bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of coniacian facies and environments in the Iberian basin: a longshore current controlling siliciclastic sand distribution on a carbonate platform
Authors: Gil-Gil J. , Bretones A. , Boix C. , García-Hidalgo J. F.
Published: March 2024

The Coniacian carbonate sediments of the Iberian basin were deposited on a homoclinal ramp that grades upwards into a distally steepened ramp, with a major shoreline siliciclastic fringe. Twenty-three facies have been identified and grouped into three main depositional environments: outer, mid, and inner ramp. The last include barrier (shoal), lagoon, carbonate tidal-flat and shoreface sub-environments. The more prominent biogenic components show a mixture of sunlight-dependent phototrophic organisms (mainly large benthic foraminifera) and nutrient-dependent heterotrophic organisms (mainly rudists), with a remarkable rare occurrence of corals. Nutrients supplied from the emergent mainland probably promoted the development of heterozoan organisms. The vertical evolution of the ramp shows: a basal transgressive stage with facies retrogradation; a maximum flooding stage, and a regressive stage with aggradation and progradation of a distally steepened ramp. The presence and distribution of siliciclastics are problematic, since sands coming into the basin are likely to be rapidly and widely redistributed along the basin, taking into account the common storm, wave, and tidal processes preserved by the sedimentary facies. The presence of a clockwise NW-flowing longshore current is postulated to account for this distribution, which was likely induced by both dominant external currents around Iberia and wind-driven currents. These clockwise gyres facilitated the invertebrate dispersion into this enclosed basin and the local presence of upwelling. This could have been another source of episodic nutrient-rich waters from the deep ramp, which may have favored heterozoan development even in the more proximal and relatively shallower-water facies.
Methods for evaluating the significance and importance of differences amongst probabilistic seismic hazard results for engineering and risk analyses: a review and insights
Authors: Douglas John , Crowley Helen , Silva Vitor , Marzocchi Warner , Danciu Laurentiu , Pinho Rui
Published: March 2024

When new seismic hazard estimates are published it is natural to compare them to existing results for the same location. This type of comparison routinely indicates differences amongst hazard estimates obtained with the various models. The question that then arises is whether these differences are scientifically significant, given the large epistemic uncertainties inherent in all seismic hazard estimates, or practically important, given the use of hazard models as inputs to risk and engineering calculations. A difference that exceeds a given threshold could mean that building codes may need updating, risk models for insurance purposes may need to be revised, or emergency management procedures revisited. In the current literature there is little guidance on what constitutes a significant or important difference, which can lead to lengthy discussions amongst hazard modellers, end users and stakeholders. This study reviews proposals in the literature on this topic and examines how applicable these proposals are, using, for illustration purposes, several sites and various seismic hazard models for each site, including the two European Seismic Hazard Models of 2013 and 2020. The implications of differences in hazard for risk and engineering purposes are also examined to understand how important such differences are for potential end users of seismic hazard models. Based on this, we discuss the relevance of such methods to determine the scientific significance and practical importance of differences between seismic hazard estimates and identify some open questions. We conclude that there is no universal criterion for assessing differences between seismic hazard results and that the recommended approach depends on the context. Finally, we highlight where additional work is required on this topic and that we encourage further discussion of this topic.
Learning the flux and diffusion function for degenerate convection-diffusion equations using different types of observations
Authors: Li Qing , Evje Steinar
Published: March 2024

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in utilizing deep learning-based techniques to predict solutions to various partial differential equations. In this study, we investigate the identification of an unknown flux function and diffusion coefficient in a one-dimensional convection-diffusion equation. The diffusion function is allowed to vanish on intervals implying that solutions generally possess low regularity, i.e., are discontinuous. Therefore, solutions must be interpreted in the sense of entropy solutions which combine a weak formulation with an additional constraint (entropy condition). We explore a methodology that utilizes symbolic neural networks (S-Nets) in combination with an entropy-consistent discrete numerical scheme (ECDNS). Different types of observation data are explored. Extensive experiments in this paper demonstrate that the proposed method is a robust tool to identify the unknown flux and diffusion function. The flux and diffusion functions are restricted to be rational functions.
A prospective study of smoking-related white blood cell DNA methylation markers and risk of bladder cancer
Authors: Vermeulen Roel , Bodinier Barbara , Dagnino Sonia , Wada Rin , Wang Xuting , Silverman Debra , Albanes Demetrius , Freedman Neal , Rahman Mohammad , Bell Douglas , Chadeau-Hyam Marc , Rothman Nathaniel
Published: March 2024

Bladder cancer, a common neoplasm, is primarily caused by tobacco smoking. Epigenetic alterations including DNA methylation have the potential to be used as prospective markers of increased risk, particularly in at-risk populations such as smokers. We aimed to investigate the potential of smoking-related white blood cell (WBC) methylation markers to contribute to an increase in bladder cancer risk prediction over classical questionnaire-based smoking metrics (i.e., duration, intensity, packyears) in a nested case–control study within the prospective prostate, lung, colorectal, and ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial and the alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene cancer (ATBC) Prevention Study (789 cases; 849 controls). We identified 200 differentially methylated sites associated with smoking status and 28 significantly associated (after correction for multiple testing) with bladder cancer risk among 2670 previously reported smoking-related cytosine–phosphate–guanines sites (CpGs). Similar patterns were observed across cohorts. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses indicated that cg05575921 (AHHR), the strongest smoking-related association we identified for bladder cancer risk, alone yielded similar predictive performance (AUC: 0.60) than classical smoking metrics (AUC: 0.59–0.62). Best prediction was achieved by including the first principal component (PC1) from the 200 smoking-related CpGs alongside smoking metrics (AUC: 0.63–0.65). Further, PC1 remained significantly associated with elevated bladder cancer risk after adjusting for smoking metrics. These findings suggest DNA methylation profiles reflect aspects of tobacco smoke exposure in addition to those captured by smoking duration, intensity and packyears, and/or individual susceptibility relevant to bladder cancer etiology, warranting further investigation.
What is the long-run relationship between military expenditures, foreign trade and ecological footprint? Evidence from method of Maki cointegration test
Authors: Cutcu Ibrahim , Eren Mehmet Vahit , Cil Dilek , Karis Cigdem , Kocak Sinem
Published: March 2024

The US leads the global economy regarding foreign trade volume and military expenditures. Increases in military expenditures and foreign trade can substantially affect environmental issues. This study's preliminary research objective is to explore the interaction of foreign trade and military expenditures with ecological concerns in the long-term of the US economy using current time series techniques. Ecological footprint, military expenditures, exports, imports, urbanization, and agricultural area variables are used in the analysis with annual data for the US economy for the period 1970-2018. A relationship in long-term between the variables is revealed by the Maki (2012) cointegration test results, considering structural break. As indicated by the findings obtained from the coefficient estimation, an increase in military expenditures, exports, and agricultural area decreases the ecological footprint, while an increase in imports increases it. In addition, the results of the time-varying causality test show that there are periodic causality relationships between the variables. To sum up, there is a negative relationship between military expenditures, exports, and agricultural area, and ecological footprint, and a positive relationship between imports and ecological footprint.
Molecular, morphological, palynological and biochemical characterization of six accessions of two Mangifera indica L cultivars (Keitt and Ewais) native to Egypt
Authors: Sobieh Shaimaa S. , Sayed Reem M.
Published: March 2024

Accurate characterization of crops or fruits leads to successful improvements in breeding programs. Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is the second most common fruit in Egypt. It is a heterozygous plant; consequently, the possibility of incorrect characterization is significant. Therefore, this study used six accessions of two M. indica cultivars, ‘Keitt’ and ‘Ewais’, to produce precise molecular characterization and prove their genetic relatedness using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and start codon targeted (SCoT) markers. Pollen morphology was studied for the first time for these two Egyptian cultivars to determine their correlation. Morphological traits were quantitatively and qualitatively investigated. In addition, phytochemical analyses were performed to correlate the six mango accessions. One of these accessions (accession 3) was commercially identified as ‘Ewais’ cv., but the obtained result revealed that it does not belong to ‘Ewais’ cv. This finding was proved molecularly using ISSR and SCoT markers and morphologically. Similarly, phytochemical analyses revealed a difference between accession 3 and the other accessions under investigation. Polymorphic information content (PIC) and resolving power (RP) data revealed that the SCoT technique was more informative than ISSR for studying these genotypes of mango. Accordingly, the present findings prove the necessity for molecular, morphological, palynological, and biochemical investigations for accurate characterization of mango genotypes and genetic relatedness for improving breeding programs.
Formation of a periodic structure on the surface of InP crystal during irradiation with bismuth ions
Authors: Kudriavtsev Yu. , Hernandez A. G. , Diaz José Juan , Avendano M. , Ramirez G. , Asomoza R.
Published: March 2024

This work is devoted to the study of the formation of periodic relief on the InP surface during ion sputtering by bismuth ions with an energy of 30 keV and an angle of incidence of 45° respect to normal incidence. We compared the reliefs formed by sputtering with atomic and cluster bismuth ions, as well as the relief appearing on the surface of the sample irradiated at elevated temperature (290 °C). Three different types of reliefs were found: surface waves with nanodots on the surface “waves”, nanodots with uniform distribution and relief in the form of columnar micro crystallites during sputtering of a heated target. With increasing irradiation dose, insignificant changes in characteristic surface dimensions were observed for all three reliefs. Based on the nonlinear character of surface sputtering (“thermal spot” sputtering mode), we described the formation of relief in the form of nano-dots and in the form of micro crystallites as a result of local melting areas formation and subsequent solidification (crystallization) on the target surface. Regarding wave relief, in our opinion, an adequate physical description is given by a model based on the stress driven dynamics of ion irradiated surface.
Does Inequality Shape Human Character? Cross-Cultural Associations between Character Strengths and the Gini Index in 68 Countries
Authors: Casali Nicole , Filippi Silvia , Feraco Tommaso
Published: March 2024

Environmental factors are crucial in shaping individual characteristics. One key contextual factor is economic inequality, which is increasing in most OECD countries and negatively impacting individuals and societies, including personality traits. To date, no studies examined the relationship between economic inequality and positive personality traits such as character strengths. In a large cross-cultural study (N = 980,807, 68 countries) we investigated the relationship between country-level economic inequality and the level of the 24 character strengths. Across countries, we found consistent, robust evidence that economic inequality is positively linked to 22 character strengths, even after controlling for the Human Development Index, population density, urbanization, and climate of each country. On average, inequality explained 34% of the between-country variance in character strengths. Different alternative explanations for such unexpected effects, including increased competitiveness or resilience in the face of adversity, are discussed. Our research provides novel insights into the importance of environmental factors in shaping human character.
Scale-dependent habitat selection is shaped by landscape context in dispersing white-tailed deer
Authors: Stephens Ryan B. , Millspaugh Joshua J. , McRoberts Jon T. , Heit David R. , Wiskirchen Kevyn H. , Sumners Jason A. , Isabelle Jason L. , Moll Remington J.
Published: March 2024

Context

Identifying how animals select habitat while navigating landscapes is important for understanding behavioral ecology and guiding management and conservation decisions. However, habitat selection may be spatially and temporally plastic, making it challenging to quantify how species use resources across space and time.

Objectives

We investigated how landscape context and dispersal shape habitat selection at multiple spatial scales in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).

Methods

Using step-selection functions, we quantified habitat selection of landcover and topographic covariates at three spatial scales for juvenile males during three movement periods (before, during, after dispersal) in two regions of Missouri, USA—a fragmented, low forest cover region with rolling hills, and a forested, topographically variable region.

Results

Although selection for forest cover increased after dispersal in both regions, deer selected forest cover at smaller spatial scales in the fragmented, low forest cover region. This result indicates scale of selection was dependent on forest availability and configuration with deer likely perceiving landscapes differently across their distribution. Functional responses to topography differed in magnitude and direction between regions with deer avoiding roads and selecting valleys in the rolling hills region (especially during dispersal) while showing no response to roads and selecting for ridgelines (during dispersal) in the topographically variable region. This result suggests movement behavior is strongly dependent on topography.

Conclusions

Although deer may select similar habitats among regions, landscape context and movement period shape the scale, strength, and direction of selection. This result has important implications for how animals use landscapes across different regional contexts.
Material extrusion additive manufacturing of novel lightweight collinear stayed polymer lattices
Authors: Ou Yating , Köllner Anton , Dönitz Antonia Gwendolyn , Richter Tim Erik , Völlmecke Christina
Published: March 2024

A novel type of lightweight and high-performance, collinear polymer lattices is presented in which the concept of stayed slender columns is exploited with the aid of material extrusion additive manufacturing (MEX). The stays, preventing lower order buckling, are additively manufactured using the printing strategy bridging. Through conducting experimental test series on representative elements and two-dimensional lattices, it is demonstrated that the 3D printed stayed column lattices exhibit significantly improved compressive strength in comparison with conventional collinear lattices. The potential of introducing deliberate geometric imperfections to affect the structural behaviour is furthermore outlined in the current work.
Global Asymptotic Stability of Anti-Periodic Solutions of Time-Delayed Fractional Bam Neural Networks
Authors: Tuz Münevver
Published: March 2024

In this study, bidirectional fractional-order BAM neural networks with time-varying delays are examined. Time delay is an important phenomenon in the implementation of a signal or effect passing through neural network. Signal transmission in neural networks can generally be described as an anti-periodic process. Our aim is to show global asymptotic stability and the uniqueness of the equilibrium point for such neural networks in the problem with antiperiodic solution.For this purpose, the proof was made using differential inequality theory, basic analysis information, and the Lyapunov functional method. In addition, a numerical example is presented to verify the theoretical results.
Optimization of pectin extraction from crab apple peel and usage in a model meat emulsion system
Authors: Aldemir Hazal , Kamiloğlu Aybike , Çakır Özlem
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to optimize conditions of microwave-assisted pectin extraction from crab apple peels using the Box–Behnken experimental design. For this purpose, microwave-assisted pectin extraction was performed at different extraction time (3, 6, and 9 min), liquid/solid ratio (75, 100, and 125), and pH (1.5, 2.0, 2.5). The optimum conditions were selected as extraction time (7.77 min), liquid/solid ratio (77.53 mL/g), and pH/1.79). The response, obtained under optimum conditions was determined as 0.1128 ± 0.0137 g pectin/g crab apple peel. In addition, it was determined that the obtained pectin sample had an esterification degree of 79.14% and oil and water binding capacities of 8.5 ± 0.7 g oil/g pectin and 8.1 ± 1.5 g water/g pectin, respectively. It was determined that pectin emulsions showed higher stability at 1% pectin level. The possibilities of using pectin obtained under optimized conditions as a fat replacer in a model sausage system were investigated. Pectin was evaluated in the model sausage system at two different concentrations. With the increasing pectin concentration, the cooking loss value increased from 14 to 18%, while leakage decreased from 0.31% to 0.18%, showing a negative effect on cooking loss and a positive impact on the amount of leakage into the packaging. Pectin obtained from crab apple peel has the potential to be used for reducing fat content in sausage environment.
A mini review on the separation of Al, Fe and Ti elements from coal fly ash leachate
Authors: Shi Yuan , Jiang Fengqi , Wang Rongjiao , Yang Sasha , Zhu Xiaofeng , Shen Yingying
Published: March 2024

The electricity demand is increasing rapidly with the development of society and technology. Coal-fired thermal power plants have become one of the primary sources of electricity generation for urbanization. However, coal-fired thermal power plants produce a great amount of by-product coal fly ash every year. Coal fly ash disposal in landfills requires a sizable space and has negative environmental impacts. Therefore, it is crucial to develop new technologies and methods to utilize this enormous volume of solid waste in order to protect the environment. In this review, the fundamental physical and chemical characteristics of coal fly ash are introduced, and afterward the disposal policies and utilization ways of coal fly ash are discussed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the various ways this waste. The leaching of valuable metals in coal fly ash and the extraction of metal elements in leachate under different conditions are also summarized. Furthermore, the possibility of coal fly ash to serve as a supplementary source for mineral resources is analyzed, providing a basis for its extensive use as a raw material in the metal industry in China and worldwide.
The Dyslexia Debate Revisited
Authors: Elliott Julian G. , Grigorenko Elena L.
Published: March 2024

In every country, and in every language, a significant proportion of children struggle to master the skill of reading. In 2014, The Dyslexia Debate examined the problematic interpretation of the term 'dyslexia' as well as questioning its efficacy as a diagnosis. Ten years on, The Dyslexia Debate Revisited reflects on the changes in dyslexia assessment and treatment over the last decade, including the introduction of dyslexia legislation in many US states. Addressing the critical responses to their original challenge of the dyslexia construct, Julian G. Elliott and Elena L. Grigorenko also consider why, despite scientific critiques, existing dyslexia conceptions and assessment practices continue to be highly attractive to many professionals, individuals, and families. Based on current scientific knowledge, the authors strive to promote a shared understanding of reading difficulties and emphasize the importance of providing timely and appropriate intervention and support to anyone who faces difficulties with learning to read.
Shaking up Assumptions: Earthquakes Have Rarely Triggered Andean Glacier Lake Outburst Floods
Authors: Wood Joanne L. , Harrison Stephan , Wilson Ryan , Emmer Adam , Kargel Jeffrey S. , Cook Simon J. , Glasser Neil F. , Reynolds John M. , Shugar Dan H. , Yarleque Christian
Published: March 2024

As the world’s glaciers recede in response to a warming atmosphere, a change in the magnitude and frequency of related hazards is expected. Among the most destructive hazards are glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and their future evolution is concerning for local populations and sustainable development policy. Central to this is a better understanding of triggers. There is a long‐standing assumption that earthquakes are a major GLOF trigger, and seismic activity is consistently included as a key hazard assessment criterion. Here, we provide the first empirical evidence that this assumption is largely incorrect. Focusing on the Tropical Andes, we show that, of 59 earthquakes (1900–2021) the effects of which intersect with known glacier lakes, only one has triggered GLOFs. We argue that, to help develop climate resilient protocols, the focus for future assessments should be on understanding other key GLOF drivers, such as thawing permafrost and underlying structural geology.
A Self‐Consistent Model of Radial Transport in the Magnetodisks of Gas Giants Including Interhemispheric Asymmetries
Authors: Devinat Marie , Blanc Michel , André Nicolas
Published: March 2024

Outward transport of plasma in the inner and middle magnetospheres of gas giants results from an interplay between mass loading from the inner dominant mass sources (volcanic moons), flux tube interchange in the centrifugally unstable magnetospheric plasma disk, turbulent heating of the plasma, and coupling between the equatorial plasma and the planetary upper atmosphere through magnetic field‐aligned current loops and/or Alfvén waves. We present a new analytical formalism describing large scale transport in gas giant systems, combining two historical approaches: radial diffusion of mass and energy through flux tube interchange, and angular momentum transport through corotation enforcement. Under the hypotheses of axisymmetry, steady‐state, and multi‐fluid plasma, we provide transport equations for total contents of flux tubes. They feature new transport parameters accounting for the latitudinal extent of the disk, and self‐consistently include field‐aligned potential drops in the magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling. Our general formalism has a wealth of applications, two of which are presented, corresponding to the cases of the two gas giants: the effect of interhemispheric asymmetries in the resistive and magnetic properties between the northern and southern ionospheres on the transport of angular momentum at Jupiter, and the influence of the plasma disk thickness on transport at Saturn. We apply our formalism to derive ionospheric parameters and reproduce the Juno and Cassini data. Further work will allow for more complete numerical solutions of our equations, with the aim of capturing the broad complexity of fast rotating magnetospheric systems which can be found inside and outside the Solar System.
Hydrogen Diffusion in the Lower Mantle Revealed by Machine Learning Potentials
Authors: Peng Yihang , Deng Jie
Published: March 2024

Hydrogen may be incorporated into nominally anhydrous minerals including bridgmanite and post‐perovskite as defects, making the Earth's deep mantle a potentially significant water reservoir. The diffusion of hydrogen and its contribution to the electrical conductivity in the lower mantle are rarely explored and remain largely unconstrained. Here we calculate hydrogen diffusivity in hydrous bridgmanite and post‐perovskite, using molecular dynamics simulations driven by machine learning potentials of ab initio quality. Our findings reveal that hydrogen diffusivity significantly increases with increasing temperature and decreasing pressure, and is considerably sensitive to hydrogen incorporation mechanism. Among the four defect mechanisms examined, (Mg + 2H)Si and (Al + H)Si show similar patterns and yield the highest hydrogen diffusivity. Hydrogen diffusion is generally faster in post‐perovskite than in bridgmanite, and these two phases exhibit distinct diffusion anisotropies. Overall, hydrogen diffusion is slow on geological time scales and may result in heterogeneous water distribution in the lower mantle. Additionally, the proton conductivity of bridgmanite for (Mg + 2H)Si and (Al + H)Si defects aligns with the same order of magnitude of lower mantle conductivity, suggesting that the water distribution in the lower mantle may be inferred by examining the heterogeneity of electrical conductivity.
Dipole Pattern of Holocene Hydroclimate Variations Across the Asian Drylands: Critical Evidence From West Asia
Authors: Chen Shengqian , Chen Jianhui , Ding Guoqiang , Ma Shuai , Ji Panpan , Zhou Aifeng , Wu Duo , Khormali Farhad , Hou Juzhi , Chen Fahu
Published: March 2024

Exploring the spatiotemporal differences of hydroclimate variations is crucial for managing future climate change. In the Asian drylands, West Asia (WA) and arid central Asia (ACA) are both climatically dominated by the westerlies and have shown a dipole pattern in precipitation variation during the past several decades. However, it is unclear whether such a difference exists during the Holocene, mainly because the dispute between the δ18O‐based early Holocene hydroclimate optimum and the pollen‐based mid‐Holocene optimum in WA. Here we present a precisely dated record based on lipid biomarkers from Almalou Peatland in the western Iranian Plateau. The chain length of n‐alkanoic acids was interpreted as a hydroclimate indicator based on a proxy validation study. Our record reveals a wetting trend during 9–7.5 cal ka BP, a mid‐Holocene hydroclimate optimum (7.5–3 cal ka BP), and a rapidly drying trend during 3–0 cal ka BP. The hydroclimate variation was supported by a water‐level reconstruction from the same core. The most negative δ18O values during the early Holocene could be partly attributed to the impacts of water vapor sources. Comparing our reconstruction from WA to those from ACA, we found a dipole pattern of hydroclimate variations on the millennial timescale during the Holocene. The simulation results revealed that, unlike the persistent wetting trend in ACA, the pivotal shift of spring insolation led to a transition from wetting to drying conditions in WA, ultimately leading to the generation of dipole pattern. This demonstrates that despite the consistent control by westerlies over the Asian drylands, there are distinct spatial differences in hydroclimate responses to natural forcings.
On Effective Spectral Wideband Models for Clear Sky Atmospheric Emissivity and Transmissivity
Authors: Matsunobu L. M. , Coimbra C. F. M.
Published: March 2024

Clear sky emittance models provide critical information for the determination of downwelling longwave irradiance at the Earth's surface. This study updates existing calculations which relate clear sky longwave emissivity with the main (and most variable) greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, water vapor. Impacts of station elevation and data quality control are quantified. Empirical results are used to validate highly resolved spectral models, and the resultant simplified calculates provide accurate estimations of clear sky emissivity without the need for extensive computation. Results show that correlation coefficients are mostly robust to nuanced data processing choices when regressed from sufficiently large data sets (≥104 samples) with the exceptions of altitude adjustment and measurement bias corrections. The empirical results from this study are compared to results from other leading empirical, physics‐based, and hybridized phenomenological models. Correlations for effective clear sky emissivity, transmissivity and optical depth are provided, based on parameterized line‐by‐line (LBL) model results, for the broadband 0–2,500 cm−1 and for seven wavenumber wideband of interest. Results for the (b3) wideband 580–750 cm−1 are particularly relevant because of its disaggregated and combined carbon dioxide‐water vapor contributions. The broadband effective optical depth (δ) of water vapor is found to be , where pw is the dimensionless partial pressure of water vapor at the surface. Equivalently, the broadband effective optical depth of carbon dioxide in the presence of water vapor is found to be . Processed training data sets are provided as supplementary content for comparative studies.
Baroclinic Sea Level
Authors: McWilliams James C. , Molemaker M. Jeroen , Damien Pierre
Published: March 2024

Sea level and its horizontal gradient are an expression of oceanic volume, heat content, and currents. Large‐scale currents have historically been viewed as mostly “baroclinic,” and tides as “barotropic,” respectively, in the loose sense of being strongly related to the oceanic density distribution or not. In particular, the evolution of the barotropic velocity is influenced by a horizontal pressure‐gradient force that depends on the gradient of a particular depth‐weighting of the density field as well as on the gradient of the sea‐surface elevation ζ; hence, even the tides must be viewed as a product of the coupled interaction of barotropic and baroclinic fields. The purpose of this note is to give dynamical precision to the distinction between barotropic and baroclinic contributions to ζ and the surface pressure‐gradient force −g∇ζ, and, in the particular case of the tides, demonstrate their combined barotropic‐baroclinic interactions with a realistically forced, high‐resolution simulation of the Pacific Ocean circulation. While the different tidal sea‐level contributions manifest a horizontal scale separation (e.g., more barotropic at larger scales; more baroclinic surface pressure‐gradient force at smaller scales), there are cross‐mode corrections in both at the level of tens of percent. The proposed barotropic‐baroclinic decomposition is generally relevant to the sea‐level expression of oceanic currents.
Wavelet Analysis of Differential TEC Measurements Obtained Using LOFAR
Authors: Boyde Ben , Wood Alan , Dorrian Gareth , Sweijen Frits , de Gasperin Francesco , Mevius Maaijke , Beser Kasia , Themens David
Published: March 2024

Radio interferometers used to make astronomical observations, such as the LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR), experience distortions imposed upon the received signal due to the ionosphere as well as those from instrumental errors. Calibration using a well‐characterized radio source can be used to mitigate these effects and produce more accurate images of astronomical sources, and the calibration process provides measurements of ionospheric conditions over a wide range of length scales. The basic ionospheric measurement this provides is differential Total Electron Content (TEC, the integral of electron density along the line of sight). Differential TEC measurements made using LOFAR have a precision of <1 mTECu and therefore enable investigation of ionospheric disturbances which may be undetectable to many other methods. We demonstrate an approach to identify ionospheric waves from these data using a wavelet transform and a simple plane wave model. The noise spectra are robustly characterized to provide uncertainty estimates for the fitted parameters. An example is shown in which this method identifies a wave with an amplitude an order of magnitude below those reported using Global Navigation Systems Satellite TEC measurements. Artificially generated data are used to test the accuracy of the method and establish the range of wavelengths which can be detected using this method with LOFAR data. This technique will enable the use of a large and mostly unexplored data set to study traveling ionospheric disturbances over Europe.
Fibroblast activation protein-targeted near-infrared photoimmunotherapy depletes immunosuppressive cancer-associated fibroblasts and remodels local tumor immunity
Authors: Akai Masaaki , Noma Kazuhiro , Kato Takuya , Nishimura Seitaro , Matsumoto Hijiri , Kawasaki Kento , Kunitomo Tomoyoshi , Kobayashi Teruki , Nishiwaki Noriyuki , Kashima Hajime , Kikuchi Satoru , Ohara Toshiaki , Tazawa Hiroshi , Choyke Peter L. , Kobayashi Hisataka , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi
Published: March 2024

Background

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) play a critical role in tumor immunosuppression. However, targeted depletion of CAFs is difficult due to their diverse cells of origin and the resulting lack of specific surface markers. Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a novel cancer treatment that leads to rapid cell membrane damage.

Methods

In this study, we used anti-mouse fibroblast activation protein (FAP) antibody to target FAP+ CAFs (FAP-targeted NIR-PIT) and investigated whether this therapy could suppress tumor progression and improve tumor immunity.

Results

FAP-targeted NIR-PIT induced specific cell death in CAFs without damaging adjacent normal cells. Furthermore, FAP-targeted NIR-PIT treated mice showed significant tumor regression in the CAF-rich tumor model accompanied by an increase in CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Moreover, treated tumors showed increased levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 in CD8+ TILs compared with non-treated tumors, suggesting enhanced antitumor immunity.

Conclusions

Cancers with FAP-positive CAFs in their TME grow rapidly and FAP-targeted NIR-PIT not only suppresses their growth but improves tumor immunosuppression. Thus, FAP-targeted NIR-PIT is a potential therapeutic strategy for selectively targeting the TME of CAF+ tumors.
An eye on equity: faricimab-driven health equity improvements in diabetic macular oedema using a distributional cost-effectiveness analysis from a UK societal perspective
Authors: Meunier Aurelie , Opeifa Oyin , Longworth Louise , Cox Oliver , Bührer Christian , Durand-Zaleski Isabelle , Kelly Simon P. , Gale Richard P.
Published: March 2024

Background/Objectives

Diabetic macular oedema (DMO) is a leading cause of blindness in developed countries, with significant disease burden associated with socio-economic deprivation. Distributional cost-effectiveness analysis (DCEA) allows evaluation of health equity impacts of interventions, estimation of how health outcomes and costs are distributed in the population, and assessments of potential trade-offs between health maximisation and equity. We conducted an aggregate DCEA to determine the equity impact of faricimab.

Methods

Data on health outcomes and costs were derived from a cost-effectiveness model of faricimab compared with ranibizumab, aflibercept and off-label bevacizumab using a societal perspective in the base case and a healthcare payer perspective in scenario analysis. Health gains and health opportunity costs were distributed across socio-economic subgroups. Health and equity impacts, measured using the Atkinson inequality index, were assessed visually on an equity-efficiency impact plane and combined into a measure of societal welfare.

Results

At an opportunity cost threshold of £20,000/quality-adjusted life year (QALY), faricimab displayed an increase in net health benefits against all comparators and was found to improve equity. The equity impact increased the greater the concerns for reducing health inequalities over maximising population health. Using a healthcare payer perspective, faricimab was equity improving in most scenarios.

Conclusions

Long-acting therapies with fewer injections, such as faricimab, may reduce costs, improve health outcomes and increase health equity. Extended economic evaluation frameworks capturing additional value elements, such as DCEA, enable a more comprehensive valuation of interventions, which is of relevance to decision-makers, healthcare professionals and patients.
Colitis reduces active social engagement in mice and is ameliorated by supplementation with human microbiota members
Authors: Brown D. Garrett , Murphy Michaela , Cadeddu Roberto , Bell Rickesha , Weis Allison , Chiaro Tyson , Klag Kendra , Morgan Jubel , Coon Hilary , Stephens W. Zac , Bortolato Marco , Round June L.
Published: March 2024

Multiple neurological disorders are associated with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, it is unclear whether GI distress itself can modify aspects of behavior. Here, we show that mice that experience repeated colitis have impaired active social engagement, as measured by interactions with a foreign mouse, even though signs of colitis were no longer present. We then tested the hypothesis that individuals with ASD harbor a microbiota that might differentially influence GI health by performing microbiota transplantation studies into male germfree animals, followed by induction of colitis. Animals that harbor a microbiota from ASD individuals have worsened gut phenotypes when compared to animals colonized with microbiotas from familial neurotypical (NT) controls. We identify the enrichment of Blautia species in all familial NT controls and observe an association between elevated abundance of Bacteroides uniformis and reductions in intestinal injury. Oral treatment with either of these microbes reduces colon injury in mice. Finally, provision of a Blautia isolate from a NT control ameliorates gut injury-associated active social engagement in mice. Collectively, our data demonstrate that past intestinal distress is associated with changes in active social behavior in mice that can be ameliorated by supplementation of members of the human microbiota.
Membrane fission via transmembrane contact
Authors: Spencer Russell K. W. , Santos-Pérez Isaac , Rodríguez-Renovales Izaro , Martinez Galvez Juan Manuel , Shnyrova Anna V. , Müller Marcus
Published: March 2024

Division of intracellular organelles often correlates with additional membrane wrapping, e.g., by the endoplasmic reticulum or the outer mitochondrial membrane. Such wrapping plays a vital role in proteome and lipidome organization. However, how an extra membrane impacts the mechanics of the division has not been investigated. Here we combine fluorescence and cryo-electron microscopy experiments with self-consistent field theory to explore the stress-induced instabilities imposed by membrane wrapping in a simple double-membrane tubular system. We find that, at physiologically relevant conditions, the outer membrane facilitates an alternative pathway for the inner-tube fission through the formation of a transient contact (hemi-fusion) between both membranes. A detailed molecular theory of the fission pathways in the double membrane system reveals the topological complexity of the process, resulting both in leaky and leakless intermediates, with energies and topologies predicting physiological events.
Microbial composition associated with biliary stents in patients undergoing pancreatic resection for cancer
Authors: Blanco-Míguez Aitor , Carloni Sara , Cardenas Cindy , Dioguardi Carola Conca , Lambroia Luca , Capretti Giovanni , Nappo Gennaro , Fugazza Alessandro , Capogreco Antonio , Armanini Federica , Asnicar Francesco , Dubois Leonard , Golzato Davide , Manghi Paolo , Pinto Federica , Scuderi Cristina , Casari Erminia , Montorsi Marco , Anderloni Andrea , Rescigno Maria , Repici Alessandro , Zerbi Alessandro , Peano Clelia , Tamburini Sabrina , Rusconi Roberto , Segata Nicola
Published: March 2024

Malignant bile duct obstruction is typically treated by biliary stenting, which however increases the risk of bacterial infections. Here, we analyzed the microbial content of the biliary stents from 56 patients finding widespread microbial colonization. Seventeen of 36 prevalent stent species are common oral microbiome members, associate with disease conditions when present in the gut, and include dozens of biofilm- and antimicrobial resistance-related genes. This work provides an overview of the microbial communities populating the stents.
Investigating the aspect of asymmetry in brain-first versus body-first Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Lövdal S. S. , Carli G. , Orso B. , Biehl M. , Arnaldi D. , Mattioli P. , Janzen A. , Sittig E. , Morbelli S. , Booij J. , Oertel W. H. , Leenders K. L. , Meles S. K.
Published: March 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Recent literature has proposed two subgroups of PD. The “body-first subtype” is associated with a prodrome of isolated REM-sleep Behavior Disorder (iRBD) and a relatively symmetric brain degeneration. The “brain-first subtype” is suggested to have a more asymmetric degeneration and a prodromal stage without RBD. This study aims to investigate the proposed difference in symmetry of the degeneration pattern in the presumed body and brain-first PD subtypes. We analyzed 123I-FP-CIT (DAT SPECT) and 18F-FDG PET brain imaging in three groups of patients (iRBD, n = 20, de novo PD with prodromal RBD, n = 22, and de novo PD without RBD, n = 16) and evaluated dopaminergic and glucose metabolic symmetry. The RBD status of all patients was confirmed with video-polysomnography. The PD groups did not differ from each other with regard to the relative or absolute asymmetry of DAT uptake in the putamen (p = 1.0 and p = 0.4, respectively). The patient groups also did not differ from each other with regard to the symmetry of expression of the PD-related metabolic pattern (PDRP) in each hemisphere. The PD groups had no difference in symmetry considering mean FDG uptake in left and right regions of interest and generally had the same degree of symmetry as controls, while the iRBD patients had nine regions with abnormal left–right differences (p < 0.001). Our findings do not support the asymmetry aspect of the “body-first” versus “brain-first” hypothesis.
Response spectrum-based analysis of airborne radar random vibration and multi-point control improvement
Authors: Liu Jie , Liu Zezheng , Chen Wanqian , Lv Jing , Jiang Zixuan , Pang Jiahao , Du Libin
Published: March 2024

During the flight of a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle), the LiDAR device undergoes random vibrations due to the changing flight attitude and wind speed conditions of the UAV. It is important to control the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations within a reasonable range by means of a damping structure. As the vibrations caused by various factors during flight are random and non-linear, this paper innovates the analysis principle and damping control means for the random vibrations of airborne optoelectronic devices. The response spectrum analysis theory is used to establish the shock response spectrum, and an optimised and improved recursive digital filtering method is used to fit the frequencies of random vibration to the synthetic shock response. Considering the uncertainty of the vibration excitation signal, a virtual excitation method is used for the first time to simulate the random vibration to which the radar may be subjected in the air, and to simplify the calculation steps. The shock plate structure is designed using a multi-point control method to innovate a passive response to the random excitation. Finally, a modal analysis of the synthesised impact response was carried out. It is verified that the first six modal frequencies are controlled within 220 Hz, realising the frequency reduction. The amplitude of the three x, y, and z directions is controlled to within 0.5 mm, thus achieving vibration damping.
Study on the benefit analysis based on whole life cycle carbon emission calculation after the construction of photovoltaic systems in macau's construction waste landfills
Authors: Li Zhaobin , Tang Waifan , Mak Shulun , Li Qingwen , Yu Jiena , Chen Haolin
Published: March 2024

This study seeks to assess both environmental and economic effects associated with installing photovoltaic systems within construction waste landfills in Macau by employing an effective carbon emissions calculation methodology and benefit analysis method. Beginning by outlining characteristics and challenges associated with construction waste landfills, as well as photovoltaic systems used for this application in this paper. Here, we present a detailed outline of our methodology design, outlining its principles of life cycle analysis, data collection processes and the creation of carbon emissions calculation models. Subsequently, we examine photovoltaic systems within Macau's construction waste landfills by studying system design, component selection and operational strategies as well as carbon emission data collection during their operational time period. Under life cycle carbon emissions calculations, we assess the carbon emissions generated from photovoltaic systems as well as conduct an environmental and economic benefit analysis for carbon reduction benefit analysis purposes. This research incorporates sensitivity analysis and uncertainty consideration in order to conduct an extensive benefit analysis. The research results offer strong support for sustainable photovoltaic systems within Macau waste landfills as well as insights to inform planning and policy formation for similar future projects.
A Nuphar lutea plant active ingredient, 6,6′-dihydroxythiobinupharidine, ameliorates kidney damage and inflammation in a mouse model of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Landau Daniel , Khalilia Jannat , Arazi Eden , Tobar Ana Foigelman , Benharroch Daniel , Golan-Goldhirsh Avi , Gopas Jacob , Segev Yael
Published: March 2024

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) associated complications are associated with increased inflammation through the innate immune response, which can be modulated with anti-inflammatory agents. An active ingredient derived from the Nuphar lutea aquatic plant, 6,6′-dihydroxythiobinupharidine (DTBN) has anti-inflammatory properties, mainly through the inhibition of NF-κB. We tested the effects of DTBN on mice with CKD. After preliminary safety and dosing experiments, we exposed 8 weeks old male C57BL/6J mice to adenine diet to induce CKD. Control and CKD animals were treated with IP injections of DTBN (25 μg QOD) or saline and sacrificed after 8 weeks. Serum urea and creatinine were significantly decreased in CKD-DTBN Vs CKD mice. Kidney histology showed a decrease in F4/80 positive macrophage infiltration, damaged renal area, as well as decreased kidney TGF-β in CKD-DTBN Vs CKD mice. Kidney inflammation indices (IL-1β, IL-6 and P-STAT3) were significantly decreased in CKD-DTBN as compared to CKD mice. DTBN treatment showed no apparent damage to tissues in control mice, besides a decrease in weight gain and mild hypoalbuminemia without proteinuria. Thus, DTBN significantly improved renal failure and inflammation indices in CKD mice. Therefore, this and similar substances may be considered as an additional treatment in CKD patients.