bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enrichment of Smectite in the REY‐Rich Mud of the Clarion‐Clipperton Fracture Zone in the Eastern Pacific and Its Geological Significance
Authors: Xiang Bo , Dong Yanhui , Han Xibin , Li Xiaohu , Wang Yizhuo , Zhang Weiyan , Chu Fengyou
Published: February 2024

REY‐rich mud, consisting of deep‐sea sediments with high concentrations of rare‐earth elements and yttrium (REY), holds significant economic potential. Many studies have been conducted on biogenic apatite, ferromanganese micronodule, and phillipsite within these deposits to ascertain the REY enrichment mechanisms. However, the knowledge of clay minerals in REY‐rich mud, which is the predominant component of pelagic sediments, is still limited. In this study, two adjacent gravity cores (core GC02: REY‐rich mud; core GC03: typical sediments of equatorial Pacific) were collected from the Clarion‐Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCFZ) of the Eastern Pacific to study the role of different clay minerals in REY enrichment. The clay minerals in core GC03 and core GC02 are primarily illite (averaging 60%) and smectite (averaging 63%), respectively, and the smectite in core GC02 was mainly Fe‐rich, which was probably formed via the reaction between opal and FeOOH. Moreover, multiple studies have reported similar smectite enrichment in REY‐rich mud, suggesting that it is a common characteristic. The presumed hydrothermal or volcanic origination of smectite in REY‐rich layers of core GC02 indicates the essential role of hydrothermal and volcanic activities in REY‐rich mud formation during the Oligocene in the western CCFZ.
Implications of Surface Heat Flux for Shear Stress and Temperature on the Plate Interface Beneath Northern Honshu
Authors: England Philip , Matsumoto Takumi , Wallis Simon
Published: February 2024

Measurements of surface heat flux from boreholes of the NIED Hi‐net network of seismometers are used to determine temperature and shear stress on the plate interface beneath northern Honshu. At the maximum depth of thrust‐faulting earthquakes, about 60 km, the temperature is 660 ± 240°C and the average shear stress during slip on the interface is 100 ± 45 MPa. The equivalent quantities from the oceanic setting of the Kermadec trench are 630 ± 140°C and 115 ± 25 MPa. The shear stresses are substantially higher than commonly assumed in models of convergent plate interfaces, but are consistent with measurements made above other convergent plate interfaces where heat flux data are more sparse. They are also consistent with the level of shear stress required to explain measurements of pressure and temperature from high‐pressure‐low‐temperature terrains that experienced metamorphism on subduction interfaces, in particular those from the Cretaceous Sanbagawa belt of SW Japan.
Automated Detection and Machine Learning‐Based Classification of Seismic Tremors Associated With a Non‐Volcanic Gas Emission (Mefite d’Ansanto, Southern Italy)
Authors: Panebianco S. , Satriano C. , Vivone G. , Picozzi M. , Strollo A. , Stabile T. A.
Published: February 2024

A major aim in the study of crustal fluids is the development of automatic methodologies for monitoring deep‐source, non‐volcanic gas emissions’ spatio‐temporal evolution. Crustal fluids play a significant role in the generation of large earthquakes and the characterization of their emissions on the surface can be essential for better understanding crustal processes generating earthquakes. We investigate seismic tremors recorded over 4 days in 2019 at the Mefite d’Ansanto (southern Apennines, Italy) that is located at the northern end of the fault system that generated the Mw 6.9 1980 Irpinia Earthquake. The Mefite d’Ansanto is hypothesized to be the largest natural, non‐volcanic, CO2‐rich gas emission on Earth. The seismic tremor is studied by employing a dense temporary seismic network and an automated detection algorithm based on non‐parametric statistics of the recorded signal amplitudes. We extracted signal characteristics (RMS amplitude and statistical moments of amplitudes both in time and frequency domains) for use in the subsequent supervised machine‐learning classification of the target tremor and accidently detected anthropogenic and background noise. The data set is used for the training and optimization of station‐based KNN (k‐Nearest‐Neighbors) binary classifiers obtaining good classification performances with a median overall accuracy across all stations of 92.8%. The classified tremor displayed common features at all stations: variable duration (16 s to 30–40 min), broad peak frequency (4–20 Hz) with varying amplitudes, and two types of signals: (a) long‐duration, high‐amplitude tremor and (b) pulsating tremor. Higher tremor amplitudes recorded at stations closer to local bubbling and pressurized vents suggest multiple local tremor sources.
Magnetic Local Time and Interplanetary Magnetic Field By Variation of Cusp Location Dependence on Dipole Tilt
Authors: Anderson Phillip C. , Bukowski Aaron L.
Published: February 2024

We produced a database of over 41,000 ionospheric cusp locations using 40 years of energetic particle measurements from 14 Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites. We limited the database to periods when the Auroral Electrojet (AE) was <100 nT and the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) measurements were available, then calculated the magnetic latitude (MLAT), magnetic local time (MLT) and the dipole tilt (Λ) for each boundary, multiplying Λ by −1 in the southern hemisphere. We then binned the data in running one‐hour bins from 8.5 to 15.5 MLT. To obtain the dependence of the MLAT of the cusp boundary on Λ and IMF By, we performed linear fits on the MLAT versus Λ distributions, separated by ±IMF By. The dependence (degrees MLAT/degrees Λ) is asymmetric in both MLT and hemisphere as well as IMF By. In the northern hemisphere, the dependence for By > 0 (By < 0) is greatest in the afternoon (morning) sector for both poleward and equatorward boundaries. The opposite is true in the southern hemisphere. However, in the noon sector, the dependence is nearly the same for all boundaries and By sign. In addition, separation by Λ sign shows dramatically greater dependence variance for Λ > 0 than for Λ < 0 in the afternoon and morning sectors (but not in the noon sector). The observed asymmetries revealed in this work are thought to be due to the effect of By on reconnection and the location of the reconnection X line.
Seasonal and Interannual Variations of Global Tides in the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere Neutral Winds: I. Diurnal Tides
Authors: Liu Yangkun , Xu Jiyao , Smith A. K. , Liu Xiao
Published: February 2024

In the mesosphere and lower thermosphere, diurnal tides are responsible for the dynamics and structures at low latitudes since they have largest amplitudes there. Based on the 20‐year (2002−2021) observations from Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics Doppler interferometer (TIDI), we investigate the seasonal variations of three diurnal tidal components (DW1, DE3, DW2), and their responses to stratospheric quasi‐biennial oscillation (SQBO) and solar cycle globally. The results show that: (a) DW1, DE3 and DW2 show prominent semiannual (SAO) and annual oscillations (AO) in their peak regions where the ratio of their annual mean amplitude to their maximum annual mean amplitude is larger than 0.8. DW1 also exhibit strong terannual oscillations (TAO) especially in meridional wind. (b) The responses of the amplitudes of seasonal variations of DW1, DE3 and DW2 to SQBO and solar cycle are comparable in magnitude to those of their annual mean amplitudes (for response to solar cycle, even stronger in some cases), and thus cannot be neglected. (c) In their respective peak regions, the responses of annual mean amplitudes of these diurnal tidal components to SQBO are uniformly positive except DW2, and their responses to solar cycle are uniformly negative. For these diurnal tides, the amplitudes of the dominant seasonal variations exhibit consistent response patterns with those of annual means to the SQBO/solar cycle. (d) Empirical formulas are given, which well describe the seasonal and interannual variations of dominant diurnal tidal components in their peak regions.
Characteristics of Foreshock Subsolar Compressive Structures
Authors: Xirogiannopoulou N. , Goncharov O. , Šafránková J. , Němeček Z.
Published: February 2024

The turbulent foreshock region upstream of the quasi‐parallel bow shock is dominated by waves and reflected particles that interact with each other and create a large number of different foreshock transients. The structures with the enhanced magnetic field, Short Large Amplitude Magnetic Structures, and density spikes named plasmoids are frequently observed. They are one of the suggested sources of transient flux enhancements or jets in the magnetosheath. Using measurements of the Magnetospheric Multiscale Spacecraft (MMS) and OMNI solar wind database between the 2015 and 2018 years, we have found that there is a category of events exhibiting both magnetic field and density enhancements simultaneously and we introduce the term “mixed structures” for them. Consequently, we divided our set of observations into three groups of events and present their comparative statistical analysis in the subsolar foreshock. Based on our results and previous research, we discuss the properties, possible origin and occurrence rates of these events under different upstream conditions and their possible relation to the jet and plasmoid formation in the magnetosheath.
Using Stable Isotopes and Spectral Properties of Particulate and Dissolved Organic Matter to Quantify Typhoon‐Induced Organic Matter Decomposition
Authors: Lu Xuan , Lao Qibin , Chen Chunqing , Liu Sihai , Zhou Xin , Zhu Qingmei , Chen Fajin
Published: February 2024

Typhoons exert a profound impact on marine biogeochemical processes, with organic matter (OM) decomposition serving as a key biogeochemical process in coastal waters after typhoons. Despite its significance, the specific contributions of particulate organic matter (POM) and dissolved organic matter (DOM) to OM decomposition triggered by typhoons remains unclear. In this study, stable isotopes of POM and spectral properties of DOM were investigated before and after Typhoon “Barija" in Zhanjiang Bay, northwestern South China Sea. The typhoon‐induced intrusion of high‐salinity seawater from the lower bay to the upper bay, driven by the external clockwise wind stress, led to the formation of an ocean front in the middle bay during the typhoon. Notably, the POM decomposition induced by the typhoon in the upper bay (72%) significantly surpassed that in the lower bay (5%), attributed to the barrier effect of the ocean front and increased vertical mixing in the upper bay. In contrast, the decomposition removed only 29% DOM in the upper bay, and a net addition of DOM occurred in the lower bay due to phytoplankton growth and POM decomposition. More importantly, despite the overall larger DOM in the water column, the POM inventory in the upper bay removed by typhoon‐induced decomposition (20.19 g m−2) exceeded that of DOM (16.08 g m−2). Overall, our study suggests that POM decomposition is more critical than DOM decomposition after typhoons, primarily influenced by the ocean front and vertical mixing. These findings contribute to a clearer understanding of the post‐typhoon biogeochemical dynamics in coastal waters.
Long‐Term Experimental Evaluation of a High‐Resolution Atmospheric General Circulation Model From a Hydrological Perspective
Authors: Miura Yosuke , Nakaegawa Toshiyuki
Published: February 2024

The reproducibility of Atmospheric General Circulation Model (AGCM) results in the current climate was evaluated to assess annual and monthly mean climate values from a hydrological perspective and to elucidate factors affecting them. Reproducibility was confirmed for precipitation, air temperature, and runoff, which were compared with basin‐average values to describe deviations in reproduced AGCM data. AGCMs have been successively applied over 65 years in the current climate, and annual mean values of precipitation generally have a positive bias in most basins and those of air temperature have a negative bias. However, runoff shows no clear pattern of bias. For monthly means, precipitation has positive and negative biases in July in the Northern Hemisphere. In January in the Southern Hemisphere, precipitation has a positive bias. In both months, air temperature has a negative bias. Factors contributing to this bias are discussed. From a hydrologic perspective, the annual mean bias in air temperature performs better in explaining the apparent evapotranspiration (i.e., precipitation minus runoff) than the bias in precipitation. In the tropics, the air temperature bias has a correlation coefficient of −0.176 with the precipitation bias and −0.406 with apparent evapotranspiration (negative values indicate a better correlation). However, this was not the case for the monthly average air temperature bias, possibly because of climatological influences or the inadequate representativeness of runoff in land surface models. The results show that runoff bias may contribute to air temperature bias. Accordingly, we propose a new method for comparing runoff bias and climate bias.
One‐Minute Resolution GOES‐R Observations of Lamb and Gravity Waves Triggered by the Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai Eruptions on 15 January 2022
Authors: Horváth Ákos , Vadas Sharon L. , Stephan Claudia C. , Buehler Stefan A.
Published: February 2024

We use high temporal‐resolution mesoscale imagery from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite‐R (GOES‐R) series to track the Lamb and gravity waves generated by the 15 January 2022 Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai eruption. The 1‐min cadence of these limited area (∼1,000×1,000 km2) brightness temperatures ensures an order of magnitude better temporal sampling than full‐disk imagery available at 10‐min or 15‐min cadence. The wave patterns are visualized in brightness temperature image differences, which represent the time derivative of the full waveform with the level of temporal aliasing being determined by the imaging cadence. Consequently, the mesoscale data highlight short‐period variations, while the full‐disk data capture the long‐period wave packet envelope. The full temperature anomaly waveform, however, can be reconstructed reasonably well from the mesoscale waveform derivatives. The reconstructed temperature anomaly waveform essentially traces the surface pressure anomaly waveform. The 1‐min imagery reveals waves with ∼40–80 km wavelengths, which trail the primary Lamb pulse emitted at ∼04:29 UTC. Their estimated propagation speed is ∼315 ± 15 m s−1, resulting in typical periods of 2.1–4.2 min. Weaker Lamb waves were also generated by the last major eruption at ∼08:40–08:45 UTC, which were, however, only identified in the near field but not in the far field. We also noted wind effects such as mean flow advection in the propagation of concentric gravity wave rings and observed gravity waves traveling near their theoretical maximum speed.
The Effects of a Stably Stratified Region With Radially Varying Electrical Conductivity on the Formation of Zonal Winds on Gas Planets
Authors: Wulff P. , Christensen U. R. , Dietrich W. , Wicht J.
Published: February 2024

The outer areas of Jupiter and Saturn have multiple zonal winds, reaching the high latitudes, that penetrate deep into the planets' interiors, as suggested by gravity measurements. These characteristics are replicable in numerical simulations by including both a shallow stably stratified layer, below a convecting envelope, and increasing electrical conductivity. A dipolar magnetic field, assumed to be generated by a dynamo below our model, is imposed. We find that the winds' depth into the stratified layer depends on the local product of the squared magnetic field strength and electrical conductivity. The key for the drop‐off of the zonal winds is a meridional circulation which perturbs the density structure in the stable layer. In the stable region its dynamics is governed by a balance between Coriolis and electromagnetic forces. Our models suggest that a stable layer extending into weakly conducting regions could account for the observed deep zonal wind structures.
Micro Rain Radar and Radiometric Measurements to Unravel Contrasting Features of Rain Microstructure Below and Above the Boundary Layer
Authors: Rakshit Gargi , Chakraborty Rohit , Maitra Animesh
Published: February 2024

Ka‐band Micro rain Doppler radar is an effective tool to investigate the profiles of precipitation microstructure in terms of the raindrop size distribution (DSD). The DSD parameters that vary appreciably with height are indicative of the associated atmospheric phenomena. Hence the present investigation endeavors to put light on the underlying physical processes responsible for the evolution of varied rain microstructure profiles using micro rain radar (MRR), and radiometric measurements complemented with re‐analysis outputs over an urban tropical location, Kolkata (22.57°N, 88.37°E), India. MRR unravels the prevalence of significant biases in the typical power law relationship (Dm = aRb) between rain rate (R) and mass‐weighted mean drop diameter (Dm) along the rain height, especially during intense convective rain events, above the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). Consequently, an alternative empirical relation appropriate to account for the R‐Dm variability above the ABL is proposed. Further, radiometric measurements and re‐analysis outputs reveal that the presence of atmospheric instabilities coupled with wind shear impacts above the ABL contributes to the enhanced breakup of raindrops and the deviations in the usual R‐Dm relationship. Thus, the present study intends to highlight the applicability of ground‐based radar measurements over the tropics to devise quantitative precipitation algorithms for reliable rain estimates.
Electron Density Specification in the Inner Magnetosphere From the Narrow Band Receiver Onboard DSX
Authors: Su Yi‐Jiun , Carilli John A. , Parham J. Brent , Chu Xiangning , Galkin Ivan A. , Ginet Gregory P.
Published: February 2024

Electron density plays an important role in the study of wave propagation and is known to be associated with the index of refraction and radiation belt diffusion coefficients. The primary objective of our investigation is to explore the possibility of implementing an onboard signal processing algorithm to automatically obtain electron densities from the upper hybrid resonance traces of wave spectrograms for future missions. U‐Net, developed for biomedical image segmentation, has been adapted as our deep learning architecture with results being compared with those extracted from a more traditional semi‐automated method. As a product, electron densities and cyclotron frequencies for the entire DSX mission between 2019 and 2021 are acquired for further analysis and applications. Due to limited space measurements, a synthetic image generator based on data statistics and randomization is proposed as an initial step toward the development of a generative adversarial network in hopes of providing unlimited realistic data sources for advanced machine learning.
Oceans May Have Already Seen 1.7�C of Warming
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: February 2024

The global warming clock started ticking decades earlier than current estimates assume, according to Caribbean sponges.
Mitochondrial function in peripheral blood cells across the human lifespan
Authors: Ehinger Johannes K. , Westerlund Emil , Frostner Eleonor Åsander , Karlsson Michael , Paul Gesine , Sjövall Fredrik , Elmér Eskil
Published: February 2024

Mitochondrial dysfunction is considered a hallmark of aging. Up to now, a gradual decline of mitochondrial respiration with advancing age has mainly been demonstrated in human muscle tissue. A handful of studies have examined age-related mitochondrial dysfunction in human blood cells, and only with small sample sizes and mainly in platelets. In this study, we analyzed mitochondrial respiration in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and platelets from 308 individuals across the human lifespan (0–86 years). In regression analyses, with adjustment for false discovery rate (FDR), we found age-related changes in respiratory measurements to be either small or absent. The main significant changes were an age-related relative decline in complex I-linked respiration and a corresponding rise of complex II-linked respiration in PBMCs. These results add to the understanding of mitochondrial dysfunction in aging and to its possible role in immune cell and platelet senescence.
Identifying and ranking of CMIP6-global climate models for projected changes in temperature over Indian subcontinent
Authors: Rahman Abdul , Pekkat Sreeja
Published: February 2024

Selecting the best region-specific climate models is a precursor information for quantifying the climate change impact studies on hydraulic/hydrological projects and extreme heat events. A crucial step in lowering GCMs simulation-related uncertainty is identifying skilled GCMs based on their ranking. This research performed a critical assessment of 30 general circulation models (GCMs) from CMIP6 (IPCC’s sixth assessment report) for maximum and minimum temperature over Indian subcontinent. The daily temperature data from 1965 to 2014 were considered to quantify maximum and minimum temperatures using a gridded spatial resolution of 1°. The Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), correlation coefficient (CC), Perkins skill score (PSS), normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), and absolute normalized mean bias error (ANMBE) were employed as performance indicators for two different scenarios, S1 and S2. The entropy approach was used to allocate weights to each performance indicator for relative ranking. Individual ranking at each grid was achieved using a multicriteria decision-making technique, VIKOR. The combined ranking was accomplished by integrating group decision-making, average ranking perspective, and cumulative percentage coverage of India. The outcome reveals that for S1 and S2, NRMSE and NSE are the most significant indicators, respectively whereas CC is the least significant indicator in both cases. This study identifies ensemble of KIOST-ESM, MRI-ESM2-0, MIROC6, NESM3, and CanESM5 for maximum temperature and E3SM-1-0, NESM3, CanESM5, GFDL-CM4, INM-CM5-0, and CMCC-ESM2 for minimum temperature.
Examining students’ music listening willingness and engagement to foster their musical achievement and development in higher educational institutions
Authors: Wang Xiaokang , Huang Wenrong
Published: February 2024

Drawing upon self-determination theory, this study explores how listening music willingness (LMW) and music engagement (ME) impact musical development and achievement (MDA) via the mediating role of music aesthetic experience (MAE) and music listening behavior (MLB) among 299 university music students in Chinese higher educational institutions (HEIs). Employing structural equation modeling (SEM), the results reveal that LMW significantly influences MLB but not musical development and achievement. ME significantly affects both music aesthetic experience and MDA, with a significant correlation between MLB and MDA. Besides, the relationship between MAE and MDA is positively significant. Mediation analysis reveals that music listening behavior fully mediates the LMW–MDA relationship, while the relationship between ME and MDA is partially mediated by musical aesthetic experience. These findings offer insights for crafting music educational strategies emphasizing positive listening behavior, active engagement, and enriched aesthetic experiences to enhance effectiveness in HEIs. For policymakers particularly in China, understanding the pivotal role of MLB as a mediator between willingness and achievement suggests interventions targeting listening habits can positively influence overall MDA. Furthermore, recognizing the partial mediation by aesthetic experience in the relationship between engagement and MDA suggests programs enhancing musical aesthetic experiences could amplify the impact of music education initiatives.
Software BreastAnalyser for the semi-automatic analysis of breast cancer immunohistochemical images
Authors: Rodríguez-Candela Mateos Marina , Azmat Maria , Santiago-Freijanes Paz , Galán-Moya Eva María , Fernández-Delgado Manuel , Aponte Rosa Barbella , Mosquera Joaquín , Acea Benigno , Cernadas Eva , Mayán María D.
Published: February 2024

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer worldwide and represents the fifth cause of cancer mortality globally. It is a highly heterogeneous disease, that comprises various molecular subtypes, often diagnosed by immunohistochemistry. This technique is widely employed in basic, translational and pathological anatomy research, where it can support the oncological diagnosis, therapeutic decisions and biomarker discovery. Nevertheless, its evaluation is often qualitative, raising the need for accurate quantitation methodologies. We present the software BreastAnalyser, a valuable and reliable tool to automatically measure the area of 3,3’-diaminobenzidine tetrahydrocholoride (DAB)-brown-stained proteins detected by immunohistochemistry. BreastAnalyser also automatically counts cell nuclei and classifies them according to their DAB-brown-staining level. This is performed using sophisticated segmentation algorithms that consider intrinsic image variability and save image normalization time. BreastAnalyser has a clean, friendly and intuitive interface that allows to supervise the quantitations performed by the user, to annotate images and to unify the experts’ criteria. BreastAnalyser was validated in representative human breast cancer immunohistochemistry images detecting various antigens. According to the automatic processing, the DAB-brown area was almost perfectly recognized, being the average difference between true and computer DAB-brown percentage lower than 0.7 points for all sets. The detection of nuclei allowed proper cell density relativization of the brown signal for comparison purposes between the different patients. BreastAnalyser obtained a score of 85.5 using the system usability scale questionnaire, which means that the tool is perceived as excellent by the experts. In the biomedical context, the connexin43 (Cx43) protein was found to be significantly downregulated in human core needle invasive breast cancer samples when compared to normal breast, with a trend to decrease as the subtype malignancy increased. Higher Cx43 protein levels were significantly associated to lower cancer recurrence risk in Oncotype DX-tested luminal B HER2- breast cancer tissues. BreastAnalyser and the annotated images are publically available https://citius.usc.es/transferencia/software/breastanalyser for research purposes.
Mobile cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia: analysis of factors affecting treatment prognosis
Authors: Wei Jia , Xu You , Mao Hongjing
Published: February 2024

This study aims to explore the factors that affect the prognosis of patients with insomnia who are treated with mobile cognitive behavioral therapy. Patients with insomnia who visited the sleep disorders clinic were selected and completed mobile Cognitive behavioral therapy. Patients completed at least three evaluations (including baseline, monthly evaluations thereafter, and a final evaluation at the end of one year) and responded well to treatment within one year of follow-up. Insomnia, anxiety, and depression symptoms were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale, and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), respectively. Treatment prognosis including relapse, recurrence, and remission group. These 339 patients were divided into three groups: 160 patients who remission, 100 patients who relapsed, and 79 patients who experienced recurrence after remission. Demographic characteristics of the 339 patients showed no significant difference in gender between the three groups (P = 0.978). However, significant differences were found in age (P = 0.006) and onset time (P = 0.000) among the three groups. The remission group had a higher average age than the recurrence group and the relapse group, and the onset time was slower than the other two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age and delayed onset time were protective factors for good treatment prognosis, while low educational level and high GAD-7 scores were independent risk factors for poor prognosis. There are many factors that affect the treatment prognosis of insomnia. Age, low educational level, high GAD-7 scores, and delayed onset time can be used to predict the prognosis of insomnia treatment.
Roles of the cerebellar vermis in predictive postural controls against external disturbances
Authors: Konosu Akira , Matsuki Yuma , Fukuhara Kaito , Funato Tetsuro , Yanagihara Dai
Published: February 2024

The central nervous system predictively controls posture against external disturbances; however, the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. We tested the hypothesis that the cerebellar vermis plays a substantial role in acquiring predictive postural control by using a standing task with floor disturbances in rats. The intact, lesioned, and sham groups of rats sequentially underwent 70 conditioned floor-tilting trials, and kinematics were recorded. Six days before these recordings, only the lesion group underwent focal suction surgery targeting vermal lobules IV–VIII. In the naïve stage of the sequential trials, the upright postures and fluctuations due to the disturbance were mostly consistent among the groups. Although the pattern of decrease in postural fluctuation due to learning corresponded among the groups, the learning rate estimated from the lumbar displacement was significantly lower in the lesion group than in the intact and sham groups. These results suggest that the cerebellar vermis contributes to predictive postural controls.
Identification and verification of a prognostic autophagy-related gene signature in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ma Zhen , Chen Mali , Liu XiaoLong , Cui Hongbin
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to investigate the potential of autophagy-related genes (ATGs) as a prognostic signature for HCC and explore their relationships with immune cells and immune checkpoint molecules. A total of 483 samples were collected from the GEO database (n = 115) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database (n = 368). The GEO dataset was used as the training set, while the TCGA dataset was used for validation. The list of ATGs was obtained from the human autophagy database (HADB). Using Cox regression and LASSO regression methods, a prognostic signature based on ATGs was established. The independent use of this prognostic signature was tested through subgroup analysis. Additionally, the predictive value of this signature for immune-related profiles was explored. Following selection through univariate Cox regression analysis and iterative LASSO Cox analysis, a total of 11 ATGs were used in the GEO dataset to establish a prognostic signature that stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups based on survival. The robustness of this prognostic signature was validated using an external dataset. This signature remained a prognostic factor even in subgroups with different clinical features. Analysis of immune profiles revealed that patients in the high-risk group exhibited immunosuppressive states characterized by lower immune scores and ESTIMATE scores, greater tumour purity, and increased expression of immune checkpoint molecules. Furthermore, this signature was found to be correlated with the infiltration of different immune cell subpopulations. The results suggest that the ATG-based signature can be utilized to evaluate the prognosis of HCC patients and predict the immune status within the tumour microenvironment (TME). However, it is important to note that this study represents a preliminary attempt to use ATGs as prognostic indicators for HCC, and further validation is necessary to determine the predictive power of this signature.
Capacitor based topology of cross-square-switched T-type multi-level inverter
Authors: Seifi Ali , Hosseini Seyed Hossein , Tarafdar Hagh Mehrdad , Hosseinpour Majid
Published: February 2024

In this paper, a new topology is introduced for capacitor-based multi-level inverters. The proposed topology is based on combination of two Cross-Square-Switched T-Type inverters. This structure can be generalized in two modular and cascaded modes. In the cascaded mode, higher voltage levels are produced with low power switches. The main features of the proposed topology include the level generation without the utilization of the H-bridge module, the low number of switching components, a lower number of DC voltage sources, and low total blocking voltage. Besides, in the proposed topology, the number of conducting switches in the current path for each different voltage level is low, which leads to a conduction loss decrement. The loss simulations are performed, and the results are presented. A study provides a detailed comparison of the proposed topology in terms of various parameters. In this paper, the nearest level modulation switching, which is low-frequency switching, is utilized to generate voltage levels. To confirm the performance of the proposed topology, a simulation was performed with MATLAB/Simulink software, and a laboratory sample was implemented. Comparative results, simulation results, and implementation results indicate the appropriate performance of the proposed structure in different steady-state and dynamic conditions.
Efficacy evaluation of a bivalent subunit vaccine against classical swine fever virus and porcine circovirus type 2
Authors: Chen Yu-San , Lee Chang-Ye , Wu Chi-Chien , Kao Pei-Lun , Chen Tai-An , Huang Yahui , Chung Wen-Bin , Kuo Tsun‑Yung , Chen Charles
Published: February 2024

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) are two of the most devastating and economically significant pathogens affecting pig populations worldwide. Administration of a combination of vaccines against swine pathogens has been demonstrated to be as efficacious as the administration of single vaccines. In this study, we developed and tested a novel bivalent subunit vaccine against CSFV and PCV2. The safety and efficacy of this vaccine were demonstrated in mice and specific pathogen-free (SPF) piglets. In addition to investigating the serological responses after immunization, challenge studies with both viruses were also conducted. The results showed that this CSFV/PCV2 bivalent vaccine elicited a high level of neutralizing antibodies against both viruses and provided protection in challenge studies. In conclusion, the CSFV/PCV2 bivalent vaccine is safe and effective against CSFV or PCV2 challenge.
Effects of composts obtained from hazelnut wastes on the cultivation of pepper (Capsicum annuum) seedlings
Authors: Ceylan Faik
Published: February 2024

Mixing animal waste and agricultural waste in certain proportions forms agricultural compost through appropriate air, time, and water supply. One of their use areas is directly used as fertilizer, and the other one is used as a material that can partially or completely replace P (peat) in the PGM (plant growth media). In this study, the initial mixtures with an appropriate C/N ratio and moisture content, which were created by mixing cow manure, chicken manure, hazelnut husk, hazelnut pruning wastes, vegetable and fruit wastes, and dry leaves, were composted for 180 days. The physicochemical properties of the mature composts were determined. Their effects on the fruit yield (weight of fruits) and plant height of pepper seedlings were evaluated in pot and field experiments. N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus), Cu (copper), and Zn (zinc) content were the highest in C4 (2.59%, 1.12%, 83.11 mg/kg, and 605.3 mg/kg). K (potassium) and Mn (manganese) content in C3 (1.79% and 750.5 mg/kg) and Fe (iron) content in C1 (4025 mg/kg) were determined to be the highest. There was no phytotoxic effect of all composts on Lepidium sativum seeds. Except for pH and organic matter, C1 45%, C1 20%, C4 45%, C4 20%, and P 90% met the requirements for ideal media. The mean height of eight-week seedlings increased in media of C1 20%, C1 45%, C2 20%, C2 45%, and C4 20%, but decreased in media of C3 90%. In field studies, while the highest yield was determined in C3 as 1530 g/plant, the lowest yield was 765.5 g/plant in control. The highest mean height was observed in C3 at 76.33 cm; the lowest was 63.03 cm in control.
Speed of performing complex movement tasks under decision-making conditions as a determinant of the tactical preparation level in kickboxers
Authors: Gumienna Róża , Machowska-Krupa Weronika , Kosendiak Jan
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the speed of performing a complex motor task carried out under conditions requiring decision-making and the sports level of the kickboxers being studied. The authors constructed a test involving a complex author’s kickboxing task that mirrored the competitive conditions during a sports fight. Forty-seven K-1 kickboxing Polish National Team members (37 men and 10 women) performed a specific series of strikes across three variants. The relationship between the speed of these complex movement tasks, performed under decision-making conditions, and the sports level of the kickboxers, was evaluated. Deciding to start or change an action in reaction to external stimuli significantly (p < 0.001) increased the total task completion time in the male and female subject groups. The time spent deciding to take action and the time spent on deciding on the action were not significantly different. Quick execution of complex tasks under decision-making conditions, such as selecting the appropriate technical and tactical action, can become a decisive factor in determining a sports result. Making decisions to start or change an action as a reaction to external stimuli significantly (p < 0.001) extended the total time of task execution in the studied group. However, the time spent deciding to start the action and the time devoted to deciding during the action did not differ significantly. Therefore, the tactical solution an athlete uses makes no difference, though they must perform it confidently and with minimal time loss.
Incremental prognostic value of functional impairment assessed by 6-min walking test for the prediction of mortality in heart failure
Authors: Scrutinio Domenico , Guida Pietro , La Rovere Maria Teresa , Vecchia Laura Adelaide Dalla , Forni Giovanni , Raimondo Rosa , Scalvini Simonetta , Passantino Andrea
Published: February 2024

Natriuretic peptides (NP) are recognized as the most powerful predictors of adverse outcomes in heart failure (HF). We hypothesized that a measure of functional limitation, as assessed by 6-min walking test (6MWT), would improve the accuracy of a prognostic model incorporating a NP. This was a multicenter observational retrospective study. We studied the prognostic value of severe functional impairment (SFI), defined as the inability to perform a 6MWT or a distance walked during a 6MWT < 300 m, in 1696 patients with HF admitted to cardiac rehabilitation. The primary outcome was 1-year all-cause mortality. After adjusting for the baseline multivariable risk model—including age, sex, systolic blood pressure, anemia, renal dysfunction, sodium level, and NT-proBNP—or for the MAGGIC score, SFI had an odds ratio of 2.58 (95% CI 1.72–3.88; p < 0.001) and 3.12 (95% CI 2.16–4.52; p < 0.001), respectively. Adding SFI to the baseline risk model or the MAGGIC score yielded a significant improvement in discrimination and risk classification. Our data suggest that a simple, 6MWT-derived measure of SFI is a strong predictor of death and provide incremental prognostic information over well-established risk markers in HF, including NP, and the MAGGIC score.
A novel infant microbiome formula (SIM03) improved eczema severity and quality of life in preschool children
Authors: Chan Oi Man , Xu Wenye , Cheng Nam Sze , Leung Agnes Sze Yin , Ching Jessica Yuet Ling , Fong Brian Leong Yuen , Cheong Pui Kuan , Zhang Lin , Chan Francis Ka Leung , Ng Siew Chien , Leung Ting Fan
Published: February 2024

Altered gut microbiome composition has been reported in children with eczema and interventions that restore beneficial bacteria in the gut may improve eczema. This open-label pilot study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a novel infant microbiome formula (SIM03) in young children with eczema. Pre-school Chinese children aged 1–5 years old with eczema received SIM03 twice daily for three months. The novelty of SIM03 consists of both the use of a patented microencapsulation technology to protect the viability of unique Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium breve strains identified through big data analysis of large metagenomic datasets of young Chinese children. Paired stool samples at baseline and following SIM03 were analyzed by metagenomics sequencing. Generalized estimating equation was used to analyze changes in eczema severity, skin biophysical parameters, quality of life and stool microbiome. Twenty children aged 3.0 ± 1.6 years (10 with severe eczema) were recruited. Treatment compliance was ≥ 98%. SCORing Atopic Dermatitis score decreased significantly at two months (P = 0.008) and three months (P < 0.001), while quality of life improved significantly at 1, 2, and 3 months. The relative abundance of B. breve and microbial pathways on acetate and acetyl-CoA synthesis were enriched in stool samples at one month (P = 0.0014). Children who demonstrated increased B. bifidum after SIM03 showed improvement in sleep loss (P = 0.045). Relative abundance of B. breve correlated inversely with eczema extent (P = 0.023) and intensity (P = 0.019) only among patients with increased B. breve at Month 3. No serious adverse event was observed. In conclusion, SIM03 is well tolerated. This patented microbiome formula improves disease severity and quality of life in young eczematous children by enhancing the delivery of B. bifidum and B. breve in the gut. SIM03 is a potential treatment option for childhood eczema.
Audio-based AI classifiers show no evidence of improved COVID-19 screening over simple symptoms checkers
Authors: Coppock Harry , Nicholson George , Kiskin Ivan , Koutra Vasiliki , Baker Kieran , Budd Jobie , Payne Richard , Karoune Emma , Hurley David , Titcomb Alexander , Egglestone Sabrina , Tendero Cañadas Ana , Butler Lorraine , Jersakova Radka , Mellor Jonathon , Patel Selina , Thornley Tracey , Diggle Peter , Richardson Sylvia , Packham Josef , Schuller Björn W. , Pigoli Davide , Gilmour Steven , Roberts Stephen , Holmes Chris
Published: February 2024

Recent work has reported that respiratory audio-trained AI classifiers can accurately predict SARS-CoV-2 infection status. However, it has not yet been determined whether such model performance is driven by latent audio biomarkers with true causal links to SARS-CoV-2 infection or by confounding effects, such as recruitment bias, present in observational studies. Here we undertake a large-scale study of audio-based AI classifiers as part of the UK government’s pandemic response. We collect a dataset of audio recordings from 67,842 individuals, with linked metadata, of whom 23,514 had positive polymerase chain reaction tests for SARS-CoV-2. In an unadjusted analysis, similar to that in previous works, AI classifiers predict SARS-CoV-2 infection status with high accuracy (ROC–AUC = 0.846 [0.838–0.854]). However, after matching on measured confounders, such as self-reported symptoms, performance is much weaker (ROC–AUC = 0.619 [0.594–0.644]). Upon quantifying the utility of audio-based classifiers in practical settings, we find them to be outperformed by predictions on the basis of user-reported symptoms. We make best-practice recommendations for handling recruitment bias, and for assessing audio-based classifiers by their utility in relevant practical settings. Our work provides insights into the value of AI audio analysis and the importance of study design and treatment of confounders in AI-enabled diagnostics.
Understanding the role of media in the formation of public sentiment towards the police
Authors: Succar Rayan , Ramallo Salvador , Das Rishita , Ventura Roni Barak , Porfiri Maurizio
Published: February 2024

Public sentiment towards the police is a matter of great interest in the United States, as reports on police misconduct are increasingly being published in mass and social media. Here, we test how the public’s perception of the police can be majorly shaped by media reports of police brutality and local crime. We collect data on media coverage of police brutality and local crime, together with Twitter posts from 2010-2020 about the police in 18 metropolitan areas in the country. Using a range of model-free approaches building on transfer entropy analysis, we discover an association between public sentiment towards the police and media coverage of police brutality. We cautiously interpret this relationship as causal. Through this lens, the public’s sentiment towards the police appears to be driven by media-projected images of police misconduct, with no statistically significant evidence for a comparable effect driven by media reports on crimes.
Organoids in virology
Authors: Chu Julie T. S. , Lamers Mart M.
Published: February 2024

To adequately prepare against imminent disease outbreaks from diverse and ever-changing viral pathogens, improved experimental models that can accurately recapitulate host-virus responses and disease pathogenesis in human are essential. Organoid platforms have emerged in recent years as amenable in vitro tools that can bridge the limitations of traditional 2D cell lines and animal models for viral disease research. We highlight in this review the key insights that have contributed by organoid models to virus research, the limitations that exist in current platforms, and outline novel approaches that are being applied to address these shortcomings.
Genetically encodable biosensors for Ras activity
Authors: Weeks Ryan , Mehta Sohum , Zhang Jin
Published: February 2024

Genetically encoded Ras biosensors have illuminated the spatiotemporal dynamics of Ras activity since the start of the imaging revolution of the early 21st century, helping elucidate Ras signalling at various subcellular compartments.
Oxovanadium electronics for in-memory, neuromorphic, and quantum computing applications
Authors: Monakhov Kirill Yu.
Published: February 2024

Redox- and spin-active macrocyclic vanadyl(iv) complexes and polyoxovanadates(v) have promising structural and physicochemical characteristics for innovative bottom-up hybrid electronics.
Recent advances in N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed fluorination and fluoroalkylation
Authors: Jin Zefeng , Zhang Fangfang , Xiao Xiao , Wang Nengzhong , Lv Xin , Zhou Liejin
Published: February 2024

Organofluorine compounds are of high value. NHC-catalyzed fluorination and fluoroalkylation have served as powerful and versatile vehicles for accessing the related organofluorines. This review focuses on the recent developments in this area.
Enantioselective [3 + 2] annulation of tryptanthrin-derived ketimines and 2-naphthols: access to polycyclic indolo[2,1-b]quinazoline derivatives
Authors: You Yong , Gan Guo-Ying , Li Qun , Liu Xiong-Li , Zhang Yan-Ping , Wang Zhen-Hua , Zhao Jian-Qiang , Yuan Wei-Cheng
Published: February 2024

An efficient method has been disclosed for the highly enantioselective synthesis of optically pure heptacyclic dihydronaphthofuran-fused indolo[2,1-b]quinazoline derivatives.
Electrospun polar-nanofiber PVDF separator for lithium–sulfur batteries with enhanced charge storage capacity and cycling durability
Authors: Mohammad Irshad , Barter Luke D J , Stolojan Vlad , Crean Carol , Slade Robert C T
Published: February 2024

A designer, polar and nanofibrous PVDF separator for lithium–sulfur battery cells mitigates the polysulfide-shuttling effect that currently limits their potential for commercialisation.
Cytoplasmic viscosity is a potential biomarker for metastatic breast cancer cells
Authors: Dessard Marie , Manneville Jean-Baptiste , Berret Jean-François
Published: February 2024

Intracellular microrheology reveals static viscosity, not elastic modulus, as a potential marker for invasive and metastatic cancer cells.