bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetic modeling and parameter estimation of TSPO PET imaging in the human brain
Authors: Wimberley Catriona , Lavisse Sonia , Hillmer Ansel , Hinz Rainer , Turkheimer Federico , Zanotti-Fregonara Paolo
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Translocator protein 18-kDa (TSPO) imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) is widely used in research studies of brain diseases that have a neuro-immune component. Quantification of TSPO PET images, however, is associated with several challenges, such as the lack of a reference region, a genetic polymorphism affecting the affinity of the ligand for TSPO, and a strong TSPO signal in the endothelium of the brain vessels. These challenges have created an ongoing debate in the field about which type of quantification is most useful and whether there is an appropriate simplified model.

Methods

This review focuses on the quantification of TSPO radioligands in the human brain. The various methods of quantification are summarized, including the gold standard of compartmental modeling with metabolite-corrected input function as well as various alternative models and non-invasive approaches. Their advantages and drawbacks are critically assessed.

Results and conclusions

Researchers employing quantification methods for TSPO should understand the advantages and limitations associated with each method. Suggestions are given to help researchers choose between these viable alternative methods.
Immunomodulating functions of human leukocyte antigen-G and its role in graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Bu Xiaoyin , Zhong Jinman , Li Weiru , Cai Shengchun , Gao Ya , Ping Baohong
Published: March 2021

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a potentially curative therapeutic strategy to treat several hematological malignancies and non-hematological malignancies. However, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a frequent and serious transplant-related complication which dramatically restrains the curative effect of allo-HSCT and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in allogeneic HCT recipients. Effective prevention of GVHD mainly depends on the induction of peripheral immune tolerance. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a non-classical MHC class I molecule with a strong immunosuppressive function, which plays a prominent role in immune tolerance. HLA-G triggers different reactions depending on the activation state of the immune cells and system. It also exerts a long-term immune tolerance mechanism by inducing regulatory cells. In this present review, we demonstrate the immunomodulatory properties of human leukocyte antigen-G and highlight the role of HLA-G as an immune regulator of GVHD. Furthermore, HLA-G could also serve as a good predictor of GVHD and represent a new therapeutic target for GVHD.
Exploring the intersection of functional recurrence, patient-reported sexual function, and treatment satisfaction after anterior buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty
Authors: Vetterlein Malte W. , Gödde Almut , Zumstein Valentin , Gild Philipp , Marks Phillip , Soave Armin , Meyer Christian P. , Riechardt Silke , Dahlem Roland , Fisch Margit , Kluth Luis A. ,   for the Trauma and Reconstructive Urology Working Party of the European Association of Urology Young Academic Urologists
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the interplay of stricture recurrence, sexual function, and treatment satisfaction after substitution urethroplasty.

Methods

Observational study of men undergoing 1-stage buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty for anterior urethral stricture between 2009 and 2016. Patients were dichotomized by self-reported treatment satisfaction. Sexual function was assessed by validated and non-validated patient-reported outcome measures. Functional recurrence was defined as symptomatic need of re-intervention. Bivariate analyses, Kaplan–Meier estimates, qualitative and quantitative analyses by uni- and multivariable regression were employed to evaluate the interplay of sexual function, functional recurrence, and treatment satisfaction.

Results

Of 534 men with bulbar (82%), penobulbar (11%), and penile strictures (7.3%), 451 (84%) were satisfied with the surgery. There were no differences in stricture location, previous treatment, graft length, or surgical technique between satisfied and unsatisfied patients (all p  ≥  0.2). Recurrence-free survival was 85% at a median follow-up of 33 mo and decreased significantly with each Likert item towards increasing dissatisfaction (p  <  0.001). Dissatisfied patients more often reported postoperative loss of rigidity, tumescence, reduced ejaculatory volume, ejaculatory pain, and reduced penile length (all p  ≤  0.042). In 83 dissatisfied men, functional recurrence (28%) and oral morbidity (20%) were the main drivers of dissatisfaction in qualitative analysis. Multivariable analyses revealed functional recurrence and impaired postoperative ejaculatory function as independent predictors of treatment dissatisfaction (all p  ≤  0.029) after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusion

We found an association of both functional success and sexual function with patient-reported treatment satisfaction after substitution urethroplasty. Such findings validate the clinical significance of defining the symptomatic need for re-intervention as an endpoint and underline the importance of further research evaluating sexual function before and after open urethral reconstruction.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression: Recent Critical Advances in Patient Care
Authors: Cosmo Camila , Zandvakili Amin , Petrosino Nicholas J. , Berlow Yosef A. , Philip Noah S.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an evidence-based treatment for pharmacoresistant major depressive disorder (MDD). In the last decade, the field has seen significant advances in the understanding and use of this new technology. This review aims to describe the large, randomized controlled studies leading to the modern use of rTMS for MDD. It also includes a special section briefly discussing the use of these technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recent findings

Several new approaches and technologies are emerging in this field, including novel approaches to reduce treatment time and potentially yield new approaches to optimize and maximize clinical outcomes. Of these, theta burst TMS now has evidence indicating it is non-inferior to standard TMS and provides significant advantages in administration. Recent studies also indicate that neuroimaging and related approaches may be able to improve TMS targeting methods and potentially identify those patients most likely to respond to stimulation.

While new data is promising, significant research remains to be done to individualize and optimize TMS procedures. Emerging new approaches, such as accelerated TMS and advanced targeting methods, require additional replication and demonstration of real-world clinical utility. Cautious administration of TMS during the pandemic is possible with careful attention to safety procedures.
Engineering Students’ Perceptions of Mathematical Modeling in a Learning Module Centered on a Hydrologic Design Case Study
Authors: Merck Madeline F. , Gallagher Melissa A. , Habib Emad , Tarboton David
Published: March 2021

Engineering students need to spend time engaging in mathematical modeling tasks to reinforce their learning of mathematics through its application to authentic problems and real world design situations. Technological tools and resources can support this kind of learning engagement. We produced an online module that develops students’ mathematical modeling skills while developing knowledge of the fundamentals of rainfall-runoff processes and engineering design. This study examined how 251 students at two United States universities perceived mathematical modeling as implemented through the online module over a 5-year period. We found, subject to the limitation that these are perceptions from not all students, that: (a) the module allowed students to be a part of the modeling process; (b) using technology, such as modeling software and online databases, in the module helped students to understand what they were doing in mathematical modeling; (c) using the technology in the module helped students to develop their skill set; and (d) difficulties with the technology and/or the modeling decisions they had to make in the module activities were in some cases barriers that interfered with students’ ability to learn. We advocate for instructors to create modules that: (a) are situated within a real-world context, requiring students to model mathematically to solve an authentic problem; (b) take advantage of digital tools used by engineers to support students’ development of the mathematical and engineering skills needed in the workforce; and (c) use student feedback to guide module revisions.
Students’ Use of Resources in a Challenge-Based Learning Context Involving Mathematics
Authors: Pepin Birgit , Kock Zeger-jan
Published: March 2021

In this study we use a case study approach to investigate what kinds of resources were self-reported to have been selected by students working on their Challenge-Based bachelor end projects, and how they used and orchestrated these resources. In a previous study, we had explored students’ use of resources and their Actual Student Study Paths in Calculus and Linear Algebra courses (Pepin and Kock 2019); in this study we turned to students working on their Challenge-Based bachelor end projects. Results show that the students working on Challenge-Based projects used resources outside the realm of curriculum resources offered to them in traditional courses, and the Actual Student Study Paths were iterative. We contend that ‘linear’ study paths (found e.g. in traditionally taught Linear Algebra courses) appeared to have been beneficial for students for studying particular mathematical content, which they needed for solving open challenges. In the Challenge-Based projects, the crucial resource emerged to be the tutor. We claim that this has implications for the introduction of a more Challenge-Based curriculum, where such projects would be the norm, both in terms of the professionalization of university teachers (who coach students through such projects), and for the education of students who opt for such projects: teachers have to be supported to develop as appropriate coaches in such complex environments; students have to become self-directed learners, and need to be supported with challenged-based trained coaches and teachers, in addition to be provided with suitable curricular, technological, and social resources.
William James and the Sustainable Transformation of Values, with a Case Study for Rethinking the American Dream
Authors: Croce Paul
Published: March 2021

This article addresses the call of the Psychology of Global Crises conference for linkage of academic work with social issues in three parts: First, examples from conference participants with their mix of bold calls for social transformation and realization of limits, a combination that generated few clear paths to achieving them. Second, presentation of Jamesian practical idealism with psychological insights for moving past impediments blocking implementation of ideals. And third, a case study of impacts from the most recent prominent crisis, the global pandemic of 2020, which threatens to exacerbate the many crises that had already been plaguing recent history. The tentacles of COVID’s impact into so many problems, starting with economic impacts from virus spread, present an opportunity to rethink the hope for constant economic growth, often expressed as the American Dream, an outlook that has driven so many of the problems surging toward crises. Jamesian awareness of the construction of ideological differences and encouragement of listening to those in disagreement provide not political solutions, but psychological preludes toward improvements in the face of crises.
Invitation to Linear Programming and Game Theory
Authors: Vella David C.
Published: March 2021

Written in a conversational tone, this classroom-tested text introduces the fundamentals of linear programming and game theory, showing readers how to apply serious mathematics to practical real-life questions by modelling linear optimization problems and strategic games. The treatment of linear programming includes two distinct graphical methods. The game theory chapters include a novel proof of the minimax theorem for 2x2 zero-sum games. In addition to zero-sum games, the text presents variable-sum games, ordinal games, and n-player games as the natural result of relaxing or modifying the assumptions of zero-sum games. All concepts and techniques are derived from motivating examples, building in complexity, which encourages students to think creatively and leads them to understand how the mathematics is applied. With no prerequisite besides high school algebra, the text will be useful to motivated high school students and undergraduates studying business, economics, mathematics, and the social sciences.
Ten Myths about Medical Emergencies and Medical Kits
Authors: Hawkins Seth C. , Simon R. Bryan
Published: March 2021

Wilderness medicine is plagued by myths and dogmatic teachings not supported by evidence. This article focuses particularly on those teachings and tools that would be most likely used in archaeological fieldwork. It lays out 10 of the most common and concerning myths taught in wilderness medicine and wilderness emergency medical services, both in terms of first aid and preparation of medical kits. The myths described are provide a structure for the main purpose of the article: to explain interventions and medical kit contents that are more evidence based and supported by modern understandings of wilderness medicine and fieldwork risk management. The list of top 10 myths includes (1) the use of medications other than epinephrine for anaphylaxis and (2) the availability and proper use of epinephrine auto-injectors, (3) the use of suction devices and tourniquets for snakebites, (4) the use of spinal immobilization for neck injuries, (5) the identification and treatment of heat illnesses, (6) the use of CPR in remote areas, (7) the appropriateness of dislocation reduction in remote areas, (8) the use and choice of tourniquets for arterial bleeding, (9) the initial definition and management of drowning patients, and (10) wound management myths.
Wilderness Medicine Education
Authors: Hawkins Seth C. , Winstead Corey
Published: March 2021

Wilderness medicine classes are widely available to archaeologists and field scientists, but because wilderness medicine is an unregulated field, knowing what the various courses and products mean can be difficult. Based on the education chapter in the recently published textbook Wilderness EMS, this article—written by same two authors as the book—explores a number of topics relevant for the field scientist, program director, or administrator seeking to obtain wilderness medicine training for archaeologists. The article first explores the history of wilderness medicine products and certificates available to interested parties. It then differentiates between the various products available today along with their benefits and limitations for the end user. Products and trainings described include certifications (including Wilderness First Aid [WFA], Wilderness Advanced First Aid [WAFA], Advanced Wilderness First Aid [AWFA], and Wilderness First Responder [WFR]), as well as single use or continuing education trainings (including Stop the Bleed, CPR, conference courses, and field schools). Particular attention is paid to the specific and actionable needs of a field scientist in remote areas.
Antennal transcriptome analysis and candidate olfactory genes in Crematogaster rogenhoferi
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Guo Jixing , Zhang Mingxia , Bai Chunxiu , Wang Zheng , Li Zhidong
Published: March 2021

Crematogaster rogenhoferi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), an omnivorous ant, is one of the dominant predatory natural enemies of a soft scale pest, Parasaissetia nigra Nietner (Homoptera: Coccidae), and can effectively control P. nigra populations in rubber forests. Olfaction plays a vital role in the process of predation. However, the information about the molecular mechanism of olfaction-evoked behaviour in C. rogenhoferi is limited. In this study, we conducted antennal transcriptome analysis to identify candidate olfactory genes. We obtained 53,892 unigenes, 16,185 of which were annotated. Based on annotations, we identified 49 unigenes related to chemoreception, including four odourant-binding proteins, three chemosensory proteins, 37 odourant receptors, two odourant ionotropic receptors and three sensory neuron membrane proteins. This is the first report on the molecular basis of the chemosensory system of C. rogenhoferi. The findings provide a basis for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of the olfactory-related behaviours of C. rogenhoferi, which would facilitate a better application of C. rogenhoferi as a biological control agent.
Variable plural marking in Palenquero Creole
Authors: Obeso Estilita María Cassiani , Smith Hiram L.
Published: March 2021

One of the most salient putative African features of Palenquero, an Afro-Hispanic creole spoken in northern Colombia, is the prenominal plural marker ma. However, plural number is not categorically marked with ma, which alternates with bare forms in plural contexts and also occurs in singular contexts. In a principled sample of noun phrases (n = 1,186) from the spontaneous speech of twenty-seven Palenquero-Spanish bilinguals, the rate of ma (versus zero) is 51% in plural and 13% in singular contexts. Singular ma is favored with subjects and specific objects, consistent with an association with definiteness. In plural contexts, where it is robust, selection of ma is favored with specific and generic referents in subject role. This conditioning indicates that plural marking is favored for discourse referential nouns, in accordance with the cross-linguistic generalization that morphological marking tends to appear on instances that approach the prototypical function of a category (Hopper & Thompson, 1984).
A wake-up call: playback attraction data link numbers of Mount Cameroon Francolin Pternistis camerunensis to abundance and debarking of red stinkwood Prunus africana
Authors: MAYAKA THEODORE B. , GUETSE FRANCIS , CHEMURA ABEL , TAMUNGANG RICHARD , HOŘÁK DAVID
Published: March 2021

The little studied Mount Cameroon Francolin Pternistis camerunensis is endangered and strictly endemic to the undergrowth of Mount Cameroon’s primary forest. We surveyed the species in the Mount Cameroon National Park in July–August 2016 using call playback at 86 plots systematically placed along 17 transects in an attempt to assess the occupancy and conservation threats to the species. The study’s three main results are as follows. Firstly, Mount Cameroon Francolin occurred in the stratified vegetation types across the altitudinal range of 1,023–2,186 m. Secondly, the response rates of francolin were 15% in submontane forest (800–1,600 m altitude range); 80.8% in montane forest (1,600–1,800 m); 3.9% in montane scrub (1,800–2,400 m); and nil in the lowland forest (0–800 m). Thirdly, bird abundance significantly increased with latitude, ground vegetation height, presence of Prunus africana and tall grass cover but decreased with the density of small trees and disturbance caused by heavy Prunus exploitation, and also, based on indirect evidence, hunting. We recommend: (1) systematic use of call playback in monitoring the population status of francolins; (2) an increase in patrolling and law enforcement to control illegal hunting, land clearance and burning of the upper slopes; (3) promotion of sustainable harvesting of Prunus and agroforestry practices aimed at curbing land clearance in the park surroundings. Further research priorities and conservation strategies have been suggested based on this study’s emerging results.
Violin Effects from the Early Nineteenth Century: the Extended Techniques of Pierre Baillot
Authors: McMichael Anna
Published: March 2021

Pierre Baillot (1771–1842), an eminent French violinist and pedagogue of the early nineteenth century, offers a surprisingly modern role model to musicians in today's fast-changing world of music. First, Baillot's career foreshadows the resilience and versatility required of entrepreneurial musicians today. Baillot lived in turbulent times through the French Revolution, the Napoleonic years, and restoration of the Bourbon monarchy. His life spanned the transition from Classical to Romantic eras of music and he combined a virtuoso performance career with that of teacher, composer, concert entrepreneur, exponent of new music and violin textbook author. Second, as in the case of contemporary creative performers, Baillot sought to extend his art by experimenting with ways to extend the range and expressiveness of the violin. This essay discusses Baillot's embrace of old and new approaches to violin music and practice. Drawing on his textbook, L'Art du Violon (1834), and research literature on music-making of the era, this essay analyses three of Baillot's innovative approaches: harmonic preluding as an improvisation method, his four-string Adagio composition using an extended bowing technique, and his empirical exploration of acoustically enhanced Tartini tones. While Baillot regarded the art of harmonic preluding, for example, as a link to improvisational traditions, he also saw it as integral to creative development and to technical mastery of harmony, the latter sometimes lacking in violinists more accustomed to playing the melodic line. Even today we find Baillot's extended violin techniques surprising.
Are polarized courts dangerous for litigation? Evidence from French labor courts
Authors: Nizza Umberto
Published: March 2021

France relies on unionized judges to assess labor cases in court. The economic literature advocates that judges pertaining to the more belligerent unions alter judicial equilibrium, foster lower settlements, avoid trials, and intensify a professional judge's interventions. This paper intends to test whether such speculations are accurate. The empirical evidence provided here suggests that such fears are not grounded. Using a database on French employment courts, between 2012 and 2016, we show that judges from the most adversarial trade unions foster conciliation and reduce the number of dropped legal cases. The lack of statistically significant impact of unions on the judicial institution's dysfunctions is evident: the labor judiciary's alleged polarization does not drive the rate of appeals and the number of professional judges' intervention. Finally, the judicial malfunctions appear to be driven by institutional distortions and local socio-economic conditions.
Commentary: The Role of Geodetic Algorithms for Earthquake Early Warning in Cascadia
Authors: McGuire Jeffrey J. , Minson Sarah E. , Murray Jessica R. , Brooks Benjamin A.
Published: March 2021

The ShakeAlert earthquake early warning (EEW) system issues public alerts in California and will soon extend to Oregon and Washington. The Cascadia subduction zone presents significant new challenges and opportunities for EEW. Initial publications suggested that EEW algorithms based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data could provide improved warning for intraslab events and dramatically improved warning for offshore megathrust events, both of which contribute significantly to hazard in Cascadia. We find that some expectations in these publications were unrealistic, and we demonstrate that in general geodetic algorithms would not produce timely warnings for intraslab events nor warning times of two minutes or more for severe shaking from megathrust earthquakes. Nonetheless, lessons from recent earthquakes in Japan and California, for which alerts from seismic algorithms suffered from magnitude saturation and high data latencies, demonstrate the urgent need for rigorous testing of geodetic EEW as a potential complement to seismic EEW.
Regional Climate Model Biases, Their Dependence on Synoptic Circulation Biases and the Potential for Bias Adjustment: A Process‐Oriented Evaluation of the Austrian Regional Climate Projections
Authors: Maraun Douglas , Truhetz Heimo , Schaffer Armin
Published: March 2021

The Austrian regional climate projections are based on an ensemble of bias adjusted regional climate model simulations. Bias adjustment (BA) improves the usability of climate projections for impact studies, but cannot mitigate fundamental model errors. This argument holds in particular for biases in the temporal dependence, which is strongly influenced by the large‐scale circulation. Global climate models (GCMs), underlying regional climate projections, suffer from substantial circulation errors. We therefore, conduct a process‐based evaluation of the Austrian climate projections focusing on large‐scale circulation errors, their regional imprints and the potential for BA. First, we define nine synoptic weather types and assess how well the considered climate models represent their occurrence and persistence. Second, we assess biases in the overall dry and hot day probabilities, as well as conditional on synoptic weather type occurrence; and biases in the duration of dry and hot spells. Third, we investigate how these biases depend on biases in the occurrence and persistence of relevant synoptic weather types. And fourth, we study how much an overall BA improves these biases. Many GCMs misrepresent the occurrence and persistence of relevant synoptic weather types. These biases have a clear imprint on biases in dry and hot day occurrence and spell durations. BA in many cases helps to greatly reduce biases even in the presence of circulation biases, but may in some cases amplify conditional biases. Persistence biases are especially relevant for the representation of meteorological drought. Biases in the duration of dry spells cannot fully be mitigated by BA.
Observed Large‐Scale Structures and Diabatic Heating Profiles of Precipitation Over the Tibetan Plateau and South China
Authors: Zhang Chunyan , Wang Donghai , Pang Zihao , Jiang Xiaoling
Published: March 2021

This study investigates and compares large‐scale dynamic and thermodynamic structures of precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and South China (SC). Vertical velocity, temperature and moisture advection, apparent heat source Q1 and apparent moisture sink Q2 are analyzed for strong, moderate, and light/no‐rain based on the measurements. The principal findings are as follows. (1) Both regions showed the strongest upward motion at around 400 hPa for strong and moderate rainfall, but the intensity of upward motion in SC was twice that of the TP. (2) Horizontal temperature advection over the TP showed advective warming in the lower troposphere and advective cooling in the upper troposphere, but this advection over SC was weaker and had a different vertical structure. Moreover, the strong‐rain horizontal temperature advection was the strongest over the TP but the weakest over SC. (3) The moisture advection over the TP reached its maximum at around 400 hPa, showing a one‐peak structure; while that over SC was stronger in the mid‐to‐low troposphere, showing a multi‐peak structure. (4) The Q1 profiles of the three rain categories in the TP were top‐heavy, with two heating peaks in the mid‐to‐upper troposphere. In contrast, the Q1 profiles in SC only had a heating peak in the middle troposphere. Correlations between the vertically integrated  and  were significant in SC but weakened in the TP. (5) Diurnal cycles of large‐scale structures in the TP were strong from the late afternoon to early morning, while those in SC were strong in the afternoon.
Potential Chemical Impacts of Subsurface CO2: An Integrated Experimental and Numerical Assessment for a Case Study of the Ogallala Aquifer
Authors: Xiao Ting , Jia Wei , Esser Richard , Dai Zhenxue , McPherson Brian
Published: March 2021

Leakage from geologic CO2sequestration (GCS) reservoirs to overlying underground sources of drinking water (USDW) is a tangible risk. This study is an integrated assessment that combines column experiments and reactive transport simulations of sediments sampled from the Ogallala aquifer above an active commercial‐scale GCS site (the Farnsworth Unit in northern Texas). Experimental and simulation results suggest that carbonate mineral (calcite and dolomite) dissolution is the most significant reaction following CO2intrusion, and is also the dominant source of trace metal release. Cation exchange is another key mechanism controlling trace metal release by cation interference. Most of the trace metals, including Ba, Sr, As, Pb, and Zn, show a short‐term release and quickly drop to the baseline values, suggesting low risk to the overlying USDW quality. Other trace metals, such as Mn and U, exhibit a tangible increase of their concentrations in the beginning, and drop to a higher level compared to the baseline, which may become a potential concern of long‐term USDW quality change with CO2introduction. This study provides a comprehensive example of combining laboratory experiments and simulations for assessment of CO2‐sediment interactions with combined release mechanisms in shallow groundwater aquifers. Data presented here provides useful insights for quantitative risk assessment and effective public education regarding CO2geological sequestration, and trace metal reactive transport studies in shallow groundwater aquifers.
Thank You to Our 2020 Reviewers
Authors: Faccenna Claudio , Becker Thorsten , Behr Whitney , Blichert‐Toft Janne , Edmonds Marie , Faul Ulrich , Feinberg Joshua , Long Maureen , Lithgow‐Bertelloni Carolina R. , Paytan Adina , van der Beek Peter , Williams Branwen
Published: March 2021

Key Points

The editors thank the 2020 peer reviewers
Quantification of Natural CO2 Emission Through Faults and Fracture Zones in Coal Basins
Authors: Ma Y. , Kong X.‐Z. , Zhang C. , Scheuermann A. , Bringemeier D. , Li L.
Published: March 2021

With the presence of highly permeable pathways, such as faults and fractures zones, coal seam gases, particularly CO2, could potentially migrate upwardly from the coal deposits into the shallow subsurface and then to the atmosphere. This letter reports soil gas mapping and gamma ray survey in coal basin of Hunter River Valley, Australia. The survey facilitated the delineation of fault structures across the sampling regions, where the identified faults were confirmed by an independent drilling investigation later. Furthermore, to evaluate the gas emission fluxes from coalbeds through fault zones, the measured CO2 concentrations, coupled with an inverse modeling, enable the estimation of the width of the fault zone and associated CO2 emission flux in the range of 2 × 10−5–6 × 10−5 mol/m2/s at the study site. Our new approach provides a way to determine emissions of gases from deep formations, which may contribute considerably to the greenhouse gases cycles.
Seasonal Variation Characteristics of Geomagnetic Sq External and Internal Equivalent Current Systems in East‐Asia and Oceania Regions
Authors: Liu Xiaocan , Han Peng , Hattori Katsumi , Chen Huaran , Yoshino Chie , Zhao Xudong , Jiao Liguo , Ma Xinxin , Lei Yu
Published: March 2021

Geomagnetic data from 20 observatories in East‐Asia and Oceania regions were used to investigate the seasonal variation characteristics of the external and internal Sq current systems by spherical harmonic analysis (SHA). The seasonal current models of D (northern winter) season, E (equinox) season, and J (northern summer) season have been constructed respectively, and the current parameters of these models were analyzed. The main results are obtained as follows: (1) The local time T of the northern vortex moves from local noon to prenoon from D to E to J season for both external and internal currents; meanwhile, in the southern hemisphere, the T moves from local noon to afternoon. (2) The vortex intensity J increases from local winter to equinox then to local summer. The interseasonal change rate of internal current is larger than that of external current. (3) The latitude Φ of the external current vortex exhibits seasonal variation in the southern hemisphere, while in the northern hemisphere the latitude Φ of the internal current vortex shows obvious seasonal changes. (4) The correlations between the internal and external currents are further analyzed. In the E season the correlation of T is the highest, and in the local summer and winter, the correlation of J is the strongest. The different seasonal behavior of the external and internal current systems is unexpected, and its mechanism remains to be identified in future study.
An effector–reporter system to study cellular signal transduction in strawberry fruit (Fragaria ananassa)
Authors: Zeng Baozhen , Li Tianyu , Wang Wei , Dai Zhengrong , Li Jie , Xi Zhiyuan , Jia Kenan , Xing Yu , Li Bingbing , Yan Jiaqi , Jia Wensuo
Published: March 2021

An effector–reporter system is a powerful tool used to study cellular signal transduction, but this technique has been traditionally used in protoplasts. A similar system to study cellular signal transduction in fruits has not yet been established. In this study, we aimed to establish an effector–reporter system for strawberry fruit, a model nonclimacteric fruit. We first investigated the characteristics of transient gene expression in strawberry fruits and found marked variation in gene expression levels among individual fruits, and this variation has complicated the establishment of a technical system. To overcome this difficulty, we investigated a sampling strategy based on a statistical analysis of the activity pattern of four different reporters (GUS, GFP, FLuc, and RLuc) among individual fruits and combinations of pairs of reporters (GUS/GFP and RLuc/FLuc). Based on an optimized sampling strategy, we finally established a step-by step protocol for the effector/reporter assay. Using FaMYB10 and FaWRKY71 as the effectors and GUS driven by the FaCHS promoter as the reporter, we demonstrated that this effector/reporter system was practical and reliable. This effector/reporter technique will contribute to an in-depth exploration of the signaling mechanism for the regulation of strawberry fruit ripening.
SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing human recombinant antibodies selected from pre-pandemic healthy donors binding at RBD-ACE2 interface
Authors: Bertoglio Federico , Meier Doris , Langreder Nora , Steinke Stephan , Rand Ulfert , Simonelli Luca , Heine Philip Alexander , Ballmann Rico , Schneider Kai-Thomas , Roth Kristian Daniel Ralph , Ruschig Maximilian , Riese Peggy , Eschke Kathrin , Kim Yeonsu , Schäckermann Dorina , Pedotti Mattia , Kuhn Philipp , Zock-Emmenthal Susanne , Wöhrle Johannes , Kilb Normann , Herz Tobias , Becker Marlies , Grasshoff Martina , Wenzel Esther Veronika , Russo Giulio , Kröger Andrea , Brunotte Linda , Ludwig Stephan , Fühner Viola , Krämer Stefan Daniel , Dübel Stefan , Varani Luca , Roth Günter , Čičin-Šain Luka , Schubert Maren , Hust Michael
Published: March 2021

COVID-19 is a severe acute respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a new recently emerged sarbecovirus. This virus uses the human ACE2 enzyme as receptor for cell entry, recognizing it with the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the S1 subunit of the viral spike protein. We present the use of phage display to select anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike antibodies from the human naïve antibody gene libraries HAL9/10 and subsequent identification of 309 unique fully human antibodies against S1. 17 antibodies are binding to the RBD, showing inhibition of spike binding to cells expressing ACE2 as scFv-Fc and neutralize active SARS-CoV-2 virus infection of VeroE6 cells. The antibody STE73-2E9 is showing neutralization of active SARS-CoV-2 as IgG and is binding to the ACE2-RBD interface. Thus, universal libraries from healthy human donors offer the advantage that antibodies can be generated quickly and independent from the availability of material from recovering patients in a pandemic situation.
Joint analysis of expression levels and histological images identifies genes associated with tissue morphology
Authors: Ash Jordan T. , Darnell Gregory , Munro Daniel , Engelhardt Barbara E.
Published: March 2021

Histopathological images are used to characterize complex phenotypes such as tumor stage. Our goal is to associate features of stained tissue images with high-dimensional genomic markers. We use convolutional autoencoders and sparse canonical correlation analysis (CCA) on paired histological images and bulk gene expression to identify subsets of genes whose expression levels in a tissue sample correlate with subsets of morphological features from the corresponding sample image. We apply our approach, ImageCCA, to two TCGA data sets, and find gene sets associated with the structure of the extracellular matrix and cell wall infrastructure, implicating uncharacterized genes in extracellular processes. We find sets of genes associated with specific cell types, including neuronal cells and cells of the immune system. We apply ImageCCA to the GTEx v6 data, and find image features that capture population variation in thyroid and in colon tissues associated with genetic variants (image morphology QTLs, or imQTLs), suggesting that genetic variation regulates population variation in tissue morphological traits.
Chemical shift prediction of RNA imino groups: application toward characterizing RNA excited states
Authors: Wang Yanjiao , Han Ge , Jiang Xiuying , Yuwen Tairan , Xue Yi
Published: March 2021

NH groups in proteins or nucleic acids are the most challenging target for chemical shift prediction. Here we show that the RNA base pair triplet motif dictates imino chemical shifts in its central base pair. A lookup table is established that links each type of base pair triplet to experimental chemical shifts of the central base pair, and can be used to predict imino chemical shifts of RNAs to remarkable accuracy. Strikingly, the semiempirical method can well interpret the variations of chemical shifts for different base pair triplets, and is even applicable to non-canonical motifs. This finding opens an avenue for predicting chemical shifts of more complicated RNA motifs. Furthermore, we combine the imino chemical shift prediction with NMR relaxation dispersion experiments targeting both15N and1HNof the imino group, and verify a previously characterized excited state of P5abc subdomain including an earlier speculated non-native G•G mismatch.
Double sulfur vacancies by lithium tuning enhance CO2 electroreduction to n-propanol
Authors: Peng Chen , Luo Gan , Zhang Junbo , Chen Menghuan , Wang Zhiqiang , Sham Tsun-Kong , Zhang Lijuan , Li Yafei , Zheng Gengfeng
Published: March 2021

Electrochemical CO2 reduction can produce valuable products with high energy densities but the process is plagued by poor selectivities and low yields. Propanol represents a challenging product to obtain due to the complicated C3 forming mechanism that requires both stabilization of *C2 intermediates and subsequent C1–C2 coupling. Herein, density function theory calculations revealed that double sulfur vacancies formed on hexagonal copper sulfide can feature as efficient electrocatalytic centers for stabilizing both CO* and OCCO* dimer, and further CO–OCCO coupling to form C3 species, which cannot be realized on CuS with single or no sulfur vacancies. The double sulfur vacancies were then experimentally synthesized by an electrochemical lithium tuning strategy, during which the density of sulfur vacancies was well-tuned by the charge/discharge cycle number. The double sulfur vacancy-rich CuS catalyst exhibited a Faradaic efficiency toward n-propanol of 15.4 ± 1% at −1.05 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode in H-cells, and a high partial current density of 9.9 mA cm−2 at −0.85 V in flow-cells, comparable to the best reported electrochemical CO2 reduction toward n-propanol. Our work suggests an attractive approach to create anion vacancy pairs as catalytic centers for multi-carbon-products.
High-frequency rectifiers based on type-II Dirac fermions
Authors: Zhang Libo , Chen Zhiqingzi , Zhang Kaixuan , Wang Lin , Xu Huang , Han Li , Guo Wanlong , Yang Yao , Kuo Chia-Nung , Lue Chin Shan , Mondal Debashis , Fuji Jun , Vobornik Ivana , Ghosh Barun , Agarwal Amit , Xing Huaizhong , Chen Xiaoshuang , Politano Antonio , Lu Wei
Published: March 2021

The advent of topological semimetals enables the exploitation of symmetry-protected topological phenomena and quantized transport. Here, we present homogeneous rectifiers, converting high-frequency electromagnetic energy into direct current, based on low-energy Dirac fermions of topological semimetal-NiTe2, with state-of-the-art efficiency already in the first implementation. Explicitly, these devices display room-temperature photosensitivity as high as 251 mA W−1 at 0.3 THz in an unbiased mode, with a photocurrent anisotropy ratio of 22, originating from the interplay between the spin-polarized surface and bulk states. Device performances in terms of broadband operation, high dynamic range, as well as their high sensitivity, validate the immense potential and unique advantages associated to the control of nonequilibrium gapless topological states via built-in electric field, electromagnetic polarization and symmetry breaking in topological semimetals. These findings pave the way for the exploitation of topological phase of matter for high-frequency operations in polarization-sensitive sensing, communications and imaging.
Labeo rohita, a bioindicator for water quality and associated biomarkers of heavy metal toxicity
Authors: Mahamood Mohammad , Javed Mehjbeen , Alhewairini Saleh S. , Zahir Farhana , Sah Ashok Kumar , Ahmad Md. Irshad
Published: March 2021

This study investigated the effect of heavy metals on Labeo rohita inhabiting the Yamuna River, India. Levels of heavy metals measured in the water were as follows: Fe>Mn>Zn>Cu>Ni>Cr>Cd. Gill and liver tissue of exposed L. rohita showed a high metal pollution index, compared to reference fish collected from the Agra Canal. In the exposed fish, higher levels of creatinine and enzyme activity (alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase) were observed, while the A:G index declined. Additionally, higher TLC, lymphocytes, respiratory burst, and nitric oxide synthase activity indicated a heightened immune response. Levels of superoxide dismutase and lipid peroxidation were elevated, while catalase, glutathione S transferase, and glutathione was reduced. DNA of the exposed fish appeared deteriorated, with a greater mean tail length in comparison to the reference. Our results imply that Yamuna River water generates oxidative stress and DNA damage in L. rohita. As this river is a critical source of water and food to the native community, this could pose a threat to public health similar to that in the indicator organism.
Data-driven curation process for describing the blood glucose management in the intensive care unit
Authors: Robles Arévalo Aldo , Maley Jason H. , Baker Lawrence , da Silva Vieira Susana M. , da Costa Sousa João M. , Finkelstein Stan , Mateo-Collado Roselyn , Raffa Jesse D. , Celi Leo Anthony , DeMichele Francis
Published: March 2021

Analysis of real-world glucose and insulin clinical data recorded in electronic medical records can provide insights into tailored approaches to clinical care, yet presents many analytic challenges. This work makes publicly available a dataset that contains the curated entries of blood glucose readings and administered insulin on a per-patient basis during ICU admissions in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-III) database version 1.4. Also, the present study details the data curation process used to extract and match glucose values to insulin therapy. The curation process includes the creation of glucose-insulin pairing rules according to clinical expert-defined physiologic and pharmacologic parameters. Through this approach, it was possible to align nearly 76% of insulin events to a preceding blood glucose reading for nearly 9,600 critically ill patients. This work has the potential to reveal trends in real-world practice for the management of blood glucose. This data extraction and processing serve as a framework for future studies of glucose and insulin in the intensive care unit.
Preparation of hydrogen, fluorine and chlorine doped and co-doped titanium dioxide photocatalysts: a theoretical and experimental approach
Authors: Filippatos Petros-Panagis , Soultati Anastasia , Kelaidis Nikolaos , Petaroudis Christos , Alivisatou Anastasia-Antonia , Drivas Charalampos , Kennou Stella , Agapaki Eleni , Charalampidis Georgios , Yusoff Abd. Rashid bin Mohd , Lathiotakis Nektarios N. , Coutsolelos Athanassios G. , Davazoglou Dimitris , Vasilopoulou Maria , Chroneos Alexander
Published: March 2021

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has a strong photocatalytic activity in the ultra-violet part of the spectrum combined with excellent chemical stability and abundance. However, its photocatalytic efficiency is prohibited by limited absorption within the visible range derived from its wide band gap value and the presence of charge trapping states located at the band edges, which act as electron–hole recombination centers. Herein, we modify the band gap and improve the optical properties of TiO2 via co-doping with hydrogen and halogen. The present density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that hydrogen is incorporated in interstitial sites while fluorine and chlorine can be inserted both as interstitial and oxygen substitutional defects. To investigate the synergy of dopants in TiO2 experimental characterization techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray and ultra-violet photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS/UPS), UV–Vis absorption and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements, have been conducted. The observations suggest that the oxide’s band gap is reduced upon halogen doping, particularly for chlorine, making this material promising for energy harvesting devices. The studies on hydrogen production ability of these materials support the enhanced hydrogen production rates for chlorine doped (Cl:TiO2) and hydrogenated (H:TiO2) oxides compared to the pristine TiO2 reference.
Liquid-phase ASEM imaging of cellular and structural details in cartilage and bone formed during endochondral ossification: Keap1-deficient osteomalacia
Authors: Sakai Eiko , Sato Mari , Memtily Nassirhadjy , Tsukuba Takayuki , Sato Chikara
Published: March 2021

Chondrogenesis and angiogenesis drive endochondral ossification. Using the atmospheric scanning electron microscopy (ASEM) without decalcification and dehydration, we directly imaged angiogenesis-driven ossification at different developmental stages shortly after aldehyde fixation, using aqueous radical scavenger glucose solution to preserve water-rich structures. An embryonic day 15.5 mouse femur was fixed and stained with phosphotungstic acid (PTA), and blood vessel penetration into the hypertrophic chondrocyte zone was visualised. We observed a novel envelope between the perichondrium and proliferating chondrocytes, which was lined with spindle-shaped cells that could be borderline chondrocytes. At postnatal day (P)1, trabecular and cortical bone mineralisation was imaged without staining. Additional PTA staining visualised surrounding soft tissues; filamentous connections between osteoblast-like cells and osteocytes in cortical bone were interpreted as the osteocytic lacunar-canalicular system. By P10, resorption pits had formed on the tibial trabecular bone surface. The applicability of ASEM for pathological analysis was addressed using knockout mice of Keap1, an oxidative-stress sensor. In Keap1−/− femurs, we observed impaired calcification and angiogenesis of epiphyseal cartilage, suggesting impaired bone development. Overall, the quick ASEM method we developed revealed mineralisation and new structures in wet bone tissue at EM resolution and can be used to study mineralisation-associated phenomena of any hydrated tissue.