bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurements and Modeling of Pore‐Pressure Gradients in the Swash Zone Under Large‐Scale Laboratory Bichromatic Waves
Authors: Kranenborg J. W. M. , Pauli T. , Jacobsen N. G. , van der Werf J. J. , Dionisio Antonio S. , Campmans G. H. P. , Reniers A. J. H. M. , Hulscher S. J. M. H.
Published: November 2023

The present work presents physical laboratory measurements of surface elevation and pore water pressures in a fine sand bed under bichromatic waves in a large‐scale laboratory experiment. This was done at three cross‐shore locations in the swash zone, with pressures being measured at different depths in the bed. The measurements show that the pore pressure signal decays and shifts with increased depth. These measurements are used to validate a practical model, based on the theory of Yamamoto et al. (1978, https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022112078003006) and Guest and Hay (2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016JC012257). The model corresponds well with the measurements (nRMSE < 0.2 and R2 > 0.95 for most probes) and shows that a frequency‐based model can reproduce the pressures in the bed, despite the bed being exposed during dry periods. Furthermore, the model provides the opportunity to calculate pressure gradients, both throughout the bed and at the bed surface. These modeled pressure gradients at the bed surface show that the vertical pressure gradient can have an important impact on the Shields parameter, thereby influencing sediment transport.
Evaluating the Water Cycle Over CONUS at the Watershed Scale for the Energy Exascale Earth System Model Version 1 (E3SMv1) Across Resolutions
Authors: Harrop Bryce E. , Balaguru Karthik , Golaz Jean‐Christophe , Leung L. Ruby , Mahajan Salil , Rhoades Alan M. , Ullrich Paul A. , Zhang Chengzhu , Zheng Xue , Zhou Tian , Caldwell Peter M. , Keen Noel D. , Mametjanov Azamat
Published: November 2023

The water cycle is an important component of the earth system and it plays a key role in many facets of society, including energy production, agriculture, and human health and safety. In this study, the Energy Exascale Earth System Model version 1 (E3SMv1) is run with low‐resolution (roughly 110 km) and high‐resolution (roughly 25 km) configurations—as established by the High Resolution Model Intercomparison Project protocol—to evaluate the atmospheric and terrestrial water budgets over the conterminous United States (CONUS) at the large watershed scale. The warm season water cycle slows down in the HR experiment relative to the LR, with decreasing fluxes of precipitation, evapotranspiration, atmospheric moisture convergence, and runoff. The reductions in these terms exacerbate biases for some watersheds, while reducing them in others. For example, precipitation biases are exacerbated at HR over the Eastern and Central CONUS watersheds, while precipitation biases are reduced at HR over the Western CONUS watersheds. The most pronounced changes with resolution to the water cycle come from reductions in precipitation and evapotranspiration. The reduction in evapotranspiration reduces the biases across nearly all of the CONUS. Additional exploratory metrics show improvements to water cycle extremes (both in precipitation and streamflow), fractional contributions of different storm types to total precipitation, and mountain snowpack.
Guatemala Is Reclaiming Overexploited Forests
Authors: Rodrigues Meghie
Published: November 2023

Researchers, local communities, and authorities are tackling deforestation and forest degradation at the Maya Biosphere Reserve.
Coseismic Frictional Heating With Concomitant Hydrothermal Fluid Circulation Revealed by Rock Magnetic Properties of Fault Rocks From the Rupture of the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake, China
Authors: Yan Xiuli , Zhang Bo , Wang Guodong , Yang Tao , Chen Jianye
Published: November 2023

Coseismic frictional heating and associated hydrothermal fluid circulation play an essential role in the dynamic weakening of seismic faults. However, temperature rise induced by frictional heating during an earthquake is still difficult to constrain. Magnetic properties of fault rocks convey abundant information on faulting processes. In this study, detailed rock magnetic measurements in combination with electron microscopic observations are conducted on fault rocks and protoliths from the Shaba outcrop (Beichuan County) on the Yingxiu‐Beichuan Fault ruptured during the 2008 Wenchuan Mw 7.9 earthquake. Results show that protoliths and the majority of fault rocks are dominated by paramagnetic pyrite and/or Fe‐bearing clay minerals; in contrast, the presence of pyrrhotite and goethite is confined to the fault gouges just next to the principal slip surface. Pyrrhotite is a product of pyrite alteration at high temperatures (>500°C) induced by seismic frictional heating during earthquake slip. Meanwhile, the goethite implies the presence of coseismic hot fluids within the fault zone. All these observations strongly suggest the occurrence of thermal pressurization as a plausible mechanism of coseismic fault weakening during the Wenchuan earthquake.
Impact of Convective Parameterizations on Atmospheric Mesoscale Kinetic Energy Spectra in Global High‐Resolution Simulations
Authors: Li Zongheng , Peng Jun , Zhang Lifeng
Published: November 2023

The responses of atmospheric kinetic energy (KE) spectra to three convective parameterizations (CPs) in global high‐resolution simulations are revealed. The results show that the KE spectra exhibit high sensitivity to the CPs, mainly at mesoscales in the middle and upper troposphere. The New Tiedtke scheme produces the steepest mesoscale slope, followed by the Kain‐Fritsch scheme and then the Grell‐Freitas scheme. In general, there is a compensating relationship between latent heat released by the CP and microphysics parameterization (MP). The less latent heat released by the CP is compensated by the more latent heat released by the MP. The shallowest mesoscale spectra for the Grell‐Freitas scheme are related to the strongest downscale cascade dominated by the rotational component of the flow, and this is attributed to more latent heat released from MP enhancing the intensity of vorticity in the troposphere and producing more gravity wave activities in the lower stratosphere.
Tracking River's Pulse From Space: A Global Analysis of River Stage Fluctuations
Authors: Zhao Yanan , Jiang Liguang , Zhang Xingxing , Liu Junguo
Published: November 2023

River stage fluctuation (RSF) is one of the most important factors influencing the physical, chemical, and ecological aspects of rivers. Despite widespread interest in river stage variations, there is currently no global benchmark of RSF and their spatial patterns. Our understanding of these characteristics remains limited. We used Sentinel‐3 altimetry data to establish a benchmark data set for RSF in wide rivers (width >1 km). We conducted an initial investigation of the spatial patterns and inter‐annual variability associated with RSF. The results show a wide range of fluctuation amplitudes spanning from a mere 1 to 18 m. Notably, rivers in semi‐arid regions exhibit more pronounced fluctuations. Further analyses indicate that human activities play a significant role in RSF. The results are of substantial interest to the scientific community, as they are closely linked to critical hydrological processes, including floods, river‐floodplain dynamics, river‐groundwater interaction, greenhouse gas emissions, and river restoration.
Assessment of the Dutch Healthy Diet index 2015 in the Lifelines cohort study at baseline
Authors: Baart A. Mireille , Brouwer-Brolsma Elske M. , de Jong Hanne B. T. , de Vries Jeanne H. M. , Feskens Edith J. M.
Published: November 2023

Background

Dietary indices are useful measures to investigate associations between dietary intake and disease development. The Dutch Healthy Diet index 2015 (DHD2015-index), a measure of diet quality, assesses adherence to the 2015 Dutch dietary guidelines. We assessed the DHD2015-index in the Lifelines cohort study, and compared calculations from basic and detailed dietary intake data. This article replaces the retracted article that was published on 16 May 2022 [1].

Methods

Dietary intake was assessed with a specially developed Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) called Flower-FFQ, which consists of one main questionnaire (heart-FFQ), which asks for intakes of major food groups, and three complementary questionnaires (petal-FFQs), which ask for detailed information on food types within major food groups of the heart-FFQ. The DHD2015-index was assessed using data from the total Flower-FFQ (for 56,982 participants), and using data from the heart-FFQ only (for 129,030 participants). Agreement between the two indices was assessed with correlation and cross-classification.

Results

The median (25th–75th percentile) DHD2015-index score was 75 (65–85) for men and 81 (70–91) for women based on the Flower-FFQ, and 68 (58–77) for men and 73 (63–82) for women based on the heart-FFQ. The Kendall’s tau-b correlation coefficient between the two scores was 0.67 for men and 0.66 for women. Cross-classification into quartiles of the DHD2015-index showed that 59–60% of participants were classified in the same quartile, 36–37% in the adjacent, and 4% in the non-adjacent.

Conclusion

Dietary data from the Flower-FFQ provide the most optimal information to assess the DHD2015-index. However, the DHD2015-index from the heart-FFQ showed good agreement with the index from the Flower-FFQ of ranking participants according to diet quality, and can be used when the DHD2015 index from the Flower-FFQ is not available.
Pupillometry to show stress release during equine sports massage therapy
Authors: Wild Karen Nicola , Skiba Stephan , Räsänen Suvi , Richter Claus-Peter
Published: November 2023

Anecdotal reports state that wellness treatments for horses, such as massage therapy, relaxes the treated animal. Massage therapists and horse owners typically report an ”improvement” without verifying or quantifying the treatment results. This paper shows that the effect of wellness treatment and stress release can be measured with pupillometry. One of the horse’s pupils was photographed at the beginning and end of the treatment to determine the changes in the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic system activities. The owners assigned horses to two experimental groups: animals receiving a massage (N = 18) and horses standing with a person next to the horse for the time of a massage in the stable lane (N = 10). Six animals in the experimental group were excluded from the analysis because the pupils could not be traced. We opened the images of the pupil with Fiji (ImageJ) and used the elliptical selection tool to measure the pupils’ and iris’ areas. The ratio between the pupils’ aperture and the iris’ area was a normalized measure for pupil size. At the end of the experiment, we compared the normalized size of the pupils with a two-tailed paired t-test within groups and a two-tailed t-test between groups. For the experimental group, it was before and after the treatment, and for the control group, before and after the horse was placed in the stable lane. Comparisons between the experimental and control groups were made at the procedure's beginning and end. The treatment significantly decreased the normalized pupil area in the experimental group, on average, by a factor of 0.78 ± 0.15 (P = 0.042). For the horses in the control group, the pupil size increased, on average, by a factor of 1.14 ± 018. Changes were statistically not significant (P = 0.19). The initial pupil size of the horses in the experimental group was 1.88 times larger than that in the control group. After the treatment, the difference was reduced to a factor of 1.25. At the beginning of the experiment, the horses in the experimental group had, on average, larger pupil sizes than the horses in the control group, indicating that the horses in the experimental group were more stressed before the treatment than the control animals. The observed changes in pupil size in the experimental group likely resulted from enhanced parasympathetic and diminished sympathetic activity resulting from the treatment. Observed changes in pupil size agree with the anecdotal horse owner reports and the therapist’s treatment notes.
Extreme temperature fluctuations in laboratory models of the mid-latitude atmospheric circulation
Authors: Vincze Miklós , Hancock Cathrine , Harlander Uwe , Rodda Costanza , Speer Kevin
Published: November 2023

Using two laboratory-scale conceptual fluid dynamic models of the mid-latitude atmospheric circulation we investigate the statistical properties of pointwise temperature signals obtained in long experiment runs. We explore how the average “equator-to-pole” temperature contrast influences the range and the jump distribution of extreme temperature fluctuations, the ratio of the frequencies of rapid cooling and warming events, and the persistence of “weather” in the set-ups. We find simple combinations of the control parameters—temperature gradient, rotation rate and geometric dimensions–which appear to determine certain scaling properties of these statistics, shedding light on the underlying dynamics of the Rossby wave-related elements of the mid-latitude weather variability.
First feasibility demonstration of GNSS-seismology for anthropogenic earthquakes detection
Authors: Kudłacik Iwona , Kapłon Jan , Kazmierski Kamil , Fortunato Marco , Crespi Mattia
Published: November 2023

High-rate GNSS has been proven effective in characterising waveforms and co-seismic displacements due to medium-to-strong natural earthquakes. No application focused on small magnitude events like shallow anthropogenic earthquakes, where displacements and noise have the same order of magnitude. We propose a procedure based on proper signal detection and filtering of the position and velocity time series obtained from high-rate (10 Hz) GNSS data processing with two intrinsically different approaches (Precise Point Positioning and variometry). We tested it on five mining tremors with magnitudes of 3.4–4.0, looking both at event detection and its kinematic characterisation. Here we show a high agreement, at the level of 1 s, between GNSS and seismic solutions for the earthquake first epoch detection. Also, we show that high-rate multi-constellation (GPS + Galileo) GNSS can reliably characterise low-magnitude shallow earthquakes in terms of induced displacements and velocities, and, including their peak values, respectively, at the level of very few millimetres and 1–2 cm/s, paving the way to the routine use of GNSS-seismology for monitoring human activities prone to cause small earthquakes and related potential damages.
Seismic anisotropy to investigate lithospheric-scale tectonic structures and mantle dynamics in southern Italy
Authors: Scarfì L. , Firetto Carlino M. , Musumeci C.
Published: November 2023

Subduction zones may be characterised by deep-seated tectonic structures whose effects propagate to the upper plate through faulting and magmatism. The overall geodynamic framework, as well as the roots of the many active faults affecting such regions, can be investigated by the study of the upper mantle anisotropic patterns, through the analysis of core-transiting teleseismic phases. Here, we discuss the results of XKS waves splitting observed in the central Mediterranean, particularly in southern Italy, which is characterised by the Adriatic-Ionian subduction system. Azimuths of polarisation of the fast wave (fast directions) were found to be generally trench-parallel, as an effect of the subducting slab, albeit a change to a perpendicular direction, in central Italy and Sicily, suggests discontinuities in the structure of the slab itself. However, while in central Italy a gradual rotation of fast directions points to a toroidal upper mantle flow through a tear in the Apenninic slab, in central-eastern Sicily, the splitting parameters show an abrupt change that matches well with the main crustal tectonic structures. There, the rapid trench migration, taking place at the transition between the subduction and continental collision domains, produced a rather complex Subduction Transform Edge Propagator fault system. The sharp variation in the pattern of the upper mantle anisotropy marks the main element of such a fault system and suggests its primary role in the segmentation process of the collisional margin. Our findings further show that the study of seismic anisotropy may be fundamental in investigating whether tectonic structures only involve the crust or extend down to the upper mantle.
A multivariate decomposition analysis of modern contraceptive utilization among married women in the emerging region of Ethiopia (2000–2019)
Authors: Kebede Natnael , Kefale Bereket , Yigezu Muluken , Ayele Kokeb , Addisu Elsabeth , Tsega Yawkal , Kasaye Mulugeta Desalegn , Wasihun Yitbarek
Published: November 2023

Ensuring universal access to family planning services is a proven strategy to improve reproductive health as well as economic development. Assessing the trend and identifying the factors for the change in modern contraceptive utilization is crucial to design effective measures, but trend analysis was not conducted previously. Thus, this study aimed to assess the trend and determinants of modern contraceptive utilization change among married women in emerging regions of Ethiopia. This study used the 2000 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey and the 2019 Ethiopia Min Demographic and Health Survey datasets for analysis. A total of 2555 and 1916 married women in the 2000 and 2019 surveys were included in the analysis, respectively. The data were analyzed using Stata version 17.0. Logit-based decomposition analysis was executed to identify factors for modern contraceptive utilization change. Statistical significance was declared at a P value of less than 0.05. The trend of contraceptive utilization change increased from 6.26% in 2000 to 21.97% in 2019. About  − 65.87% and 165.87% of the change in contraceptive utilization was due to changes in composition and behavior, respectively. The change in composition was due to the change in the composition of women according to religion, educational status, region, and the number of living children. The change in behaviors of not educated women, rural women, Muslim women, and those who resided in the afar region was the source of change in modern contraceptive utilization. Modern contraceptive utilization has increased in the last two decades. The change in modern contraceptive utilization is due to changes in population composition and behavior. Interventions targeting uneducated and rural women are vital to increasing contraceptive utilization. Strategic interventions are also required for the Somali regions of Ethiopia.
Dynamics of water-mediated interaction effects on the stability and transmission of Omicron
Authors: Zaman Naila , Parvaiz Nousheen , Gul Fouzia , Yousaf Rimsha , Gul Kainat , Azam Syed Sikander
Published: November 2023

SARS-Cov-2 Omicron variant and its highly transmissible sublineages amidst news of emerging hybrid variants strengthen the evidence of its ability to rapidly spread and evolve giving rise to unprecedented future waves. Owing to the presence of isolated RBD, monomeric and trimeric Cryo-EM structures of spike protein in complex with ACE2 receptor, comparative analysis of Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron assist in a rational assessment of their probability to evolve as new or hybrid variants in future. This study proposes the role of hydration forces in mediating Omicron function and dynamics based on a stronger interplay between protein and solvent with each Covid wave. Mutations of multiple hydrophobic residues into hydrophilic residues underwent concerted interactions with water leading to variations in charge distribution in Delta and Omicron during molecular dynamics simulations. Moreover, comparative analysis of interacting moieties characterized a large number of mutations lying at RBD into constrained, homologous and low-affinity groups referred to as mutational drivers inferring that the probability of future mutations relies on their function. Furthermore, the computational findings reveal a significant difference in angular distances among variants of concern due 3 amino acid insertion (EPE) in Omicron variant that not only facilitates tight domain organization but also seems requisite for characterization of mutational processes. The outcome of this work signifies the possible relation between hydration forces, their impact on conformation and binding affinities, and viral fitness that will significantly aid in understanding dynamics of drug targets for Covid-19 countermeasures. The emerging scenario is that hydration forces and hydrophobic interactions are crucial variables to probe in mutational analysis to explore conformational landscape of macromolecules and reveal the molecular origins of protein behaviors.
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide reduce alcohol consumption in individuals with obesity
Authors: Quddos Fatima , Hubshman Zachary , Tegge Allison , Sane Daniel , Marti Erin , Kablinger Anita S. , Gatchalian Kirstin M. , Kelly Amber L. , DiFeliceantonio Alexandra G. , Bickel Warren K.
Published: November 2023

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) contributes significantly to global mortality. GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) and GLP-1/GIP (Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) agonists, FDA-approved for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity, where the former has shown to effectively reduce the consumption of alcohol in animal models but no reports exist on the latter. In this report, we conducted two studies. In the first study, we conducted an analysis of abundant social media texts. Specifically, a machine-learning based attribution mapping of ~ 68,250 posts related to GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP agonists on the Reddit platform. Secondly, we recruited participants (n = 153; current alcohol drinkers; BMI ≥ 30) who self-reported either taking Semaglutide (GLP-1 agonist), Tirzepatide (the GLP-1/GIP combination) for ≥ 30 days or, as a control group; no medication to manage diabetes or weight loss for a within and between subject remote study. In the social media study, we report 8 major themes including effects of medications (30%); diabetes (21%); and Weight loss and obesity (19%). Among the alcohol-related posts (n = 1580), 71% were identified as craving reduction, decreased desire to drink, and other negative effects. In the remote study, we observe a significantly lower self-reported intake of alcohol, drinks per drinking episode, binge drinking odds, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores, and stimulating, and sedative effects in the Semaglutide or Tirzepatide group when compared to prior to starting medication timepoint (within-subjects) and the control group (between-subjects). In summary, we provide initial real-world evidence of reduced alcohol consumption in people with obesity taking Semaglutide or Tirzepatide medications, suggesting potential efficacy for treatment in AUD comorbid with obesity.
Association of early bedtime at 3 years of age with higher academic performance and better non-cognitive skills in elementary school
Authors: Nishiyama Masahiro , Kyono Yuki , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Kawamura Aoi , Oikawa Shizuka , Tokumoto Shoichi , Tomioka Kazumi , Nozu Kandai , Nagase Hiroaki
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the relationship between sleep habits in early childhood and academic performance and non-cognitive skills in the first grade. We retrospectively analyzed a longitudinal population-based cohort from birth through early childhood, up to elementary school, in Amagasaki City, Japan. The primary outcome was academic performance in the first grade. Other outcomes were self-reported non-cognitive skills. Overall, 4395 children were enrolled. Mean national language scores for children with bedtimes at 18:00–20:00, 21:00, 22:00, and ≥ 23:00 were 71.2 ± 19.7, 69.3 ± 19.4, 68.3 ± 20.1, and 62.5 ± 21.3, respectively. Multiple regression analysis identified bedtime at 3 years as a significant factor associated with academic performance. However, sleep duration was not significantly associated with academic performance. Bedtime at 3 years also affected non-cognitive skills in the first grade. Diligence decreased with a later bedtime (21:00 vs. 18:00–20:00; odds ratio [OR]: 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27–3.09; 22:00 vs. 18:00–20:00; OR: 2.15, 95% CI 1.37–3.38; ≥ 23:00 vs. 18:00–20:00; OR: 2.33, 95% CI 1.29–4.20). Thus, early bedtime at 3 years may be associated with a higher academic performance and better non-cognitive skills in the first grade. Optimum early-childhood sleep habits may positively impact academic future.
Young basketball players have better manual dexterity performance than sportsmen and non-sportsmen of the same age: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Amato Alessandra , Giustino Valerio , Patti Antonino , Proia Patrizia , Trivic Tatjana , Drid Patrik , Obradovic Anja , Manojlovic Marko , Mondoni Maurizio , Paoli Antonio , Bianco Antonino
Published: November 2023

Manual dexterity is a key skill in motor development. There are conflicting studies on the influence of sports practice on this skill and on which type of sport trains this ability the most in youth. Manual dexterity is usually assessed with expensive and time-consuming tools not easily available to facilities such as schools or sports clubs. The aim of this study was to assess differences in manual dexterity performance between young basketball players, sportsmen, and non-sportsmen. A further aim was to analyze whether the coin rotation task was a reliable tool for assessing manual dexterity. Based on the characteristics of the sport, we hypothesized that basketball players had better manual dexterity performances. Seventy-eight participants were included in the study and categorized into “basketball”, “sports”, and “non-sports” groups. Manual dexterity was assessed with the grooved pegboard, the coin rotation task, and the handgrip tests. The basketball group showed better performance in all tests. Significant differences were found between the basketball group and sports group and between the basketball group and non-sport group in the grooved pegboard (p < 0.05) and in the handgrip (p < 0.05) tests. Test–retest reliability of the coin rotation task scores was moderate in the basketball group (ICC2,1 0.63–0.6). Basketball practice could positively influence manual dexterity. The coin rotation task showed an acceptable construct of validity.
Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and serum hsCRP levels in third trimester and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tao Jun , Huang Yun , Li Yan , Dai Wen
Published: November 2023

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a major complication of pregnancy. GDM is associated with a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO). The purpose of this study was to assess the association between third-trimester platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentration and the risk of APO in GDM pregnant women. This study selected 406 non-elderly gestational diabetes patients diagnosed in the Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from May 2021 to February 2023 as the research objects. According to the presence or absence of APO, they were divided into an APO group (n = 171) and a non-APO group (n = 235). Logistic regression model to evaluate the correlation between PLR and hsCRP and APO in women with GDM; Restricted cubic spline analyses was used to explore nonlinear correlations between PLR or hsCRP and the risk of APO; ROC curve analysis of the diagnostic performance of PLR and hsCRP for APO in women with GDM. APO occurred in 171 of the 406 included participants. Compared with the non-APO group, patients in the APO group had higher PLR and hsCRP levels. The incidence of APO was positively associated with PLR and the hsCRP level in each logistic regression model (P < 0.05). After adjusting for all the risk factors included in this study, restricted cubic spline analyses found that the PLR and the hsCRP level were positively associated with the risk of APO. The levels of PLR and hsCRP in the third trimester are related to the occurrence of APO in women with GDM, and high levels of PLR and hsCRP may indicate the occurrence of APO.
Branched chain amino acids harbor distinct and often opposing effects on health and disease
Authors: Avery Christy L. , Howard Annie Green , Lee Harold H. , Downie Carolina G. , Lee Moa P. , Koenigsberg Sarah H. , Ballou Anna F. , Preuss Michael H. , Raffield Laura M. , Yarosh Rina A. , North Kari E. , Gordon-Larsen Penny , Graff Mariaelisa
Published: November 2023

Background

The branched chain amino acids (BCAA) leucine, isoleucine, and valine are essential nutrients that have been associated with diabetes, cancers, and cardiovascular diseases. Observational studies suggest that BCAAs exert homogeneous phenotypic effects, but these findings are inconsistent with results from experimental human and animal studies.

Methods

Hypothesizing that inconsistencies between observational and experimental BCAA studies reflect bias from shared lifestyle and genetic factors in observational studies, we used data from the UK Biobank and applied multivariable Mendelian randomization causal inference methods designed to address these biases.

Results

In n = 97,469 participants of European ancestry (mean age = 56.7 years; 54.1% female), we estimate distinct and often opposing total causal effects for each BCAA. For example, of the 117 phenotypes with evidence of a statistically significant total causal effect for at least one BCAA, almost half (44%, n = 52) are associated with only one BCAA. These 52 associations include total causal effects of valine on diabetic eye disease [odds ratio = 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.31, 1.76], valine on albuminuria (odds ratio = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.08, 1.20), and isoleucine on angina (odds ratio = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.31, 1.76).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the observational literature provides a flawed picture of BCAA phenotypic effects that is inconsistent with experimental studies and could mislead efforts developing novel therapeutics. More broadly, these findings motivate the development and application of causal inference approaches that enable ‘omics studies conducted in observational settings to account for the biasing effects of shared genetic and lifestyle factors.
AAV-mediated editing of PMP22 rescues Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A features in patient-derived iPS Schwann cells
Authors: Yoshioka Yuki , Taniguchi Juliana Bosso , Homma Hidenori , Tamura Takuya , Fujita Kyota , Inotsume Maiko , Tagawa Kazuhiko , Misawa Kazuharu , Matsumoto Naomichi , Nakagawa Masanori , Inoue Haruhisa , Tanaka Hikari , Okazawa Hitoshi
Published: November 2023

Background

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) is one of the most common hereditary peripheral neuropathies caused by duplication of 1.5 Mb genome region including PMP22 gene. We aimed to correct the duplication in human CMT1A patient-derived iPS cells (CMT1A-iPSCs) by genome editing and intended to analyze the effect on Schwann cells differentiated from CMT1A-iPSCs.

Methods

We designed multiple gRNAs targeting a unique sequence present at two sites that sandwich only a single copy of duplicated peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) genes, and selected one of them (gRNA3) from screening their efficiencies by T7E1 mismatch detection assay. AAV2-hSaCas9-gRNAedit was generated by subcloning gRNA3 into pX601-AAV-CMV plasmid, and the genome editing AAV vector was infected to CMT1A-iPSCs or CMT1A-iPSC-derived Schwann cell precursors. The effect of the genome editing AAV vector on myelination was evaluated by co-immunostaining of myelin basic protein (MBP), a marker of mature myelin, and microtubule-associated protein  2(MAP2), a marker of neurites or by electron microscopy.

Results

Here we show that infection of CMT1A-iPS cells (iPSCs) with AAV2-hSaCas9-gRNAedit expressing both hSaCas9 and gRNA targeting the tandem repeat sequence decreased PMP22 gene duplication by 20–40%. Infection of CMT1A-iPSC-derived Schwann cell precursors with AAV2-hSaCas9-gRNAedit normalized PMP22 mRNA and PMP22 protein expression levels, and also ameliorated increased apoptosis and impaired myelination in CMT1A-iPSC-derived Schwann cells.

Conclusions

In vivo transfer of AAV2-hSaCas9-gRNAedit to peripheral nerves could be a potential therapeutic modality for CMT1A patient after careful examinations of toxicity including off-target mutations.
Supramolecular “baking powder”: a hexameric halogen-bonded phosphonium salt cage encapsulates and functionalises small-molecule carbonyl compounds
Authors: Marrett Joseph M. , Titi Hatem M. , Teoh Yong , Friščić Tomislav
Published: November 2023

We report halogen-bonded supramolecular cages based on a Wittig-type phosphonium salt, which pre-formulate aldehydes and ketones for a mechanochemical Wittig olefination and enable the conversion of an aldehyde to an enediyne.
A facile approach for selective detection of arsenite ions using plasmonic behaviour of silver nanoparticles
Authors: Bali Somnath , Goswami Subhajit , Halder Arnab , Mondal Avijit
Published: November 2023

Redox chemistry assisted plasmonic change of citrate capped AgNP system in bicarbonate medium for the selective sensing of arsenite ions.
A noncovalent backbone planarization strategy increases the NIR-II extinction coefficients for gas/phototheranostic applications
Authors: Cheng Peng , Chen Shangyu , Li Jiewei , Yang Wan , Chen Pengfei , Miao Han , Shen Qingming , Sun Pengfei , Fan Quli
Published: November 2023

A simple noncovalent backbone planarization strategy was proposed to achieve an NIR-II-absorbing molecule-based nanocomposite for optimized NIR-II excited gas/phototheranostic applications.
Enhancing the upconversion of Er3+ incorporated BaTiO3 by introducing oxygen vacancies
Authors: Jung Young Gwon , Bae Hyeongyu , Lee Kang Taek
Published: November 2023

Comparison of the UC spectra of E-BT with and without OV is shown. OV in E-BT induced the non-centrosymmetric field around Er3+. E-BT with OV showed three times greater UC than that without OV.
Development of a QM/MM(ABEEM) method for the deprotonation of neutral and cation radicals in the G-tetrad and GGX(8-oxo-G) tetrad
Authors: Wang Yue , Liu Linlin , Gao Yue , Zhao Jiayue , Liu Cui , Gong Lidong , Yang Zhongzhi
Published: November 2023

The unequal average electronegativity within GGX(8-oxo-G) tetrad impedes deprotonation and reduces competition with hole transfer, ultimately enhancing hole transfer efficiency.
The slow Arrhenius process in small organic molecules
Authors: Caporaletti Federico , Napolitano Simone
Published: November 2023

Experimental observation of the Slow Arrhenius process in small organic molecules.
Development of thermally stable red-emitting lead-free double-perovskite phosphors with an internal PLQY approaching 100%
Authors: Li Hong , Li Li , Mei Lingsong , Zhao Wei , Zhou Xianju , Hua Yongbin , Yu Jae Su
Published: November 2023

EL spectra of fabricated white light-emitting diode (WLED) device under 100, 200, 300 mA forward current which showcased excellent quantum yield approaching 100%.
Aryl selenonium vs. aryl sulfonium counterions in polyoxometalate chemistry: the impact of Se+ cationic centers on the photocatalytic reduction of dichromate
Authors: Singh Mahender , Yadav Aakash , Singh Ranjit , Pradeep Chullikkattil P.
Published: November 2023

An aryl selenonium octamolybdate hybrid has been developed for the first time and its photocatalytic properties towards Cr(vi) reduction have been studied and compared with those of an analogous aryl sulfonium octamolybdate hybrid.
Effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on apoptosis, digestive enzymes, and intestinal histological structure and flora of swamp eel (Monopterus albus)
Authors: Zhou Zihan , Zhou Wenzong , Liu Guoxing , Zhu Chenxi , Han Mingming , Zhu Tian , Jiang Qichen , Lv Weiwei
Published: November 2023

After the swamp eel (Monopterus albus) was exposed to NPs, it showed inflammation in the liver and intestine, significant changes to genes in the liver, and an increase in the abundance of pathogenic bacterial populations in the intestine.
Photoinitiators from bio-sourced naphthoquinone – the application of naphthoquinone-based vitamins K1 and K3 in free radical photopolymerization
Authors: Borjigin Timur , Feng Ji , Schmitt Michael , Zhu Di , Morlet-Savary Fabrice , Xiao Pu , Lalevée Jacques
Published: November 2023

Two common bio-sourced naphthoquinone derivatives, vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin K3 (menadione), were employed in free radical photopolymerization under LED light exposure at 405 nm.
Harnessing infrared radiation using carbon dots: photovoltaic devices achieving extraordinary efficiency under faint lighting
Authors: Surana Karan , Bhattacharya Bhaskar , Soni Saurabh S.
Published: November 2023

Carbon dots and N719 dye work well under faint light owing to their synergistic interaction and the ability of red luminescent carbon dots to harness infrared radiation.
Atomistic mechanisms underlying plastic flow at ultralow yield stress in ductile carbon aerogels
Authors: Conter Giorgio , Xiao Kailu , Wu Xianqian , Goddard William A. , Fortunelli Alessandro
Published: November 2023

The phenomenon of plastic flow at ultra-low yield stress in super-low density ductile carbon aerogels from experimental measurements to its theoretical understanding via atomistic structures and deformation mechanisms.
Reinforcing built-in electric field to enable efficient carrier extraction for high-performance perovskite solar cells
Authors: Cheng Jiahui , Cao Huijie , Zhang Shuming , Yue Fang , Zhou Zhongmin
Published: November 2023

This review presents an overview of the carrier separation and extraction mechanism influenced by the built-in electric field (BEF) in PSCs and various strategies used to enhance the BEF.
A route to carbon-sp3 bridging spiro-molecules: synthetic methods and optoelectronic applications
Authors: Chen Yong , Xu Jianbin , Gao Peng
Published: November 2023

Molecules with spiro-linked π-conjugated structures have attracted considerable attention in the realm of organic functional materials due to their advantageous structural features.
Visible light-induced palladium–carbon bond weakening in catalytically relevant T-shaped complexes
Authors: Waddell Peter M. , Tian Lei , Scavuzzo Anthony R. , Venigalla Lalu , Scholes Gregory D. , Carrow Brad P.
Published: November 2023

Triggering one-electron redox processes during palladium catalysis holds the potential to unlock new reaction mechanisms and synthetic methods not previously accessible in the typical two-electron reaction manifolds that dominate palladium catalysis.
Platinum(ii) terpyridine-based supramolecular polymer gels with induced chirality
Authors: Kang Hyoung Wook , Lee Ji Ha , Seo Moo Lyong , Jung Sung Ho
Published: November 2023

In this study, we investigated platinum(ii) terpyridine-based supramolecular polymer gels to reveal the growth mechanism and induced CD in gel formation.
Dynamics of non-spherical particles in viscoelastic fluids flowing in a microchannel
Authors: A. Langella , G. Franzino , P. L. Maffettone , D. Larobina , G. D’Avino
Published: November 2023

Fluid viscoelasticity drives spheroidal particles at the centerline of a square microchannel. After migration, the particles align with major axis along the flow direction. Migration dynamics is slower for more elongated particles.
Active self-assembly of colloidal machines with passive rotational parts via coordination of phoresis and osmosis
Authors: Yu Nan , Shah Zameer Hussain , Basharat Majid , Wang Shuo , Zhou Xuemao , Lin Guanhua , Edwards Scott A. , Yang Mingcheng , Gao Yongxiang
Published: November 2023

Micromachines of rich rotational dynamics are assembled from active colloid of varying attachment level and passive colloids via cooperation of phoresis and osmosis, a strategy of general interest for building micromachinery with repetitive motion.
Modelling Alzheimer’s disease in a dish: dissecting amyloid-β metabolism in human neurons
Authors: Hill Elizabeth , Cunningham Thomas J.
Published: November 2023

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Inhibition of insulin-degrading enzyme in human neurons promotes amyloid-β deposition’ by Rowland et al. (https://doi.org/10.1042/NS20230016). Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) and neprilysin (NEP) have been proposed as two Aβ-degrading enzymes supported by human genetics and in vivo data. Rowland et al. provide complementary evidence of a key role for IDE in Aβ metabolism in human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cortical neurons.
Fault detection of fractional‐order system based on finite frequency H−/H∞${{H}_{-}}/{{H}_{\infty }}$ unknown input observer
Authors: Li He , Li Jie , Fan Quan‐Yong
Published: November 2023

This study is about fault detection observer design in finite frequency domain for fractional‐order systems with unknown input disturbances. In order to make the generated residuals fault‐sensitive, robust to the non‐decoupling parts of unknown input disturbances, and guarantee the stability requirements of fractional‐order error systems, the authors derive the fault detection conditions of unknown input observers. First, using the condition of observer, the unknown input is decomposed into decoupling part and non‐decoupling part, and the decoupling part is eliminated from the estimation error. Second, the residuals generator of the unknown input observer is designed by using the finite frequency performance indicator, so that the residuals are robust to the non‐decoupling part of the unknown input and sensitive to fault signals. In particular, variable linearization methods are introduced to convert design conditions into a series of LMIs. Finally, the simulation results show the effectiveness of the designed method.
Online estimation of PID controllers and plant dynamics via multi‐recursive least squares estimation from closed‐loop I/O data
Authors: Zaman Amirreza , Birk Wolfgang
Published: November 2023

This article proposes an online solution to address the problem of closed‐loop system identification using multiple recursive least squares estimation protocols. Some control systems cannot be analysed in an open‐loop form for stability reasons or the requirement for online control system operation. So, it is necessary to identify plant dynamics and controller parameters based on input–output data from the feedback structure. The presented method identifies real‐time parameters of plant dynamics and controller parameters by utilising a series of recursive least square estimation algorithms that estimate open‐loop data from noisy input–output data measured from the closed‐loop feedback structure. The proposed method can effectively identify abrupt variations in both the controller parameters and plant dynamics. This capability makes it valuable for deployment as a supervisory component, enabling the detection of any faults that may arise in operating systems. Mathematical formulations and theorems are developed, and two numerical case studies are presented to examine the feasibility and performance of the presented closed‐loop system identification protocol.
Fueling the seaport of the future: Investments in low‐carbon energy technologies for operational resilience in seaport multi‐energy systems
Authors: Xie Chengzhi , Dehghanian Payman , Estebsari Abouzar
Published: November 2023

The ability to withstand and recover from disruptions is essential for seaport energy systems, and in light of the growing push for decarbonization, incorporating clean energy sources has become increasingly imperative to ensure resilience. This paper proposes a resilience enhancement planning strategy for a seaport multi‐energy system that integrates various energy modalities and sources, including heating, cooling, hydrogen, solar, and wind power. The planning strategy aims to ensure the reliable operation of the system during contingency events, such as power outages, equipment failures, or extreme weather incidents. The proposed optimization model is designed as a mixed‐integer nonlinear programming formulation, in which McCormick inequalities and other linearization techniques are utilized to tackle the model nonlinearities. The model allocates fuel cell electric trucks (FCETs), renewable energy sources, hydrogen refueling stations, and remote control switches such that the system resilience is enhanced while incorporating natural‐gas‐powered combined cooling, heating, and power system to minimize the operation and unserved demand costs. The model considers various factors such as the availability of renewable energy sources, the demand for heating, cooling, electricity, and hydrogen, the operation of remote control switches to help system reconfiguration, the travel behaviour of FCETs, and the power output of FCETs via vehicle‐to‐grid interface. The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed strategy can significantly improve the resilience of the seaport multi‐energy system and reduce the risk of service disruptions during contingency scenarios.
Contrastive learning for traffic flow forecasting based on multi graph convolution network
Authors: Guo Kan , Tian Daxin , Hu Yongli , Sun Yanfeng , Qian Zhen (Sean) , Zhou Jianshan , Gao Junbin , Yin Baocai
Published: November 2023

Contrastive learning is an increasingly important research direction and has attracted considerable attention in the field of computer vision. It can greatly improve the representativeness of image features through data augmentation, unsupervised learning, and pre‐trained models. However, in the field of traffic flow forecasting, most graph‐based models focus on the construct of spatial–temporal relationships between road segments and ignore the use of temporal data augmentation and pre‐trained models, which can improve the representation ability of the forecasting model. Therefore, in this work, contrastive learning are used to expand the distribution of sequence samples and improve the quality and generalization of forecasting models. Based on this, a novel forecasting model called contrastive learning based on multi graph convolution network (CLMGCN) is proposed, which is combined with four components: multi graph convolution network, which learns the spatial–temporal feature of the input traffic data; temporal data augmentation, which obtains the augmentation data of the input traffic data; contrastive learning, which achieves the pre‐training phase and improve the quality of output feature of multi graph convolution network; output block, which utilizes the enhanced output feature of multi graph convolution network for predicting the future traffic data. Finally, by the experimental results of four public traffic flow datasets, it can be shown that CLMGCN achieves higher traffic forecasting accuracy with lower model complexity.