bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boric acid supplementation promotes the development of in vitro-produced mouse embryos by related pluripotent and antioxidant genes
Authors: Taskin Ali Cihan , Kocabay Ahmet , Gul Seref , Sahin Gizem Nur , Karahuseyinoglu Sercin , Kavakli I. Halil , Sogut Ibrahim
Published: October 2024

Boric acid (BA) is an important mineral for plants, animals and humans that assists metabolic function and has both positive and negative effects on biological systems. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of BA added to the culture media, the quality and in vitro development potential of mouse embryos. Superovulated C57Bl6/6j female mice were sacrificed ∼18 hours after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection. Single-cell-stage embryos were collected from the oviduct, divided into experiment groups and cultured in embryo medium with supplemented BA+ in 5% CO2 at 37 °C until 96 hours at the blastocyst stage. The blastocyst development rates of 0, 1.62 × 10−1, 1.62 × 10−2, 1.62 × 10−3 and 1.62 × 10−4 µM BA were 51.52%, 73.47%, 77.36% and 81.13%, respectively. The in vitro development rates were significantly higher in the 1.62 × 10−3 (p < 0.05) and 1.62 × 10−4 µM BA groups than in the control group (p < 0.001). These results indicated that low BA doses influenced embryo development by positively affecting in vitro development rates, embryo cell numbers, biochemical parameters and development at the molecular level by pluripotent and antioxidant genes. Therefore, BA seems to play an important role on in vitro embryo development.
Heterogeneity in cognitive profiles of monolingual and bilingual Hispanic/Latino older adults in HABS-HD
Authors: Clark Alexandra L. , Reyes Anny , Breton Jordana , Petersen Melissa , O’Bryant Sid , Grasso Stephanie M. ,   for the HABS-HD Study Team
Published: October 2024

Objective:

The present study characterized heterogeneity in the cognitive profiles of monolingual and bilingual Latino older adults enrolled in the HABS-HD.

Methods:

A total of 859 cognitively unimpaired older adults completed neuropsychological testing. Raw scores for cognitive tests were converted to z-scores adjusted for age, education, sex, and language of testing. A latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted for monolingual and bilingual speaker groups. A series of 2–5 class solutions were examined, and the optimal model was selected based on fit indices, posterior probabilities, proportion of sample sizes, and pattern of scores. Identified classes were compared on sociodemographic, psychosocial, and health characteristics.

Results:

For the monolingual group (n = 365), a 3-class solution was optimal; this consisted of a Low Average Memory group with low average verbal memory performances on the SEVLT Total Learning and Delayed Recall trials, as well as an Average Cognition group and a High Average Cognition group. For the bilingual group (n = 494), a 3-class solution was observed to be optimal; this consisted of a Low Average Memory group, with low average verbal memory performances on the learning and delayed recall trials of Logical Memory; a Low Average Executive group, where performance on Trails A and B and Digit Substitution were the lowest; and a High Average Cognition group, where performance was generally in the high average range across most cognitive measures.

Conclusions:

Cognitive class solutions differed across monolingual and bilingual groups and illustrate the need to better understand cognitive variability in linguistically diverse samples of Latino older adults.
Do women state legislators and administrators make any difference in preventing natural disaster mortality? Evidence from India
Authors: Roy Chowdhury Joyita , Parida Yashobanta , Sahoo Prakash Kumar
Published: October 2024

We investigate the effect of women's political representation in the state legislative assembly and public administration on natural disaster mortality in 20 Indian states from 1981 to 2019. The paper combines two critical dimensions: political and administrative representation of women and disaster risk reduction. Results suggest that women's political representation reduces total disaster mortality after controlling socioeconomic and political covariates; however, the effects are statistically insignificant for the current and lag periods. We find that a one standard deviation increase in women's representation in public administration lowers total disaster mortality by 20.6 percentage points, which is 9.8 per cent of the sample mean. We observe the impacts of female administrative representation on gender-specific human development outcomes through reduced male and female disaster mortality, and we explain some mechanisms. Thus, women's political and administrative representation is crucial for addressing disaster mortality as it has major public health consequences.
Heterogeneous biased expectations of young and old individuals: macroeconomic effects and policy implications
Authors: Lee Jaeho
Published: October 2024

This paper examines the effects of heterogeneous biased expectations between the young and old on business cycles and explores its policy implications. Empirical findings reveal that individuals, particularly the young, can have more optimistic or pessimistic views about the future state of the economy compared to the data-generating measure. This study relates these results to the learning-from-experience literature, which suggests that individuals, particularly the young, place greater weight on recent observations when forming their expectations. Incorporating household weighting schemes into a life-cycle learning model, I show that household sensitivity to recent observations amplifies the effects of economic shocks. However, the amplification effects become less extensive as the population ages due to the lower sensitivity of the old. My simulation results indicate that a 10 percentage point increase in the old population ratio leads to a 16 percent decrease in output volatility. Regarding policy implications, this paper suggests that the government spending multiplier declines by approximately 10 percent when the old population ratio rises by 10 percentage points due to weak amplification effects. Moreover, the weakened output effects deteriorate the welfare of the population, particularly that of the young.
Cross-sectional associations between fruit and vegetable intake and successful ageing across six countries: findings from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE)
Authors: Milte Catherine M , Lamb Karen E , McNaughton Sarah A
Published: October 2024

Objective:

This study develops successful ageing profiles across six low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and examines associations with fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake.

Design:

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in mid-aged and older adults from the WHO Study of Global Ageing. Participants without chronic disease, cognitive impairment, depression or disability and with good physical, cardiovascular and respiratory function were considered to have successfully aged. Associations between F&V intake (serves/d) and successful ageing were examined using log-binomial regression adjusting for key confounders.

Setting:

China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa.

Participants:

A total of 28 785 men and women aged 50 years and over.

Results:

Successful ageing ranged from 4 % in Mexico to 15 % in China. After adjustment, only Ghana showed an association between fruit intake and successful ageing, with an inverse association identified (prevalence ratio (PR) = 0·87, 95 % CI 0·78, 0·98). An inverse association between vegetable intake and successful ageing was found in China (0·97, 0·95, 0·98) but no other country. An inverse association was shown for both China (0·98, 0·96, 0·99) and Ghana (0·92, 0·84, 1·00) when considering fruit and vegetables combined.

Conclusions:

Associations between F&V intake and successful ageing are inconsistent. Further studies on LMIC countries are needed to meet the challenges of the ageing population.
Wireless image transfer by various antennas using transmitter and receiver modules at 5.8 GHz
Authors: Rai Gobind , Sehgal Puneet , Patel Kamlesh
Published: October 2024

This research proposes an inexpensive technique for wireless image transfer for security and surveillance applications. The technique uses a 5.8 GHz transmitter and receiver module, along with external antennas in the real-time image transfer within a radius of 100 m. The transferred images are stored in a laptop using a Python code-based graphical user interface application. Different antennas, dipole, circular split-ring resonators, hexagonal split-ring resonators, and metamaterial antennas are utilized for comparison. The Blind/Referenceless Image Spatial Quality Evaluator method is used to assess the picture quality of transferred images to quantify image transfer performance when no ground truth or reference photos are supplied. According to the presented results, images transferred using metamaterial antennas have higher quality than those transferred with other types of antennas. For security considerations, such a system can communicate and store the images in real time.
Global patterns and trends of suicide mortality and years of life lost among adolescents and young adults from 1990 to 2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Authors: Yan Na , Luo Yunjiao , Mackay Louisa Esi , Wang Yuhao , Wang Yingxue , Wang Yihan , Shiferaw Blen Dereje , Wang Jingjing , Tang Jie , Yan Wenjun , Wang Qingzhi , Gao Xiuyin , Wang Wei
Published: October 2024

Aims

We aimed to report an overview of trends in suicide mortality and years of life lost (YLLs) among adolescents and young adults aged 10–24 years by sex, age group, Socio-demographic Index (SDI), region and country from 1990 to 2021 as well as the suicide mortality with age, period and birth cohort effects.

Methods

Estimates and 95% uncertainty intervals for suicide mortality and YLLs were extracted from the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2021. Joinpoint analysis was used to calculate the annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) to describe the mortality and rate of YLLs trends. Age, period and cohort model was utilized to disentangle age, period and birth cohort effects on suicide mortality trends.

Results

Globally, suicide mortality and the rate of YLLs among adolescents and young adults both declined from 1990 to 2021 (AAPC: −1.6 [−2.1 to −1.2]). In 2021, the global number of suicide death cases was 112.9 thousand [103.9–122.2 thousand] and led to 7.9 million [7.2–8.6 million] YLLs. A significant reduction in suicide mortality was observed in all sexes and age groups. By SDI quintiles, the high SDI region (AAPC: −0.3 [−0.6 to 0.0]) had the slowest decline trend, and low-middle SDI region remained the highest suicide mortality till 2021 (7.8 per 100,000 population [6.9–8.6]). Most SDI regions showed generally lower period and cohort effects during the study period, whereas high SDI region showed more unfavourable risks, especially period and cohort effects in females. Regionally, Central Latin America (AAPC: 1.7 [1.1–2.3]), Tropical Latin America (AAPC: 1.5 [0.9–2.0]), High-income Asia Pacific (AAPC: 1.2 [0.7–1.7]) and Southern sub-Saharan Africa (AAPC: 0.8 [0.4–1.2]) had the significance increase in suicide mortality. In 2021, Southern sub-Saharan Africa had the highest mortality (10.5 per 100,000 population [8.6–12.5]). Nationally, a total of 29 countries had a significant upward trend in suicide mortality and rate of YLLs over the past three decades, and certain countries in low-middle and middle regions exhibited an extremely higher burden of suicide.

Conclusions

Global suicide mortality and the rate of YLLs among adolescents and young adults both declined from 1990 to 2021, but obvious variability was observed across regions and countries. Earlier mental health education and targeted management are urgently required for adolescents and young adults in certain areas.
Hope-Bearing Legislation? The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015
Authors: Stokes Elen , Smyth Caer
Published: October 2024

The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 is a landmark piece of sustainable development legislation and marks a significant development in the emerging legal identity of Wales. Despite the Act's significance and ambition, it has been criticized as merely ‘aspirational’ – as ‘non-law-bearing’ and unenforceable by legal means. The Act is not without difficulties. However, it also has notable legal and other qualities that are often not captured within the standard justiciability-enforceability frame of analysis. Our aim here is to broaden the context for examining the Act and other ‘aspirational’ legislation like it. To that end, we identify three sets of questions that help to bring out different ideas around the Act's varied enforceability, its possible constitutional status, and its potential role as a bearer of hope.
Transnational Governance of Soybean Land Use in South America: A Polycentric Approach
Authors: Min Zhang , Romero Wimer Fernando
Published: October 2024

The expansion of soybean cultivation in South America has created substantial economic prosperity but has also raised a series of unsustainable land-use issues. Considering the telecoupling system (a system of socio-ecological interactions between distant places) between South America and its soybean trade partners, transnational governance could play an important role in addressing these issues. To achieve effective governance of this specific telecoupling system, this study applies a polycentric approach to improve the existing transnational governance and identify more suitable governance arrangements. This study first explores the telecoupling system and the existing transnational governance system of soybean land use in South America. It then compares the existing governance system with the polycentric approach to examine the gaps between them. Based on these analyses, suggestions for improving the governance system are provided, including increasing the involvement of major governance centres, improving public-private partnerships, and establishing a knowledge-sharing platform.
Investigation of Thermospheric Response to Geomagnetic Storms Using GITM‐OVATION Prime and ‐FTA Model With Comparison to GOLD and SABER Observations
Authors: Chand Atishnal Elvin , Bowden George , Brown Melrose
Published: October 2024

Global Ionosphere Thermosphere Model (GITM) results have been compared with measurements from Global‐scale observations of the limb and disk (GOLD) and Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER). For the first time, GOLD‐derived exospheric temperature and column‐integrated ratio measurements have been used to validate GITM model results. We examine two geomagnetic storm events for which we drive GITM with space weather conditions to understand how well the model reproduces the thermospheric responses to geomagnetic activity. In this paper, a recently developed auroral model, the Feature Tracking of Aurora (FTA) model, has been employed to calculate auroral electron precipitation in GITM (GITM w/FTA), and results are compared with the OVATION prime (OP) driven GITM model (GITM w/OP). GITM w/FTA simulated temperature, neutral density, and nitric oxide (NO) density are generally higher compared to the GITM w/OP model. During the geomagnetic storm, the GITM model and GOLD‐derived exospheric temperature agree between and N latitude in the equatorial region. GOLD measurements show strong peaks on either side of the equator during the geomagnetic storm period, which is also observed in our model results. The NO cooling peaks estimated by GITM models are 20 km lower than SABER observations during geomagnetic storms. GITM w/FTA better matches SABER observations than GITM w/OP except at low latitudes during storm time. Our model‐model/data comparisons show that improved auroral models are needed to better capture the thermospheric variations during geomagnetic storms.
Mechanisms of Reappeared Period Shifts of Internal Solitary Waves Based on Mooring Array Observations in the Northern South China Sea
Authors: Xie L. , Chen L. , Zheng Q. , Wang G. , Yu J. , Xiong X. , Jiang W. , Zhang P. , Zhang Z.
Published: October 2024

Mooring observations have revealed that the daily reappeared time (DRt) of internal solitary waves (ISWs) in the northern South China Sea (SCS) manifests systematic shifts. This study aims to reveal the dynamic mechanisms behind this phenomenon using the theory of modulation of shear flow to the internal tide wave (IT) propagation. Approximate solutions for the frequency modulation function (FMF) and the amplitude modulation function (AMF) of ITs are derived and validated by the mooring array measurements on the northern SCS continental shelf in 2019 and 2020. Namely, the mechanisms of the ISW reappeared period shift (RPS derived from DRt) and amplitude variation are attributed to the modulation of low‐frequency flow with a period of about 7 days to ITs. The FMF is induced by the vorticity of the low‐frequency flow (FS1) and the Doppler shift (FS2). Thus, the sign of the FMF value may be positive (blue shift) and negative (red shift), depending on the algebraic summation of the two terms. The FS2 derived from mooring observed velocities confirms the modulation effects of mean current on the frequency shift and the amplitude variation of ITs and ISWs.
Age of Stratospheric Air: Progress on Processes, Observations, and Long‐Term Trends
Authors: Garny H. , Ploeger F. , Abalos M. , Bönisch H. , Castillo A. E. , von Clarmann T. , Diallo M. , Engel A. , Laube J. C. , Linz M. , Neu J. L. , Podglajen A. , Ray E. , Rivoire L. , Saunders L. N. , Stiller G. , Voet F. , Wagenhäuser T. , Walker K. A.
Published: October 2024

Age of stratospheric air is a well established metric for the stratospheric transport circulation. Rooted in a robust theoretical framework, this approach offers the benefit of being deducible from observations of trace gases. Given potential climate‐induced changes, observational constraints on stratospheric circulation are crucial. In the past two decades, scientific progress has been made in three main areas: (a) Enhanced process understanding and the development of process diagnostics led to better quantification of individual transport processes from observations and to a better understanding of model deficits. (b) The global age of air climatology is now well constrained by observations thanks to improved quality and quantity of data, including global satellite data, and through improved and consistent age calculation methods. (c) It is well established and understood that global models predict a decrease in age, that is, an accelerating stratospheric circulation, in response to forcing by greenhouse gases and ozone depleting substances. Observational records now confirm long‐term forced trends in mean age in the lower stratosphere. However, in the mid‐stratosphere, uncertainties in observational records are too large to confirm or disprove the model predictions. Continuous monitoring of stratospheric trace gases and further improved methods to derive age from those tracers will be crucial to better constrain variability and long‐term trends from observations. Future work on mean age as a metric for stratospheric transport will be important due to its potential to enhance the understanding of stratospheric composition changes, address climate model biases, and assess the impacts of proposed climate geoengineering methods.
Effective Bulk Rheology of a Two‐Phase Subduction Shear Zone: Insights From Micromechanics‐Based Modeling and Implications for Subduction Interface Slow Slip Events
Authors: Lu Lucy Xi , Beall Adam , Fagereng Åke
Published: October 2024

Subduction interfaces exhibit various slip styles, including slow slip events (SSEs). We use a micromechanics‐based approach to calculate the effective rheology of a shear zone containing ellipsoidal amphibolite clasts deforming by dislocation creep within an interconnected linear‐viscous phyllosilicate‐dominated matrix. Frictional failure occurs if local stress exceeds Mohr‐Coulomb yield strength. At moderate fluid overpressure, mixed‐frictional‐viscous behavior emerges at 350–560C, consistent with a broad zone of mixed fault slip behavior without requiring extreme fluid overpressures. Increasing stress in this transition zone promotes local frictional failure and raises bulk strain rate. If, however, the bulk strain rate increases by more than one order of magnitude, system‐wide frictional sliding becomes preferable. This strain rate increase is insufficient to explain the slip rates observed in geophysically detectable SSEs. Therefore, viscous matrix flow as modeled here cannot explain SSEs without either invoking dynamic weakening within a frictional‐viscous flow or a mechanism switch to dominantly frictional sliding.
Ionospheric and Thermospheric Effects of Hurricane Grace in 2021 Observed by Satellites
Authors: Gann Ayden L. S. , Yiğit Erdal
Published: October 2024

Effects of Hurricane Grace in August 2021 are studied in the thermosphere and ionosphere, using data from the COSMIC‐2, ICON, and GOLD satellites. Significant impacts on electron density, thermospheric winds, and temperature are observed after the onset of the hurricane, compared to the pre‐hurricane phase. Comparison of the observations during the hurricane with the ones during a non‐hurricane year clearly provides further evidence for substantial hurricane‐induced thermospheric and ionospheric changes. We reveal an enhancement in electron density during the hurricane's rapid intensification and pronounced changes in thermospheric winds. Additionally, the low‐latitude thermosphere exhibits considerable warming of up to 70 K around 150 km during this period. These changes highlight the long‐range vertical coupling mechanisms between hurricanes and the upper atmosphere, and provide valuable insights into the profound influence of meteorological events on upper atmospheric dynamics, emphasizing the need for further exploration.
Seasonal Variability in Baffin Bay
Authors: Shan Xuan , Spall Michael A. , Pennelly Clark , Myers Paul G.
Published: October 2024

Three dominant characteristics and underlying dynamics of the seasonal cycle in Baffin Bay are discussed. The study is based on a regional, high‐resolution coupled sea ice‐ocean numerical model that complements our understanding drawn from observations. Subject to forcing from the atmosphere, sea ice, Greenland, and other ocean basins, the ocean circulation exhibits complex seasonal variations that influence Arctic freshwater storage and export. The basin‐scale barotropic circulation is generally stronger (weaker) in summer (winter). The interior recirculation (∼2 Sv) is primarily driven by oscillating along‐topography surface stress. The volume transport along the Baffin Island coast is also influenced by Arctic inflows (∼0.6 Sv) via Smith Sound and Lancaster Sound with maximum (minimum) in June‐August (October‐December). In addition to the barotropic variation, the Baffin Island Current also has changing vertical structure with the upper‐ocean baroclinicity weakened in winter‐spring. It is due to a cross‐shelf circulation associated with spatially variable ice‐ocean stresses that flattens isopycnals. Greenland runoff and sea ice processes dominate buoyancy forcing to Baffin Bay. Opposite to the runoff that freshens the west Greenland shelf, stronger salinification by ice formation compared to freshening by ice melt enables a net densification in the interior of Baffin Bay. Net sea ice formation in the past 30 years contributes to ∼25% of sea ice export via Davis Strait. The seasonal variability in baroclinicity and water mass transformation changes in recent decades based on the simulation.
Unraveling Urban NOx Emission Sources in Polluted Arctic Wintertime Using NO2 Nitrogen Isotopes
Authors: Albertin Sarah , Bekki Slimane , Savarino Joël , Brett Natalie , Law Kathy S. , Cesler‐Maloney Meeta , Flynn James H. , Guo Fangzhou , Barret Brice , Caillon Nicolas , D’Anna Barbara , Dieudonné Elsa , Lamothe Alexis , Richard Soline , Temime‐Roussel Brice , Alexander Becky , Arnold Steve R. , Decesari Stefano , Fochesatto Gilberto J. , Mao Jingqiu , Simpson William
Published: October 2024

Nitrogen (N) isotopic fractionation during nitrogen oxides (NOx) cycling and conversion into atmospheric nitrate alters the original N isotopic composition (δ15N) of NOx emissions. Limited quantification of these isotopic effects in urban settings hampers the δ15N‐based identification and apportionment of NOx sources. δ15N of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) measured during winter in downtown Fairbanks, Alaska, displayed a large temporal variability, from −10.2 to 24.1‰. δ15N(NO2) records are found to be driven by equilibrium isotopic fractionation, at a rate in very close agreement with theoretical predictions. This result confirms that N isotopic partitioning between NO and NO2 can be accurately predicted over a wide range of conditions. This represents an important step for inferring NOx emission sources from isotopic composition measurement of reactive nitrogen species. After correcting our δ15N(NO2) measurements for N fractionation effects, a δ15N‐based source apportionment analysis identifies vehicle and space heating oil emissions as the dominant sources of breathing‐level NOx at this urban site. Despite their large NOx emissions, coal‐fired power plants with elevated chimney stacks (>26 m) appear to make a small contribution to surface NOx levels in downtown Fairbanks (likely less than 18% on average). The combined uncertainties of the δ15N of NOx from heating oil combustion and of the influence of low temperatures on the δ15N of NOx emitted by vehicle exhaust prevent a more detailed partitioning of surface NOx sources in Fairbanks.
Using Geostationary Satellite Observations and Machine Learning Models to Estimate Ecosystem Carbon Uptake and Respiration at Half Hourly Time Steps at Eddy Covariance Sites
Authors: Ranjbar Sadegh , Losos Daniele , Hoffman Sophie , Cuntz Matthias , Stoy Paul C.
Published: October 2024

Polar‐orbiting satellites have significantly improved our understanding of the terrestrial carbon cycle, yet they are not designed to observe sub‐daily dynamics that can provide unique insight into carbon cycle processes. Geostationary satellites offer remote sensing capabilities at temporal resolutions of 5‐min, or even less. This study explores the use of geostationary satellite data acquired by the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite—R Series (GOES‐R) to estimate terrestrial gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (RECO) using machine learning. We collected and processed data from 126 AmeriFlux eddy covariance towers in the Contiguous United States synchronized with imagery from the GOES‐R Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) from 2017 to 2022 to develop ML models and assess their performance. Tree‐based ensemble regressions showed promising performance for predicting GPP (R2 of 0.70 ± 0.11 and RMSE of 4.04 ± 1.65 μmol m−2 s−1) and RECO (R2 of 0.77 ± 0.10 and RMSE of 0.90 ± 0.49 μmol m−2 s−1) on a half‐hourly time step using GOES‐R surface products and top‐of‐atmosphere observations. Our findings align with global efforts to utilize geostationary satellites to improve carbon flux estimation and provide insight into how to estimate terrestrial carbon dioxide fluxes in near‐real time.
Structural Uncertainty in the Sensitivity of Urban Temperatures to Anthropogenic Heat Flux
Authors: Li Dan , Sun Ting , Yang Jiachuan , Zhang Ning , Vahmani Pouya , Jones Andrew
Published: October 2024

One key source of uncertainty for weather and climate models is structural uncertainty arising from the fact that these models must simplify or approximate complex physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur in the real world. However, structural uncertainty is rarely examined in the context of simulated effects of anthropogenic heat flux in cities. Using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with a single‐layer urban canopy model, it is found that the sensitivity of urban canopy air temperature to anthropogenic heat flux can differ by an order of magnitude depending on how anthropogenic heat flux is released to the urban environment. Moreover, varying model structures through changing the treatment of roof‐air interaction and the parameterization of convective heat transfer between the canopy air and the atmosphere can affect the sensitivity of urban canopy air temperature by a factor of 4. Urban surface temperature and 2‐m air temperature are less sensitive to the methods of anthropogenic heat flux release and the examined model structural variants than urban canopy air temperature, but their sensitivities to anthropogenic heat flux can still vary by as much as a factor of 4 for surface temperature and 2 for 2‐m air temperature. Our study recommends using temperature sensitivity instead of temperature response to understand how various physical processes (and their representations in numerical models) modulate the simulated effects of anthropogenic heat flux.
Constructing Long‐Term Hydrographs for River Climate‐Resilience: A Novel Approach for Studying Centennial to Millennial River Behavior
Authors: Fathi Mohamed M. , Smith Virginia , Awadallah Ayman G. , Fernandes Anjali M. , Hren Michael T. , Terry Dennis O.
Published: October 2024

Studying the centennial or millennial timescale response of large rivers to changing patterns in precipitation, discharge, flood intensity and recurrence, and associated sediment erosion is critical for understanding long‐term fluvial geomorphic adjustment to climate. Long hydrographs, maintaining reliable Flow Duration Curves (FDCs), are a fundamental input for such simulations; however, recorded discharge series rarely span more than a few decades. The absence of robust methodologies for generating representative long‐term hydrographs, especially those incorporating coarse temporal resolution or lacking continuous simulations, is therefore a fundamental challenge for climate resilience. We present a novel approach for constructing multi‐century hydrographs that successfully conserve the statistical, especially frequency analysis, and stochastic characteristics of observed hydrographs. This approach integrates a powerful combination of a weather generator with a fine disaggregation technique and a continuous rainfall‐runoff transformation model. We tested our approach to generate a statistically representative 300‐year hydrograph on the Ninnescah River Basin in Kansas, using a satellite precipitation data set to address the considerable gaps in the available hourly observed data sets. This approach emphasizes the similarities of FDCs between the observed and generated hydrographs, exhibiting a reasonably acceptable range of average absolute deviation between 6% and 18%. We extended this methodology to create projected high‐resolution hydrographs based on a range of climate change scenarios. The projected outcomes present pronounced increases in the FDCs compared to the current condition, especially for more distant futures, which necessitates more efficient adaptation strategies. This approach represents a paradigm shift in long‐term hydrologic modeling.
Upregulation of cholinergic modulators Lypd6 and Lypd6b associated with autism drives anxiety and cognitive decline
Authors: Isaev Aizek B. , Bychkov Maxim L. , Kulbatskii Dmitrii S. , Andreev-Andrievskiy Alexander A. , Mashkin Mikhail A. , Shulepko Mikhail A. , Shlepova Olga V. , Loktyushov Eugene V. , Latanov Alexander V. , Kirpichnikov Mikhail P. , Lyukmanova Ekaterina N.
Published: October 2024

Intellectual disability and autistic features are associated with chromosome region 2q23.q23.2 duplication carrying LYPD6 and LYPD6B genes. Here, we analyzed LYPD6 and LYPD6B expression in patients with different neuropsychiatric disorders. Increased LYPD6 and LYPD6B expression was revealed in autism and other disorders. To study possible consequences of Lypd6 and Lypd6b overexpression in the brain, we used a mouse model with intracerebroventricular delivery of recombinant analogs of these proteins. A two-week infusion evoked significant memory impairment and acute stress. Both modulators downregulated hippocampal and amygdala dendritic spine density. No changes in synaptic plasticity were observed. Intracerebroventricular administration by both proteins downregulated hippocampal expression of Lypd6, Lypd6b, and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Similar to Lypd6, Lypd6b targeted different nAChR subtypes in the brain with preferential inhibition of α7- and α4β2-nAChRs. Thus, increased Lypd6 and Lypd6b level in the brain are linked to cholinergic system depression, neuronal atrophy, memory decline, and anxiety.
Sleep restriction exacerbates cardiac dysfunction in diabetic mice by causing cardiomyocyte death and fibrosis through mitochondrial damage
Authors: Zhang Jingyi , Zhao Xu , Tang Jing , Liu Ce , Zhang Yining , Cai Cheng , Du Qingfeng
Published: October 2024

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a cardiovascular complication of diabetes mellitus with a poor prognosis and is the leading cause of death in diabetic patients. Sleep deficiency is not only recognized as an important risk factor for the development of type 2 DM, but is also associated with increased morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular disease. The underlying role and mechanisms of sleep restriction (SR) in DCM are far from clear. The KK/Upj-Ay mouse model of T2 DM was used as a study subject, and the small animal ultrasound imaging system was used to detect the function of the heart; immunopathological staining was used to clarify the histo-structural pathological alterations of the heart; and TUNEL staining, qPCR, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ELISA kits were used to detect apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial damage, and related molecular alterations. SR led to a significant increase in mortality, cardiac hypertrophy, necrosis, glycogen deposition and fibrosis further deteriorated in DM KK mice. SR increased cardiomyocyte death in KK mice through the Bax/Bcl2 pathway. In addition to this, SR not only exacerbated the inflammatory response, but also aggravated mitochondrial damage and promoted oxidative stress in KK mice through the PRDM16-PGC-1α pathway. Overall, SR exacerbates structural alterations and dysfunction through inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in DM KK mice, increasing the risk of death. Clinicians and diabetic patients are prompted to pay attention to sleep habits to avoid accelerating the transition of DCM to heart failure and inducing death due to poor sleep habits.
Stoichiometric effect on the defect states and optical properties of LiInSe2 single crystals
Authors: Zheng Zhi , Yu Hui , Zhu Menghua , Zhang Zheren , Gao Zhihui , Xu Meng , Zhang Rui , Xu Yadong
Published: October 2024

LiInSe2 crystals are promising semiconductor materials for neutron detectors due to the large neutron capture cross-sectional area of the specific isotopes (6Li) and high charge transport properties. However, the optoelectronic performance fails to reach the expected level due to the difficulty of controlling the crystal defects. Herein, we modulate the stoichiometric ratio to control the type of defects in single LiInSe2 crystals grown by the vertical Bridgman method. The UV‒vis–NIR transmission results indicate that the band gap of the yellow colored Li1.01In1Se2 sample is close to ~ 2.83 eV at room temperature, and this value is consistent with the theoretical band gap of LiInSe2 (~ 2.86 eV). Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy was used to analyze the defect concentration. The results indicate that the defect types in the yellow Li1.01In1Se2 single crystal are VSe+ and LiIn2−; these result from the introduction of excess Li and the suppression of the adverse defects in InLi2+ and VLi−. These results demonstrate a feasible route for obtaining high-quality yellow 6LiInSe2 crystals and promote the application of 6LiInSe2 neutron detectors.
Capturing fine-scale coral dynamics with a metacommunity modelling framework
Authors: Cresswell Anna K. , Haller-Bull Vanessa , Gonzalez-Rivero Manuel , Gilmour James P. , Bozec Yves-Marie , Barneche Diego R. , Robson Barbara , Anthony Kenneth R. N. , Doropoulos Christopher , Roelfsema Chris , Lyons Mitchell , Mumby Peter J. , Condie Scott , Lago Veronique , Ortiz Juan-Carlos
Published: October 2024

Natural systems exhibit high spatial variability across multiple scales. Models that can capture ecosystem dynamics across space and time by explicitly incorporating major biological mechanisms are crucial, both for management and for ecological insight. In the case of coral reef systems, much focus has been on modelling variability between reefs, despite substantial variability also existing within reefs. We developed C~scape, a coral metacommunity modelling framework that integrates the demography of corals with population-level responses to physical and environmental spatial layers, to facilitate spatiotemporal predictions of coral dynamics across reefs at fine (100s of metres to kilometres) scales. We used satellite-derived habitat maps to modulate community growth spatially, as a proxy for the many interacting physical and environmental factors—e.g., depth, light, wave exposure, temperature, and substrate type—that drive within-reef variability in coral demography. With a case study from the Great Barrier Reef, we demonstrate the model’s capability for producing hindcasts of coral cover dynamics and show that overlooking within-reef variability may lead to misleading conclusions about metacommunity dynamics. C~scape provides a valuable framework for exploring a range of management and restoration scenarios at relevant spatial scales.
The emission and physicochemical properties of airborne microplastics and nanoplastics generated during the mechanical recycling of plastic via shredding
Authors: Swinnerton S. , Su J. , Tsai Candace S. J.
Published: October 2024

This study examined the emission and physicochemical properties of microplastics and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) generated during shredding, which is regularly used in mechanical recycling. Waste and new polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and high-density polyethylene were investigated herein for a total of six categories. The concentration and size distribution of particles were measured using two spectrometer instruments, and morphology and elemental composition of emitted particles were analyzed with microscopy and spectroscopy. This study found that number concentrations in both submicron and micron sizes of respirable particles were 3–2910× higher during periods of shredding than pre-shredding background concentrations. Maximum concentrations of particles within 10–420 nm, across all six categories, ranged from 22,000- to 1,300,000-particles/cm3 during shredding, compared to average background levels of 700 particles/cm3. Maximum concentrations of particles within 0.3 to 10 μm, across all six categories, ranged from 24- to 2000-particles/cm3 during shredding, compared to average background levels of 2 particles/cm3. Waste plastics consistently generated higher emissions than their new counterparts, which is attributed to the labels, adhesives, and increased additives incorporated into the waste plastic. Morphology varied drastically between particles and an elemental composition analysis found that the samples consisted primarily of C and O, representing the polymer material, as well as Na, Mg, Al, Si, Cu, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Fe, Rb, and Br representing additives, label, and other contaminates. The shredding of plastic has the potential to expose workers to elevated concentrations of airborne MPs/NPs, especially those between 10 and 100 nm.
Phylogeny and systematics of the colubrid snake genera Liopeltis and Gongylosoma (Squamata: Colubridae) and description of a new Himalayan endemic genus and species
Authors: Mirza Zeeshan A. , Bhardwaj Virender K. , Pal Saunak , Lalremsanga H. T. , Vogel Gernot , Campbell Patrick D. , Patel Harshil
Published: October 2024

The colubrid snakes of the genera Gongylosoma Fitzinger, 1843 and Liopeltis Fitzinger, 1843 are distributed across south and southeast Asia with five and eight nominate species, respectively. Despite their wide distribution, members of these genera are among some of the least-known colubrids. The two genera were considered synonymous in the past only to be separated later, and are defined on rather nebulose characters with a lack of support from molecular data. To test the monophyly of the two genera, we generated molecular data for the type species of Gongylosoma and species representing the two genera, including samples of Liopeltis rappii (Günther, 1860) from the western Himalayas. Results recovered paraphyly of Liopeltis, especially with regard to the genus Gongylosoma. Morphological data supports recognizing the western and eastern populations of L. rappii as two distinct species. The findings from our integrative taxonomic approach advocate establishing a new genus to embody Liopeltis rappii and a new allied species from the central and western Himalayas. A rediagnosis and revised classification of the genera Gongylosoma and Liopeltis is presented. The results further hint at cryptic diversity across members of the two genera, warranting scrutiny of the most widespread members of the group.
Immunogenicity of Comirnaty Omicron XBB.1.5 booster COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in long-term survivors after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Einarsdottir Sigrun , Al-Dury Samer , Fridriksson Ellen , Andius Linn Dahlsten , Wang Hao , Sharba Sinan , Mountagui Amin , Waern Johan , Ringlander Johan , Martner Anna , Hellstrand Kristoffer , Waldenström Jesper , Lagging Martin
Published: October 2024

Primary mRNA vaccination against COVID-19 typically involves three doses for immunocompromised individuals, including hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) recipients. However, optimal subsequent boosting strategies remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the immunogenicity of a booster dose using the most recently updated vaccine (Comirnaty Omicron XBB.1.5) among long-term allo-HSCT survivors having previously received multiple mRNA vaccine doses, in median 4 (2–6). Thirty-four allo-HSCT recipients were enrolled at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, and peripheral blood samples were collected immediately before and four weeks after booster. Antibodies against the receptor-binding domain (anti-RBD) of spike 1 (S1) and nucleocapsid, as well as S1-specific ex vivo T-cell responses, were evaluated. Adverse events were monitored. Despite a median of 13 months since the prior vaccine dose, both humoral and T-cell responses against S1 were present in the pre-booster samples in all but two participants, who suffered from severe chronic Graft-versus-host disease. Notably, 62% of participants had a previously confirmed COVID-19 infection. Significantly higher pre-booster antibody levels were observed in women than men (p = 0.003). Booster dosing strengthened specific antibody and T cell responses and equalized pre-booster gender differences, although responses remained significantly lower among those receiving immunosuppressive treatment (p = 0.041). In a population of long-term allo-HSCT survivors, the majority of whom had a prior confirmed COVID-19 infection, both pre- and post-booster immune responses were robust. However, patients undergoing immunosuppressive treatment for GvHD exhibited significantly weaker responses.
Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to paclitaxel efficacy in triple negative breast cancer treatment
Authors: Balahura Stămat Liliana-Roxana , Dinescu Sorina
Published: October 2024

Chronic inflammation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation are among the determining factors of breast malignancies. Paclitaxel (PTX) is a drug used in breast cancer treatment which sustains prolonged inflammation, reducing the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Considering the impact of inflammatory processes in cancer progression, there is a strong concern to develop therapeutic strategy targeting NLRP3 inflammasome for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of PTX and NLRP3 inflammasome modulation to counterbalance TNBC by inducing programmed cell death and inhibiting the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The obtained results suggested the strong interaction between NLRP3 inflammasome and TNBC and revealed that pharmacological inhibition, using NLRP3-specific inhibitor MCC950, and genetic silencing of NLRP3 inflammasome using specific small interfering RNA, reduced inflammatory responses and facilitated PTX-determined tumor cell death. Thus, NLRP3 inflammasome manipulation in combination with anti-tumor drugs opens up new therapeutic perspectives for TNBC therapy.
Electrospun Pt-TiO2 nanofibers Doped with HPA for Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation
Authors: Taiswa Amos , Maglinao Randy L. , Andriolo Jessica M. , Kumar Sandeep , Skinner Jack L.
Published: October 2024

Electrospinning is utilized to fabricate catalytic nanofiber scaffold for biocrude upgrading in hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) following computational studies suggesting the need for nano-catalysts for efficient HDO conversion and selectivity. Here, Pt-TiO2 nanofibers are fabricated through electrospinning, followed by wet impregnation with a heteropoly acid (HPA), tungstosilicic acid. Intensive heat treatments were incorporated during and after processes to obtain a HPA doped Pt-TiO2 nano-catalyst. Catalytic HDO was performed in a batch reactor with phenol as the raw biocrude dissolved in hexadecane. The HPA doped Pt-TiO2 catalyst demonstrated promising HDO performance of 37.2% conversion and a 78.9% selectivity to oxygen free benzene and the remainder 21.1% as diphenyl ester as a result of esterification by acidic components of the catalyst. Additionally, BET surface area characterization show a low surface area 16.9 m2 g−1 significantly lower than existing commercial catalysts and a mesoporous nature suitable for selectivity. The presence of HPA on the anatase nanofiber compensated for low platinum nanoparticles crystallinity on the nanofibers. This work might create needed alternatives for preparing HDO catalysts for efficient aromatics production.
The impact of North American winter weather regimes on electricity load in the central United States
Authors: Millin Oliver T. , Furtado Jason C. , Malloy Christopher
Published: October 2024

Extreme wintertime cold in the central United States (US) can drive excessive electricity demand and grid failures, with substantial socioeconomic effects. Predicting cold-induced demand surges is relatively understudied, especially on the subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) timescale of 2 weeks to 2 months. North American winter weather regimes are atmospheric tools that are based on persistent atmospheric circulation patterns, and have been linked to potential S2S predictability of extreme cold in the central US. We study the relationship between winter weather regimes and daily peak load across 13 balancing authorities in the Southwest Power Pool. Anomalous ridging across Alaska, the West Coast, and Greenland drive increases in demand and extreme demand risk. Conversely, anomalous troughing across the Arctic and North Pacific reduces extreme demand risk. Thus, weather regimes may not only be an important long-lead predictor for North American electricity load, but potentially a useful tool for end users and stakeholders.