bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of public infrastructure investment on South Africa’s economy: evidence from social accounting matrix and computable general equilibrium-based approaches
Authors: Mbanda Vandudzai , Bonga-Bonga Lumengo
Published: January 2024

This paper assesses the general equilibrium impacts of public infrastructure investment in the South African economy, as a case of an emerging economy, by making use of complementary general equilibrium models, such as the social accounting matrix (SAM) multiplier, the Structural Path Analyses (SPA) and the Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) models. Contrary to studies that use partial equilibrium models, this paper shows the importance of an economy-wide model to analyse the effects of public infrastructure investment in an emerging economy. The results of the analysis, based on the SAM and CGE analyses using a 2015 SAM for South Africa, indicate that increasing public economic infrastructure can be an effective way of stimulating the economy in a way that has a positive impact on labour. SPA shows that the leading and most important path of influence is the direct influence of the public infrastructure investment on each formal labour category. However, because the public infrastructure investment does not employ informal labour, this labour account is only indirectly connected via intermediate consumption of the output of the construction sector. These results suggest that an increase in public economic infrastructure could help address the unemployment problem that exacerbates poverty in South Africa.
Quality and quantity: How contexts influence the emergence of teacher bias
Authors: Doyle Lewis , Harris Peter R. , Easterbrook Matthew J.
Published: January 2024

A growing body of research has demonstrated that teachers’ judgements may be biased by the demographics and characteristics of the students they teach. However, less work has investigated the contexts in which teachers may be most vulnerable to bias. In two pre-registered experimental studies we explored whether the quality of students’ work, and the cognitive load placed on the grader, would influence the emergence of biases relating to socioeconomic status (SES) and ethnicity. In Study 1, teachers (N = 397) graded work of either high or low quality that had ostensibly been written by a student who varied in terms of SES and ethnicity. We found that SES and—to a lesser extent—ethnicity biases were more likely to manifest when the standard of work was below average, largely favouring a student from an affluent White background. In Study 2, an undergraduate sample (N = 334) provided judgements based on an identical piece of work written by a student who varied by SES and ethnicity. Importantly, they formulated these judgements whilst working under high or low cognitive load, which was manipulated via a simultaneous listening task. Results showed that under high cognitive load, a student from an affluent White British background was afforded a boost in grading that was not afforded to Black Caribbean and/or lower SES students. These findings highlight contexts in which teachers may be most prone to biased judgements and should be used by educational institutions to de-bias their workflows, workloads and workforces.
A naturalist approach to social ontology
Authors: Kincaid Harold
Published: January 2024

I argue that a certain kind of naturalist approach to social ontology is likely to be both philosophically fruitful and relevant to empirical social science. The kind of naturalism I employ might be called contextualism, which emphasizes the constant presence of assumed background knowledge, is suspicious of general inference rules and all or nothing claims about the ontology of the social sciences, and argues that Quine’s quantificational criterion for ontological commitment has to be supplemented with local interpretations and arguments about what specific social science research is committed to. I look at three case studies employing this perspective, one on agent based models and individualism, a second on the reality of social class, and a third on the reality of race. In all three cases work is first needed to clarifying what empirical social science is claiming, what ontology or ontologies it seems to presuppose, and then description of the kinds of evidence that supports its commitments.
Irradiation-induced hair graying in mice: an experimental model to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions targeting oxidative stress, DNA damage prevention, and cellular senescence
Authors: Ungvari Anna , Kiss Tamas , Gulej Rafal , Tarantini Stefano , Csik Boglarka , Yabluchanskiy Andriy , Mukli Peter , Csiszar Anna , Harris Melissa L. , Ungvari Zoltan
Published: January 2024

Hair graying, also known as canities or achromotrichia, is a natural phenomenon associated with aging and is influenced by external factors such as stress, environmental toxicants, and radiation exposure. Understanding the mechanisms underlying hair graying is an ideal approach for developing interventions to prevent or reverse age-related changes in regenerative tissues. Hair graying induced by ionizing radiation (γ-rays or X-rays) has emerged as a valuable experimental model to investigate the molecular pathways involved in this process. In this review, we examine the existing evidence on radiation-induced hair graying, with a particular focus on the potential role of radiation-induced cellular senescence. We explore the current understanding of hair graying in aging, delve into the underlying mechanisms, and highlight the unique advantages of using ionizing-irradiation–induced hair graying as a research model. By elucidating the molecular pathways involved, we aim to deepen our understanding of hair graying and potentially identify novel therapeutic targets to address this age-related phenotypic change.
Prognostic accuracy of 70 individual frailty biomarkers in predicting mortality in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Blodgett Joanna M. , Pérez-Zepeda Mario Ulisses , Godin Judith , Kehler Dustin Scott , Andrew Melissa K. , Kirkland Susan , Rockwood Kenneth , Theou Olga
Published: January 2024

The frailty index (FI) uses a deficit accumulation approach to derive a single, comprehensive, and replicable indicator of age-related health status. Yet, many researchers continue to seek a single “frailty biomarker” to facilitate clinical screening. We investigated the prognostic accuracy of 70 individual biomarkers in predicting mortality, comparing each with a composite FI. A total of 29,341 individuals from the comprehensive cohort of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging were included (mean, 59.4 ± 9.9 years; 50.3% female). Twenty-three blood-based biomarkers and 47 test-based biomarkers (e.g., physical, cardiac, cardiology) were examined. Two composite FIs were derived: FI-Blood and FI-Examination. Mortality status was ascertained using provincial vital statistics linkages and contact with next of kin. Areas under the curve were calculated to compare prognostic accuracy across models (i.e., age, sex, biomarker, FI) in predicting mortality. Compared to an age-sex only model, the addition of individual biomarkers demonstrated improved model fit for 24/70 biomarkers (11 blood, 13 test-based). Inclusion of FI-Blood or FI-Examination improved mortality prediction when compared to any of the 70 biomarker-age-sex models. Individual addition of seven biomarkers (walking speed, chair rise, time up and go, pulse, red blood cell distribution width, C-reactive protein, white blood cells) demonstrated an improved fit when added to the age-sex-FI model. FI scores had better mortality risk prediction than any biomarker. Although seven biomarkers demonstrated improved prognostic accuracy when considered alongside an FI score, all biomarkers had worse prognostic accuracy on their own. Rather than a single biomarker test, implementation of routine FI assessment in clinical settings may provide a more accurate and reliable screening tool to identify those at increased risk of adverse outcomes.
Efficacy of High-dose Liraglutide 3.0 mg in Patients with Poor Response to Bariatric Surgery: Real-world Experience and Updated Meta-analysis
Authors: Vinciguerra Federica , Di Stefano Carla , Baratta Roberto , Pulvirenti Alfredo , Mastrandrea Giuseppe , Piazza Luigi , Guccione Fabio , Navarra Giuseppe , Frittitta Lucia
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Poor response to bariatric surgery, characterized by insufficient weight loss (IWL) or weight regain (WR), poses a significant challenge in obesity treatment. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of liraglutide in addressing this issue.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective, multicenter cohort study investigated the impact of liraglutide 3 mg on weight loss in adults with suboptimal responses or weight regain after bariatric surgery (BS). Additionally, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted for a comprehensive evaluation.

Results

A total of 119 patients (mean age 41.03 ± 11.2 years, 71.4% female) who experienced IWL or WR after BS received pharmacologic therapy with liraglutide 3 mg. Mean percent weight loss in the entire cohort was 5.6 ± 2.6% at 12 weeks and 9.3 ± 3.6% at 24 weeks with a significant reduction in waist circumference (p < 0.0001). No serious side effects were reported. A meta-analysis, utilizing the fixed effect model with the metafor package in R, included 6 and 5 papers for the change in body weight and BMI after liraglutide treatment, respectively. The analysis demonstrated a considerable reduction in body weight (7.9; CI − 10.4; − 5.4, p < 0.0001) and BMI (3.09; CI 3.89; − 2.28, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Liraglutide 3 mg emerges as a viable option for significant weight loss in patients experiencing IWL or WR after BS. Its inclusion in a multimodal, sequential obesity treatment approach proves promising.

Graphical Abstract
From pelvic radiation to social isolation: a qualitative study of survivors’ experiences of chronic bowel symptoms after pelvic radiotherapy
Authors: Biran A , Dobson C , Rees C , Brooks-Pearson R , Cunliffe A , Durrant L , Hancock J , Ludlow H , Neilson L , Wilson A , Sharp L
Published: January 2024

Purpose

We explored survivors’ experiences of chronic bowel symptoms following pelvic radiotherapy, strategies employed in living with these symptoms, effects on daily activities, and roles at home and in the workplace.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 individuals (10 gynaecological, 14 prostate, four anal/rectal cancer survivors) who had completed pelvic radiotherapy at least six months prior to data collection and who had experience of bowel symptoms during this post-treatment period. Reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken.

Results

We propose four themes describing a process leading from experience of symptoms to withdrawal from activities and roles. These are (1) losing control (the experience of unintended anal leakage or discharge); (2) experiencing embarrassment and fear (the experience of embarrassment or fear of embarrassment as a result of discharge becoming public); (3) managing and reacting (acting to reduce the likelihood of discharge or to prevent this becoming public); and (4) restriction and withdrawal (avoiding specific activities or situations so as to reduce or remove the risk of embarrassment). Returning to the workplace presented additional challenges across these themes.

Conclusions

Impacts of chronic bowel symptoms can be severe. Survivors employ a variety of methods and strategies in living with their symptoms. Some of these support continued role fulfilment but some constitute a withdrawal from pre-treatment roles. Current healthcare provision and statutory protections fail to fully meet needs following pelvic radiotherapy.

Implications for cancer survivors.

There is a need to develop and implement evidence-based services and supported self-management programmes for survivors experiencing chronic bowel problems post-radiotherapy.
Pavlovian Reflex in Colloids
Authors: Raeisi Kheirabadi Noushin , Chiolerio Alessandro , Adamatzky Andrew
Published: January 2024

Liquid computers are devices that utilise the properties of liquid volumes or reactants to represent data and outputs. A recent development in this field is the emergence of colloid computers, which employ electromagnetic interactions among functional particles for computation. To assess the potential of colloid computers in implementing neuromorphic dynamical architectures, we have focused on realising Pavlovian reflexes within colloid mixtures. The Pavlovian reflex, a fundamental function of neurological systems in living organisms, enables learning capabilities. Our approach involves implementing Pavlovian learning by associating an increase in synaptic weight with a decrease in the resistance of the colloid mixture. Through experimental laboratory conditions, we have successfully demonstrated the feasibility of Pavlovian learning in colloid systems.
A Qualitative Comparison of Secular and Buddhist-Informed Mental Health Practitioners’ Perceptions of Non-Attachment
Authors: Sys Samantha , Van Gordon William , Gilbert Paul
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Buddhist non-attachment has been shown to be effective for improving mental health and wellbeing. Non-attachment refers to the ability to engage with phenomena without psychologically clinging to experiences or rejecting them. The present qualitative investigation sought to compare secular and Buddhist-informed counselors’ and psychotherapists’ perceptions of the non-attachment construct, including their views on its relevance for client-therapist practice.

Method

Two data sets were collected. In Sample 1, semi-structured interviews were administered to nine qualified counselors and psychotherapists with limited prior knowledge of non-attachment or related Buddhist principles. In Sample 2, five Buddhist-informed counselors and psychotherapists completed an open questionnaire. Both data sets were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis.

Results

Analysis of the first sample generated four themes concerning participants’ understanding of non-attachment: (1) misunderstanding non-attachment, (2) who non-attachment might be useful for, (3) potential impact on the therapeutic relationship and (4) the importance of experiential understanding on the part of the therapist. The analysis of Sample 2 generated two themes: (1) considerations for assimilating non-attachment, and (2) positive experiences of applying the construct in client-therapist contexts.

Conclusions

The secular mental health practitioners in Sample 1 recognised the potential utility of non-attachment but harboured some misunderstandings as to its meaning as well as reservations regarding its suitability for all client groups. This was in contrast to Sample 2 participants, who felt that with appropriate therapeutic skill and discernment, non-attachment can be beneficial for a broad range of mental health conditions. Raising awareness of non-attachment amongst secular mental health practitioners is crucial to improving comprehension of the concept and its integration into client-therapist settings.

Preregistration

This study was not preregistered.
Prediction of wellbore sand production potential from analysis of petrophysical data coupled with field stress: a case study from the Shah-Deniz gas field (Caspian Sea Basin)
Authors: Vijouyeh Ali Gholami , Sedghi Mohammad Hassanpour , Wood David A.
Published: January 2024

Identifying the optimal azimuth and inclination for wellbore drilling in sandy formations can be considered a valuable aid in reducing sand production risks, lost time, and decreasing drilling costs in the petroleum industry. Therefore, a numerical systematic approach was provided to predict sand production in wellbore SDX-5, drilled in a deep-water sandstone reservoir in the Shah-Deniz gas field (South Caspian Basin), which has never been done previously. Additionally, this systematic approach uses geomechanical and geodynamical criteria, along with petrophysical information (density and sonic log) and tectonic characteristics of the study area, which are influenced by the active tectonic stresses of the Apsheron-Balkhan zone. The subsurface data sources employed are more eco-friendly, available, and continuous than experimental tests. The computations conducted achieved azimuth, inclination, polar, and depth profile plots for the Lower Balakhany Formation. The calculations reveal that the optimum azimuth for the wellbore drilling trajectories is parallel to SHmax and oblique drilling to near horizontal is the result of optimum inclination. Polar plots showed optimum azimuth, inclination, and effect of wellbore trajectory on critical collapse pressure and collapse drawdown pressure with pressure values simultaneously, which identify safer alternatives for achieving higher petroleum production rates without sanding. Depth profile plots provide a simultaneous overview of the values of critical collapse pressure, critical sanding pressure for instantaneous drawdown, and optimum wellbore production pressure during drilling and production operations. Moreover, optimum reservoir fluid production (maximum discharge) rates can be identified and imposed as upper limits to prevent sand production.
Antiproliferative polyketides from fungus Xylaria cf. Longipes SWUF08-81 in different culture media
Authors: Sresuksai Kittiwan , Sawadsitang Sasiphimol , Jantaharn Phongphan , Noppawan Pakin , Churat Audomsak , Suwannasai Nuttika , Mongkolthanaruk Wiyada , Senawong Thanaset , Tontapha Sarawut , Moontragoon Pairot , Amornkitbamrung Vittaya , McCloskey Sirirath
Published: January 2024

Bioactive compounds from the wood-decay fungus Xylaria cf. longipes SWUF08-81, cultivated in three different culture media (GM, YM and PDB), were isolated. Their structures and stereochemistry were deduced from spectroscopic and MS data analysis, together with quantum chemical calculations of 13C NMR chemical shifts and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Five undescribed polyketides including dibenzofuran (1), mellein (2), dihydroisocoumarin (15), and two pyrans (16, 17), together with twenty-three compounds were determined. Compounds 18 and 20 were significantly toxic against cancer cell lines (HCT116, HT29, MCF-7 and HeLa) based on the MTT assay. Quantification by HPLC showed that 18 was produced three-fold higher in the broth of PDB than YM. These studies showed that the production of different compounds were primarily dependent on nutrition sources and it has given a starting point for the growth optimization conditions for the scaling up of bioactive compounds production.

Graphical Abstract
Introductory commentary: Marine conflicts and pathways to sustainability in an era of Blue Growth and climate change
Authors: Saunders Fred , Tafon Ralph , Knol-Kauffman Maaike , Selim Samiya Ahmed
Published: January 2024

Worldwide, marine conflicts are growing in frequency and intensity due to increasing global demands for resources (Blue Growth) and climate change. This article introduces a collection in Maritime Studies on marine conflicts and pathways to sustainability in an era of Blue Growth and climate change. We posit that while conflict can be problematic, it can also play a positive role in bringing about societal change, by highlighting unsustainable and unjust practices and be a trigger for sustainability transformation. However, left unattended, festering marine conflict can hinder just and equitable sustainability transformation. We present two distinct, yet arguably complementary, lenses through which researchers working with sustainability engage with marine conflicts. First, a social-ecological systems approach engages in conflicts by examining the interdependencies between human and ecological systems and related governance arrangements, promoting collaborative learning and action, and exploring adaptive governance strategies that seek sustainability conflict resolution. Second, a political ecology approach addresses conflicts by examining power dynamics and resource (mal)distributions, arguing for fair governance, and emphasizing the need to address historical and current injustices that are at the root of conflicts. Next, we present insights on diverse sustainability transformational pathways, including the importance of searching for common ground and the need for the reconfiguration of power relations as key steps to understand and inform sustainability conflict research. We conclude by indicating that more sustainability research in marine conflict settings is needed and by forwarding intersectionality as a promising approach to productively reframe and disrupt the debilitating effects of deep-rooted marine sustainability conflicts.
Welfare reducing licensing by an outside innovator
Authors: Mukherjee Arijit , Sinha Uday Bhanu
Published: January 2024

It is commonly believed that licensing of cost reducing technology increases welfare. We show that technology licensing by an outside innovator may reduce welfare when the technology is not useful for all final goods producers. Technology licensing reduces welfare if cost reduction by the licensed technology is small and the initial cost difference of the final goods producers is large. A higher intensity of competition, either due to lower product differentiation or due to Bertrand competition instead of Cournot competition, increases the possibility of welfare reducing licensing.
State of health estimation of lithium-ion battery based on CNN–WNN–WLSTM
Authors: Yao Quanzheng , Song Xianhua , Xie Wei
Published: January 2024

Accurate and stable estimation of the state of health (SOH), which is one of the critical indicators to characterize the ability of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries to store and release energy, is critical in the stable driving of electric vehicles. In this paper, a novel SOH estimation method based on the aging factors of battery, which combines convolutional neural network (CNN), wavelet neural network (WNN), and wavelet long short-term memory (WLSTM) named CNN–WNN–WLSTM, is designed. The proposed CNN–WNN–WLSTM estimation scheme inherits both the fast convergence and robust stability of the WNN, as well as the ability of long short-term memory neural network (LSTM) to extract the time series features of the data; moreover, using CNN can make the proposed algorithm extract the data features from the original battery data automatically, and the WNN–WLSTM is then adopted to produce the final SOH estimation by exploiting the features from the CNN. To further speed and achieve global optimization, the RMSprop optimizer, instead of the usually used Adagrad optimizer, is chosen as the solver of the CNN–WNN–WLSTM network. Experimental results on data set from the NASA Ames Prognostics Center of Excellence show that the proposed algorithm can be commendably used for Li-ion battery health management by quantitative comparison with other commonly used machine learning methods, such as back-propagation neural network, WNN, LSTM, WLSTM, convolutional neural network–long short-term memory neural network (CNN–LSTM), and Gaussian process regression.
Study on damage characteristics and application of gypsum pillar strengthened with FRP
Authors: Wen Zhijie , Jiang Pengfei , Song Zhenqi , Jiang Yujing , Wen Jinhao
Published: January 2024

The instability of mine pillars has posed a serious threat to the safety of mines in China. In order to reduce the risk of pillar instability, this study used fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) to reinforce gypsum specimens and conduct mechanical loading experiments. The study investigates the reinforcement effect of gypsum specimens with different height-diameter ratios and different FRP wrapping thicknesses, and analyzed the uneven distribution of constraint force along the height direction of FRP-reinforced gypsum specimens. An optimized wrapping method was proposed, and a stress–strain constitutive model for gypsum materials under optimized wrapping was established. By utilizing a statistical method based on strain energy density for heterogeneous rock damage identification, a simulation study was conducted on FRP-reinforced gypsum-like specimens. A comparative analysis was carried out with experimental results to verify the feasibility of the constitutive model. The research findings indicate that the use of FRP reinforcement significantly improves the uniaxial compressive strength and strain values of gypsum-like specimens. Moreover, the smaller the aspect ratio, the more pronounced the effect of FRP reinforcement on gypsum-like specimens. The stress–strain curve of FRP-reinforced gypsum-like specimens shows a distinct combination of curves and straight lines, which can be divided into two distinct stages based on different elastic moduli. The peak value of acoustic emission energy of FRP-reinforced gypsum specimens appears at the junction of the first and second stages of the stress–strain curve, and then the acoustic emission energy curve becomes relatively flat, with an increase in peak energy before failure. The constraint force acting on FRP-reinforced gypsum specimens exhibits an obvious uneven distribution along the height direction, based on which an optimized reinforcement scheme is proposed. Based on the established constitutive model, numerical simulation was conducted using real data from a specific mine. The research findings demonstrate that when the optimized reinforcement method is employed, the load-bearing capacity of the mine pillars was significantly enhanced. The maximum displacement was reduced by 33%, the maximum vertical stress was reduced by 3.2%, and the volume of the plastic zone was reduced by 39.87%.
Adaptive Traffic Control Using Cooperative Communication Through Visible Light
Authors: Vieira Manuel Augusto , Vieira Manuela , Louro Paula , Vieira Pedro , Fernandes Rafael
Published: January 2024

The study aims to create a Visible-Light Communication (VLC) system for secure vehicle management at intersections. This involves enabling communication between vehicles and infrastructure (V2V, V2I, and I2V) using headlights, streetlights, and traffic signals. Mobile optical receivers gather data, determine their location, and read transmitted information through joint transmission. An intersection manager coordinates traffic and communicates with vehicles through embedded Driver Agents. The system utilizes a "mesh/cellular" hybrid network configuration and encodes data into light signals emitted by transmitters. Optical sensors and filtering properties enable reception and decoding. The study demonstrates bidirectional communication, employing queue/request/response mechanisms and relative pose concepts for safe vehicle passage. A deep reinforcement learning model controls traffic light cycles, validated via simulation in a Simulation of Urban Mobility simulator. Results show that this adaptive traffic control system effectively collects detailed vehicle data and ensures secure communication within the short-range mesh network.
Hamilton and Li–Yau type gradient estimates for a weighted nonlinear parabolic equation under a super Perelman–Ricci flow
Authors: Taheri Ali , Vahidifar Vahideh
Published: January 2024

In this paper we derive elliptic and parabolic type gradient estimates for positive smooth solutions to a class of nonlinear parabolic equations on smooth metric measure spaces where the metric and potential are time dependent and evolve under a super Perelman–Ricci flow. A number of implications, notably, a parabolic Harnack inequality, a class of Hamilton type dimension-free gradient estimates and two general Liouville type theorems along with their consequences are discussed. Some examples and special cases are presented to illustrate the results.
Temporal-Like Bivariate Fay-Herriot Model: Leveraging Past Responses and Advanced Preprocessing for Enhanced Small Area Estimation of Growing Stock Volume
Authors: Georgakis Aristeidis , Papageorgiou Vasileios E. , Gatziolis Demetrios , Stamatellos Georgios
Published: January 2024

Forest inventories are crucial for effective ecosystem management but often lack precision for smaller geographical units due to limited sample sizes. This study introduces an enhanced temporal-like bivariate Fay-Herriot model, improving upon its univariate counterpart. The model incorporates field data and auxiliary data, including canopy height metrics from WorldView stereo-imagery and past census data, sourced from the University Forest of Pertouli in Central Greece. The model aims to estimate the growing stock volume for 2008 and 2018, focusing on enhancing the precision of the 2018 estimates. The 2008 dependent variable is used as auxiliary information by the model for more reliable 2018 small area estimates. A novel preprocessing pipeline is also introduced, which includes outlier identification, cluster analysis, and variance smoothing. Compared to direct estimates and the standard univariate Fay-Herriot model, our bivariate approach shows a percentage variance reduction of 96.58% and 13.52%, respectively. The methodology not only offers more reliable estimates with reduced variance and bias but also contributes to more accurate decision-making for sustainable forest management.
Neuropathologic findings in a patient with Parry-Romberg syndrome: active cerebral vasculitis and brain injury
Authors: Wappler-Guzzetta Edina A. , Hanak Brian W. , Bannout Firas , Harder Sheri L. , Deisch Jeremy K.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Parry-Romberg syndrome (PRS) is a rare disorder characterized by slowly progressive hemifacial atrophy. Although the underlying etiology is unknown, proposed disease mechanisms which include autoimmune, infection, trauma, and other causes have been proposed as underlying disease mechanisms. Approximately, 10–20% of PRS patients have neurologic manifestations such as epilepsy, headaches, or associated vascular malformations. There are reports of PRS responsive to immunosuppressive medications, supporting the autoimmune hypothesis. Currently, the neuropathologic findings in patients with PRS are not well documented.

Methods

Herein, we present a case of a 19-year-old female with PRS, who underwent partial frontal lobectomy for intractable epilepsy.

Results

The resection specimen showed multifocal active lymphocytic (T-cell mediated) arteritis in midsized cortical arterioles, with the adjacent meninges showing fibrosis involving both the meningeal tissue and its vascular network. In addition, neuronal loss and gliosis were evident in the cortex, likely due to the associated vascular injury.

Conclusions

This report is the first to demonstrate active cerebral vasculitis in a patient with PRS, supporting the previous suspicion of inflammatory etiology in this disease. In addition, the widespread vascular fibrosis in the meningeal vessels and an area of cortical ischemia support the presence of previous inflammatory vascular processes in the area.
Cryptoeconomics
Authors: Li Jing , Niyato Dusit , Han Zhu
Published: January 2024

The book offers a succinct overview of the technical components of blockchain networks, also known as distributed digital ledger networks. Written from an academic perspective, it surveys ongoing research challenges as well as existing literature. Several chapters illustrate how the mathematical tools of game theory and algorithmic mechanism design can be applied to the analysis, design, and improvement of blockchain network protocols. Using an engineering perspective, insights are provided into how the economic interests of different types of participants shape the behaviors of blockchain systems. Readers are thus provided with a paradigm for developing blockchain consensus protocols and distributed economic mechanisms that regulate the interactions of system participants, thus leading to desired cooperative behaviors in the form of system equilibria. This book will be a vital resource for students and scholars of this budding field.
Intercomparison of Air Quality Models in a Megacity: Toward an Operational Ensemble Forecasting System for São Paulo
Authors: Deroubaix Adrien , Hoelzemann Judith J. , Ynoue Rita Yuri , Toledo de Almeida Albuquerque Taciana , Alves Rafaela Cruz , de Fatima Andrade Maria , Andreão Willian Lemker , Bouarar Idir , de Souza Fernandes Duarte Ediclê , Elbern Hendrik , Franke Philipp , Lange Anne Caroline , Lichtig Pablo , Lugon Lya , Martins Leila D. , de Arruda Moreira Gregori , Pedruzzi Rizzieri , Rosario Nilton , Brasseur Guy
Published: January 2024

An intercomparison of four regional air quality models is performed in the tropical megacity of São Paulo with the perspective of developing a forecasting system based on a model ensemble. Modeled concentrations of the main regulated pollutants are compared with combined observations in the megacity center, after analyzing the spatial scale of representativeness of air monitoring stations. During three contrasting periods characterized by different types of pollution events, the hourly concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) modeled by the ensemble are in moderate agreement with observations. The median of the ensemble provides the best performance (R ≈ 0.7 for CO, 0.7 for NOx, 0.5 for SO2, 0.5 for PM2.5, and 0.4 for PM10) because each model has periods and pollutants for which it has the best agreement. NOx concentration is modeled with a large inter‐model variability, highlighting potential for improvement of anthropogenic emissions. Pollutants transported by biomass burning events strongly affect the air quality in São Paulo and are associated with significant inter‐model variability. Modeled hourly concentration of ozone (O3) is overestimated during the day (≈20 ppb) and underestimated at night (≈10 ppb), while nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is overestimated at night (≈20 ppb). The observed O3 concentration is best reproduced by the median of the ensemble (R ≈ 0.8), taking advantage of the variable performance of the models. Therefore, an operational air quality forecast system based on a regional model ensemble is promising for São Paulo.
Continental Scale Assessment of Variation in Floodplain Roughness With Vegetation and Flow Characteristics
Authors: Barinas Gabriel , Good Stephen P. , Tullos Desiree
Published: January 2024

Quantifying floodplain flows is critical to multiple river management objectives, yet how vegetation within floodplains dissipates flow energy lacks comprehensive characterization. Utilizing over 3.4 million discharge measurements, in conjunction with aboveground biomass and canopy height measurements from NASA's Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI), this study characterizes the floodplain roughness coefficient Manning's n and its determinates across the continental United States. Estimated values of n show that flow resistance in floodplains decreases as flow velocity increases but increases with the fraction of vegetation inundated. A new function (RMSE = 0.024, r2 = 0.74) is proposed for predicting n based on GEDI vegetation characteristics and flow velocity, with GEDI derived n values improving predictions of discharge relative to those based only on land cover. This analysis provides evidence of key hydraulic patterns of energy dissipation in floodplains, and integration of the proposed function into flood and habitat models may reduce uncertainty.
Frictional Control on Accelerating Creep During the Slow‐To‐Fast Transition of Rainfall‐Induced Catastrophic Landslides
Authors: Paul Krishnendu , Bhattacharya Pathikrit , Misra Santanu
Published: January 2024

Slow moving landslides regulated by precipitation/snowmelt induced subsurface pore‐pressure transients can sometimes accelerate to catastrophic failure causing loss of infrastructure and lives. Yet, unified theories of the transition of slow landslides into ultimately catastrophic ones in response to pore‐pressure changes remain relatively unexplored. Here, we use a simple gravity‐driven block‐slider model governed by laboratory‐derived rate‐and‐state friction (RSF) equations with velocity‐weakening parameters to analyze the mechanical progression of initially creeping landslides toward runaway acceleration. The rigid‐block approximation allows for exact or semi‐analytical estimates of the timescales over which such, potentially unstable, creeping landslides can be expected to transition to runaway acceleration in response to idealized pore‐pressure perturbation histories. We demonstrate that the duration of creep preceding catastrophic failure is critically sensitive to the RSF parameters, pore‐pressure variation amplitude and frequency, and background shear‐load and pore‐pressure levels through a set of non‐dimensional numbers. Our model predicts that slow landslides within velocity‐weakening clay‐rich soils can potentially creep for years to decades before transitioning to runaway failure when regulated by typical seasonal pore‐pressure transients. Remarkably, for much larger and rapid pore‐pressure changes, the same landslides can evolve to runaway failure over days to few tens of minutes. Being dependent purely on soil parameters that can be inferred from routine laboratory experiments, our model provides a theoretical framework that might be practically useful to understand the non‐linear and hysteretic response of landslide motion to pore‐pressure transients.
Biomarker Evidence for an MIS M2 Glacial‐Pluvial in the Mojave Desert Before Warming and Drying in the Late Pliocene
Authors: Peaple Mark D. , Bhattacharya Tripti , Tierney Jessica E. , Knott Jeffrey R. , Lowenstein Tim K. , Feakins Sarah J.
Published: January 2024

Ancient lake deposits in the Mojave Desert indicate that the water cycle in this currently dry place was radically different under past climates. Here we revisit a 700 m core drilled 55 years ago from Searles Valley, California, that recovered evidence for a lacustrine phase during the late Pliocene. We update the paleomagnetic age model and extract new biomarker evidence for climatic conditions from lacustrine deposits (3.373–2.706 Ma). The MBT′5Me temperature proxy detects present‐day conditions (21 ± 3°C, n = 2) initially, followed by warmer‐than‐present conditions (25 ± 3°C, n = 17) starting at 3.268 and ending at 2.734 Ma. Bacterial and archeal biomarkers reveal lake salinity increased after 3.268 Ma likely reflecting increased evaporation in response to higher temperatures. The δ13C values of plant waxes (−30.7 ± 1.4‰, n = 28) are consistent with local C3 taxa, likely expanded conifer woodlands during the pluvial with less C4 than the Pleistocene. δD values (−174 ± 5‰, n = 25) of plant waxes indicate precipitation δD values (−89 ± 5‰, n = 25) in the late Pliocene are within the same range as the late Pleistocene precipitation δD. Microbial biomarkers identify a deep, freshwater lake and a cooling that corresponds to the onset of major Northern Hemisphere glaciation at marine isotope stage marine isotope stages M2 (3.3 Ma). A more saline lake persisted for ∼0.6 Ma across the subsequent warmth of the late Pliocene (3.268–2.734 Ma) before the lake desiccated at the Pleistocene intensification of Northern Hemisphere Glaciation.
Flash Floods May Support One of the World’s Rarest Fish
Authors: Soliman Alix
Published: January 2024

Only a few hundred Devils Hole pupfish live in an isolated pool in the desert, where occasional floodwaters roil their habitat.
Researchers Develop Mexico’s First Comprehensive Greenhouse Gas Budget
Authors: Fritts Rachel
Published: January 2024

A new study delves into 2 decades of data to create a comprehensive quantification of carbon, methane, and nitrous oxide sources and sinks that could help guide climate policy.
Posttraumatic stress disorder, trauma, and accelerated biological aging among post-9/11 veterans
Authors: Bourassa Kyle J. , Garrett Melanie E. , Caspi Avshalom , Dennis Michelle , Hall Katherine S. , Moffitt Terrie E. , Taylor Gregory A. ,   VA Mid Atlantic MIRECC Workgroup, Beckham Jean C. , Calhoun Patrick S. , Dedert Eric , Elbogen Eric B. , Hurley Robin A. , Kilts Jason D. , Kimbrel Nathan A. , Kirby Angela , Martindale Sarah L. , Marx Christine E. , McDonald Scott D. , Moore Scott D. , Morey Rajendra A. , Naylor Jennifer C. , Rowland Jared A. , Shura Robert , Swinkels Cindy , Van Voorhees Elizabeth E. , Wagner H. Ryan , Magnante Anna T. , O’Connor Victoria L. , Aurora Pallavi , Martinez Brandy S. , Halverson Tate F. , Ashley-Koch Allison E. , Beckham Jean C. , Kimbrel Nathan A.
Published: January 2024

People who experience trauma and develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at increased risk for poor health. One mechanism that could explain this risk is accelerated biological aging, which is associated with the accumulation of chronic diseases, disability, and premature mortality. Using data from 2309 post-9/11 United States military veterans who participated in the VISN 6 MIRECC’s Post-Deployment Mental Health Study, we tested whether PTSD and trauma exposure were associated with accelerated rate of biological aging, assessed using a validated DNA methylation (DNAm) measure of epigenetic aging—DunedinPACE. Veterans with current PTSD were aging faster than those who did not have current PTSD, β = 0.18, 95% CI [0.11, 0.27], p < .001. This effect represented an additional 0.4 months of biological aging each year. Veterans were also aging faster if they reported more PTSD symptoms, β = 0.13, 95% CI [0.09, 0.16], p < 0.001, or higher levels of trauma exposure, β = 0.09, 95% CI [0.05, 0.13], p < 0.001. Notably, veterans with past PTSD were aging more slowly than those with current PTSD, β = -0.21, 95% CI [-0.35, -0.07], p = .003. All reported results accounted for age, gender, self-reported race/ethnicity, and education, and remained when controlling for smoking. Our findings suggest that an accelerated rate of biological aging could help explain how PTSD contributes to poor health and highlights the potential benefits of providing efficacious treatment to populations at increased risk of trauma and PTSD.
Cortical glutamate, Glx, and total N-acetylaspartate: potential biomarkers of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment response and outcomes in major depression
Authors: Gonsalves Meghan A. , White Tara L. , Barredo Jennifer , DeMayo Marilena M. , DeLuca Emily , Harris Ashley D. , Carpenter Linda L.
Published: January 2024

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an effective treatment for individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have not improved with standard therapies. However, only 30–45% of patients respond to rTMS. Predicting response to rTMS will benefit both patients and providers in terms of prescribing and targeting treatment for maximum efficacy and directing resources, as individuals with lower likelihood of response could be redirected to more suitable treatment alternatives. In this exploratory study, our goal was to use proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to examine how glutamate (Glu), Glx, and total N-acetylaspartate (tNAA) predict post-rTMS changes in overall MDD severity and symptoms, and treatment response. Metabolites were measured in a right dorsal anterior cingulate cortex voxel prior to a standard course of 10 Hz rTMS to the left DLPFC in 25 individuals with MDD. MDD severity and symptoms were evaluated via the Inventory of Depression Symptomatology Self-Report (IDS-SR). rTMS response was defined as ≥50% change in full-scale IDS-SR scores post treatment. Percent change in IDS-SR symptom domains were evaluated using principal component analysis and established subscales. Generalized linear and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between baseline Glu, Glx, and tNAA and outcomes while controlling for age and sex. Participants with baseline Glu and Glx levels in the lower range had greater percent change in full scale IDS-SR scores post-treatment (p < 0.001), as did tNAA (p = 0.007). Low glutamatergic metabolite levels also predicted greater percent change in mood/cognition symptoms (p ≤ 0.001). Low-range Glu, Glx, and tNAA were associated with greater improvement on the immuno-metabolic subscale (p ≤ 0.003). Baseline Glu predicted rTMS responder status (p = 0.025) and had an area under the receiving operating characteristic curve of 0.81 (p = 0.009), demonstrating excellent discriminative ability. Baseline Glu, Glx, and tNAA significantly predicted MDD improvement after rTMS; preliminary evidence also demonstrates metabolite association with symptom subdomain improvement post-rTMS. This work provides feasibility for a personalized medicine approach to rTMS treatment selection, with individuals with Glu levels in the lower range potentially being the best candidates.
Varicella zoster virus glycoprotein E facilitates PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy to evade STING and MAVS-mediated antiviral innate immunity
Authors: Oh Soo-Jin , Yu Je-Wook , Ahn Jin-Hyun , Choi Seok Tae , Park Hosun , Yun Jeanho , Shin Ok Sarah
Published: January 2024

Viruses have evolved to control mitochondrial quality and content to facilitate viral replication. Mitophagy is a selective autophagy, in which the damaged or unnecessary mitochondria are removed, and thus considered an essential mechanism for mitochondrial quality control. Although mitophagy manipulation by several RNA viruses has recently been reported, the effect of mitophagy regulation by varicella zoster virus (VZV) remains to be fully determined. In this study, we showed that dynamin-related protein-1 (DRP1)-mediated mitochondrial fission and subsequent PINK1/Parkin-dependent mitophagy were triggered during VZV infection, facilitating VZV replication. In addition, VZV glycoprotein E (gE) promoted PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy by interacting with LC3 and upregulating mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. Importantly, VZV gE inhibited MAVS oligomerization and STING translocation to disrupt MAVS- and STING-mediated interferon (IFN) responses, and PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy was required for VZV gE-mediated inhibition of IFN production. Similarly, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP)-mediated mitophagy induction led to increased VZV replication but attenuated IFN production in a three-dimensional human skin organ culture model. Our results provide new insights into the immune evasion mechanism of VZV gE via PINK1/Parkin-dependent mitophagy.
High-dimensional phenotyping to define the genetic basis of cellular morphology
Authors: Tegtmeyer Matthew , Arora Jatin , Asgari Samira , Cimini Beth A. , Nadig Ajay , Peirent Emily , Liyanage Dhara , Way Gregory P. , Weisbart Erin , Nathan Aparna , Amariuta Tiffany , Eggan Kevin , Haghighi Marzieh , McCarroll Steven A. , O’Connor Luke , Carpenter Anne E. , Singh Shantanu , Nehme Ralda , Raychaudhuri Soumya
Published: January 2024

The morphology of cells is dynamic and mediated by genetic and environmental factors. Characterizing how genetic variation impacts cell morphology can provide an important link between disease association and cellular function. Here, we combine genomic sequencing and high-content imaging approaches on iPSCs from 297 unique donors to investigate the relationship between genetic variants and cellular morphology to map what we term cell morphological quantitative trait loci (cmQTLs). We identify novel associations between rare protein altering variants in WASF2, TSPAN15, and PRLR with several morphological traits related to cell shape, nucleic granularity, and mitochondrial distribution. Knockdown of these genes by CRISPRi confirms their role in cell morphology. Analysis of common variants yields one significant association and nominate over 300 variants with suggestive evidence (P < 10−6) of association with one or more morphology traits. We then use these data to make predictions about sample size requirements for increasing discovery in cellular genetic studies. We conclude that, similar to molecular phenotypes, morphological profiling can yield insight about the function of genes and variants.