bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online Psychometric Performance of the Athens Insomnia Scale among Colombian People
Authors: Campo-Arias Adalberto , Caballero-Domínguez Carmen Cecilia , Pedrozo-Pupo John Carlos
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) has shown acceptable performance in face-to-face applications. However, knowledge about AIS performance in online applications could be improved.

Objective

The study aimed to perform confirmatory factor, internal consistency, and differential item functioning analyses of AIS in two Colombian online samples.

Material and methods

Two samples were recruited online at different times (n = 700, M = 37.05, SD = 12.7 and n = 292, M = 60.4, SD = 17.6). Separated confirmatory factor analyses and Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega were computed for each factor.

Results

The data adjusted better for the AIS two-dimensional model in the general and clinical populations. Excellent internal consistency was observed among the general population sample and clinical sample.

Conclusions

The AIS shows a two-dimensional structure and high internal consistency in two online samples in Colombia. Corroboration of these findings in other samples is necessary.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of multi-phase TiAl alloy matrix composites consolidated via field-assisted sintering technique
Authors: Rominiyi Azeez Lawan , Mashinini Peter Madindwa , Masina Bathusile Nelisiwe , Shongwe Mxolisi Brendon
Published: August 2024

In this study, fully densified Si3N4/TiAl composites were fabricated using the field-assisted sintering technique (FAST). Microstructural analysis showed the evolution of a continuous network structure consisting of minor fractions of in-situ formed Ti2AlN, unreacted Si3N4 ceramic particles and dominant Ti5Si3 intermetallic phases within the TiAl matrix at Si3N4 content above 1.5 wt%. The hardness of the developed composites increases with increasing Si3N4 content, with 7Si3N4/TiAl composite exhibiting the highest hardness of approximately 487 HV1.0, which was about 57% higher than that of the sintered pure TiAl alloy. Among the sintered samples, 1.5Si3N4/TiAl composite displayed the highest flexural strength of 832.65 ± 12.88 MPa (34.3% higher than pure TiAl matrix) with a deflection of 0.14 mm. In contrast, the lowest flexural strength and deflection of 535.44 ± 21.14 MPa and 0.09 mm were obtained in composite reinforced with 7 wt% Si3N4 ceramic content. The fractured surface of the sintered samples displayed predominantly cleavage fracture mode.
Teaching the polycrisis: Assessing the effect of pluralist education in Italian economics programs
Authors: Ciccotosto Michela , Sokolenko Oleksandra , Proctor J.Christopher
Published: August 2024

This paper presents the results of a survey of economics students in Italy. The survey was motivated by a review of the curriculum of Italian economics programs and was designed to assess the links between how pluralist students claimed their economics education was, and their assessment of how adequately various topics were taught, how well they thought their education contributed to the development of a number of skills, and their overall satisfaction with their degree program. The results of our survey were then analyzed using an ordered logit model which found large and significant links between pluralism and student satisfaction, reported topical coverage and the formation of some skills. No statistically negative correlations between pluralism and any skill or topics were found. A categorization of the results of an open-ended question from the survey asking students what they would change about their education “if they had a magic wand” is also presented. The results of the study point to increasing pluralism as an intriguing option for departments looking to attract and retain students and as a useful tool for training economists who are prepared to face current and future global economic challenges as represented in the concept of the polycrisis.
Assessing the carbonation potential of wood ash for CO2 sequestration
Authors: Viola Veronica , Catauro Michelina , D’Amore Alberto , Perumal Priyadharshini
Published: August 2024

Wood ash, a byproduct of wood combustion, poses environmental challenges when disposed of in landfills. This study explores a sustainable alternative by investigating the carbonation of wood ash, a process converting CO2 into stable carbonate minerals. With increasing concerns about waste management, this research aims to identify optimal carbonation conditions by varying relative humidity, liquid-to-solid ratio (L/S), and temperature. Results demonstrate that the ideal conditions for wood ash carbonation involve a moderate relative humidity of 55%, room temperature at 25 °C, and a lower L/S ratio. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicates that extended curing times increase CaCO3 formation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirm the presence of carbonate phases. Mechanical strength tests reveal that samples with lower porosity and higher carbonation products exhibit superior strength. This study contributes to the understanding of wood ash carbonation but also emphasizes its potential practical applications in construction materials as light aggregates in cement concrete. The research explores the implications for sustainable waste management, offering insights into environmentally and economically viable solutions for wood ash recycling.
Theory building and technical innovations for spatial planning of China's metropolitan areas: insights from planning of Greater Shanghai Metropolitan Area
Authors: Xiong Jian , Sun Juan , Tu Qiyu , Yan Liting
Published: August 2024

Based on limited theoretical applicability of metropolitan area concept under China’s circumstances and the planning practice in Greater Shanghai Metropolitan Area, this article proposes a Chinese understanding on the concept of “Metropolitan Area”, which extends its core connotation from a commuting area to a multi-functional area. It further proposes to utilize the preparation of spatial plans as means to promote high-quality development of metropolitan areas and to achieve coordinated regional development. Metropolitan area planning takes spatial planning as its basic attribute, and simultaneously embodies the contents of economic and social arrangements. It could become a binding contract based on consensus among member cities. In terms of technical innovations in planning practice, this article firstly suggests using a “problem-based, goal-targeted, action-driven, space-oriented and implementation-guided” approach to form a framework of “objective (indicator)-strategy-action-mechanism” to realize collaborative goals. Secondly, the spatial plan should focus on “bottom line factors” as well as “collaborative factors”, establishing a technical framework for regional spatial organization from multiple dimensions such as ecological pattern, city function, spatial structure, and conduction mechanism which drive transformations in regional governance modes.
Evaluation of FVIII pharmacokinetic profiles in Korean hemophilia A patients assessed with myPKFiT: a retrospective chart review
Authors: Park Young-Shil , Yoo Ki-Young , Park Sang Kyu , Hwang Taiju , Jung Aeran , Choi Eun Jin
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of factor VIII (FVIII) in Korean patients, as limited information is available on the PK of FVIII in this population.

Methods

We collected the FVIII PK results from patients with moderate-to-severe hemophilia A using myPKFiT. PK variations were assessed according to age, blood type, inhibitor history, von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag) level, and body mass index. Additionally, the correlation between the PK profile and prophylaxis regimen was specifically analyzed for each product in severe cases.

Results

The PK data of 48 and 81 patients treated with octocog alfa and rurioctocog alfa pegol, respectively, were obtained. The median half-lives of octocog alfa and rurioctocog alfa pegol were 9.9 (range: 6.3–15.2) h and 15.3 (range: 10.4–23.9) h, respectively. The PK profiles for each product did not differ according to age group; however, blood type-O patients had shorter half-lives and time to 1% compared to non-blood type-O patients. In regression analysis, the PK of octocog alfa showed a statistically significant difference according to age, whereas the PK of rurioctocog alfa pegol correlated with vWF:Ag. Only the frequency of rurioctocog alfa pegol use showed a statistically significant difference in relation to time to 1%, although the coefficient of determination was small.

Conclusion

This study confirmed significant interpatient variation in the PK of FVIII among Korean patients with hemophilia A. To achieve optimized prophylaxis, personalizing the regimen based on the PK profile of each individual patient is essential.
BLADDER score: evaluating a tool to support urinary diagnostic and antibiotic stewardship in hospitalized adults
Authors: Langford Bradley J. , Amoah Stephanie , Hansen Jennifer , Hudd Lorraine , Almohri Huda , Wright Janice
Published: August 2024

Objective:

Antibiotic overuse for asymptomatic bacteriuria is common in older adults and can lead to harmful outcomes including antimicrobial resistance. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of a simple scoring tool on urine culturing and antibiotic prescribing for adults with presumed urinary tract infections (UTI).

Design:

Quasi-experimental study using interrupted time series with segmented regression to evaluate urine culturing and urinary antibiotic use and length of stay (LOS), acute care transfers, and mortality 18 months before and 16 months after the intervention.

Setting:

134-bed complex continuing care and rehabilitation hospital in Ontario, Canada.

Participants:

Nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.

Intervention:

A multifaceted intervention focusing on a 6-item mnemonic scoring tool called the BLADDER score was developed based on existing minimum criteria for prescribing antibiotics in patients with presumed UTI. The BLADDER score was combined with ward- and prescriber-level feedback and education.

Results:

Before the intervention, the mean rate of urine culturing was 12.47 cultures per 1,000 patient days; after the intervention, the rate was 7.92 cultures per 1,000 patient days (IRR 0.87; 95% CI, 0.67–1.12). Urinary antibiotic use declined after the intervention from a mean of 40.55 DDD per 1,000 patient days before and 25.96 DDD per 1,000 patient days after the intervention (IRR 0.68; 95% CI, 0.59–0.79). There was no change in mean patient LOS, acute care transfers, or mortality.

Conclusions:

The BLADDER score may be a safe and effective tool to support improved diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship to reduce unnecessary treatment for asymptomatic bacteriuria.
Obstacle arrangement can control flows through porous obstructions
Authors: He Fei , An Hongwei , Ghisalberti Marco , Draper Scott , Ren Chengjiao , Branson Paul , Cheng Liang
Published: August 2024

Previous work suggests that the arrangement of elements in an obstruction may influence the bulk flow velocity through the obstruction, but the physical mechanisms for this influence are not yet clear. This is the motivation for this study, where direct numerical simulation is used to investigate flow through an array of cylinders at a resolution sufficient to observe interactions between wakes of individual elements. The arrangement is altered by varying the gap ratio

$G/d$

(1.2 – 18, G is the distance between two adjacent cylinders, d is the cylinder diameter), array-to-element diameter ratio

$D/d$

(3.6 – 200, D is the array diameter), and incident flow angle (

$0^{\circ} - 30^{\circ}$

). Depending on the element arrangement, it is found that the average root-mean-square lift and drag coefficients can vary by an order of magnitude, whilst the average time-mean drag coefficient of individual cylinders (

$\overline{C_{d}}$

), and the bulk velocity are found to vary by up to

$50\,\%$

and a factor of 2, respectively. These arrangement effects are a consequence of the variation in flow and drag characteristics of individual cylinders within the array. The arrangement effects become most critical in the intermediate range of flow blockage parameter

$\mathit{\Gamma_{D}^{\prime}} = 0.5-1.5$

(

$\mathit{\Gamma_{D}^{\prime}}=\overline{C_{d}}aD/(1-\phi)$

, where a is frontal element area per unit volume, and

$\phi$

is solid volume fraction), due to the high variability in element-scale flow characteristics. Across the full range of arrangements modelled, it is confirmed that the bulk velocity is governed by flow blockage parameter but only if the drag coefficient incorporates arrangement effects. Using these results, this paper proposes a framework for describing and predicting flow through an array across a variety of arrangements.
Latin America’s Polarization in Comparative Perspective
Authors: McCoy Jennifer
Published: August 2024

Political polarization is a systemic-level and multifaceted process that severs cross-cutting ties and shifts perceptions of politics to a zero-sum game. When it turns pernicious, political actors and supporters view opponents as an existential threat and the capacity of democratic institutions to process political conflict breaks down. The article identifies four common fault lines of polarization globally – who belongs, democracy, inequality and social contract. It argues that while Latin American countries experience, to varying degrees, all four of the fault lines, it is the deep-seated, persistent social hierarchies oriented around class, race, and place that stand out relative to other countries. Reaching consensus on reforms that may renew or reformulate agreements on the terms of the social contract, boundaries of community membership, and redressing social inequality is a tall task. Yet the region’s sustained consensus on the democratic rules of the game can provide the mechanisms for addressing this task if new majority coalitions can be formed.
‘I AM A TEXTURAL COMPOSER’: JANE STANLEY ON THE CREATIVE PROCESS, IMMERSIVE TEXTURES, GLOW AND A NEW SONG CYCLE
Authors: Stanley Jane , Bishop Judith
Published: August 2024

This is the transcript of an interview with Glasgow-based Australian composer Dr Jane Stanley. The interviewer is Dr Judith Bishop, an Australian poet and lyricist whose words appear in two of the works discussed: ‘14 Weeks’ (from Interval (UQP, 2018) and ‘The Indifferent’ (from Event (Salt Publishing UK, 2007)). The interview was recorded at the University of Glasgow on 29 May 2023 and edited for clarity, length and concision. It was recorded a day after the world premiere of Jane Stanley's 14 Weeks at the Glasgow School of Art Choir Composeher concert in City Halls, Glasgow. In response to a recent survey which revealed huge gender inequalities in the granting of music commissions, Composeher had commissioned seven female composers to write choral works of around ten minutes, of which 14 Weeks was one. The interview ranges widely, from the composer's textural style to her creative process, and touches on her forthcoming composer portrait album, to be released by Delphian Records in 2024.
TRANSFORMING PRACTICE WITH DIGITAL SCORES: DEVELOPMENTS AND CHALLENGES IN A TRANSCONTINENTAL RESIDENCY
Authors: Robertson Jaslyn , Moroz Solomiya , Hope Cat , Vear Craig , Sanadzadeh Iran , Svoboda Helen , Sobek Chloë
Published: August 2024

This article examines how practice-based researchers in a transcontinental intensive residency transformed their practice and developed their skills through composing digital scores. Four researchers from an Australian university undertook an intensive residency in Hamburg, focused on creating and performing new digital scores. An analytical study of this residency was conducted, centred around each researcher's connection to the materials, experiences of flow, changes in digital musicianship and transformations. The study revealed both challenges and illuminating experiences for the researchers. Each composition went through significant changes during, before and after the transcontinental project, resulting in changes to the digital scores, directions for interpretation and the researchers’ established artistic practices. Exposure to new environments and facilities allowed them to develop fresh approaches to collaboration and technology. Engaging with digital scores led to new skills being developed and new collaborative projects with each other and international musicians. The intensive and transcontinental nature of the project resulted in significant developments to the skills and approaches of the four researchers.
NEW MUSIC AND SUSTAINABILITY
Authors: Fox Christopher
Published: August 2024

This article proposes a series of connections between the consumption of resources, the creation of new music and ideas about sustainability. A number of examples is discussed, from the nineteenth to the twentieth centuries, that illustrate the ways in which conspicuous, and often ethically questionable, consumption has been a signifier for innovation in new music. The article concludes by introducing three of the author's recent works, The calm of mountains, This has happened before and Hieroglyph, as models of a compositional practice that attempts to enact and embody ideas of sustainability.
Divergent Transformation of Wet to Cold Bias on the Tibetan Plateau in Climate Models During Snow Season
Authors: Miao Xin , Guo Weidong , Hu Xinyun , Wang Le , Li Yizhuo , Li Wenkai
Published: August 2024

Wet and cold biases on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) commonly exist in global and regional climate simulations. Previous studies have explored the possible causes of wet and cold biases and contributed to reducing these biases. However, the connection between wet and cold biases remains insufficiently addressed. Our research indicates that the TP wet bias converts into positive snow amount bias not continually but efficiently and concentratedly, under the control of snow phenology in different regions. Furthermore, the complex relationship between snow amount, snow coverage and surface albedo restricts the transformation of snow amount to surface albedo bias, and thus to cold bias. Our research highlights the spatio‐temporally divergent transformation of wet to cold bias on the TP during snow season, providing a novel perspective to understand the intrinsic connection between wet and cold biases and improve climate simulations on the TP.
Impact of Heatwaves and Declining NOx on Nocturnal Monoterpene Oxidation in the Urban Southeastern United States
Authors: Desai N. S. , Moore A. C. , Mouat A. P. , Liang Y. , Xu T. , Takeuchi M. , Pye H. O. T. , Murphy B. , Bash J. , Pollack I. B. , Peischl J. , Ng N. L. , Kaiser J.
Published: August 2024

Nighttime oxidation of monoterpenes (MT) via the nitrate radical (NO3) and ozone (O3) contributes to the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). This study uses observations in Atlanta, Georgia from 2011 to 2022 to quantify trends in nighttime production of NO3 (PNO3) and O3 concentrations and compare to model outputs from the EPA's Air QUAlity TimE Series Project (EQUATES). We present urban‐suburban gradients in nighttime NO3 and O3 concentrations and quantify their fractional importance (F) for MT oxidation. Both observations and EQUATES show a decline in PNO3, with modeled PNO3 declining faster than observations. Despite decreasing PNO3, we find that NO3 continues to dominate nocturnal boundary layer (NBL) MT oxidation (FNO3 = 60%) in 2017, 2021, and 2022, which is consistent with EQUATES (FNO3 = 80%) from 2013 to 2019. This contrasts an anticipated decline in FNO3 based on prior observations in the nighttime residual layer, where O3 is the dominant oxidant. Using two case studies of heatwaves in summer 2022, we show that extreme heat events can increase NO3 concentrations and FNO3, leading to short MT lifetimes (<1 hr) and high gas‐phase organic nitrate production. Regardless of the presence of heatwaves, our findings suggest sustained organic nitrate aerosol formation in the urban SE US under declining NOx emissions, and highlight the need for improved representation of extreme heat events in chemistry‐transport models and additional observations along urban to rural gradients.
Refined Bathymetric Prediction Based on Feature Extraction of Gravity Field Signals: BATHY‐FE
Authors: Annan Richard Fiifi , Wan Xiaoyun
Published: August 2024

The resolution of altimetry‐derived gravity signals renders traditional bathymetry inversion methods inadequate for detecting short‐wavelength bathymetric features. This study presents a new global seafloor topography model by merging regional models constructed via a deep learning approach recently developed by the authors. Feature extraction techniques were used to refine each regional bathymetric model, resulting in sharpened features that are fuzzily revealed (or not seen) in global bathymetric models such as GEBCO_2023 and SRTM15+V2, especially in areas close to the poles. This is proof that, with regard to current gravity field products, conventional bathymetry inversion methods are weaker at generalizing to uncharted locations of the global ocean floor. At test points, the global seafloor model has mean error and error standard deviation of 1.75 ± 81.15 m. The refined seafloor topography can be used to supplement existing seafloor maps, especially in the polar regions. It is useful for studying seafloor geography, and also for studies in which seafloor ruggedness is required.
Exposure to gestational diabetes mellitus in utero impacts hippocampal functional connectivity in response to food cues in children
Authors: Zhao Sixiu , Semeia Lorenzo , Veit Ralf , Luo Shan , Angelo Brendan C. , Chow Ting , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Preissl Hubert , Xiang Anny H. , Page Kathleen A. , Kullmann Stephanie
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Intrauterine exposure to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases the risk of obesity in the offspring, but little is known about the underlying neural mechanisms. The hippocampus is crucial for food intake regulation and is vulnerable to the effects of obesity. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether GDM exposure affects hippocampal functional connectivity during exposure to food cues using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Methods

Participants were 90 children age 7–11 years (53 females) who underwent an fMRI-based visual food cue task in the fasted state. Hippocampal functional connectivity (FC) was examined using generalized psychophysiological interaction in response to food versus non-food cues. Hippocampal FC was compared between children with and without GDM exposure, while controlling for possible confounding effects of age, sex and waist-to-hip ratio. In addition, the influence of childhood and maternal obesity were investigated using multiple regression models.

Results

While viewing high caloric food cues compared to non-food cure, children with GDM exposure exhibited higher hippocampal FC to the insula and striatum (i.e., putamen, pallidum and nucleus accumbens) compared to unexposed children. With increasing BMI, children with GDM exposure had lower hippocampal FC to the somatosensory cortex (i.e., postcentral gyrus).

Conclusions

Intrauterine exposure to GDM was associated with higher food-cue induced hippocampal FC especially to reward processing regions. Future studies with longitudinal measurements are needed to clarify whether altered hippocampal FC may raise the risk of the development of metabolic diseases later in life.
Volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath of newborns: a pilot study
Authors: Farghaly Mohsen A. A. , Abuelazm Somaya , Elgendy Marwa M. , Grove David , Abu-shaweesh Jalal M. , Dweik Raed A. , Aly Hany
Published: August 2024

Objective

To assess volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in breath samples collected non-invasively from preterm and full-term infants.

Methods

This was a pilot study included preterm and full-term infants who were not intubated or suspected or diagnosed with metabolic or gastrointestinal disorders. The samples were analyzed for VOCs using a selected-ion flow-tube mass spectrometer.

Results

Twenty infants were included; ten preterm and ten full-term infants. Twenty-two VOCs were detected and measurable in all samples. There was a significant difference between preterm and full-term infants for the 2-propanol, acetaldehyde, acetone, acetonitrile, benzene, ethanol, isoprene, pentane, 3-methylhexane, 2-nonene, ethane, triethylamine, and trimethylamine compounds.

Conclusion

It is feasible to measure VOCs in breath samples of preterm and full-term non-intubated infants. Full-term infants express different concentrations than preterm infants. Further studies are needed to examine the utility and reproducibility of measuring VOCs to identify neonatal diseases and predict outcomes.
Delivery of luminescent particles to plants for information encoding and storage
Authors: Li Wei , Lin Junjie , Huang Wanyi , Wang Qingrou , Zhang Haoran , Zhang Xuejie , Zhuang Jianle , Liu Yingliang , Qu Songnan , Lei Bingfu
Published: August 2024

In the era of smart agriculture, the precise labeling and recording of growth information in plants pose challenges for modern agricultural production. This study introduces strontium aluminate particles coated with H3PO4 as luminescent labels capable of spatial embedding within plants for information encoding and storage during growth. The encapsulation with H3PO4 imparts stability and enhanced luminescence to SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ (SAO). Using SAO@H3PO4 as a low-damage luminescent label, we implement its delivery into plants through microneedles (MNs) patches. The embedded SAO@H3PO4 within plants exhibits sustained and unaltered high signal-to-noise afterglow emission, with luminous intensity remaining at approximately 78% of the original for 27 days. To cater to diverse information recording needs, MNs of various geometric shapes are designed for loading SAO@H3PO4, and the luminescent signals in different shapes can be accurately identified through a designed program, the corresponding information can be conveniently viewed on a computer. Additionally, inspired by binary information concepts, MNs patches with specific arrangements of luminescent and non-luminescent points are created, resulting in varied luminescent MNs arrays on leaves. An advanced camera system with a tailored program accurately identifies and maps the labels to the corresponding recorded information. These findings showcase the potential of low-damage luminescent labels within plants, paving the way for convenient and widespread storage of plant growth information.
Reconfigurable MIMO-based self-powered battery-less light communication system
Authors: De Oliveira Filho Jose Ilton , Trichili Abderrahmen , Alkhazragi Omar , Alouini Mohamed-Slim , Ooi Boon S. , Salama Khaled Nabil
Published: August 2024

Simultaneous lightwave information and power transfer (SLIPT), co-existing with optical wireless communication, holds an enormous potential to provide continuous charging to remote Internet of Things (IoT) devices while ensuring connectivity. Combining SLIPT with an omnidirectional receiver, we can leverage a higher power budget while maintaining a stable connection, a major challenge for optical wireless communication systems. Here, we design a multiplexed SLIPT-based system comprising an array of photodetectors (PDs) arranged in a 3 × 3 configuration. The system enables decoding information from multiple light beams while simultaneously harvesting energy. The PDs can swiftly switch between photoconductive and photovoltaic modes to maximize information transfer rates and provide on-demand energy harvesting. Additionally, we investigated the ability to decode information and harvest energy with a particular quadrant set of PDs from the array, allowing beam tracking and spatial diversity. The design was explored in a smaller version for higher data rates and a bigger one for higher power harvesting. We report a self-powering device that can achieve a gross data rate of 25.7 Mbps from a single-input single-output (SISO) and an 85.2 Mbps net data rate in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration. Under a standard AMT1.5 illumination, the device can harvest up to 87.33 mW, around twice the power needed to maintain the entire system. Our work paves the way for deploying autonomous IoT devices in harsh environments and their potential use in space applications.
Hyperuricemia and its related diseases: mechanisms and advances in therapy
Authors: Du Lin , Zong Yao , Li Haorui , Wang Qiyue , Xie Lei , Yang Bo , Pang Yidan , Zhang Changqing , Zhong Zhigang , Gao Junjie
Published: August 2024

Hyperuricemia, characterized by elevated levels of serum uric acid (SUA), is linked to a spectrum of commodities such as gout, cardiovascular diseases, renal disorders, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes, etc. Significantly impairing the quality of life for those affected, the prevalence of hyperuricemia is an upward trend globally, especially in most developed countries. UA possesses a multifaceted role, such as antioxidant, pro-oxidative, pro-inflammatory, nitric oxide modulating, anti-aging, and immune effects, which are significant in both physiological and pathological contexts. The equilibrium of circulating urate levels hinges on the interplay between production and excretion, a delicate balance orchestrated by urate transporter functions across various epithelial tissues and cell types. While existing research has identified hyperuricemia involvement in numerous biological processes and signaling pathways, the precise mechanisms connecting elevated UA levels to disease etiology remain to be fully elucidated. In addition, the influence of genetic susceptibilities and environmental determinants on hyperuricemia calls for a detailed and nuanced examination. This review compiles data from global epidemiological studies and clinical practices, exploring the physiological processes and the genetic foundations of urate transporters in depth. Furthermore, we uncover the complex mechanisms by which the UA induced inflammation influences metabolic processes in individuals with hyperuricemia and the association with its relative disease, offering a foundation for innovative therapeutic approaches and advanced pharmacological strategies.
ETHE1 dampens colorectal cancer angiogenesis by promoting TC45 Dephosphorylation of STAT3 to inhibit VEGF-A expression
Authors: She Xiaowei , Xu Jialu , Zhang Haokun , Yu Chengxin , Rao Zejun , Zhang Jiakun , Zhan Wenli , Hu Fuqing , Song Da , Li Haijie , Luo Xuelai , Wang Guihua , Hu Junbo , Lai Senyan
Published: August 2024

Angiogenesis is critical for colorectal cancer (CRC) progression, but its mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we reveal that ethylmalonic encephalopathy protein 1 (ETHE1), an essential enzyme in hydrogen sulfide catabolism, inhibits VEGF-A expression and tumor angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we find that this biological function of ETHE1 depends on the STAT3/VEGF-A pathway. Further investigation demonstrates that ETHE1 promotes the interaction between T cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TC45) and STAT3, resulting in decreased STAT3 phosphorylation and inhibition of the STAT3 signaling pathway. In clinical samples, we find that ETHE1 is downregulated in CRC and positively correlates with survival outcomes of CRC patients. Meanwhile, the negative correlation of ETHE1 and VEGF-A expression is verified in CRC specimens, and the patients with low ETHE1 and high VEGF-A expression exhibits poorer prognosis. Collectively, our study identifies ETHE1 as a novel regulator of tumor angiogenesis, implying its potential as a prognostic biomarker and promising antiangiogenic target for CRC patients.
Fibrosis in age-related neovascular macular degeneration in the anti-VEGF era
Authors: Armendariz Beatriz G. , Chakravarthy Usha
Published: August 2024

The natural history of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) leads to scarring and loss of vision. Since the advent of anti-VEGF therapies, which are very effective for controlling exudation, large disciform scars are rarely encountered in the clinic. However long term studies show that smaller and less severe fibrotic scars are not uncommon and develop over time despite optimal treatment. This means that additional mechanisms of action may be required to completely address this condition. To permit new treatments, a proper understanding of the clinical impact of fibrosis is required. This review is focused on clinical aspects of fibrosis and summarises recent data on biomarkers, prevalence, causes, consequences, and therapies, highlighting the most important and urgent topics to tackle in order to advance in the treatment of fibrosis.
The feasibility of reaching gigatonne scale CO2 storage by mid-century
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Jackson Christopher , Krevor Samuel
Published: August 2024

The Sixth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projects subsurface carbon storage at rates of 1 – 30 GtCO2 yr−1 by 2050. These projections, however, overlook potential geological, geographical, and techno-economic limitations to growth. We evaluate the feasibility of scaling up CO2 storage using a geographically resolved growth model that considers constraints from both geology and scale-up rate. Our results suggest a maximum global storage rate of 16 GtCO2 yr−1 by 2050, but this is contingent on the United States contributing 60% of the total. These values contrast with projections in the Sixth Assessment Report that vastly overestimate the feasibility of deployment in China, Indonesia, and South Korea. A feasible benchmark for global CO2 storage projections, and consistent with current government technology roadmaps, suggests a global storage rate of 5-6 GtCO2 yr−1, with the United States contributing around 1 GtCO2 yr−1.
Near-complete chiral selection in rotational quantum states
Authors: Lee JuHyeon , Abdiha Elahe , Sartakov Boris G. , Meijer Gerard , Eibenberger-Arias Sandra
Published: August 2024

Controlling the internal quantum states of chiral molecules for a selected enantiomer has a wide range of fundamental applications from collision and reaction studies, quantum information to precision spectroscopy. Achieving full enantiomer-specific state transfer is a key requirement for such applications. Using tailored microwave fields, a chosen rotational state can be enriched for a selected enantiomer, even starting from a racemic mixture. This enables rapid switching between samples of different enantiomers in a given state, holding great promise, for instance, for measuring parity violation in chiral molecules. Although perfect state-specific enantiomeric enrichment is theoretically feasible, achieving the required experimental conditions seemed unrealistic. Here, we realize near-ideal conditions, overcoming both the limitations of thermal population and spatial degeneracy in rotational states. We achieve over 92% enantiomer-specific state transfer efficiency using enantiopure samples. This indicates that 96% state-specific enantiomeric purity can be obtained from a racemic mixture, in an approach that is universally applicable to all chiral molecules of C1 symmetry. Our work integrates the control over internal quantum states with molecular chirality, thus expanding the field of state-selective molecular beams studies to include chiral research.
Using matrix assisted laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometry combined with machine learning for vaccine authenticity screening
Authors: Clarke Rebecca , Bharucha Tehmina , Arman Benediktus Yohan , Gangadharan Bevin , Gomez Fernandez Laura , Mosca Sara , Lin Qianqi , Van Assche Kerlijn , Stokes Robert , Dunachie Susanna , Deats Michael , Merchant Hamid A. , Caillet Céline , Walsby-Tickle John , Probert Fay , Matousek Pavel , Newton Paul N. , Zitzmann Nicole , McCullagh James S. O.
Published: August 2024

The global population is increasingly reliant on vaccines to maintain population health with billions of doses used annually in immunisation programmes. Substandard and falsified vaccines are becoming more prevalent, caused by both the degradation of authentic vaccines but also deliberately falsified vaccine products. These threaten public health, and the increase in vaccine falsification is now a major concern. There is currently no coordinated global infrastructure or screening methods to monitor vaccine supply chains. In this study, we developed and validated a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) workflow that used open-source machine learning and statistical analysis to distinguish authentic and falsified vaccines. We validated the method on two different MALDI-MS instruments used worldwide for clinical applications. Our results show that multivariate data modelling and diagnostic mass spectra can be used to distinguish authentic and falsified vaccines providing proof-of-concept that MALDI-MS can be used as a screening tool to monitor vaccine supply chains.
High-resolution segmentations of the hypothalamus and its subregions for training of segmentation models
Authors: Rodrigues Livia , Bocchetta Martina , Puonti Oula , Greve Douglas , Londe Ana Carolina , França Marcondes , Appenzeller Simone , Rittner Leticia , Iglesias Juan Eugenio
Published: August 2024

Segmentation of brain structures on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a highly relevant neuroimaging topic, as it is a prerequisite for different analyses such as volumetry or shape analysis. Automated segmentation facilitates the study of brain structures in larger cohorts when compared with manual segmentation, which is time-consuming. However, the development of most automated methods relies on large and manually annotated datasets, which limits the generalizability of these methods. Recently, new techniques using synthetic images have emerged, reducing the need for manual annotation. Here we provide a dataset composed of label maps built from publicly available ultra-high resolution ex vivo MRI from 10 whole hemispheres, which can be used to develop segmentation methods using synthetic data. The label maps are obtained with a combination of manual labels for the hypothalamic regions and automated segmentations for the rest of the brain, and mirrored to simulate entire brains. We also provide the pre-processed ex vivo scans, as this dataset can support future projects to include other structures after these are manually segmented.
The chromosome level genome assembly of the Asian green mussel, Perna viridis
Authors: Sukumaran Sandhya , Vysakh V. G. , Sebastian Wilson , Gopalakrishnan A. , Dharani Lalitha Hari , Pandey Akhilesh , Kumar Abhishek , Jena J. K.
Published: August 2024

The Asian green mussel, Perna viridis is an important aquaculture species in the family Mytilidae contributing substantially to molluscan aquaculture. We generated a high-quality chromosome level assembly of this species by combining PacBio single molecule sequencing technique (SMRT), Illumina paired-end sequencing, high-throughput chromosome conformation capture technique (Hi-C) and Bionano mapping. The final assembly resulted in a genome of 723.49 Mb in size with a scaffold N50 of 49.74 Mb with 99% anchored into 15 chromosomes. A total of 49654 protein-coding genes were predicted from the genome. The presence of 634 genes associated with the cancer pathway and 408 genes associated with viral carcinogenesis indicates the potential of this species to be used as a model for cancer studies. The chromosome-level assembly of this species is also a valuable resource for further genomic selection and selective breeding for improving economically important aquaculture traits and augmenting aquaculture productivity.
Global insights on flood risk mitigation in arid regions using geomorphological and geophysical modeling from a local case study
Authors: Kotb Adel , Taha Ayman I. , Elnazer Ahmed A. , Basheer Alhussein Adham
Published: August 2024

This research provides a comprehensive examination of flood risk mitigation in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on Wadi Al-Laith. It highlights the critical importance of addressing flood risks in arid regions, given their profound impact on communities, infrastructure, and the economy. Analysis of morphometric parameters ((drainage density (Dd), stream frequency (Fs), drainage intensity (Di), and infiltration number (If)) reveals a complex hydrological landscape, indicating elevated flood risk. due to low drainage density, low stream frequency, high bifurcation ratio, and low infiltration number. Effective mitigation strategies are imperative to protect both communities and infrastructure in Wadi Al-Laith. Geophysical investigations, using specialized software, improve the quality of the dataset by addressing irregularities in field data. A multi-layer geoelectric model, derived from vertical electrical sounding (VES) and time domain electromagnetic (TDEM) surveys, provides precise information about the geoelectric strata parameters such as electrical resistivity, layer thicknesses, and depths in the study area. This identifies a well-saturated sedimentary layer and a cracked rocky layer containing water content. The second region, proposed for a new dam, scores significantly higher at 56% in suitability compared to the first region’s 44%. The study advocates for the construction of a supporting dam in the second region with a height between 230 and 280 m and 800 m in length. This new dam can play a crucial role in mitigating flash flood risks, considering various design parameters. This research contributes to flood risk management in Saudi Arabia by offering innovative dam site selection approaches. It provides insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners involved in flood risk reduction, water resource management, and sustainable development in arid regions globally.
3D small-scale dosimetry and tumor control of 225Ac radiopharmaceuticals for prostate cancer
Authors: Peter Robin , Bidkar Anil P. , Bobba Kondapa Naidu , Zerefa Luann , Dasari Chandrashekhar , Meher Niranjan , Wadhwa Anju , Oskowitz Adam , Liu Bin , Miller Brian W. , Vetter Kai , Flavell Robert R. , Seo Youngho
Published: August 2024

Radiopharmaceutical therapy using $$\upalpha$$
α
-emitting $$^{225}$$

225

Ac is an emerging treatment for patients with advanced metastatic cancers. Measurement of the spatial dose distribution in organs and tumors is needed to inform treatment dose prescription and reduce off-target toxicity, at not only organ but also sub-organ scales. Digital autoradiography with $$\upalpha$$
α
-sensitive detection devices can measure radioactivity distributions at 20–40 $$\upmu {\hbox {m}}$$

μ
m

resolution, but anatomical characterization is typically limited to 2D. We collected digital autoradiographs across whole tissues to generate 3D dose volumes and used them to evaluate the simultaneous tumor control and regional kidney dosimetry of a novel therapeutic radiopharmaceutical for prostate cancer, [225Ac]Ac-Macropa-PEG4-YS5, in mice. 22Rv1 xenograft-bearing mice treated with 18.5 kBq of [225Ac]Ac-Macropa-PEG4-YS5 were sacrificed at 24 h and 168 h post-injection for quantitative $$\upalpha$$
α
-particle digital autoradiography and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Gamma-ray spectroscopy of biodistribution data was used to determine temporal dynamics and $$^{213}$$

213

Bi redistribution. Tumor control probability and sub-kidney dosimetry were assessed. Heterogeneous $$^{225}$$

225

Ac spatial distribution was observed in both tumors and kidneys. Tumor control was maintained despite heterogeneity if cold spots coincided with necrotic regions. $$^{225}$$

225

Ac dose-rate was highest in the cortex and renal vasculature. Extrapolation of tumor control suggested that kidney absorbed dose could be reduced by 41% while maintaining 90% TCP. The 3D dosimetry methods described allow for whole tumor and organ dose measurements following $$^{225}$$

225

Ac radiopharmaceutical therapy, which correlate to tumor control and toxicity outcomes.
Sea spray allows for the growth of subaerial microbialites at the driest desert on Earth
Authors: Azua-Bustos Armando , González-Silva Carlos , Freedman Kevin , Carrizo Daniel , Sánchez-García Laura , Fernández-Martínez Miguel Ángel , Balsera-Manzanero María , Muñoz-Iglesias Victoria , Fernández-Sampedro Maite , Dang Thanh Quy , Vargas-Carrera Cristian , Wierzchos Jacek
Published: August 2024

Due to its extreme conditions, microbial life in the Atacama Desert is known to survive in well-protected micro-habitats (hypolithic, endolithic, etc.), but rarely directly exposed to the environment, that is, epilithic habitats. Here we report a unique site, La Portada, a cliff confronting the Pacific Ocean in the Coastal Range of this desert, in which the constant input of water provided by the sea spray allows for the growth of a black-colored epilithic subaerial microbial ecosystem. Formed by a complex community of halophilic microorganisms belonging to the three domains of life, this ecosystem displays the typical three-dimensional structure of benthic microbialites, coherent with the presence of a diversity of cyanobacteria (including species from the genera that are known to form them), a constant high water activity and an ample availability of carbonate ions. From these microbialites we isolated Hortae werneckii, a fungal species which by producing melanin, not only explains the dark color of these microbialites, but may also play the role of protecting the whole community from extreme UV radiation. A number of biosignatures not only confirmed sea spray as the main source of water, but also suggests that one place to consider for the search of evidences of life on Mars would be on the paleo-coastlines that surrounded vanished oceans such as that on Aeolis Dorsa.
Irrigation increases and stabilizes mosquito populations and increases West Nile virus incidence
Authors: Kovach Tony J. , Kilpatrick A. Marm
Published: August 2024

Humans have greatly altered earth’s terrestrial water cycle with the majority of fresh water being used for agriculture. Irrigation changes spatial and temporal water availability and alters mosquito abundance and phenology. Previous studies evaluating the effect of irrigation on mosquito abundance and mosquito-borne disease have shown inconsistent results and little is known about the effect of irrigation on variability in mosquito abundance. We examined the effect of irrigation, climate and land cover on mosquito abundance and human West Nile virus (WNV) disease cases across California. Irrigation made up nearly a third of total water inputs, and exceeded precipitation in some regions. Abundance of two key vectors of several arboviruses, including WNV, Culex tarsalis and the Culex pipiens complex, increased 17–21-fold with irrigation. Irrigation reduced seasonal variability in C. tarsalis abundance by 36.1%. Human WNV incidence increased with irrigation, which explained more than a third (34.2%) of the variation in WNV incidence among California counties. These results suggest that irrigation can increase and decouple mosquito populations from natural precipitation variability, resulting in sustained and increased disease burdens. Shifts in precipitation due to climate change are likely to result in increased irrigation in many arid regions which could increase mosquito populations and disease.