bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unsupervised Domain Adaptation Depth Estimation Based on Self-attention Mechanism and Edge Consistency Constraints
Authors: Guo Peng , Pan Shuguo , Hu Peng , Pei Ling , Yu Baoguo
Published: May 2024

In the unsupervised domain adaptation (UDA) (Akada et al. Self-supervised learning of domain invariant features for depth estimation, in: 2022 IEEE/CVF winter conference on applications of computer vision (WACV), pp 3377–3387 (2022). 10.1109/WACV51458.2022.00107) depth estimation task, a new adaptive approach is to use the bidirectional transformation network to transfer the style between the target and source domain inputs, and then train the depth estimation network in their respective domains. However, the domain adaptation process and the style transfer may result in defects and biases, often leading to depth holes and instance edge depth missing in the target domain’s depth output. To address these issues, We propose a training network that has been improved in terms of model structure and supervision constraints. First, we introduce a edge-guided self-attention mechanism in the task network of each domain to enhance the network’s attention to high-frequency edge features, maintain clear boundaries and fill in missing areas of depth. Furthermore, we utilize an edge detection algorithm to extract edge features from the input of the target domain. Then we establish edge consistency constraints between inter-domain entities in order to narrow the gap between domains and make domain-to-domain transfers easier. Our experimental demonstrate that our proposed method effectively solve the aforementioned problem, resulting in a higher quality depth map and outperforming existing state-of-the-art methods.
Investigation of Two Laser Heat Treatment Strategies for Local Softening of a Sheet in Age-Hardening Aluminum Alloy by Means of Physical Simulation
Authors: Palmieri Maria Emanuela , Tricarico Luigi
Published: May 2024

Car manufacturers increasingly aid high-strength aluminum alloys for their advantageous weight-to-strength ratio, but their limited formability poses challenges in plastic deformation processes. Tailored heat-treated blanks (THTBs) are a propitious approach to improve formability. Surface laser treatment is the predominant technology for obtaining THTB. To design this process quickly and accurately, without material waste, the use of physical simulation is increasingly promising. It allows replicating the process on a lab-scale and studying posttreatment mechanical and metallurgical properties. By adopting Gleeble® physical simulator, this study investigates the softening effects of local surface laser heat treatment on a EN AW 6082 T6 aluminum alloy blank. Two laser movement strategies—single linear path and multiple rectangular paths—were investigated at two treatment speeds for each. A finite element (FE) model was developed for simulating the process under all explored conditions. FE-derived thermal cycles were reproduced by means of physical simulation. After physical tests, alloy mechanical properties were evaluated. Results show that these properties depend on both the peak temperature thermal cycle and the interaction time between the laser source and the material surface. The comparison between the two strategies revealed that the multiple rectangular paths strategy allows to achieve a wider softened area at comparable interaction times.
Synthesis and Gamma-ray Shielding Efficiency of Borosilicate Glasses Doped with Zinc Oxide: Comparative Study
Authors: Saleh Abdelmoneim , Sayyed M. I. , Kumar Anjan , Mansour Fatma Elzahraa
Published: May 2024

This study examined the suitability of several glass compositions as a gamma-ray shielding substance. The compositions tested were of varying ZnO concentrations, specifically (60-x) B2O3—10Na2O—15SiO2—5Al2O3—(x + 10)ZnO (where X = 5, 10, 15 and 20 mol%). Measurements were performed at energy levels of 0.6642, 1.1776, and 1.3343 MeV radiated from Cs137 and Co60 point sources along with a scintillation detector [NaI(TL)]. We investigated the critical properties related to gamma radiation shielding, determining the effective atomic number (Zeff), electron density (Nel), half-value layer (HVL), linear attenuation (μ) and mass attenuation (μm) coefficients, and mean free path (λ). Our results show that the glasses under examination get denser (from 2.12 to 2.77 g/cm3) as the Zn concentration rises from 15 to 35 mol %. In addition, all glass compositions provide adequate protection against gamma radiation at the specified energy levels. The values of µ went up from 0.157 to 0.214 cm−1 (0.6642 MeV), from 0.119 to 0.160 cm−1 (1.1776 MeV), and from 0.114 to 0.151 (1.3343 MeV). For samples B1 and B4, the observed HVL values dropped from 4.41, 5.84, and 6.12 cm to 3.21, 4.31, and 4.61 cm at 0.6642, 1.1736, and 1.3343 MeV, respectively. Among the materials tested, prepared glasses show higher shielding capacity compared to regularly used glass and concrete samples. The study highlights these glass compositions' potential as practical materials that can shield gamma radiation.
Rapid identification of flood-prone settlements in the Eastern Mediterranean Basin in Turkey
Authors: Dikici Mehmet
Published: May 2024

Territories and settlements in low plains are at risk of flooding. Therefore, determining the areas at risk of flooding before preparing city plans or country development plans is essential. The number of hydrological models is increasing day by day; on the other hand, the solution of these models requires too many parameters. Long-term measurements are required to perform flood analysis with these models. However, in some regions, data from previous years may not always be available. Therefore, a method that enables the determination of flood-prone areas in a short time based on historical records is proposed in the current study. In the current study, the Eastern Mediterranean basin has an area of 21,682 km2 was examined. Using geographic information system (GIS) and the current population information (growth trend) as well as evaluating the historical process and archival records, 157 flood-prone settlement areas were identified. Different flood scenarios were examined and settlement areas that needed to be further examined by modeling were digitized. We aimed to create a base for basin-based flood modeling and to provide information about flood-prone areas to local administrators for national and local plans.
Quercetin loaded polymeric dissolving microarray patches: fabrication, characterisation and evaluation
Authors: Anjani Qonita Kurnia , Moreno-Castellanos Natalia , Adhami Masoud , Ramadon Delly , Jangga Jangga , Donnelly Ryan F.
Published: May 2024

Quercetin, a natural compound, shows promising potential in wound healing by reducing fibrosis, limiting scar formation, and boosting fibroblast proliferation. However, its effectiveness is hindered by poor solubility, resulting in low bioavailability and necessitating high doses for therapeutic efficacy. This study presents a novel approach, fabricating quercetin-loaded microarray patches (MAPs) using widely employed solubility enhancement strategies. Fabricated MAPs exhibited favourable mechanical strength and could be inserted into excised porcine skin to a depth of 650 μm. Furthermore, formulations containing Soluplus® significantly increased the drug loading capacity, achieving up to 2.5 mg per patch and complete dissolution within an hour of application on excised porcine skin. In vitro studies on full-thickness neonatal porcine skin demonstrated that Soluplus®-enhanced MAPs effectively delivered quercetin across various skin layers, achieving a delivery efficiency exceeding 80% over 24 h. Additionally, these prototype MAPs displayed anti-inflammatory properties and demonstrated biocompatibility with human keratinocyte skin cells. Therefore, quercetin-loaded MAPs employing Soluplus® as a solubility enhancer present a promising alternative strategy for wound healing and anti-inflammatory therapy applications.

Graphical abstract
Influence of the alcohol and water grades on surfactant-free colloidal syntheses of gold nanoparticles in alkaline water-alcohol mixtures
Authors: Quinson Jonathan
Published: May 2024

To make the most of the unique properties of nanomaterials, and to bridge the gap between fundamental and applied research, controlled, green, cheap and energy efficient syntheses of nanoparticles are required. In this respect, room and low temperature surfactant-free colloidal syntheses of nanoparticles obtained in low viscosity and low boiling point solvents, without additives or nature-derived extracts, are promising to develop more active (electro)catalysts. Recently, a room temperature synthesis of surfactant-free gold nanoparticles has been documented (Chem. Mater. 2023, 35, 5, 2173) that requires only water, a base such as NaOH, an alcohol and HAuCl4. Unfortunately, the syntheses of nanomaterials are often sensitive to multiple parameters and it is well acknowledged that reproducibility is a general challenge in the chemical sciences, where the synthesis of nanomaterials is no exception. Here, we investigate the effect of the water conductivity and solvent grade on the surfactant-free low temperature (ca. 30 °C) synthesis of colloidal gold nanoparticles obtained in alkaline mixtures of ethanol and water. The synthesis can be performed with relatively low-grade ethanol but requires high purity water. The importance of water with low conductivity is also stressed for syntheses where ethylene glycol and glycerol are used as source of reducing agents. The results of this study over 100 samples pave the way to greener, more controlled and scalable syntheses of surfactant-free gold nanomaterials.
Sexual Function After Gender Affirming Surgery
Authors: Sahmoud Amine , Castellanos Alicia R. , Zeki Jessica Abou , Pope Rachel
Published: May 2024

Purpose of Review

Sexual function and satisfaction in the transgender community is a nascent field with a paucity of data due to the fast paced nature of improving upon surgical technique and variety of patient experiences. The authors aim to review the current literature for areas of success as well as areas of improvement in order to better the sexual health of the transgender community.

Recent Findings

Gender dysphoria is a feeling of distress experienced by those whose gender assigned at birth is not in line with their gender identity. While social transition to the desired gender can suffice for some, medical and surgical interventions are often sought out to achieve gender euphoria, the decrease or absence of gender dysphoria. Often, issues with sexual function and satisfaction can trigger gender dysphoria, especially prior to social, medical, or surgical transition.

Surgical genital gender affirmation has been the most studied in terms of sexual function and improvement of gender dysphoria. Surgical complications, hormonal changes, and other organic causes of sexual dysfunction can still interfere with one’s overall sexual satisfaction. A validated measure of sexual function for trans men and trans women is needed to better assess outcomes.
Evaluation of inversion approaches for plates based on guided waves and modal analysis
Authors: Hoppe Karl-Alexander , Schmid Simon , Kollofrath Jochen , Marburg Steffen , Grosse Christian U.
Published: May 2024

The identification of defects in plate-like structures has been successfully treated using both local guided ultrasonic waves and global modal quantities. Although there are many papers on these techniques, a lack of comparability between the two methods persists. This makes it difficult for users to identify the most appropriate method for the defect in question. This paper examines the effect of different parameterizations of a circular defect in a square aluminum plate on the system response in a case study. The measured local ultrasound signal from a propagating guided wave makes up the initial data set. The first method uses the entire waveform for the objective function of the optimization problem, while the second considers the velocity of the $$A_0$$

A
0

mode. In the third and fourth methods, the first and second global natural frequencies of the plate modeled with free-free boundary conditions are investigated. The numerical models are validated experimentally through measurements with a laser Doppler vibrometer. This results in the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the objective functions for all parameter combinations of the defect. The recommendation to sequentially employ modal analysis and then the ultrasound procedure is made for the defect type used in this study. The data gathered on the objective functions suggests that potential joint employment of the natural frequency and ultrasound methods may increase computational efficiency. For a specific case, the methods could also complement each other in terms of challenges such as local minima.
An Improved and Optimized Random Forest Based Approach to Predict the Software Faults
Authors: Thomas Nikhil Saji , Kaliraj S.
Published: May 2024

Effective software fault prediction is crucial for minimizing errors during software development and preventing subsequent failures. This research introduces an enhanced Random Forest-based approach for predicting software faults, specifically focusing on the NASA JM1 dataset. The dataset comprises 21 software metrics indicating the presence or absence of faults in a module, and it is utilized to evaluate the proposed approach. The study delves into the intricacies of the NASA dataset, detailing the cleaning process and addressing class imbalance through Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE). The core of our approach involves the implementation and fine-tuning of the Random Forest classifier, with a specific focus on optimizing hyperparameters to enhance predictive accuracy. In comparative evaluations with standard machine learning models, our proposed approach demonstrated superior performance, achieving an accuracy of 82.96% and an F1 score of 89.53%. Notably, we emphasize the significance of software defects and their potential to cause failures and crashes during software development, leading to substantial organizational losses. The paper provides a comprehensive examination of different aspects of the machine learning model, offering detailed insights, examples, and illustrative figures to enhance the understanding of our proposed approach.
Spontaneous side-taking drives memory, empathy, and author attribution in conflict narratives
Authors: Woodward Claire , Hiskes Ben , Breithaupt Fritz
Published: May 2024

In two studies, we introduce the concept of spontaneous side-taking (SST) to describe how people initially align themselves in a conflict. The effects of side-taking in established conflicts are well studied, such as empathetic engagement and polarization. However, there is less known about how people spontaneously choose sides in situations without prior allegiances. To study these neglected effects of SST, we use two-character narratives to present participants with new conflicts in which they have no initial vested interest. These short narratives describe acts of aggression and detail the victimization of one character by another. Through two studies, we find: (1) victim characters receive greater attention and are remembered better; (2) victim characters receive more empathy; (3) victim characters are more likely to be viewed as the authors of conflict narratives; (4) and that side-taking flexibility diminishes after the first side-taking choice. This last finding means that there is a tendency for SST to stick over time. Overall, these findings demonstrate how victimization triggers and sustains side-taking in narratives by enhancing memory of and empathy for the victim.
Evaluation of plastic hinge length in RC shear wall connected with floor slabs
Authors: Kaushik S. , Dasgupta K.
Published: May 2024

Traditionally, seismic design focuses on inelastic behavior at the base of isolated shear walls. Yet, in multistoried RC wall-frame buildings with interconnected shear walls and floor slabs, significant inelasticity occurs at wall-slab junctions. This interaction greatly enhances the structure's seismic capacity. Previous studies overlooked this interaction, concentrating instead on isolated walls. The extent of inelastic action in a wall connected with floor slabs has not been studied extensively in the past. In the present study, the extent of the zone of inelastic behavior is studied at the wall-slab junction region by carrying out displacement based nonlinear static analysis of the wall-slab assemblages under monotonic as well as cyclic loads. A parametric study is carried out by varying the wall panel aspect ratio and axial load on walls. It is observed that this interaction using nonlinear static analysis, revealing increased curvature demand and localized damages at the junctions. It is observed that the extent of tensile damage at the junction region remains consistent across different axial load levels at the maximum drift level. Analytical expressions for plastic hinge length are proposed, crucial for refining seismic design strategies. The plastic hinge equation derived from pushover analysis yields values approximately 1.34 times higher than those obtained from cyclic loading.
The New Experts
Authors: Sajjanhar Anuradha
Published: May 2024

If right-populists have had enough of establishment experts, how do they replace them, with whom, and to what effect? Presenting the first in-depth analysis of India's new intellectual elite in the wake of a Hindu supremacist government, The New Experts investigates the power of appointed experts in normalising ideologies of governance, beyond party rhetoric. The New Experts presents an accessible narrative of how and why particular ideas gain prominence in elite policy and political discourse. Drawing on in-depth interviews and ethnographic research with national and international policy makers, politicians, bureaucrats, consultants, and journalists, this book analyses how political leaders in India strategically use modes of populist spectacle and established technocratic institutions to produce shared visions of glorified technological and hyper-nationalist futures. This title is part of the Flip it Open Programme and may also be available open access. Check our website Cambridge Core for details.
Colonialism and the Sovereignty of Peoples: A Dialogue between Hegel and the French Revolution
Authors: Baker Eduardo
Published: May 2024

This article discusses the relation between colonialism and the sovereignty of peoples through a dialogue between Hegel and the thought of the French Revolution. These two sides are relevant to each other not only because of their historical proximity, but also because of the connections that can be established when we approach the topic of colonialism through these two manifestations. Hegel is explicit that his philosophy of history and his philosophy of right are supposed to be philosophies of freedom. Yet despite the importance that he lends to freedom, Hegel also explicitly defends, in the very same text, colonial domination when he deals with the relation between peoples. A similar problem had arisen in the course of the French Revolution. Following the declarations of war, France is confronted on various occasions with the question of how to deal with other peoples and countries. With the foundation of the Republic in 1792, the relation with other peoples becomes central in the revolutionary debates. The topic of colonialism is part of the constituting debates, and not only because of the uprisings in then Saint Domingue leading to the Haitian Revolution. This article is a part of a larger research project that attempts to reassess the relations between Hegel and the French Revolution, and deals with the question of how we can re-read Hegel's interpretation of the French Revolution based on the evolving historiography of the Revolution. After an introduction of both sides of this dialogue, the paper discusses how Hegel's political philosophy can be applied to understand the debates about the emancipation of colonies that take place during the French Revolution. The next part further analyses some issues, such as the notion of sovereignty and, in the concluding remarks, I summarize my discussion and point to some avenues for further research.
Local Gambling Culture and Enterprise Bribery: A Social Norms Theory Perspective
Authors: Zhong Xi , Huang Can , Ren Ge
Published: May 2024

Based on social norms theory, we examine the impact of local gambling culture, an unexpected result of government-permitted lotteries, on enterprise bribery. We propose that local gambling cultures can promote active enterprise involvement in bribery activities by reinforcing the speculative psychology of enterprise decision-makers. In addition, we argue that local gambling culture is less likely to lead female (returnee) chairpersons to develop speculative psychology than male (nonreturnee) chairpersons. This, in turn, allows female (returnee) chairpersons to undermine the positive impact of local gambling culture on involvement in enterprise bribery. Based on 11 years of empirical data obtained from privately listed Chinese companies (including 2,637 listed companies with 15,036 firm-year data points), we obtain empirical evidence to support most of these views. This study is the first to explore the relationship between local gambling culture and enterprise bribery, and important insights are provided for shareholders and policy-makers to better curb enterprise bribery.
Neuroimaging and epigenetic analysis reveal novel epigenetic loci in major depressive disorder
Authors: Yang Hyun-Ho , Han Kyu-Man , Kim Aram , Kang Youbin , Tae Woo-Suk , Han Mi-Ryung , Ham Byung-Joo
Published: May 2024

Background

Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, contribute to the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aimed to identify novel MDD-associated epigenetic loci using DNA methylation profiles and explore the correlations between epigenetic loci and cortical thickness changes in patients with MDD.

Methods

A total of 350 patients with MDD and 161 healthy controls (HCs) were included in the epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS). We analyzed methylation, copy number alteration (CNA), and gene network profiles in the MDD group. A total of 234 patients with MDD and 135 HCs were included in neuroimaging methylation analysis. Pearson's partial correlation analysis was used to estimate the correlation between cortical thickness of brain regions and DNA methylation levels of the loci.

Results

In total, 2018 differentially methylated probes (DMPs) and 351 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified. DMP-related genes were enriched in two networks involved in the central nervous system. In neuroimaging analysis, patients with MDD showed cortical thinning in the prefrontal regions and cortical thickening in several occipital regions. Cortical thickness of the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC, i.e. pars triangularis) was negatively correlated with eight DMPs associated with six genes (EML6, ZFP64, CLSTN3, KCNMA1, TAOK2, and NT5E).

Conclusion

Through combining DNA methylation and neuroimaging analyses, negative correlations were identified between the cortical thickness of the left VLPFC and DNA methylation levels of eight DMPs. Our findings could improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of MDD.
Exploring decision-making performance in young adults with mental health disorders: a comparative study using the Cambridge gambling task
Authors: Effah R. , Ioannidis K. , Grant J.E. , Chamberlain S.R.
Published: May 2024

Decision-making deficits, assessed cognitively, are often associated with mental health symptoms, however, this relationship is not fully understood. This paper explores the relationship between mental health disorders and decision-making, using the Cambridge Gambling Task (CGT). Our study investigated how decision-making varied across 20 different mental health conditions compared to controls in a sample of 572 young adults from the Minneapolis and Chicago metropolitan areas, using a computerized laboratory-based task. Almost all mental health conditions were associated with at least mild (i.e. at least small effect size) impairment in all three studied parameters of the CGT (risk adjustment, quality of decision-making and overall proportion of bet). Notably, binge eating disorder had the largest cognitive impairment and gambling disorder had moderate impairment. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was associated with impaired decision-making while obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression showed moderate impairment. Additionally, half of the disorders assessed had moderate to large impairment in risk adjustment.These findings suggest that mental health conditions may have a more complex cognitive profile than previously thought, and a better understanding of these impairments may aid in risk assessment and targeted clinical interventions. This study underscores the need for further research to determine the causal pathways between mental health conditions and cognition, as well as to better understand the day-to-day impact of such deficits.
Cumulative effect of unemployment on suicide mortality in South Korean workers (2018–2019)
Authors: Jung Jaehyuk , Lee Kyeong-Eun , Hong Seri , Park Jae Bum , Jeong Inchul
Published: May 2024

Background

While unemployment is known to increase the risk of suicide, its cumulative effect remains underexplored. This study investigates how unemployment affects suicide mortality and whether the effect varies based on the number of unemployment spells using two years of nationwide data.

Methods

Using the data from the National Statistical Office and Employment Insurance Database for 2018 and 2019, we identified an average of 2365 cases of suicide over two years among 7.76 million workers aged 25–64 years who had been employed within one year before their suicide. The number of unemployment spells was counted using the employment history of the past five years. We calculated crude suicide mortality rates per 100 000 population, age- and sex- standardized mortality rates (SMRs), and proportionate mortality rates (PMRs) for suicide.

Results

Over the two years, the crude suicide rate was 30.0 per 100 000 among the general population and 30.5 among workers. Workers with no unemployment spells in the past five years had a significantly lower SMR (0.44; 0.42–0.46), while those with four or more unemployment spells had a significantly higher SMR (3.13; 2.92–3.35) than the general population. These findings were consistent across all sex and age groups. Additionally, workers with four or more unemployment spells had a significantly higher PMR than the general population.

Conclusion

The impact of unemployment on suicide mortality intensifies as the number of unemployment spells increases. These results underscore the necessity for additional social and psychological support along with economic assistance for individuals facing recurrent unemployment.
The Ulam–Hammersley problem for multiset permutations
Authors: GERIN LUCAS
Published: May 2024

We obtain the asymptotic behaviour of the longest increasing/non-decreasing subsequences in a random uniform multiset permutation in which each element in
$\{1,\dots,n\}$
occurs k times, where k may depend on n. This generalises the famous Ulam–Hammersley problem of the case
$k=1$
. The proof relies on poissonisation and on a careful non-asymptotic analysis of variants of the Hammersley–Aldous–Diaconis particle system.
The Cartojuridism of the British East India Company
Authors: Suresh Sabarish
Published: May 2024

This paper will engage with the early colonial maps of the British East India Company to analyze its representative, as well as creative, functions, delineating how maps represent existing legal relations, entrench hierarchies, and visually transmit projected, and aspired, notions of legal authority and sovereignty. This paper studies the constitutive role of cartography apropos law, territory, and social order, in a specific historical context, by examining the crucial political role played by the British East India Company's cartographic practices and maps in aspiring and imagining the transplantation and establishment of English sovereignty in the Indian subcontinent. This paper will also show how British maps visually entrenched and supplemented unique forms of social hierarchy and marginalization, and legal categories and stratifications, in Indian cities. By analyzing maps, memoirs, cartouches, dedications, ornaments, plans, prospects, and historical manuscripts appertaining to the eighteenth and early nineteenth century operations of the Company, this paper will demonstrate, firstly, that cartography preceded, visually imagined, and set the stage for the coalescence of British sovereignty and the expansion of its law in the Indian subcontinent; secondly, that cartography provided the visual support for social ordering; and thirdly, that maps do not have a singular function. This paper proposes a notion of cartojuridism to capture the myriad ways in which cartography, law, sovereignty, and society intersect and relate with each other.
Mesoamerican mantic names as an etymological source of Mixtec vocabulary
Authors: Swanton Michael W.
Published: May 2024

This article examines the word histories of 12 nouns (eight zoonyms, two other lifeform names, and two toponyms) in Mixtec, a shallow or emergent language family of Mesoamerica. It argues that these nouns—now morphologically opaque—are fused compounds that arose from the Mixtec vocabulary of the mantic count of 260 days, a temporal organization that was part of the common cultural heritage of pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican peoples. With the European colonization and persecution of Mesoamerican religious practices, the use of the mantic count was abandoned. It was at this time that the compounds would have been demotivated; that is, the internal morphological structure would have become inaccessible to speakers who could no longer relate it to the mantic cycle. This then enriched the lexicon, creating etymological pairs for the same, or similar, referents. It is suggested that the survival of the eight zoonyms may have to do with their use in the context of omens.
When Suicide is not a Self-Killing: Advance Decisions and Psychological Discontinuity—Part II
Authors: Dowie Suzanne E.
Published: May 2024

Derek Parfit’s view of personal identity raises questions about whether advance decisions refusing life-saving treatment should be honored in cases where a patient loses psychological continuity; it implies that these advance decisions would not be self-determining at all. However, rather than accepting that an unknown metaphysical ‘further fact’ underpins agential unity, one can accept Parfit’s view but offer a different account of what it implies morally. Part II of this article argues that contractual obligations provide a moral basis for honoring advance decisions refusing life-saving and/or life-sustaining medical treatment; advance decisions have similarities to contracts, such as life insurance policies and will-contracts, that come into effect when the psychological discontinuity is through death.
ON THE STRUCTURE OF BOCHVAR ALGEBRAS
Authors: BONZIO STEFANO , PRA BALDI MICHELE
Published: May 2024

Bochvar algebras consist of the quasivariety

$\mathsf {BCA}$

playing the role of equivalent algebraic semantics for Bochvar (external) logic, a logical formalism introduced by Bochvar [4] in the realm of (weak) Kleene logics. In this paper, we provide an algebraic investigation of the structure of Bochvar algebras. In particular, we prove a representation theorem based on Płonka sums and investigate the lattice of subquasivarieties, showing that Bochvar (external) logic has only one proper extension (apart from classical logic), algebraized by the subquasivariety

$\mathsf {NBCA}$

of

$\mathsf {BCA}$

. Furthermore, we address the problem of (passive) structural completeness ((P)SC) for each of them, showing that

$\mathsf {NBCA}$

is SC, while

$\mathsf {BCA}$

is not even PSC. Finally, we prove that both

$\mathsf {BCA}$

and

$\mathsf {NBCA}$

enjoy the amalgamation property (AP).
Sodium overload during postnatal phases impairs diastolic function and exacerbates reperfusion arrhythmias in adult rats
Authors: Moreira Marina Conceição dos Santos , Nunes Allancer Divino de Carvalho , Lopes Paulo Ricardo , Silva Cintia do Carmo , Marques Stefanne Madalena , Marques Naves Lara , Lobo Perez Dias Matheus , Santos Fernanda Cristina Alcântara , Gomes Rodrigo Mello , Xavier Carlos Henrique , de Castro Carlos Henrique , Pedrino Gustavo Rodrigues
Published: May 2024

Sodium overload during childhood impairs baroreflex sensitivity and increases arterial blood pressure and heart rate in adulthood; these effects persist even after high-salt diet (HSD) withdrawal. However, the literature lacks details on the effects of HSD during postnatal phases on cardiac ischemia/reperfusion responses in adulthood. The current study aimed to elucidate the impact of HSD during infancy adolescence on isolated heart function and cardiac ischemia/reperfusion responses in adulthood. Male 21-day-old Wistar rats were treated for 60 days with hypertonic saline solution (NaCl; 0.3M; experimental group) or tap water (control group). Subsequently, both groups were maintained on a normal sodium diet for 30 days. Subsequently, the rats were euthanized, and their hearts were isolated and perfused according to the Langendorff technique. After 30 min of the basal period, the hearts were subjected to 20 min of anoxia, followed by 20 min of reperfusion. The basal contractile function was unaffected by HSD. However, HSD elevated the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure during reperfusion (23.1 ± 5.2 mmHg vs. 11.6 ± 1.4 mmHg; p < 0.05) and increased ectopic incidence period during reperfusion (208.8 ± 32.9s vs. 75.0 ± 7.8s; p < 0.05). In conclusion, sodium overload compromises cardiac function after reperfusion events, diminishes ventricular relaxation, and increases the severity of arrhythmias, suggesting a possible arrhythmogenic effect of HSD in the postnatal phases.
Sources, Fates, and Geochemical Cycling of Mercury in Geothermal Fields: Insights From Mercury Isotopes
Authors: Pan Fei , Huang Jen‐How , Feng Xinbin
Published: May 2024

Geothermal fields emit remarkable amounts of mercury (Hg) to the environment. To address the source, fate and geochemical cycling of Hg in geothermal fields, we investigated Hg concentrations and isotopic compositions of hot spring water and fumarole gases from Rehai and Dagejia in SW‐China. Elevated Hg concentrations in fumarole gases (10.0–167 ng m−3) and hot spring water (3.44–84.5 ng L−1) were observed, suggesting that both geothermal fields are of environmental concern. The variation in Δ199Hg (−0.06 to 0.23‰) and Δ200Hg (−0.09 to 0.19‰) in hot spring water supports Hg likely originating from endogenous volcanic degassing and/or rainwater. Negative and nearly zero Δ199Hg in fumarole gases (−0.32 to 0.03‰) supports volcanic degassing and background atmosphere origin. The ranges of δ202Hg in fumarole gases (−0.74 to 0.59‰) and hot spring water (−1.29 to 0.52‰) could reflect limited fluids boiling in geothermal fields. This study, thus, fills an important knowledge gap regarding Hg global cycling.
The Role of the Subtropical and Extratropical Southern Hemisphere Anomalous Sea Surface Temperature in the Trans‐Seasonal Influence of Southern Annular Mode on Rainfall Over Southeastern South America
Authors: Mbigi Dickson , Xiao Ziniu
Published: May 2024

The current study explores the linkage and possible mechanisms of the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) with rainfall variability over southeastern South America (SESA). The findings indicate that the preceding May SAM can modulate the subsequent rainfall over the SESA region in September‐October‐November (SON), independent of the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) signal. Further analysis suggests that the SAM‐rainfall relationship is mainly due to the response of sea surface temperature (SST) in the subtropical and extratropical Southern Hemisphere to SAM variability via air‐sea interactions. Such SST anomalies persist to the subsequent SON and stimulate an upstream wave train extending into the study region from the South Paciﬁc. Such wave patterns form a cyclone anomaly over SESA, indicating strong subsidence and reduced convection over the region. Meanwhile, the low‐level anomalous cyclone and anticyclone located over the subtropical South Atlantic (on the coast of the study region) are associated with easterly winds to the South (North) of the anomalous cyclone (anticyclone), which advect colder and drier air into the study region due to the cold SST over the subtropical South Atlantic and leading to increased moisture scarcity and decreased rainfall over SESA. Besides, model results based on the joint climate indices (i.e., SAM, ENSO and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)) revealed a satisfactory estimate of the SON rainfall compared with either single index, indicating that the SAM can be one of the precursors of the SESA rainfall, besides ENSO and IOD.
Appreciating GBC 2023 Reviewers
Authors: Santos Isaac , Matsumoto Katsumi , Chase Zanna
Published: May 2024

The Editors of the Global Biogeochemical Cycles express their appreciation to those who served as peer reviewers for the journal in 2023.
Genetic regulation of human brain proteome reveals proteins implicated in psychiatric disorders
Authors: Luo Jie , Li Ling , Niu Mingming , Kong Dehui , Jiang Yi , Poudel Suresh , Shieh Annie W. , Cheng Lijun , Giase Gina , Grennan Kay , White Kevin P. , Chen Chao , Wang Sidney H. , Pinto Dalila , Wang Yue , Liu Chunyu , Peng Junmin , Wang Xusheng
Published: May 2024

Psychiatric disorders are highly heritable yet polygenic, potentially involving hundreds of risk genes. Genome-wide association studies have identified hundreds of genomic susceptibility loci with susceptibility to psychiatric disorders; however, the contribution of these loci to the underlying psychopathology and etiology remains elusive. Here we generated deep human brain proteomics data by quantifying 11,608 proteins across 268 subjects using 11-plex tandem mass tag coupled with two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Our analysis revealed 788 cis-acting protein quantitative trait loci associated with the expression of 883 proteins at a genome-wide false discovery rate <5%. In contrast to expression at the transcript level and complex diseases that are found to be mainly influenced by noncoding variants, we found protein expression level tends to be regulated by non-synonymous variants. We also provided evidence of 76 shared regulatory signals between gene expression and protein abundance. Mediation analysis revealed that for most (88%) of the colocalized genes, the expression levels of their corresponding proteins are regulated by cis-pQTLs via gene transcription. Using summary data-based Mendelian randomization analysis, we identified 4 proteins and 19 genes that are causally associated with schizophrenia. We further integrated multiple omics data with network analysis to prioritize candidate genes for schizophrenia risk loci. Collectively, our findings underscore the potential of proteome-wide linkage analysis in gaining mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders.
Relationship between macular perfusion and lesion distribution in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Manafi Navid , Oncel Deniz , Verma Aditya , Corradetti Giulia , Kadomoto Shin , Mahmoudi Alireza , Alagorie Ahmed Roshdy , Yadav Naresh Kumar , Pappuru Rajeev R. , Tufail Adnan , Esmaeilkhanian Houri , Nittala Muneeswar G. , Raman Rajiv , Sadda Srinivas
Published: May 2024

Background/objectives

To assess the relationship between macular vessel density metrics and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) characteristics on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and lesion distribution in eyes with diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Subjects/methods

Patients with DR who underwent both Optos ultrawidefield (UWF) pseudocolor imaging and macular OCTA (Cirrus Angioplex, 6 × 6 mm) were included in this cross-sectional observational study. The distribution of DR lesions was assessed by comparing each of the peripheral ETDRS extended fields (3–7) against their corresponding ETDRS field, hence eyes were defined as either having predominantly peripheral lesions (PPL) or predominantly central lesions (PCL). En face OCTA images from the superficial and deep capillary plexuses (SCP and DCP) were then analysed using Image J software. Perfusion density (PD), vessel length density (VLD), and fractal dimensions (FD) were calculated following binarization and skeletonization of the images.

Results

Out of 344 eyes, 116 (33.72%) eyes had PPL and 228 (66.28%) eyes had PCL. For all DRSS levels, VLD, PD, and FD were not significantly different between eyes with PPL and PCL. The FAZ in eyes with PPL, however, was found to be more circular in shape compared to eyes with PCL (p = 0.037).

Conclusion

Although the presence of PPL has been associated with a higher risk for diabetic retinopathy progression, the macular perfusion is similar in eyes with PPL and PCL. The FAZ is more circular in eyes with PPL, but the clinical relevance of this difference remains to be defined.
Levitation and dynamics of bodies in supersaturated fluids
Authors: Spagnolie Saverio E. , Christianson Samuel , Grote Carsen
Published: May 2024

A body immersed in a supersaturated fluid like carbonated water can accumulate a dynamic field of bubbles upon its surface. If the body is mobile, the attached bubbles can lift it upward against gravity, but a fluid-air interface can clean the surface of these lifting agents and the body may plummet. The process then begins anew, and continues for as long as the concentration of gas in the fluid supports it. In this work, experiments using fixed and free immersed bodies reveal fundamental features of force development and gas escape. A continuum model which incorporates the dynamics of a surface buoyancy field is used to predict the ranges of body mass and size, and fluid properties, for which the system is most dynamic, and those for which body excursions are suppressed. Simulations are then used to probe systems which are dominated by a small number of large bubbles. Body rotations at the surface are critical for driving periodic vertical motions of large bodies, which in turn can produce body wobbling, rolling, and damped surface ’bouncing’ dynamics.
Nonvolatile optical phase shift in ferroelectric hafnium zirconium oxide
Authors: Taki Kazuma , Sekine Naoki , Watanabe Kouhei , Miyatake Yuto , Akazawa Tomohiro , Sakumoto Hiroya , Toprasertpong Kasidit , Takagi Shinichi , Takenaka Mitsuru
Published: May 2024

A nonvolatile optical phase shifter is a critical component for enabling the fabrication of programmable photonic integrated circuits on a Si photonics platform, facilitating communication, computing, and sensing. Although ferroelectric materials such as BaTiO3 offer nonvolatile optical phase shift capabilities, their compatibility with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor fabs is limited. Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 is an emerging ferroelectric material, which exhibits complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor compatibility. Although extensively studied for ferroelectric transistors and memories, its application to photonics remains relatively unexplored. Here, we show the optical phase shift induced by ferroelectric Hf0.5Zr0.5O2. We observed a negative change in refractive index at a 1.55 μm wavelength in a pristine device regardless of the direction of the applied electric field. The nonvolatile phase shift was only observed once in a pristine device. This non-reversible phase shift can be attributed to the spontaneous polarization within the Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 film along the external electric field.
Prediction of m6A and m5C at single-molecule resolution reveals a transcriptome-wide co-occurrence of RNA modifications
Authors: Acera Mateos P , J Sethi A , Ravindran A , Srivastava A , Woodward K , Mahmud S , Kanchi M , Guarnacci M , Xu J , W S Yuen Z , Zhou Y , Sneddon A , Hamilton W , Gao J , M Starrs L , Hayashi R , Wickramasinghe V , Zarnack K , Preiss T , Burgio G , Dehorter N , E Shirokikh N , Eyras E
Published: May 2024

The epitranscriptome embodies many new and largely unexplored functions of RNA. A significant roadblock hindering progress in epitranscriptomics is the identification of more than one modification in individual transcript molecules. We address this with CHEUI (CH3 (methylation) Estimation Using Ionic current). CHEUI predicts N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and 5-methylcytosine (m5C) in individual molecules from the same sample, the stoichiometry at transcript reference sites, and differential methylation between any two conditions. CHEUI processes observed and expected nanopore direct RNA sequencing signals to achieve high single-molecule, transcript-site, and stoichiometry accuracies in multiple tests using synthetic RNA standards and cell line data. CHEUI’s capability to identify two modification types in the same sample reveals a co-occurrence of m6A and m5C in individual mRNAs in cell line and tissue transcriptomes. CHEUI provides new avenues to discover and study the function of the epitranscriptome.
Ocean internal tides suppress tropical cyclones in the South China Sea
Authors: Guan Shoude , Jin Fei-Fei , Tian Jiwei , Lin I-I , Pun Iam-Fei , Zhao Wei , Huthnance John , Xu Zhao , Cai Wenju , Jing Zhao , Zhou Lei , Liu Ping , Zhang Yihan , Zhang Zhiwei , Zhou Chun , Yang Qingxuan , Huang Xiaodong , Hou Yijun , Song Jinbao
Published: May 2024

Tropical Cyclones (TCs) are devastating natural disasters. Analyzing four decades of global TC data, here we find that among all global TC-active basins, the South China Sea (SCS) stands out as particularly difficult ocean for TCs to intensify, despite favorable atmosphere and ocean conditions. Over the SCS, TC intensification rate and its probability for a rapid intensification (intensification by ≥ 15.4 m s−1 day−1) are only 1/2 and 1/3, respectively, of those for the rest of the world ocean. Originating from complex interplays between astronomic tides and the SCS topography, gigantic ocean internal tides interact with TC-generated oceanic near-inertial waves and induce a strong ocean cooling effect, suppressing the TC intensification. Inclusion of this interaction between internal tides and TC in operational weather prediction systems is expected to improve forecast of TC intensity in the SCS and in other regions where strong internal tides are present.
Sustainable 3D printing by reversible salting-out effects with aqueous salt solutions
Authors: Ji Donghwan , Liu Joseph , Zhao Jiayu , Li Minghao , Rho Yumi , Shin Hwansoo , Han Tae Hee , Bae Jinhye
Published: May 2024

Achieving a simple yet sustainable printing technique with minimal instruments and energy remains challenging. Here, a facile and sustainable 3D printing technique is developed by utilizing a reversible salting-out effect. The salting-out effect induced by aqueous salt solutions lowers the phase transition temperature of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) solutions to below 10 °C. It enables the spontaneous and instant formation of physical crosslinks within PNIPAM chains at room temperature, thus allowing the PNIPAM solution to solidify upon contact with a salt solution. The PNIPAM solutions are extrudable through needles and can immediately solidify by salt ions, preserving printed structures, without rheological modifiers, chemical crosslinkers, and additional post-processing steps/equipment. The reversible physical crosslinking and de-crosslinking of the polymer through the salting-out effect demonstrate the recyclability of the polymeric ink. This printing approach extends to various PNIPAM-based composite solutions incorporating functional materials or other polymers, which offers great potential for developing water-soluble disposable electronic circuits, carriers for delivering small materials, and smart actuators.