bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subdecadal Holocene Warm‐Season Temperature Variability in Central Europe Recorded by Biochemical Varves
Authors: Zander Paul D. , Żarczyński Maurycy , Tylmann Wojciech , Vogel Hendrik , Grosjean Martin
Published: November 2024

Paleoclimate data provide important information about the character of natural climate variability. However, records with sufficient length and resolution to resolve high‐frequency (decadal‐scale) variability across the Holocene are scarce. We present a 10,800‐year reconstruction of spring and summer temperature at three‐year resolution based on biochemical varves from Lake Żabińskie, Poland. The reconstruction is based on Ca/Ti ratio, which are significantly correlated with instrumental spring and summer temperature spanning 240 years. Major climate events of the Holocene period are represented in the reconstruction, including the Holocene Thermal Maximum, 8.2 ka Event, Medieval Climate Anomaly, and Little Ice Age. A low‐frequency 8,000‐year decreasing trend in warm‐season temperatures is driven by declining summer insolation. Temperature variability is highest during the early Holocene, likely related to warmer and drier conditions. The rate of warming during the past 90 years is extremely unusual, if not unprecedented for the Holocene, based on our reconstruction.
FuXi‐En4DVar: An Assimilation System Based on Machine Learning Weather Forecasting Model Ensuring Physical Constraints
Authors: Li Yonghui , Han Wei , Li Hao , Duan Wansuo , Chen Lei , Zhong Xiaohui , Wang Jincheng , Liu Yongzhu , Sun Xiuyu
Published: November 2024

Recent machine learning (ML)‐based weather forecasting models have improved the accuracy and efficiency of forecasts while minimizing computational resources, yet still depend on traditional data assimilation (DA) systems to generate analysis fields. Four dimensional variational data assimilation (4DVar) enhances model states, relying on the prediction model to propagate observation to the initial field. Consequently, the initial fields from traditional DA are not optimal for ML‐based models, necessitating a customized DA system. This paper introduces an ensemble 4DVar system integrated with the FuXi model (FuXi‐En4DVar), which can independently generate accurate analysis fields. It utilizes automatic differentiation to compute gradients, and demonstrates the equivalence of these gradients with those derived from adjoint models. Experimental results indicate that this system preserves the physical balance of the analysis field and exhibits flow‐dependent characteristics. These features enhance the propagation and assimilation of observation into the initial analysis field, thereby improving the accuracy of the analysis fields.
Resolving Uncertainty in the Response of Australia's Terrestrial Carbon Cycle to Projected Climate Change
Authors: Teckentrup Lina , De Kauwe Martin G. , Pitman Andy J. , Wårlind David , Ukkola Anna M. , Smith Benjamin
Published: November 2024

Semi‐arid ecosystems, common across the Australian continent, strongly influence the inter‐annual variability and trend in the global terrestrial net carbon sink. Here we explore the future Australian terrestrial carbon cycle using the CMIP6 ensemble, and the dynamic global vegetation model LPJ‐GUESS. Uncertainty in Australia's carbon storage in vegetation ranged between 6 and 49 PgC at the end of the century and was strongly linked to biases in the meteorological forcing. Using LPJ‐GUESS with bias‐corrected meteorological forcing reduced uncertainty in the vegetation carbon storage to between 14 and 20 PgC, with the remaining range linked to model sensitivities to rising atmospheric CO2 concentration, temperature, and precipitation variability. Reducing this uncertainty will require improved terrestrial biosphere models, but also major improvements in the simulation of regional precipitation by Global Climate Models.
Solar Wind Power Likely Governs Uranus' Thermosphere Temperature
Authors: Masters A. , Szalay J. R. , Zomerdijk‐Russell S. , Kao M. M.
Published: November 2024

Observations of Uranus in the near‐infrared by ground‐based telescopes from 1992 to 2018 have shown that the planet's upper atmosphere (thermosphere) steadily cooled from ∼700 to ∼450 K. We explain this cooling as due to the concurrent decline in the power of the solar wind incident on Uranus' magnetic field, which has dropped by ∼50% over the same period due to solar activity trends longer than the 11‐year solar cycle. Uranus' thermosphere appears to be more strongly governed by the solar wind than any other planet where we have assessed this coupling so far. Uranus' total auroral power may also have declined, in contrast with the power of the radio aurora that we expect has been predominantly modulated by the solar cycle. In the absence of strong local driving, planets with sufficiently large magnetospheres may also have thermospheres predominantly governed by the stellar wind, rather than stellar radiation.
In Situ Observational Evidence of the Polar Cap Arc at 1500 MLT (15MLT‐PCA) Associated With the Lobe Reconnection
Authors: Feng Huiting , Han Desheng , Teng Shangchun , Qiu Huixuan , Zhou Su , Shi Run , Zhang Yongliang
Published: November 2024

The polar cap arc at 1500 MLT (15MLT‐PCA) has been considered as an auroral signature of the cusp's duskside boundary and been speculated to be caused by lobe reconnection. However, no observational evidence has been provided to support this speculation. Here we report a 15MLT‐PCA event occurred on 29 November 2017 using multi‐instrument observations. During the DMSP observed the 15MLT‐PCA, Cluster, with its footprints at the root of the 15MLT‐PCA, identified two FTEs in the southern hemisphere's lobe region, accompanied by an increase in electron and ion energy from hundreds of eVs to several keVs. AMPERE observed an increase in upward field‐aligned currents associated with the 15MLT‐PCA. SuperDARN observed a single cell convection with an enhancement of sunward plasma flow near the root of 15MLT‐PCA. We suggest that these observations provide the in‐situ observational evidence that the 15MLT‐PCA is generated by a lobe reconnection at the cusp's duskside boundary.
Seismic Azimuthal Anisotropy Within the Juan de Fuca ‐ Gorda Plate System
Authors: Liu Chuanming , Becker Thorsten , Wu Mengyu , Han Shuoshuo , Ritzwoller Michael H.
Published: November 2024

We estimate seismic azimuthal anisotropy for the Juan de Fuca ‐ Gorda plates from inversion of a new 10–80 s period Rayleigh wave dataset, resulting in a two‐layer model to 80 km depth. In the lithosphere, most anisotropy patterns reflect the kinematics of plate formation, as approximated from seafloor‐age‐based paleo‐spreading, except for regions close to propagator wakes and near plate boundaries. In the asthenosphere, the fast propagation orientations align with convective shear as inferred from the NUVEL1A plate motion model, which is indicative of a ∼3 Myr average, rather than with the more recent, ∼0.8 Myr, motions inferred from MORVEL. Regional anisotropy of this young plate system thus records convection like older plates such as the Pacific. On smaller scales, anisotropy imaging provides insights into dynamics of plate generation and can further elucidate plate reorganizations and changes in boundary loading.
On the Importance of Precipitation‐Induced Surface Sensible Heat Flux for Diurnal Cycle of Precipitation in the Maritime Continent
Authors: Zhou Xin , Ray Pallav , Dudhia Jimy , Tewari Mukul , Nikolopoulos Efthymios , Johnson Nathaniel C. , Hagos Samson
Published: November 2024

The Maritime Continent (MC) exhibits a pronounced diurnal cycle in precipitation, with many high‐resolution models overestimating the diurnal peak and predicting earlier precipitation over the islands than observed. We hypothesize that part of this model bias comes from ignoring precipitation‐induced surface sensible heat flux (QP). To test this conjecture, we performed simulations with and without QP for April 2009 and June 2006. The inclusion of QP reduced the bias in diurnal peak precipitation amplitude by 83% in April 2009 and 23% in June 2006. Similarly, the bias in precipitation peak timing decreased by 26% and 15%, respectively. This bias reduction was even more prominent during periods of heavier rainfall. This improvement in both the amplitude and phase of diurnal precipitation also led to a reduction in bias for total precipitation by ∼10%. These findings suggest that QP cannot be neglected over the MC, particularly during heavy precipitation.
Recent Decreases in the Growth Rate of Atmospheric HCFC‐22 Column Derived From the Ground‐Based FTIR Harmonized Retrievals at 16 NDACC Sites
Authors: Zhou Minqiang , Langerock Bavo , Vigouroux Corinne , Smale Dan , Toon Geoff , Polyakov Alexander , Hannigan James W. , Mellqvist Johan , Robinson John , Notholt Justus , Strong Kimberly , Mahieu Emmanuel , Palm Mathias , Prignon Maxime , Jones Nicolas , García Omaira , Morino Isamu , Murata Isao , Ortega Ivan , Nagahama Tomoo , Wizenberg Tyler , Flood Victoria , Walker Kaley , De Mazière Martine
Published: November 2024

HCFC‐22 is an ozone‐depleting substance with a greenhouse effect. The atmospheric mole fractions of HCFC‐22 have been increasing since the 1950s. Within the NDACC‐IRWG network, HCFC‐22 mol fractions can be retrieved from solar absorption spectra measured by ground‐based FTIR. However, only a few sites have provided HCFC‐22 data sets. Here, we demonstrate a harmonized FTIR HCFC‐22 retrieval strategy and generate a new global NDACC‐IRWG HCFC‐22 data set at 16 FTIR sites. The systematic and random uncertainties are 5.3%–8.7% and 3.2%–8.0%, respectively. A maximum HCFC‐22 column annual growth rate was observed in 2009 with a mean of 7.65 ± 1.39 ppt/year, and the HCFC‐22 annual growth rate decreased to 3.57 ± 1.39 ppt/year (2016–2020) and 2.15 ± 2.09 ppt/year (2021–2023). The annual growth rates derived from the FTIR measurements are compared to the ones derived from NOAA surface flask samplings and ACE‐FTS satellite measurements, and the three independent data sets show a good agreement.
Physically Structured Variational Inference for Bayesian Full Waveform Inversion
Authors: Zhao Xuebin , Curtis Andrew
Published: November 2024

Full waveform inversion (FWI) creates high resolution models of the Earth's subsurface structures from seismic waveform data. Due to the non‐linearity and non‐uniqueness of FWI problems, finding globally best‐fitting model solutions is not necessarily desirable since they fit noise as well as the desired signal in data. Bayesian FWI calculates a so‐called posterior probability distribution function, which describes all possible model solutions and their uncertainties. In this paper, we solve Bayesian FWI using variational inference, and propose a new methodology called physically structured variational inference, in which a physics‐based structure is imposed on the variational distribution. In a simple example motivated by prior information from imaging inverse problems, we include parameter correlations between pairs of spatial locations within a dominant wavelength of each other, and set other correlations to zero. This makes the method far more efficient compared to other variational methods in terms of both memory requirements and computation, at the cost of some loss of generality in the solution found. We demonstrate the proposed method with a 2D acoustic FWI scenario, and compare the results with those obtained using other methods. This verifies that the method can produce accurate statistical information about the posterior distribution with hugely improved efficiency (in our FWI example, 1 order of magnitude reduction in computation). We further demonstrate that despite the possible reduction in generality of the solution, the posterior uncertainties can be used to solve post‐inversion interrogation problems connected to estimating volumes of subsurface reservoirs and of stored , with minimal bias, creating a highly efficient FWI‐based decision‐making workflow.
Progress and prospects of mRNA-based drugs in pre-clinical and clinical applications
Authors: Shi Yingying , Shi Meixing , Wang Yi , You Jian
Published: November 2024

In the last decade, messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)-based drugs have gained great interest in both immunotherapy and non-immunogenic applications. This surge in interest can be largely attributed to the demonstration of distinct advantages offered by various mRNA molecules, alongside the rapid advancements in nucleic acid delivery systems. It is noteworthy that the immunogenicity of mRNA drugs presents a double-edged sword. In the context of immunotherapy, extra supplementation of adjuvant is generally required for induction of robust immune responses. Conversely, in non-immunotherapeutic scenarios, immune activation is unwanted considering the host tolerability and high expression demand for mRNA-encoded functional proteins. Herein, mainly focused on the linear non-replicating mRNA, we overview the preclinical and clinical progress and prospects of mRNA medicines encompassing vaccines and other therapeutics. We also highlight the importance of focusing on the host-specific variations, including age, gender, pathological condition, and concurrent medication of individual patient, for maximized efficacy and safety upon mRNA administration. Furthermore, we deliberate on the potential challenges that mRNA drugs may encounter in the realm of disease treatment, the current endeavors of improvement, as well as the application prospects for future advancements. Overall, this review aims to present a comprehensive understanding of mRNA-based therapies while illuminating the prospective development and clinical application of mRNA drugs.
Identification of apelin/APJ signaling dysregulation in a human iPSC-derived granulosa cell model of Turner syndrome
Authors: Chen Wei-Ju , Chao Yi-Ya , Huang Wei-Kai , Chang Wei-Fang , Tzeng Chii-Ruey , Chuang Chi-Hsuan , Lai Pei-Lun , Schuyler Scott C. , Li Long-Yuan , Lu Jean
Published: November 2024

The interaction between germ cells and somatic cells in the ovaries plays a crucial role in establishing the follicle reserve in mammals. Turner syndrome (TS) predominantly affects females who have a partial or complete loss of one X chromosome. Our understanding of the role that granulosa cells (GCs) play in TS disease progression and pathogenesis remains limited. In this study, we achieved GC differentiation efficiency of up to 80% from iPSCs. When attempting to replicate the differentiation process of embryonic granulosa cells, we observed the downregulation of specific genes—GATA4, FOXL2, AMHR2, CYP19A1, and FSH—in Turner syndrome-derived granulosa cells (TS-GCs). Additionally, we identified dysregulation of the cell cycle in TS-GCs. To uncover the endogenous defects in TS-GCs, we compared global transcriptome patterns between iPSC-derived granulosa cells from healthy individuals and those with Turner syndrome. The apelin/APJ pathway exhibited differential signaling between the healthy and TS groups. Supplementation with apelin ligands and activation of apelin/APJ downstream signaling via Akt/PKB restored cell cycle progression and marker gene expression. We hypothesize that during early embryonic development, failures in apelin/APJ signaling in GCs of Turner syndrome patients lead to abnormalities in ovarian development, ultimately resulting in early oocyte loss and infertility.
Metabolic rewiring controlled by HIF-1α tunes IgA-producing B-cell differentiation and intestinal inflammation
Authors: Meng Xianyi , Asadi-Asadabad Sahar , Cao Shan , Song Rui , Lin Zhen , Safhi Mohammed , Qin Yi , Tcheumi Tactoum Estelle , Taudte Verena , Ekici Arif , Mielenz Dirk , Wirtz Stefan , Schett Georg , Bozec Aline
Published: November 2024

Germinal centers where B cells undergo clonal expansion and antibody affinity maturation are hypoxic microenvironments. However, the function of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α in immunoglobulin production remains incompletely characterized. Here, we demonstrated that B cells lacking HIF-1α exhibited significantly lower glycolytic metabolism and impaired IgA production. Loss of HIF-1α in B cells affects IgA-producing B-cell differentiation and exacerbates dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. Conversely, promoting HIF-1α stabilization via a PHD inhibitor roxadustat enhances IgA class switching and alleviates intestinal inflammation. Mechanistically, HIF-1α facilitates IgA class switching through acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) accumulation, which is essential for histone H3K27 acetylation at the Sα region. Consequently, supplementation with acetyl-CoA improved defective IgA production in Hif1a-deficient B cells and limited experimental colitis. Collectively, these findings highlight the critical importance of HIF-1α in IgA class switching and the potential for targeting the HIF-1α-dependent metabolic‒epigenetic axis to treat inflammatory bowel diseases and other inflammatory disorders.
Serum uric acid is independently associated with impaired nitroglycerine-induced vasodilation of the brachial artery in women
Authors: Maruhashi Tatsuya , Kajikawa Masato , Kishimoto Shinji , Yamaji Takayuki , Harada Takahiro , Mizobuchi Aya , Tanigawa Shunsuke , Yusoff Farina Mohamad , Nakano Yukiko , Chayama Kazuaki , Nakashima Ayumu , Goto Chikara , Higashi Yukihito
Published: November 2024

Experimental and clinical studies have suggested atherosclerotic effects of uric acid (UA) on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Nitroglycerine-induced vasodilation (NID), a control test for flow-mediated vasodilation, can be used as a possible marker of VSMC dysfunction. However, there is little information on the association between UA and NID. Therefore, we investigated the association between serum UA levels and NID according to sex. We measured NID of the brachial artery in 598 women (mean age: 66.2 ± 12.0 years) and 1008 men (mean age: 59.0 ± 18.0 years). In women, the mean serum UA level was 5.06 ± 1.24 mg/dL. Serum UA levels were negatively correlated with NID (p < 0.001), and NID significantly decreased with increasing serum UA levels (≤4.0 mg/dL, 13.4 ± 6.4%; 4.0 to ≤5.0 mg/dL, 11.4 ± 5.3%; 5.0 to ≤6.0 mg/dL, 10.8 ± 5.7%; >6.0 mg/dL, 9.7 ± 5.7%; p < 0.001). The prevalence of VSMC dysfunction, defined as NID < 8.4%, the division points for the lowest and middle tertiles of NID in women, increased with increasing serum UA levels ( ≤ 4.0 mg/dL, 23.3%; 4.0 to ≤5.0 mg/dL, 30.9%; 5.0 to ≤6.0 mg/dL, 36.4%; >6.0 mg/dL, 44.6%; p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between serum UA levels and VSMC dysfunction (odds ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.02─1.43; p = 0.03). There was no interaction between age (<50 or ≥50 years) and the effect of serum UA levels on VSMC dysfunction (p interaction = 0.88). In contrast, no association was observed between serum UA levels and NID in men. Serum UA levels were significantly associated with VSMC dysfunction as assessed by NID in women.
Direct visualization of the charge transfer state dynamics in dilute-donor organic photovoltaic blends
Authors: Moore Gareth John , Günther Florian , Yallum Kaila M. , Causa’ Martina , Jungbluth Anna , Réhault Julien , Riede Moritz , Ortmann Frank , Banerji Natalie
Published: November 2024

The interconversion dynamics between charge transfer state charges (CTCs) and separated charges (SCs) is still an unresolved issue in the field of organic photovoltaics. Here, a transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS) study of a thermally evaporated small-molecule:fullerene system (α6T:C60) in different morphologies (dilute intermixed and phase separated) is presented. Spectral decomposition reveals two charge species with distinct absorption characteristics and different dynamics. Using time-dependent density functional theory, these species are identified as CTCs and SCs, where the spectral differences arise from broken symmetry in the charge transfer state that turns forbidden transitions into allowed ones. Based on this assignment, a kinetic model is formulated allowing the characterization of the charge generation, separation, and recombination mechanisms. We find that SCs are either formed directly from excitons within a few picoseconds or more slowly (~30–80 ps) from reversible splitting of CTCs. These findings constitute the first unambiguous observation of spectrally resolved CTCs and SCs.
Hybridizing anomalous Nernst effect in artificially tilted multilayer based on magnetic topological material
Authors: Hirai Takamasa , Ando Fuyuki , Sepehri-Amin Hossein , Uchida Ken-ichi
Published: November 2024

Transverse thermoelectric conversion holds significant potential in addressing complex challenges faced by classical Seebeck/Peltier modules. A promising transverse thermoelectric phenomenon is the anomalous Nernst effect originating from nontrivial band structures in magnetic topological materials. However, the currently reported performance of the anomalous Nernst effect in topological materials, e.g., Co2MnGa, remains insufficient for practical thermoelectric applications. Here, we unveil an unconventional availability of the anomalous Nernst effect by integrating magnetic topological materials into artificially tilted multilayers, known to exhibit the structure-induced transverse thermoelectric conversion due to the off-diagonal Seebeck effect. Our experiments reveal that the transverse thermoelectric performance in Co2MnGa-based artificially tilted multilayers is improved through the hybrid action of the anomalous Nernst and off-diagonal Seebeck effects, with the magnetization-dependent performance modulation being one order of magnitude greater than the performance achievable with the anomalous Nernst effect alone. This synergy underscores the importance of hybrid transverse thermoelectric conversion and paves a way for advancing thermoelectric applications using magnetic materials.
Topologically ordered time crystals
Authors: Wahl Thorsten B. , Han Bo , Béri Benjamin
Published: November 2024

Time crystals are a dynamical phase of periodically driven quantum many-body systems where discrete time-translation symmetry is broken spontaneously. Time-crystallinity however subtly requires also spatial order, ordinarily related to further symmetries, such as spin-flip symmetry when the spatial order is ferromagnetic. Here we define topologically ordered time crystals, a time-crystalline phase borne out of intrinsic topological order—a particularly robust form of spatial order that requires no symmetry. We show that many-body localization can stabilize this phase against generic perturbations and establish some of its key features and signatures, including a dynamical, time-crystal form of the perimeter law for topological order. We link topologically ordered and ordinary time crystals through three complementary perspectives: higher-form symmetries, quantum error-correcting codes, and a holographic correspondence. Topologically ordered time crystals may be realized in programmable quantum devices, as we illustrate for the Google Sycamore processor.
Force-transducing molecular ensembles at growing microtubule tips control mitotic spindle size
Authors: Chu Lee-Ya , Stedman Daniel , Gannon Julian , Cox Susan , Pobegalov Georgii , Molodtsov Maxim I.
Published: November 2024

Correct mitotic spindle size is required for accurate chromosome segregation during cell division. It is controlled by mechanical forces generated by molecular motors and non-motor proteins acting on spindle microtubules. However, how forces generated by individual proteins enable bipolar spindle organization is not well understood. Here, we develop tools to measure contributions of individual molecules to this force balance. We show that microtubule plus-end binding proteins act at microtubule tips synergistically with minus-end directed motors to produce a system that can generate both pushing and pulling forces. To generate pushing force, the system harnesses forces generated by the growing tips of microtubules providing unique contribution to the force balance distinct from all other motors that act in the mitotic spindle. Our results reveal that microtubules are essential force generators for establishing spindle size and pave the way for understanding how mechanical forces can be fine-tuned to control the fidelity of chromosome segregation.
Unravelling mutational signatures with plasma circulating tumour DNA
Authors: Hollizeck Sebastian , Wang Ning , Wong Stephen Q. , Litchfield Cassandra , Guinto Jerick , Ftouni Sarah , Rebello Richard , Kanwal Sehrish , Dong Ruining , Grimmond Sean , Sandhu Shahneen , Mileshkin Linda , Tothill Richard W. , Chandrananda Dineika , Dawson Sarah-Jane
Published: November 2024

The use of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) to profile mutational signatures represents a non-invasive opportunity for understanding cancer mutational processes. Here we present MisMatchFinder, a liquid biopsy approach for mutational signature detection using low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of ctDNA. Through analysis of 375 plasma samples across 9 cancers, we demonstrate that MisMatchFinder accurately infers single-base and doublet-base substitutions, as well as insertions and deletions to enhance the detection of ctDNA and clinically relevant mutational signatures.
A self-amplifying RNA RSV prefusion-F vaccine elicits potent immunity in pre-exposed and naïve non-human primates
Authors: Vijayan Aneesh , Vogels Ronald , Groppo Rachel , Jin Yi , Khan Selina , Van Kampen Mirjam , Jorritsma Sytze , Boedhoe Satish , Baert Miranda , van Diepen Harry , Kuipers Harmjan , Serroyen Jan , del Valle Jorge Reyes- , Broman Ann , Nguyen Lannie , Ray Sayoni , Jarai Bader , Arora Jayant , Lifton Michelle , Mildenberg Benjamin , Morton Georgeanna , Santra Sampa , Grossman Tamar R. , Schuitemaker Hanneke , Custers Jerome , Zahn Roland
Published: November 2024

Newly approved subunit and mRNA vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) demonstrate effectiveness in preventing severe disease, with protection exceeding 80% primarily through the generation of antibodies. An alternative vaccine platform called self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) holds promise in eliciting humoral and cellular immune responses. We evaluate the immunogenicity of a lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-formulated saRNA vaccine called SMARRT.RSV.preF, encoding a stabilized form of the RSV fusion protein, in female mice and in non-human primates (NHPs) that are either RSV-naïve or previously infected. Intramuscular vaccination with SMARRT.RSV.preF vaccine induces RSV neutralizing antibodies and cellular responses in naïve mice and NHPs. Importantly, a single dose of the vaccine in RSV pre-exposed NHPs elicits a dose-dependent anamnestic humoral immune response comparable to a subunit RSV preF vaccine. Notably, SMARRT.RSV.preF immunization significantly increases polyfunctional RSV.F specific memory CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells compared to RSV.preF protein vaccine. Twenty-four hours post immunization with SMARRT.RSV.preF, there is a dose-dependent increase in the systemic levels of inflammatory and chemotactic cytokines associated with the type I interferon response in NHPs, which is not observed with the protein vaccine. We identify a cluster of analytes including IL-15, TNFα, CCL4, and CXCL10, whose levels are significantly correlated with each other after SMARRT.RSV.preF immunization. These findings suggest saRNA vaccines have the potential to be developed as a prophylactic RSV vaccine based on innate, cellular, and humoral immune profiles they elicit.
The role of socio-demographic and psychological factors in shaping individual carbon footprints in Finland
Authors: Sahari Elisa , Salo Marja , Sandman Nils
Published: November 2024

Household consumption emissions are a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, making them a vital target for emission reductions. While previous research has studied socio-demographic and situational factors in explaining the variation in individuals’ carbon footprints, a more comprehensive exploration of individual drivers, would benefit the development of effective and equitable mitigation policies. The current study examines associations between psychological and socio-demographic factors and carbon footprints of Finnish adults (n = 3,519). Income was found to be the strongest factor explaining the variation in carbon footprints. While environmental attitudes, perceived easiness and perceived importance of climate actions statistically explained differences in carbon footprints, the effect sizes were modest. The factors explaining variation in the carbon footprint varied across different domains (housing, travel, diet, and other consumption of goods and services), with psychological factors having a more substantial effect on diet compared to other domains. Overall, the findings suggest that tailoring policy interventions to reduce emissions from different domains to specific groups and factors could be beneficial. Furthermore, the greatest emission reduction potential lies among higher-income individuals. In the dietary domain, attitude-changing interventions could be more effective, while financial or choice architecture interventions might be better suited for other domains.
Antimicrobial stewardship implementation in primary and secondary tier hospitals in India: interim findings from a need assessment study using mixed method design
Authors: Debnath Falguni , De Rajyasree Ghosh , Chakraborty Debjit , Majumdar Agniva , Mukhopadhyay Sandip , Sarkar Munmun Das , Singh Taru , Patra Sanjit Kumar , Saha Surangana , Rehman Julius , Roy Dhiraj , Chakrabarti Atreyi , Basu Sulagna , Mukhopadhyay Asish Kumar , Mondal Amitabha , Soren Shyamal , Datta Kalpana , Pain Shantasil , Mondal Supreeti Biswas , Mondal Palash , Walia Kamini , Maji Dipankar , Deb Alok Kumar , Dutta Shanta
Published: November 2024

Anti-microbial stewardship program (AMSP) is practiced only in tertiary hospitals in India, though, the lower tier hospitals remain the first point of contact in patient care. This study was conducted in lower tier hospitals to calculate antibiotic and multiple antibiotic prescription rate (APR, MPR) for common infections and finding existing strength of health system for optimizing antibiotic prescription. We conducted a cross sectional convergent parallel mix-method study in eight lower tier hospitals of three districts of West Bengal, India. Six hundred OPD prescriptions of UTI, ARI, AUFI, ADD were evaluated. Qualitative data collected through in-depth interviews of medical officers/officers in administrative positions, infection control nurses were analyzed using content analysis method. APR was 63.8% in primary tier hospitals and 60.8% in secondary tier hospitals. The MPR was higher in secondary tier hospital (23.8%). Presence of infection control committee, designated nursing staff, initiation of prescription audit, increased monitoring were identified as few facilitators for future implementation of AMSP in lower tier hospitals. The routine infection control activities of lower tier hospitals are currently delinked from AMR containment measures and thus, customized AMSP needs to be established in these hospitals catering two third of the population of India.
Design-assisted HPLC-UV method for therapeutic drug monitoring of pholcodine, ephedrine, and guaifenesin in biological fluids
Authors: Roshdy Aya , Abdel Salam Randa , Hadad Ghada , Belal Fathallah , Elmansi Heba
Published: November 2024

Drug-drug interactions may amplify or diminish their intended effects, or even produce entirely new effects. Multicomponent mixture HPLC analysis offers a thorough and effective method for comprehending the makeup and behavior of complicated materials, advancing research and development across a range of scientific and industrial domains. A novel experimental design-assisted HPLC methodology for the concurrent investigation of the drug-drug interaction of pholcodine, ephedrine, and guaifenesin in biological fluids has been established. Rather than the routine methodology, the application of the factorial design-HPLC method offers a powerful and efficient tool for the analysis of these compounds. Both mixed and full factorial designs were employed to assess the impact of variable factors on chromatographic results. Utilizing an isocratic elution mode on a C18 column, the chromatographic separation was carried out. 15% Methanol, 5% acetonitrile, and 80% phosphate buffer with 0.1%(v/v) triethylamine set to pH 3 make up the mobile phase flowing at rate 1.0 mL/min. The calibration curves of the drugs show excellent linearity over a concentration ranges: 0.20–13.0 µg/mL for PHO, 0.50–20.0 µg/mL for EPH and 0.70–20.0 µg/mL for GUA with LOQ values of 0.18, 0.38 and 0.50. The fast separation and quantitation in less than 6 min is an advantage. Also, the method includes a robust sample preparation protocol for the analysis of complex biological samples, ensuring high selectivity and precision. The ease, speed and cost-effectiveness of the method are ideal for supporting in vitro studies, including drug-drug interaction investigations, especially in bioanalytical labs.
Effect of temperature, nutrients and growth rate on picophytoplankton cell size across the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Marañón Emilio , Fernández-González Cristina , Tarran Glen A.
Published: November 2024

The cell size of picophytoplankton populations affects their ecology and biogeochemical role, but how different environmental drivers control its variability is still not well understood. To gain insight into the role of temperature and nutrient availability as determinants of picophytoplankton population mean cell size, we carried out five microcosm experiments across the Atlantic Ocean (45°N-27°S) in which surface plankton assemblages were incubated under all combinations of three temperatures (in situ, 3 °C cooling and 3 °C warming) and two nutrient levels (unamended and addition of nitrogen and phosphorus). The overall range of variability in cell volume was 5-fold for Prochlorococcus, 8-fold for Synechococcus and 6-fold for the picoeukaryotes. We observed, in all the treatments and in the control, a consistent trend toward larger mean cell sizes over time for both Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus, which was likely the result of sample confinement. Changes in temperature and nutrient status alone did not cause clear changes in cell size, relative to the control, but the combination of warming and nutrient addition resulted in an increase in Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus cell size. The largest increases in cell volume were associated with slow or negative population net growth rates. Our results emphasize the importance of considering changes in biovolume to obtain accurate estimates of picophytoplankton biomass and suggest that the inverse relationship between growth rate and population mean cell size may be a general pattern in marine phytoplankton.
The impact of humidity on the functional response of Blattisocius Mali (Acari: Blattisociidae) preying on the acarid mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae
Authors: Jena Manoj Kumar , Michalska Katarzyna , Studnicki Marcin
Published: November 2024

Humidity influences the life table parameters and foraging behaviours of various terrestrial arthropods. The soil mite, Blattisocius mali Oudemans is a potential biological control agent of some acarid mites, moths, and nematodes. In the current study, we investigated the functional response of B. mali preying on the eggs of the mould mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae Schrank (Acari: Acaridae) at different humidity levels between 33% and 92%. To determine the type of functional response, we used logistic regression and a generalized functional response equation suggested by Real. The functional response parameters were estimated using models proposed by Hassell and Cabello et al. Blattisocius mali exhibited Type II functional response at 33% and Type III at other tested humidities (52%, 72%, 82%, and 92%). The potential for prey mortality (α) was the highest, i.e., 0.05923, and the handling time was the shortest, i.e., 0.00463 day, at 92% humidity, indicating the highest efficiency of B. mali at this humidity. Our findings revealed that B. mali was more efficient at higher humidity levels as compared to lower humidity levels. Humidity affected the predation rate and might have played an important role in stabilizing the predator–prey system by shifting the functional response with humidity.
Association between serum calcium and in-hospital mortality in critically ill atrial fibrillation patients from the MIMIC IV database
Authors: Zheng Xin , Zhang Fenfang , Wang Leigang , Fan Hongxuan , Yu Bing , Qi Xiaogang , Liang Bin
Published: November 2024

Thongprayoon et al. found in a study of 12,599 non-dialysis adult hospitalized patients that serum calcium (SC) disturbances affected more than half of the patients and were associated with increased in-hospital mortality. Similar impacts of SC disturbances on in-hospital mortality have been observed in patients with acute myocardial infarction and the general hospitalized population. Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia in the intensive care unit (ICU), affects around 6% of critically ill patients. However, the significance of the relationship between SC levels and in-hospital mortality in these patients remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the correlation between SC levels and in-hospital mortality in ICU patients diagnosed with AF. Data from the MIMIC-IV database included 11,621 AF patients (average age 75.59 ± 11.74 years; 42.56% male), with an in-hospital mortality rate of 8.90%. A nonlinear relationship between SC levels and in-hospital mortality was observed. Effect sizes on either side of the inflection point were 0.79 (HR: 0.79, 95% CI 0.67–0.94, P = 0.006) and 1.12 (HR: 1.12, 95% CI 1.01–1.25, P = 0.029). Sensitivity analyses confirmed these results. SC levels around 8.56 mg/dL were associated with the lowest risk of in-hospital mortality, with risks increasing as SC levels deviated from this point. SC levels below this inflection point were linked to more pronounced clinical impacts. This finding has significant clinical implications for clinicians. Therefore, in the treatment of ICU patients with AF, clinicians should closely monitor SC levels, with a focus on maintaining them around 8.56 mg/dL.
Bound states in the continuum in whispering gallery resonators with pointlike impurities
Authors: Figueroa M. A. , Juričić Vladimir , Orellana P. A.
Published: November 2024

Whispering gallery resonators offer a versatile platform for manipulating the photonic transmission. Here, we study such a system, including periodically distributed pointlike impurities along the resonator with ring geometry. Based on an exact expression for the transmission probability we obtain here, we demonstrate that the bound states in the continuum (BICs) form from the whispering gallery modes at the high-symmetry momenta in the ring’s Brillouin zone. Furthermore, the presence of the inversion symmetry allows for a selective decoupling of resonant states, favoring the BIC generation and, therefore, allowing extra tunability in the optical transmission of the system.
Promoted Osprey Optimizer: a solution for ORPD problem with electric vehicle penetration
Authors: Liu Ziang , Jian Xiangzhou , Sadiq Touseef , Shaikh Zaffar Ahmed , Alfarraj Osama , Alblehai Fahad , Tolba Amr
Published: November 2024

This paper proposes a new optimization technique to make an integration between the Optimal Reactive Power Dispatch (ORPD) problem and Electric Vehicles (EV). Here, a modified metaheuristic algorithm, called the Promoted Osprey Optimizer (POO) is used for this purpose. Inspired by the hunting behavior of ospreys, a predatory bird species, the POO algorithm employs various strategies like diving, soaring, and gliding to effectively explore the search space and avoid local optima. To evaluate its performance, the POO-based model has been applied to the IEEE 118-bus and IEEE 57-bus systems, considering different scenarios of EV penetration. The experimental findings demonstrate that the POO algorithm can effectively optimize the reactive power dispatch problem with EV integration, achieving significant reductions in active power losses and voltage deviations toward several existing metaheuristic optimization techniques in different terms. The POO algorithm demonstrates a significant reduction in power loss, achieving up to 22.2% and 16.2% in the 57-bus and 118-bus systems, respectively. This improvement is accompanied by reductions in voltage deviation of up to 20.6% and 15.7%. In the 57-bus system, power loss is reduced from 2.35 MW to 1.93 MW, while voltage deviation decreases from 0.034 p.u. to 0.027 p.u. For the 118-bus system, power loss is lowered from 4.21 MW to 3.53 MW, and voltage deviation is reduced from 0.051 p.u. to 0.043 p.u. Furthermore, the POO algorithm surpasses other optimization methods in minimizing voltage deviation, achieving reductions of up to 0.056 p.u. in the 57-bus system and up to 0.163 p.u. in the 118-bus system. Consequently, the POO algorithm holds great potential as a valuable tool for power system operators and planners to optimize reactive power dispatch and enhance power system performance with EV integration.
Characterization of variably protease-sensitive prionopathy by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Myskiw Jennifer , Bailey-Elkin Ben A. , Avery Kristen , Barria Marcelo A. , Ritchie Diane L. , Cohen Mark L. , Appleby Brian S. , Booth Stephanie A
Published: November 2024

Variably Protease Sensitive Prionopathy (VPSPr) is a rare human prion disease that, like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), results in the deposition of abnormally folded prion protein aggregates in the brain and is ultimately fatal. Neuropathology and clinical features of VPSPr are heterogeneous. However, the key discriminating feature is the relative sensitivity of the pathological prion protein to proteinase digestion compared to that typically seen in other human prion cases. Three major fragments of 23, 17 and 7 kDa are characteristic of the disease following digestion with proteinase K. We recently reported the utility of the highly adaptive and reproducible ProteinSimple™ capillary electrophoresis (CE) system to perform protein separation of PK digested prion protein in CJD. Consequently, we explored capillary-based electrophoresis (CE) technology as a sensitive method to detect and characterize VPSPr in a cohort of 29 cases. The unique 7 kDa fragment has high intensity, particularly in cases with the codon 129 VV genotype, but can be missed by regular Western blotting due to the small size. However, this fragment is readily detected by CE in all cases. In addition, the flexibility of CE produced highly reproducible, semi-quantitative data for determining relative proteinase K sensitivity and epitope mapping of representative cases from each codon 129 genotype (VV, MV and MM).
Exploring the mental health of young people in households and schools in Gorongosa District, Center of Mozambique
Authors: Igreja Victor , Axelsen Taryn , Brekelmans Alana
Published: November 2024

The mental health needs of young people in sub-Saharan African societies remain understudied. This study builds upon the everyday perspectives of young people in Gorongosa, a rural district in central Mozambique, to determine the frequency and severity of key mental health issues, identify significant risk and protective factors, and their associations with demographic factors and mental health predictors. This cross-sectional study gathered culturally and ecologically relevant variables, such as sociodemographic indicators and risk and protective factors. The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ) and Nocturnal Intrusions after Traumatic Experiences Questionnaire (NITE) were used to determine the prevalence and severity of key mental health issues. A convenience sampling was used involving n = 794 young people of those (45.8%) were females and the mean age of all participants was 17.24 years (SD 2.9). To examine the results, univariate analysis, chi-square tests, binary logistic regression analyses and odds ratio were used. Risk factors were pervasive in households, communities, and schools. Mental health problems were commonly linked to severe depression (14.2%), anxiety-related disorders (39.3%), sleep disturbances (37.3%), and anxiety dreams (27.5%). Gender, age, and protective factors were associated with the frequency and severity of mental health outcomes, while living with both parents protected against the severity of anxiety-related disorders. Understanding the contextual mental health needs of young people in rural Mozambique is crucial for developing insights to craft and implement targeted public mental health interventions in resource-limited settings. Addressing mental health issues among young people necessitates a concentrated effort on understanding and managing the interplay of risks and protective factors within families, communities, and schools.
Effect of very low-carbohydrate high-fat diet and high-intensity interval training on mental health-related indicators in individuals with excessive weight or obesity
Authors: Sindler Dominik , Dostal Tomas , Litschmannova Martina , Hofmann Peter , Knapova Lenka , König Laura Maria , Elavsky Steriani , Cipryan Lukas
Published: November 2024

Very low carbohydrate high fat (VLCHF) diet and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are widely utilized for weight reduction and cardiorespiratory fitness improvement, respectively. To assess the acceptability of these approaches, it is essential to examine mental health-related indicators. This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial investigated the isolated and synergistic effects of VLCHF and HIIT on mental health-related indicators in individuals with excessive weight or obesity. Sixty-eight participants (age = 42 ± 10.2; 20–60 years; BMI = 29.8 ± 3.7) were analysed across four groups: HIIT (n = 15, 4 males, 11 females), VLCHF (n = 19, 4 males, 15 females), VLCHF + HIIT (n = 19, 4 males, 15 females), and control (n = 15, 4 males, 11 females). The 12-week intervention, involved VLCHF diet or HIIT sessions, depending on group affiliation and completing online questionnaires via Qualtrics software before and after the intervention. The questionnaires included the 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12) for mental (MHS) and physical health scores (PHS), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Using the Kruskal–Wallis test, we found no significant differences in mental health-related indicators between groups after 12 weeks, except for SWLS (p = 0.031; ES = 0.133; medium), which improved significantly in the VLCHF + HIIT group compared to the HIIT group. Our findings indicate that HIIT and VLCHF, alone or combined, do not significantly affect mental health-related indicators.
An experimental demonstration of neuromorphic sensing of chemical species using electro-optical reservoir computing
Authors: Anufriev Gleb , Furniss David , Farries Mark C. , Seddon Angela B. , Phang Sendy
Published: November 2024

A chemical discrimination system based on photonic reservoir computing is demonstrated experimentally for the first time. The system is inspired by the way humans perceive and process visual sensory information. The electro-optical reservoir computing system is a photonic analogue of the human nervous system with the read-out layer acting as the ‘brain’, and the sensor that of the human eye. A task-specific optimisation of the system is implemented, and the performance of the system for the discrimination between three chemicals is presented. The results are compared to the previously published numerical simulation (Anufriev et al. in Opt Mater Express 12:1767–1783, 2022, 10.1364/OME.449036). This publication provides a feasibility assessment and a demonstration of a practical realisation of photonic reservoir computing for a new neuromorphic sensing system - the next generation sensor with a built-in ‘intelligence’ which can be trained to ‘understand’ and to make a real time sensing decision based on the training data.