bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the condition of Setting Independence
Authors: Müller Thomas , Placek Tomasz
Published: November 2023

Quantum mechanics predicts non-local correlations in spatially extended entangled quantum systems, and these correlations are empirically very well confirmed. This raises philosophical questions of how nature could be that way, prompting the study of purported completions of quantum mechanics by hidden variables. Bell-type theorems connect assumptions about hidden variables with empirical predictions for the outcome of quantum correlation experiments. From among these assumptions, the Setting Independence assumption has received the least formal attention. Its violation is, however, central in the recent discussion about super-deterministic models for quantum correlation experiments. In this paper, we focus on the non-local modal correlations in the GHZ experiment. We model the introduction of hidden variables in the form of instruction sets via structure extensions in the framework of Branching Space-Times. This framework allows us to show in formal detail how the introduction of non-contextual instruction sets results in a specific violation of Setting Independence; a similar result is derived for contextual instruction sets. Our discussion provides additional reasons for foregoing the introduction of local hidden variables, and for accepting non-local quantum correlations as a resource provided by nature.
Anomaly detection in oil-producing wells: a comparative study of one-class classifiers in a multivariate time series dataset
Authors: Fernandes Wander , Komati Karin Satie , Assis de Souza Gazolli Kelly
Published: November 2023

Anomalies in oil-producing wells can have detrimental financial implications, leading to production disruptions and increased maintenance costs. Machine learning techniques offer a promising solution for detecting and preventing such anomalies, minimizing these disruptions and expenses. In this study, we focused on detecting faults in naturally flowing offshore oil and subsea gas-producing wells, utilizing the publicly available 3W dataset comprising multivariate time series data. We conducted a comparison of different anomaly detection methods, specifically one-class classifiers, including Isolation Forest, One-class Support Vector Machine (OCSVM), Local Outlier Factor (LOF), Elliptical Envelope, and Autoencoder with feedforward and LSTM architectures. Our evaluation encompassed two variations: one with feature extraction and the other without, each assessed in both simulated and real data scenarios. Across all scenarios, the LOF classifier consistently outperformed its counterparts. In real instances, the LOF classifier achieved an F1-measure of 87.0% with feature extraction and 85.9% without. In simulated instances, the LOF classifier demonstrated superior performance, attaining F1 measures of 91.5% with feature extraction and 92.0% without. These results show an improvement over the benchmark established by the 3W dataset. Considering the more challenging nature of real data, the inclusion of feature extraction is recommended to improve the effectiveness of anomaly detection in offshore wells. The superior performance of the LOF classifier suggests that the boundaries of normal cases as a single class may be ill-defined, with normal cases better represented by multiple clusters. The statistical analysis conducted further reinforces the reliability and robustness of these findings, instilling confidence in their generalizability to a larger population. The utilization of individual classifiers per instance allows for tailored hyperparameter configurations, accommodating the specific characteristics of each offshore well.
A multi-task network approach for calculating discrimination-free insurance prices
Authors: Lindholm Mathias , Richman Ronald , Tsanakas Andreas , Wüthrich Mario V.
Published: November 2023

In applications of predictive modeling, such as insurance pricing, indirect or proxy discrimination is an issue of major concern. Namely, there exists the possibility that protected policyholder characteristics are implicitly inferred from non-protected ones by predictive models and are thus having an undesirable (and possibly illegal) impact on prices. A technical solution to this problem relies on building a best-estimate model using all policyholder characteristics (including protected ones) and then averaging out the protected characteristics for calculating individual prices. However, such an approach requires full knowledge of policyholders’ protected characteristics, which may in itself be problematic. Here, we address this issue by using a multi-task neural network architecture for claim predictions, which can be trained using only partial information on protected characteristics and produces prices that are free from proxy discrimination. We demonstrate the proposed method on both synthetic data and a real-world motor claims dataset, in which proxy discrimination can be observed. In both examples we find that the predictive accuracy of the multi-task network is comparable to a conventional feed-forward neural network, when the protected information is available for at least half of the insurance policies. However, the multi-task network has superior performance in the case when the protected information is known for less than half of the insurance policyholders.
Gene Expression Alterations in Peripheral Blood Following Sport-Related Concussion in a Prospective Cohort of Collegiate Athletes: A Concussion Assessment, Research and Education (CARE) Consortium Study
Authors: Simpson Edward , Reiter Jill L. , Ren Jie , Zhang Zhiqi , Nudelman Kelly N. , Riggen Larry D. , Menser Michael D. , Harezlak Jaroslaw , Foroud Tatiana M. , Saykin Andrew J. , Brooks Alison , Cameron Kenneth L. , Duma Stefan M. , McGinty Gerald , Rowson Steven , Svoboda Steven J. , Broglio Steven P. , McCrea Michael A. , Pasquina Paul F. , McAllister Thomas W. , Liu Yunlong ,   CARE Consortium Investigators, Campbell Darren , Jackson Jonathan , Houston Megan , Giza Christopher , Goldman Joshua , Guskiewicz Kevin , Mihalik Jason P.
Published: November 2023

Background

Molecular-based approaches to understanding concussion pathophysiology provide complex biological information that can advance concussion research and identify potential diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers of injury.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify gene expression changes in peripheral blood that are initiated following concussion and are relevant to concussion response and recovery.

Methods

We analyzed whole blood transcriptomes in a large cohort of concussed and control collegiate athletes who were participating in the multicenter prospective cohort Concussion Assessment, Research, and Education (CARE) Consortium study. Blood samples were collected from collegiate athletes at preseason (baseline), within 6 h of concussion injury, and at four additional prescribed time points spanning 24 h to 6 months post-injury. RNA sequencing was performed on samples from 230 concussed, 130 contact control, and 102 non-contact control athletes. Differential gene expression and deconvolution analysis were performed at each time point relative to baseline.

Results

Cytokine and immune response signaling pathways were activated immediately after concussion, but at later time points these pathways appeared to be suppressed relative to the contact control group. We also found that the proportion of neutrophils increased and natural killer cells decreased in the blood following concussion.

Conclusions

Transcriptome signatures in the blood reflect the known pathophysiology of concussion and may be useful for defining the immediate biological response and the time course for recovery. In addition, the identified immune response pathways and changes in immune cell type proportions following a concussion may inform future treatment strategies.
A Crucial Step Toward Carbon Neutrality in Pyrometallurgical Reduction of Nickel Slag
Authors: Attah-Kyei Desmond , Sukhomlinov Dmitry , Tiljander Mia , Klemettinen Lassi , Taskinen Pekka , Jokilaakso Ari , Lindberg Daniel
Published: November 2023

This study aims at recovering valuable metals from nickel slag by employing pyrometallurgical techniques. A large amount of slag is generated during the nickel matte smelting. Nickel slag contains valuable elements such as copper, nickel, and cobalt, which can be recovered. Disposal of this slag results in loss of resources and may cause pollution of the environment. It is important to retrieve these metals for environmental and economic reasons. In this study, the slag was reacted with non-fossil reducing agents (biochar) which were produced from hydrolysis lignin and black pellet biomass by pyrolysis at 600 and 1200 °C, and with metallurgical coke for comparison. The reduction experiments were done at 1400 °C for 15, 30, and 60 min under inert gas atmosphere. The samples were quickly quenched and analyzed with Electron Probe X-ray Microanalysis. The results showed that the use of biochar resulted in faster reaction kinetics in the reduction process compared to coke. Moreover, thermodynamic modeling was also performed using Factsage to simulate equilibria with different amounts of biochar. The metal-to-slag distribution coefficient calculated from the results of thermodynamic modeling was consistent with experimental results.

Graphical Abstract
A Practical Approach to Estimate the Min-Entropy in PUFs
Authors: Frisch Christoph , Wilde Florian , Holzner Thomas , Pehl Michael
Published: November 2023

Helper data algorithms reliably extract secrets from physical unclonable functions. The necessary helper data can leak information, though. One state-of-the-art approach to assess the remaining min-entropy is limited to homogeneous bias or correlation, not both. Another one extends this to only local bias without correlation but is limited to short code lengths. This work presents a new approach for determining the min-entropy based on convolving histograms. It provides a better bound and good approximation given arbitrary bias, more realistic correlation effects, and practically relevant code sizes. Experiments on real-world and synthetic data show the benefit of the new method compared with state-of-the-art ones. This work also facilitates a better understanding of how the error correction as post-processing impacts the min-entropy.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Moringa oleifera and its efficacy against gram-negative bacteria targeting quorum sensing and biofilms
Authors: Haris Zarrin , Ahmad Iqbal
Published: November 2023

Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria are the leading cause of high morbidity and mortality in humans globally. The majority of such pathogens has gained the status of multidrug resistance and requires the development of new anti-pathogenic agent. Moringa oleifera is a widely distributed and quickly proliferating medicinal plant, making it an easy source for extracting bioactive components. It is rich in bioactive compounds which can act as stabilizing and reducing agents during the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. It is well-recognized for its several medical benefits, including antibacterial action. As a result, it is an excellent option for synthesizing AgNPs with improved antibacterial characteristics. Considering the above properties, less explored Moringa oleifera was used for the green synthesis of nanoparticles. Targeting biofilms and virulence factors of Gram-negative bacteria by green synthesized metal nanoparticles is an alternative approach to combat antimicrobial resistance. Silver nanoparticles (MO-AgNPs) synthesized using Moringa oleifera leaf (MOL) extract were characterized using Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis spectroscopy), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM–EDX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and X-Ray Diffraction analysis (XRD). The absorption spectra of silver nanoparticles showed a band of absorption near 440 nm, associated with spherical silver nanoparticles. At sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs), the MO-AgNPs inhibit the Quorum Sensing-mediated virulence factors and biofilm formation against three Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia fergusonii, Serratia marcescens, and Chromobacterium violaceum). QS-mediated virulence factors in test bacteria were reduced by 80.67% (violacein), prodigiosin production (77.45%), exoprotease activity (76.02%), and swarming motility (86.5%). MO-AgNPs also demonstrated broad-spectrum antibiofilm activity against test bacteria, ranging from 77.95 to 82.4% inhibition. Microscopic analysis of biofilms showed significant structural change and inhibition. Our results demonstrate appreciable in vitro activity of MO-AgNPs against the selected pathogens, which could be used as an alternative therapeutic agent for treating infection caused by drug-resistant bacteria and preventing biofilm development by bacteria on medical devices and other surfaces.

Graphical abstract
Virginal breast hypertrophy – An uncommon breast disease
Authors: Ayandipo Omobolaji , Ajagbe Oluwasanmi , Obajimi Gbolahan , Idowu Olusola , Adeleye Amos , Ogundiran Temidayo
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Introduction

Virginal breast hypertrophy VBH with the sobriquet “gigantomastia” is an uncommon condition with sporadic presentation usually in adolescence.

Case presentation

In this retrospective study, eight patients (three case summaries presented, while the clinicopathologic features of all the patients are presented in Table 1) were managed.

Discussion

The age range in this retrospective cohort study is 13–34 years and the series consists predominantly of teenagers, a third had bilateral disease, and the symptoms triad of mastalgia, cosmetic concerns, and psychosocial/esteem issues were present in all the patients. With a third consenting to surgical intervention.

We present what to our knowledge must be in the global literature, one of the few largest accruals of cases of gigantomastia, the VBH, seen over time in our surgical oncology practice.

Conclusion

VBH should be appraised along with other BBD to exclude malignancies and provide prompt and appropriate care whilst limiting complications. A multidisciplinary approach is particularly important and incorporating care for perceived low self-esteem cannot be over-emphasized.

Highlights
The Drivers of U.S. Meat Goat Prices: A Hedonic Analysis of Goat Auction Data
Authors: Khanal Binod , Dhoubhadel Sunil P.
Published: November 2023

This study employs a hedonic price model on slaughter goat auction data to examine the factors affecting U.S. meat goat prices. Wether-kids and wethers with superior muscularity receive high premiums in the auction markets. We find a non-linear relationship between average price and average weight, with the average price declining with increasing average weight within the reasonable weight range. The results reveal a seasonal effect on U.S. meat goat prices, primarily due to the seasonality of goat supply caused by goat breeding practices. Our results do not show a significant effect of the foreign-born population on meat goat auction prices.
Extremity Tourniquet Self-Application by Antarctica Zodiac Crew Members
Authors: Yánez Benñitez Carlos , Lorente-Aznar Teófilo , Labaka Idurre , Soteras Iñigo , Baselga Marta , Morishita Koji , Ribeiro Marcelo , Güemes Antonio
Published: November 2023

Search and rescue teams and Antarctic research groups use protective cold-water anti-exposure suits (AES) when cruising on Zodiacs. Extremity tourniquet (ET) self-application (SA) donned with AESs has not been previously studied. Our study therefore assessed the SA of 5 commercial ETs (CAT, OMNA, RATS, RMT, and SWAT-T) among 15 volunteers who donned these suits. Tourniquet‘s SA ability, ease of SA, tolerance, and tourniquet preference were measured. All ETs tested were self-applied to the upper extremity except for the SWAT, which was self-applied with the rest to the lower extremity. Ease- of- SA mean values were compared using the Friedman and Durbin-Conover post hoc tests (P < 0.001). Regarding the upper extremity, OMNA achieved the highest score of 8.5 out of 10, while RMT, and SWAT received lower scores than other options (P < 0.001). For lower extremities, SWAT was found to be inferior to other options (P < 0.01). Overall, OMNA was the best performer. The RATS showed significantly lower tolerance than the other groups in repeated- measures ANOVA with a Tukey post hoc test (P < 0.01). Additionally, out of the 5 ETs tested, 60% of subjects preferred OMNA. The study concluded that SA commercial ETs are feasible over cold-water anti-exposure suits in the Antarctic climate.
One-dimensional mechanism of gaseous deflagration-to-detonation transition
Authors: Clavin Paul
Published: November 2023

A one-dimensional mechanism of deflagration to detonation transition is identified and investigated by an asymptotic analysis in the double limit of large activation energy and small Mach number of the laminar flame velocity. The unsteady analysis concerns the self-accelerating tip of an elongated flame in a smooth walled tube. The flame on the tip, considered as plane and orthogonal to the tube axis, is pushed from behind by the longitudinal flow resulting from the cumulative effect of the radial flows of burned gas issued from the lateral flame of the finger-like front (called backflow in the following). The analysis of the one-dimensional dynamics is performed by coupling the flame structure with the downstream-running compression waves propagating in the external flows. A critical elongation is identified from which the slightest increase in elongation leads to a pressure runaway producing the flame blow-off. The dynamics of the inner structure of the laminar flame on the tip which is accelerated by the self-induced backflow is characterized by a finite-time singularity of the reacting flow in the form of a dynamical saddle-node bifurcation.
Reconstructing subglacial lake activity with an altimetry-based inverse method
Authors: Stubblefield Aaron G. , Meyer Colin R. , Siegfried Matthew R. , Sauthoff Wilson , Spiegelman Marc
Published: November 2023

Subglacial lake water-volume changes produce ice-elevation anomalies that provide clues about water flow beneath glaciers and ice sheets. Significant challenges remain in the quantitative interpretation of these elevation-change anomalies because the surface expression of subglacial lake activity depends on basal conditions, rate of water-volume change, and ice rheology. To address these challenges, we introduce an inverse method that reconstructs subglacial lake activity from altimetry data while accounting for the effects of viscous ice flow. We use a linearized approximation of a Stokes ice-flow model under the assumption that subglacial lake activity only induces small perturbations relative to a reference ice-flow state. We validate this assumption by accurately reconstructing lake activity from synthetic data that are produced with a fully nonlinear model. We then apply the method to estimate the water-volume changes of several active subglacial lakes in Antarctica by inverting data from NASA's Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite 2 (ICESat-2) laser altimetry mission. The results show that there can be substantial discrepancies (20% or more) between the inversion and traditional estimation methods due to the effects of viscous ice flow. The inverse method will help refine estimates of subglacial water transport and further constrain the role of subglacial hydrology in ice-sheet evolution.
Witch Hunts? Electoral Cycles and Corruption Lawsuits in Argentina
Authors: Feierherd Germán , Gonzalez-Ocantos Ezequiel , Tuñón Guadalupe
Published: November 2023

Courts prosecuting corruption serve a critical horizontal accountability function, but they can also play a role in moments of vertical accountability when voters can sanction corrupt candidates. This article documents the strategic use of corruption lawsuits, demonstrating the presence of an electoral cycle in filing new corruption accusations against politicians. Using an original dataset of daily corruption complaints filed in federal courts against members of Argentina's main political coalitions between 2013 and 2021, we document increased corruption accusations against and by politicians in the periods immediately preceding an election. A second dataset of daily media coverage of corruption accusations in two leading newspapers suggests that corruption is more salient before elections, offering politicians a temporal focal point to prepare and launch especially impactful lawsuits. Our findings shed new light on using courts for accountability and debates about the so-called ‘lawfare’ in Latin America.
A natural pseudometric on homotopy groups of metric spaces
Authors: Brazas Jeremy , Fabel Paul
Published: November 2023

For a path-connected metric space
$(X,d)$
, the
$n$
-th homotopy group
$\pi _n(X)$
inherits a natural pseudometric from the
$n$
-th iterated loop space with the uniform metric. This pseudometric gives
$\pi _n(X)$
the structure of a topological group, and when
$X$
is compact, the induced pseudometric topology is independent of the metric
$d$
. In this paper, we study the properties of this pseudometric and how it relates to previously studied structures on
$\pi _n(X)$
. Our main result is that the pseudometric topology agrees with the shape topology on
$\pi _n(X)$
if
$X$
is compact and
$LC^{n-1}$
or if
$X$
is an inverse limit of finite polyhedra with retraction bonding maps.
Associative plural marking in English varieties
Authors: Overstreet Maryann , Yule George
Published: November 2023

We normally think of ‘plural’ in English in terms of reference to more than one, as in the use of the word dogs to refer to more than one dog. This is described as the ‘ordinary’ or ‘additive’ plural, which has referential homogeneity in the sense that every member of the group referenced by dogs is a dog. In contrast, there is another type of plural which is used for human groups and has referential heterogeneity, that is, each member of the referenced group is a separate individual.1 In addition, each of those members is associated in some way, typically as family, friend or habitual companion, with a prominent member of the group, hence the term ‘associative’ plural for the construction. The following description is from Moravcsik (2003).

Associative plurals will be taken to be constructions whose meaning is ‘X and X's associate(s),’ where all members are individuals, X is the focal referent, and the associate(s) form a group centering around X. (pp. 470–471)
How to build a scientific discipline in the nineteenth century: In search of autonomy for zoology at the Lisbon Polytechnic School (1837–1862)
Authors: Gamito-Marques Daniel
Published: November 2023

Argument

This article discusses the conditions that lead to the autonomy of scientific disciplines by analyzing the case of zoology in the nineteenth century. The specialization of knowledge and its institutionalization in higher education in the nineteenth century were important processes for the autonomy of scientific disciplines, such as zoology. The article argues that autonomy only arises after social and political power is mobilized by specific groups to acquire appropriate conceptual, physical, and institutional spaces for a discipline. This is illustrated through the case study of the Lisbon Polytechnic School, a higher education establishment that was created in 1837, in Portugal. The case shows that autonomy in zoology can arise before the consolidation of a community of experts in the discipline, which may have been a common feature of the discipline in other countries.
The Link between Social Research and Social Policy Options: Reverse Retirement as a Case in Point
Authors: McDonald Lynn
Published: November 2023

Social gerontologists have observed that economic determinism is problematic to the policy-making process and that there are too few inputs from other sources. The purpose of this research is to illustrate how social research can inform the current pension debate which revolves around the issues of raising the age of retirement, the merits of partial retirement and the adequacy of the new Seniors Benefit. An analysis of data on post-retirement workers is presented using the Survey of Ageing and Independence as an example of how social research can make a difference to choices about public pension policies.
Medication Use in the Seniors Population: Optimization of Physician Prescribing as a Means of Preventing Drug-related Illness
Authors: Tamblyn Robyn
Published: November 2023

Drug-related illness (DRI) is a common problem in the elderly. Misuse of medications and inappropriate prescribing account for over half of all hospital admissions for DRI and both are potentially preventable. Physicians are the gatekeepers to prescription medication access and, in this role, they have the opportunity to prevent exposure to unnecessary and inappropriate medication and influence the use of medications by their elderly patients. Effective interventions to improve physician prescribing have been identified but they are costly to introduce, they require ongoing maintenance to maintain their effectiveness, they do not address the problems created by multiple prescribers or the challenges of keeping up-to-date on the growing number of new drugs that enter the market each year. Computer-based drug information networks and expert decision-making support systems are proposed as one means of providing (1) an accurate record for the prescribing physicians of drugs currently dispensed to their elderly patients, (2) a review of problems in existing and new prescriptions, and (3) an expert resource to select drug treatment. Canada is in an ideal situation to pioneer the development of these systems, but to do so, policies need to be put in place to address three problems. First, there is inadequate information available about the risks and benefits of drugs in the elderly because older sicker adults are often excluded in clinical trials of drug-effectiveness. Requirements for drug approval need to be amended so that sufficient evaluation of the risks and benefits of new drugs are carried out in the elderly. Second, computerization in the health care sector is central to the development of electronic decision-support systems in health care delivery. Future policy needs to be directed to the development of an effective infrastructure to facilitate the transition to an integrated computerized health sector. Third, the ethical and legal issues related to the access of prescription data through electronic networks need to be identified and clear guidelines for use of this new technology need to be developed.
Navigating an emotional journey: A qualitative study of the emotional experiences of family carers currently supporting people living with motor neurone disease
Authors: Trucco Ana Paula , Mioshi Eneida , Kishita Naoko , Barry Caroline , Backhouse Tamara
Published: November 2023

Background

Family carers of people living with motor neurone disease (MND) face continuous changes and losses during the progression of the disease, impacting on their emotional wellbeing. Carers’ emotions might affect their engagement in everyday activities and their caring role. However, how carers manage their emotions and which strategies they identify as useful to cope with them while caring is under researched.

Objective

To identify the emotional experiences and coping strategies of MND family carers while caring the person living with MND.

Methods

We conducted 14 semi-structured interviews with family carers currently supporting people living with MND living in the UK. Interviews were audio/video recorded and professionally transcribed verbatim. We analyzed data inductively within an interpretive descriptive approach, using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Three key themes were generated from the analysis. Destabilization of diagnosis reflected the devastating impact the diagnosis had on carers, characterized by initial overwhelming emotions. Adapting to new circumstances and identifying coping strategies captured how carers experienced everyday changes and losses and how they gradually adjusted to the situation by identifying coping strategies to be able to manage arising emotions. Maintaining emotional coping encompassed how carers used individual strategies they had tried before and had worked for them to cope emotionally with the continuous changes and losses while preserving their emotional wellbeing.

Significance of results

Our findings suggest that carers of people living with MND embark on an emotional journey from the diagnosis of the disease. As the disease progresses, carers adopt coping strategies that best work for them to manage their emotions (e.g., living day by day and seeking support). Understanding the key strategies used to support emotional coping during the caring journey and how carers re-construct their emotional life around MND could help inform future practice and research to better support carers of this population.
Effects of dietary nitrate and vitamin C co-ingestion on blood pressure and hand-grip strength in young adults
Authors: Lbban Eazaz , Macey Alex , Rundle Joshua , Ashor Ammar , Idris Iskandar , Siervo Mario
Published: November 2023

Abstract: Background: Co-administration of vitamin C and inorganic nitrate ([Formula: see text]) may reduce oxidative stress, boost the conversion of nitrite ([Formula: see text]) into NO and elicit positive vascular effects. Aims: We aimed to test the effects of oral inorganic [Formula: see text] and vitamin C co-supplementation on vascular function, muscular strength, and on concentrations of urinary [Formula: see text], vitamin C, 8-isoprostanes and salivary [Formula: see text] in healthy young adults. Methods: Ten young healthy participants were enrolled in a randomised, double-blind (only for the [Formula: see text] intervention) crossover clinical trial. Participants consumed in random order: 1) nitrate-rich beetroot juice and vitamin C (N+VC), 2) nitrate-rich beetroot juice alone (N) or 3) nitrate-depleted beetroot juice alone (ND). Resting blood pressure (BP) was measured at the research centre and at home. Non-invasive, continuous measurements of BP and cardiac function parameters were performed using a Finometer device. Free-living physical activity and hand-grip strength were assessed. Salivary [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and urinary [Formula: see text], 8-isoprostanes and vitamin C concentrations were measured. Results: There were no significant differences for any of the vascular outcomes between the three interventions groups. However, analyses of within-intervention changes showed a significant lower daily systolic BP in the [Formula: see text]+vitamin C (N+VC) group only (P=0.04). Urinary [Formula: see text] (P=0.002) and salivary [Formula: see text] (P=0.001) were significantly higher in the N+VC group compared to the N and ND groups. Conclusion: These preliminary findings suggest that combining dietary [Formula: see text] with vitamin C could have protective effects on vascular function in young adults and could represent an effective strategy for the maintenance of healthy cardiovascular trajectories.
Quantifying the Impact of COVID‐19 Pandemic on the Spatiotemporal Changes of CO2 Concentrations in the Yangtze River Delta, China
Authors: Wang Yanyu , Huang Cheng , Hu Xiao‐Ming , Wei Chong , An Jingyu , Yan Rusha , Liao Wenling , Tian Junjie , Wang Hongli , Duan Yusen , Liu Qizhen , Wang Wei , Ma Qianli , He Qianshan , Cheng Tiantao , Su Hang , Zhang Renhe
Published: November 2023

While the reduction in anthropogenic emissions due to Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) lockdown in China and its impact on air quality have been reported extensively, its impact on ambient carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations is still yet to be assessed. In this study, the impact of emission reductions on spatiotemporal changes of CO2 concentrations during the COVID‐19 pandemic was quantified in the Yangtze River Delta region (YRD), using high‐resolution dynamic emission inventory and the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with the Vegetation Photosynthesis and Respiration Model (WRF‐VPRM). The simulated CO2 concentrations from dynamic emission inventory shows a better agreement with surface observations compared with the Open‐source Data Inventory for Anthropogenic CO2 and Emission Database for Global Atmospheric Research emission, providing confidence in the quantification of CO2 concentrations variations. Our results show that emission reductions during the COVID‐19 pandemic lead to a CO2 decrease by 4.6 ppmv (−1.1%) in Shanghai and 3.1 ppmv (−0.7%) in YRD region. For the column‐averaged CO2 concentrations (denoted as XCO2), it also decreases by 0.20 ppmv (−0.05%) in Shanghai and 0.15 ppmv (−0.04%) in YRD region. Furthermore, emission reductions from transportation and industry are major contributors to the decline in CO2 concentrations at the near surface, accounting for 45.8% (41.1%) and 34.9% (41.0%) in Shanghai (YRD). Our study deepens the understanding of the response of CO2 concentrations to different sectors, which is helpful for emission management and climate adaption policies.
Variations in Summer Surface Air Temperature Over the Eastern Tibetan Plateau: Connection With Barents‐Kara Spring Sea Ice and Summer Arctic Oscillation
Authors: Deng Zhongren , Zhou Shunwu , Wang Meirong , He Linqiang , Qing Yiyu , Qian Zhitong
Published: November 2023

Variations in surface air temperature on the eastern Tibetan Plateau (TP‐SAT) during boreal summer, related to Barents‐Kara spring sea ice and summer Arctic Oscillation (AO), are investigated using observations and ERA‐5 reanalysis data during 1979–2018. Results show that the primary mode of summer eastern TP‐SAT (SAT_EOF1) is characterized by the consistent warming pattern with larger values over the northeastern TP, which is linked with the anticyclonic circulation located in the northeastern flank of the TP. This anticyclone enhances westward water vapor transport, warm temperature advection, and causes descending over the eastern TP, Descending further results in deceased middle level cloud cover and increased solar radiation, accordingly, favoring the eastern TP warming. Further statistical analysis reveals a robust connection between Barents‐Kara spring sea ice, summer AO and SAT_EOF1. Moreover, anticyclonic anomaly located in the northeastern region of the TP acts as an important driver of this consistent warming pattern over the eastern TP, which is modulated by two individual Rossby wave trains from the northwestern Russia and northwestern Atlantic. The spring sea ice in Barents‐Kara could cause decreased precipitation and reduced soil moisture in northwestern Russia during following summer, which further induces the Eurasian‐like teleconnection and affects the anticyclonic anomaly situated in the northeastern flank of the TP, thereby favoring eastern TP warming. In addition, from northwestern Atlantic to northeastern region of the TP, the Rossby wave train is mainly affected by summer AO, with positive AO causing anticyclonic anomaly over northeast of the TP, thus contributing to the TP warming.
Mapping Glacier Basal Sliding Applying Machine Learning
Authors: Umlauft Josefine , Johnson Christopher W. , Roux Philippe , Trugman Daniel Taylor , Lecointre Albanne , Walpersdorf Andrea , Nanni Ugo , Gimbert Florent , Rouet‐Leduc Bertrand , Hulbert Claudia , Lüdtke Stefan , Marton Sascha , Johnson Paul A.
Published: November 2023

During the RESOLVE project (“High‐resolution imaging in subsurface geophysics: development of a multi‐instrument platform for interdisciplinary research”), continuous surface displacement and seismic array observations were obtained on Glacier d’Argentière in the French Alps for 35 days in May 2018. The data set is used to perform a detailed study of targeted processes within the highly dynamic cryospheric environment. In particular, the physical processes controlling glacial basal motion are poorly understood and remain challenging to observe directly. Especially in the Alpine region for temperate based glaciers where the ice rapidly responds to changing climatic conditions and thus, processes are strongly intermittent in time and heterogeneous in space. Spatially dense seismic and Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements are analyzed applying machine learning to gain insight into the processes controlling glacial motions of Glacier d’Argentière. Using multiple bandpass‐filtered copies of the continuous seismic waveforms, we compute energy‐based features, develop a matched field beamforming catalog and include meteorological observations. Features describing the data are analyzed with a gradient boosting decision tree model to directly estimate the GPS displacements from the seismic noise. We posit that features of the seismic noise provide direct access to the dominant parameters that drive displacement on the highly variable and unsteady surface of the glacier. The machine learning model infers daily fluctuations and longer term trends. The results show on‐ice displacement rates are strongly modulated by activity at the base of the glacier. The techniques presented provide a new approach to study glacial basal sliding and discover its full complexity.
Airflow Dynamics and Aeolian Sand Transport Across a Beach‐Climbing Dune‐Clifftop Dune System
Authors: Dłużewski Maciej , Rotnicka Joanna , Hesp Patrick A. , Tomczak Joanna O.
Published: November 2023

This study presents an analysis of wind flow and sediment transport from the beach up a 50 m high, long (130 m), steep (mean slope 26°) climbing dune and across a 1.5 m high max, 85 m long and 17.5 m wide clifftop dune 30 km south of Dakhla in Morocco, NW Africa, during highly oblique incident wind conditions. Multiple 2D sonic and cup/vane anemometers and sand traps were utilized for measurements. Flow steering was significant on the upper climbing dune. Flow deceleration occurred near the dune toe, and topographic forcing of flow was considerable on the upper slopes of the climbing dune. Near‐surface flow steadiness (CVU1, CVU0.25) on the climbing dune straight slope segment was low and constant. The distance upslope over which the airflow reached a speed comparable to that on the beach increases as the incident wind speed increases. The greatest flow acceleration and speed‐up was observed at the cliff edge reaching 250% at 1 m height and 220% at 0.25 m height for the lowest incident wind speed class (4–5 m/s). The sand transport rate declined from the beach to the climbing dune toe and lower slope, but at the uppermost section of the climbing dune was 4 times higher than in the beach for the 7–8 m/s incident wind speed. Sand in aeolian transport was generally finer than surface sand, with the mean grain size increasing up the slope. A comparison of the sand transport data collected with sand transport models, and the effects of slope on Aeolian transport are also examined.
Weak measurements and quantum-to-classical transitions in free electron–photon interactions
Authors: Pan Yiming , Cohen Eliahu , Karimi Ebrahim , Gover Avraham , Schönenberger Norbert , Chlouba Tomáš , Wang Kangpeng , Nehemia Saar , Hommelhoff Peter , Kaminer Ido , Aharonov Yakir
Published: November 2023

How does the quantum-to-classical transition of measurement occur? This question is vital for both foundations and applications of quantum mechanics. Here, we develop a new measurement-based framework for characterizing the classical and quantum free electron–photon interactions and then experimentally test it. We first analyze the transition from projective to weak measurement in generic light–matter interactions and show that any classical electron-laser-beam interaction can be represented as an outcome of weak measurement. In particular, the appearance of classical point-particle acceleration is an example of an amplified weak value resulting from weak measurement. A universal factor, $$\exp \left(-{\Gamma }^{2}/2\right)$$

exp

−

Γ

2

/
2

, quantifies the measurement regimes and their transition from quantum to classical, where $$\Gamma$$
Γ
corresponds to the ratio between the electron wavepacket size and the optical wavelength. This measurement-based formulation is experimentally verified in both limits of photon-induced near-field electron microscopy and the classical acceleration regime using a DLA. Our results shed new light on the transition from quantum to classical electrodynamics, enabling us to employ the essence of the wave-particle duality of both light and electrons in quantum measurement for exploring and applying many quantum and classical light–matter interactions.
Upfront allogeneic transplantation versus JAK inhibitor therapy for patients with myelofibrosis: a North American collaborative study
Authors: Maze Dawn , Arcasoy Murat O. , Henrie Ryan , Cerquozzi Sonia , Kamble Rammurti , Al-Hadidi Samer , Yacoub Abdulraheem , Singh Anurag K. , Elsawy Mahmoud , Sirhan Shireen , Smith Elliot , Marcoux Curtis , Viswabandya Auro , Daly Andrew , Sibai Hassan , McNamara Caroline , Shi Yuliang , Xu Wei , Lajkosz Katherine , Foltz Lynda , Gupta Vikas
Published: November 2023

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the only curative therapy for myelofibrosis (MF) and is recommended for patients with higher risk disease. However, there is a risk of early mortality, and optimal timing is unknown. JAK inhibitor (JAKi) therapy may offer durable improvement in symptoms, splenomegaly and quality of life. The aim of this multicentre, retrospective observational study was to compare outcomes of patients aged 70 years or below with MF in chronic phase who received upfront JAKi therapy vs. upfront HCT in dynamic international prognostic scoring system (DIPSS)-stratified categories. For the whole study cohort, median overall survival (OS) was longer for patients who received a JAKi vs. upfront HCT, 69 (95% CI 57–89) vs. 42 (95% CI 20–not reached, NR) months, respectively (p = 0.01). In patients with intermediate-2 and high-risk disease, median OS was 55 (95% CI 36–73) months with JAKi vs. 36 (95% CI 20–NR) months for HCT (p = 0.27). An upfront HCT strategy was associated with early mortality and difference in median OS was not observed in any risk group by 5 years of follow-up. Within the limitations of a retrospective observational study, we did not observe any benefit of a universal upfront HCT approach for higher-risk MF.
Landscape genomics reveals adaptive genetic differentiation driven by multiple environmental variables in naked barley on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Chen Tongrui , Xu Jinqing , Wang Lei , Wang Handong , You En , Deng Chao , Bian Haiyan , Shen Yuhu
Published: November 2023

Understanding the local adaptation of crops has long been a concern of evolutionary biologists and molecular ecologists. Identifying the adaptive genetic variability in the genome is crucial not only to provide insights into the genetic mechanism of local adaptation but also to explore the adaptation potential of crops. This study aimed to identify the climatic drivers of naked barley landraces and putative adaptive loci driving local adaptation on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). To this end, a total of 157 diverse naked barley accessions were genotyped using the genotyping-by-sequencing approach, which yielded 3123 high-quality SNPs for population structure analysis and partial redundancy analysis, and 37,636 SNPs for outlier analysis. The population structure analysis indicated that naked barley landraces could be divided into four groups. We found that the genomic diversity of naked barley landraces could be partly traced back to the geographical and environmental diversity of the landscape. In total, 136 signatures associated with temperature, precipitation, and ultraviolet radiation were identified, of which 13 had pleiotropic effects. We mapped 447 genes, including a known gene HvSs1. Some genes involved in cold stress and regulation of flowering time were detected near eight signatures. Taken together, these results highlight the existence of putative adaptive loci in naked barley on QTP and thus improve our current understanding of the genetic basis of local adaptation.
Neural circuit selective for fast but not slow dopamine increases in drug reward
Authors: Manza Peter , Tomasi Dardo , Shokri-Kojori Ehsan , Zhang Rui , Kroll Danielle , Feldman Dana , McPherson Katherine , Biesecker Catherine , Dennis Evan , Johnson Allison , Yuan Kai , Wang Wen-Tung , Yonga Michele-Vera , Wang Gene-Jack , Volkow Nora D.
Published: November 2023

The faster a drug enters the brain, the greater its addictive potential, yet the brain circuits underlying the rate dependency to drug reward remain unresolved. With simultaneous PET-fMRI we linked dynamics of dopamine signaling, brain activity/connectivity, and self-reported ‘high’ in 20 adults receiving methylphenidate orally (results in slow delivery) and intravenously (results in fast delivery) (trial NCT03326245). We estimated speed of striatal dopamine increases to oral and IV methylphenidate and then tested where brain activity was associated with slow and fast dopamine dynamics (primary endpoint). We then tested whether these brain circuits were temporally associated with individual ‘high’ ratings to methylphenidate (secondary endpoint). A corticostriatal circuit comprising the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and insula and their connections with dorsal caudate was activated by fast (but not slow) dopamine increases and paralleled ‘high’ ratings. These data provide evidence in humans for a link between dACC/insula activation and fast but not slow dopamine increases and document a critical role of the salience network in drug reward.
Single cell spatial analysis reveals inflammatory foci of immature neutrophil and CD8 T cells in COVID-19 lungs
Authors: Weeratunga Praveen , Denney Laura , Bull Joshua A. , Repapi Emmanouela , Sergeant Martin , Etherington Rachel , Vuppussetty Chaitanya , Turner Gareth D. H. , Clelland Colin , Woo Jeongmin , Cross Amy , Issa Fadi , de Andrea Carlos Eduardo , Melero Bermejo Ignacio , Sims David , McGowan Simon , Zurke Yasemin-Xiomara , Ahern David J. , Gamez Eddie C. , Whalley Justin , Richards Duncan , Klenerman Paul , Monaco Claudia , Udalova Irina A. , Dong Tao , Antanaviciute Agne , Ogg Graham , Knight Julian C. , Byrne Helen M. , Taylor Stephen , Ho Ling-Pei
Published: November 2023

Single cell spatial interrogation of the immune-structural interactions in COVID −19 lungs is challenging, mainly because of the marked cellular infiltrate and architecturally distorted microstructure. To address this, we develop a suite of mathematical tools to search for statistically significant co-locations amongst immune and structural cells identified using 37-plex imaging mass cytometry. This unbiased method reveals a cellular map interleaved with an inflammatory network of immature neutrophils, cytotoxic CD8 T cells, megakaryocytes and monocytes co-located with regenerating alveolar progenitors and endothelium. Of note, a highly active cluster of immature neutrophils and CD8 T cells, is found spatially linked with alveolar progenitor cells, and temporally with the diffuse alveolar damage stage. These findings offer further insights into how immune cells interact in the lungs of severe COVID-19 disease. We provide our pipeline [Spatial Omics Oxford Pipeline (SpOOx)] and visual-analytical tool, Multi-Dimensional Viewer (MDV) software, as a resource for spatial analysis.