bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ameliorative Effects of Zinc Oxide, in Either Conventional or Nanoformulation, Against Bisphenol A Toxicity on Reproductive Performance, Oxidative Status, Gene Expression and Histopathology in Adult Male Rats
Authors: El-Kossi Dina M. M. H. , Ibrahim Shawky S. , Hassanin Kamel M. A. , Hamad Nashwa , Rashed Noha A. , Abdel-Wahab Ahmed
Published: September 2023

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used endocrine disruptor that represents a significant risk to male reproductive function. Zinc (Zn) is vital for appropriate development of testes and to guarantee optimal testicular function and spermatogenesis. Our goal was to investigate if zinc oxide (ZnO), either in conventional or nanoformulation, could safeguard adult male rats’ reproductive performance against the damaging effects of BPA. Signaling expression of CYP11A1 and Nrf-2 in the testis, testicular oxidant-antioxidant status, Bax/Bcl-2 apoptotic ratio, and histological examination of various reproductive organs were all evaluated. Twenty-eight adult male albino rats were divided randomly into 4 groups (7 animals each) including the control, BPA, conventional zinc oxide (cZnO) + BPA, and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) + BPA groups. The study was extended for 2 successive months. Our findings revealed strong negative effects of BPA on sperm cell characteristics such as sperm motility, viability, concentration and abnormalities. Additionally, BPA reduced serum levels of testosterone, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4). Also, it evoked marked oxidative stress in the testes; elevating malondialdehyde (MDA) and reducing total antioxidant capacity (TAC). BPA significantly downregulated testicular mRNA relative expression levels of CYP11A1 and Nrf-2, compared to control. Testicular apoptosis was also prompted by increasing Bax/ Bcl-2 ratio in testicular tissue. Histopathological findings in the testes, epididymis, prostate gland, and seminal vesicle confirmed the detrimental effects of BPA. Interestingly, cZnO and ZnO-NPs significantly alleviated all negative effects of BPA, but ZnO-NPs performed better. In conclusion, our findings point to ZnO, specifically ZnO-NPs, as a viable treatment for BPA-induced testicular dysfunction.
Examining the Motivations Underlying International Students’ Migration Behaviors: the Case of Master’s Students in Spain
Authors: Rueff-Lopes Rita , Sayeras Josep , Velasco Ferran
Published: September 2023

This study aims to examine the motivations that international graduate students have to either migrate or return home after completing their master’s degree in Spain, one of the most important and yet under-researched host countries in the international European education arena. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 63 international students graduated in a business field of a top-tier highly international private university. Through thematic analysis, we extracted 113 themes, 70 from the group that decided to migrate and 43 from the group that decided to return to their home country. These themes were classified under 13 motivation categories, 5 of them being work-related and 8 non-work-related, thus resulting in a 2 × 2 factor model. Work-related motivations to migrate included the perception of better career opportunities and the desire to work for an ideal company. Salary played a limited role. Non-work-related motivations to migrate included having a global identity, which to our knowledge has not been identified before, and not returning home for political reasons. Work-related motivations for returning included not seeing job opportunities abroad and seeing higher job opportunities in the home country. Non-work-related motivations for returning included the pandemic, personal motivations, and mobility restrictions. Results from this case study bring new insights about the phenomenological motivations of this population for deciding whether to pursue an international career or not and can therefore help professionals like policy makers and career advisors to develop and implement appropriate measures to support their decisions.
Effects of conscious connected breathing on cortical brain activity, mood and state of consciousness in healthy adults
Authors: Bahi Camile , Irrmischer Mona , Franken Katrien , Fejer George , Schlenker Anna , Deijen Jan Berend , Engelbregt Hessel
Published: September 2023

Breathwork as a means of inducing non-ordinary states of consciousness is gaining traction as a potential therapeutic modality. We examined the effects of breathwork (in the form of connected breathing) on electroencephalography (EEG) and mood in 20 healthy participants (aged between 23 and 39 years (female = 11, Mage = 29). In addition, to compare with other means of inducing non-ordinary states of consciousness, we assessed the subjective effects of breathwork using the 11 Dimension Altered State of Consciousness questionnaire. EEG spectral power analysis of eyes closed rest recordings before and after the breathwork session showed a decrease in delta (1–4 Hz) and theta (4–8 Hz) frequencies in frontotemporal and parietal regions, respectively no changes were seen in Alpha (9–12 Hz) and Beta (12–30 Hz) bands. However, after decomposing the beta waves in Beta 1 (12–15 Hz), Beta 2 (15–20 Hz), Beta 3 (20–30 Hz), decreases in power were observed across Beta1 and Beta 2 in parietotemporal regions. Notably, the spectral power in gamma increased in experienced practitioners. Scores on the Profile of Mood States questionnaire showed a reduction in negative affect (anger, tension, confusion, and depression) and an increase in esteem. Scores on the 11D-ASC scale indicated that subjective experiences during breathwork were similar to those after medium to high doses of psilocybin, suggesting the occurrence of experiences of mystical quality. Present results indicate that breathwork changes brain activity and mood, and induces mystical experiences. These results are promising and suggest that such techniques could be useful to improve mental well-being.
Influence of Sapwood/Heartwood and Drying Temperature on Off-Gassing of Scots Pine Wood Pellets
Authors: Siwale Workson , Frodeson Stefan , Finell Michael , Arshadi Mehrdad , Henriksson Gunnar , Berghel Jonas
Published: September 2023

Wood pellets produced from fresh sawdust can form and release uncontrolled gases during bulk storage, a tendency referred to as off-gassing. This study investigated the off-gassing tendencies of Scots pine wood pellets made from separated sapwood and heartwood sawdust. The effects of drying temperature, raw material storage, as well as varying proportions of sapwood and heartwood were also investigated. There was a strong linear correlation between off-gassing and sapwood content, with correlation coefficient (R) values greater than 0.9 at p < 0.001 for all the off-gases. An increase in sapwood content of the feedstock led to a significant increase in off-gassing of CO2, CO, and CH4, and O2 consumption. The drying temperature of the raw material had a significant effect on off-gassing of both sapwood (F(8, 26) = 51.32, p < 0.05) and heartwood (F(8, 26) = 334.1, p < 0.05) pellets. Increasing the drying temperature for heartwood resulted in increased off-gassing, while for sapwood, the off-gassing reduced. Storage of sapwood raw material before pelletization reduced the off-gassing of wood pellets, whereas for heartwood, it had no significant impact. Based on the results, it is suggested that a biological process, in combination with the chemical oxidation of fatty acids, lay behind the off-gassing of wood pellets.
Assessing the Evidential Value of Mental Fatigue and Exercise Research
Authors: Holgado Darías , Mesquida Cristian , Román-Caballero Rafael
Published: September 2023

It has often been reported that mental exertion, presumably leading to mental fatigue, can negatively affect exercise performance; however, recent findings have questioned the strength of the effect. To further complicate this issue, an overlooked problem might be the presence of publication bias in studies using underpowered designs, which is known to inflate false positive report probability and effect size estimates. Altogether, the presence of bias is likely to reduce the evidential value of the published literature on this topic, although it is unknown to what extent. The purpose of the current work was to assess the evidential value of studies published to date on the effect of mental exertion on exercise performance by assessing the presence of publication bias and the observed statistical power achieved by these studies. A traditional meta-analysis revealed a Cohen’s dz effect size of − 0.54, 95% CI [− 0.68, − 0.40], p < .001. However, when we applied methods for estimating and correcting for publication bias (based on funnel plot asymmetry and observed p-values), we found that the bias-corrected effect size became negligible with most of publication-bias methods and decreased to − 0.36 in the more optimistic of all the scenarios. A robust Bayesian meta-analysis found strong evidence in favor of publication bias, BFpb > 1000, and inconclusive evidence in favor of the effect, adjusted dz = 0.01, 95% CrI [− 0.46, 0.37], BF10 = 0.90. Furthermore, the median observed statistical power assuming the unadjusted meta-analytic effect size (i.e., − 0.54) as the true effect size was 39% (min = 19%, max = 96%), indicating that, on average, these studies only had a 39% chance of observing a significant result if the true effect was Cohen’s dz = − 0.54. If the more optimistic adjusted effect size (− 0.36) was assumed as the true effect, the median statistical power was just 20%. We conclude that the current literature is a useful case study for illustrating the dangers of conducting underpowered studies to detect the effect size of interest.
The Perils of Misinterpreting and Misusing “Publication Bias” in Meta-analyses: An Education Review on Funnel Plot-Based Methods
Authors: Afonso José , Ramirez-Campillo Rodrigo , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Büttner Fionn Cléirigh , Andrade Renato
Published: September 2023

Publication bias refers to a systematic deviation from the truth in the results of a meta-analysis due to the higher likelihood for published studies to be included in meta-analyses than unpublished studies. Publication bias can lead to misleading recommendations for decision and policy making. In this education review, we introduce, explain, and provide solutions to the pervasive misuses and misinterpretations of publication bias that afflict evidence syntheses in sport and exercise medicine, with a focus on the commonly used funnel-plot based methods. Publication bias is more routinely assessed by visually inspecting funnel plot asymmetry, although it has been consistently deemed unreliable, leading to the development of statistical tests to assess publication bias. However, most statistical tests of publication bias (i) cannot rule out alternative explanations for funnel plot asymmetry (e.g., between-study heterogeneity, choice of metric, chance) and (ii) are grossly underpowered, even when using an arbitrary minimum threshold of ten or more studies. We performed a cross-sectional meta-research investigation of how publication bias was assessed in systematic reviews with meta-analyses published in the top two sport and exercise medicine journals throughout 2021. This analysis highlights that publication bias is frequently misused and misinterpreted, even in top tier journals. Because of conceptual and methodological problems when assessing and interpreting publication bias, preventive strategies (e.g., pre-registration, registered reports, disclosing protocol deviations, and reporting all study findings regardless of direction or magnitude) offer the best and most efficient solution to mitigate the misuse and misinterpretation of publication bias. Because true publication bias is very difficult to determine, we recommend that future publications use the term “risk of publication bias”.
Archetypal Curves in the Shape and Size Space: Discovering the Salient Features of Curved Big Data by Representative Extremes
Authors: Epifanio Irene , Gimeno Vicent , Gual-Arnau Ximo , Ibáñez-Gual M. Victoria
Published: September 2023

Curves are complex data. Tools for visualizing, exploring, and discovering the structure of a data set of curves are valuable. In this paper, we propose a scalable methodology to solve this challenge. On the one hand, we consider two distances in the shape and size space, one well-known distance and another recently proposed, which differentiate the contribution in shape and in size of the elements considered to compute the distance. On the other hand, we use archetypoid analysis (ADA) for the first time in elastic shape analysis. ADA is a recent technique in unsupervised statistical learning, whose objective is to find a set of archetypal observations (curves in this case), in such a way that we can describe the data set as convex combinations of these archetypal curves. This makes interpretation easy, even for non-experts. Archetypal curves or pure types are extreme cases, which also facilitates human understanding. The methodology is illustrated with a simulated data set and applied to a real problem. It is important to know the distribution of foot shapes to design suitable footwear that accommodates the population. For this purpose, we apply our proposed methodology to a real data set composed of foot contours from the adult Spanish population.
LATER
Authors: Carpenter Roger H. S. , Noorani Imran
Published: September 2023

Why is deciding to do something sometimes so slow and difficult? How do we make decisions when lacking key information? When making decisions, the higher areas of the brain deliberately suppress lower areas capable of generating much faster but ill-considered responses while they develop ones that are more sophisticated, based on what can be gained in return. In this engaging book, the authors explore the increasingly popular neural model that may explain these mechanisms: the linear approach to threshold ergodic rate (LATER). Presenting a detailed description of the neurophysiological processes involved in decision-making and how these link to the LATER model, this is the first major resource covering the applications in describing human behaviour. With over 100 illustrations and a thorough discussion of the mathematics supporting the model, this is a rigorous yet accessible resource for psychologists, cognitive neuroscientists and neurophysiologists interested in decision-making.
Personalized infection prevention and control: a concept whose time has arrived
Authors: Savoldi Alessia , Mutters Nico T. , Tacconelli Evelina
Published: September 2023

Personalized medicine has been progressively implemented in several diagnostic and therapeutic patients’ algorithms, based on the common assumption that tailoring interventions, practices, and/or therapies to individual patients’ clinical, biological, epidemiological, and genetic characteristics would optimize their effectiveness and reduce adverse effects. The potential benefit of the precision medicine approach has been recently considered for possible implementation in the field of infection prevention and control. The commentary explores available evidence and assesses possible future scenarios where, through advanced modeling approaches, we would be able to provide personalized prediction algorithms identifying at-risk patients who deserve the implementation of tailored preventive measures.
Outcomes of high-dose oral beta-lactam definitive therapy compared to fluoroquinolone or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole oral therapy for bacteremia secondary to a urinary tract infection
Authors: Geyer Abigail C. , VanLangen Kali M. , Jameson Andrew P. , Dumkow Lisa E.
Published: September 2023

Objective:

Compare outcomes of patients receiving high-dose oral beta-lactam versus standard oral therapy for Enterobacterales bacteremia from a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Design:

Retrospective, multicenter, observational cohort.

Setting:

Three Michigan community teaching hospitals.

Patients:

Adult patients admitted between February 1, 2020, and October 1, 2022, with gram-negative bacteremia from a urinary source were evaluated. Patients receiving active empiric intravenous (IV) antibiotics and transitioned to appropriately dosed oral cephalexin, amoxicillin, fluoroquinolone (FQ), or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) were included. Patients receiving less than 72 hours of oral therapy, diagnosed with renal abscess, lobar nephronia, or expired during admission were excluded.

Methods:

Standard oral therapy was defined as FQ or TMP/SMX. The primary outcome compared the composite of recurrent bacteremia or mortality within 30 days of therapy between groups. Secondary outcomes compared recurrent UTI, emergency department or hospital readmission, and Clostridioides difficile within 30 days.

Results:

194 patients were included (beta-lactam, n = 75 vs standard therapy, n =119). Patients in both groups were treated for a median of 11 days, with 4 days IV and 7 days oral therapy. There was no difference in the primary outcome between groups (beta-lactam 1.3% vs standard therapy 1.7%, OR 1.27 [95% CI 0.11–14.2]). No patients experienced C. difficile in either group (p = 1.0). Infectious disease consultation was independently associated with standard therapy prescribing (OR 4.4 [95% CI 2.24–8.26]).

Conclusion:

High-dose oral beta-lactams were as safe and effective as oral FQ or TMP/SMX for the treatment of bacteremia from a urinary source. Most patients received 8–10 days of therapy in both groups.
Communication in Sudden-Onset Major Incidents: Patterns and Challenges—Scoping Review
Authors: Hansen Peter Martin , Mikkelsen Søren , Rehn Marius
Published: September 2023

Objective:

To identify and describe patterns and challenges in communication in sudden-onset major incidents.

Methods:

Systematic scoping review according to Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Data sources included Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, SweMed+, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Non-indexed literature was searched as well. The included literature went through data extraction and quality appraisal as per pre-registered protocol.

Results:

The scoping review comprised 32 papers from different sources. Communication breakdown was reported in 25 (78.1%) of the included papers. Inter-authority communication challenges were reported in 18 (56.3%) of the papers. System overload and incompatibility was described in 9 papers (28.1%). Study design was clearly described in 30 papers (93.8%).

Conclusions:

The pattern in major incident communication is reflected by frequent breakdowns with potential and actual consequences for patient survival and outcome. The challenges in communication are predominantly inter-authority communication, system overload and incompatibility, and insufficient pre-incident planning and guidelines.
RISREAC Study: Assessment of Cutaneous Radiation Injury Through Clinical Documentation
Authors: Ghaffar Aqsa , Xie Yunna , Antinozzi Peter , Ryan Wolf Julie
Published: September 2023

Objective:

Radiation dermatitis (RD) occurs in 95% of patients receiving radiation therapy (RT) for cancer treatment, affecting 800 million patients annually. We aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of developing a historical RD cohort, Radiation Induced Skin Reactions (RISREAC) cohort.

Methods:

This retrospective study evaluated RD-related clinical documentation for 245 breast cancer patients who received RT at the University of Rochester Medical Center, to understand the RD progression, scoring, and management. All statistical analyses were performed at 0.05 level of significance.

Results:

Clinician-documented RD severity was observed for 169 (69%) patients with a mean severity of 1.57 [1.46, 1.68]. The mean descriptor-based severity score of 2.31 [2.18, 2.45] moderately correlated (r = 0.532, P < 0.0001) with documented RD grade. Most patients (91.8%) received skin care treatment during RT, with 66.7% receiving more than 2 modalities.

Conclusions:

The RISREAC cohort is the first retrospective cohort established from clinical documentation of radiation-induced skin changes for the study of RD and cutaneous radiation injury (CRI). RD symptom descriptors were more reliably documented and suitable for all skin types compared to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) or Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grades. A new descriptor-based scoring tool would be useful for RD and CRI.
EXTENSIONS OF CHARACTERS IN TYPE D AND THE INDUCTIVE MCKAY CONDITION, I
Authors: SPÄTH BRITTA
Published: September 2023

This is a contribution to the study of$\mathrm {Irr}(G)$as an$\mathrm {Aut}(G)$-set forGa finite quasisimple group. Focusing on the last open case of groups of Lie type$\mathrm {D}$and$^2\mathrm {D}$, a crucial property is the so-called$A'(\infty )$condition expressing that diagonal automorphisms and graph-field automorphisms ofGhave transversal orbits in$\mathrm {Irr}(G)$. This is part of the stronger$A(\infty )$condition introduced in the context of the reduction of the McKay conjecture to a question about quasisimple groups. Our main theorem is that a minimal counterexample to condition$A(\infty )$for groups of type$\mathrm {D}$would still satisfy$A'(\infty )$. This will be used in a second paper to fully establish$A(\infty )$for any type and rank. The present paper uses Harish-Chandra induction as a parametrization tool. We give a new, more effective proof of the theorem of Geck and Lusztig ensuring that cuspidal characters of any standard Levi subgroup of$G=\mathrm {D}_{ l,\mathrm {sc}}(q)$extend to their stabilizers in the normalizer of that Levi subgroup. This allows us to control the action of automorphisms on these extensions. From there, Harish-Chandra theory leads naturally to a detailed study of associated relative Weyl groups and other extendibility problems in that context.
The Early Bronze Age Log Coffin Burials of Britain: The Origins and Development of a Burial Rite(s)
Authors: JONES ANDY M. , GRIFFITHS SEREN , BRUNNING RICHARD
Published: September 2023

This paper describes the results from a project to obtain radiocarbon determinations from Early Bronze Age log coffin burials. Log coffins have been recognised as a burial tradition since antiquarian excavations uncovered the first examples. However, comparatively few are associated with radiocarbon determinations and many old determinations are very imprecise. To address this, seven log coffin burials were identified across England, and 11 samples from these were submitted for radiocarbon dating. The dates from the project were reviewed with previously obtained reliable determinations to reconsider the origins and development of the log coffin burial by region. The resulting study indicates that the earliest log coffins were associated with Beaker burials but that regional variations involving different rites soon developed.
Neoskrjabinolepis paradoxa n. sp. from shrews on Sakhalin Island, Russia, with an amended diagnosis of Neoskrjabinolepis Spassky, 1947 (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea: Hymenolepididae), a key, and a review on geographical distribution of the species
Authors: Kornienko S. A. , Makarikova T. A. , Dokuchaev N. E.
Published: September 2023

A taxonomic review was performed on cestodes of the genus Neoskrjabinolepis Spassky, 1947 that parasitize different species of Sorex shrews in different regions of the northern Palearctic and in the Nearctic (Alaska, USA). Information on Palearctic Neoskrjabinolepis cestodes published in various articles is summarized. An overview of the geographical distribution of the Neoskrjabinolepis species is also presented. Currently, the genus includes 17 species. In the European part of the Palearctic, four species of the genus are registered; in the Asian part, 13 species; and on the American continent (Seward Peninsula, Alaska, USA), two species. Descriptions, illustrations, and differential diagnoses are given for a new species of Neoskrjabinolepis, i.e. N. paradoxa n. sp., which was found in shrews Sorex unguiculatus Dobson and S. caecutiens Laxmann on Sakhalin Island. A unique feature of the new species is irregularly alternating genital pores in the uterus series in the strobila. Amended new differential features (positioning of the uterus relative to osmoregulatory canals and alternation of genital pores) of genus diagnosis and an identification key for Neoskrjabinolepis spp. are presented.
Numerical simulations of relativistic jets
Authors: Perucho Manel , López-Miralles J.
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we review recent and ongoing work by our group on numerical simulations of relativistic jets. Relativistic outflows in astrophysics are related to dilute, high energy plasmas, with physical conditions out of the reach of current laboratory capabilities. Simulations are thus imperative for the study of these objects. We present a number of such scenarios that have been studied by our group at the Universitat de València. In particular, we have focused on the evolution of extragalactic outflows through galactic and intergalactic environments, deceleration by interaction with stars or clouds or the propagation of jets in X-ray binaries and interaction with stellar winds from massive companions. All also share their role as particle acceleration sites and production of non-thermal radiation throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. Therefore, our work is not only aimed at understanding the impact of outflows on their environments and thus their role in galaxy and cluster evolution, but also the nature and capabilities of these sites as generators of high- and very-high-energy radiation and cosmic rays.
Los sentimientos del alma: cultural dialogue and the multiple origins of Panamanian típico
Authors: Robles Samuel
Published: September 2023

In this article, I explore the processes of cultural dialogue through which European and Caribbean dances such as the waltz, the pasillo, the polka, and the danzón became tributaries of Panamanian típico. These genres, particularly the thriving danzón culture in Panama, contributed in various degrees to the shaping of típico as local performers adopted, adapted and reinterpreted rhythms and melodic material from the context of existing musical traditions. Expanding on recent research, I show how this cultural dialogue developed into a platform for innovation from which típico emerges as a distinct genre in the mid 20th century, a reinterpretation of the dance repertoire known as danzón–cumbia by composers which I collectively call the Azuero School. I examine how this repertoire and its performance practice became channels for discontinuous cultural dialogue, experimentation and reinterpretation of multiple influences in a context of political and social change in Panama.
Antony Flew on Religious Language
Authors: Law Stephen
Published: September 2023

Here's an overview of one of the more ingenious attempts to criticize religious belief. Antony Flew argues that if the religious won't allow anything to count as evidence against what they believe, then they don't actually believe anything. The religious aren't making false claims; rather, they're not making any claims at all.
“Feed” or “Unfeed”?
Authors: Salvador Ágata , Fonseca Gabriela , da Costa Leonor Pereira , Mansuklal Shivani Atul
Published: September 2023

Abstract: This study aimed to explore the moderating role of social networking sites (SNS) use in the link between identity commitment development and psychological functioning in a sample of Portuguese emerging adults. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 251 participants (71.3% women), aged 18–30 years ( M = 22.33, SD = 3.31). Self-report questionnaires were used to measure identity commitment-making (commitment-making and identification with commitment), SNS use (perception of feed refresh frequency), and psychological functioning (anxiety and depressive symptoms). Results showed that feed refresh frequency acts as a moderator with a distinct role in the associations between each identity commitment dimension and psychological functioning. Specifically, with the increased frequency of feed refresh, the relation between commitment-making and psychological symptoms becomes negative (for those who refresh feed more frequently, the presence of commitments was associated with lower levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms). On the other hand, the negative relation between identification with commitment and psychological symptoms becomes weaker with an increase in the frequency of feed refresh (for those who refresh feed more frequently, identifying with and embracing the commitments they already made was not associated with psychological symptoms). Overall, our results suggest that refreshing the SNS feed seems to boost the effect of commitment-making in psychological functioning and simultaneously hinder the effect of identification with commitment on psychological functioning. Ultimately, this study calls for further research on emerging adults’ identity development in the digital age, which can inform prevention/intervention actions for promoting youth media literacy and psychological adjustment.
Global Nuclear Explosion Discrimination Using a Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Barama Louisa , Williams Jesse , Newman Andrew V. , Peng Zhigang
Published: September 2023

Using P‐wave seismograms, we trained a seismic source classifier using a Convolutional Neural Network. We trained for three classes: earthquake P‐wave, underground nuclear explosion (UNE) P‐wave, and noise. With the current absence of nuclear testing by countries that have signed the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, high quality seismic data from UNEs is limited. Even with limited training data, our model can accurately characterize most events recorded at regional and teleseismic distances, finding over 95% signals in the validation set. We applied the model on holdout datasets of the North Korean test explosions to evaluate the performance on unique region and station‐source pairs, with promising results. Additionally, we tested on the Source Physics Experiment events to investigate the potential for chemical explosions to act as a surrogate for nuclear explosions. We anticipate that machine‐learning models like our classifier system can have broad application for other seismic signals including volcanic and non‐volcanic tremor, anomalous earthquakes, ice‐quakes or landslide‐quakes.
Complex Effects of Tides on Coastal Groundwater Revealed by High‐Resolution Integrated Flow Modeling
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Tian Yong , Yu Jiang , Lancia Michele , Chen Ji , Xiao Kai , Zheng Yi , Andrews Charles B. , Zheng Chunmiao
Published: September 2023

River deltas typically have high population density and support a wide range of intensive and prosperous socioeconomic activities. The hydrological processes in these regions are complex, primarily due to the interactions among the river, aquifer, and sea. However, a systematic and quantitative elaboration of the river‐aquifer‐sea interactions is still lacking. Here, we developed an integrated hydrological flow model for the Pearl River Delta (PRD), which contains the world's largest urban area in both size and population, to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities in the river‐aquifer‐sea interactions. The model performance was validated and cross‐checked via observations at gauging stations and independent remote‐sensing products (e.g., soil moisture, evapotranspiration, and total water storage anomalies). Based on the 10‐year simulation results (2004–2013), the major findings of this study are as follows: (a) accurate representation of the tidal effect is important not only for simulating short‐term flow dynamics but also for capturing the characteristics of long‐term hydrological fluxes and states; (b) the flow‐model‐computed average groundwater discharge rate per unit length of the coastline for the PRD is 3.01 m3/d/m, which is comparable with those derived from water budget approaches but 1–2 orders of magnitude lower than the total submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) estimated by using isotope tracer‐based methods; (c) the temporal variation of SGD is controlled by tidal forcing on an hourly time scale, but by terrestrial hydrological processes on monthly and annual time scales; and (d) an integrated hydrological flow model can be used to identify distinct and large subsurface zones sensitive to tidal fluctuations, quantifying the pivotal role of ocean tides in shaping the coastal groundwater system. This study represents a first step in using an integrated hydrological model to explore river‐aquifer‐sea interactions and their effects on the regional groundwater system simultaneously driven by meteorological and tidal forcings.
Impact of Atmospheric Rivers on Future Poleward Moisture Transport and Arctic Climate in EC‐Earth2
Authors: Kolbe M. , Sonnemans J. P. J. , Bintanja R. , van der Linden E. C. , van der Wiel K. , Whan K. , Benedict I.
Published: September 2023

Alongside mean increases in poleward moisture transport (PMT) to the Arctic, most climate models also project a linear increase in the interannual variability (IAV) with future warming. It is still uncertain to what extent atmospheric rivers (ARs) contribute to the projected IAV increase of PMT. We analyzed large‐ensemble climate simulations to (a) explore the link between PMT and ARs in the present‐day (PD) and in two warmer climates (+2 and +3°C compared to pre‐industrial global mean temperature), (b) assess the dynamic contribution to changes in future ARs, and (c) analyze the effect of ARs on Arctic climate on interannual timescales. We find that the share of AR‐related PMT (ARPMT) to PMT increases from 42% in the PD to 53% in the +3°C climate. Our results show that the mean increases in AR‐frequency and intensity are mainly caused by higher atmospheric moisture levels, while dynamic variability regulates regional ARs on an interannual basis. Notably, the amount of ARs reaching the Arctic in any given region and season strongly depends on the regional jet stream position and speed southwest of this region. This suggests that future changes in dynamics may significantly amplify or dampen the regionally consistent moisture‐induced increase in ARs in a warmer climate. Our results further support previous findings that positive ARPMT anomalies are profoundly linked to increased surface air temperature and precipitation, especially in the colder seasons, and have a predominantly negative effect on sea ice.
Stochastic Dynamics of Two‐Dimensional Particle Motion in Darcy‐Scale Heterogeneous Porous Media
Authors: Dell’Oca Aronne , Dentz Marco
Published: September 2023

We study the upscaling and prediction of ensemble dispersion in two‐dimensional heterogeneous porous media with focus on transverse dispersion. To this end, we study the stochastic dynamics of the motion of advective particles that move along the streamlines of the heterogeneous flow field. While longitudinal dispersion may evolve super‐linearly with time, transverse dispersion is characterized by ultraslow diffusion, that is, the transverse displacement variance grows asymptotically with the logarithm of time. This remarkable behavior is linked to the solenoidal character of the flow field, which needs to be accounted for in stochastic models for the two‐dimensional particle motion. Here, we derive an upscaled model based on the statistical characterization of the motion of solute particles. To this end, we analyze particle velocities and orientations through equidistant sampling along the particle trajectories obtained from direct numerical simulations. This sampling strategy respects the flow structure, which is organized on a characteristic length scale. Perturbation theory shows that the longitudinal particle motion is determined by the variability of travel times, while the transverse motion is governed by the fluctuations of the space increments. The latter turns out to be strongly anticorrelated with a correlation structure that leads to ultraslow diffusion. Based on this analysis, we derive a stochastic model that combines a correlated Gaussian noise for the transverse motion with a spatial Markov model for the particle speeds. The model results are contrasted with detailed numerical simulations in two‐dimensional heterogeneous porous media of different heterogeneity variances.
A metabolome atlas of mouse brain on the global metabolic signature dynamics following short-term fasting
Authors: Shao Yaping , Fu Zhenfa , Wang Yanfeng , Yang Zhaofei , Lin Yushan , Li Song , Cheng Cheng , Wei Min , Liu Zheyi , Xu Guowang , Le Weidong
Published: September 2023

Calorie restriction (CR) or a fasting regimen is considered one of the most potent non-pharmacological interventions to prevent chronic metabolic disorders, ameliorate autoimmune diseases, and attenuate aging. Despite efforts, the mechanisms by which CR improves health, particularly brain health, are still not fully understood. Metabolic homeostasis is vital for brain function, and a detailed metabolome atlas of the brain is essential for understanding the networks connecting different brain regions. Herein, we applied gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and lipidomics, covering 797 structurally annotated metabolites, to investigate the metabolome of seven brain regions in fasted (3, 6, 12, and 24 h) and ad libitum fed mice. Using multivariate and univariate statistical techniques, we generated a metabolome atlas of mouse brain on the global metabolic signature dynamics across multiple brain regions following short-term fasting (STF). Significant metabolic differences across brain regions along with STF-triggered region-dependent metabolic remodeling were identified. We found that STF elicited triacylglycerol degradation and lipolysis to compensate for energy demand under fasting conditions. Besides, changes in amino acid profiles were observed, which may play crucial roles in the regulation of energy metabolism, neurotransmitter signaling, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant in response to STF. Additionally, this study reported, for the first time, that STF triggers a significant elevation of N-acylethanolamines, a class of neuroprotective lipids, in the brain and liver. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular basis and mechanisms of CR and offer a comprehensive resource for further investigation.
Plastoquinone synthesis inhibition by tetrabromo biphenyldiol as a widespread algicidal mechanism of marine bacteria
Authors: Zhang Zenghu , Li Dehai , Xie Ruize , Guo Ruoyu , Nair Shailesh , Han Huan , Zhang Guojian , Zhao Qun , Zhang Lihua , Jiao Nianzhi , Zhang Yongyu
Published: September 2023

Algae and bacteria have complex and intimate interactions in the ocean. Besides mutualism, bacteria have evolved a variety of molecular-based anti-algal strategies. However, limited by the unknown mechanism of synthesis and action of these molecules, these strategies and their global prevalence remain unknown. Here we identify a novel strategy through which a marine representative of the Gammaproteobacteria produced 3,3’,5,5’-tetrabromo-2,2’-biphenyldiol (4-BP), that kills or inhibits diverse phytoplankton by inhibiting plastoquinone synthesis and its effect cascades to many other key metabolic processes of the algae. Through comparative genomic analysis between the 4-BP-producing bacterium and its algicidally inactive mutant, combined with gene function verification, we identified the gene cluster responsible for 4-BP synthesis, which contains genes encoding chorismate lyase, flavin-dependent halogenase and cytochrome P450. We demonstrated that in near in situ simulated algal blooming seawater, even low concentrations of 4-BP can cause changes in overall phytoplankton community structure with a decline in dinoflagellates and diatoms. Further analyses of the gene sequences from the Tara Oceans expeditions and 2750 whole genome sequences confirmed the ubiquitous presence of 4-BP synthetic genes in diverse bacterial members in the global ocean, suggesting that it is a bacterial tool potentially widely used in global oceans to mediate bacteria-algae antagonistic relationships.
Exposure to low-level ambient air pollution and the relationship with lung and bladder cancer in older men, in Perth, Western Australia
Authors: Lim Elizabeth H. , Franklin Peter , Trevenen Michelle L. , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark , Yeap Bu B. , Almeida Osvaldo P. , Hankey Graeme J. , Golledge Jonathan , Etherton-Beer Christopher , Flicker Leon , Robinson Suzanne , Heyworth Jane
Published: September 2023

Background

Air pollution is a cause of lung cancer and is associated with bladder cancer. However, the relationship between air pollution and these cancers in regions of low pollution is unclear. We investigated associations between fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, and black carbon (BC), and both these cancers in a low-pollution city.

Methods

A cohort of 11,679 men ≥65 years old in Perth (Western Australia) were followed from 1996–1999 until 2018. Pollutant concentrations, as a time-varying variable, were estimated at participants’ residential addresses using land use regression models. Incident lung and bladder cancer were identified through the Western Australian Cancer Registry. Risks were estimated using Cox proportional-hazard models (age as the timescale), adjusting for smoking, socioeconomic status, and co-pollutants.

Results

Lung cancer was associated with PM2.5 and BC in the adjusted single-pollutant models. A weak positive association was observed between ambient air pollution and squamous cell lung carcinoma but not lung adenocarcinoma. Positive associations were observed with bladder cancer, although these were not statistically significant. Associations were attenuated in two-pollutant models.

Conclusion

Low-level ambient air pollution is associated with lung, and possibly bladder, cancer among older men, suggesting there is no known safe level for air pollution as a carcinogen.
Intracellular BAPTA directly inhibits PFKFB3, thereby impeding mTORC1-driven Mcl-1 translation and killing MCL-1-addicted cancer cells
Authors: Sneyers Flore , Kerkhofs Martijn , Speelman-Rooms Femke , Welkenhuyzen Kirsten , La Rovere Rita , Shemy Ahmed , Voet Arnout , Eelen Guy , Dewerchin Mieke , Tait Stephen W. G. , Ghesquière Bart , Bootman Martin D. , Bultynck Geert
Published: September 2023

Intracellular Ca2+ signals control several physiological and pathophysiological processes. The main tool to chelate intracellular Ca2+ is intracellular BAPTA (BAPTAi), usually introduced into cells as a membrane-permeant acetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA-AM). Previously, we demonstrated that BAPTAi enhanced apoptosis induced by venetoclax, a BCL-2 antagonist, in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). This finding implied a novel interplay between intracellular Ca2+ signaling and anti-apoptotic BCL-2 function. Hence, we set out to identify the underlying mechanisms by which BAPTAi enhances cell death in B-cell cancers. In this study, we discovered that BAPTAi alone induced apoptosis in hematological cancer cell lines that were highly sensitive to S63845, an MCL-1 antagonist. BAPTAi provoked a rapid decline in MCL-1-protein levels by inhibiting mTORC1-driven Mcl-1 translation. These events were not a consequence of cell death, as BAX/BAK-deficient cancer cells exhibited similar downregulation of mTORC1 activity and MCL-1-protein levels. Next, we investigated how BAPTAi diminished mTORC1 activity and identified its ability to impair glycolysis by directly inhibiting 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) activity, a previously unknown effect of BAPTAi. Notably, these effects were also induced by a BAPTAi analog with low affinity for Ca2+. Consequently, our findings uncover PFKFB3 inhibition as an Ca2+-independent mechanism through which BAPTAi impairs cellular metabolism and ultimately compromises the survival of MCL-1-dependent cancer cells. These findings hold two important implications. Firstly, the direct inhibition of PFKFB3 emerges as a key regulator of mTORC1 activity and a promising target in MCL-1-dependent cancers. Secondly, cellular effects caused by BAPTAi are not necessarily related to Ca2+ signaling. Our data support the need for a reassessment of the role of Ca2+ in cellular processes when findings were based on the use of BAPTAi.
A population-based survey of FBN1 variants in Iceland reveals underdiagnosis of Marfan syndrome
Authors: Klemenzdottir Elin Ola , Arnadottir Gudny Anna , Jensson Brynjar Orn , Jonasdottir Adalbjorg , Katrinardottir Hildigunnur , Fridriksdottir Run , Jonasdottir Aslaug , Sigurdsson Asgeir , Gudjonsson Sigurjon Axel , Jonsson Jon Johannes , Stefansdottir Vigdis , Danielsen Ragnar , Palsdottir Astridur , Jonsson Hakon , Helgason Agnar , Magnusson Olafur Thor , Thorsteinsdottir Unnur , Bjornsson Hans Tomas , Stefansson Kari , Sulem Patrick
Published: September 2023

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant condition characterized by aortic aneurysm, skeletal abnormalities, and lens dislocation, and is caused by variants in the FBN1 gene. To explore causes of MFS and the prevalence of the disease in Iceland we collected information from all living individuals with a clinical diagnosis of MFS in Iceland (n = 32) and performed whole-genome sequencing of those who did not have a confirmed genetic diagnosis (27/32). Moreover, to assess a potential underdiagnosis of MFS in Iceland we attempted a genotype-based approach to identify individuals with MFS. We interrogated deCODE genetics’ database of 35,712 whole-genome sequenced individuals to search for rare sequence variants in FBN1. Overall, we identified 15 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in FBN1 in 44 individuals, only 22 of whom were previously diagnosed with MFS. The most common of these variants, NM_000138.4:c.8038 C > T p.(Arg2680Cys), is present in a multi-generational pedigree, and was found to stem from a single forefather born around 1840. The p.(Arg2680Cys) variant associates with a form of MFS that seems to have an enrichment of abdominal aortic aneurysm, suggesting that this may be a particularly common feature of p.(Arg2680Cys)-associated MFS. Based on these combined genetic and clinical data, we show that MFS prevalence in Iceland could be as high as 1/6,600 in Iceland, compared to 1/10,000 based on clinical diagnosis alone, which indicates underdiagnosis of this actionable genetic disorder.
MoCoB metallic glass microwire catalysts for highly efficient and pH-universal degradation of wastewater
Authors: Tang Meifang , Lai Limin , Su Chen , Li Chunmei , Zhang Cheng , Guo Shengfeng
Published: September 2023

One important goal of the current Fenton-like catalysts is to develop highly efficient and pH-universal catalysts that can operate with little performance degradation over multiple recycles. Herein, we report a ternary MoCoB metallic glass (MG) microwire catalyst, which shows exceptional Fenton-like activity for degrading various dyes in a wide pH range (5–10). Moreover, the MoCoB MG catalyst with an ultrahigh glass-transition temperature of 1002 K exhibits excellent reusability and can be used for more than 46 times without a decay in efficiency. It is regarded that the excellent catalytic activity and sustainability of the MoCoB MG catalyst originates from the bimetallic effect involving Mon/Mon+1 and Con+1/Con cycling, which accelerates the electronic transfer kinetics, enabling the generation of multiple reactive oxygen species (•OH and •O2-). First-Principles Calculations revealed again that MG catalysts provide a large electron base for the whole catalytic process.