneath the sea ice.
Observational Estimates of Turbulence Parameters in the Atmospheric Surface Layer of Landfalling Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Ming Jie , Zhang Jun A. , Li Xin , Pu Zhaoxia , Momen Mostafa
Published: August 2023

This study analyzes observations collected by multilevel towers to estimate turbulence parameters in the atmospheric surface layer of two landfalling tropical cyclones (TCs). The momentum flux, turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and dissipation rate increase with the wind speed independent of surface types. However, the momentum flux and TKE are much larger over land than over the coastal ocean at a given wind speed range. The vertical eddy diffusivity is directly estimated using the momentum flux and strain rate, which more quickly increases with the wind speed over a rougher surface. Comparisons of the eddy diffusivity estimated using the direct flux method and that using the friction velocity and height show good agreement. On the other hand, the traditional TKE method overestimates the eddy diffusivity compared to the direct flux method. The scaling coefficients in the TKE method are derived for the two different surface types to better match with the vertical eddy diffusivity based on the direct flux method. Some guidance to improve vertical diffusion parameterizations for TC landfall forecasts in weather simulations are also provided.
Synergistic Effects of Upstream Disturbances and Oceanic Fronts on the Subseasonal Evolution of Western Pacific Jet Stream in Winter
Authors: Qian Shengyi , Hu Haibo , Ren Xuanjuan , Yang Xiu‐Qun , Yu Peilong , Mao Kefeng
Published: August 2023

The Western Pacific jet stream (WPJS) is an essential part of atmospheric circulation in winter, which significantly influences the weather and climate of the North Pacific and North America. In this paper, the characteristics and mechanism of WPJS subseasonal variation in winter are investigated. The upstream atmospheric disturbances in the East Asian polar‐front jet and subtropical jet merge over the Northwestern Pacific to form the subseasonal variability in WPJS, which has a significant period of 40–60 days. During the positive phase events of subseasonal WPJS, the convergence position of the upstream atmospheric disturbances shifts southwardly accompanied with the local enhancement and eastward extension of subseasonal WPJS. On the other hand, the subseasonal WPJS divides into the southern and northern westerly branches during the negative phase events. By the horizontal propagation of local Eliassen‐Palm fluxes in the upper atmosphere, the northward drift of the upstream atmospheric disturbances convergence dominates the delayed acceleration of the northern upper westerly branch. However, the intensification of atmospheric baroclinicity and upward baroclinic energy caused by the leading strong subtropical frontal zone determine the acceleration of the southern upper westerly branch.
Evaluation of CMIP6 HighResMIP for Hydrologic Modeling of Annual Maximum Discharge in Iowa
Authors: Michalek Alexander T. , Villarini Gabriele , Kim Taereem , Quintero Felipe , Krajewski Witold F. , Scoccimarro Enrico
Published: August 2023

The High‐Resolution Model Intercomparison Project (HighResMIP) experiments from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Phase 6 represent a broad effort to improve the resolution, and performance of climate models. The HighResMIP suite provides high spatial resolution (i.e., 25‐ and 50‐km) forcings that have been shown to improve the representation of climate processes. However, little is known about their suitability for hydrologic applications. We use outputs from the HighResMIP suite to simulate annual maximum discharge with the Hillslope‐Link Model (HLM) at ∼1,000 river communities across Iowa. First, we assess whether the runoff from the climate models can be directly routed through the river network model in HLM to estimate annual maximum discharge. Runoff‐based simulations can capture the empirical distribution of flood peaks in five of the 10 models/members assessed. Next, we force the HLM with precipitation, temperature, and potential evapotranspiration from HighResMIP models to simulate flood peaks, finding all models/members produce empirical distributions similar to our reference. However, significant biases exist in the model/member forcings as correct flood response is being generated for the wrong reason. To improve their suitability for community‐level assessment, we use nine statistical approaches to bias‐correct and downscale HighResMIP precipitation to a 4‐km resolution. The bias‐correction and downscaling of climate model precipitation performs well for all models/members. Furthermore, we do not find significant changes in the magnitude flood peak projections for Iowa based on the HLM forced with HighResMIP outputs, or based on routed runoff, while there are indications that the variability in flood peaks is projected to increase across the state.
The Lack of Evidence on the Madden‐Julian Oscillation to Drive Its Relationship With the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation Through Modulation of Stratospheric Wave Activity
Authors: Rai Sadiksha , Sakaeda Naoko
Published: August 2023

Previous studies have found that Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) amplitude depends on the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation (QBO) during boreal winter. This MJO‐QBO relationship is important to realizing subseasonal‐to‐seasonal prediction skills, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. It is often thought that this relationship arises through the modulation of the upper‐troposphere and lower‐stratosphere lapse rate by the QBO, but this mechanism assumes the one‐way impact of the QBO onto the MJO. Alternatively, the MJO can be hypothesized to influence the QBO by modulating stratospheric wave activity that is known to be critical to QBO dynamics. Therefore, using satellite and reanalysis data, this study examines whether MJO monthly activity can impact stratospheric wave activity and QBO downward propagation speed. The results depicted a lack of such impacts, suggesting this observed MJO‐QBO relationship cannot be driven by the MJO modulation of stratospheric wave forcing.
The Importance of Accounting for the North Atlantic Oscillation When Applying Observational Constraints to European Climate Projections
Authors: Ballinger Andrew P. , Schurer Andrew P. , O’Reilly Christopher H. , Hegerl Gabriele C.
Published: August 2023

Variability in the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) has contributed to the recent multidecadal trends observed in European climate, especially to trends in winter precipitation over Northern Europe. However, the current generation of coupled climate models struggle to reproduce the NAO's contribution to multidecadal trends, which has important implications for deriving constraints based on the comparison of observed and modeled trends. An observational constraint based on attribution results, both with and without the contribution of variability associated with the NAO, is applied to projections of Northern European precipitation and temperature, and observed NAO variability is shown to lead to a constraint that overestimates future forced changes. Only after removing the NAO variability is the observed climate change consistent with model simulations, and a tighter, unbiased observational constraint based on the forced signal (without the NAO) can be applied to future projections.
Two‐Dimensional Hybrid Simulations of High‐Speed Jets Downstream of Quasi‐Parallel Shocks
Authors: Ren Junyi , Lu Quanming , Guo Jin , Gao Xinliang , Lu San , Wang Shimou , Wang Rongsheng
Published: August 2023

High‐speed jets (HSJs) are frequently observed downstream of a quasi‐parallel bow shock, and they are considered to play important roles in the coupling of the solar wind, the magnetosheath, and the magnetosphere. Using two‐dimensional hybrid simulations, we study the formation of HSJs in quasi‐parallel shocks with different shock angles (θBn). The interaction of the upstream compressive structures that are inhomogeneous in the direction perpendicular to the background magnetic field and the shock front leads to the shock ripples, and then the downstream HSJs. In a parallel shock with the shock angle θBn = 0°, the interaction regions of the upstream compressive structures with the shock front don’t change with time. The shock ripples remain in the same regions of the shock front, and then the HSJs can develop into large‐scale sizes, especially under low plasma β or high Mach number (MA). While in a quasi‐parallel shock with a non‐zero shock angle, the interaction regions of the upstream compressive structures with the shock front move along the shock front. The shock ripples change with time, and the scale size of the downstream HSJs becomes smaller with the increase of the shock angle.
Patterns and Trends in Chlorophyll‐a Concentration and Phytoplankton Phenology in the Biogeographical Regions of Southwestern Atlantic
Authors: Delgado Ana L. , Hernández‐Carrasco Ismael , Combes Vincent , Font‐Muñoz Joan , Pratolongo Paula D. , Basterretxea Gotzon
Published: August 2023

The Southwestern Atlantic Ocean (SWA), is considered one of the most productive areas of the world, with a high abundance of ecologically and economically important fish species. Yet, the biological responses of this complex region to climate variability are still uncertain. Here, using 24 years of satellite‐derived Chl‐a data, we classified the SWA into 9 spatially coherent regions based on the temporal variability of Chl‐a concentration, as revealed by SOM (Self‐Organizing Maps) analysis. These biogeographical regions were the basis of a regional trend analysis in phytoplankton biomass, phenological indices, and environmental forcing variations. A general positive trend in phytoplankton concentration was observed, especially in the highly productive areas of the northern shelf‐break, where phytoplankton biomass has increased at a rate of up to 0.42 ± 0.04 mg m−3 per decade. Significant positive trends in sea surface temperature were observed in 4 of the 9 regions (0.08–0.26 °C decade−1) and shoaling of the mixing layer depth in 5 of the 9 regions (−1.50 to −3.36 m decade−1). In addition to the generally positive trend in Chl‐a, the most conspicuous change in the phytoplankton temporal patterns in the SWA is a delay in the autumn bloom (between 15 ± 3 and 24 ± 6 days decade−1, depending on the region). The observed variations in phytoplankton phenology could be attributed to climate‐induced ocean warming and extended stratification period. Our results provided further evidence of the impact of climate change on these highly productive waters.
Modeling the Continental Shelf Pump for Dissolved Inorganic Carbon in the Chukchi Sea From 1998 to 2015
Authors: Zheng Zijia , Luo Xiaofan , Wei Hao , Zhao Wei
Published: August 2023

Quantifying the flux of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) from the Chukchi shelf to the deep ocean (i.e., the continental shelf pump) is of great significance for understanding the carbon cycle and ocean acidification in the changing Arctic Ocean. Using a coupled ocean‐sea ice‐biogeochemical model, this study shows that the Pacific inflow drives the highly efficient continental shelf pump in the Chukchi Sea, with a multi‐year average of 828 Tg C‐DIC exported to deep basins during 1998–2015. The Pacific annual inflow carries 385 Tg C‐DIC to the Chukchi Sea in summertime (May–September) and 436 Tg C in wintertime (October–April). Downstream, DIC is mainly exported via Barrow Canyon (BC) (266 Tg C, 64%) in summer and along the shelf under the 100 m isobath (217 Tg C, 53%) in winter. This variability corresponds to the seasonal variation of local winds. The stronger winter northeasterly winds hinder the outflow through BC. In both seasons, interannual variability exists in the proportion of DIC exports through different pathways. The fraction of DIC export via BC has a significant correlation (r > 0.8) with the along‐canyon wind speed. This is further related to the sea level pressure (SLP) gradient between the Arctic and North Pacific. A weaker SLP gradient leads to weaker local northeasterly wind, and thus favors a higher proportion of DIC export via BC and lower DIC export through other pathways. This process plays a key role in the redistribution of shelf‐sourced DIC in deep basins of the Arctic Ocean.
ENSO‐Related Precipitation Variability in Central Chile: The Role of Large Scale Moisture Transport
Authors: Campos Diego , Rondanelli Roberto
Published: August 2023

Interannual variability of precipitation in Central Chile has long been associated with changes in the dry atmospheric dynamics of the Southern Pacific. This is due to the interaction between the extratropical storm track and the polar anticyclonic circulations established by the Pacific South American (PSA) teleconnection mode, which results from changes in tropical convection. Here, we show that an enhanced subtropical moisture transport during the warm ENSO phase leads to an increase in the frequency of atmospheric rivers, larger values of precipitable water, and heightened zonal integrated water vapor transport. This occurs in a region of the Southern Pacific situated between the tropical high and the subtropical low of the PSA mode. These increases in zonal water vapor transport result in greater precipitation and moister, long‐lived atmospheric rivers making landfall in Central Chile.
Lake Heatwaves and Cold‐Spells Across Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau Under Climate Change
Authors: Zhang Kexin , Yao Yulong
Published: August 2023

Lake heatwaves (LHWs) and cold‐spells (LCSs), similar to marine heatwaves and cold‐spells, can have long‐term impacts on lake ecosystems and are vulnerable to climate change. Here we first comparatively assess LHW and LCS changes across the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP) using satellite surface water temperature observations in 160 lakes over 1978–2017. Our findings reveal notable differences in the mean and trends of LHW and LCS metrics. Specifically, total days and frequency of LHW have been increasing at a rate of 8.82 ± 1.25 days per decade and 0.78 ± 0.10 counts per decade, respectively. Conversely, total days and frequency of LCS have decreased at −6.52 ± 1.46 days per decade and −0.51 ± 0.01 counts per decade, respectively. However, average duration and mean intensity show no significant difference. Additionally, the average duration of ice cover across the QTP has been decreasing (−2.60 ± 0.38 days per decade) due to the delayed freezing date (1.13 ± 0.18 days per decade) and earlier thawing date (−1.28 ± 0.27 days per decade) during 1978–2017. Furthermore, the annual mean lake surface water temperatures across the QTP exhibit a warming trend (0.00 ∼ 0.47°C per decade) from 1978 to 2017, with faster warming occurring in winter (0.00 ∼ 0.98°C per decade) compared to summer (−0.17 ∼ 0.47°C per decade). Accelerated lake warming will increase the frequency and mean intensity of LHWs while decreasing the number of LCSs. These results help to understand how QTP lakes respond to extreme temperatures under climate change.
Silurian‐Devonian Lithospheric Thinning and Thermally Softening Along the Northern Margin of the Tarim Craton: Geological Mapping, Petro‐Structural Analysis and Geochronological Constraints
Authors: Ning Jun , Jiang Ying‐De , Schulmann Karel , Wang Sheng , Li Peng‐Fei , Shi Shuai , Qiu Hua‐Ning
Published: August 2023

While the western part of northern Tarim Craton has long been considered as a Paleozoic passive margin, a pronounced Silurian‐Devonian magmatism developed on eastern part of this margin may indicate different but active margin setting. In this contribution, detailed structural mapping, petro‐structural analysis, and geochronological investigations were conducted in the Korla area, eastern part of northern Tarim Craton. Three main generations of fabrics were recognized. The earliest pervasive fabric is an originally sub‐horizontal metamorphic S1 foliation that is in part associated with migmatization characterized by high temperature/low pressure metamorphic mineral assemblages, interpreted as reflecting crustal extension. S1 foliation was affected by D2 contraction forming regional‐scale F2 upright folds associated with sub‐vertical axial planar foliation S2. D3 is marked by development of NW‐SE oriented dextral fault, asymmetric mega‐folding of S2 and spaced NW‐SE‐striking S3 foliation, likely in response to dextral transpression. Geochronological data indicate that D1 extension occurred from ca. 420 to 410 Ma, D2 contraction started around 410 Ma and lasted till 400 Ma or later, and D3 transpression was ongoing around ∼370 Ma. Integrated with regional data, an updated geodynamic model is proposed by interpreting the Central Tianshan, South Tianshan and NE Tarim Craton as an early Paleozoic supra‐subduction system. We suggest that the Silurian‐Devonian event reflects thermal softening and horizontal stretching of the supra‐subduction crust, resulting in drifting of the Central Tianshan continental arc from the proto Tarim Craton in association with opening of the South Tianshan back‐arc basin in‐between.
Hepatocyte-derived exosomal miR-146a-5p inhibits hepatic stellate cell EMT process: a crosstalk between hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Lang Zhichao , Li Yifei , Lin Lifan , Li Xinmiao , Tao Qiqi , Hu Yuhang , Bao Menglu , Zheng Lei , Yu Zhengping , Zheng Jianjian
Published: August 2023

Recently, Salidroside (Sal) has been demonstrated to suppress hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, a crucial event for liver fibrosis. Moreover, Sal has been reported to decrease hepatocyte injury. A growing number of reports have indicated that the crosstalk between hepatocytes and HSCs is very crucial for liver fibrosis development. Whether Sal-treated hepatocytes could inhibit HSC activation is unclear. Exosomes, as vital vehicles of intercellular communication, have been shown to transfer cargos between hepatocytes and HSCs. Herein, we aimed to investigate the roles of exosomal miRNAs from Sal-treated hepatocytes in HSC activation as well as liver fibrosis. Our results showed that Sal suppressed carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in vivo. HSC activation as well as cell proliferation was repressed in HSCs co-cultured with Sal-treated hepatocytes. Interestingly, miR-146a-5p was up-regulated by Sal in CCl4-treated mice. Also, enhanced miR-146a-5p was found in hepatocytes isolated from Sal-treated CCl4mice and hepatocyte-derived exosomes. Notably, hepatocyte exosomal miR-146a-5p contributed to HSC inactivation. Inhibiting miR-146a-5p in hepatocyte exosomes resulted in reduced E-cadherin (E-cad) and increased desmin in HSCs, indicating that miR-146a-5p caused HSC inactivation via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). miR-146a-5p inhibition-mediated HSC activation and EMT process were blocked down by loss of EIF5A2. Further studies revealed that EIF5A2 was a target of miR-146a-5p. Furthermore, exosomes with miR-146a-5p overexpression inhibited liver fibrosis in CCl4mice. Collectively, exosomal miR-146a-5p from Sal-treated hepatocytes inhibits HSC activation and liver fibrosis, at least in part, by suppressing EIF5A2 and EMT process.
Shadow estimation of gate-set properties from random sequences
Authors: Helsen J. , Ioannou M. , Kitzinger J. , Onorati E. , Werner A. H. , Eisert J. , Roth I.
Published: August 2023

With quantum computing devices increasing in scale and complexity, there is a growing need for tools that obtain precise diagnostic information about quantum operations. However, current quantum devices are only capable of short unstructured gate sequences followed by native measurements. We accept this limitation and turn it into a new paradigm for characterizing quantum gate-sets. A single experiment—random sequence estimation—solves a wealth of estimation problems, with all complexity moved to classical post-processing. We derive robust channel variants of shadow estimation with close-to-optimal performance guarantees and use these as a primitive for partial, compressive and full process tomography as well as the learning of Pauli noise. We discuss applications to the quantum gate engineering cycle, and propose novel methods for the optimization of quantum gates and diagnosing cross-talk.
Cycles of goal silencing and reactivation underlie complex problem-solving in primate frontal and parietal cortex
Authors: Watanabe Kei , Kadohisa Mikiko , Kusunoki Makoto , Buckley Mark J. , Duncan John
Published: August 2023

While classic views proposed that working memory (WM) is mediated by sustained firing, recent evidence suggests a contribution of activity-silent states. Within WM, human neuroimaging studies suggest a switch between attentional foreground and background, with only the foregrounded item represented in active neural firing. To address this process at the cellular level, we recorded prefrontal (PFC) and posterior parietal (PPC) neurons in a complex problem-solving task, with monkeys searching for one or two target locations in a first cycle of trials, and retaining them for memory-guided revisits on subsequent cycles. When target locations were discovered, neither frontal nor parietal neurons showed sustained goal-location codes continuing into subsequent trials and cycles. Instead there were sequences of timely goal silencing and reactivation, and following reactivation, sustained states until behavioral response. With two target locations, goal representations in both regions showed evidence of transitions between foreground and background, but the PFC representation was more complete, extending beyond the current trial to include both past and future selections. In the absence of unbroken sustained codes, different neuronal states interact to support maintenance and retrieval of WM representations across successive trials.
CD98hc is a target for brain delivery of biotherapeutics
Authors: Chew Kylie S. , Wells Robert C. , Moshkforoush Arash , Chan Darren , Lechtenberg Kendra J. , Tran Hai L. , Chow Johann , Kim Do Jin , Robles-Colmenares Yaneth , Srivastava Devendra B. , Tong Raymond K. , Tong Mabel , Xa Kaitlin , Yang Alexander , Zhou Yinhan , Akkapeddi Padma , Annamalai Lakshman , Bajc Kaja , Blanchette Marie , Cherf Gerald Maxwell , Earr Timothy K. , Gill Audrey , Huynh David , Joy David , Knight Kristen N. , Lac Diana , Leung Amy Wing-Sze , Lexa Katrina W. , Liau Nicholas P. D. , Becerra Isabel , Malfavon Mario , McInnes Joseph , Nguyen Hoang N. , Lozano Edwin I. , Pizzo Michelle E. , Roche Elysia , Sacayon Patricia , Calvert Meredith E. K. , Daneman Richard , Dennis Mark S. , Duque Joseph , Gadkar Kapil , Lewcock Joseph W. , Mahon Cathal S. , Meisner René , Solanoy Hilda , Thorne Robert G. , Watts Ryan J. , Zuchero Y. Joy Yu , Kariolis Mihalis S.
Published: August 2023

Brain exposure of systemically administered biotherapeutics is highly restricted by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Here, we report the engineering and characterization of a BBB transport vehicle targeting the CD98 heavy chain (CD98hc or SLC3A2) of heterodimeric amino acid transporters (TVCD98hc). The pharmacokinetic and biodistribution properties of a CD98hc antibody transport vehicle (ATVCD98hc) are assessed in humanized CD98hc knock-in mice and cynomolgus monkeys. Compared to most existing BBB platforms targeting the transferrin receptor, peripherally administered ATVCD98hc demonstrates differentiated brain delivery with markedly slower and more prolonged kinetic properties. Specific biodistribution profiles within the brain parenchyma can be modulated by introducing Fc mutations on ATVCD98hc that impact FcγR engagement, changing the valency of CD98hc binding, and by altering the extent of target engagement with Fabs. Our study establishes TVCD98hc as a modular brain delivery platform with favorable kinetic, biodistribution, and safety properties distinct from previously reported BBB platforms.
Minimizing non-radiative decay in molecular aggregates through control of excitonic coupling
Authors: Wang Yuanheng , Ren Jiajun , Shuai Zhigang
Published: August 2023

The widely known “Energy Gap Law” (EGL) predicts a monotonically exponential increase in the non-radiative decay rate (knr) as the energy gap narrows, which hinders the development of near-infrared (NIR) emissive molecular materials. Recently, several experiments proposed that the exciton delocalization in molecular aggregates could counteract EGL to facilitate NIR emission. In this work, the nearly exact time-dependent density matrix renormalization group (TD-DMRG) method is developed to evaluate the non-radiative decay rate for exciton-phonon coupled molecular aggregates. Systematical numerical simulations show, by increasing the excitonic coupling, knr will first decrease, then reach a minimum, and finally start to increase to follow EGL, which is an overall result of two opposite effects of a smaller energy gap and a smaller effective electron-phonon coupling. This anomalous non-monotonic behavior is found robust in a number of models, including dimer, one-dimensional chain, and two-dimensional square lattice. The optimal excitonic coupling strength that gives the minimum knr is about half of the monomer reorganization energy and is also influenced by system size, dimensionality, and temperature.
Handheld snapshot multi-spectral camera at tens-of-megapixel resolution
Authors: Zhang Weihang , Suo Jinli , Dong Kaiming , Li Lianglong , Yuan Xin , Pei Chengquan , Dai Qionghai
Published: August 2023

Multi-spectral imaging is a fundamental tool characterizing the constituent energy of scene radiation. However, current multi-spectral video cameras cannot scale up beyond megapixel resolution due to optical constraints and the complexity of the reconstruction algorithms. To circumvent the above issues, we propose a tens-of-megapixel handheld multi-spectral videography approach (THETA), with a proof-of-concept camera achieving 65-megapixel videography of 12 wavebands within visible light range. The high performance is brought by multiple designs: We propose an imaging scheme to fabricate a thin mask for encoding spatio-spectral data using a conventional film camera. Afterwards, a fiber optic plate is introduced for building a compact prototype supporting pixel-wise encoding with a large space-bandwidth product. Finally, a deep-network-based algorithm is adopted for large-scale multi-spectral data decoding, with the coding pattern specially designed to facilitate efficient coarse-to-fine model training. Experimentally, we demonstrate THETA’s advantageous and wide applications in outdoor imaging of large macroscopic scenes.
Evidence of leaky protection following COVID-19 vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection in an incarcerated population
Authors: Lind Margaret L. , Dorion Murilo , Houde Amy J. , Lansing Mary , Lapidus Sarah , Thomas Russell , Yildirim Inci , Omer Saad B. , Schulz Wade L. , Andrews Jason R. , Hitchings Matt D. T. , Kennedy Byron S. , Richeson Robert P. , Cummings Derek A. T. , Ko Albert I.
Published: August 2023

Whether SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccines confer exposure-dependent (“leaky”) protection against infection remains unknown. We examined the effect of prior infection, vaccination, and hybrid immunity on infection risk among residents of Connecticut correctional facilities during periods of predominant Omicron and Delta transmission. Residents with cell, cellblock, and no documented exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infected residents were matched by facility and date. During the Omicron period, prior infection, vaccination, and hybrid immunity reduced the infection risk of residents without a documented exposure (HR: 0.36 [0.25–0.54]; 0.57 [0.42–0.78]; 0.24 [0.15–0.39]; respectively) and with cellblock exposures (0.61 [0.49–0.75]; 0.69 [0.58–0.83]; 0.41 [0.31–0.55]; respectively) but not with cell exposures (0.89 [0.58–1.35]; 0.96 [0.64–1.46]; 0.80 [0.46–1.39]; respectively). Associations were similar during the Delta period and when analyses were restricted to tested residents. Although associations may not have been thoroughly adjusted due to dataset limitations, the findings suggest that prior infection and vaccination may be leaky, highlighting the potential benefits of pairing vaccination with non-pharmaceutical interventions in crowded settings.
Impact damage reduction of woven composites subject to pulse current
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Fusheng , Huang Chenguang , Ren Jianting , Wang Donghong , Kong Jie , Liu Tao , Long Laohu
Published: August 2023

3D orthogonal woven composites are receiving increasing attention with the ever-growing market of composites. A current challenge for these materials’ development is how to improve their damage tolerance in orthogonal and layer-to-layer structures under extreme loads. In this paper, a damage reduction strategy is proposed by combining structural and electromagnetic properties. An integrated experimental platform is designed combining a power system, a drop-testing machine, and data acquisition devices to investigate the effects of pulse current and impact force on woven composites. Experimental results demonstrate that pulse current can effectively reduce delamination damage and residual deformation. A multi-field coupled damage model is developed to analyze the evolutions of temperature, current and damage. Parallel current-carrying carbon fibers that cause yarns to be transversely compressed enhance the mechanical properties. Moreover, the microcrack formation and extrusion deformation in yarns cause the redistribution of local current among carbon fibers, and its interaction with the self-field produces an obvious anti-impact effect. The obtained results reveal the mechanism of damage reduction and provide a potential approach for improving damage tolerance of these composites.
Phosphate starvation response precedes abscisic acid response under progressive mild drought in plants
Authors: Nagatoshi Yukari , Ikazaki Kenta , Kobayashi Yasufumi , Mizuno Nobuyuki , Sugita Ryohei , Takebayashi Yumiko , Kojima Mikiko , Sakakibara Hitoshi , Kobayashi Natsuko I. , Tanoi Keitaro , Fujii Kenichiro , Baba Junya , Ogiso-Tanaka Eri , Ishimoto Masao , Yasui Yasuo , Oya Tetsuji , Fujita Yasunari
Published: August 2023

Drought severely damages crop production, even under conditions so mild that the leaves show no signs of wilting. However, it is unclear how field-grown plants respond to mild drought. Here, we show through six years of field trials that ridges are a useful experimental tool to mimic mild drought stress in the field. Mild drought reduces inorganic phosphate levels in the leaves to activate the phosphate starvation response (PSR) in soybean plants in the field. Using Arabidopsis thaliana and its mutant plants grown in pots under controlled environments, we demonstrate that PSR occurs before abscisic acid response under progressive mild drought and that PSR plays a crucial role in plant growth under mild drought. Our observations in the field and laboratory using model crop and experimental plants provide insight into the molecular response to mild drought in field-grown plants and the relationship between nutrition and drought stress response.