bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting Dectin-1 and or VISTA enhances anti-tumor immunity in melanoma but not colorectal cancer model
Authors: Mashhouri Siavash , Rahmati Amirhossein , Azimi Ako , Fava Roy A. , Ismail Ismail Hassan , Walker John , Elahi Shokrollah
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Acquired resistance to immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) is a major barrier in cancer treatment, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies. Dectin-1 (gene Clec7a) is a C-type lectin receptor best known for its ability to recognize β-glucan-rich structures in fungal cell walls. While Dectin-1 is expressed in myeloid cells and tumor cells, its significance in cancer remains the subject of controversy.

Methods

Using Celc7a-/- mice and curdlan administration to stimulate Dectin-1 signaling, we explored its impact. VISTA KO mice were employed to assess VISTA’s role, and bulk RNAseq analyzed curdlan effects on neutrophils.

Results

Our findings reveal myeloid cells as primary Dectin-1 expressing cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), displaying an activated phenotype. Strong Dectin-1 co-expression/co-localization with VISTA and PD-L1 in TME myeloid cells was observed. While Dectin-1 deletion lacked protective effects, curdlan stimulation significantly curtailed B16-F10 tumor progression. RNAseq and pathway analyses supported curdlan’s role in triggering a cascade of events leading to increased production of pro-inflammatory mediators, potentially resulting in the recruitment and activation of immune cells. Moreover, we identified a heterogeneous subset of Dectin-1+ effector T cells in the TME. Similar to mice, human myeloid cells are the prominent cells expressing Dectin-1 in cancer patients.

Conclusion

Our study proposes Dectin-1 as a potential adjunctive target with ICBs, orchestrating a comprehensive engagement of innate and adaptive immune responses in melanoma. This innovative approach holds promise for overcoming acquired resistance to ICBs in cancer treatment, offering avenues for further exploration and development.
Renin-angiotensin system inhibitor use and risk of Parkinson’s disease: a meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Tian-xiang , Jiang Hai-yin , Yang Zeng-yan
Published: April 2024

Background

Hypertension is a recognized risk factor for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors are widely used to treat hypertension. However, the association of RAS inhibitor use with PD has still been an area of controversy.

Methods

Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between RAS inhibitor use and PD. PUBMED and EMBASE databases were searched for articles published up to Oct 2023. All studies that examined the relationship between RAS inhibitor use and the incidence of PD were included.

Results

Seven studies with total 3,495,218 individuals met our inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis. Overall, RAS inhibitor use was associated with a reduction in PD risk (OR = 0.88, 95%CI = 0.79–0.98) compared with the controls. When restricted the analysis to individuals with RAS inhibitor use indication, RAS inhibitor exposure was also associated with a decreased risk of PD (OR = 0.76, 95%CI = 0.62–0.92). Pooled results of cohort studies also did support a protective role of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) (OR = 0.97, 95%CI = 0.89–1.07) users and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) (OR = 0.8, 95%CI = 0.63–1.02) in PD.

Conclusion

Overall, RAS inhibitor use as a class is associated with a reduction in PD risk. However, the findings of ACEIs and ARBs may be limited by small sample size. Future well-designed studies considering the classification by inhibitor type, duration, dose, or property of BBB penetration of RAS inhibitors are needed to clarify the contribution of these exposure parameters on the risk of PD.
A “watered-down” solution? Deconstructing the ecosystem approach in Swedish policy affecting fisheries management
Authors: Bennett Juliana
Published: April 2024

This study seeks to deconstruct an ecosystem approach in Swedish national policy pertaining to fisheries management, not least because fisheries are integral to the global agenda of improved marine environmental status. The ’ecosystem approach’ is identified across European Union (EU) policy as the pathway for sustainable management of natural resources, due to its ambition to balance a diversity of interests and account for social and ecological interdependencies within and across ecosystems. Yet an ambiguous and inconsistent representation of the ecosystem approach in policy makes it difficult to implement. In EU policy and many other contexts, the ecosystem approach is largely uncontested as the solution for sustainably managing resources yet can lead to unintended material consequences based on how it is implemented. It therefore becomes pertinent to critically analyze what the ‘ecosystem approach’ solution is represented to be across policy calling for its implementation. Using a poststructuralist approach to analyze three of Sweden’s national policy documents pertaining to fisheries, my study finds that the ecosystem approach in these policy documents is ‘watered-down’ in terms of its use as a solution for making fisheries management more sustainable. At a minimum, implementing an ecosystem approach in fisheries requires a consistent definition of what this entails. Yet differences between the documents in terms of whether they assume a systemic approach that accounts for intersectoral impacts, and the extent to which they prioritize industry, people, or nature, makes the implementation of an ecosystem approach in Swedish fisheries management improbable. Should policy pertaining to fisheries in Sweden wish to manage ecosystems sustainably, I suggest it needs to better account for land-sea interactions to incorporate the social and ecological impacts of the fishing sector more strategically.
Association of serotonin receptor gene polymorphisms with anorexia nervosa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bevilacqua Arturo , Santini Francesca , La Porta Daniela , Cimino Silvia
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Several studies have investigated the association between anorexia nervosa and polymorphisms of genes regulating serotonin neurotransmission, with a focus on the rs6311 polymorphism of5-HTR2A. However, inconsistent results of these studies and conflicting conclusions of existing meta-analyses complicate the understanding of a possible association. We have updated these results and evaluated the involvement of other serotonin receptor gene polymorphisms in anorexia nervosa.

Methods

Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we have searched studies on anorexia nervosa and serotonin-regulating genes published from 1997 to 2022, selected those concerning receptor genes and meta-analyzed the results from twenty candidate gene studies on the5-HTR2Ars6311 polymorphism and the5-HTR2Crs6318 polymorphism.

Results

Present analyses reveal an association for the5-HTR2Ars6311 polymorphism, with G and A alleles, across eighteen studies (2049 patients, 2877 controls; A vs. G allele, Odds Ratio = 1.24; 95% Confidence Interval = 1.06–1.47; p = 0.009). However, after geographic subgrouping, an association emerged only in a Southern European area, involving five studies (722 patients, 773 controls; A vs. G allele, Odds Ratio = 1.82; 95% Confidence Interval = 1.41–2.37; p < 0.00001). No association was observed for the5-HTR2Crs6318 polymorphism across three studies.

Conclusions

To date, the involvement in the pathophysiology of anorexia nervosa of the5-HTR2Ars6311 polymorphism appears limited to a specific genetic and/or environmental context, while that of the5-HTR2Crs6318 polymorphism seems excluded. Genome-wide association studies and epigenetic studies will likely offer deeper insights of genetic and environmental factors possibly contributing to the disorder.

Level of evidence

III Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case–control analytic studies.

Clinical trial registrationPROSPERO registration number: CRD42021246122.
Assessing the Psychometric Properties of the Functional Analytic Psychotherapy Intimacy Scale (FAPIS) in a Spanish-Speaking Population
Authors: Muñoz-Martínez Amanda M. , Márquez-Barraquer Verónica , Jiménez-Leal William , Carmona-Díaz Gino M. , Acuña-Rojas Diana
Published: April 2024

Intimacy is an interpersonal repertoire related to physical and behavioral health indicators. Functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP) is a behavioral intervention that has demonstrated utility in improving intimacy repertoires, particularly in experimental single-case designs. The FAP Intimacy Scale (FAPIS) was developed with the aim of using a theoretically sound measure to evaluate FAP effects on a large scale. This study sought to culturally adapt and validate the FAPIS for Spanish-speaking populations. A total sample of 509 Spanish-speaking participants completed the survey. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to examine FAPIS psychometric properties. A network analysis was also performed to assess the relation among scale factors.  As expected, the FAPIS Spanish version demonstrated a good fit, meeting the same three-factor structure as the original version. Network loading along three factors was also found, and item 3 was identified as the most central item in the scale. Low and negative correlations among FAPIS, experiential avoidance, emotional sensitivity, and social impact were found. Findings showed that FAPIS is a valid and reliable measure for assessing intimacy in Spanish-speaking populations.
12.6 μm-Thick Asymmetric Composite Electrolyte with Superior Interfacial Stability for Solid-State Lithium-Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Gou Jingren , Cui Kaixuan , Zhang Xin , Yao Yujian , Wang Suqing , Wang Haihui
Published: April 2024

Solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) show great promise in terms of high-energy–density and high-safety performance. However, there is an urgent need to address the compatibility of electrolytes with high-voltage cathodes/Li anodes, and to minimize the electrolyte thickness to achieve high-energy–density of SSLMBs. Herein, we develop an ultrathin (12.6 µm) asymmetric composite solid-state electrolyte with ultralight areal density (1.69 mg cm−2) for SSLMBs. The electrolyte combining a garnet (LLZO) layer and a metal organic framework (MOF) layer, which are fabricated on both sides of the polyethylene (PE) separator separately by tape casting. The PE separator endows the electrolyte with flexibility and excellent mechanical properties. The LLZO layer on the cathode side ensures high chemical stability at high voltage. The MOF layer on the anode side achieves a stable electric field and uniform Li flux, thus promoting uniform Li+ deposition. Thanks to the well-designed structure, the Li symmetric battery exhibits an ultralong cycle life (5000 h), and high-voltage SSLMBs achieve stable cycle performance. The assembled pouch cells provided a gravimetric/volume energy density of 344.0 Wh kg−1/773.1 Wh L−1. This simple operation allows for large-scale preparation, and the design concept of ultrathin asymmetric structure also reveals the future development direction of SSLMBs.
Metal-Halide Perovskite Submicrometer-Thick Films for Ultra-Stable Self-Powered Direct X-Ray Detectors
Authors: Girolami Marco , Matteocci Fabio , Pettinato Sara , Serpente Valerio , Bolli Eleonora , Paci Barbara , Generosi Amanda , Salvatori Stefano , Di Carlo Aldo , Trucchi Daniele M.
Published: April 2024

Metal-halide perovskites are revolutionizing the world of X-ray detectors, due to the development of sensitive, fast, and cost-effective devices. Self-powered operation, ensuring portability and low power consumption, has also been recently demonstrated in both bulk materials and thin films. However, the signal stability and repeatability under continuous X-ray exposure has only been tested up to a few hours, often reporting degradation of the detection performance. Here it is shown that self-powered direct X-ray detectors, fabricated starting from a FAPbBr3 submicrometer-thick film deposition onto a mesoporous TiO2 scaffold, can withstand a 26-day uninterrupted X-ray exposure with negligible signal loss, demonstrating ultra-high operational stability and excellent repeatability. No structural modification is observed after irradiation with a total ionizing dose of almost 200 Gy, revealing an unexpectedly high radiation hardness for a metal-halide perovskite thin film. In addition, trap-assisted photoconductive gain enabled the device to achieve a record bulk sensitivity of 7.28 C Gy−1 cm−3 at 0 V, an unprecedented value in the field of thin-film-based photoconductors and photodiodes for “hard” X-rays. Finally, prototypal validation under the X-ray beam produced by a medical linear accelerator for cancer treatment is also introduced.
Recycling agriculture waste for liquid deposition 3D printing
Authors: Karsoun Ahmed , Tolba Meryem , Abd El Aziz Ahmed , Hassanin Abdallah M. , Wahby Ahmed , Klingner Anke , Tolba Khaled
Published: April 2024

3D printing is a promising technology for recycling agricultural waste by liquid deposition modeling (LDM). In this paper, we propose a novel method for recycling agricultural waste to be used in liquid deposition 3D printing. The method involves converting agricultural waste into suitable powder by grinding and sieving procedures. Then, a paste is prepared based on the powder from agricultural waste, which is then subjected to mechanical and physical testing to study its properties. A 3D printing setup is used to print samples for applying mechanical testing to study the properties of 3D-printed agricultural waste. The results of the mechanical and physical testing showed that the agricultural waste paste has promising properties for 3D printing. The paste is strong and durable, and it can be used to print a variety of different products. The results of this research paper demonstrate the potential of 3D printing to recycle agricultural waste and create new products.
Brain chains as topological signatures for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Goodbrake Christian , Beers David , Thompson Travis B. , Harrington Heather A. , Goriely Alain
Published: April 2024

Topology is providing new insights for neuroscience. For instance, graphs, simplicial complexes, directed graphs, flag complexes, persistent homology and convex covers have been used to study functional brain networks, synaptic connectivity, and hippocampal place cell codes. We propose a topological framework to study the evolution of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common neurodegenerative disease. The modeling of this disease starts with the representation of the brain connectivity as a graph and the seeding of a toxic protein in a specific region represented by a vertex. Over time, the accumulation of toxic proteins at vertices and their propagation along edges are modeled by a dynamical system on this graph. These dynamics provide an order on the edges of the graph according to the damage created by high concentrations of proteins. This sequence of edges defines a filtration of the graph. We consider different filtrations given by different disease seeding locations. To study these filtrations we propose a new combinatorial and topological method. A filtration defines a maximal chain in the partially ordered set of spanning subgraphs ordered by inclusion. To identify similar graphs, and define a topological signature, we quotient this poset by graph homotopy equivalence, which gives maximal chains in a smaller poset. We provide an algorithm to compute this direct quotient without computing all subgraphs and then propose bounds on the total number of graphs up to homotopy equivalence. To compare the maximal chains generated by this method, we extend Kendall’s $$d_K$$

d
K

metric for permutations to more general graded posets and establish bounds for this metric. We then demonstrate the utility of this framework on actual brain graphs by studying the dynamics of tau proteins on the structural connectome. We show that the proposed topological brain chain equivalence classes distinguish different simulated subtypes of Alzheimer’s disease.
Using Preliminary Data to Guide a Research Project: Bear Safety and Bear Management
Authors: Harmon Justin
Published: April 2024

This methodological and theoretical note is the cornerstone of empirical research I began this past summer (2023) on bear safety in backcountry wilderness settings. I am using this pilot data to inform the future iterations of the study to learn more about people’s relationships to bears and their knowledge of safe practices while recreating in the presence of bears. This note, written in the early months of 2024, focuses on refining the pilot survey and developing the research program which will be expanded to four locations in the U.S. to assess the knowledge of backcountry hikers regarding bear safety and their preferences for bear management. This essay ponders the development of future iterations of this research agenda, including methodology, theoretical development, and practical value.
Value of the Safety Management System (VMS) frailty instrument as a frailty screener in care for older hospital patients: a systematic review
Authors: Oud Frederike M. M. , Meulman Meggie D. , Merten Hanneke , Wagner Cordula , van Munster Barbara C.
Published: April 2024

Background

Dutch hospitals are required to screen older patients for the risk of developing functional decline using the Safety Management System (VMS) which assesses four domains associated with functional decline; fall risk, risk of delirium, malnutrition, and physical impairment.

Purpose

The aim is twofold, first to compare the VMS frailty instrument as a frailty screener with existing frailty instruments and second to provide an overview of the available evidence.

Methods

We performed a literature search to identify studies that used the VMS instrument as frailty screener to asses frailty or to predict adverse health outcomes in older hospitalized patients. Pubmed, Cinahl, and Embase were searched from January 1st 2008 to December 11th 2023.

Results

Our search yielded 603 articles, of which 17 studies with heterogenous populations and settings were included. Using the VMS, frailty was scored in six different ways. The agreement between VMS and other frailty instruments ranged from 57 to 87%. The highest sensitivity and specificity of VMS for frailty were 90% and 67%, respectively. The association of the VMS with outcomes was studied in 14 studies, VMS was predictive for complications, delirium, falls, length of stay, and adverse events. Conflicting results were found for hospital (re)admission, complications, change in living situation, functional decline, and mortality.

Conclusion

The VMS frailty instrument were studied as a frailty screening instrument in various populations and settings. The value of the VMS instrument as a frailty screener looks promising. Our results suggest that the scoring method of the VMS could be adapted to specific requirements of settings or populations.
An application of Computational Intelligence in group formation for digital drama education
Authors: Mastrothanasis Konstantinos , Zervoudakis Konstantinos , Kladaki Maria
Published: April 2024

Unveiling the intersection of technology and art, this research aims to explore the vital role of Computational Intelligence (CI) techniques in shaping digital theater performances within virtual worlds by managing student populations engaged in these productions. The realm of digital theater offers opportunities for creative expression and collaboration. This necessitates the integration of Computational Intelligence (CI) to establish cohesive teams in digital theater. By doing so, effective collaboration is promoted, and creativity is dynamically enhanced in virtual cultural environments and digital worlds. Central to this study is the use of a CI algorithm called Flying Fox Optimizer, designed to form homogeneous student groups, and optimize theater dynamics. The algorithm utilizes fuzzy logic, eliminating the requirement for fine-tuning by the user. The results reveal that through this mechanism, theater educators of the future can effortlessly create student groups that foster seamless collaboration in virtual theater education.
Deep Hawkes process for high-frequency market making
Authors: Kumar Pankaj
Published: April 2024

High-frequency market making is a liquidity-providing trading strategy that simultaneously generates many bids and asks for a security at ultra-low latency while maintaining a relatively neutral position. The strategy makes a profit from the bid-ask spread for every buy and sell transaction, against the risk of adverse selection, uncertain execution and inventory risk. We design realistic simulations of limit order markets and develop a high-frequency market making strategy in which agents process order book information to post the optimal price, order type and execution time. By introducing the Deep Hawkes process to the high-frequency market making strategy, we allow a feedback loop to be created between order arrival and the state of the limit order book, together with self- and cross-excitation effects. Our high-frequency market making strategy accounts for the cancellation of orders that influence order queue position, profitability, bid-ask spread and the value of the order. The experimental results show that our trading agent outperforms the baseline strategy, which uses a probability density estimate of the fundamental price. We investigate the effect of cancellations on market quality and the agent’s profitability. We validate how closely the simulation framework approximates reality by reproducing stylised facts from the empirical analysis of the simulated order book data.
Role of the β2-adrenergic receptor in podocyte injury and recovery
Authors: Arif Ehtesham , Solanki Ashish K. , Rahman Bushra , Wolf Bethany , Schnellmann Rick G. , Nihalani Deepak , Lipschutz Joshua H.
Published: April 2024

Background

Podocytes have a remarkable ability to recover from injury; however, little is known about the recovery mechanisms involved in this process. We recently showed that formoterol, a long-acting β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) agonist, induced mitochondrial biogenesis (MB) in podocytes and led to renoprotection in mice. However, it is not clear whether this effect was mediated by formoterol acting through the β2-AR or if it occurred through “off-target” effects.

Methods

We genetically deleted the β2-AR specifically in murine podocytes and used these mice to determine whether formoterol acting through the podocyte β2-AR alone is sufficient for recovery of renal filtration function following injury. The podocyte-specific β2-AR knockout mice (β2-ARfl/fl/PodCre) were generated by crossing β2-AR floxed mice with podocin Cre (B6.Cg-Tg(NPHS2-cre)295Lbh/J) mice. These mice were then subjected to both acute and chronic glomerular injury using nephrotoxic serum (NTS) and adriamycin (ADR), respectively. The extent of injury was evaluated by measuring albuminuria and histological and immunostaining analysis of the murine kidney sections.

Results

A similar level of injury was observed in β2-AR knockout and control mice; however, the β2-ARfl/fl/PodCre mice failed to recover in response to formoterol. Functional evaluation of the β2-ARfl/fl/PodCre mice following injury plus formoterol showed similar albuminuria and glomerular injury to control mice that were not treated with formoterol.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the podocyte β2-AR is a critical component of the recovery mechanism and may serve as a novel therapeutic target for treating podocytopathies.
Empowering Students in Medical Device Design: An Interdisciplinary Soft Robotics Course
Authors: Golecki Holly M. , Robinson Jason , Cvetkovic Caroline , Walsh Conor
Published: April 2024

Experiential learning in biomedical engineering curricula is a critical component to developing graduates who are equipped to contribute to technical design tasks in their careers. This paper presents the development and implementation of an undergraduate and graduate-level soft material robotics design course focused on applications in medical device design. The elective course, offered in a bioengineering department, includes modules on technical topics and hands-on projects relevant to readings, all situated within a human-centered design course. After learning and using first principles governing soft robot design and exploring literature in soft robotics, students propose a new advance in the field in a hands-on design and prototype project. The course described here aims to create a structure to engage students in fabrication and the design approaches taken by practitioners in a specific field, applied here in soft robotics, but applicable to other areas of biomedical engineering. This teaching tips article details the pedagogical tools used to facilitate design and collaboration within the course. Additionally, we aim to highlight ways in which the course creates (1) opportunities to engage undergraduates in design in preparation for capstone courses, (2) outward facing opportunities to connect with practitioners in the field, and (3) the ability to adapt this hands-on experience within a typical lecture structure as well as a hybrid online and in-person offering, thus expanding its utility in bioengineering departments. We reflect on course elements that can inform future design-based course offerings in soft robotics and other design-based multidisciplinary fields in bioengineering.
Foredune erosion, overtopping and destruction in 2022 at Bengello Beach, southeastern Australia
Authors: Oliver Thomas S. N. , Kinsela Michael A. , Doyle Thomas B. , McLean Roger F.
Published: April 2024

The beach–foredune system at Bengello Beach has been monitored monthly to bimonthly at four profiles (P1–P4) since 1972 and documented the building of a foredune. This paper addresses the remarkable changes which occurred in 2022 as storm waves overtopped and trimmed this foredune at all profiles, then later removed this entire feature at two of the profiles (P3, P4) but not the others (P1, P2). Wave parameters for these storm events, measured by deepwater and nearshore wave buoys, enable a comparison of storm characteristics and resulting beach–foredune impact. During the storm event which destroyed the foredune, nearshore wave height exceeded deepwater wave height, in contrast with other storms that year. The beach–foredune lost 78 m3/m in 2022 and the notable 1974 storms that impacted this coastline resulted in 95 m3/m volume loss. During 2023, beach recovery has occurred, but not rebuilt the foredune. It had persisted for ~40 years enduring many other severe storm events, and the coastal protection afforded by the dune system has been compromised. This highlights the need to consider dune morphology in assessments of erosion hazard and inundation risk along similar coastlines.
Poissonian pair correlation for directions in multi-dimensional affine lattices and escape of mass estimates for embedded horospheres
Authors: KIM WOOYEON , MARKLOF JENS
Published: April 2024

We prove the convergence of moments of the number of directions of affine lattice vectors that fall into a small disc, under natural Diophantine conditions on the shift. Furthermore, we show that the pair correlation function is Poissonian for any irrational shift in dimension 3 and higher, including well-approximable vectors. Convergence in distribution was already proved in the work of Strömbergsson and the second author [The distribution of free path lengths in the periodic Lorentz gas and related lattice point problems. Ann. of Math. (2)172 (2010), 1949–2033], and the principal step in the extension to convergence of moments is an escape of mass estimate for averages over embedded
$\operatorname {SL}(d,\mathbb {R})$
-horospheres in the space of affine lattices.
Enhancing mental health and well-being in adults from lower-resource settings: A mixed-method evaluation of the impact of problem management plus
Authors: Marchetti Michela , Ceccarelli Caterina , Muneghina Orso , Stockner Mara , Lai Carlo , Mazzoni Giuliana
Published: April 2024

Mental health conditions, recognised as a global crisis, were further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to mental health services remains limited, particularly in low-income regions. Task-sharing interventions, exemplified by Problem Management Plus (PM+), have emerged as potential solutions to bridge this treatment gap. This study presents an evaluation of the PM+ scale-up in Sub-Saharan Africa (Ethiopia and Benin) and Eastern Europe (Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina) as part of a mental health and psychosocial support programming including 87 adult participants. A mixed-method approach assesses the impact of the intervention. Quantitative analyses reveal significant reductions in self-reported problems, depression, anxiety and improved functioning. Qualitative data highlight four main themes: general health, family relationships, psychosocial problems and daily activities. These thematic areas demonstrate consistent improvements across clients, irrespective of the region. The findings underscore the impact of PM+ in addressing a broad spectrum of client issues, demonstrating its potential as a valuable tool for mitigating mental health challenges in diverse settings. This study contributes to the burgeoning body of evidence supporting PM+ and highlights its promise in enhancing mental health outcomes on a global scale, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Existence Within and Beyond the Bounds of Mere Reason: The Confrontation Between Schelling and Hegel
Authors: Ng Karen
Published: April 2024

In the multi-faceted trajectory of post-Kantian thought, Schelling—both the person and his philosophy—has always been a controversial figure. Popular historical accounts focus on his precocious interventions as part of the ‘Jena set’, initially building on Fichte's philosophy of the ‘I’, but quickly coming to challenge his predecessor's philosophical dominance. In the crucial period of the late 1790s, Schelling's most notable intervention was to develop a philosophy of nature alongside the Kantian and Fichtean theories of transcendental subjectivity, which caught the attention of Goethe and led to his appointment, at the age of twenty-three, as professor of philosophy at the University of Jena. But Schelling's life and philosophical work continued well beyond this well-documented period, culminating in a late system in which he developed key ideas surrounding freedom, existence, modality and the history of human consciousness that all revolved around a distinction between what he called negative and positive philosophy. This distinction, and his insistence on the need for the development of the latter mode of philosophy, came to challenge some of the core assumptions of the largely rationalist German idealist project and it remains, to this day, perhaps the most powerful alternative to the Hegelian system that rose to dominance already within Schelling's own lifetime, but also well beyond it.
The Goldbugs Go Global: The Philippines, China, and the Foundations of Development
Authors: Fulfer Johnny D.
Published: April 2024

While historians have recently called attention to the racial assumptions that shaped the debates over monetary reform in either the colonial Philippines or China during the first years of the twentieth century, this article analyzes the crosscurrents between efforts to “civilize” and “develop” Filipino and Chinese monetary systems. It first examines the history of the Philippine money question (1899–1903), revealing anxieties about the apparent attachment Native Filipinos and Chinese had to silver currency. U.S. colonial officials were ambivalent toward the Native Filipinos, seeing them as possibly teachable, but so-called silver savagism was seen as too deeply engrained in the Chinese community, making the Chinese appear as a threat to monetary stability. In the last section, the article turns to China, revealing how the outcome of the Philippine money question shaped how U.S. monetary experts approached their efforts to reform China’s monetary system. Throughout this process, U.S. colonial officials and monetary experts defined the Philippines and China (“silver countries”) and Filipinos and Chinese (“silver-handling types”) as overlapping objects of development. This analysis reveals how development was simultaneously an economic, racial, and imperial language.
Investigating Potential Ecological Benefits From Mariculture
Authors: Liu Chang , Liu Gengyuan , Cristiano Silvio , Ulgiati Sergio , Xu Linyu , Yang Zhifeng
Published: April 2024

Mariculture has been gradually regarded as an important solution to the global food production crisis. Increasing scientific evidence reveals that mariculture can provide a large number of ecologic benefits, in accordance with several United Nations sustainable development goals. However, previous studies mostly focused on the negative impacts of mariculture, which may impede its increased production. Here, based on Emergy Accounting (EMA), we propose a comprehensive “Multiple Inputs‐Ecosystem Service Multifunctionality‐Multiple Environmental Impacts” (MI‐ESM‐MEI) evaluation framework, trying to describe mariculture's overall environmental performances beyond just limiting to the production of seafoods. As the world's largest mariculture producer, China is taken as an example for evaluation. Our results show that both cultured species and cultivation patterns determine the environmental performance of mariculture: seaweed‐raft, shellfish‐raft, shellfish‐hanging cage, shellfish‐bottom sowing and others‐bottom sowing mariculture could be more influential in environmental support. By identifying priority areas for offshore mariculture development, ecological benefits can be significantly improved using about 27% of China's territorial sea area. At present, mariculture in Liaoning, Shandong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang performs better than that in other regions. Under the condition of recognizing nonnegligible ecological benefits of mariculture, additional improvements for more sustainable development are urgently needed. In addition, mariculture activities especially seaweed mariculture can help solve water contamination problem and alleviate the effects of eutrophication on coastal ecosystems. For most China coastal regions, if integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture (IMTA) mode can be promoted, the ecological burden of mariculture can be reduced and even converted into ecological benefit.
Europa's Influence on the Jovian Energetic Electron Environment as Observed by Juno's Micro Advanced Stellar Compass
Authors: Herceg M. , Jørgensen J. L. , Denver T. , Jørgensen P. S. , Benn M. , Connerney J. E. P. , Fléron R. , Mauk B. , Bolton S. J.
Published: April 2024

The micro Advanced Stellar Compass is an attitude reference for the MAG investigation onboard Juno. The μASC camera head unit images the star field with a CCD that is also sensitive to particles with enough energy to pass through the camera shielding: >15 MeV electrons and >80 MeV protons. This provides the capability to monitor fluxes of high‐energy particles in Jupiter’s magnetosphere. A survey of energetic electron fluxes sampled during the first 47 Juno orbits reveals instances of variations observed when Juno is traversing the M‐shell of the Galilean moons. Juno's traversal of the Europa M‐shell often results in distinctly particle signatures. We present the μASC observations of increased electron flux during the crossing of Europa’s plasma wake, and depletion of energetic electron flux on the upstream side. The upstream/downstream differences indicate that the wake environment of Europa drives strong pitch angle scattering on relativistic electrons.
Fast Seismic Anomalies Under Continents Explained by the Delaminated Lower Continental Crust—Implications From High Pressure‐Temperature Elasticity of Jadeite
Authors: Hao Ming , Zhou Wen‐Yi , Dera Przemyslaw , Schmandt Brandon , Zhang Dongzhou , Zhang Jin S.
Published: April 2024

Seismic tomography has shown that the shear wave velocities (Vs) under continents, especially under cratons, are extremely fast at 100–200 km depth, which is difficult to explain by low temperatures or high Mg#. Alternatively, delaminated eclogitic lower continental crust has been proposed to account for these fast seismic anomalies. However, the thermoelastic properties of jadeite which constitutes up to 60–80 mol% of clinopyroxene in the potentially delaminated lower continental crust are not well constrained. In this study, we measured the single‐crystal elasticity of jadeite by Brillouin spectroscopy under simultaneous high pressure and temperature conditions for the first time. We found that the temperature dependence of Vs of jadeite is extremely small if not negligible. The seismic velocities of the potentially delaminated lower continental crusts were subsequently modeled and found to match the widely observed fast seismic anomalies under cratons between 100 and 200 km depth.
Larger Dust Cooling Effect Estimated From Regionally Dependent Refractive Indices
Authors: Wang Hao , Liu Xiaohong , Wu Chenglai , Lin Guangxing , Dai Tie , Goto Daisuke , Bao Qing , Takemura Toshihiko , Shi Guangyu
Published: April 2024

The dust direct radiative effect (DRE) depends strongly on the dust particle size distribution (PSD) and complex refractive index (CRI). Although recent studies constrained the dust PSD in the models, its CRI uncertainties are still large. As a result, whether dust warms or cools the climate system remains unclear. Here, we estimate the dust DRE by employing the regionally‐dependent dust CRI based on global measurements. We find that new dust CRI significantly enhances the scattering of dust in the shortwave while reduces its absorption in the longwave, which is opposite to that caused by increasing the coarse and giant dust fraction via constraining the PSD. Constraining both PSD and CRI ultimately leads to a net dust DRE of −0.68 W m−2, a cooling stronger than current model estimates.
Evidence of a Shallow Magma Reservoir Beneath Askja Caldera, Iceland, From Body Wave Tomography
Authors: Han J. , Rawlinson N. , Greenfield T. , White R. S. , Brandsdóttir B. , Winder T. , Drouin V.
Published: April 2024

In August 2021, Askja caldera switched to reinflation following ∼40 years of continuous deflation that was first measured some 20 years after its last eruption in 1961. Various lines of evidence, including from geodetic modeling, suggest that both the deflation and reinflation events are related to a shallow magma body. To better understand the subsurface plumbing system, we derive P‐wave velocity (Vp), S‐wave velocity (Vs), and Vp/Vs models of the mid‐upper crust by leveraging a new local earthquake traveltime data set. A cylindrical low‐velocity zone, ∼3 km wide and extending to ∼8 km below sea level (bsl), was imaged beneath the caldera. Within it, two distinct lower velocity and higher Vp/Vs anomalies are illuminated, one centered at ∼0.5 km and the other at ∼6 km bsl. The shallower anomaly lies directly beneath the zone of uplift and is likely associated with the current reinflation event.
A 2‐Dimensional Data Detrending Technique for Equatorial Plasma Bubble Studies Using GOLD Far Ultraviolet Observations
Authors: Pradipta Rezy , Huang Chaosong , Groves Keith M.
Published: April 2024

We formulate a numerical data detrending technique that can be used to help reveal large‐scale equatorial plasma bubble (EPB) structures in 2‐dimensional data from the Global‐scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) mission. This GOLD data detrending technique is inspired by and is a generalization of a previous rolling‐barrel data detrending method for 1‐dimensional total electron content (TEC) observations on individual global positioning system (GPS) satellite passes. This 2‐dimensional GOLD data detrending technique treats the observed 135.6 nm radiance as a function of longitude and latitude as an uneven terrain, where EPBs appear as deep but narrow elongated valleys. The unperturbed background radiance is inferred by rolling a ball on the 2‐dimensional terrain to skip over the EPB valleys. The two degrees‐of‐freedom possessed by the rolling ball allow it to smoothly trace the edges of EPB depletions, without falling into the deep valleys. Surface interpolation of radiance values at the ball's contact points onto the whole domain produces the baseline radiance. Subtracting the baseline from the original radiance data yields the net detrended radiance. As a result of the detrending, sharper contrast is present between EPB depletions and the ambient surroundings. As such, this new 2‐dimensional GOLD data detrending may potentially open the door to the development of other more advanced techniques for automated EPB detection and tracking, or data assimilation into low‐latitude space domain awareness (SDA) information ecosystems.
Atomic‐Scale Study of Intercrystalline (Mg,Fe)O in Planetary Mantles: Mechanics and Thermodynamics of Grain Boundaries Under Pressure
Authors: Ritterbex Sebastian , Tsuchiya Taku , Drury Martyn , Plümper Oliver
Published: April 2024

Polycrystalline (Mg,Fe)O ferropericlase is the second most abundant mantle constituent of the Earth and possibly of super‐Earth exoplanets. Its mechanical behavior is expected to accommodate substantial plastic deformation in Earth's lower mantle. While bulk properties of ferropericlase have been extensively studied, the thermodynamics of grain boundaries and their role on mechanical response remain largely unexplored. Here, we use density functional theory calculations to investigate mechanical behavior and thermodynamics of the {310}[001] grain boundary—a representative proxy for high‐angle {hk0}[001] tilt grain boundaries—at relevant mantle pressures of the Earth and super‐Earth exoplanets. Our results provide evidence that shear‐coupled migration and grain boundary sliding are the dominant mechanisms of (Mg,Fe)O grain boundary mobility. We show that pressure‐induced structural transformations of grain boundaries can trigger a change in the mechanism and direction of grain boundary motion. Significant mechanical weakening of the grain boundary is observed under multi‐megabar pressures, caused by a change in the grain boundary transition state structure during motion. Our results identify grain boundary weakening in periclase as a potential mechanism for viscosity reductions in the mantle of super‐Earths. We further demonstrate that structural grain boundary transitions control the spin crossover of Fe2+ in the grain boundaries. We model iron partitioning behavior between bulk and grain boundaries and predict equipartitioning to occur in μm size ferropericlase grains. Our findings suggest that the iron spin crossover pressure in ferropericlase may increase several tens of GPa by pressure‐induced structural grain boundary transitions in dynamically active fine‐grained lower mantle regions.
Synergistic Effect of Surface Thermal Heterogeneity in Phase With Topography on Deep Moist Convection
Authors: Kang Song‐Lak , Ryu Jung‐Hee
Published: April 2024

Using large eddy simulation, we investigate the combined effect of terrain and surface sensible heat flux (SHF) heterogeneity on the development of afternoon deep moist convection (DMC). We implement an analytically derived, two‐dimensional terrain and SHF variations transformed from a κ−3 (where κ is the wavenumber) spectrum spanning wavelengths from 32 to 0.2 km. By separately coupling multiscale terrain with a homogeneous SHF field and the multiscale SHF field with flat terrain, we discern the individual impacts of these κ−3‐spectrum forcings on DMC. Our specific forcing configuration demonstrates that the multiscale terrain had a greater influence on DMC development compared to the multiscale SHF field. While the solely surface SHF heterogeneity forcing results in a wider pool of high relative humidity above the boundary layer, its significance is relatively lower in the mountainous terrain cases due to the shorter interaction time between highly buoyant thermals and the surrounding environment. However, when the multiscale terrain and SHF field are synchronized, DMC develops rapidly within a time frame of 4.5 hr, which is facilitated by enhanced surface buoyancy fluxes, the presence of highly buoyant thermals, and the persistence of mesoscale structures such as near‐surface convergence and mesoscale updrafts. Our study highlights the importance of the synergistic effects between multiscale terrain and surface SHF heterogeneity in DMC development. Additionally, our multiscale analyses of atmospheric variables reveal distinct atmospheric regimes between the pre‐storm and DMC periods. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the complex dynamics involved in the formation of afternoon DMC.
Temperature, Water Depth, and Flow Velocity Are Important Drivers of Methane Ebullition in a Temperate Lowland Stream
Authors: Bednařík A. , Bodmer P. , Darenova E. , Kokrda L. , Pavelka M.
Published: April 2024

Streams and rivers are a well‐recognized source of methane (CH4), with high spatiotemporal variability in fluxes. However, CH4 release in form of bubbles (ebullition) is rarely included in current global CH4 emission estimates from lotic ecosystems, due to the lack of reliable models to upscale ebullition. Our study aimed to determine the importance of individual emission pathways (diffusion and ebullition) for total CH4 emissions from a lowland stream with low sediment heterogeneity and explore the relations of ebullition to environmental variables to build a stream ebullition model for this simplified system. We measured CH4 and carbon dioxide (CO2) diffusive emissions and ebullition from a temperate lowland stream in Czech Republic (Central Europe) during the ice‐free season 2021. The studied stream was a significant source of CH4 (mean 260 ± 107 mg CH4 m−2 day−1), with ebullition as a prevailing pathway of CH4 emission (mean 74 ± 7%, range 55%–85%) throughout the whole monitored period. CH4 ebullition showed a high spatiotemporal heterogeneity, with sediment temperature and water depth as the strongest predictors, followed by the interaction between flow velocity and sediment temperature. Our model explained 81% of total variance of CH4 ebullition and suggests that it is possible to model ebullitive fluxes in lowland streams with homogeneous sediments. Since CH4 was an important part of the total CO2‐equivalent emissions from the examined stream, accounting for mean (±SD) 35 ± 7.4%, and ebullition the majority of the CH4 emission, the ability to adequately model ebullition is pertinent for lowland streams.
Enceladus: Astrobiology Revisited
Authors: Davila A. F. , Eigenbrode J. L.
Published: April 2024

Astrobiology research seeks to understand how life begins and evolves, and to determine whether life exist elsewhere in the universe. The discovery of diverse ocean worlds has significantly expanded the number of planetary bodies in the Solar System that could potentially contain life. Of the recognized ocean worlds, Saturn's moon Enceladus stands out because it appears to meet all requirements to sustain life. For that reason, robotic mission concepts are being developed to determine whether Enceladus' ocean is inhabited. The theory of organic chemical evolution (OCE) represents an ideal framework to guide this exploration strategy, articulating investigations and associated measurements of organic matter in the subsurface ocean. Within this reference frame, the immediate priority with the lowest science risk would be to understand molecular and structural properties of bulk organic matter in the ocean, and search for metabolic precursors and biochemical building blocks, both free and bound. This could be supplemented with “high‐risk, high‐reward” searches for functional polymers, catalytic activity, and cell‐like objects with traits indicative of evolutionary adaptations. The theory of OCE provides a robust scientific foundation for the astrobiological exploration of ocean worlds, fostering a productive path to discovery with lower mission risk that could be implemented with existing technology. Strong synergies between astrobiology and Earth‐bound research could ensue from this exploration strategy particularly in the context of terrestrial analog studies and laboratory simulations.