bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrometallurgical Studies for the Recovery of Rare Earths from Micro-Granite Ore Deposit of Bhatikhera, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Karan Ram , Sreenivas T. , Babu J. Madhu , Kumar M. Ajay , Rao K. Anand , Sahoo H.S. , Banerjee A. , Mundra K.L.
Published: August 2022

This paper presents results on the characterization and hydrometallurgical studies for the recovery of Rare Earth Elements (REE) from micro-granite type hard rock REE deposit of Bhatikheda, Siwana Ring Complex, Rajasthan, India. The total REE (TREE) content of the ore is 0.36%. Heavy REE (HREE) constitutes about 40% of the TREE by weight. Allanite, zircon and gittinsite were identified as the major REE bearing phases. The nature of occurrence of REE phases in the ore is widely varying with the presence of fully liberated grains to those which occur very finely disseminated in lighter gangue minerals. Physical beneficiation using gravity-based separation techniques gave suboptimal performance. Agitation leaching of ground ore with different mineral acids gave good solubilisation of light REE (LREE), about 75%, but the leach recovery of HREE was only 40%. However, sulfation roasting followed by aqueous leaching (SRAL) yielded leach recovery of 85% of total REE under optimised conditions. The lean tenor of TREE in the leachate coupled with its complex solution chemistry necessitated use of ion exchange (IX) process with strong cationic resin in lieu of conventional solvent extraction based separation and purification. The dissolved REE values from the purified liquor were quantitatively precipitated in the form of TREE fluoride using HF as the precipitant. The final product was about 90% pure on dry weight basis. An integrated process scheme for the recovery of TREE values from the Bhatikhera hard rock deposit is designed-
A Historical Overview of Conceptual Approaches in Mineral Exploration with Special Reference to Uranium Exploration in India
Authors: Krishnamurthy P.
Published: August 2022

Minerals and metals find mentioned in India’s ‘Shruthies’ (Vedic) and ‘Smruthies’ (Ithihasas and Puranas) but the exploration concepts had remained latent. After a huge hiatus, the Industrial Revolution of the mid-18th century can be said to have heralded the need to seek mineral resources world-wide. Ancient mining activities were the obvious precursors used by the prospectors to seek new mineral resources. The ‘Spatial and Temporal’ association of the ‘metallogenic provinces’ thus also became clearer. The ‘mineral system concept’ came up since 1990s and are being used for seeking new Mississipi Valley Type, Pb-Zn-Cu and SEDAX type deposits along passive, continental margins. The ‘Common Earth Model’ came up in the new millenia for petroleum exploration with inferences on the depth aspects petroleum basins. Such a fusion of concepts and advanced exploration techniques have helped in the preparation of ‘prospectivity maps’ for seeking ‘green field terrains’ to discover new mineral resource bases. The second world-war which demonstrated the fission-power of uranium ushered in the race for atomic minerals, especially uranium, throughout the world including India. Crustal evolution and the time-bound character of specific uranium deposit-types marked a major shift in uranium exploration concepts world-wide including India. Metamorphic, vein type deposits of Singhbhum, Jharkhand (Jaduguda, Narwapaharh, Turamdih and others explored since the early 1950s), the sandstone types at Domiasiat and Wakhyn in Meghalaya, the albitite-hosted uranium at Rohil, Rajasthan and the unique, low-grade, large tonnage, carbonate-hosted Tummallapalle group of deposits in Andhra Pradesh discovered and proved since the late 1970s, form the main resource base of uranium in India.
Multivariate and health risks analysis of heavy metals in natural water sources around Enugu dumpsite, southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Ozoko Daniel Chukwuemeka , Onyekwelu Ifeoma Linda , Aghamelu Okechukwu Pius
Published: August 2022

The concentrations of heavy metals and health risks associated with the consumption of domestic water sources around a dumpsite in Enugu (southeastern Nigeria) were assessed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and multivariate analysis. The results showed the dumpsite leachate mean pH value of 4.1, Mn+ of 11.4 µg/l, Fe3+ 4.1 µg/l, Cd+ 0.3, As+ 6.03 µg/l, Pb+ 2.47 µg/l, Ni+ 14.13 µg/l, and Cr3+ 1.48. The groundwater and surface water samples had mean heavy metal values as follows: Mn+ 5.23 and 0.75 µg/l, Fe3+ 1.49 and 0.15 µg/l, Cd+ 0.08 and 0.10 µg/l, As+ 1.90 and 0.15 µg/l, Pb+ 1.01 and 0.35 µg/l, Ni+ 0.37 and 0.05 µg/l, and Cr3+ 0.03 and 0.05 µg/l, respectively. Comparison with maximum permissible limits indicated that the mean heavy metal concentrations of the tested samples were lower than the limits for drinking water, except for Mn+, As+, and Pb + , which were marginal above recommended limits. Principal component analysis results showed two principal components with the first principal component having high loadings of Mn+, Fe3+, As+, Pb+, Ni+, and Cr3+, which are statistically correlated. Probable sources of these contaminants include automobile parts and tools, batteries and electrical appliances and electronics heaped at the dumpsite. Analysis of variance results indicates a significant difference in datasets between and within each and both water sources. Human health risk assessment indices indicated that the water sources are moderate to highly polluted and could pose both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic threats when consumed untreated, with children being more exposed than adults.
Policy entry points for facilitating a transition towards a low-carbon electricity future
Authors: Yang Muyi , Sharma Deepak , Shi Xunpeng
Published: August 2022

This study extends the ambit of the debate on electricity transition by specifically identifying possible policy entry points through which transformative and enduring changes can be made in the electricity and socio—economic systems to facilitate the transition process. Guided by the “essence” of the multi-level perspective — a prominent framework for the study of energy transition, four such entry points have been identified: 1) destabilising the dominant, fossil fuel-based electricity regime to create room for renewable technologies to break through; 2) reconfiguring the electricity regime, which encompasses technology, short-term operational practices and long-term planning processes, to improve flexibility for accommodating large outputs from variable renewable sources whilst maintaining supply security; 3) addressing the impact of coal power phase-out on coal mining regions in terms of economic development and jobs; and 4) facilitating a shift in transition governance towards a learning-based, reflexive process. Specific areas for policy interventions within each of these entry points have also been discussed in the paper.
Sexual Intercourse Frequency During Pregnancy: Weekly Surveys Among 237 Young Women from A Random Population-Based Sample
Authors: Blumenstock Shari M. , Barber Jennifer S.
Published: August 2022

Background

Significant differences in sexual frequency during pregnancy have been documented in cross-sectional and once-per-trimester longitudinal studies, with the highest sexual frequency in the first trimester and the lowest in the third trimester. However, changes in sexual frequency may be more complex than these comparisons suggest; patterns of sexual frequency have not been assessed using frequent (e.g., weekly) assessments throughout a woman’s pregnancy.

Aim

To assess changes in the frequency of sexual intercourse across all weeks of pregnancy.

Methods

We used data from 237 women (54% White; 43% Black) who reported a pregnancy during the Relationship Dynamics and Social Life (RDSL) study. RDSL was based on a random population-based sample of 992 women in the United States, aged 18 or 19, who completed a baseline interview and brief weekly follow-up surveys for 2.5 years. We used generalized multilevel modeling to fit and compare linear, quadratic, and piecewise (via b-splines) models.

Outcome

Weekly probability of sexual intercourse.

Results

Sexual intercourse frequency clearly declined across pregnancy, yet the pattern followed the course of common pregnancy symptomology (i.e., nausea, fatigue) more closely than trimester cutoffs. The best fitting model demonstrated that the probability of sexual intercourse declined sharply (∼18% each week) between conception and 11 weeks, subsequently increased by ∼3% each week between weeks 11 and 21, and then declined steadily (∼6% each week) through the end of pregnancy.

Clinical Translation

Documenting more precise patterns of change in sexual frequency during pregnancy provides important information to many who wish to maintain sexual intimacy while pregnant, or to those who would otherwise find the sexual disruptions particularly challenging.

Strengths & Limitations

This study is the first to document changes in sexual intercourse frequency throughout all weeks of pregnancy as they naturally occurred among a representative sample of young women. The focus on sexual intercourse limits the findings to only one aspect of human sexuality. The narrow age range of the sample precludes generalization to all pregnant women.

Conclusion

Changes in sexual frequency are more complex than the general declines suggested by other studies; within-trimester patterns reveal the shortcomings in understanding sexual behavior changes when aggregated by trimester, such as severely underestimating the degree of fluctuation in the first trimester. Pregnancy symptomology may be most favorable to intercourse towards the end of the first and beginning of second trimesters, and least favorable near the end of the pregnancy.
Sustainable Development Report 2022
Authors: Sachs Jeffrey , Kroll Christian , Lafortune Guillame , Fuller Grayson , Woelm Finn
Published: August 2022

The Sustainable Development Report 2022 features the SDG Index and Dashboards, the first and widely used tool to assess country performance on the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. In a context of multiple crises, the report analyzes and outlines how the SDGs can be used as a roadmap for more sustainable societies by 2030 and beyond. In particular, this year's edition underlines the importance of international financing mechanisms for addressing lack of fiscal space in poorer countries and promoting sustainable investments into physical and human infrastructure. The authors examine country performance on the SDGs for 193 countries using a wide array of indicators, and calculate future trajectories, presenting a number of best practices to achieve the historic Agenda 2030. The views expressed in this report do not reflect the views of any organization, agency or program of the United Nations. This title is available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Archaeology and the Genetic Revolution in European Prehistory
Authors: Kristiansen Kristian
Published: August 2022

This Element was written to meet the theoretical and methodological challenge raised by the third science revolution and its implications for how to study and interpret European prehistory. The first section is therefore devoted to a historical and theoretical discussion of how to practice interdisciplinarity in this new age, and following from that, how to define some crucial, but undertheorized categories, such as culture, ethnicity and various forms of migration. The author thus integrates the new results from archaeogenetics into an archaeological frame of reference, to produce a new and theoretically informed historical narrative, one that also invites debate, but also one that identifies areas of uncertainty, where more research is needed.
A 12-year epidemiological study of Acinetobacter baumannii from blood culture isolates in a single tertiary-care hospital using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–based open reading frame typing
Authors: Fujikura Yuji , Hamamoto Takaaki , Yuki Atsushi , Sampei Ayumi , Ichie Nozomi , Takamizawa Kazuho , Nomura Sakika , Serizawa Yusuke , Ohno Tomohiro , Tsujimoto Hironori
Published: August 2022

Objective:

Acinetobacter baumannii is a causative agent of healthcare-associated infections, and the introduction and spread of A. baumannii that has acquired drug resistance within a hospital are serious healthcare problems. We investigated the transition of epidemic clones and the occurrence of outbreaks by molecular epidemiological analysis to understand the long-term behavior of A. baumannii within a single facility.

Methods:

A. baumannii isolates collected from blood-culture–positive patients between January 2009 and December 2020 were subjected to PCR-based open reading frame typing (POT) for species identification, clonal typing, and homology searches.

Results:

Of the strains isolated from blood cultures, 49 were identified as A. baumannii and analyzed with POT. The POT#1=122 clones had different antimicrobial resistance profiles to the other POT clones, and strains belonging to this clone were dominant during outbreaks of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter. Although the clonal diversity of A. baumannii decreased and its antimicrobial resistance increased during the outbreaks, clonal diversity and the in-hospital antibiogram improved at the end of the outbreaks. The POT#1=122 clone was not eliminated from the hospital during the study period.

Conclusions:

POT is a simple and suitable method for molecular epidemiological monitoring and can show the introduction, outbreak, and subsequent transition of an epidemic clone of A. baumannii.
Bounds for the chi-square approximation of the power divergence family of statistics
Authors: Gaunt Robert E.
Published: August 2022

It is well known that each statistic in the family of power divergence statistics, acrossntrials andrclassifications with index parameter$\lambda\in\mathbb{R}$(the Pearson, likelihood ratio, and Freeman–Tukey statistics correspond to$\lambda=1,0,-1/2$, respectively), is asymptotically chi-square distributed as the sample size tends to infinity. We obtain explicit bounds on this distributional approximation, measured using smooth test functions, that hold for a given finite samplen, and all index parameters ($\lambda>-1$) for which such finite-sample bounds are meaningful. We obtain bounds that are of the optimal order$n^{-1}$. The dependence of our bounds on the index parameter$\lambda$and the cell classification probabilities is also optimal, and the dependence on the number of cells is also respectable. Our bounds generalise, complement, and improve on recent results from the literature.
The Geography of Democratic Discontent
Authors: Ballard-Rosa Cameron , Carnegie Allison , Schonfeld Bryan
Published: August 2022

Understanding the determinants of support for democracy remains at the heart of many puzzles in international and comparative political economy. A central but still unresolved topic in this literature is the conditions under which such support dissipates. To answer this question, this article focuses on distributional politics: since democratic leaders possess limited budgets but need to win elections, they often skew resources toward one politically influential sector, leading to more negative attitudes toward democracy among electorally ignored populations. In particular, we argue that governments often face a key political trade-off: whether to direct resources to the agricultural sector or to encourage urban development. After developing this argument in a formal model, we detail historical accounts that substantiate the mechanisms identified in the model. Finally, we provide cross-national quantitative evidence that discontent with democracy increases among geographic populations when governments disproportionately distribute resources toward other sectors.
Subulura eliseaesp. n. (Ascaridida: Subuluroidea), a parasite ofMarmosaspp. from Amazon rainforest, Brazil
Authors: Andrade Silva B.E. d. , Vilela R. do Val , Freitas L. da Costa , Pacheco R.d. Campos , de Mendonça R.F.B. , Rossi R.V. , Maldonado A.
Published: August 2022

The parasite biodiversity of mouse opossums in Brazil remains incompletely explored. We describe a new species ofSubulura(Ascaridida: Subuluroidea) from the large intestine of the white-bellied woolly mouse opossum,Marmosa constantiae, based on the results of light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We also partially sequenced the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (MT-CO1) gene of the new species, using molecular phylogenetic analyses to determine its relationships within the Subuluroidea superfamily. As molecular data on subuluroid species are extremely limited, few inferences could be drawn from our phylogenies. Our SEM observations showed the detailed morphology of the cephalic extremity, precloacal pseudo-sucker, caudal papillae, phasmids and vulva.Subulura eliseaesp. n. differs from the other fourSubuluraparasites species of marsupials by the number of caudal papillae and the structure dimensions, and size of the spicule. Moreover,S. eliseaesp. n. has ten pairs of caudal papillae, which is unique compared to other species. We present morphometric and molecular data on this new species, contributing to future studies on subuluroids.
Factors associated with mental health service use among families bereaved by pediatric cancer
Authors: Hill Kylie N. , Olsavsky Anna , Barrera Maru , Gilmer Mary Jo , Fairclough Diane L. , Akard Terrah Foster , Compas Bruce E. , Vannatta Kathryn , Gerhardt Cynthia A.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

We identified types of interventions used by bereaved family members and examined associations with demographic and medical factors. Furthermore, we examined associations between distress and intervention use among bereaved families.

Methods

Bereaved families (n = 85) were recruited from three children's hospitals 3–12 months after their child died of cancer. One eligible sibling (ages 8–17) per family was randomly selected for participation. During home visits 1-year post-death, parents reported on their own and the sibling's intervention use, helpfulness, and dose (self-help books, support groups, therapy, medication), and distress, defined as internalizing, externalizing, and total problems (Adult Self Report, Child Behavior Checklist).

Results

Fifty percent of mothers used medications (n = 43); utilization was low among fathers (17%, n = 9) and siblings (5%, n = 4). Individuals with more total problems were more likely to use medications (mothers: rpb = 0.27; p = 0.02; fathers: rpb = 0.32; p = 0.02; siblings: rpb = 0.26; p = 0.02). Mothers and siblings with more total problems used more services (r = 0.24; p = 0.03 and r = 0.29; p = 0.01, respectively). Among mothers, the overall regression was significant, R2 = 0.11, F(2, 80) = 4.954, p = 0.01; the deceased child's age at death was significantly associated with total services used (b = 0.052, p = 0.022). Among fathers, the overall regression was significant, R2 = 0.216, F(3, 49) = 4.492, p = 0.007; race and years of education were significantly associated with total services used (b = 0.750, p = 0.030 and b = 0.154, p = 0.010). Among siblings, the overall regression was significant R2 = 0.088, F(2, 80) = 3.867, p = 0.025; greater total problems were significantly associated with total services used (b = 0.012, p = 0.007).

Significance of results

Although few background factors were related to intervention use, bereaved mothers and siblings may seek services if they have more distress. Healthcare providers should be aware of the types of services that are most often utilized and helpful to bereaved families to connect them with appropriate resources. Future research should investigate other predictors of intervention use and outcomes after the death of a child.
Swear Word Fluency, Verbal Fluency, Vocabulary, Personality, and Drug Involvement
Authors: Reiman Anna-Kaisa , Earleywine Mitchell
Published: August 2022

Abstract. Swearing is stereotypically associated with socially undesirable traits and behaviors, including limited verbal ability, disagreeable personality, and alcohol use. We sought to demonstrate that, contrary to such stereotypes, swear word fluency (i.e., ability to generate swear words) does not arise from a lack of verbal skills. We also explored whether swear word fluency might serve as an index of personality traits related to drug use. Accordingly, we conducted a preregistered study in which 266 undergraduates at a US university ( Mage = 19.36; 66.9% self-identified as women and 49.6% as White) completed measures of swear word fluency, verbal fluency (i.e., overall ability to generate words), vocabulary, Big Five traits, sensation seeking, and drug use. We observed positive associations between swear word fluency and verbal fluency, vocabulary, Openness, and Extraversion, and a negative association with Agreeableness. Moreover, swear word fluency accounted for unique variance in self-reported drug use over and above that accounted for by personality and general verbal ability. Swear word fluency might serve as one of few tasks where higher scores predict more drug involvement, justifying further work linking this measure with other aspects of personality and drug use.
The Psychological Benefits of Scary Play in Three Types of Horror	Fans
Authors: Scrivner Coltan , Andersen Marc Malmdorf , Schjødt Uffe , Clasen Mathias
Published: August 2022

Abstract: Why do people seek out frightening leisure activities such as horror films and haunted attractions, and does the experience benefit them in any way? In this article, we address these questions through two separate studies. In Study 1, we asked American horror fans ( n = 256) why they like horror and identified three overall types of horror fans, which we term “Adrenaline Junkies,” “White Knucklers,” and “Dark Copers.” In Study 2, we collected data from Danish visitors at a haunted house attraction ( n = 258) and replicated the findings from Study 1 by finding the same three types of horror fans. Furthermore, we show that these three types of horror fans report distinct benefits from horror experiences. Adrenaline Junkies reported immediate enjoyment, White Knucklers reported personal growth, and Dark Copers reported both. These results suggest that frightening leisure activities are not only an outlet for sensation-seeking, and that the allure of horror may have as much to do with learning and personal growth as it has with high-arousal fun.
Spatiotemporal Limitations of Data‐Driven Modeling: An ISINGLASS Case Study
Authors: Burleigh M. , Lynch K. , Zettergren M. , Clayton R.
Published: August 2022

Ionospheric outflow remains difficult to predict because of myriad processes acting over a large range of altitudes, physical regimes, and time scales. This study uses the ionospheric model Geospace Environment Model of Ion‐Neutral Interactions with Transverse Ion Acceleration (GEMINI‐TIA) and sounding rocket campaign data to assess the impact of this spatially and temporally variable energy inputs on ionospheric upflow. The Ionospheric Structuring: In situ and Groundbased Low Altitude Studies B sounding rocket was launched on 03/02/17, into a substorm expansion, and included nearby ground‐based measurements which, along with in situ data, are used to construct electron precipitation and electric field inputs to GEMINI‐TIA for purposes of modeling complicated upflow patterns in two important limits: (a) time variable but spatially constant inputs or (b) spatially variable inputs that are constant in time. Realistic ionospheric responses will likely fall between these two limiting cases and may also include additional energy sources not constrained by the rocket. To investigate mixed spatial and temporal forcing we conduct a couple of simulations driven with ground‐based data that resolves both space and time variations in the forcing but at a much lower spatial and temporal resolution. Results demonstrate that the time history of the ionosphere also plays a significant role when accurately describing the upflow response to auroral heating. It takes up to 20 min for simulations initialized with different conditions to converge, suggesting that at the local scales and altitude range studied here it is necessary to include at least that much hysteresis in data analysis and modeling efforts.
Data‐Guided Exploration of the Energy Partitioning at Land Surface in the Contiguous US
Authors: Chen Xi , Wang Dingbao , Sivapalan Murugesu
Published: August 2022

This study explores the climatic controls of the long‐term energy partitioning of net radiation into sensible heat and latent heat at watershed scale, by following a data‐guided approach. Collected data shows that the relationship between the evaporative fraction (ratio of latent heat to net radiation) and the aridity index (ratio of energy supply to water supply), which represents the climatic conditions at watershed scale, follows a trend similar to the Budyko curve. To explore the physical basis of this relationship, we hypothesize that there are mediating factors connecting energy partitioning with climate. Two potential mediating factors are considered, namely the equilibrium root zone soil moisture and land‐air temperature difference. We extract empirical relationships between the mediating factors and the partitioning fractions of water and energy fluxes based on observational data in 219 study watersheds across the contiguous US. With the obtained empirical relationships, we analytically derive two alternate Budyko‐type equations for energy partitioning, for each of the two mediating factors separately. Both equations show similar trends as the Budyko curve. We also derive a function to relate energy partitioning to water partitioning Budyko‐type equations, suggesting a close connection between the two. The study brings out the mediating roles of soil moisture and temperature gradient that connect water/energy partitioning with climate over long timescales in watersheds. In the process, the analysis results also provide useful insights about complex watershed system behavior. The observed relationships can be used to constrain hydrological and Earth system models and thus improve modeling performance.
The Transient Sea Level Response to External Forcing in CMIP6 Models
Authors: Grinsted Aslak , Bamber Jonathan , Bingham Rory , Buzzard Sammie , Nias Isabel , Ng Kelvin , Weeks Jennifer
Published: August 2022

Earth is warming and sea levels are rising as land‐based ice is lost to melt, and oceans expand due to accumulation of heat. The pace of ice loss and steric expansion is linked to the intensity of warming. How much faster sea level will rise as climate warms is, however, highly uncertain and difficult to model. Here, we quantify the transient sea level sensitivity of the sea level budget in both models and observations. Models show little change in sensitivity to warming between the first and second half of the twenty‐first century for most contributors. The exception is glaciers and ice caps (GIC) that have a greater sensitivity pre‐2050 (2.8 ± 0.4 mm/yr/K) compared to later (0.7 ± 0.1 mm/yr/K). We attribute this change to the short response time of glaciers and their changing area over time. Model sensitivities of steric expansion (1.5 ± 0.2 mm/yr/K), and Greenland Ice Sheet mass loss (0.8 ± 0.2 mm/yr/K) are greater than, but still compatible with, corresponding estimates from historical data (1.4 ± 0.5 and 0.4 ± 0.2 mm/yr/K). Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) models tends to show lower rates of sea level rise (SLR) with warming (−0.0 ± 0.3 mm/yr/K) in contrast to historical estimates (0.4 ± 0.2 mm/yr/K). This apparent low bias in AIS sensitivity is only partly able to account for a similar low bias identified in the sensitivity of global mean sea level excluding GIC (3.1 ± 0.4 vs. 2.3 ± 0.4 mm/yr/K). The balance temperature, where SLR is zero, lies close to the pre‐industrial value, implying that SLR can only be mitigated by substantial global cooling.
Sulfide Dissolution on the Nickel Isotopic Composition of Basaltic Rocks
Authors: Sheng Si‐Zhang , Wang Shui‐Jiong , Yang Xi‐Ming , Chen Li‐Hui , Zeng Gang , Xiao Yan , Shen Ji , Dong Xu‐Han , Lv Yi‐Wen
Published: August 2022

Global basaltic rocks show large variations in nickel (Ni) isotopic compositions relative to peridotites. The origin of this difference remains unknown. We analyzed Ni isotopic compositions of mineral separates from seven Beiyan peridotite xenoliths and 16 nephelinites from eastern China. Spinel is isotopically heavier, and clinopyroxene is systemically lighter than coexisting olivine and orthopyroxene. An ionic model predicts that olivine, orthopyroxene, and spinel are in Ni isotopic equilibrium, whereas clinopyroxene of metasomatic origin is out of equilibrium. The nephelinites have higher Fe3+/ΣFe but lower δ60/58Ni values than the peridotites. Mantle silicate melting likely leads to enrichment of heavy Ni isotopes in melts, and, importantly, it cannot explain the negative correlation between δ60/58Ni and Fe3+/ΣFe of the nephelinites. Therefore, the light Ni isotopic signature requires the involvement of a low‐δ60/58Ni component. Sulfide is a minor Ni‐rich component in the mantle and is isotopically lighter than the silicates. The relative proportion of Ni from sulfides vs. that from silicates varies in mantle‐derived magmas, depending on the sulfur content at sulfide saturation and melting degree. Thus, low‐degree melts with high abundance of dissolved sulfides can be variably enriched in light Ni isotopes. We propose that enhanced sulfide dissolution at high oxygen fugacity is a key reason for light Ni isotopic compositions in the nephelinites. This sulfide dissolution model may also be responsible for producing the Ni isotopic variation in global mafic lithologies. When the highly oxidized, low‐degree melts react with the peridotitic region, they can impart light Ni isotopic signatures to mantle rocks.
Seismic Contributions to Secular Changes in Global Geodynamic Parameters
Authors: Xu Changyi , Li Juan
Published: August 2022

Secular changes in global geodynamic parameters (polar motion excitation, length of day, and J2, etc.) are significant to understand internal mass transport in the solid Earth system and surface geophysical fluids related to global climate. However, the glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) and climate‐driven surface mass redistribution are insufficient to explain the origin. We are motivated to report the significance of seismic effect in the pursuit of understanding the budget of secular changes in geodynamic parameters. The seismic effect is comparable to the GIA effect and amounts to 20% or larger (up to 30%) of the observed secular changes in global geodynamic parameters. Therefore, the seismic effect must be treated as one key mechanism of driving secular changes in geodynamic parameters, which is critical to invert rheological structure, clarify internal dynamic processes, and reveal the physical evolution of the Earth.
Effects of a Storm on the Transformation and Export of Phosphorus Through a Subtropical River‐Turbid Estuary Continuum Revealed by Continuous Observation
Authors: Zhang Mingzhen , Krom Michael D. , Lin Jingjie , Cheng Peng , Chen Nengwang
Published: August 2022

Major storms, which are increasing in frequency due to climate change, flush pollutant nutrients, including phosphorus (P), from river catchments through estuaries to the coast. Changes in P speciation alter the potential for P removal in sediments. We measured suspended particle matter (SPM), dissolved and particulate phosphorus and other physicochemical parameters at two river outlets of the Jiulong River (SE China) and a fixed station in the estuary during an entire storm (June 2019). During the storm, riverine total particulate phosphorus (TPP) more than doubled to approximately 100 μg P L−1 mainly from pollutant sources, while increased soil erosion reduced the TPP:SPM ratio by 1/3. The riverine DIP increase during the storm was only moderate (approximately 25%). As the storm intensified, the fresh‐brackish water interface moved downstream. There was increased SPM and TPP flux (up to approximately 25,000 kg P d−1) from resuspended surficial sediment that had been deposited during normal flow in the adjacent tidal flats and mangrove areas. These sediments had acted as microbial incubators. Reduced Fe in the resuspended sediment was converted to labile Fe oxyhydroxides in the oxic water column, which adsorbed DIP (and probably also DOP) and increased labile TPP exported downstream. During the storm, the total flux of riverine dissolved nutrients increased while the TDN:TDP ratio decreased from 43:1 to 32:1. Our study showed that estuaries are locations for temporary deposition of labile TPP during normal flow, which are flushed out during major storms, likely resulting in increased eutrophication, including encouraging harmful algal blooms in coastal zones.
A Tool for Generating Fast k‐Distribution Gas‐Optics Models for Weather and Climate Applications
Authors: Hogan Robin J. , Matricardi Marco
Published: August 2022

One of the most important components of an atmospheric radiation scheme is its treatment of gas optical properties, which determines not only the accuracy of its radiative forcing calculations fundamental to climate prediction, but also its computational cost. This paper describes a free software tool “ecCKD” for generating fast gas‐optics models by optimally dividing the spectrum into pseudo‐monochromatic spectral intervals (known as k‐terms) according to a user‐specified error tolerance and the range of greenhouse‐gas concentrations that needs to be simulated. The models generated use the correlated k‐distribution method in user‐specified bands, but can also generate accurate “full‐spectrum correlated‐k” models that operate on the entire longwave or near‐infrared (NIR) parts of the spectrum. In the NIR, the large spectral variation in cloud absorption is represented by partitioning the parts of the spectrum where gases are optically thin into 2–6 sub‐bands, while allowing k‐terms for the optically thicker parts of the spectrum (where clouds and surface reflectance are less important) to span the entire NIR spectrum. Candidate models using only 16 and 32 k‐terms in each of the shortwave and longwave are evaluated against line‐by‐line calculations on clear and cloudy profiles. The 32‐term models are able to accurately capture the radiative forcing of varying greenhouse gases including CO2 concentrations spanning a factor of 12, and heating rates at pressures down to 1 Pa.
Potential of Thermal Neutrons to Correct Cosmic‐Ray Neutron Soil Moisture Content Measurements for Dynamic Biomass Effects
Authors: Jakobi J. , Huisman J. A. , Fuchs H. , Vereecken H. , Bogena H. R.
Published: August 2022

Cosmic‐ray neutron sensors (CRNS) enable noninvasive determination of field‐scale soil moisture content by exploiting the dependence of the intensity of aboveground epithermal neutrons on the hydrogen contained in soil moisture. However, there are other hydrogen pools besides soil moisture (e.g., biomass). Therefore, these hydrogen pools should be considered for accurate soil moisture content measurements, especially when they are changing dynamically (e.g., arable crops, deforestation, and reforestation). In this study, we test four approaches for the correction of biomass effects on soil moisture content measurements with CRNS using experiments with three crops (sugar beet, winter wheat, and maize) based on high‐quality reference soil moisture: (a) site‐specific functions based on in‐situ measured biomass, (b) a generic approach, (c) the thermal‐to‐epithermal neutron ratio (Nr), and (d) the thermal neutron intensity. Bare soil calibration of the CRNS resulted in high root mean square errors (RMSEs) of 0.097, 0.041, and 0.019 m³/m³ between estimated and reference soil moisture content for sugar beet, winter wheat, and maize, respectively. Considering in‐situ measured biomass for correction reduced the RMSE to 0.015, 0.018, and 0.009 m³/m³. The consideration of thermal neutron intensity for correction was similarly accurate. We also explored the use of CRNS for biomass estimation and found that Nr only provided accurate biomass estimates for sugar beet. In contrast, we found significant site‐specific relationships between biomass and thermal neutron intensity for all three crops, suggesting that thermal neutron intensity can be used both to improve CRNS‐based soil moisture content measurements and to quantify crop biomass.
The India Hypertension Control Initiative–early outcomes in 26 districts across five states of India, 2018–2020
Authors: Kaur Prabhdeep , Kunwar Abhishek , Sharma Meenakshi , Durgad Kiran , Gupta Sudhir ,   India Hypertension Control Initiative collaboration, Bangar Sampada D. , Bharadwaj Vishwajit , Bharadwaj Rupali , Bitragunta Sailaja , Chintala Sreedhar , Chakma Tapas K. , Chandran Deenadayalan , Chavan Tejpalsinh A. , Dar Sunil , Das Bidisha , Dhaliwal R. S. , Gill Sandeep Singh , Gopal Bipin , Immanuel A. Branch , Jain Tanu , Jogewar Padmaja , Joshi Chakshu , Khanna Abhishek , Khedkar Suhas N. , Krishna Ashish , Kumar Navneet , Kumar Vijay , Madhavi M. , Ganeshkumar Parasuraman , Pathni Anupam Khungar , Ponna Satyendra N. , Puthussery Yannick P. , Rafique Mohamed E. , Ramakrishnan Sivasubramanian , Reddy Sravan K. , Sambandam Gopinath T. , Sahoo Swagata K. , Saxsena Ashish , Sharma Bhawna , Shrivastava Suyesh , Sivalingam Azhagendran , Singh Shweta , Singh Gurinder Bir , Swarnkar Sunny , Thakkar Jatin , Tullu Fikru T. , Venkatasamy Vettrichelvan , Wassey Mohammed , Wankhede Amol B. , Bhargava Balram
Published: August 2022

Hypertension is the leading single preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) project was designed to improve hypertension control in public sector clinics. The project was launched in 2018–2019 in 26 districts across five states: Punjab (5), Madhya Pradesh (3), Kerala (4), Maharashtra (4), and Telangana (10), with five core strategies: standard treatment protocol, reliable supply of free antihypertensive drugs, team-based care, patient-centered care, and an information system to track individual patient treatment and blood pressure control. All states implemented simple treatment protocols with three drugs: a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (amlodipine), angiotensin receptor blocker (telmisartan), and thiazide or a thiazide-like diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide or chlorthalidone). Medication supplies were adequate to support at least one month of treatment. Overall, 570,365 hypertensives were enrolled in 2018–2019; 11% did not have follow-up visits in the most recent 12 months. Clinic-level blood pressure control averaged 43% (range 22–79%) by Jan-March, 2020. The proportion of the estimated people with hypertension who had it controlled and documented in public clinics increased three-fold, albeit from very low levels (1.4–5.0%). The IHCI demonstrated the feasibility of implementing protocol-based hypertension treatment and control supported by a reliable drug supply and accurate information systems at scale in Indian primary health care facilities. Lessons from the IHCI’s initial phase will inform plans to improve screening in health care facilities, increase retention in care, and ensure a sustained supply of drugs as part of a nationwide hypertension control program.
CircKPNB1 mediates a positive feedback loop and promotes the malignant phenotypes of GSCs via TNF-α/NF-κB signaling
Authors: Jiang Yang , Zhao Junshuang , Liu Yingliang , Hu Juntao , Gao Liang , Wang Hui , Cui Daming
Published: August 2022

Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are a special kind of cells in GBM showing tumor initiation, self-renewal, and multi-lineage differentiation abilities. Finding novel circRNAs related to GSCs is of great significance for the study of glioma. qPCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression levels of circKPNB1, SPI1, DGCR8, and TNF-α. The expression of these molecules in GSCs was regulated by lentiviral-based infection. RNA immunoprecipitation assay, RNA pull-down, dual-luciferase reporter, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were used to study the direct regulation mechanisms among these molecules. All the MTS, EDU, transwell, neurosphere formation assays, ELDA assays, and xenograft experiments were used to detect the malignant phenotype of GSCs. We found a novel circRNA circKPNB1 was overexpressed in GBM and associated with GBM patients’ poor prognosis. CircKPNB1 overexpression can promote the cell viabilities, proliferation, invasion, neurospheres formation abilities, and stemness of GSCs. Mechanistically, circKPNB1 regulates the protein stability and nuclear translocation of SPI1. SPI1 promotes the malignant phenotype of GSCs via TNF-α mediated NF-κB signaling. SPI1 can also transcriptionally upregulate DGCR8 expression, and the latter can maintain the stability of circKPNB1 and forms a positive feedback loop among DGCR8, circKPNB1 and SPI1. Our study found circKPNB1 was a novel oncogene in GBM and of great significance in the diagnosis and prognosis prediction of GBM and maybe a novel target for molecular targeted therapy.
Endogenically sourced volatiles on Charon and other Kuiper belt objects
Authors: Menten Stephanie M. , Sori Michael M. , Bramson Ali M.
Published: August 2022

Kuiper belt objects (KBOs) have diverse surface compositions, and the New Horizons mission to the Pluto-Charon system allows us to test hypotheses on the origin and evolution of these KBO surfaces. Previous work proposed that Charon’s organic-rich north pole formed from radiolytically processed volatiles sourced from Pluto’s escaping atmosphere. Here, we show an endogenic source of volatiles from Charon’s interior is plausible. We calculate that cryovolcanic resurfacing released 1.29 × 1015–3.47 × 1015 kg of methane to Charon’s surface from its interior. We modeled volatile transport and found the vast majority of this volcanically released methane migrates to Charon’s poles, with deposition rates sufficient to be processed into the observed organic compounds. Irradiated methane products appear on similarly sized KBOs that do not orbit a Pluto-sized object to draw an escaping atmosphere from, so interior-sourced volatiles could be a common and important process across the Kuiper belt.
Small-scale fisheries catch more threatened elasmobranchs inside partially protected areas than in unprotected areas
Authors: Di Lorenzo Manfredi , Calò Antonio , Di Franco Antonio , Milisenda Giacomo , Aglieri Giorgio , Cattano Carlo , Milazzo Marco , Guidetti Paolo
Published: August 2022

Elasmobranchs are heavily impacted by fishing. Catch statistics are grossly underestimated due to missing data from various fishery sectors such as small-scale fisheries. Marine Protected Areas are proposed as a tool to protect elasmobranchs and counter their ongoing depletion. We assess elasmobranchs caught in 1,256 fishing operations with fixed nets carried out in partially protected areas within Marine Protected Areas and unprotected areas beyond Marine Protected Areas borders at 11 locations in 6 Mediterranean countries. Twenty-four elasmobranch species were recorded, more than one-third belonging to the IUCN threatened categories (Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered). Catches per unit of effort of threatened and data deficient species were higher (with more immature individuals being caught) in partially protected areas than in unprotected areas. Our study suggests that despite partially protected areas having the potential to deliver ecological benefits for threatened elasmobranchs, poor small-scale fisheries management inside Marine Protected Areas could hinder them from achieving this important conservation objective.
A suite of PCR-LwCas13a assays for detection and genotyping of Treponema pallidum in clinical samples
Authors: Chen Wentao , Luo Hao , Zeng Lihong , Pan Yuying , Parr Jonathan B. , Jiang Yinbo , Cunningham Clark H. , Hawley Kelly L. , Radolf Justin D. , Ke Wujian , Ou Jiangli , Yang Jianjiang , Yang Bin , Zheng Heping
Published: August 2022

The performance of commonly used assays for diagnosis of syphilis varies considerably depending on stage of infection and sample type. In response to the need for improved syphilis diagnostics, we develop assays that pair PCR pre-amplification of thetpp47gene ofTreponema pallidumsubsp.pallidumwith CRISPR-LwCas13a. The PCR-LwCas13a assay achieves an order of magnitude better analytical sensitivity than real-time PCR with equivalent specificity. When applied to a panel of 216 biological specimens, including 135 clinically confirmed primary and secondary syphilis samples, the PCR-LwCas13a assay demonstrates 93.3% clinical sensitivity and 100% specificity, outperformingtpp47real-time PCR and rabbit-infectivity testing. We further adapt this approach to distinguishTreponema pallidum subsp. pallidumlineages and identify genetic markers of macrolide resistance. Our study demonstrates the potential of CRISPR-based approaches to improve diagnosis and epidemiological surveillance of syphilis.
Met1-specific motifs conserved in OTUB subfamily of green plants enable rice OTUB1 to hydrolyse Met1 ubiquitin chains
Authors: Lu Lining , Zhai Xiaoguo , Li Xiaolong , Wang Shuansuo , Zhang Lijun , Wang Luyang , Jin Xi , Liang Lujun , Deng Zhiheng , Li Zichen , Wang Yanfeng , Fu Xiangdong , Hu Honggang , Wang Jiawei , Mei Ziqing , He Zhengguo , Wang Feng
Published: August 2022

Linear (Met1-linked) ubiquitination is involved inflammatory and innate immune signaling. Previous studies have characterized enzymes regulating the addition and removal of this modification in mammalian systems. However, only a few plant-derived deubiquitinases targeting Met1-linked ubiquitin chains have been reported and their mechanism of action remains elusive. Here, using a dehydroalanine-bearing Met1-diubiquitin suicide probe, we discover OTUB1 from Oryza sativa (OsOTUB1) as a Met1-linked ubiquitin chain-targeting deubiquitinase. By solving crystal structures of apo OsOTUB1 and an OsOTUB1/Met1-diubiquitin complex, we find that Met1 activity is conferred by Met1-specific motifs in the S1’ pocket of OsOTUB1. Large-scale sequence alignments and hydrolysis experiments provide evidence that these motifs are a general determinant of Met1 activity in the OTUB subfamily across species. Analysis of the species distribution of OTUBs capable of hydrolysing Met1-linked ubiquitin chains shows that this activity is conserved in green plants (Viridiplantae) and does not exist in metazoans, providing insights into the evolutionary differentiation between primitive plants and animals.
A CRISPR-based ultrasensitive assay detects attomolar concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in clinical samples
Authors: Tang Yanan , Song Turun , Gao Lu , Yin Saifu , Ma Ming , Tan Yun , Wu Lijuan , Yang Yang , Wang Yanqun , Lin Tao , Li Feng
Published: August 2022

CRISPR diagnostics are powerful tools for detecting nucleic acids but are generally not deployable for the detection of clinically important proteins. Here, we report an ultrasensitive CRISPR-based antibody detection (UCAD) assay that translates the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies into CRISPR-based nucleic acid detection in a homogeneous solution and is 10,000 times more sensitive than the classic immunoassays. Clinical validation using serum samples collected from the general population (n = 197), demonstrates that UCAD has 100% sensitivity and 98.5% specificity. With ultrahigh sensitivity, UCAD enables the quantitative analysis of serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 levels in vaccinated kidney transplant recipients who are shown to produce “undetectable” anti-SARS-CoV-2 using standard immunoassay. Because of the high sensitivity and simplicity, we anticipate that, upon further clinical validation against large cohorts of clinical samples, UCAD will find wide applications for clinical uses in both centralized laboratories and point-of-care settings.