bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field validation of NDVI to identify crop phenological signatures
Authors: Bhatti Muhammad Tousif , Gilani Hammad , Ashraf Muhammad , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Munir Sarfraz
Published: July 2024

Purpose and Methods

Crop identification using remotely sensed imagery provides useful information to make management decisions about land use and crop health. This research used phonecams to acquire the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) of various crops for three crop seasons. NDVI time series from Sentinel (L121-L192) images was also acquired using Google Earth Engine (GEE) for the same period. The resolution of satellite data is low therefore gap filling and smoothening filters were applied to the time series data. The comparison of data from satellite images and phenocam provides useful insight into crop phenology. The results show that NDVI is generally underestimated when compared to phenocam data. The Savitzky-Golay (SG) and some other gap filling and smoothening methods are applied to NDVI time series based on satellite images. The smoothened NDVI curves are statistically compared with daily NDVI series based on phenocam images as a reference.

Results

The SG method has performed better than other methods like moving average. Furthermore, polynomial order has been found to be the most sensitive parameter in applying SG filter in GEE. Sentinel (L121-L192) image was used to identify wheat during the year 2022–2023 in Sargodha district where experimental fields were located. The Random Forest Machine Leaning algorithm was used in GEE as a classifier.

Conclusion

The classification accuracy has been found 97% using this algorithm which suggests its usefulness in applying to other areas with similar agro-climatic characteristics.
Proximity to Covid-19 Cases and Real Estate Equity Returns
Authors: Xie Lingshan , Milcheva Stanimira
Published: July 2024

We conduct a quasi-natural experiment for Hong Kong to explore the spatial effects associated with proximity to Covid-19 infections on real estate equity performance. During the first months of the pandemic, Hong Kong reported daily roadmaps of Covid-19 cases. We use these to match with the locations of properties held by real estate companies. Using a difference-in-differences spatial discontinuity model, we find that real estate firms which own a property within 0.1 miles from an infectious site are associated with 0.23% significantly lower daily returns one day after the news. We find evidence for spillover effects for up to two miles from the Covid-19 case, and more pronounced effects on small firms. The paper provides  novel findings about the spatial effects of Covid-19 news on stock markets.
Identification of a multi-modal mechanism for Se(VI) reduction and Se(0) allotropic transition by Stenotrophomonas bentonitica
Authors: Ruiz-Fresneda Miguel Angel , Lazúen-López Guillermo , Pérez-Muelas Eduardo , Peña-Martín Jesús , Linares-Jiménez Raúl Eduardo , Newman-Portela Antonio Martín , Merroun Mohamed Larbi
Published: July 2024

Microorganisms can play a key role in selenium (Se) bioremediation and the fabrication of Se-based nanomaterials by reducing toxic forms (Se(VI) and Se(IV)) into Se(0). In recent years, omics have become a useful tool in understanding the metabolic pathways involved in the reduction process. This paper aims to elucidate the specific molecular mechanisms involved in Se(VI) reduction by the bacterium Stenotrophomonas bentonitica. Both cytoplasmic and membrane fractions were able to reduce Se(VI) to Se(0) nanoparticles (NPs) with different morphologies (nanospheres and nanorods) and allotropes (amorphous, monoclinic, and trigonal). Proteomic analyses indicated an adaptive response against Se(VI) through the alteration of several metabolic pathways including those related to energy acquisition, synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids, and transport systems. Whilst the thioredoxin system and the Painter reactions were identified to play a crucial role in Se reduction, flagellin may also be involved in the allotropic transformation of Se. These findings suggest a multi-modal reduction mechanism is involved, providing new insights for developing novel strategies in bioremediation and nanoparticle synthesis for the recovery of critical materials within the concept of circular economy.

Graphical Abstract
Urban Scaling Functions: Emission, Pollution and Health
Authors: La Porta Caterina A. M. , Zapperi Stefano
Published: July 2024

Urban scaling is widely used to characterize the population dependence of city indicators including greenhouse gas emission. Here we analyze the population dependence of CO$$_2$$

2

and PM2.5 emissions and concentrations across all European cities. Our analysis reveals considerable variations in emissions among cities of comparable population size which are not captured by conventional urban scaling. We thus characterize these fluctuations by multi-parameter scaling functions and multifractal spectral analysis. We find that the distribution of emissions and population is multifractal while that of air pollution is not, leading to non-trivial relations between emission and pollution in some large cities. We also analyze the impact of forests in curbing emission and the impact of air pollution on health. Our work provides a detailed picture of the fluctuations in the scaling of urban metabolism in Europe and suggests a general strategy that goes beyond conventional urban scaling laws.
The pluralization palette: unveiling semantic clusters in English nominal pluralization through distributional semantics
Authors: Shafaei-Bajestan Elnaz , Moradipour-Tari Masoumeh , Uhrig Peter , Baayen R. Harald
Published: July 2024

Using distributional semantics, we show that English nominal pluralization exhibits semantic clusters. For instance, the change in semantic space from singulars to plurals differs depending on whether a word denotes, e.g., a fruit, or an animal. Languages with extensive noun classes such as Swahili and Kiowa distinguish between these kind of words in their morphology. In English, even though not marked morphologically, plural semantics actually also varies by semantic class. A semantically informed method, CosClassAvg, is introduced that is compared to two other methods, one implementing a fixed shift from singular to plural, and one creating plural vectors from singular vectors using a linear mapping (FRACSS). Compared to FRACSS, CosClassAvg predicted plural vectors that were more similar to the corpus-extracted plural vectors in terms of vector length, but somewhat less similar in terms of orientation. Both FRACSS and CosClassAvg outperform the method using a fixed shift vector to create plural vectors, which does not do justice to the intricacies of English plural semantics. A computational modeling study revealed that the observed difference between the plural semantics generated by these three methods carries over to how well a computational model of the listener can understand previously unencountered plural forms. Among all methods, CosClassAvg provides a good balance for the trade-off between productivity (being able to understand novel plural forms) and faithfulness to corpus-extracted plural vectors (i.e., understanding the particulars of the meaning of a given plural form).
Middle School Students' Conceptualizations and Reasoning about the Fairness of Math Tests
Authors: McCracken Morgan , Bostic Jonathan D. , Folger Timothy D.
Published: July 2024

Assessment is central to teaching and learning, and recently there has been a substantive shift from paper-and-pencil assessments towards technology delivered assessments such as computer-adaptive tests. Fairness is an important aspect of the assessment process, including design, administration, test-score interpretation, and data utility. The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines can inform assessment development to promote fairness; however, it is not explicitly clear how UDL and fairness may be linked through students’ conceptualizations of assessment fairness. This phenomenological study explores how middle grades students conceptualize and reason about the fairness of mathematics tests, including paper-and-pencil and technology-delivered assessments. Findings indicate that (a) students conceptualize fairness through unique notions related to educational opportunities and (b) students’ reason about fairness non-linearly. Implications of this study have potential to inform test developers and users about aspects of test fairness, as well as educators data usage from fixed-form, paper-and-pencil tests, and computer-adaptive, technology-delivered tests.
Effects of Rapid Heat Treatments on the Properties of Cu2O Thin Films Deposited at Room Temperature Using an Ammonia-Free SILAR Technique
Authors: Trinidad-Urbina R. E. , Castanedo-Pérez R. , Torres-Delgado G. , Sánchez-Martínez A. , Ramírez-Bon R.
Published: July 2024

We report herein the analysis of the properties of copper(I) oxide thin films deposited by an optimized ammonium-free successive ion layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique. The Cu2O thin film deposition process was carried out at room temperature using copper acetate monohydrate, sodium citrate as complexing agent, and hydrogen peroxide as precursors of copper and oxygen ions, respectively. The harmless and easy-to-handle sodium citrate replaces the volatile NH4OH commonly employed as complexing agent in the SILAR technique for the deposition of metal oxide thin films. The optical, structural, morphological, and electrical properties of the as-deposited Cu2O thin films were studied as a function of the number of cycles during deposition, as well as their modifications produced by the effect of rapid thermal annealing (RTA) in vacuum in a temperature range of 200–250°C for 1 min, 3 min, and 5 min. The as-deposited thin films had cubic crystalline structure corresponding to the Cu2O phase as determined by x-ray diffraction (XRD), with a direct energy bandgap of 2.43–2.51 eV depending on the number of cycles, and electrical resistivity of the order of 103 Ω cm. The XRD and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the Cu2O thin films treated by RTA demonstrated an increase of the crystal size with time and temperature of the RTA and reduction effects from Cu2+ to Cu1+ oxidation states. On the other hand, the RTA treatments also decreased their energy bandgap to 2.38 eV and electrical resistivity to 102 Ω cm. The high energy bandgap values of the Cu2O thin films were attributed to quantum confinement effects produced by their small crystal size in the range of 3.6–8.6 nm.

Graphical Abstract
Exploring Multicomponent Phase Space to Discover New Materials
Authors: Cantor Brian
Published: July 2024

Multicomponent phase space has been shown to consist of an enormous number of materials with different compositions, the vast majority of which have never been made or investigated, with great potential, therefore, for the discovery of exciting new materials with valuable properties. At the same time, however, the enormous size of multicomponent phase space makes it far from straightforward to identify suitable strategies for exploring the plethora of potential material compositions and difficult, therefore, to be successful in discovering desirable new materials. Unfortunately, all our knowhow and understanding has been developed for materials with relatively few components in relatively limited proportions, with most of our scientific theories relying essentially on linear assumptions of component dilution and independence that no longer apply in concentrated multicomponent materials. Trial and error, controlled substitution, parameterisation, thermodynamic modelling, atomistic modelling and machine learning techniques have all been employed as methods of exploring multicomponent phase space, with varying levels of success, but ultimately none of these techniques has proved capable of delivering consistent or guaranteed results. This paper provides an overview of the different techniques that have been used to explore multicomponent phase space, indicates their main advantages and disadvantages, and describes some of their successes and failures.
Improving Fructooligosaccharide Production via sacC Gene Deletion in Zymomonas mobilis: A Novel Approach for Enhanced Prebiotic Production
Authors: Braga Adelaide , Maia Ana Benedita , Gomes Daniela , Rodrigues Joana L. , Rainha João , Rodrigues Lígia R.
Published: July 2024

Abstrac

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are promising prebiotics in the relevant and increasing market of functional food. Industrially, these compounds are produced from sucrose by the action of fructosyltransferase or b-fructofuranosidase enzymes. However, this process often yields low conversion rates and results in impure mixtures due to the release of high levels of glucose. Zymomonas mobilis is a well-known ethanol-producing bacterium with native levansucrase enzymes able to convert sucrose into FOS. This study aimed to use synthetic biology tools to eliminate invertase (sacC) activity in Z. mobilis, reducing substrate competition and maximizing FOS production. Additionally, we explored the potential use of agro-industrial by-products, such as sugarcane molasses (M) and corn step liquor (CSL), as nutrients for FOS production using Z. mobilis in an in vivo bioprocess strategy. Invertase deletion from the Z. mobilis ZM4 genome was accomplished by homologous recombination of an engineered suicide plasmid. Using Z. mobilis sacC−, we observed a 70% reduction in monosaccharide production and a 9.0-fold increase in levan formation compared to the wild-type strain. Implementation of a fed-batch approach with CSL and molasses (CSLM) medium at flask-scale allowed to produce 41.9 g L−1 of FOS (0.25 gFOS gsucrose−1). To our knowledge, this work describes for the first time the production of FOS from agro-waste residues using a genetically modified Z. mobilis strain in a one-step fermentation. Through this innovative approach, we aim to contribute to the advancement of biotechnological strategies for prebiotic production, offering insights into genetic engineering techniques for improving the efficiency and sustainability of FOS synthesis in Z. mobilis.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Asia: Physician and Patient Perspectives on Surveillance, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Authors: Mohamed Rosmawati , Wang Wendy , Tanwandee Tawesak , Hasan Irsan , Pham Cam Phuong , Lim Young-Suk , Lu Sheng-Nan , Munisamy Murallitharan , Tran Thi Thanh Huong , Ratnawati Evy , Sukeepaisarnjaroen Wattana , Karababa Mahir , Tan Chee-Kiat
Published: July 2024

Purpose

In several Asian countries, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths. HCC risk factors in Asia differ from those elsewhere and are changing with the treatment landscape as systemic treatment options increase. This study was conducted to gain insight from physicians and patients into HCC screening, diagnosis, and treatment strategies in Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Methods

Two cross-sectional, anonymized, online surveys were completed between July and December 2022 by physicians diagnosing and treating HCC (55 questions on risk factors, surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment) and patients ≥ 18 years old diagnosed with HCC (36 questions on disease knowledge, quality of life, and experiences of diagnosis and treatment).

Results

Responses were received from 276 physicians in all 7 countries and 130 patients in Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam. From the physician’s perspective, surveillance programs are widespread but identify insufficient HCC cases; only 18% are early-stage HCC at diagnosis. From the patient’s perspective, knowledge of risk factors increases after diagnosis, but few seek support from patient associations; patients would benefit from better communication from their doctors. Treatment affordability and side effects are key issues for patients.

Conclusions

Awareness of the risk factors for HCC should be raised in primary care and the general population, and surveillance should identify early-stage HCC. Because patients rely on their doctors for support, doctors should better understand their patients’ needs, and patients could be supported by trained nurses or case managers. Programs are needed to increase patients’ access to proven HCC treatments.
Serum Erythropoietin and Ischemic-Modified Albumin Levels in Adolescents with Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Öztürk Masum , Turgut Fatma Subaşı , Akbalık Davut , Demirkıran Mustafa Erhan , Kaplan İbrahim
Published: July 2024

Erythropoietin (EPO) has neuroprotective effects by increasing oxidative stress resistance and stabilizing redox balance. Ischemic-modified albumin (IMA) is a product of protein oxidation, and recent evidence suggests that IMA can be used as an indicator of oxidative damage. This study aimed to investigate serum EPO and IMA levels in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) patients and to investigate the relationship between EPO and IMA levels and clinical variables such as disease duration and disease severity. A total of 68 adolescents (11–18 years old), including 35 OCD patients (18 males/17 females) and 33 healthy controls (14 males/19 females) without comorbid disorders matched for age, gender, and BMI, were included in the study. The enzyme-amplified chemiluminescence technique determined serum EPO levels, and serum IMA levels were determined by the spectrophotometric method. Serum EPO levels were lower in OCD patients compared to healthy controls (p = 0.002; Z =  − 3.123), and serum IMA levels (ABSU) were significantly higher in the OCD group (p = 0.005). A significant positive correlation was found between IMA levels and the duration of OCD symptoms (p = 0.015, r = 0.409). The study’s findings contribute to the growing body of evidence implicating inflammatory and oxidative processes in the pathogenesis of OCD. The potential of EPO and IMA levels as diagnostic biomarkers for OCD aligns with the ongoing efforts to identify reliable biological markers for the disorder. The positive correlation of IMA levels with the duration of OCD shows the importance of early detection of oxidative damage.
The vulnerability of community sport organizations to criminal interference
Authors: van Bottenburg Maarten , Claringbould Inge
Published: July 2024

There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that Community Sport Organizations (CSOs) are increasingly susceptible to individuals with criminal affiliations or intentions. Despite its significance, this subject has received limited examination and theoretical exploration. This gap is particularly pronounced when considering the factors contributing to the vulnerability of CSOs and their susceptibility to criminal interference, as well as the mechanisms facilitating connections between CSOs and individuals with criminal ties. Our investigation employed various methodologies, including media searches, expert interviews, and case studies, with a detailed examination of one particular case. Drawing upon distinct literature perspectives —research on occupational fraud within CSOs, studies addressing the normalization of corruption in organizational settings, and literature exploring unethical pro-organizational behavior—we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the data. Through our research approach, we identified legal, financial, structural, cultural, and environmental factors that increase the vulnerability and susceptibility of CSOs to criminal interference. These factors are exacerbated by dynamic processes of rationalization, neutralization, and normalization of unethical behavior. Our findings underscore the necessity of maintaining continuous vigilance regarding these factors and mechanisms to safeguard the public function of CSOs.
Psychedelic experiences and long-term spiritual growth: a systematic review
Authors: Schutt William A. , Exline Julie J. , Pait Kathleen C. , Wilt Joshua A.
Published: July 2024

Psychedelic substances, which can occasion mystical experiences, are sometimes used for religious and spiritual reasons. Despite strong links between psychedelics and spirituality, no previous systematic review has investigated connections between psychedelics and indicators of long-term spiritual growth. Thus, 34 empirical studies were analyzed with 19,724 total participants from 32 independent samples. A variety of methodologies were used among the reviewed studies, and some studies included international samples. Results showed that psychedelics—especially classic psychedelics (e.g., psilocybin, LSD, and DMT)—have been studied more often in this context than other substances. Findings indicate that psychedelic use is linked with a variety of subjective indicators of spiritual growth, including stronger perceived connections with the divine, a greater sense of meaning, increased spiritual faith, increased engagement in religious and spiritual practices, an increase in feelings of unity and self-transcendence, positive changes in worldview, increased connectedness with others, and reduced fear of death. Many studies that reported on one of these indicators also reported on others, implying a co-occurrence of these facets during and after psychedelic experiences. Spiritual growth was often related to mystical experiences, with higher mystical experience ratings associating positively with perceived spiritual growth.
Unveiling field-coupled nanocomputing: Leaning molecules to shape readable bits
Authors: Ardesi Yuri , Beretta Giuliana , Mo Fabrizio , Spano Chiara Elfi , Piccinini Gianluca , Graziano Mariagrazia
Published: July 2024

Molecular field-coupled nanocomputing (molFCN) encodes information in the molecule charge distribution and elaborates it through electrostatic coupling. Despite the advantageous sub-nanometric size and low-power dissipation, only a few attempts have been made to validate the technology experimentally. One of the obstacles is the difficulty in measuring molecule charges to validate information encoding or integrate molFCN with complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS). In this work, we propose a paradigm preserving the advantages of molFCN, which exploits the position of waiving molecules to augment the information encoding. We validate the paradigm, named bend-boosted molFCN, with density functional theory using 6-(ferrocenyl)hexanethiol cations. We demonstrate that the encoded information can be electrically read by constituting a molecular junction. The paradigm is compatible with the charge-based molFCN, thus acting as a readout system. The obtained results favor the experimental assessment of the molFCN principle through scanning probe microscopy techniques and the design of molFCN-CMOS heterogeneous circuits.
The Sakhalin Climate Experiment
Authors: Beuerle Benjamin
Published: July 2024

Climate change was long neglected by Russian politics. However, from 2019 to 2021, substantial changes were observable. During this time, climate change mitigation became both the subject of considerable debate and the launching point for a number of initiatives, with the most striking example being the case of Sakhalin. Beginning in autumn 2020, this Far Eastern island region and oblast was singled out as a Russian pilot area for various climate policies with the aim of achieving carbon-neutrality by the end of 2025. The project—which included a cap-and-trade system—was the subject of controversial debates in Russia before being supported by a federal law that was passed in early March 2022. Against all odds and despite strong objections, it was launched in September 2022. The present paper analyses the background of the Sakhalin climate experiment, the motivations behind it, and the concrete measures foreseen along the path to carbon-neutrality. Moreover, the paper evaluates the credibility of the lofty declared ambitions. In order to do so, more than 100 press reports and official announcements on the topic that appeared between mid-2020 and mid-2023 are tracked. Despite the questionable design of several key elements of the Sakhalin experiment and its sobering implementation record thus far, the fate of the experiment is of vital importance for Russian climate policy prospects as a whole.
Evolution of hadron therapy from 1935 to 2005: a personal view
Authors: Amaldi Ugo
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Hadron therapy is today an established modality in cancer radiation therapy that, world-wide, is available in about hundred centres. About 90% of them are devoted to proton therapy and the rest also to carbon ion therapy. Based on the superior ballistic and radiobiological properties of fast ions, this discipline experienced a remarkable growth in the last 30 years.

Purpose

This paper reviews the history of hadron therapy starting from the initial work done at Berkeley in the 30’s.

Methods

Fast neutron therapy is not forgotten but the main accent is on the parallel development of proton and carbon ion therapy. For space reasons pion therapy, to which a lot of efforts have been devoted without success, is not discussed.

Results

The activities of the main protagonists in USA, Japan and Europe are shortly presented so that the reader can appreciate the relevance of the contribution given by each of them to the advancement of the field.

Conclusions

The review ends in 2005, when the carbon ion centres HIT in Heidelberg and CNAO in Pavia were under construction, with the aim of putting at the disposal of European citizens advanced treatments of radioresistant tumours, which cannot be effectively treated neither with X rays nor with protons.
Bioprocess Design and Technoeconomic Analysis of 2,3-Butanediol Production in Wood-Based Biorefineries
Authors: Ebrahimian Farinaz , Mohammadi Ali
Published: July 2024

2,3-Butanediol (BDO) is a crucial precursor in various industries, traditionally derived from fossil resources, raising environmental concerns. This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of producing BDO from wood residues, a sustainable resource abundantly available in Nordic countries. By modeling a biorefinery plant with a daily capacity of 100 metric tons of wood chips, three scenarios (Sc.) were explored: Sc. 1, where BDO is the sole product; Sc. 2, where BDO is produced alongside methane and biofertilizer; and Sc. 3, which incorporates a combined heat and power system using biogas from the waste stream. The analysis emphasizes the minimum selling price (MSP) of BDO, revealing it to be lowest in Sc. 1 at USD2.97/kg, compared to USD3.20/kg and USD3.48/kg for Sc. 2 and Sc. 3, respectively. Notably, sensitivity analysis highlighted the impact of processing capacity on economic performance, suggesting a potential for higher scalability and profitability in Sc. 2. This study contributes novel insights into the role of processing capacity and fermentation yield in optimizing BDO production, providing a valuable framework for technology developers aiming to establish wood-based biorefineries. These findings not only enhance understanding of economic thresholds but also underscore the importance of resource efficiency and strategic planning in bio-based production setups.

Graphical abstract
Clinical outcomes and reintervention after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in primary sclerosing cholangitis in absence of cholangitis
Authors: Horio Ryosuke , Kato Jun , Taida Takashi , Ohta Yuki , Saito Keiko , Oyama Yuhei , Nakazawa Hayato , Mamiya Yukiyo , Goto Chihiro , Takahashi Satsuki , Ouchi Mayu , Kurosugi Akane , Sonoda Michiko , Kan Motoyasu , Kaneko Tatsuya , Nagashima Hiroki , Akizue Naoki , Takahashi Koji , Okimoto Kenichiro , Ohyama Hiroshi , Matsumura Tomoaki , Ohno Izumi , Kato Naoya
Published: July 2024

Background and Aim

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may help detect cholangiocarcinoma in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), but it may be associated with complications. This study was aimed at determining the prognostic impact of ERCP on patients with PSC without cholangitis.

Methods

Patients with PSC without cholangitis were divided into two groups: those who underwent ERCP within three years after diagnosis (ERCP-performed group) and those who did not (non-ERCP group). These groups were compared in terms of clinical outcomes (liver-related death or liver transplantation, endoscopic treatment requirement and repeated cholangitis) and the composite outcome.

Results

Of 99 patients with PSC with detailed medical history, 49 were included in the ERCP-performed group and 21 in the non-ERCP group. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, the non-ERCP group was less likely to achieve the three outcomes and the composite outcome, showing statistical significance (endoscopic treatment requirement; p = 0.017 and composite outcome; p = 0.014). A Cox proportional hazards model indicated that ERCP in the asymptomatic state was a significant predictor of endoscopic treatment requirement (hazard ratio [HR]: 4.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–18.59) and the composite outcome (HR: 4.54, 95% CI: 1.07–19.28).

Conclusion

ERCP in patients with PSC without cholangitis is likely to require further endoscopic treatment and may be associated with poor prognosis.

Graphical Abstract
MICAL1 promotes the proliferation in acute myeloid leukemia and is associated with clinical prognosis and immune infiltration
Authors: Song Yinsen , Yang Zhenzhen , Gao Na , Zhang Bojun
Published: July 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the most common hematopoietic malignancies that has a poor prognosis and a high rate of relapse. Dysregulated metabolism plays an important role in AML progression. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of MRGs using TCGA and GEO datasets and further explore the potential function of critical MRGs in AML progression. In this study, we identified 17 survival-related differentially expressed MRGs in AML using TCGA and GEO datasets. The 150 AML samples were divided into three molecular subtypes using 17 MRGs, and we found that three molecular subtypes exhibited a different association with ferroptosis, cuproptosis and m6A related genes. Moreover, a prognostic signature that comprised nine MRGs and had good predictive capacity was established by LASSO-Cox stepwise regression analysis. Among the 17 MRGs, our attention focused on MICAL1 which was highly expressed in many types of tumors, including AML and its overexpression was also confirmed in several AML cell lines. We also found that the expression of MICAL1 was associated with several immune cells. Moreover, functional experiments revealed that knockdown of MICAL1 distinctly suppressed the proliferation of AML cells. Overall, this study not only contributes to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying AML but also provides potential targets and prognostic markers for AML treatment. These findings offer robust support for further research into therapeutic strategies and mechanisms related to AML, with the potential to improve the prognosis and quality of life for AML patients. Nevertheless, further research is needed to validate these findings and explore more in-depth molecular mechanisms.
A Very Public Private Matter: A Case Study of the Post-Institutional Control of Disabled Sexuality
Authors: García-Santesmases Andrea , Bahner Julia , Sanmiquel-Molinero Laura
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This article explores how sexuality is conceptualised and managed in a Spanish residential care unit for recently injured people. The institution operates under the banner of independent living, a key belief of the international disabled people’s movement, which champions self-determination, autonomy, and control over their support.

Methods

A focused ethnography was conducted between September 2021 and February 2022, with semi-structured interviews and participant observations with the residential care unit’s service users (n = 13), staff (n = 12), and managers (n = 7).

Results

Managers and staff organise the support in ways that prevent service users’ autonomy, privacy, and intimacy, contrary to the independent living philosophy. Service users’ behaviour, relationships, and whereabouts are constantly monitored and controlled in a gendered, desexualising manner. When sexuality is discussed, it often concerns sexual assistance—a service offered by some organisations in Spain—effectively redirecting attention to a therapeutic approach and shifting focus away from institutional responsibilities towards an individual (male) issue.

Conclusions

Critical disability studies and organisational theory inform an analysis that finds the institutional policy for managing sexuality is ‘strategic ignorance’: sexuality is simultaneously silenced and controlled in the name of professionalism. This post-institutional way of organising disability services is highly gendered and desexualising, resulting in ‘anti-independence’.

Policy Implications

Residential care managers and staff should be trained to work ethically and professionally with sexual rights. Training should be based on the independent living philosophy, which empowers disabled people to take control over their lives.
A Review of Phthalates and Phenols in Landfill Environments: Occurrence, Fate and Environmental Implications
Authors: Matike Dohya Monjoa Emily , Ngole-Jeme Veroniva Mpode
Published: July 2024

Landfilling is the preferred method of solid waste disposal globally, but landfills are sources of several pollutants including heavy metals, phthalates, phenols, and other chemicals to the environment. Phthalates and phenols are widely used in the manufacture of everyday household products and are therefore contained in leachate generated in landfills where these products are disposed. These pollutants have endocrine disruptive capabilities and are considered as priority pollutants. Knowledge of their fate in the environment is of relevance to their management and the reduction of associated human and animal exposure risk. Several studies have profiled these pollutants in wastewater, but little information is available on their presence and fate in landfill environments and surrounding soils. Further to this, their degradation pathways have mostly been reported in laboratory simulated studies where the media may not be as complex and dynamic as landfills and surrounding soil environments. The factors and processes affecting their release from waste materials in landfills and their dispersal into surrounding environments has also not been reported, yet this knowledge is relevant for the design of any remediation measures. This article reviews the sources, occurrence, and degradation of phenols and phthalates in landfilled wastes and landfill leachate, and the factors influencing their fate in the landfill and surrounding soils contaminated with landfill leachates. We conclude with a discussion on the exposure pathways and exposure routes of these compounds from landfills to humans and the associated health risk and possible future research opportunities.
Fractional-order strain of an infinite annular cylinder based on Caputo and Caputo–Fabrizio fractional derivatives under hyperbolic two-temperature generalized thermoelasticity theory
Authors: Youssef Hamd M.
Published: July 2024

A new mathematical model of a thermoelastic annular cylinder that is infinite, isotropic, and homogeneous has been constructed in this paper. The model is developed within the framework of the theory of hyperbolic two-temperature generalized thermoelasticity, considering fractional-order strain applying Caputo and Caputo–Fabrizio derivatives with fractional order. The inside pounding surface of the cylinder is subjected to a thermal shock, while the outer pounding surface remains unaffected in terms of temperature increment and volumetric strain. Once the governing equations were derived, The Laplace transforms were utilized, and their inversions were obtained numerically by using the Tzou iteration method. The numerical results of solutions have been represented in different figures. Various values of fractional-order parameters and two-temperature parameters have been used to illustrate their effect on the mechanical and thermal waves. Stress, strain, and displacement distributions are all profoundly affected by the fractional-order parameter; however, the conductive and dynamic temperatures are unaffected. The results of this work lead to the fact that the mechanical and thermal waves propagate at finite speeds when the hyperbolic two-temperature model is applied.
Integrating equity indicators for hospital reporting metrics
Authors: Allen-Valley Aliya , Bains Shalu , Rai Karen , Summan Nirmal , Eleid May , Buajitti Emmalin , Rosella Laura C.
Published: July 2024

Disparities in healthcare delivery and design are deeply-rooted within healthcare systems globally. Many researchers have developed methods to measure inequity; however, there currently exists no accepted measurement approach implemented consistently across health systems. We applied the model-based Relative Index of Inequality (RII) as a measure of inequity at one of Canada’s largest health systems, Trillium Health Partners, across two service types: planned and outpatient. Our RII estimates suggest that the lowest-SES individuals received planned and outpatient services at rates 2.4 times and 2.5 times lower than the highest-SES individuals, respectively. Across both service types, the largest disparity was for breast cancer screening, where patients from the lowest-SES neighbourhoods were 5.4 times less likely to use this service at THP. These findings further underscore the importance of consistently measuring and monitoring inequities to develop effective strategies to address the health needs of patients from lower SES neighbourhoods. The approach used within this study should be considered for widespread integration into health system reporting metrics.
INTRODUCTION
Authors: Gupta Vineeta
Published: July 2024

The National Public Health Law Conference: People. Policy. Progress., held October 2023, brought together more than 400 stakeholders in public health to explore how law and policy can be leveraged to advance health equity, improve data sharing for community health, protect access to reproductive health and facilitate system change.
A Hierarchical Rater Model Approach for Integrating Automated Essay Scoring Models
Authors: Fink Aron , Gombert Sebastian , Liu Tuo , Drachsler Hendrik , Frey Andreas
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Essay writing tests, integral in many educational settings, demand significant resources for manual scoring. Automated essay scoring (AES) can alleviate this by automating the process, thereby reducing human effort. However, the multitude of AES models, each varying in its features and scoring approaches, complicates selecting one optimal model, especially when evaluating diverse content-related aspects across multiple rating items. Therefore, we propose a hierarchical rater model-based approach to integrate predictions from multiple AES models, accounting for their distinct scoring behaviors. We investigated its performance on data from a university essay writing test. The proposed method achieved accuracy that was comparable to the best individual AES model. This is a promising result because it additionally reduced the amount of differential item functioning between human and automated scoring and thus established a higher degree of measurement invariance compared to the individual AES models.
The Effect of Antecedent Topography on Complex Crater Formation
Authors: Hood Don R. , Young Brennan W. , Cohen‐Zada Aviv L. , James Peter B. , Ewing Ryan C. , Lee Jeffery S.
Published: July 2024

Impact craters that form on every planetary body provide a record of planetary surface evolution. On heavily cratered surfaces, new craters that form often overlap antecedent craters, but it is unknown how the presence of antecedent craters alters impact crater formation. We use overlapping complex crater pairs on the lunar surface to constrain this process and find that crater rims are systematically lower where they intersect antecedent crater basins. The rim morphology of the new crater depends on the depth of the antecedent crater and the degree of overlap between the craters. Our observations suggest that new craters do not always obliterate underlying topography and that transient rim collapse is altered by antecedent topography. This study represents the first formalization of the influence of antecedent topography on rim morphology and provides process insight into a common impact scenario relevant to the geology of potential Artemis landing sites.
Why Do DJF 2023/24 Upper‐Level 200‐hPa Geopotential Height Forecasts Look Different From the Expected El Niño Response?
Authors: Chen Mingyue , Kumar Arun , L’Heureux Michelle , Peng Peitao , Zhang Tao , Hoerling Martin P. , Diaz Henry F.
Published: July 2024

We investigate why the North American Multi‐Model Ensemble (NMME) upper‐level height forecast for December–February (DJF) 2023/24 differs from the expected El Niño response. These atypical height anomalies emerged despite the fact a strong El Niño was forecast. The analysis focuses on diagnosing the NMME forecasts of DJF 2023/24 for SSTs and 200‐hPa heights initialized at the beginning of November 2023 relative to other ensemble mean NMME DJF forecasts dating back to 1982. The results demonstrate that forecasts of the 200‐hPa height anomalies had a large contribution from warming trends in global SSTs. It is the combination of trends and the expected El Niño teleconnection that results in the forecast height anomalies. Increasingly, for forecasts of geopotential height anomalies during the recent El Niño winters, the amplitude of trends is nearly equal to the signal from El Niño and has implications for the climatological base period selection for seasonal forecasts.
Association of High‐Latitude Geomagnetic Perturbations and Pi1 and Pi2 Pulsations With the Three Steps of Auroral Onset Arc Development at Substorm Onset
Authors: Talha Madeeha , Miyashita Yukinaga
Published: July 2024

Using Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) data, we studied the stepwise development in high‐latitude geomagnetic perturbations and Pi1 and Pi2 pulsations during substorm onsets and their association with stepwise auroral onset arc development by analyzing four substorm events. We found that the geomagnetic perturbations and pulsations which are magnetic signatures of the substorm on the ground show stepwise changes and excitation similar to the development of the auroral onset arc which is the visual manifestation of the substorm. We observed minor to small changes in magnetic perturbations and excitation of Pi2 pulsations before initial brightening (IB), and the subsequent excitation of Pi1 and the second Pi2 at or around the further enhancement of onset arc (FE). Then, a steep fall in the magnetic northward component, and the largest‐amplitude and highest‐frequency Pi1 and Pi2 pulsations appeared at or after poleward expansion (PE). The appearance of FE in all four events and its association with magnetic perturbations and pulsations suggest that FE is an important step in addition to IB and PE. The detailed analysis of the FE step using ground‐ and space‐based data may provide information on the substorm triggering mechanism, the sequence of mechanisms behind the substorm, as well as the mechanisms responsible for the excitation of Pi1 and Pi2 pulsations.
Updating Measures of CME Arrival Time Errors
Authors: Kay C. , Palmerio E. , Riley P. , Mays M. L. , Nieves‐Chinchilla T. , Romano M. , Collado‐Vega Y. M. , Wiegand C. , Chulaki A.
Published: July 2024

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) drive space weather effects at Earth and the heliosphere. Predicting their arrival is a major part of space weather forecasting. In 2013, the Community Coordinated Modeling Center started collecting predictions from the community, developing an Arrival Time Scoreboard (ATSB). Riley et al. (2018, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018sw001962) analyzed the first 5 years of the ATSB, finding a bias of a few hours and uncertainty of order 15 hr. These metrics have been routinely quoted since 2018, but have not been updated despite continued predictions. We revise analysis of the ATSB using a sample 3.5 times the size of that in the original study. We find generally the same overall metrics, a bias of −2.5 hr, mean absolute error of 13.2 hr, and standard deviation of 17.4 hr, with only a slight improvement comparing between the previously‐used and new sets. The most well‐established, frequently‐submitted model results tend to outperform those from seldomly‐contributed models. These “best” models show a slight improvement over the 11 year span, with more scatter between the models during early times and a convergence toward the same error metrics in recent years. We find little evidence of any correlations between the arrival time errors and any other properties. The one noticeable exception is a tendency for late predictions for short transit times and vice versa. We propose that any model‐driven systematic errors may be washed out by the uncertainties in CME reconstructions in characterization of the background solar wind, and suggest that improving these may be the key to better predictions.
Knowledge Extraction via Machine Learning Guides a Topology‐Based Permeability Prediction Model
Authors: Zhang Jia , Ma Gang , Yang Zhibing , Mei Jiangzhou , Zhang Daren , Zhou Wei , Chang Xiaolin
Published: July 2024

The complexity and heterogeneity of pore structure present significant challenges in accurate permeability estimation. Commonly used empirical formulas neglect its microscopic and topological characteristics, thus lacking accuracy and adaptability. While machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models demonstrate promising performance, but encounter challenges of data availability, computational cost, and model interpretability. The present study aims to develop a more robust and accurate permeability prediction model via knowledge extraction from ML model. We first establish an ML model between permeability and the geometry‐topology characteristics of porous media using Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm. The data set used to fit ML model is prepared from 458 samples of different types of porous media. Using the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) value, the influence of each feature on permeability prediction is quantified. It is found that the closeness centrality (topology feature), tortuosity, porosity (macroscopic features) and throat diameter, throat length, pore diameter (pore network features) are vital for permeability prediction. Guided by partial dependence calculation, the unknown function relationship between permeability and the top six important features is established. The novel permeability prediction model incorporating topology feature improves the prediction accuracy and demonstrates strong applicability across diverse data sets. This new model presents an optimal balance between simplicity and performance, rendering it a compelling alternative for permeability prediction in porous media. The research provides a novel referable framework of knowledge extraction via ML to reveal the important features and establish the potential relationship that can be extended and applied in other research fields.