bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The blistering warfare agent O-mustard (agent T) generates protein-adducts with human serum albumin useful for biomedical verification of exposure and forms intramolecular cross-links
Authors: Blum Marc-Michael , Schmeißer Wolfgang , Dentzel Marina , Thiermann Horst , John Harald
Published: August 2024

The highly blistering sulfur mustard analogue agent T (bis(2-chloroethylthioethyl) ether), also known as O-mustard or oxy-mustard, is a common impurity in military grade sulfur mustard (SM) and a component of mixtures such as “HT” that are still found in old munitions. Together with sesquimustard (Q), it is the most important SM analogue and tightly regulated as a Schedule 1 chemical under the Chemical Weapons Convention. We report the adducts of T with nucleophilic Cys34 and other residues in human serum albumin (HSA) formed in vitro. A micro liquid chromatography electrospray ionization high-resolution tandem-mass spectrometry method (µLC-ESI MS/HR MS) was developed for the detection and identification of biomarker peptides alkylated by a T-derived hydroxyethylthioethyloxyethylthioethyl (HETEOETE)-moiety (as indicated by an asterisk below). Following proteolysis of T-exposed human plasma with pronase, the dipeptide Cys34*Pro and the single amino acid residue His* were produced. The use of proteinase K yielded Cys34*ProPhe and the use of pepsin generated ValThrGlu48*Phe, AlaGlu230*ValSerLysLeu, and LeuGlyMet329*Phe. Corresponding peptide-adducts of SM and Q were detected in a common workflow that in principle allowed the estimation of the mustard or mustard composition encountered during exposure. Novel adducts of Q at the Glu230 and Met239 residues were detected and are reported accordingly. Based on molecular dynamics simulations, we identified regular interactions of the Cys34(-HETEOETE)-moiety with several glutamic acid residues in HSA including Glu86, which is not an obvious interaction partner by visual inspection of the HSA crystal structure. The existence of this and other intramolecular cross-links was experimentally proven for the first time.

Graphical abstract
The Abrolhos Nominally Herbivorous Coral Reef Fish Acanthurus chirurgus, Kyphosus sp., Scarus trispinosus, and Sparisoma axillare Have Similarities in Feeding But Species-Specific Microbiomes
Authors: Thompson Cristiane , Silva Raphael , Gibran Fernando Z. , Bacha Leonardo , de Freitas Mayanne A. M. , Thompson Mateus , Landuci Felipe , Tschoeke Diogo , Zhang Xiao-Hua , Wang Xiaolei , Zhao Wenbin , Gatts Pedro Vianna , de Almeida Marcelo Gomes , de Rezende Carlos Eduardo , Thompson Fabiano
Published: August 2024

Coral reefs rely heavily on reef fish for their health, yet overfishing has resulted in their decline, leading to an increase in fast-growing algae and changes in reef ecosystems, a phenomenon described as the phase-shift. A clearer understanding of the intricate interplay between herbivorous, their food, and their gut microbiomes could enhance reef health. This study examines the gut microbiome and isotopic markers (δ13C and δ15N) of four key nominally herbivorous reef fish species (Acanthurus chirurgus, Kyphosus sp., Scarus trispinosus, and Sparisoma axillare) in the Southwestern Atlantic’s Abrolhos Reef systems. Approximately 16.8 million 16S rRNA sequences were produced for the four fish species, with an average of 317,047 ± 57,007 per species. Bacteria such as Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Cyanobacteria were prevalent in their microbiomes. These fish show unique microbiomes that result from co-diversification, diet, and restricted movement. Coral-associated bacteria (Endozoicomonas, Rhizobia, and Ruegeria) were found in abundance in the gut contents of the parrotfish species Sc. trispinosus and Sp. axillare. These parrotfishes could aid coral health by disseminating such beneficial bacteria across the reef. Meanwhile, Kyphosus sp. predominantly had Pirellulaceae and Rhodobacteraceae. Four fish species had a diet composed of turf components (filamentous Cyanobacteria) and brown algae (Dictyopteris). They also had similar isotopic niches, suggesting they shared food sources. A significant difference was observed between the isotopic signature of fish muscular gut tissue and gut contents, pointing to the role that host genetics and gut microbes play in differentiating fish tissues.
Understanding How Indigenous Knowledge Contributes to Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Dorji Tashi , Rinchen Kinley , Morrison-Saunders Angus , Blake David , Banham Vicki , Pelden Sonam
Published: August 2024

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today threatening societies and the future of the planet. The impacts of climate change are more severe in poor and marginalised populations like Indigenous communities where people rely heavily on their Indigenous Knowledge (IK) to adapt to the changing environment. Climate change adaptation and resilience are critical for the survival of Indigenous communities under the threat of climate change. This systematic literature review seeks to understand how IK contributes to climate change adaptation and resilience. A total of 71 papers from Scopus were analysed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method. It investigated three research questions: (i) How is IK understood in climate change studies? (ii) What kind of IK is used to address climate change and enhance adaptation and resilience? and finally, (iii) What could be done to maximise the use of IK towards enhancing climate adaptation and resilience? The study found that Indigenous people use IK to predict extreme climatic conditions, prepare for it, and live through it making use of Indigenous adaptation strategies in multiple manifestations. The solutions to maximise the benefits of IK promote two dominant themes requiring more research on IK and climate change with diverse focus areas and the need to bridge it with scientific knowledge. This review provides a starting point for such research that will draw upon IK to enhance climate adaptation and resilience towards meaningful sustainable development.
Establishing the cutoff value of near visual acuity for assessment of early presbyopia
Authors: Hanyuda Akiko , Kubota Miyuki , Kubota Shunsuke , Masui Sachiko , Yuki Kenya , Ayaki Masahiko , Negishi Kazuno
Published: August 2024

Purpose

There is limited evidence to evaluate the numerical cutoff point for detecting early presbyopia. Thus, we aimed to establish a clinically relevant optimal cutoff value of near visual acuity for detecting early presbyopia.

Study design

Prospective diagnostic accuracy study.

Methods

We included consecutive individuals aged ≥ 20 years with a binocular-corrected distance visual acuity of ≥ 20/25 who did not undergo ophthalmic surgery between December 17, 2020 and December 19, 2021, at two healthcare facilities in Japan. Binocular distance-corrected near visual acuity at 40 cm, accommodative amplitude, awareness of presbyopia, and Near Activity Visual Questionnaire scores were examined. The optimal cutoff values of distance-corrected near visual acuity for diagnosing early presbyopia were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic plots.

Results

Among 115 participants, 74 (64.3%) had presbyopia. The proportion of participants with no difficulty performing near-vision tasks decreased markedly when near visual acuity decreased to 20/20 (> 0.00 logMAR). A cutoff value of 0.00 logMAR for distance-corrected near visual acuity was optimal, showing high sensitivity of 56.76% and specificity of 92.68%, as opposed to the commonly used cutoff value of 0.40 logMAR (20/50; sensitivity, 9.46% and specificity, 100%) for diagnosing early presbyopia.

Conclusion

Near visual acuity of 0.00 logMAR (20/20) could be the optimal cutoff value for diagnosing early presbyopia.
Determinants of trajectories of informal caregiving in later life: evidence from England
Authors: Di Gessa Giorgio , Deindl Christian
Published: August 2024

Although the long-term consequences of informal care provision have been well investigated, few studies have examined the trajectories of informal care provision among older people and the socioeconomic, demographic, health, and family characteristics associated with them. We use data from four waves of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, with 6561 respondents followed for 6 years (2012/3–2018/9). We used group-based trajectory modelling to group people's provision of care over time into a finite number of distinct trajectories of caregiving. Using multinomial logistic regressions, we then investigated the characteristics associated with these trajectories. Four distinct trajectories of caregiving were identified: “stable intensive”, “increasing intensive”, “decreasing”, and “stable no care”. Results suggest that although there are socioeconomic, demographic, and health differences across the trajectories of caregiving (with younger women in good health and poorer socioeconomic status more likely to care intensively throughout), family characteristics are their main drivers. Respondents who live alone, with no children, and no parents alive are more likely to never provide care, whereas those with older parents and who live with adults in poor health are more likely to provide stable intensive care. Also, changes in family characteristics (e.g. death of parents, widowhood, or deterioration of the partner’s health) are associated with trajectories representing increases or decreases in caregiving over time. Overall, trajectories of informal caregiving undertaken by older people are varied and these patterns are mostly associated with both the availability and health of family members, suggesting that need factors represent the most immediate reason for caregiving commitments.
How Classical, Paracomplete and Paraconsistent Logicians (Dis-)Agree
Authors: Brendel Elke
Published: August 2024

This paper develops an account of disagreement and agreement in logic in terms of rules of acceptance, rejection, and suspension of judgement. Acceptance, rejection, and suspension in logic are thereby taken to be doxastic attitudes resulting from, respectively, assenting, dissenting, or refraining from assenting and dissenting to arguments or propositions in light of their logical validity/invalidity. Disagreement between advocates of different logics is characterized as a form of doxastic noncotenability. A full account of agreement in logic does not only require doxastic cotenability between two logicians. It is also necessary that they share the reasons that ground their respective doxastic attitudes. These notions of disagreement and agreement will be applied to disagreements/agreements between advocates of three different logical systems: classical logic, the paracomplete logic K3, and the paraconsistent logic LP. In particular, it will be discussed which doxastic attitudes those logicians ought to have with regard to a proposition expressed by the Liar sentence. In the last part of the paper, it will be examined in what sense a disagreement in logic can be understood as a genuine disagreement, even if no single neutral intertheoretic concept of validity is available that is shared by all logicians.
Assessing biological invasion predatory impacts through interaction strengths and morphological trophic profiling
Authors: Mpanza Nobuhle P. , Cuthbert Ross N. , Pegg Josephine , Wasserman Ryan J.
Published: August 2024

Biological invasions are a major stressor on ecosystems worldwide, but tools to predict their predatory impact remain limited. Here, we quantified invader impacts using two complementary approaches: functional responses (to reveal per capita and multiple predator interaction strengths) and ecomorphology (to reveal trophic profiles and competitive overlap). We compared Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus, a native southern African cichlid, and a near-trophically analogous invasive congener, the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Both Nile tilapia and Mozambique tilapia exhibited a potentially prey population destabilizing Type II functional response. In both single and multiple predator pairings, invasive Nile tilapia had significantly greater prey consumption rates than native Mozambique tilapia, and thereby a greater predatory impact than its native congeneric. Attack rates were greater for Nile tilapia than Mozambique tilapia, with both species showing more similar handling times and maximum feeding rates. No evidence for multiple predator effects was detected within or between these species, and therefore impacts of both species increased additively in the presence of conspecific or heterospecific competitors. Morphological trait analyses found general differences between these two species, with the invasive Nile tilapia having distinctively larger lower jaw closing force, gill resistance and gill raker length, which facilitated greater feeding capacities over the native species. Trophic profiles predicted using morphological trait differences showed high dietary overlap and served as evidence for potential exploitative competition between the two species. These results reveal superior interaction strengths and ecomorphological trait profiles of an invasive over native species which could influence impact and native species replacement dynamics. Novel applications of functional response and ecomorphology provide complementary insights into predatory and competitive impacts from invasive species, aiding impact prediction across environmental contexts.
Overcoming diagnostic challenges in constrictive pericarditis: why volume is important?
Authors: Teixeira Bárbara Lacerda , Albuquerque Francisco , Cardoso Isabel , Ferreira Vera , Fiarresga António , Cardoso Filipe , Galrinho Ana , Rosa Sílvia Aguiar , Thomas Boban , Ferreira Rui Cruz
Published: August 2024

A 65-year-old male with chronic liver disease and refractory ascites was being evaluated for liver transplant, when constrictive pericarditis (CP) was suspected. Initial diagnostics were inconclusive due to overdiuresis. After suspension of diuretics, cardiac magnetic resonance confirmed CP, leading to successful pericardiectomy and normalization of liver function, emphasizing volume status and multimodality imaging role in CP diagnosis.
Behavioral and Emotional Responding to Punishment in ADHD: Is Increased Emotionality Related to Altered Behavioral Responding?
Authors: Hulsbosch An-Katrien , Alsop Brent , Danckaerts Marina , Van Liefferinge Dagmar , Tripp Gail , Van der Oord Saskia
Published: August 2024

Children with ADHD are theorized to experience increased negative emotional responses to punishment, compared to typically developing (TD) children, resulting in altered behavioral responding (Amsel, 1992). However, this has not been empirically tested. The current study evaluated the effects of punishment and reward on the behavioral and emotional responding of children with and without ADHD. Fifty-three children with ADHD (64.15% boys) and 46 TD children (47.83% boys), age 6–12, completed a task in which they chose between playing two simultaneously available games. Reward was arranged symmetrically across the games; responses on one game were punished four times as often as responses on the other game. Children’s negative and positive emotional expressions were assessed during task completion with facial expression coding. Results indicated both groups showed a preference for playing the less punished game. Children with ADHD took longer to respond after punishment and reward compared to TD children. Negative emotional expressions increased with time on task for those with ADHD, the opposite pattern was seen in TD children. Children with ADHD showed more positive emotional expressions overall. The effect of ADHD on increased response times after reward was statistically fully mediated by increased positive facial expressions. Findings indicate children with ADHD do not show an altered response bias under punishment compared to TD children, but their cumulative negative emotional responding may indicate problems with building frustration tolerance as hypothesized by Amsel (1992). Results are theoretically important as they suggest increased emotional responding in ADHD is associated with slower responding.
Machine learning approaches to predict the execution time of the meteorological simulation software COSMO
Authors: De Filippo Allegra , Di Giacomo Emanuele , Borghesi Andrea
Published: August 2024

Predicting the execution time of weather forecast models is a complex task, since these models are usually performed on High Performance Computing systems that require large computing capabilities. Indeed, a reliable prediction can imply several benefits, by allowing for an improved planning of the model execution, a better allocation of available resources, and the identification of possible anomalies. However, to make such predictions is usually hard, since there is a scarcity of datasets that benchmark the existing meteorological simulation models. In this work, we focus on the runtime predictions of the execution of the COSMO (COnsortium for SMall-scale MOdeling) weather forecasting model used at the Hydro-Meteo-Climate Structure of the Regional Agency for the Environment and Energy Prevention Emilia-Romagna. We show how a plethora of Machine Learning approaches can obtain accurate runtime predictions of this complex model, by designing a new well-defined benchmark for this application task. Indeed, our contribution is twofold: 1) the creation of a large public dataset reporting the runtime of COSMO run under a variety of different configurations; 2) a comparative study of ML models, which greatly outperform the current state-of-practice used by the domain experts. This data collection represents an essential initial benchmark for this application field, and a useful resource for analyzing the model performance: better accuracy in runtime predictions could help facility owners to improve job scheduling and resource allocation of the entire system; while for a final user, a posteriori analysis could help to identify anomalous runs.
The interaction between equity-based compensation and debt in managerial risk choices
Authors: Glória Carlos Miguel , Dias José Carlos , Ruas João Pedro , Nunes João Pedro Vidal
Published: August 2024

This paper examines the risk incentives of traditional and non-traditional call options in the context of a levered firm where managers under-invest due to risk aversion. Our results contrast with those presented in the literature inasmuch as lookback calls do not always induce higher risk taking than regular calls, and managers always prefer a combination of regular calls and shares of stock in their compensation package as opposed to only company shares. We also show that Asian options outperform both plain-vanilla and other nonstandard options in inducing higher risk taking and, thereby, are a superior remedy for alleviating the agency costs of deviating from the optimal volatility level. Finally, we shed new insights that better clarify the incorrect arguments found in the literature regarding the delta of regular and lookback calls.
Evolution of Cu and Zn speciation in agricultural soil amended by digested sludge over time and repeated crop growth
Authors: Feng Jianting , Burke Ian T. , Chen Xiaohui , Stewart Douglas I.
Published: August 2024

Metals such as Zn and Cu present in sewage sludge applied to agricultural land can accumulate in soils and potentially mobilise into crops. Sequential extractions and X-ray absorption spectroscopy results are presented that show the speciation changes of Cu and Zn sorbed to anaerobic digestion sludge after mixing with soils over three consecutive 6-week cropping cycles, with and without spring barley (Hordeum vulgare). Cu and Zn in digested sewage sludge are primarily in metal sulphide phases formed during anaerobic digestion. When Cu and Zn spiked sludge was mixed with the soil, about 40% of Cu(I)-S phases and all Zn(II)-S phases in the amended sludge were converted to other phases (mainly Cu(I)-O and outer sphere Zn(II)-O phases). Further transformations occurred over time, and with crop growth. After 18 weeks of crop growth, about 60% of Cu added as Cu(I)-S phases was converted to other phases, with an increase in organo-Cu(II) phases. As a result, Cu and Zn extractability in the sludge-amended soil decreased with time and crop growth. Over 18 weeks, the proportions of Cu and Zn in the exchangeable fraction decreased from 36% and 70%, respectively, in freshly amended soil, to 28% and 59% without crop growth, and to 24% and 53% with crop growth. Overall, while sewage sludge application to land will probably increase the overall metal concentrations, metal bioavailability tends to reduce over time. Therefore, safety assessments for sludge application in agriculture should be based on both metal concentrations present and their specific binding strength within the amended soil.
Terbium- and samarium-doped Li2ZrO3 perovskite materials as efficient and stable electrocatalysts for alkaline hydrogen evolution reactions
Authors: Monama Gobeng R. , Ramoroka Morongwa E. , Ramohlola Kabelo E. , Seleka Marema W. , Iwuoha Emmanuel I. , Modibane Kwena D.
Published: August 2024

The preparation of highly active, rare earth, non-platinum-based catalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) in alkaline solutions would be useful in realizing green hydrogen production technology. Perovskite oxides are generally regarded as low-active HER catalysts, owing to their unsuitable hydrogen adsorption and water dissociation. In this article, we report on the synthesis of Li2ZrO3 perovskites substituted with samarium and terbium cations at A-sites for the HER. LSmZrO3 (LSmZO) and LTbZrO3 (LTbZO) perovskite oxides are more affordable materials, starting materials in abundance, environmentally friendly due to reduced usage of precious metal and moreover have potential for several sustainable synthesis methods compared to commercial Pt/C. The surface and elemental composition of the prepared materials have been confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The morphology and composition analyses of the LSmZO and LTbZO catalysts showed spherical and regular particles, respectively. The electrochemical measurements were used to study the catalytic performance of the prepared catalyst for hydrogen evolution reactions in an alkaline solution. LTbZO generated 2.52 mmol/g/h hydrogen, whereas LSmZO produced 3.34 mmol/g/h hydrogen using chronoamperometry. This was supported by the fact that the HER electrocatalysts exhibited a Tafel slope of less than 120 mV/dec in a 1.0 M alkaline solution. A current density of 10 mA/cm2 is achieved at a potential of less than 505 mV. The hydrogen production rate of LTbZO was only 58.55%, whereas LSmZO had a higher Faradaic efficiency of 97.65%. The EIS results demonstrated that HER was highly beneficial to both electrocatalysts due to the relatively small charge transfer resistance and higher capacitance values.
Characterization of fault-karst reservoirs based on deep learning and attribute fusion
Authors: Gui Zhipeng , Zhang Junhua , Zhang Yintao , Sun Chong
Published: August 2024

The identification of fault-karst reservoir is crucial for the exploration and development of fault-controlled oil and gas reservoirs. Traditional methods primarily rely on well logging and seismic attribute analysis for karst cave identification. However, these methods often lack the resolution needed to meet practical demands. Deep learning methods offer promising solutions by effectively overcoming the complex response characteristics of seismic wave fields, owing to their high learning capabilities. Therefore, this research proposes a method for fault-karst reservoir identification. Initially, a comparative analysis between the improved U-Net++ network and traditional deep convolutional networks is conducted to select appropriate training parameters for separate training of karst caves and faults. Subsequently, the trained models are applied to actual seismic data to predict karst caves and faults within the research area, followed by attribute fusion to acquire data on fault-karst reservoirs. The results indicate that: (1) The proposed method effectively identifies karst caves and faults, outperforming traditional seismic attribute and coherence methods in terms of identification accuracy, and slightly surpassing U-Net and FCN; (2) The fusion of predicted karst caves and faults yields clear delineation of the relationship between top karst caves and bottom fractures within the research area. In summary, the proposed method for fault-karst reservoirs identification and characterization provides valuable insights for the exploration and development of fault-controlled oil and gas reservoirs in the region.
NMR-based solution structure of the Caulobacter crescentus ProXp-ala trans-editing enzyme
Authors: Duran Antonia D. , Danhart Eric M. , Ma Xiao , Nagy Alexandra B. Kuzmishin , Musier-Forsyth Karin , Foster Mark P.
Published: August 2024

ProXp-ala is a key component of the translational machinery in all three Domains of life. This enzyme helps to maintain the fidelity of proline codon translation through aminoacyl-tRNAPro proofreading. In the first step of tRNA aminoacylation, the cognate aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (aaRS) binds and activates an amino acid in the enzyme’s synthetic active site. If a non-cognate amino acid passes this first selection step and is charged onto the tRNA, a distinct aaRS editing active site may recognize the mischarged tRNA and deacylate it. Alternatively, this editing reaction may be carried out by a separate enzyme that deacylates the mischarged tRNA in trans. ProXp-ala is responsible for editing Ala mischarged onto tRNAPro. Since trans-editing domains such as ProXp-ala bind their substrates after release from the synthetase, they must recognize not only the mischarged amino acid, but also the specific tRNA. Previous studies showed that Caulobacter crescentus (Cc) ProXp-ala distinguishes tRNAPro from tRNAAla, in part, based on the unique tRNAPro acceptor stem base pair C1:G72. Previous crystallographic and NMR data also revealed a role for conformational selection by the ProXp-ala α2 helix in Ala- versus Pro-tRNAPro substrate discrimination. The α2 helix makes lattice contacts in the crystal, which left some uncertainty as to its position in solution. We report resonance assignments for the substrate-free Cc ProXp-ala and the NMR-derived three-dimensional structure of the protein. These data reveal the position of the α2 helix in solution, with implications for substrate binding and recognition.
Uprising of the young generation: exploring the association between social mobility belief and political engagement intention among Hong Kong youth
Authors: Lin Li , Leung Janet Tsin Yee , Law Moon Yee Man
Published: August 2024

Civic engagement, particularly political engagement, is an important aspect of youth development. In response to rising youth activism, this study examined what was related to youth’s emerging intention to engage in both normative (legal) and non-normative (illegal) political actions through the lens of social mobility beliefs. Based on the reports of college students in Hong Kong (N = 1,033), the findings revealed that social mobility belief regarding average people (i.e., societal belief) rather than that regarding oneself (i.e., personal belief) was negatively related to youth’s intention to engage in normative political action. Furthermore, parallel mediation analyses showed two indirect effects of social mobility beliefs after controlling for sociodemographic factors, post-materialistic values and political interest. Specifically, youth who endorsed a stronger societal social mobility belief tended to perceive lower social injustice, and they were then less willing to engage in normative and non-normative political actions. Additionally, those who endorsed a stronger societal social mobility belief tended to report higher external political efficacy, and they were then more willing to engage in normative political actions. The findings highlight the importance of considering youth’s worldviews in the theorization of the development of political attitudes and behaviors.
Long-term psychological implication of the COVID-19 pandemic: a network analysis among the Italian population
Authors: Cipriano Annarosa , Cavalera Cesare , Stabile Margherita , Cella Stefania
Published: August 2024

The enduring psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is a subject of growing concern. Despite existing research highlighting immediate challenges, there is a lack of comprehensive studies elucidating specific pathways through which psychological variables contribute to the pandemic’s long-lasting implications. Through a network analysis approach, we aimed to investigate the mutual relationships and associations between eating disorder symptoms, guilt- and shame-proneness, psychopathological symptoms, self-esteem, defence mechanisms, and mentalization and understand how they might interact two years after the pandemic's outbreak. From March to August 2022, 651 Italian young adults (females = 593, 91.1%) aged between 18 and 38 (Mage = 23.84, SD = 3.74) were recruited online and completed a digital booklet of self-report questionnaires. A weighted, undirected graphical LASSO network was performed to investigate the structure of the nodes. A stable and accurate network structure showed that the most interconnected nodes were psychoticism, interpersonal sensitivity, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, depression, anxiety, paranoid ideation, and immature defences, suggesting their central role in the network functioning. Findings emphasized the enduring psychological impact of the pandemic, elucidating the complex interplay and dynamic impact of key psychopathological symptoms and defence mechanisms. The network tested also provides valuable insights for developing targeted interventions and effective strategies to address post-pandemic mental health challenges.
A data-driven mixed integer programming approach for joint chance-constrained optimal power flow under uncertainty
Authors: Qin James Ciyu , Jiang Rujun , Mo Huadong , Dong Daoyi
Published: August 2024

This paper introduces a novel mixed integer programming (MIP) reformulation for the joint chance-constrained optimal power flow problem under uncertain load and renewable energy generation. Unlike traditional models, our approach incorporates a comprehensive evaluation of system-wide risk without decomposing joint chance constraints into individual constraints, thus preventing overly conservative solutions and ensuring robust system security. A significant innovation in our method is the use of historical data to form a sample average approximation that directly informs the MIP model, bypassing the need for distributional assumptions to enhance solution robustness. Additionally, we implement a model improvement strategy to reduce the computational burden, making our method more scalable for large-scale power systems. Our approach is validated against benchmark systems, i.e., IEEE 14-, 57- and 118-bus systems, demonstrating superior performance in terms of cost-efficiency and robustness, with lower computational demand compared to existing methods.
Collagen-Heparin-FGF2-VEGF Scaffolds Induce a Regenerative Gene Expression Profile in a Fetal Sheep Wound Model
Authors: Gansevoort Merel , Oostendorp Corien , Bouwman Linde F. , Tiemessen Dorien M. , Geutjes Paul J. , Feitz Wout F. J. , van Kuppevelt Toin H. , Daamen Willeke F.
Published: August 2024

Background:

The developmental abnormality spina bifida is hallmarked by missing tissues (e.g. skin) and exposure of the spinal cord to the amniotic fluid, which can negatively impact neurological development. Surgical closure of the skin in utero limits neurological damage, but in large defects this results in scarring and contractures. Stimulating skin regeneration in utero would greatly benefit treatment outcome. Previously, we demonstrated that a porous type I collagen (COL) scaffold, functionalized with heparin (HEP), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (COL-HEP/GF) improved pre- and postnatal skin regeneration in a fetal sheep full thickness wound model. In this study we uncover the early events associated with enhanced skin regeneration.

Methods:

We investigated the gene expression profiles of healing fetal skin wounds two weeks after implantation of the COL(-HEP/GF) scaffolds. Using laser dissection and microarrays, differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified in the epidermis and dermis between untreated wounds, COL-treated wounds and wounds treated with COL-HEP/GF. Biological processes were identified using gene enrichment analysis and DEG were clustered using protein–protein-interaction networks.

Results:

COL-HEP/GF influences various interesting biological processes involved in wound healing. Although the changes were modest, using protein–protein-interaction networks we identified a variety of clustered genes that indicate COL-HEP/GF induces a tight but subtle control over cell signaling and extracellular matrix organization.

Conclusion:

These data offer a novel perspective on the key processes involved in (fetal) wound healing, where a targeted and early interference during wound healing can result in long-term enhanced effects on skin regeneration.
Quantum Hall Effect
Authors: Basu Saurabh
Published: August 2024

This book deals with the discovery and explanation of the quantum Hall effect and its fundamental principles. It is meant for undergraduate and graduate students of physics, engineering, and applied sciences studying condensed matter physics. Doctoral students and researchers of this subject will also find it equally useful. It begins with a historical overview of this effect wherein the experiment and the physical systems are described. It progresses to cover discrete symmetries like inversion symmetry, time reversal symmetry, particle-hole symmetry, and chiral symmetry. It also examines how the Hamiltonian transforms under such symmetry operations. Two 1D models, namely the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model and a Kitaev chain with superconducting correlations, are discussed too. Then, the quantum Hall effect in graphene is explained. Further, the spin Hall effect is studied which may have prospects of using graphene as spintronic devices. The book ends with a brief review on fractional quantum Hall effect.
Teleology
Authors: Tugby Matthew
Published: August 2024

Teleology is about functions, ends, and goals in nature. This Element offers a philosophical examination of these phenomena and aims to reinstate teleology as a core part of the metaphysics of science. It starts with a critical analysis of three theories of function and argues that functions ultimately depend on goals. A metaphysical investigation of goal-directedness is then undertaken. After arguing against reductive approaches to goal-directedness, the Element develops a new theory which grounds many cases of goal-directedness in the metaphysics of powers. According to this theory, teleological properties are genuine, irreducible features of the world.
Political Ecospatiality
Authors: Raman K. Ravi
Published: August 2024

Political Ecospatiality offers a new perspective on subaltern struggles and raises the issue of how people with limited lobbying power can still organise to defend their honour or livelihood-environmental ecospatial systems. The book narrates and analyses the historical and contemporary situations that shape and reshape the strategies and practices of larger livelihood-environmental and identity politics in Kerala by drawing parallels from the rest of India and the global South. By employing Kerala as an example, it engages with and broadens debates in political economy, political ecology, and subaltern politics. The book moves through six ecospatial conflicts and assembles three key ideas – transverse solidarity, epistemological coalescence, and subaltern modernity – and applies them as analytical tools to form an overall framework of political ecospatiality.
Visualizing Russia in Early Modern Europe
Authors: Kollmann Nancy S.
Published: August 2024

In early modern Europe, the emergence and development of print culture proved a powerful new method for producing and disseminating knowledge of Russia through visual means. By examining the images of Russia found in travel accounts, pamphlets, maps and costume books, this study demonstrates how the visual shaped a dual understanding of these lands: Russia and Russians were portrayed as familiar, but the steppe and forest frontiers were seen as forbidding and exotic. As these images were reproduced and plagiarized in new formats, so too were their meanings – the idea of Russia was one which constantly shifted across genres, usages, and audiences. Nancy Kollmann examines the techniques harnessed by artists and publishers to suggest the authenticity of their publications, and explores in turn how these complex depictions of Russia contributed to Europeans' understanding of themselves.
Syndicates and Societies
Authors: Jackman David
Published: August 2024

When you work on the streets of Dhaka, crime is part of everyday life. Rackets are ubiquitous, political muscle widespread, and territory often fought over. Locals refer to the syndicate that lie behind the façade of the city, controlling who works where, how services are delivered and who profits. Based on years of research Syndicates and Societies reveals how syndicates shape life in Kawran Bazar, the largest marketplace in Bangladesh, and offers a new approach to understanding the nexus of crime and politics. The book traces the bazar's history from a heartland of gangsters to being dominated by ruling party leaders and state officials. It follows a group of labourers as they seek a place in this world, aligning themselves to leaders, orchestrating bombings and fighting off rivals. Syndicates and Societies thus explores the relationship between crime and order, revealing a world of extortionists and informers, political muscle and union leaders.
Foreign in Two Homelands
Authors: Kahn Michelle Lynn
Published: August 2024

What happens when migrants are rejected by the host society that first invited them? How do they return to a homeland that considers them outsiders? Foreign in Two Homelands explores the transnational history of Turkish migrants, Germany's largest ethnic minority, who arrived as 'guest-workers' (Gastarbeiter) between 1961 and 1973. By the 1980s, amid rising racism, neo-Nazis and ordinary Germans blamed Turks for unemployment, criticized their Muslim faith, and argued they could never integrate. In 1983, policymakers enacted a controversial law: paying Turks to leave. Thus commenced one of modern Europe's largest and fastest waves of remigration: within one year, 15% of the migrants—250,000 men, women, and children—returned to Turkey. Their homeland, however, ostracized them as culturally estranged 'Germanized Turks' (Almancı). Through archival research and oral history interviews in both countries and languages, Michelle Lynn Kahn highlights migrants' personal stories and reveals how many felt foreign in two homelands. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
MEMPSEP‐II. Forecasting the Properties of Solar Energetic Particle Events Using a Multivariate Ensemble Approach
Authors: Dayeh Maher A. , Chatterjee Subhamoy , Muñoz‐Jaramillo Andrés , Moreland Kimberly , Bain Hazel M. , Hart Samuel T.
Published: August 2024

Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs) form a critical component of Space Weather. The complex, intertwined dynamics of SEP sources, acceleration, and transport make their forecasting very challenging. Yet, information about SEP arrival and their properties (e.g., peak flux) is crucial for space exploration on many fronts. We have recently introduced a novel probabilistic ensemble model called the Multivariate Ensemble of Models for Probabilistic Forecast of Solar Energetic Particles (MEMPSEP). Its primary aim is to forecast the occurrence and physical properties of SEPs. The occurrence forecasting, thoroughly discussed in a preceding paper (MEMPSEP‐I by Chatterjee et al., 2024a, https://doi.org/10.1029/2023sw003568), is complemented by the work presented here, which focuses on forecasting the physical properties of SEPs. The MEMPSEP model relies on an ensemble of Convolutional Neural Networks, which leverage a multi‐variate data set comprising full‐disc magnetogram sequences and numerous derived and in‐situ data from various sources (MEMPSEP‐III by Moreland et al., 2024, https://doi.org/10.1029/2023SW003765). Skill scores demonstrate that MEMPSEP exhibits improved predictions on SEP properties for the test set data with SEP occurrence probability above 50%, compared to those with a probability below 50%. Results present a promising approach to address the challenging task of forecasting SEP physical properties, thus improving our forecasting capabilities and advancing our understanding of the dominant parameters and processes that govern SEP production.
Quantifying the Contribution of Multiple Processes to the Dust Decreasing Trend in the Guliya Ice Core Over the Past 50 Years
Authors: Huang Ju , Wu Guangjian , Zhao Huabiao , Xu Baiqing
Published: August 2024

Dust records extracted from ice cores can facilitate the reconstruction of historical atmospheric dust levels and climate change. However, interpreting dust variations in ice cores is intricate because of the compounded influence of emission, transport, and deposition processes. This study investigated dust records retrieved from the Guliya ice cap drilled in 2015 on the West Tibetan Plateau using a mean trajectory transport and deposition model. Results showed that the Guliya dust concentration has exhibited a declining trend since the 1960s (−751 μg kg−1 yr−1). Applying an attribution approach, we discovered that low dust emission (80.3%) was the main cause of the drop in dust concentration, with changes related to transportation (5.2%) and deposition (14.5%) making only minor contributions. The weakening of surface wind speed in the desert and increasing precipitation in both the desert and glacier were the primary factors driving the decrease in Guliya dust concentration.
Two‐Stage Climate and Vegetation Change at the East Asian Monsoonal Margin Across the Miocene Climatic Optimum
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhou Xinying , Wang Shiqi , Ye Jie , Liu Junchi , Zheng Yan , Stidham Thomas A. , Zhao Keliang , Behling Hermann , Li Xiaoqiang
Published: August 2024

The change in vegetation at the margins of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) during the Miocene Climatic Optimum (MCO) remains poorly understood. Here, we present a high‐resolution terrestrial sequence, paleomagnetically dated to 18.2–13.5 Ma, from the Tongxin Basin of midwestern China. Our multi‐indicator analysis, encompassing pollen, δ13CTOC, δ18Ocarb‐δ13Ccarb, and magnetic susceptibility, reveals that the regional vegetation and climate had two distinct stages during the MCO, manifesting as stable arid steppe from 17.0 to 16.0 Ma, and woodland steppe with six forested environments from 16.0 to 14.0 Ma. Together with other adjacent records, this supports the EASM as the main control on terrestrial vegetation. Further comparisons of marine‐terrestrial data and time series analysis suggest that in the late MCO, the oceanic carbon reservoir (OCR) experienced strong perturbations (mainly Cmax events) accompanied by multiple oscillations. The instability signals likely impacted and were amplified as rapid shifts in forest‐steppe environments at the monsoon margins via EASM. Our study highlights the regulation of inland ecologically vulnerable areas by low‐latitude forcing in a greenhouse world.
Plastic induced urinary tract disease and dysfunction: a scoping review
Authors: O’Callaghan Liam , Olsen Matthew , Tajouri Lotti , Beaver Davinia , Hudson Carly , Alghafri Rashed , McKirdy Simon , Goldsworthy Adrian
Published: August 2024

Introduction

In 2019 the World Health Organisation published a report which concluded microplastics in drinking water did not present a threat to human health. Since this time a plethora of research has emerged demonstrating the presence of plastic in various organ systems and their deleterious pathophysiological effects.

Methods

A scoping review was undertaken in line with recommendations from the Johanna Briggs Institute. Five databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Web of Science and EMBASE) were systematically searched in addition to a further grey literature search.

Results

Eighteen articles were identified, six of which investigated and characterised the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) in the human urinary tract. Microplastics were found to be present in kidney, urine and bladder cancer samples. Twelve articles investigated the effect of MNPs on human cell lines associated with the human urinary tract. These articles suggest MNPs have a cytotoxic effect, increase inflammation, decrease cell viability and alter mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signalling pathways.

Conclusion

Given the reported presence MNPs in human tissues and organs, these plastics may have potential health implications in bladder disease and dysfunction. As a result, institutions such as the World Health Organisation need to urgently re-evaluate their position on the threat of microplastics to public health.

Impact statement

This scoping review highlights the rapidly emerging threat of microplastic contamination within the human urinary tract, challenging the World Health Organisation’s assertion that microplastics pose no risk to public health. The documented cytotoxic effects of microplastics, alongside their ability to induce inflammation, reduce cell viability and disrupt signalling pathways, raise significant public health concerns relating to bladder cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic urinary tract infections and incontinence. As a result, this study emphasises the pressing need for further research and policy development to address the challenges surrounding microplastic contamination.
scEpiAge: an age predictor highlighting single-cell ageing heterogeneity in mouse blood
Authors: Bonder Marc Jan , Clark Stephen J. , Krueger Felix , Luo Siyuan , Agostinho de Sousa João , Hashtroud Aida M. , Stubbs Thomas M. , Stark Anne-Katrien , Rulands Steffen , Stegle Oliver , Reik Wolf , von Meyenn Ferdinand
Published: August 2024

Ageing is the accumulation of changes and decline of function of organisms over time. The concept and biomarkers of biological age have been established, notably DNA methylation-based clocks. The emergence of single-cell DNA methylation profiling methods opens the possibility of studying the biological age of individual cells. Here, we generate a large single-cell DNA methylation and transcriptome dataset from mouse peripheral blood samples, spanning a broad range of ages. The number of genes expressed increases with age, but gene-specific changes are small. We next develop scEpiAge, a single-cell DNA methylation age predictor, which can accurately predict age in (very sparse) publicly available datasets, and also in single cells. DNA methylation age distribution is wider than technically expected, indicating epigenetic age heterogeneity and functional differences. Our work provides a foundation for single-cell and sparse data epigenetic age predictors, validates their functionality and highlights epigenetic heterogeneity during ageing.