bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect ofn-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid intake on the eicosanoid profile in individuals with obesity and overweight: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Schweitzer Guilherme R. B. , Rios Isabela N. M. S. , Gonçalves Vivian S. S. , Magalhães Kelly G. , Pizato Nathalia
Published: July 2021

Dietaryn-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) present beneficial effects on counteracting inflammation status, displaying a critical anti-inflammatory role and maintaining physiological homeostasis in obesity. The primary objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect ofn-3 PUFAs intake on the eicosanoid profile of people with obesity and overweight. The search strategy on Embase, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and ProQuest was undertaken until November 2019 and updated January 2021. The effect size ofn-3 PUFAs on prostaglandins was estimated by Glass's, type 1 in a random-effect model for the meta-analysis. Seven clinical trials met the eligible criteria and a total of 610 subjects were included in this systematic review, and four of seven studies were included in meta-analysis. The intake ofn-3 PUFAs promoted an overall reduction in serum pro-inflammatory eicosanoids. Additionally,n-3 PUFAs intake significantly decreased the arachidonic acid COX-derived PG eicosanoid group levels (Glass's Δ −0⋅35; CI −0⋅62, −0⋅07,I231⋅48). Subgroup analyses showed a higher effect on periods up to 8 weeks (Glass's Δ −0⋅51; CI −0⋅76, −0⋅27) and doses higher than 0⋅5 g ofn-3 PUFAs (Glass's Δ −0⋅46; CI −0⋅72, −0⋅27). Dietaryn-3 PUFAs intake contributes to reduce pro-inflammatory eicosanoids of people with obesity and overweight. Subgroup's analysis showed thatn-3 PUFAs can reduce the overall arachidonic acid COX-derived PG when adequate dose and period are matched.
The seasonal cycle and break-up of landfast sea ice along the northwest coast of Kotelny Island, East Siberian Sea
Authors: Zhai Mengxi , Cheng Bin , Leppäranta Matti , Hui Fengming , Li Xinqing , Demchev Denis , Lei Ruibo , Cheng Xiao
Published: July 2021

Arctic landfast sea ice (LFSI) represents an important quasi-stationary coastal zone. Its evolution is determined by the regional climate and bathymetry. This study investigated the seasonal cycle and interannual variations of LFSI along the northwest coast of Kotelny Island. Initial freezing, rapid ice formation, stable and decay stages were identified in the seasonal cycle based on application of the visual inspection approach (VIA) to MODIS/Envisat imagery and results from a thermodynamic snow/ice model. The modeled annual maximum ice thickness in 1995–2014 was 2.02 ± 0.12 m showing a trend of −0.13 m decade−1. Shortened ice season length (−22 d decade−1) from model results associated with substantial spring (2.3°C decade−1) and fall (1.9°C decade−1) warming. LFSI break-up resulted from combined fracturing and melting, and the local spatiotemporal patterns of break-up were associated with the irregular bathymetry. Melting dominated the LFSI break-up in the nearshore sheltered area, and the ice thickness decreased to an average of 0.50 m before the LFSI disappeared. For the LFSI adjacent to drift ice, fracturing was the dominant process and the average ice thickness was 1.56 m at the occurrence of the fracturing. The LFSI stages detected by VIA were supported by the model results.
Small Steps: The Inclusion of Young Children With Disabilities in Australia, Greece, and Malaysia
Authors: Warren Jane , Soukakou Elena P. , Forster John , Ng Lai-Thin , Nteropoulou-Nterou Evdoxia
Published: July 2021

Although international research has accumulated significant evidence on inclusive practices and their benefits for children, how this translates into early childhood settings is often unsatisfactory within and across countries. Against the background of general acceptance of the principles incorporated in the Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities, we examine how 3 countries who are signatories to this convention, Australia, Greece, and Malaysia, are making progress towards inclusion in early childhood. Using an implementation science framework, the key components of enabling contexts, research-based practices, and effective implementation supports are explored. In this framework, each of these components is essential for achieving the desired outcomes of inclusion. The country profiles of Australia, Greece, and Malaysia are examined (including similarities and differences in legislation, policies, early childhood services, and practices) in an effort to support understanding of factors facilitating and challenging early childhood inclusion.
Hot Stone Technology at Bucklers Park, Crowthorne, Berkshire: The Use and Re-use of a Persistent Place During the Bronze and Iron Ages
Authors: Chittock Helen , Masefield Robert , Allison Enid , Crone Anne , Hamilton Derek , Richer Suzi , Robertson Jackaline , Wood Alex
Published: July 2021

Archaeological investigations at Bucklers Park in Crowthorne have revealed a window onto a significant later prehistoric place, which was used and revisited over 1700 years between the Early Bronze Age and later Iron Age (c. 1800–100 bc). Activity on site was based around the heating of water using fire-heated flint, producing three mounds of fire-cracked flint and burnt organic material. These ‘burnt mounds’ are known across later prehistoric Britain and Ireland, but the ways they may have been formed are uncertain, and they are arguably under-discussed in southern Britain. Whilst water was initially drawn from a stream, a series of wells were established at the site between the Middle Bronze Age and Early Iron Age, one of which contained a well-preserved log ladder. These wells were revisited and recut over long periods of time and during the Middle Iron Age the site’s function shifted dramatically when a roundhouse was constructed. The long-term use of the site, its excellent organic preservation, dating, and its location in a remote area on the Bagshot Heath, make it significant. This paper summarises the findings from the excavations, discussing the formation of the site in the context of wider research on later prehistoric burnt mounds.
How Does Uncertainty Affect Voters' Preferences?
Authors: Christensen Love
Published: July 2021

Rational voters care about outcomes, while parties campaign on policy proposals, the outcomes of which are never perfectly known. Can parties exploit this uncertainty to shape public opinion? This article presents a spatial preference model for policy proposals with uncertain outcomes. It reports the results of a large pre-registered survey experiment that involved presenting respondents with predictions about the effects of three policy proposals. The findings show that respondents update their attitudes to the proposals as their beliefs about outcomes change, and that parties are no less able to influence beliefs than non-partisan experts. Contrary to previous research, respondents discount outcome uncertainty by giving equal weight to conflicting optimistic and pessimistic predictions. The study shows that parties can shape public opinion by influencing voter beliefs, and that voters are not repelled by the uncertainty inherent in conflicting information.
The Demography of Slavery in the Coffee Districts of Angola, c. 1800–70
Authors: Vos Jelmer , Matos Paulo Teodoro de
Published: July 2021

This article uses demographic data from nineteenth-century Angola to evaluate, within a West Central African setting, the widely accepted theory that sub-Saharan Africa's integration within the Atlantic world through slave and commodity trading caused significant transformations in slavery in the subcontinent. It specifically questions, first, whether slaveholding became more dominant in Angola during the last phase of the transatlantic slave trade; second, whether Angolan slave populations were predominantly female; and third, whether slavery in Angola expanded further during the cash crop revolution that accompanied the nineteenth-century suppression of the Atlantic slave trade. Besides making a significant contribution to understanding the demographic context of slavery in the era of abolition, the article aims to display ways in which historians can use the population surveys the Portuguese Empire carried out in Africa from the late eighteenth century.
A new species of Loimopapillosum Hargis, 1955 (Monogenea: Monocotylidae) parasitizing Hypanus dipterurus (Myliobatiformes: Dasyatidae) off the Pacific coast of South America, and its phylogenetic relationships
Authors: Chero J.D. , Cruces C.L. , Sáez G. , Oliveira A.G.L. , Santos C.P. , Luque J.L.
Published: July 2021

A new species of Loimopapillosum Hargis, 1955 is described based on specimens collected from the gills of the diamond stingray, Hypanus dipterurus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880) (Myliobatiformes: Dasyatidae) captured off Puerto Pizarro, Tumbes Region, northern Peru. Loimopapillosum pascuali n. sp. is distinguished mainly from the type and only species, Loimopapillosum dasyatis Hargis, 1955, by its funnel-shaped male copulatory organ, with an asymmetrical base; the superficial root of the anchor with distal knobs; the deep root of the anchor with a constriction at its base; a single testis; and the number of head organs. Available sequences for members of Monocotylidae in the GenBank as well as partial sequences for the gene 28S and 18S ribosomal DNA from L. pascuali n. sp. were included in phylogenetic analyses, suggesting that Loimoinae (represented in this study by L. pascuali n. sp. and Loimosina sp.) is nested within the Monocotylidae Taschenberg, 1879. Therefore, we confirm the rejection of Loimoidae Price, 1936 and its reincorporation as a subfamily of Monocotylidae, as previously suggested. Loimopapillosum pascuali n. sp. represents the first species of this genus in South America.
Geometric electrostatic particle-in-cell algorithm on unstructured meshes
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Qin Hong , Sturdevant Benjamin , Chang C.S.
Published: July 2021

We present a geometric particle-in-cell (PIC) algorithm on unstructured meshes for studying electrostatic perturbations with frequency lower than electron gyrofrequency in magnetized plasmas. In this method, ions are treated as fully kinetic particles and electrons are described by the adiabatic response. The PIC method is derived from a discrete variational principle on unstructured meshes. To preserve the geometric structure of the system, the discrete variational principle requires that the electric field is interpolated using Whitney 1-forms, the charge is deposited using Whitney 0-forms and the electric field is computed by discrete exterior calculus. The algorithm has been applied to study the ion Bernstein wave (IBW) in two-dimensional magnetized plasmas. The simulated dispersion relations of the IBW in a rectangular region agree well with theoretical results. In a two-dimensional circular region with fixed boundary condition, the spectrum and eigenmode structures of the IBW are obtained from simulations. We compare the energy conservation property of the geometric PIC algorithm derived from the discrete variational principle with that of previous PIC methods on unstructured meshes. The comparison shows that the new PIC algorithm significantly improves the energy conservation property.
Differential tissue distribution of discrete typing units after drug combination therapy in experimental Trypanosoma cruzi mixed infection
Authors: Strauss Mariana , Lo Presti M. Silvina , Ramírez Juan C. , Bazán P. Carolina , Velázquez López Daniela A. , Báez Alejandra L. , Paglini Patricia A. , Schijman Alejandro G. , Rivarola Héctor W.
Published: July 2021

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the distribution of the different clones of the parasite prevailing after treatment with benznidazole (BZ) and clomipramine (CLO), in mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, Casibla isolate which consists of a mixture of two discrete typing units (DTUs). Albino Swiss mice were infected and treated with high and low concentrations of BZ (100 or 6.25 mg/kg), CLO (5 or 1.25 mg/kg), or the combination of both low doses (BZ6.25 + CLO1.25), during the acute phase of experimental infection. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by comparing parasitaemia, survival and tissular parasite presence. For DTUs genotyping, blood, skeletal and cardiac muscle samples were analysed by multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The combined treatment had similar outcomes to BZ6.25; BZ100 was the most effective treatment, but it failed to reach parasite clearance and produced greater histological alterations. Non-treated mice and the ones treated with monotherapies showed both DTUs while BZ6.25 + CLO1.25 treated mice showed only TcVI parasites in all the tissues studied. These findings suggest that the treatment may modify the distribution of infecting DTUs in host tissues. Coinfection with T. cruzi clones belonging to different DTUs reveals a complex scenario for the treatment of Chagas disease and search for new therapies.
Priority areas for vulture conservation in the Horn of Africa largely fall outside the protected area network
Authors: BUECHLEY EVAN R. , GIRARDELLO MARCO , SANTANGELI ANDREA , RUFFO ALAZAR DAKA , AYALEW GIRMA , ABEBE YILMA D. , BARBER DAVID R. , BUIJ RALPH , BILDSTEIN KEITH , MAHAMUED BRUKTAWIT ABDU , NEATE-CLEGG MONTAGUE H.C. , OGADA DARCY , MARRA PETER P. , SILLETT T. SCOTT , THIOLLAY JEAN-MARC , WIKELSKI MARTIN , YAWORSKY PETER , ŞEKERCIOĞLU ÇAĞAN H.
Published: July 2021

Vulture populations are in severe decline across Africa and prioritization of geographic areas for their conservation is urgently needed. To do so, we compiled three independent datasets on vulture occurrence from road-surveys, GPS-tracking, and citizen science (eBird), and used maximum entropy to build ensemble species distribution models (SDMs). We then identified spatial vulture conservation priorities in Ethiopia, a stronghold for vultures in Africa, while accounting for uncertainty in our predictions. We were able to build robust distribution models for five vulture species across the entirety of Ethiopia, including three Critically Endangered, one Endangered, and one Near Threatened species. We show that priorities occur in the highlands of Ethiopia, which provide particularly important habitat for BeardedGypaetus barbatus, HoodedNecrosyrtes monachus, Rüppell’sGyps rüppelliand White-backedGyps africanusVultures, as well as the lowlands of north-eastern Ethiopia, which are particularly valuable for the Egyptian VultureNeophron percnopterus. One-third of the core distribution of the Egyptian Vulture was protected, followed by the White-backed Vulture at one-sixth, and all other species at one-tenth. Overall, only about one-fifth of vulture priority areas were protected. Given that there is limited protection of priority areas and that vultures range widely, we argue that measures of broad spatial and legislative scope will be necessary to address drivers of vulture declines, including poisoning, energy infrastructure, and climate change, while considering the local social context and aiding sustainable development.
Pursuit of ‘sustainable’ development may contribute to the vulture crisis in East Africa
Authors: OPPEL STEFFEN , RUFFO ALAZAR DAKA , BAKARI SAMUEL , TESFAYE MILLION , MENGISTU SOLOMON , WONDAFRASH MENGISTU , ENDRIS AHMED , POURCHIER CLOÉ , NGARI ALEX , ARKUMAREV VOLEN , NIKOLOV STOYAN C.
Published: July 2021

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals aim to improve livelihoods and maintain functioning ecosystems, and include the provision of electricity and the prevention of desertification. We show that the pursuit of those two goals can lead to developments that put critical ecosystem functions at risk. Vultures are scavengers that provide sanitary ecosystem services, but their populations across Africa are declining due to poisoning, electrocution, and collision with power infrastructure. The extent to which the pursuit of sustainable development threatens vultures in Africa is unclear. We surveyed 227 km of powerlines in Ethiopia, which revealed bird mortality (0.15 vulture carcasses / km) at power infrastructure constructed under a National Electrification Programme to provide universal electricity access by 2025. We also interviewed 190 local pastoralists in 10 areas about livelihood challenges, which revealed that the bushProsopis juliflora, which was originally introduced to prevent desertification but then invaded north-eastern Ethiopia, increased livestock predation and motivated the use of poison to control predators. Actions to increase universal access to electricity and to reduce desertification therefore have undesired side-effects that increase vulture mortality through electrocution and poisoning. To avoid negatively affecting local vulture populations and the services they provide, we urge governments to use infrastructure designs that minimise the risk of electrocution and assist pastoralists to protect their livestock and reduce the risk of poisoning to vultures and other wildlife.
Influence of paternal general parenting on Latino early adolescents’ energy balance-related behaviours and interactions with behaviour-specific parenting practices
Authors: Zhang Youjie , Nagao-Sato Sayaka , Baltaci Aysegul , Hurtado Choque Ghaffar Ali , Reicks Marla
Published: July 2021

Objective:

To investigate the influence of general parenting dimensions on adolescents’ energy balance-related behaviours (EBRB) and its interactions with behaviour-specific parenting practices based on Darling and Steinberg’s contextual model of parenting style.

Design:

Multiple linear regression analyses and the Hayes PROCESS procedure to analyse self-reported cross-sectional survey data.

Setting:

In-person survey.

Participants:

Latino early adolescents and their fathers (n 225 dyads) recruited using convenience sampling from metropolitan areas of north-central USA.

Results:

Both paternal parenting dimensions of warmth and autonomy granting were positively associated with adolescents’ fruit intake, vegetable intake and physical activity. Coercive control was positively associated with adolescents’ sugary drink intake and sweets/salty snack intake. These associations were predominantly mediated by the parenting practices of setting expectations/allowances, role modelling, and managing availability and accessibility for corresponding EBRB. After adjusting for parenting practices, paternal warmth was inversely associated with adolescents’ screen time, paternal autonomy was positively associated with sugary drink intake, and both paternal warmth and autonomy granting were positively associated with adolescents’ fast food intake. In addition, positive associations between fathers’ parenting practices and adolescents’ sugary drink intake were significantly stronger among those who perceived high v. low levels of paternal warmth and autonomy granting.

Conclusions:

Paternal warmth and autonomy granting showed mixed effects on adolescents’ EBRB, and coercive control showed undesirable relationships with adolescents’ dietary intake via interactions with behaviour-specific parenting practices. Lifestyle intervention programmes for Latino adolescents need to consider incorporating paternal parenting education components.
OPTIMAL PORTFOLIO AND CONSUMPTION FOR A MARKOVIAN REGIME-SWITCHING JUMP-DIFFUSION PROCESS
Authors: ZHANG CAIBIN , LIANG ZHIBIN , YUEN KAM CHUEN
Published: July 2021

We consider the optimal portfolio and consumption problem for a jump-diffusion process with regime switching. Under the criterion of maximizing the expected discounted total utility of consumption, two methods, namely, the dynamic programming principle and the stochastic maximum principle, are used to obtain the optimal result for the general objective function, which is the solution to a system of partial differential equations. Furthermore, we investigate the power utility as a specific example and analyse the existence and uniqueness of the optimal solution. Under the constraints of no-short-selling and nonnegative consumption, closed-form expressions for the optimal strategy and the value function are derived. Besides, some comparisons between the optimal results for the jump-diffusion model and the pure diffusion model are carried out. Finally, we discuss our optimal results in some special cases.
Numerical simulation of characteristics of propagation of symmetric waves in microwave circular shielded waveguide with a radially inhomogeneous dielectric filling
Authors: Islamov I.J. , Hunbataliyev E.Z. , Zulfugarli A.E.
Published: July 2021

The paper presents a numerical simulation of the propagation characteristics of symmetric E-type and H-type waves in microwave circular shielded waveguide with radially inhomogeneous dielectric filling. Using the modified Galerkin method, the calculation of a circular two-layer shielded waveguide was carried out, as a result of which the distribution of the electromagnetic field of the waveguide with linear and parabolic distribution of permeability was determined. The results obtained using the modified Galerkin method were compared with the results obtained using the classical partial domain method, which agree well enough.
COVID-19 age-dependent immunology and clinical outcomes: implications for vaccines
Authors: Sarfraz Azza , Hasan Siddiqui Saman , Iqbal Junaid , Ali Syed Asad , Hasan Zahra , Sarfraz Zouina , Iqbal Najeeha Talat
Published: July 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Understanding the evolution of the virus, and immune-pathogenic processes are critical for designing future therapeutic interventions. In this review, we collate information on the structure, genome, viral life cycle, and adult and pediatric host immune responses in response to SARS-CoV-2. The immunological responses are a prototype of the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis to explain the socio-geographic differences impacting the severity and mortality rates in SARS-CoV-2 infections. The DOHaD hypothesis identifies the relevance of trained innate immunity, age groups, and geography for effective vaccinations. As COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out, it may be pertinent to assess population-based immunological responses to understand the effectiveness and safety across different populations and age groups.
Early postnatal overnutrition impairs VO2max gains with moderate exercise and increase post-exercise muscle damage in adult male rats
Authors: Almeida Douglas Lopes , Fabricio Gabriel Sergio , Tófolo Laize Peron , Ribeiro Tatiane Aparecida , Matiusso Camila Cristina Ianoni , Ribeiro Maiara Vanusa Guedes , Oliveira Ferreira Anna Rebeka , Pavanello Audrei , Malta Ananda , Palma-Rigo Kesia , de Freitas Mathias Paulo Cezar
Published: July 2021

Exercise counteracts obesity effects, but information on how early-life obesity may affect long-term adaptation to exercise is lacking. This study investigates the impact of early-life postnatal overfeeding (PO) on animals’ adaptation to exercise. Only male Wistar rats were used. On postnatal day (PN) 30, rats from control (NL-9 pups) or PO (SL-3 pups) litters were separated into four groups: NL-sedentary (NL-Se), NL-exercised (NL-Ex), SL-sedentary (SL-Se), and SL-exercised (SL-Ex). Exercised groups performed moderate-intensity exercise, running on a treadmill, from PN30 to PN90. Further experiments were carried out between PN90 and PN92. PO promoted obesity in SL versus NL rats (P < 0.05). Exercise reduced body weight (P < 0.001), body fat (P < 0.01), and improved glucose homeostasis in SL-Ex versus SL-Se. SL-Ex presented lower VO2max (P < 0.01) and higher post-exercise LDH (P < 0.05) compared to NL-Ex rats. Although moderate exercise counteracted obesity in SL rats, early-life overnutrition restricts fitness gains in adulthood, indicating that early obesity may impair animals’ adaptation to exercise.
Application of a Radar Echo Extrapolation‐Based Deep Learning Method in Strong Convection Nowcasting
Authors: Yin Jian , Gao Zhiqiu , Han Wei
Published: July 2021

Strong convection nowcasting has been gaining importance in operational weather forecasting. Recently, deep learning methods have been used to meet the increasing requirement for precise and timely nowcasting. One of the promising deep learning models is the convolutional gated recurrent unit (ConvGRU), which has been proven to perform better than traditional methods in strong convection nowcasting. Despite its encouraging performance, ConvGRU tends to produce blurry radar echo images and fails to model radar echo intensities that have multi‐modal and skewed distributions. To overcome these disadvantages, we tested the structural similarity (SSIM) and multiscale structural similarity (MS‐SSIM) indexes as loss functions. The SSIM and MS‐SSIM loss functions are composed of luminance, contrast, and structure and provide more information about the intensity, grade, and shape of the radar echo, which can reduce blurring. Due to multi‐layer downscaling, MS‐SSIM extracted more radar echo characteristics, and its extrapolation was the most realistic and accurate among all of the loss function schemes. Only the MS‐SSIM scheme successfully predicted strong radar echoes after 2 h, especially those at the rainstorm level.
Basal Crevasse Formation on Byrd Glacier, East Antarctica, as Proxy for Past Subglacial Flooding Events
Authors: Child Sarah F. , Stearns Leigh A. , van der Veen C. J. , Elósegui Pedro
Published: July 2021

Linear elastic fracture mechanics suggests that short‐lived flow accelerations, such as the one initiated by a flooding event beneath Byrd Glacier in 2006, can form abnormally large basal crevasses at the grounding line. Airborne radar measurements acquired in 2011 reveal hundreds of basal crevasses ranging in height from 40–335 m. Particle tracking results show that formation of the largest basal crevasse occurred at the grounding line during the 2006 flooding event. Very large basal crevasses form distinctive surface depressions directly overhead, which are observed along the Byrd Glacier flowline to the terminus of the Ross Ice Shelf. By using these surface depressions as proxies for abnormally large basal crevasses, we create a timeline of past subglacial flooding events on Byrd Glacier. Understanding the frequency of flooding events and their effect on glacier dynamics will help inform models of ice sheet stability and subglacial hydrology.
Atmospheric Deposition Promotes Relative Abundances of High‐Dimethylsulfoniopropionate Producers in the Western North Pacific
Authors: Li Haowen , Zhou Shengqian , Zhu Yucheng , Zhang Ruifeng , Wang Fanghui , Bao Yang , Chen Ying
Published: July 2021

Haptophytes and Dinoflagellates are two cosmopolitan algae associated with dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) synthesis, which regulates the marine biogenic flux of DMS to the atmosphere with potential effects on global climate. Attempting to reveal the potential impact of atmospheric deposition on the growth of high‐DMSP producers, four bioassay experiments were conducted in the western North Pacific (WNP) by adding aerosols, nutrients, and trace metals. Our results showed that the percentage of high‐DMSP producers increased substantially from coastal seas (<1%) to the open ocean (∼17%) with the dominance of Dinophyceae and Haptophyceae, respectively. Aerosol additions largely increased the percentage of high‐DMSP producing species in the subtropical gyre of WNP. Specifically, atmospheric dissolved inorganic nitrogen, soluble Cu and Fe promoted Dinophyceae taxa, Chrysochromulina, and Phaeocystis and E. huxleyi, respectively. It is very likely that atmospheric deposition could lift the relative abundance of high‐DMSP producers in the vast oligotrophic oceans and potentially contribute to the climate change.
The Earth's Surface Controls the Depth‐Dependent Seismic Radiation of Megathrust Earthquakes
Authors: Yin Jiuxun , Denolle Marine A.
Published: July 2021

Megathrust earthquakes exhibit a ubiquitous seismic radiation style: low‐frequency (LF) seismic energy is efficiently emitted from the shallowest portion of the fault, whereas high‐frequency (HF) seismic energy is efficiently emitted from the deepest part of the fault. Although this is observed in many case‐specific studies, we show that it is ubiquitous in global megathrust earthquakes between 1995 and 2021. Previous studies have interpreted this as an effect of systematic depth variation in either the plate interface frictional properties (Lay et al., 2012) or the P wavespeeds (Sallarès & Ranero, 2019). This work suggests an alternative hypothesis: the interaction between waves and ruptures due to the Earth's free surface is the leading mechanism that generates this behavior. Two‐dimensional dynamic rupture simulations of subduction zone earthquakes support this hypothesis. Our simulations show that the interaction between the seismic waves reflected at the Earth's free surface and the updip propagating rupture results in LF radiation at the source. In contrast, the downdip propagation of rupture is less affected by the free surface and is thus dominated by HF radiation typical of buried faults. To a second degree, the presence of a realistic Earth structure derived from P‐wave velocity (VP) tomographic images and realistic VP/VS ratio estimated in boreholes further enhances the contrast in source radiation. We conclude that the Earth's free surface is necessary to explain the observed megathrust earthquake radiation style, and the realistic structure of subduction zone is necessary to better predict earthquake ground motion and tsunami potential.
A Global Assessment of Precipitable Water Vapor Derived From GNSS Zenith Tropospheric Delays With ERA5, NCEP FNL, and NCEP GFS Products
Authors: Chen Biyan , Yu Wenkun , Wang Wei , Zhang Zhetao , Dai Wujiao
Published: July 2021

In precipitable water vapor (PWV) retrievals from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data, the two essential parameters, namely, surface pressure () and weighted mean temperature (), are often not available due to the lack of collocated meteorological sensors or improper data retention. Hence, this study presents a comprehensive assessment of the GNSS PWV retrieval using alternative and data from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ReAnalysis 5, National Centers for Environmental Prediction Final (NCEP FNL) Analysis, and NCEP Global Forecast System (GFS) products. The assessment was based on 691 globally distributed GNSS stations over the entire year of 2019. The zenith hydrostatic delay (ZHD) and integrated from the three types of numerical weather prediction (NWP) atmospheric profiles achieve varying accuracies in ranges of 2.4–3.0 mm and 1.1–1.5 K, respectively. PWVs estimated using ZHD and integrated from the NWP profiles obtain accuracies of about 1.6–2.0 mm. These PWVs are slightly better than those using ZHD and calculated by empirical models with surface pressure and temperature from the NWP datasets. The assessment of PWVs with the global pressure and temperature 2 wet model yields a root mean square (RMS) error of 3.73 mm. The relative RMS decreases from 30%‐40% at high latitudes (70–80°S/N) to ∼5% around the equator. The monthly variations of relative RMS show that (a) low‐latitude regions outperform the high‐latitude regions, and (b) winter months have significantly worse performance than other months in both hemispheres.
Analyzing COVID‐19 Using Multisource Data: An Integrated Approach of Visualization, Spatial Regression, and Machine Learning
Authors: Wu Chao , Zhou Mengjie , Liu Pengyu , Yang Mengjie
Published: July 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. As the number of COVID‐19 infections and deaths worldwide continues to increase rapidly, the prevention and control of COVID‐19 remains urgent. This article aims to analyze COVID‐19 from a geographical perspective, and this information can provide useful insights for rapid visualization of spatial‐temporal epidemic information and identification of the factors important to the spread of COVID‐19. A new type of vitalization method, called the point grid map, is integrated with calendar‐based visualization to show the spatial‐temporal variations in COVID‐19. The combination of mixed geographically weighted regression (mixed GWR) and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) is used to identify the potential factors and the corresponding importance. The visualization results clearly reflect the spatial‐temporal patterns of COVID‐19. The quantified results reveal that the impact of population outflow from Wuhan is the most important factor and indicate statistically significant spatial heterogeneity. Our results provide insights into how multisource big geodata can be employed within the framework of integrating visualization and analytical methods to characterize COVID‐19 trends. In addition, this work can help understand the influential factors for controlling and preventing epidemics, which is important for policy design and effective decision‐making for controlling COVID‐19. The results reveal that one of the most effective ways to control COVID‐19 include controlling the source of infection, cutting off the transmission route, and protecting vulnerable groups.
Caldera Collapse and Volcanic Resurfacing in Arabia Terra Provide Hints of Vast Under‐Recognized Early Martian Volcanism
Authors: Chu Yin Yau Yoyo , Michalski Joseph R. , Wright Shawn P. , Webb A. Alexander G.
Published: July 2021

Arabia Terra is an ancient, geologically complex region of Mars. It is not typically described as volcanic because it lacks prominent, easily recognizable shield volcanoes. However, Arabia Terra contains flood lavas and widespread layered materials that might represent airfall pyroclastics from unknown sources. Here we explore the geology of some complex topographic depressions in Arabia Terra previously hypothesized to represent collapse features termed “plains style caldera complexes,” an enigmatic category of volcanic feature on Mars characterized by surface collapse rather than construction of topographic shields. Geomorphological observations and geologic mapping carried out here support a volcanic origin of these features, providing a possible source for volcaniclastic sediments. The identification of caldera complexes in Arabia Terra raises the questions of how they are linked to the geotectonic setting of the region and whether similar features might be much more abundant in the ancient Martian crust than is currently recognized.
Predictability of the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere During Major Sudden Stratospheric Warmings
Authors: Pedatella N. M. , Richter J. H. , Edwards J. , Glanville A. A.
Published: July 2021

The predictability of the middle atmosphere during major sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) is investigated based on subseasonal hindcasts in the Community Earth System Model, version 2 with the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model as its atmospheric component (CESM2[WACCM6]). The CESM2(WACCM6) hindcasts allow for the first comprehensive investigation into the predictability of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) during SSWs. Analysis of 14 major SSWs demonstrates that CESM2(WACCM6) hindcasts initialized 5–15 days prior to the SSW onset are able to predict the timing of the SSW, though they underestimate the strength of the SSW. Aspects of the MLT variability, such as the mesosphere cooling and enhanced semidiurnal tide, are found to be well predicted. The demonstrated ability to predict MLT variability during SSWs indicates the potential for improved multi‐day space weather forecasting. Improved space weather forecasting may be achieved by using whole atmosphere models that can predict the MLT variability that drives ionosphere‐thermosphere variability during SSWs.
A Shallow Thermocline Bias in the Southern Tropical Pacific in CMIP5/6 Models Linked to Double‐ITCZ Bias
Authors: Samuels Maya , Adam Ori , Gildor Hezi
Published: July 2021

A basin‐wide strong shallow bias in the thermocline of the southern tropical Pacific is found in an ensemble of models from the coupled model intercomparison project phases 5 and 6 (CMIP5/6). The bias is present in over 90% of models examined and is equally represented in CMIP5 and CMIP6 models. In contrast to observations, where the southern thermocline is far deeper than its northern counterpart, models have a hemispherically symmetric tropical thermocline. The shallow thermocline bias is closely linked to the well known double intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) bias; more so for the physical thermocline (i.e., depth of maximal vertical thermal gradient) than the commonly used C isotherm thermocline proxy. A shallow thermocline bias is further found to be associated with climatic conditions including wider separation of double ITCZ peaks, a pronounced cold tongue, and a spurious south equatorial counter current.
Process variations between Swiss units treating neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and their effect on short-term outcome
Authors: Adams Mark , Brotschi Barbara , Birkenmaier André , Schwendener Katharina , Rathke Verena , Kleber Michael , Hagmann Cornelia ,   Swiss National Asphyxia and Cooling Register Group, Bassler Dirk , Natalucci Giancarlo , Böttger Susanne , Frey Bernhard , Bernet Vera , Grass Beate , Rogdo Bjarte , Hoigné Irene , Stocker Martin , Berger Thomas M. , Fontana Matteo , Hegi Lukas , Meyer Philipp , Konetzny Gabriel , Schulzke Sven M. , Wellmann Sven , Hug Maya , Humpl Tilman , Wagner Bendicht , Daetwyler Karin , Riedel Thomas , Scharrer Brigitte , Binz Nicolas , Truttmann Anita , Schneider Juliane
Published: July 2021

Objective

To compare therapeutic hypothermia (TH) treatment of term and near-term neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) between neonatal units.

Study design

Population-based, retrospective analysis of TH initiation and maintenance, and of diagnostic imaging. The comparison between units was based on crude data analysis, indirect standardization, and adjusted logistic regression.

Results

TH was provided to 570 neonates with HIE between 2011 and 2018 in 10 Swiss units. We excluded 121 off-protocol cooled neonates to avoid selection bias. Of the remaining 449 neonates, the outcome was favorable to international benchmarks, but there were large unit-to-unit variations in baseline perinatal data and TH management. A total of 5% neonates did not reach target temperature within 7 h (3–10% between units), and 29% experienced over- or undercooling (0–38%).

Conclusion

Although the neonates had favorable short-term outcomes, areas for improvement remain for Swiss units in both process and outcome measures.
Targeting LAG3/GAL-3 to overcome immunosuppression and enhance anti-tumor immune responses in multiple myeloma
Authors: Bae Jooeun , Accardi Fabrizio , Hideshima Teru , Tai Yu-Tzu , Prabhala Rao , Shambley Aaron , Wen Kenneth , Rowell Sean , Richardson Paul G. , Munshi Nikhil C. , Anderson Kenneth C.
Published: July 2021

Immune profiling in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), and multiple myeloma (MM) provides the framework for developing novel immunotherapeutic strategies. Here, we demonstrate decreased CD4+ Th cells, increased Treg and G-type MDSC, and upregulation of immune checkpoints on effector/regulatory and CD138+ cells in MM patients, compared MGUS/SMM patients or healthy individuals. Among the checkpoints profiled, LAG3 was most highly expressed on proliferating CD4+ Th and CD8+ Tc cells in MM patients BMMC and PBMC. Treatment with antibody targeting LAG3 significantly enhanced T cells proliferation and activities against MM. XBP1/CD138/CS1-specific CTL generated in vitro displayed anti-MM activity, which was further enhanced following anti-LAG3 treatment, within the antigen-specific memory T cells. Treg and G-type MDSC weakly express LAG3 and were minimally impacted by anti-LAG3. CD138+ MM cells express GAL-3, a ligand for LAG3, and anti-GAL-3 treatment increased MM-specific responses, as observed for anti-LAG3. Finally, we demonstrate checkpoint inhibitor treatment evokes non-targeted checkpoints as a cause of resistance and propose combination therapeutic strategies to overcome this resistance. These studies identify and validate blockade of LAG3/GAL-3, alone or in combination with immune strategies including XBP1/CD138/CS1 multipeptide vaccination, to enhance anti-tumor responses and improve patient outcome in MM.
Miura-ori structured flexible microneedle array electrode for biosignal recording
Authors: Hou Yue , Li Zhaoyu , Wang Ziyu , Yu Hongyu
Published: July 2021

Highly reliable signal recording with low electrode-skin impedance makes the microneedle array electrode (MAE) a promising candidate for biosignal sensing. However, when used in long-term health monitoring for some incidental diseases, flexible microneedles with perfectly skin-tight fit substrates lead to sweat accumulation inside, which will not only affect the signal output but also trigger some skin allergic reactions. In this paper, a flexible MAE on a Miura-ori structured substrate is proposed and fabricated with two-directional in-plane bendability. The results from the comparison tests show enhanced performance in terms of (1) the device reliability by resisting peeling off of the metal layer from the substrate during the operation and (2) air ventilation, achieved from the air-circulating channels, to remove sweat. Bio-signal recordings of electrocardiography (ECG), as well as electromyography (EMG) of the biceps brachii, in both static and dynamic states, are successfully demonstrated with superior accuracy and long-term stability, demonstrating the great potential in health monitoring applications.
Sexually dimorphic neuroanatomical differences relate to ASD-relevant behavioral outcomes in a maternal autoantibody mouse model
Authors: Bruce Matthew R. , Jones Karen L. , Vernon Anthony C. , Silverman Jill L. , Crawley Jacqueline N. , Ellegood Jacob , Lerch Jason P. , Van de Water Judy
Published: July 2021

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies reactive to fetal brain proteins in mothers of children with ASD have been described by several groups. To understand their pathologic significance, we developed a mouse model of maternal autoantibody related ASD (MAR-ASD) utilizing the peptide epitopes from human autoantibody reactivity patterns. Male and female offspring prenatally exposed to the salient maternal autoantibodies displayed robust deficits in social interactions and increased repetitive self-grooming behaviors as juveniles and adults. In the present study, neuroanatomical differences in adult MAR-ASD and control offspring were assessed via high-resolution ex vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6 months of age. Of interest, MAR-ASD mice displayed significantly larger total brain volume and of the 159 regions examined, 31 were found to differ significantly in absolute volume (mm3) at an FDR of <5%. Specifically, the absolute volumes of several white matter tracts, cortical regions, and basal nuclei structures were significantly increased in MAR-ASD animals. These phenomena were largely driven by female MAR-ASD offspring, as no significant differences were seen with either absolute or relative regional volume in male MAR-ASD mice. However, structural covariance analysis suggests network-level desynchronization in brain volume in both male and female MAR-ASD mice. Additionally, preliminary correlational analysis with behavioral data relates that volumetric increases in numerous brain regions of MAR-ASD mice were correlated with social interaction and repetitive self-grooming behaviors in a sex-specific manner. These results demonstrate significant sex-specific effects in brain size, regional relationships, and behavior for offspring prenatally exposed to MAR-ASD autoantibodies relative to controls.
Oxytocin administration in neonates shapes hippocampal circuitry and restores social behavior in a mouse model of autism
Authors: Bertoni Alessandra , Schaller Fabienne , Tyzio Roman , Gaillard Stephane , Santini Francesca , Xolin Marion , Diabira Diabé , Vaidyanathan Radhika , Matarazzo Valery , Medina Igor , Hammock Elizabeth , Zhang Jinwei , Chini Bice , Gaiarsa Jean-Luc , Muscatelli Françoise
Published: July 2021

Oxytocin is an important regulator of the social brain. In some animal models of autism, notably in Magel2tm1.1Mus-deficient mice, peripheral administration of oxytocin in infancy improves social behaviors until adulthood. However, neither the mechanisms responsible for social deficits nor the mechanisms by which such oxytocin administration has long-term effects are known. Here, we aimed to clarify these oxytocin-dependent mechanisms, focusing on social memory performance. Using in situ hybridization (RNAscope), we have established that Magel2 and oxytocin receptor are co-expressed in the dentate gyrus and CA2/CA3 hippocampal regions involved in the circuitry underlying social memory. Then, we have shown that Magel2tm1.1Mus-deficient mice, evaluated in a three-chamber test, present a deficit in social memory. Next, in hippocampus, we conducted neuroanatomical and functional studies using immunostaining, oxytocin-binding experiments, ex vivo electrophysiological recordings, calcium imaging and biochemical studies. We demonstrated: an increase of the GABAergic activity of CA3-pyramidal cells associated with an increase in the quantity of oxytocin receptors and of somatostatin interneurons in both DG and CA2/CA3 regions. We also revealed a delay in the GABAergic development sequence in Magel2tm1.1Mus-deficient pups, linked to phosphorylation modifications of KCC2. Above all, we demonstrated the positive effects of subcutaneous administration of oxytocin in the mutant neonates, restoring hippocampal alterations and social memory at adulthood. Although clinical trials are debated, this study highlights the mechanisms by which peripheral oxytocin administration in neonates impacts the brain and demonstrates the therapeutic value of oxytocin to treat infants with autism spectrum disorders.
Visual electrophysiology in the assessment of toxicity and deficiency states affecting the visual system
Authors: O’Neill Emily K. , Smith Richard
Published: July 2021

Visual disturbance or visual failure due to toxicity of an ingested substance or a severe nutritional deficiency can present significant challenges for diagnosis and management, for instance, where an adverse reaction to a prescribed medicine is suspected. Objective assessment of visual function is important, particularly where structural changes in the retina or optic nerve have not yet occurred, as there may be a window of opportunity to mitigate or reverse visual loss. This paper reviews a number of clinical presentations where visual electrophysiological assessment has an important role in early diagnosis or management alongside clinical assessment and ocular imaging modalities. We highlight the importance of vitamin A deficiency as an easily detected marker for severe combined micronutrient deficiency.
Targeting the latent human cytomegalovirus reservoir for T-cell-mediated killing with virus-specific nanobodies
Authors: De Groof Timo W. M. , Elder Elizabeth G. , Lim Eleanor Y. , Heukers Raimond , Bergkamp Nick D. , Groves Ian J. , Wills Mark , Sinclair John H. , Smit Martine J.
Published: July 2021

Latent human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is characterized by limited gene expression, making latent HCMV infections refractory to current treatments targeting viral replication. However, reactivation of latent HCMV in immunosuppressed solid organ and stem cell transplant patients often results in morbidity. Here, we report the killing of latently infected cells via a virus-specific nanobody (VUN100bv) that partially inhibits signaling of the viral receptor US28. VUN100bv reactivates immediate early gene expression in latently infected cells without inducing virus production. This allows recognition and killing of latently infected monocytes by autologous cytotoxic T lymphocytes from HCMV-seropositive individuals, which could serve as a therapy to reduce the HCMV latent reservoir of transplant patients.