bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the spacing between plasma channels on the fracture behavior of red sandstone under high-voltage pulse discharge
Authors: Peng Jianyu , Zhou Yuanhang , Zhang Fengpeng , Li Jiaqiang , Yan Guangliang
Published: April 2024

In rock engineering, high-voltage pulse technology has attracted attention because it offers environmental protection, controllable energy, and repeatable discharge. It is necessary to study the fracture behavior of rock under high-voltage pulse discharge (HVPD) for the parametric design of rock breaking thereby. HVPD experiments were conducted in red sandstone samples with the plasma channel spacing ranging from 26 to 66 mm at intervals of 10 mm. The stress wave generated by HVPD was obtained from the current waveform measured by Rogowski coils. In combination with numerical simulations, the distribution characteristics, propagation process, and formation mechanism of fractures were analyzed. The results showed that after two applications of HVPD at different positions, the sample was both broken down and two plasma channels and radial fractures centered around them were formed within. The stress wave decays exponentially with the increase of the distance from the plasma channel. When the spacing between plasma channels is less than or equal to 46 mm, fracture coalescence occurs between the two plasma channels; thereafter, the fractures formed by the second HVPD face resistance to propagation towards the fracture area formed by the first HVPD. In addition, numerical simulation results indicate that the second HVPD will generate significant tensile stress in the middle region of the two plasma channels, leading to near-horizontal fracture coalescence. When the spacing between plasma channels increases to 56 mm and 66 mm, the tensile stress induced by the second HVPD in the middle region of the sample is small, and it is difficult to form fracture coalescence between the two channels.
Propagation and complex morphology of hydraulic fractures in lamellar shales based on finite-discrete element modeling
Authors: Wang Mengyao , Gan Quan , Wang Tao , Ma Yueqiang , Yan Chengzeng , Benson Philip , Wang Xiaoguang , Elsworth Derek
Published: April 2024

We explore the controls of stress magnitude and orientation relative to bedding on the resulting morphology/topology of hydraulic fractures using a combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM). Behavior is shown conditioned by the ratio of principal stresses $$\lambda ={\sigma }_{3}/{\sigma }_{1}$$

λ
=

σ
3

/

σ
1

and relative inclination of the bedding. When the lateral pressure coefficient ($$\lambda$$
λ
) is less than 0.67, hydraulic fractures predominantly initiate as tensile fractures along the wellbore, aligning with the maximum principal stress direction. Conversely, for $$\lambda \ge 0.67$$

λ
≥
0.67

, shear cracks are favored to initiate for the minor stress difference, leading to a less predictable initiation and extension direction. Simultaneously, diminished stress differences correspond to elevated reservoir breakdown pressures, displaying a linear correlation with lateral pressure coefficients and little influenced by equivalent bedding orientation. Bedding plane orientation significantly impacts the mode and morphology of hydraulic fracture propagation. Bedding parallel to the direction of the minimum principal stress ($${\sigma }_{3}$$

σ
3

) favors layer-penetrating and bifurcated fractures, whereas inclined bedding facilitates the emergence of numerous steering-type and capture-type fractures. Especially at steeper inclinations ($$\beta =60^\circ$$

β
=

60
∘

), hydraulic fractures readily extend along the bedding surface, inducing macroscopic shear slip failure. Under high-stress disparities, the breakdown pressure exhibits greater sensitivity to bedding inclination, and its influence pattern aligns with the variations in tensile strength, typically reaching maximum and minimum values at bedding inclination angles of 0° and 60°, respectively.
Objective metrics for ethical AI: a systematic literature review
Authors: Palumbo Guilherme , Carneiro Davide , Alves Victor
Published: April 2024

The field of AI Ethics has recently gained considerable attention, yet much of the existing academic research lacks practical and objective contributions for the development of ethical AI systems. This systematic literature review aims to identify and map objective metrics documented in literature between January 2018 and June 2023, specifically focusing on the ethical principles outlined in the Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI. The review was based on 66 articles retrieved from the Scopus and World of Science databases. The articles were categorized based on their alignment with seven ethical principles: Human Agency and Oversight, Technical Robustness and Safety, Privacy and Data Governance, Transparency, Diversity, Non-Discrimination and Fairness, Societal and Environmental Well-being, and Accountability. Of the identified articles, only a minority presented objective metrics to assess AI ethics, with the majority being purely theoretical works. Moreover, existing metrics are primarily concentrating on Diversity, Non-Discrimination and Fairness, with a clear under-representation of the remaining principles. This lack of practical contributions makes it difficult for Data Scientists to devise systems that can be deemed Ethical, or to monitor the alignment of existing systems with current guidelines and legislation. With this work, we lay out the current panorama concerning objective metrics to quantify AI Ethics in Data Science and highlight the areas in which future developments are needed to align Data Science projects with the human values widely posited in the literature.
A Frailty Model for Semi-competing Risk Data with Applications to Colon Cancer
Authors: Bedia Elizbeth Ch. , Cancho Vicente G. , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar
Published: April 2024

In semi-competing risks (which generalizes the competing risks scenario), a subject may experience both terminal and non-terminal events, usually dependent, where the event time to the intermediate non-terminal event (say, tumor recurrence in cancer studies) is subject to censoring by the terminal event (say, death), but not vice-versa. As an alternative to the latent failure time formulation of semi-competing risks with joint survival functions, here, we consider an illness-death (multistate) shared frailty framework, where the dependency between the terminal and non-terminal failure times is incorporated via the power variance frailty between the conditional transition rates that are assumed Markov. Inference is conducted via maximum likelihood. A simulation study is conducted to evaluate the finite sample performance of the model parameters. Finally, we compare and contrast our power variance frailty proposal to known alternatives via application to a colon cancer dataset. Relevant code for implementation of our model is available in GitHub.
Geospatial Structure and Evolution Analysis of National Terrestrial Adjacency Network Based on Complex Network
Authors: Zhi Zhiyang , Liu Jianzhong , Liu Jiale , Li Aiguang
Published: April 2024

The first law of geography is one of the most important concepts in geographical analysis, revealing the significant role of spatial proximity. At present, some current international relation studies or geographic network analysis studies tend to build corresponding network models according to different themes, but the most basic level of geographic neighborhoods is intentionally or unintentionally neglected in those processes. Based on the adjacency relationship between the terrestrial countries in the world, the model of the terrestrial adjacency network (TAN) is constructed. The model includes almost all land-based countries and is divided into three main regions, respectively, Eurasia, Africa, and America. On the mathematical model of these regions, we analyze the geospatial structure and network evolution of the adjacent networks utilizing statistical methods and network analysis methods. This study helps to map and understand the geographical attributes and characteristics of countries from the perspective of holistic structure, aiming to provide a quantitative reference for subsequent research on international relations and geographic computing. Moreover, despite some limitations, TAN represents a new advance in geographical network analysis that can be further applied by overlaying more attribute data.
Content and interaction-based mapping of Reddit posts related to information security
Authors: Charmanas Konstantinos , Mittas Nikolaos , Angelis Lefteris
Published: April 2024

Ensuring the privacy and safety of platform users has become a complex objective due to the emerging threats that surround any type of network, software, and hardware. Scams, malwares, hackers, and security vulnerabilities form the epicenter of cyber threats causing severe damage to the affected systems and sensitive data of users. Thus, users turn to online social networks to report cyber threats, discuss topics of their interest, and obtain knowledge concerning the various perspectives of information security. In this study, we aim to address the concepts of social interactions surrounding information security-related content by retrieving and analyzing Reddit posts from 45 relevant subreddits. In this regard, a word clustering approach is employed, based on the Affinity Propagation algorithm, that leads to the extraction and interpretation of 54 concepts. These concepts are relevant to information security and some more generic areas of interest including social media, software vendors, and labors. Furthermore, to provide a more comprehensive overview of users’ activity in the different Reddit communities/subreddits, a knowledge map associating subreddits and concepts based on their conceptual similarities is also established. The analysis shows that the descriptions of the examined subreddits are strongly related to their underlying concepts. At the same time, the outcomes also assess the conceptual associations between the different subreddits, offering knowledge related to similar and distant communities. Ultimately, two post metrics are utilized to explore how the concepts may impact user interactions. This allows us to differentiate between concepts associated with posts typically endorsed by communities, resulting in increased information exchange (via comments), or contributing as news/announcements. Overall, the findings of this study can be used as a knowledge basis in determining user interests, opinions, perspectives, and responsiveness, when it comes to cyber threats, attacks, and malicious activities. Also, the respective outcomes can contribute as a guide for identifying similar communities/subreddits and themes. Regarding the methodological contributions of this study, the proposed framework can be adapted to similar datasets and research goals as it does not depend on the special characteristics of the imported data, offering, in turn, a practical approach for future research.
Combining the strengths of Dutch survey and register data in a data challenge to predict fertility (PreFer)
Authors: Sivak Elizaveta , Pankowska Paulina , Mendrik Adriënne , Emery Tom , Garcia-Bernardo Javier , Höcük Seyit , Karpinska Kasia , Maineri Angelica , Mulder Joris , Nissim Malvina , Stulp Gert
Published: April 2024

The social sciences have produced an impressive body of research on determinants of fertility outcomes, or whether and when people have children. However, the strength of these determinants and underlying theories are rarely evaluated on their predictive ability on new data. This prevents us from systematically comparing studies, hindering the evaluation and accumulation of knowledge. In this paper, we present two datasets which can be used to study the predictability of fertility outcomes in the Netherlands. One dataset is based on the LISS panel, a longitudinal survey which includes thousands of variables on a wide range of topics, including individual preferences and values. The other is based on the Dutch register data which lacks attitudinal data but includes detailed information about the life courses of millions of Dutch residents. We provide information about the datasets and the samples, and describe the fertility outcome of interest. We also introduce the fertility prediction data challenge PreFer which is based on these datasets and will start in Spring 2024. We outline the ways in which measuring the predictability of fertility outcomes using these datasets and combining their strengths in the data challenge can advance our understanding of fertility behaviour and computational social science. We further provide details for participants on how to take part in the data challenge.
Multi-phase k-quadrature domains and applications to acoustic waves and magnetic fields
Authors: Kow Pu-Zhao , Shahgholian Henrik
Published: April 2024

The primary objective of this paper is to explore the multi-phase variant of quadrature domains associated with the Helmholtz equation, commonly referred to as k-quadrature domains. Our investigation employs both the minimization problem approach, which delves into the segregation ground state of an energy functional, and the partial balayage procedure, drawing inspiration from the recent work by Gardiner and Sjödin. Furthermore, we present practical applications of these concepts in the realms of acoustic waves and magnetic fields.
Evaluation of bacteriostatic and antioxidant activities of various extracts from aerial part of Piper nigrum grown in Gulf countries traditionally used for the treatment of various infectious diseases
Authors: Alateeqi Doaa Ibrahim Marey , Al-Touby Salem Said Jaroof , Hossain Mohammad Amzad
Published: April 2024

Piper nigrum (P. nigrum) is a tropical medicinal plant widely available in Southeast Asian countries including Oman. In Asian It has a long history of usage in places such as Oman for treating of rheumatism, colds, and various infections. Based on the medicinal uses, the purpose of this research is to create diverse fractions using increasing solvent polarity from the aerial part of the collected plant species and evaluate their antibacterial and antioxidant activities by using established bioassays. The aerial part was collected from the Southern part of Oman and processed using the standard method. The processed materials were recovered using the maceration method using methanol, and the methanol raw extracts was further fractionated with water extraction, butanol, ethyl acetate (ETA), hexane, and dichloromethane are produced using different liquid polarities. Each of the six plant extracts was tested for antioxidant and antibacterial potential at different concentrations against DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and agar diffusion methods. All of the fractions at varied concentrations shown promising antioxidant activity with DPPH against the gallic acid. The maximum activity was observed in hexane extract, while the smallest potential was noticed in butanol extract, in the following order: hexane > chloroform > water > methanol > ethyl acetate > butanol extract. The antibacterial efficacy of six different polarities extracts gives moderate activity against two Gram-positive bacteria strains namely S. saprophyticus and S. aureus and three Gram-negative namely P. vulgaris
,
K. senegalensis and E. coli. Among the six extracts, hexane extract had the most antibacterial activity, whereas butanol extract had the smallest activity. The remaining four extracts, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water, all had comparable activity. In conclusion, the extracts with the greatest activity from the chosen plant types might be employed as natural antioxidants to treat infectious disorders.
Replies to critics
Authors: Schmidt Eva
Published: April 2024

In these replies, I react to comments on my paper “Facts about Incoherence as Non-Evidential Epistemic Reasons”, provided by Aleks Knoks, Sebastian Schmidt, Keshav Singh, and Conor McHugh. I discuss potential counterexamples to my claim that the fact that the subject’s doxastic attitudes are incoherent is an epistemic reason for her to suspend; whether such incoherence-based reasons bear on individual attitudes or only on combinations of attitudes; the prospects of restricting evidentialism about epistemic reasons to reasons to believe; whether incoherence-based reasons are truly epistemic; the alleged normative and motivational expendability of incoherence-based reasons; the possibility of incoherence-based reasons to suspend without actual belief in the incoherent propositions; the relationship between suspension, inquiry, and incoherence; and the nature of suspension of judgment.
How does digital inclusive finance improve rural economic resilience? Evidence from China
Authors: Shen Yu , Hu Guangyu
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the role of digital inclusive finance (DIF) in strengthening rural economic resilience in China. Analyzing data from 31 Chinese provinces over 2011–2020, it explores how DIF impacts rural economic resilience, considering factors like the market environment and rural transportation infrastructure. The research identifies the positive influence of DIF, particularly in regions with poor market environment and transportation infrastructure. It also highlights the mediating effects of increased rural entrepreneurship and the reduction of the urban–rural income gap on enhancing rural economic resilience. The findings underscore DIF's potential in promoting sustainable rural economic development.
The Measurement of Subjective Probability
Authors: Elliott Edward J. R.
Published: April 2024

Beliefs come in degrees, and we often represent those degrees with numbers. We might say, for example, that we are 90% confident in the truth of some scientific hypothesis, or only 30% confident in the success of some risky endeavour. But what do these numbers mean? What, in other words, is the underlying psychological reality to which the numbers correspond? And what constitutes a meaningful difference between numerically distinct representations of belief? In this Element, we discuss the main approaches to the measurement of belief. These fall into two broad categories-epistemic and decision-theoretic-with divergent foundations in the theory of measurement. Epistemic approaches explain the measurement of belief by appeal to relations between belief states themselves, whereas decision-theoretic approaches appeal to relations between beliefs and desires in the production of choice and preferences.
Management of Seizures in Neurosurgical Practice
Authors: Woodfield Julie , Duncan Susan
Published: April 2024

Seizures are a presenting feature of many neurosurgical disorders, and can arise as a result of neurosurgical treatment or its complications. Recognition and effective management of seizures can be life-saving, and will minimise long term seizure induced morbidity. In this Element the authors describe seizure diagnosis, emergency and ongoing management, and considerations in neurosurgical conditions.
Origins of Biweekly Sea Surface Temperature Variability in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific and Atlantic
Authors: Xu Gaopeng , Chang Ping , Zhang Qiuying
Published: April 2024

Biweekly sea surface temperature (SST) variability significantly contributes to over 50% of the intraseasonal variability in the eastern equatorial Pacific (EEP) and Atlantic (EEA). Our study investigates this biweekly variability, employing a blend of in–situ and reanalysis data sets. The research identifies biweekly signals in SST, meridional wind, and ocean currents, notably in September–November in EEP and June–August in EEA. Biweekly southerly (northerly) winds drive instantaneous northward (southward) ocean currents in EEP, but with a 1–2‐day phase delay in EEA. Consequently, these currents lead to SST anomalies with a 3–4‐day lag in both EEP and EEA due to the presence of the cold tongue. The study reveals the origin of biweekly wind fluctuations in the western Pacific for EEP and the subpolar Pacific for EEA, connected by atmospheric Rossby waves validated through a linearized non‐divergent barotropic model. This research affirms the influence of subtropical and subpolar atmospheric forcing on equatorial SST.
Path and Slip Dependent Behavior of Shallow Subduction Shear Zones During Fluid Overpressure
Authors: Belzer Benjamin D. , French Melodie E.
Published: April 2024

Elevated pore fluid pressure is proposed to contribute to slow earthquakes along shallow subduction plate boundaries. However, the processes that create high fluid pressure, disequilibrium compaction and dehydration reactions, lead to different effective stress paths in fault rocks. These paths are predicted by granular mechanics frameworks to lead to different strengths and deformation modes, yet granular mechanics do not predict their effects on fault stability. To evaluate the role of fluid overpressure on shallow megathrust strength and slip behavior, we conducted triaxial shear experiments on chlorite and celadonite rich gouge layers. Experiments were conducted at constant temperature (130 and 100°C), confining pressure (130 and 140 MPa), and pore fluid pressures (between 10 and 120 MPa). Fluid overpressure due to disequilibrium compaction was simulated by increasing confining and pore fluid pressure synchronously without exceeding the target effective pressure, whereas overpressure due to dehydration reactions was simulated by first loading the sample to a target isotropic effective pressure and then increasing pore fluid pressure to reduce the effective pressure. We find that the effects of fluid pressure and stress path on the mechanical behavior of the chlorite and celadonite gouges can generally be described using the critical state soil mechanics (CSSM) framework. However, path effects are more pronounced and persist to greater displacements in chlorite because its microstructure is more influenced by stress path. Due to its effects on microstructure, the stress path also imparts greater control on the rate‐dependence of chlorite strength, which is not predicted by CSSM.
The Architecture of a Root Zone of a Large Magmatic Conduit System From High Resolution Magnetic, Gravity and Petrophysical Data: The Reinfjord Ultramafic Complex
Authors: Pastore Z. , Church N. S. , Fichler C. , Michels A. , ter Maat G. W. , Larsen R. B. , McEnroe S. A.
Published: April 2024

The Seiland Igneous Province (SIP) is a large province of mafic and ultramafic (UM) complexes interpreted to be relics of a giant plumbing system feeding the Ediacaran Central Iapetus Magmatic Province. The Reinfjord Ultramafic Complex (RUC) is one of the four major ultramafic complexes of the SIP. The RUC has a younger dunite core surrounded by wehrlite and lherzolite embedded in country rocks consisting of layered gabbros with sub‐horizontal layering and metamorphosed sedimentary rocks. Here, we develop a 3D subsurface model for the RUC using high‐resolution magnetic and gravity data and extensive petrophysical measurements from oriented surface samples and drill core samples. Our model indicates that the RUC narrows in depth, extending a minimum of 1.4 km below sea level, and plunges eastwards below the country rock. This model allows us to decipher the lithologic heterogeneities, and the depth and lateral extent of ultramafic rocks, which we interpret in the context of the geologic history of the area. The RUC is spatially separated from other UM complexes of the SIP and the result of this study indicates a smaller depth extent. Combining these findings with the previously reported distribution of the SIP rocks based on the regional gravity data, we propose that the uplift of the crustal block hosting the RUC is larger than for ultramafic complexes in the northwestern part of the SIP.
A New GFSv15 With FV3 Dynamical Core Based Climate Model Large Ensemble and Its Application to Understanding Climate Variability, and Predictability
Authors: Zhang Tao , Yang Weiyu , Quan Xiao‐Wei , Zhu Jieshun , Jha Bhaskar , Kumar Arun , Hoerling Martin P. , Barsugli Joseph J. , Wang Wanqiu
Published: April 2024

NOAA Climate Prediction Center (CPC) has generated a 100‐member ensemble of atmospheric model simulations from 1979 to present using the Global Forecast System version 15 (GFSv15) with FV3 dynamical core. The intent of this study is to document a development in an infrastructure capability with a focus to demonstrate the quality of these new simulations is on par with the previous GFSv2 Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project simulations. These simulations are part of CPC's efforts to attribute observed seasonal climate variability to sea surface temperature (SST) forcings and get updated once a month by available observed SST. The performance of these simulations in replicating observed climate variability and trends, together with an assessment of climate predictability and the attribution of some climate events is documented. A particular focus of the analysis is on the US climate trend, Northern Hemisphere winter height variability, US climate response to three strong El Niño events, the analysis of signal to noise ratio, the anomaly correlation for seasonal climate anomalies, and the South Asian flooding of 2022 summer, and thereby samples wide aspects that are important for attributing climate variability. Results indicate that the new model can realistically reproduce observed climate variability, trends, and extreme events, better capturing the US climate response to extreme El Niño events and the 2022 summer South Asian record‐breaking flooding than GFSv2. The new model also shows an improvement in the wintertime simulation fidelity of US surface climate, mainly confined in the Northern and Southeastern US for precipitation and in the east for temperature.
Multiscale CO Budget Estimates Across South America: Quantifying Local Sources and Long Range Transport
Authors: Lichtig Pablo , Gaubert Benjamin , Emmons Louisa K. , Jo Duseong S. , Callaghan Patrick , Ibarra‐Espinosa Sergio , Dawidowski Laura , Brasseur Guy P. , Pfister Gabriele
Published: April 2024

South America is a large continent situated mostly in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) with complex topography and diverse emissions sources. However, the atmospheric chemistry of this region has been historically understudied. Here, we employ the Multi‐Scale Infrastructure for Chemistry and Aerosols, a novel global circulation model with regional refinement capabilities and full chemistry, to explore the sources and distribution of the carbon monoxide (CO) tropospheric column in South America during 2019, and also to assess the effect that South American primary emissions have over the rest of the world. Most of the CO over South America can be explained either by non‐methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC) secondary chemical production or by biomass burning emissions, with biomass burning as the main explanation for the variability in CO. Biomass burning in Central Africa is a relevant contributor to CO in all of the continent, including the southern tip. Biogenic emissions play a dual role in CO concentrations: they provide volatile organic compounds that contribute to the secondary CO production, but they also destroy OH, which limits the chemical production and destruction of CO. As a net effect, the lifetime of CO is extended to ∼120 days on average over the Amazon, while still being in the range of 30–60 days in the rest of South America.
Preference of Afternoon Precipitation Over Dry Soil in the North China Plain During Warm Seasons
Authors: Li Sixuan , Guo Jianping , Zhang Xuanze , Tong Bing , Su Tianning , Wei Jing , Li Zhanqing
Published: April 2024

The influence of soil moisture (SM) on atmospheric precipitation has been extensively studied, but few of these studies have considered the role of land‐atmosphere (L‐A) coupling in afternoon precipitation events (APEs) at a sub‐daily timescale. Here, using in‐situ observations and reanalysis data sets, we investigated the effect of the soil moisture anomaly (SMA) on warm seasons' afternoon precipitation in the North China Plain (NCP), identified as a strong L‐A coupling region. APEs were separated from all precipitation events in the NCP during the warm seasons of 2010–2019. It follows from a comparative analysis that an APE is more likely to be initiated on drier soil, which has little dependence on the thresholds used for identifying an APE. However, no affirmative relationship is found between precipitation amount in the first hour of an APE (APE1hour) and the SMA. Further analyses indicate that larger amounts of APE1hour result from higher convective available potential energy (CAPE), higher moist static energy (MSE), or weaker vertical shear of horizontal wind. When considering the joint effects of SMA and atmospheric variables, APEs tend to occur on drier (wetter) soil with lower (higher) lower‐tropospheric stability, CAPE, or MSE. This study highlights the significant roles of L‐A interactions on local atmospheric precipitation, especially the joint roles of SM and atmospheric variables on precipitation.
Contributions of Jupiter's Deep‐Reaching Surface Winds to Magnetic Field Structure and Secular Variation
Authors: Wicht J. , Christensen U. R.
Published: April 2024

NASA's Juno mission delivered gravity data of exceptional quality. They indicate that the zonal winds, which rule the dynamics of Jupiter's cloud deck, must slow down significantly beyond a depth of about 3,000 km. Since the underlying inversion is highly non‐unique additional constraints on the flow properties at depth are required. These could potentially be provided by the magnetic field and its Secular Variation (SV) over time. However, the role of these zonal winds in Jupiter's magnetic field dynamics is little understood. Here we use numerical simulations to explore the impact of the zonal winds on the dynamo field produced at depth. We find that the main effect is an attenuation of the non‐axisymmetric field, which can be quantified by a modified magnetic Reynolds number Rm that combines flow amplitude and electrical conductivity profile. Values below Rm = 3 are required to retain a pronounced non‐axisymmetric feature like the Great Blue Spot (GBS), which seems characteristic for Jupiter's magnetic field. This allows for winds reaching as deep as 3,400 km. A SV pattern similar to the observation can only be found in some of our models. Its amplitude reflects the degree of cancellation between advection and diffusion rather than the zonal wind velocity at any depth. It is therefore not straightforward to make inferences on the deep structure of cloud‐level winds based on Jupiter's SV.
Convection‐Permitting Climate Models Can Support Observations to Generate Rainfall Return Levels
Authors: Poschlod B. , Koh J.
Published: April 2024

Information about the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation is generally derived from fitting extreme value models using point‐observations, but the regionalization of these models is challenging. Here we propose using high‐resolution convection‐permitting climate model output as covariates for the estimation of observation‐based spatial rainfall return levels. We apply the Weather and Forecasting Research (WRF) model at a 1.5 km resolution driven by ERA5 reanalysis data over southern Germany, where 1,132 rain gauges provide observations of daily rainfall. For this complex topography, we build three different smooth spatial Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) models: (a) a reference model using latitude, longitude and elevation as covariates; (b) a model adding mean annual precipitation from the WRF; (c) a model adding extreme value statistical model estimates using WRF output. We show that the additional information provided by the WRF model can improve the representation of 10‐year and 100‐year return levels of daily rainfall by lowering the percentage bias, mean absolute error, and root‐mean‐square error. Furthermore, we conduct an extensive cross‐validation, where only 5%, 10%, 20%, 50%, 80%, 90%, and 95% of all rain gauges are considered when building spatial GEV models. Again, the additional information provided by the WRF model can improve results here. This cross‐validation study also highlights the robustness of our approach, showing great potential for use in data‐scarce regions.
Dune Development Dominates Flow Resistance Increase in a Large Dammed River
Authors: Hu Yong , Li Dongfeng , Deng Jinyun , Yue Yao , Zhou Junxiong , Yang Chunrui , Zheng Ninghui , Li Yitian
Published: April 2024

Dunes are important for bedload transport in almost all large river systems and exert an important control flow resistance. Investigating dunes is fundamental for simulating discharge, sediment transport, and flood routing. However, the spatiotemporal dynamics of dunes and flow resistance remain poorly understood in large alluvial river systems mainly due to the lack of high‐resolution data. Here we analyzed in‐field observed data on annual profiles of 450 cross‐sections, river bathymetry, discharge, water levels, and sediment in the Middle Yangtze River, and found that dunes developed and flow resistance increased (+10%) in the post‐Three Gorges Dam period. We ascertain that the development of dunes plays the dominant role in augmenting flow resistance, as evidenced by roughness height change (+29%) using a modified Van Rijn method. Ultimately, dune development was incorporated into a hydrogeomorphic numerical model of the Yangtze River to improve flow resistance quantification, and thus, the water level simulation. Our findings highlight the potential increase in flow resistance in response to upstream damming in large rivers and have important implications for flood management and riverine ecology.
Visceral-to-peripheral adiposity ratio: a critical determinant of sex and ethnic differences in cardiovascular risks among Asian Indians and African Creoles in Mauritius
Authors: Ramessur Vinaysing , Hunma Sadhna , Joonas Noorjehan , Ramessur Bibi Nasreen , Schutz Yves , Montani Jean-Pierre , Dulloo Abdul G.
Published: April 2024

Background/Aims

Coronary heart disease morbidity and mortality are higher in people of South Asian origin than in those of African origin. We investigated whether as young adults without diabetes, people in Mauritius of South Asian descent (Indians) would show a more adverse cardiovascular risk profile that those of predominantly African descent (Creoles), and whether this could be explained by ethnic differences in visceral adiposity or other fat distribution patterns.

Methods

The study was conducted in 189 young non-physically active adults, with the following measurements conducted after an overnight fast: anthropometry (weight, height, waist circumference), whole-body and regional body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, blood pressure, and blood assays for glycemic (glucose and HbA1c) and lipid profile (triglycerides and cholesterols).

Results

The results indicate higher serum triglycerides and lower HDL cholesterol in men than in women, and in Indians than in Creoles (p < 0.001). No significant differences due to sex or ethnicity are observed in body mass index and waist circumference, but indices of visceral adiposity (visceral/android, visceral/subcutaneous) and visceral-to-peripheral adiposity ratio (visceral/gynoid, visceral/limb) were significantly higher in men than in women, and in Indians than in Creoles. The significant effects of sex and ethnicity on blood lipid profile were either completely abolished or reduced to a greater extent after adjusting for the ratio of visceral-to-peripheral adiposity than for visceral adiposity per se.

Conclusions

In young adults in Mauritius, Indians show a more adverse pattern of body fat distribution and blood lipid risk profile than Creoles. Differences in their fat distribution patterns, however, only partially explain their differential atherogenic lipid risk profile, amid a greater impact of visceral-to-peripheral adiposity ratio than that of visceral adiposity per se on sex and ethnic differences in cardiovascular risks; the former possibly reflecting the ratio of hazardous (visceral) adiposity and protective (peripheral) superficial subcutaneous adiposity.
The effects of urban green space and road proximity to indoor traffic-related PM2.5, NO2, and BC exposure in inner-city schools
Authors: Matthaios V. N. , Holland I. , Kang C. M. , Hart J. E. , Hauptman M. , Wolfson J. M. , Gaffin J. M. , Phipatanakul W. , Gold D. R. , Koutrakis P.
Published: April 2024

Background

Since there are known adverse health impacts of traffic-related air pollution, while at the same time there are potential health benefits from greenness, it is important to examine more closely the impacts of these factors on indoor air quality in urban schools.

Objective

This study investigates the association of road proximity and urban greenness to indoor traffic-related fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and black carbon (BC) in inner-city schools.

Methods

PM2.5, NO2, and BC were measured indoors at 74 schools and outdoors at a central urban over a 10-year period. Seasonal urban greenness was estimated using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) with 270 and 1230 m buffers. The associations between indoor traffic-related air pollution and road proximity and greenness were investigated with mixed-effects models.

Results

The analysis showed linear decays of indoor traffic-related PM2.5, NO2, and BC by 60%, 35%, and 22%, respectively for schools located at a greater distance from major roads. The results further showed that surrounding school greenness at 270 m buffer was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with lower indoor traffic-related PM2.5: −0.068 (95% CI: −0.124, −0.013), NO2: −0.139 (95% CI: −0.185, −0.092), and BC: −0.060 (95% CI: −0.115, −0.005). These associations were stronger for surrounding greenness at a greater distance from the schools (buffer 1230 m) PM2.5: −0.101 (95% CI: −0.156, −0.046) NO2: −0.122 (95% CI: −0.169, −0.075) BC: −0.080 (95% CI: −0.136, −0.026). These inverse associations were stronger after fully adjusting for regional pollution and meteorological conditions.

Impact statement

More than 90% of children under the age of 15 worldwide are exposed to elevated air pollution levels exceeding the WHO’s guidelines. The study investigates the impact that urban infrastructure and greenness, in particular green areas and road proximity, have on indoor exposures to traffic-related PM2.5, NO2, and BC in inner-city schools. By examining a 10-year period the study provides insights for air quality management, into how road proximity and greenness at different buffers from the school locations can affect indoor exposure.
Biventricular function in preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus ligation: A three-dimensional echocardiographic study
Authors: Toyoshima Katsuaki , Aoki Hirosato , Noguchi Takahiro , Saito Naka , Shimizu Tatsuto , Kemmotsu Takahiro , Shimokaze Tomoyuki , Saito Tomoko , Shibasaki Jun , Kawataki Motoyoshi , Asou Toshihide , Tachibana Tsuyoshi , Masutani Satoshi
Published: April 2024

Background

The detailed hemodynamics after patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation in preterm infants remain unknown. We aimed to clarify the effect of surgical ligation on left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) volume and function.

Methods

Echocardiography was performed in 41 preterm infants (median gestational age: 25 weeks) before and after PDA ligation. Global longitudinal strain was determined using three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. These values were compared with those in 36 preterm infants without PDA (non-PDA).

Results

Preoperatively, the PDA group had greater end-diastolic volume (EDV) and cardiac output (CO) in both ventricles, a higher LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (53% vs 44%) and LV global longitudinal strain, and a lower RVEF (47% vs 52%) than the non-PDA group. At 4–8 h postoperatively, the two groups had a similar LVEDV and RVEDV. However, the PDA group had a lower EF and CO in both ventricles than the non-PDA group. At 24–48 h postoperatively, the RVEF was increased, but the LVEF remained decreased, and LVCO was increased.

Conclusions

PDA induces biventricular loading and functional abnormalities in preterm infants, and they dramatically change after surgery. Three-dimensional echocardiography may be beneficial to understand the status of both ventricles.

Impact

Preterm infants are at high risk of hemodynamic compromise following a sudden change in loading conditions after PDA ligation.

Three-dimensional echocardiography enables quantitative and serial evaluation of ventricular function and volume in preterm infants with PDA.

PDA induces biventricular loading and functional abnormalities in preterm infants, and they dramatically change after surgery.
Value of preclinical systematic reviews and meta-analyses in pediatric research
Authors: Romantsik Olga , Bank Matthias , Menon Julia M. L. , Malhotra Atul , Bruschettini Matteo
Published: April 2024

Similar to systematic reviews (SRs) in clinical fields, preclinical SRs address a specific research area, furnishing information on current knowledge, possible gaps, and potential methodological flaws of study design, conduct, and report. One of the main goals of preclinical SRs is to identify aspiring treatment strategies and evaluate if currently available data is solid enough to translate to clinical trials or highlight the gaps, thus justifying the need for new studies. It is imperative to rigorously follow the methodological standards that are widely available. These include registration of the protocol and adherence to guidelines for assessing the risk of bias, study quality, and certainty of evidence. A special consideration should be made for pediatric SRs, clinical and preclinical, due to the unique characteristics of this age group. These include rationale for intervention and comparison of primary and secondary outcomes. Outcomes measured should acknowledge age-related physiological changes and maturational processes of different organ systems. It is crucial to choose the age of the animals appropriately and its possible correspondence for specific pediatric age groups. The findings of well-conducted SRs of preclinical studies have the potential to provide a reliable evidence synthesis to guide the design of future preclinical and clinical studies.

Impact

This narrative review highlights the importance of rigorous design, conduct and reporting of preclinical primary studies and systematic reviews.

A special consideration should be made for pediatric systematic reviews of preclinical studies, due to the unique characteristics of this age group.
Predictable changes in the accuracy of human papillomavirus tests after vaccination: review with implications for performance monitoring in cervical screening
Authors: Rebolj Matejka , Brentnall Adam R. , Cuschieri Kate
Published: April 2024

Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) is changing the performance of cytology as a cervical screening test, but its effect on HPV testing is unclear. We review the effect of HPV16/18 vaccination on the epidemiology and the detection of HPV infections and high-grade cervical lesions (CIN2+) to evaluate the likely direction of changes in HPV test accuracy. The reduction in HPV16/18 infections and cross-protection against certain non-16/18 high-risk genotypes, most notably 31, 33, and/or 45, will likely increase the test’s specificity but decrease its positive predictive value (PPV) for CIN2+. Post-vaccination viral unmasking of non-16/18 genotypes due to fewer HPV16 co-infections might reduce the specificity and the PPV for CIN2+. Post-vaccination clinical unmasking exposing a higher frequency of CIN2+ related to non-16/18 high-risk genotypes is likely to increase the specificity and the PPV of HPV tests. The effect of HPV16/18 vaccination on HPV test sensitivity is difficult to predict based on these changes alone. Programmes relying on HPV detection for primary screening should monitor the frequency of false-positive and false-negative tests in vaccinated (younger) vs. unvaccinated (older) cohorts, to assess the outcomes and performance of their service.
Nose-to-brain selective drug delivery to glioma via ferritin-based nanovectors reduces tumor growth and improves survival rate
Authors: Marrocco Francesco , Falvo Elisabetta , Mosca Luciana , Tisci Giada , Arcovito Alessandro , Reccagni Alice , Limatola Cristina , Bernardini Roberta , Ceci Pierpaolo , D’Alessandro Giuseppina , Colotti Gianni
Published: April 2024

Gliomas are among the most fatal tumors, and the available therapeutic options are very limited. Additionally, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents most drugs from entering the brain. We designed and produced a ferritin-based stimuli-sensitive nanocarrier with high biocompatibility and water solubility. It can incorporate high amounts of the potent topoisomerase 1 inhibitor Genz-644282. Here, we show that this nanocarrier, named The-0504, can cross the BBB and specifically deliver the payload to gliomas that express high amounts of the ferritin/transferrin receptor TfR1 (CD71). Intranasal or intravenous administration of The-0504 both reduce tumor growth and improve the survival rate of glioma-bearing mice. However, nose-to-brain administration is a simpler and less invasive route that may spare most of the healthy tissues compared to intravenous injections. For this reason, the data reported here could pave the way towards a new, safe, and direct ferritin-based drug delivery method for brain diseases, especially brain tumors.
Inhibition of ACSS2-mediated histone crotonylation alleviates kidney fibrosis via IL-1β-dependent macrophage activation and tubular cell senescence
Authors: Li Lingzhi , Xiang Ting , Guo Jingjing , Guo Fan , Wu Yiting , Feng Han , Liu Jing , Tao Sibei , Fu Ping , Ma Liang
Published: April 2024

Histone lysine crotonylation (Kcr), as a posttranslational modification, is widespread as acetylation (Kac); however, its roles are largely unknown in kidney fibrosis. In this study, we report that histone Kcr of tubular epithelial cells is abnormally elevated in fibrotic kidneys. By screening these crotonylated/acetylated factors, a crotonyl-CoA-producing enzyme ACSS2 (acyl-CoA synthetase short chain family member 2) is found to remarkably increase histone 3 lysine 9 crotonylation (H3K9cr) level without influencing H3K9ac in kidneys and tubular epithelial cells. The integrated analysis of ChIP-seq and RNA-seq of fibrotic kidneys reveal that the hub proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β, which is regulated by H3K9cr, play crucial roles in fibrogenesis. Furthermore, genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of ACSS2 both suppress H3K9cr-mediated IL-1β expression, which thereby alleviate IL-1β-dependent macrophage activation and tubular cell senescence to delay renal fibrosis. Collectively, our findings uncover that H3K9cr exerts a critical, previously unrecognized role in kidney fibrosis, where ACSS2 represents an attractive drug target to slow fibrotic kidney disease progression.