bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical limits to meltwater penetration in firn
Authors: Humphrey Neil F. , Harper Joel T. , Meierbachtol Toby W. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractProcesses governing meltwater penetration into cold firn remain poorly constrained. Here, in situ experiments are used to develop a grain-scale model to investigate physical limitations on meltwater infiltration in firn. At two sites in Greenland, drilling pumped water into cold firn to >75 m depth, and the thermo-hydrologic evolution of the firn column was measured. Rather than filling all available pore space, the water formed perched aquifers with downward penetration halted by thermal and density conditions. The two sites formed deep aquifers at ~40 m depth and at densities considerably less than the air pore close-off density (~725 kg m−3at −18°C, and ~750 kg m−3at −14°C), demonstrating that some pore space at depth remains inaccessible. A geometric grain-scale model of firn is constructed to quantify the limits of a descending fully saturated wetting front in cold firn. Agreement between the model and field data implies the model includes the first-order effects of water and heat flow in a firn lattice. The model constrains the relative importance of firn density, temperature and grain/pore size in inhibiting wetting front migration. Results imply that deep infiltration, including that which leads to firn aquifer formation, does not have access to all available firn pore space.
Democratizing the Party: The Effects of Primary Election Reforms in Ghana
Authors: Ichino Nahomi , Nathan Noah L. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe recent expansion of the primary electorate by one of Ghana's major parties offers a rare opportunity to assess the effects of franchise extensions in contemporary new democracies. Using an original dataset on candidate entry and nominations, this article shows that expanding the primary electorate opened paths to office for politicians from social groups that were previously excluded, such as women and ethnic groups outside the party's core national coalition. The authors propose that democratizing candidate selection has two consequences in patronage-oriented political systems: vote buying will become a less effective strategy and the electorate will become more diverse. These changes, in turn, affect the types of politicians who seek and win legislative nominations. This suggests that a simple shift in who votes in intraparty primaries can be a key institutional mechanism for improving the descriptive representation of women and other under-represented groups.
Evaluating the technological properties of lactic acid bacteria in Wagyu cattle milk
Authors: Tsuda Harutoshi , Kodama Kana 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper reveals the technological properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from raw milk (colostrum and mature milk) of Wagyu cattle raised in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. Isolates were identified based on their physiological and biochemical characteristics as well as 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Streptococcus lutetiensis and Lactobacillus plantarum showed high acid and diacetyl-acetoin production in milk after 24 h of incubation at 40 and 30°C, respectively. These strains are thought to have potential for use as starter cultures and adjunct cultures for fermented dairy products.
Retinal microglia polarization in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Li Xin , Yu Zi-Wei , Li Hui-Yao , Yuan Yue , Gao Xin-Yuan , Kuang Hong-Yu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Microglia, the main immune cell of the central nervous system (CNS), categorized into M1-like phenotype and M2-like phenotype, play important roles in phagocytosis, cell migration, antigen presentation, and cytokine production. As a part of CNS, retinal microglial cells (RMC) play an important role in retinal diseases. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common complications of diabetes. Recent studies have demonstrated that DR is not only a microvascular disease but also retinal neurodegeneration. RMC was regarded as a central role in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss RMC polarization and its possible regulatory factors in early DR, which will provide new targets and insights for early intervention of DR.
Antioxidants in smokers
Authors: Astori Emanuela , Garavaglia Maria L. , Colombo Graziano , Landoni Lucia , Portinaro Nicola M. , Milzani Aldo , Dalle-Donne Isabella 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCigarette smoke (CS) is likely the most common preventable cause of human morbidity and mortality worldwide. Consequently, inexpensive interventional strategies for preventing CS-related diseases would positively impact health systems. Inhaled CS is a powerful inflammatory stimulus and produces a shift in the normal balance between antioxidants and oxidants, inducing oxidative stress in both the respiratory system and throughout the body. This enduring and systemic pro-oxidative state within the body is reflected by increased levels of oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers seen in smokers. Smokers might benefit from consuming antioxidant supplements, or a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, which can reduce the CS-related oxidative stress. This review provides an overview of the plasma profile of antioxidants observable in smokers and examines the heterogeneous literature to elucidate and discuss the effectiveness of interventional strategies based on antioxidant supplements or an antioxidant-rich diet to improve the health of smokers. An antioxidant-rich diet can provide an easy-to-implement and cost-effective preventative strategy to reduce the risk of CS-related diseases, thus being one of the simplest ways for smokers to stay in good health for as long as possible. The health benefits attributable to the intake of antioxidants have been observed predominantly when these have been consumed within their natural food matrices in an optimal antioxidant-rich diet, while these preventive effects are rarely achieved with the intake of individual antioxidants, even at high doses.
Negative parental emotional environment increases the association between childhood behavioral problems and impaired recognition of negative facial expressions
Authors: Burley Daniel T. , Hobson Christopher W. , Adegboye Dolapo , Shelton Katherine H. , van Goozen Stephanie H.M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractImpaired facial emotion recognition is a transdiagnostic risk factor for a range of psychiatric disorders. Childhood behavioral difficulties and parental emotional environment have been independently associated with impaired emotion recognition; however, no study has examined the contribution of these factors in conjunction. We measured recognition of negative (sad, fear, anger), neutral, and happy facial expressions in 135 children aged 5–7 years referred by their teachers for behavioral problems. Parental emotional environment was assessed for parental expressed emotion (EE) – characterized by negative comments, reduced positive comments, low warmth, and negativity towards their child – using the 5-minute speech sample. Child behavioral problems were measured using the teacher-informant Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Child behavioral problems and parental EE were independently associated with impaired recognition of negative facial expressions specifically. An interactive effect revealed that the combination of both factors was associated with the greatest risk for impaired recognition of negative faces, and in particular sad facial expressions. No relationships emerged for the identification of happy facial expressions. This study furthers our understanding of multidimensional processes associated with the development of facial emotion recognition and supports the importance of early interventions that target this domain.
Identifying opportunities for strengthening advice to enhance vegetable liking in the early years of life: qualitative consensus and triangulation methods
Authors: Bell Lucinda K , Gardner Claire , Kumar Saravana , Wong Hoi Y , Johnson Brittany , Byrne Rebecca , Campbell Karen J , Liem Djin Gie , Russell Catherine (Georgie) , Denney-Wilson Elizabeth , Netting Merryn , Bishop Lola , Cox David N , Poelman Astrid AAM , Arguelles Jennifer , Golley Rebecca K 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjective:To prioritise and refine a set of evidence-informed statements into advice messages to promote vegetable liking in early childhood, and to determine applicability for dissemination of advice to relevant audiences.Design:A nominal group technique (NGT) workshop and a Delphi survey were conducted to prioritise and achieve consensus (≥70 % agreement) on thirty evidence-informed maternal (perinatal and lactation stage), infant (complementary feeding stage) and early years (family diet stage) vegetable-related advice messages. Messages were validated via triangulation analysis against the strength of evidence from an Umbrella review of strategies to increase children’s vegetable liking, and gaps in advice from a Desktop review of vegetable feeding advice.Setting:Australia.Participants:A purposeful sample of key stakeholders (NGT workshop,n8 experts; Delphi survey,n23 end users).Results:Participant consensus identified the most highly ranked priority messages associated with the strategies of:‘in-utero exposure’(perinatal and lactation,n56 points) and‘vegetable variety’(complementary feeding,n97 points; family diet,n139 points). Triangulation revealed two strategies (‘repeated exposure’ and ‘variety’) and their associated advice messages suitable for policy and practice, twelve for research and four for food industry.Conclusions:Supported by national and state feeding guideline documents and resources, the advice messages relating to ‘repeated exposure’ and ‘variety’ to increase vegetable liking can be communicated to families and caregivers by healthcare practitioners. The food industry provides a vehicle for advice promotion and product development. Further research, where stronger evidence is needed, could further inform strategies for policy and practice, and food industry application.
Combined Effect of the PDO and ENSO on the Date of the First Tropical Cyclone Landfall in Continental East Asia
Authors: Li Shuang , Xiao Ziniu , Zhao Yuchun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe date of the first tropical cyclone (TC) landfall (DFTCL) is important for TC disaster prevention. This study analyzes the variation in the characteristics of the DFTCL in continental East Asia and investigates the possible effect of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the DFTCL. Results show that the combined effect of the PDO and ENSO plays an important role in whether TC landfall occurs relatively earlier or later. During negative PDO phases, the DFTCL is impacted significantly by ENSO events. TCs tend to make landfall later (earlier) in the years following El Niño (La Niña). However, little influence is noticeable for the ENSO events during positive PDO phases. The combined effect is possibly associated with the anomalous anticyclone (cyclone) in the western North Pacific (South China Sea) which is modulated by different PDO phases asymmetrically. During negative PDO phases, the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) has a strong response to El Niño events in winter. The warm anomaly persists in the following months until early summer. This induces the anomalous anticyclone in the western North Pacific which is enhanced by the anomalous meridional circulation. The anomalous anticyclone can suppress TC genesis and landfall. On the other hand, the TIO has a significant cooling response to La Niña events and induces the anomalous cyclone near the South China Sea. The anomalous cyclone favors earlier than usual TC genesis and landfall. However, this relationship cannot be detected in the positive PDO phase.
Meridional Migration of Eastern North Pacific Tropical Cyclogenesis: Joint Contribution of Interhemispheric Temperature Differential and ENSO
Authors: Zhao Haikun , Zhao Kai , Cao Jian , Klotzbach Philip J. , Raga Graciela B. , Ma Zhanhong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis study finds that the meridional migration of tropical cyclogenesis (TCG) between June and November over the eastern North Pacific is mainly due to changes in the Hadley circulation and associated changes in the location of the intertropical convergence zone as modulated by ENSO and the interhemispheric temperature differential (ITD). These two factors are largely independent of each other and play significant and nearly equivalent roles in the meridional migration of TCG over the ENP from 1979 to 2018. Through the use of regression models, we find that the combination of these two factors has significant skill in capturing annual TCG meridional distribution over the ENP basin. June–October ENSO, as defined by Niño‐3.4, can be skillfully predicted with ∼1 season lead time, while ITD can be skillfully predicted ∼3 seasons in advance. This predictability allows for the potential for seasonal outlooks of TCG meridional movement over the ENP. The influence of ITD on TCG meridional migration over the ENP has repercussions on climate change timescales as well, due to the potential TCG meridional migration over the ENP in response to global warming. Under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways 2–4.5 scenario, the ITD shows a robust increase among the 23 models of version 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. However, the considerable uncertainty in the model response of ENSO to global warming reduces confidence in projections of TCG meridional migration over the ENP.
Constructing Shapes and Mixing Structures of Black Carbon Particles With Applications to Optical Calculations
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Pang Yuner , Huang Jin , Bi Lei , Che Huizheng , Zhang Xiaoye , Li Weijun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBlack carbon (BC) aerosols strongly absorb the solar radiation, affecting the regional and global climate through direct and indirect radiative forcing. The optical properties of BC are critical factors to estimate their radiative forcing. However, the optical absorption of BC is still under controversy partially due to the weakness in quantifying their complex morphology and mixing structures. Although a Discrete Dipole Approximation (DDA) can calculate optical properties of fine particles with arbitrary shapes, an appropriate definition of realistic BC shape models for optical simulation is essentially required. Here we present a novel Electron‐Microscope‐to‐BC‐Simulation (EMBS) tool to construct realistic BC shape models with various morphology and mixing structures for optical calculation using DDA. The optical properties of BC particles with different particle morphology, coating thickness, and embedded fraction (F) are estimated based on electron microscope. We find that absorption enhancement (Eabs) of the realistic irregular model is larger than that of the present commonly used spherical model (i.e., BC aggregate with spherical coating). The BC core morphology greatly influences Eabs of the embedded BC particles with irregular coating when the volume‐equivalent‐diameter ratio of particle to core (Dp/Dc) is larger than 1.8. The F significantly influences Eabs of BC particles, suggesting that the mixing structure between coating and core is an important factor to determine the optical absorption of aged BC particles. The study highlights that the BC core morphology, coating shape, coating thickness, and mixing structures influence their optical properties and should be considered as important variables in climate models.
Symptomatic and preventive effects of the novel phosphodiesterase-9 inhibitor BI 409306 in an immune-mediated model of neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Scarborough Joseph , Mattei Daniele , Dorner-Ciossek Cornelia , Sand Michael , Arban Roberto , Rosenbrock Holger , Richetto Juliet , Meyer Urs 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBI 409306, a phosphodiesterase-9 inhibitor under development for treatment of schizophrenia and attenuated psychosis syndrome (APS), promotes synaptic plasticity and cognition. Here, we explored the effects of BI 409306 treatment in the polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidilic acid (poly[I:C])-based mouse model of maternal immune activation (MIA), which is relevant to schizophrenia and APS. In Study 1, adult offspring received BI 409306 0.2, 0.5, or 1 mg/kg or vehicle to establish an active dose. In Study 2, adult offspring received BI 409306 1 mg/kg and/or risperidone 0.025 mg/kg, risperidone 0.05 mg/kg, or vehicle, to evaluate BI 409306 as add-on to standard therapy for schizophrenia. In Study 3, offspring received BI 409306 1 mg/kg during adolescence only, or continually into adulthood to evaluate preventive effects of BI 409306. We found that BI 409306 significantly mitigated MIA-induced social interaction deficits and amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion, but not prepulse inhibition impairments, in a dose-dependent manner (Study 1). Furthermore, BI 409306 1 mg/kg alone or in combination with risperidone 0.025 mg/kg significantly reversed social interaction deficits and attenuated amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion in MIA offspring (Study 2). Finally, we revealed that BI 409306 1 mg/kg treatment restricted to adolescence prevented adult deficits in social interaction, whereas continued treatment into adulthood also significantly reduced amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion (Study 3). Taken together, our findings suggest that symptomatic treatment with BI 409306 can restore social interaction deficits and dopaminergic dysfunctions in a MIA model of neurodevelopmental disruption, lending preclinical support to current clinical trials of BI 409306 in patients with schizophrenia. Moreover, BI 409306 given during adolescence has preventive effects on adult social interaction deficits in this model, supporting its use in people with APS.
Microbial iron and carbon metabolism as revealed by taxonomy-specific functional diversity in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Sun Ying , Debeljak Pavla , Obernosterer Ingrid 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Marine microbes are major drivers of all elemental cycles. The processing of organic carbon by heterotrophic prokaryotes is tightly coupled to the availability of the trace element iron in large regions of the Southern Ocean. However, the functional diversity in iron and carbon metabolism within diverse communities remains a major unresolved issue. Using novel Southern Ocean meta-omics resources including 133 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), we show a mosaic of taxonomy-specific ecological strategies in naturally iron-fertilized and high nutrient low chlorophyll (HNLC) waters. Taxonomic profiling revealed apparent community shifts across contrasting nutrient regimes. Community-level and genome-resolved metatranscriptomics evidenced a moderate association between taxonomic affiliations and iron and carbon-related functional roles. Diverse ecological strategies emerged when considering the central metabolic pathways of individual MAGs. Closely related lineages appear to adapt to distinct ecological niches, based on their distribution and gene regulation patterns. Our in-depth observations emphasize the complex interplay between the genetic repertoire of individual taxa and their environment and how this shapes prokaryotic responses to iron and organic carbon availability in the Southern Ocean.
Metabolic flexibility allows bacterial habitat generalists to become dominant in a frequently disturbed ecosystem
Authors: Chen Ya-Jou , Leung Pok Man , Wood Jennifer L , Bay Sean K , Hugenholtz Philip , Kessler Adam J , Shelley Guy , Waite David W , Franks Ashley E , Cook Perran L M , Greening Chris 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Ecological theory suggests that habitat disturbance differentially influences distributions of habitat generalist and specialist species. While well-established for macroorganisms, this theory has rarely been explored for microorganisms. Here we tested these principles in permeable (sandy) sediments, ecosystems with much spatiotemporal variation in resource availability and physicochemical conditions. Microbial community composition and function were profiled in intertidal and subtidal sediments using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and metagenomics, yielding 135 metagenome-assembled genomes. Community composition and metabolic traits modestly varied with sediment depth and sampling date. Several taxa were highly abundant and prevalent in all samples, including within the orders Woeseiales and Flavobacteriales, and classified as habitat generalists; genome reconstructions indicate these taxa are highly metabolically flexible facultative anaerobes and adapt to resource variability by using different electron donors and acceptors. In contrast, obligately anaerobic taxa such as sulfate reducers and candidate lineage MBNT15 were less abundant overall and only thrived in more stable deeper sediments. We substantiated these findings by measuring three metabolic processes in these sediments; whereas the habitat generalist-associated processes of sulfide oxidation and fermentation occurred rapidly at all depths, the specialist-associated process of sulfate reduction was restricted to deeper sediments. A manipulative experiment also confirmed habitat generalists outcompete specialist taxa during simulated habitat disturbance. Together, these findings show metabolically flexible habitat generalists become dominant in highly dynamic environments, whereas metabolically constrained specialists are restricted to narrower niches. Thus, an ecological theory describing distribution patterns for macroorganisms likely extends to microorganisms. Such findings have broad ecological and biogeochemical ramifications.
Association of co-occurring opioid or other substance use disorders with increased healthcare utilization in patients with depression
Authors: Vekaria Veer , Bose Budhaditya , Murphy Sean M. , Avery Jonathan , Alexopoulos George , Pathak Jyotishman 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSubstance use disorders (SUDs) commonly co-occur with mental illness. However, the ongoing addiction crisis raises the question of how opioid use disorder (OUD) impacts healthcare utilization relative to other SUDs. This study examines the utilization patterns of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and: (1) co-occurring OUD (MDD-OUD); (2) a co-occurring SUD other than OUD (MDD-NOUD); and (3) no co-occurring SUD (MDD-NSUD). We analyzed electronic health records (EHRs) derived from multiple health systems across the New York City (NYC) metropolitan area between January 2008 and December 2017. 11,275 patients aged ≥18 years with a gap of 30–180 days between 2 consecutive MDD diagnoses and an antidepressant prescribed 0–180 days after any MDD diagnosis were selected, and prevalence of any SUD was 24%. Individuals were stratified into comparison groups and matched on age, gender, and select underlying comorbidities. Prevalence rates and encounter frequencies were measured and compared across outpatient, inpatient, and emergency department (ED) settings. Our key findings showed that relative to other co-occurring SUDs, OUD was associated with larger increases in the rates and odds of using substance-use-related services in all settings, as well as services that integrate mental health and substance abuse treatments in inpatient and ED settings. OUD was also associated with larger increases in total encounters across all settings. These findings and our proposed policy recommendations could inform efforts towards targeted OUD interventions, particularly for individuals with underlying mental illness whose treatment and recovery are often more challenging.