bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth Increments of Coralline Red Alga Clathromorphum Compactum Capture Sea‐Ice Variability Links to Arctic and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillations (1805–2015)
Authors: Leclerc N. , Halfar J. , Hetzinger S. , Tsay A. , Moore G. W. K.
Published: February 2024

Given sea ice's importance in global climate regulation, fully understanding the role of natural temperature and atmospheric patterns like the Arctic Oscillation (AO), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) in its variability is critical. While instrumental AMO and reliable AO records are available since the mid‐1800s and 1958, respectively, satellite sea‐ice concentration data sets start only in 1979, limiting the shared timespan to study their interplay. Growth increments of the coralline algae, Clathromorphum compactum, can provide sea‐ice proxy information for years prior to 1979. We present a seasonal 210‐year algal record from Lancaster Sound in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago capturing low frequency AMO/NAO variability and high frequency interannual AO/NAO prior to 2000. We suggest that sea‐ice variability here is strongly coupled to these large‐scale climate processes, and that sea‐ice cover was greater and the AO more negative in the early and late 19th century compared to the 20th.
On the Linkage Between Daytime E Region Field‐Aligned Irregularities and Sporadic E Layer at Low Latitude
Authors: Sahu B. , Pavanchaitanya P. , Patra A. K. , Niranjan K.
Published: February 2024

We investigate the generation of low latitude daytime E region field‐aligned irregularities (FAIs) and focus on whether the FAIs are exclusively linked with sporadic E (Es) and whether the FAIs are driven by wind‐driven gradient‐drift instability (GDI). For this investigation, we use observations of FAIs made by the 30 MHz Gadanki Ionospheric Radar Interferometer (GIRI) and Es made by the DPS‐4D digital ionosonde, both collocated at Gadanki. We have also examined simultaneous GIRI and Ionospheric Connection Explorer wind observations to substantiate our results. Results show that daytime E region FAIs are closely linked with Es activity and FAIs are not formed when Es is absent. FAIs are formed when blanketing frequency of Es (fbEs) exceeds frequency of the E layer. Both signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and spectral width of the FAIs echoes display close relationship with top frequency of Es (ftEs). Further, SNR and spectral width of the FAIs echoes display a near‐linear relationship with minimum deviation when Es activity is moderate and show dispersion from near‐linear relationship when Es activity is strong. Zonal drift of the FAIs are predominantly eastward displaying both positive and negative vertical shear. Results also show that Es activity in terms of fbEs and ftEs is found to be closely related to the vertical shear in the zonal drift of the FAIs. Considering the height region of FAIs being highly collisional, we argue that zonal drifts are dominated by zonal wind and vertical shear in the zonal neutral wind is responsible for the formation/maintenance of Es layer and the eastward neutral wind is primarily responsible for the generation of the FAIs through the GDI.
The Medium Energy Electron Telescope (MEET): Geant4‐Based Instrument Design and Analysis
Authors: Hogan Benjamin , Li Xinlin , O’Brien Declan , Zhao Hong , Khoo Leng Ying , Mei Yang , Cantilina Jared , Hoxie Vaughn
Published: February 2024

While the recent Van Allen Probes mission has provided a wealth of trapped particle measurements, questions still arise from analysis of their data. In particular, 10–100s of keV electrons exhibit dynamics not well understood with current data. Injections of 33–80 keV electrons can occur during both storm and quiet times as shown by Van Allen Probes data. However, due to the Probes' orbit, they can not distinguish precipitation during these events, necessary to quantify injection rates. Analysis of a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) mission measuring these electron populations found enhancements not explained with current injection sources. Future measurements including the quasi‐trapped and precipitating populations are necessary to resolve these dynamics. We present the Medium Energy Electron Telescope to resolve these uncertainties surrounding 10–100s of keV electrons in the inner belt. This solid‐state particle telescope is optimized for these measurements in the high‐flux inner belt environment, with flight heritage from prior instruments. However, novel instrument design is required to measure these populations at fine energy resolution and fit the instrument into a 1U volume, including that of the detectors, electronics, instrument housing, and collimator components. The design is guided by Geant4 analysis and consideration for expected fluxes using the AE9 and AP9 models for a LEO mission and associated tradeoffs are discussed. We develop 59 energy channels with fine nominal resolution (<20%) for 30–800 keV electrons and show proton measurement capabilities for 1.1–>60 MeV populations. Instrument saturation and proton contamination are quantified by analysis of the instrument's response.
Impact of Foehn Clearance Effect on the Formation of Spring Warm Pool in the South China Sea
Authors: Li Ziru , Gao Shanhong , Yu Xiaolin
Published: February 2024

The spring warm pool (SWP) in the South China Sea (SCS) is a region west of Luzon Island with a sea surface temperature nearing 30°C in late spring, significantly higher than the surrounding waters. Understanding its formation aids in reliable prediction of the summer monsoon onset in the SCS. The current explanation for the SWP formation is the wake effect, which claims that the orographic blocking of Luzon Island forms a wake zone west of Luzon Island and so considerably reduces sea surface latent heat (LH) flux release during the winter monsoon season in comparison to adjacent waters. In this study, we enhance this explanation by incorporating the foehn clearance effect. Our statistical analysis indicates that the SWP evolution is strongly associated with frequent foehn clearance west of Luzon Island and that, in the SWP domain relative to its adjacent domains, the increase of surface short‐wave (SW) radiation induced by the foehn clearance effect is almost equal to the decrease of surface LH loss resulting from the wake effect. The ocean mixed layer heat budget analyses not only confirm that the zonal difference of surface heat flux dominates the SWP formation, but also demonstrate that this zonal difference is largely contributed by the zonal difference of SW radiation caused by the foehn clearance effect. Furthermore, sensitivity assessments demonstrate that the SWP would not emerge if the foehn clearance effect was excluded, indicating that both the wake effect and the foehn clearance effect contribute jointly to the SWP formation.
Interannual Variability of Zonal Mean Temperature, Water Vapor, and Clouds in the Tropical Tropopause Layer
Authors: Sweeney Aodhan , Fu Qiang
Published: February 2024

Water vapor and cirrus clouds in the tropical tropopause layer (TTL) are important for the climate and are largely controlled by temperature in the TTL. On interannual timescales, both stratospheric and tropospheric modes of the large‐scale variability could affect temperatures in the TTL. Here multiple linear regression (MLR) is used to investigate explained variance in the cold point tropopause temperature (CPT), cold point tropopause height (CPZ), 83 hPa water vapor (WV83), 83 hPa ozone (O383), and total cirrus cloud fraction with cloud base (TTLCCF) and top (ALLCF) above 14.5 km, all averaged over 15°S‐15°N. Predictors of the MLR are a set of stratospheric and tropospheric large‐scale modes of variability. The MLR explains significant variance in CPT (76%), CPZ (78%), WV83 (65%), O383 (62%), TTLCCF (52%), and ALLCF (36%). The interannual variability of CPT and WV83 is dominated by stratospheric processes associated with the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation (QBO) and Brewer‐Dobson Circulation (BDC), whereas the variability of CPZ, O383, TTLCCF and ALLCF is also controlled by 500 hPa temperature (T500). Residual variability in CPT and CPZ not captured by the MLR are further significantly correlated to stratospheric temperature. It is shown that the portion of the BDC's shallow branch missed by the eddy heat flux based BDC index contributes significant amounts of the explained variances.
Airborne Measurements of Scale‐Dependent Latent Heat Flux Impacted by Water Vapor and Vertical Velocity Over Heterogeneous Land Surfaces During the CHEESEHEAD19 Campaign
Authors: Lin Guo , Wang Zhien , Chu Yufei , Ziegler Conrad L. , Hu Xiao‐Ming , Xue Ming , Geerts Bart , Paleri Sreenath , Desai Ankur R. , Yang Kang , Deng Min , DeGraw Jonathan
Published: February 2024

The water vapor transport associated with latent heat flux (LE) in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) is critical for the atmospheric hydrological cycle, radiation balance, and cloud formation. The spatiotemporal variability of LE and water vapor mixing ratio (rv) are poorly understood due to the scale‐dependent and nonlinear atmospheric transport responses to land surface heterogeneity. Here, airborne in situ measurements with the wavelet technique are utilized to investigate scale‐dependent relationships among LE, vertical velocity (w) variance (), and rv variance () over a heterogeneous surface during the Chequamegon Heterogeneous Ecosystem Energy‐balance Study Enabled by a High‐density Extensive Array of Detectors 2019 (CHEESEHEAD19) field campaign. Our findings reveal distinct scale distributions of LE, , and at 100 m height, with a majority scale range of 120 m–4 km in LE, 32 m–2 km in , and 200 m–8 km in . The scales are classified into three scale ranges, the turbulent scale (8–200 m), large‐eddy scale (200 m–2 km), and mesoscale (2–8 km) to evaluate scale‐resolved LE contributed by and . The large‐eddy scale in PBL contributes over 70% of the monthly mean total LE with equal parts (50%) of contributions from and . The monthly temporal variations mainly come from the first two major contributing classified scales in LE, , and . These results confirm the dominant role of the large‐eddy scale in the PBL in the vertical moisture transport from the surface to the PBL, while the mesoscale is shown to contribute an additional ∼20%. This analysis complements published scale‐dependent LE variations, which lack detailed scale‐dependent vertical velocity and moisture information.
Comprehensive Effect of Soil Particle Size Composition and Wind Speed on Dust Emission Efficiency
Authors: Wang Rende , Zhang Yan , Zhang Shenghai , Li Qing , Wang Ruijun , Li Zhiqiang , Chang Chunping , Guo Zhongling , Zhou Na
Published: February 2024

Recent studies have shown that the dust emission efficiency (Ed) of some soil surfaces undergoes changes with wind speed and that such changes are related to soil properties. Through wind tunnel experiments, we investigate the comprehensive effect of soil particle size composition (PSC) (both minimally and fully dispersed) and friction wind speed (u*) on Ed. Results show that Ed initially increases and then decreases as soil texture changes from fine to coarse, with intermediate‐textured soils having the highest Ed and the strongest dust emission ability. The ratio of silt to sand in soil is an index suitable for reflecting the influence of soil texture on Ed. The PSC of soil dry aggregate is a factor that directly determines Ed. With increasing u*, Ed tends to increase for coarse‐ and intermediate‐textured soils but not for fine‐textured soil, supporting the view that Ed is influenced by u* and that the influence is related to soil PSC. Despite the fitting power function equations between Ed and u* for some soils failing to pass the significance test in this study, the substantial influence of soil texture on the power exponents implies potential for establishing an equation capable of expressing the comprehensive effect of soil texture and u* on Ed.
Is the Isotopic Composition of Precipitation a Robust Indicator for Reconstructions of Past Tropical Cyclones Frequency? A Case Study on Réunion Island From Rain and Water Vapor Isotopic Observations
Authors: Vimeux Françoise , Risi Camille , Barthe Christelle , François Sören , Cauquoin Alexandre , Jossoud Olivier , Metzger Jean‐Marc , Cattani Olivier , Minster Bénédicte , Werner Martin
Published: February 2024

Based on a 6‐year long record (2014–2020) of the isotopic composition of rain (δ18Op) at Réunion Island (55°E, 22°S), in the South‐West Indian Ocean, this study shows that the annual isotopic composition of precipitation in this region is strongly controlled by the number of cyclones, the number of best‐track days, and the proportion of cyclonic rain during the year. Our results support the use of δ18Op in annual‐resolved tropical climate archives as a reliable proxy of past cyclone frequency. The influence of the proportion of cyclonic rain on the annual isotopic composition arises from the systematically more depleted precipitation and water vapor during cyclonic events than during less organized convective systems. The analysis of the daily to hourly isotopic composition of water vapor (δ18Ov) during low‐pressure systems and the reproduction of daily δ18Ov observations by AGCMs with a global medium to coarse resolution (LMDZ‐iso and ECHAM6‐wiso) suggest that during cyclonic periods the stronger depletion mainly arises from both enhanced large‐scale precipitation and water vapor‐rain interactions under humid conditions.
Geomorphology of the Makgadikgadi Basin (Botswana): Insight Into the Propagation of the East African Rift System
Authors: Gaudaré Louis , Dauteuil Olivier , Jolivet Marc
Published: February 2024

The Southwestern Branch of the East African Rift System propagates through the Central and Southern African plateaus and ends in the Okavango Makgadikgadi Zambezi Basin. This basin hosts the Okavango Graben and the Eiseb Graben, considered as the terminus of the Southwestern Branch of the rift. To the southeast, the Makgadikgadi Basin is affected by a series of normal faults forming the Makgadikgadi Rift Zone (MRZ) which regional geodynamic significance remains unclear. Based on fieldwork and geomorphic analysis, we revisited the geomorphological features associated with paleolakes and the fault pattern within the Makgadikgadi Basin to better constrain the dynamics of the MRZ. Fault scarps and offsets along linear dunes show normal‐dip kinematics of faults, indicating a NW‐SE extension direction in the area. Furthermore, lacustrine shorelines in the basin are undeformed, proving that they post‐date the fault activity. The previously published ages of these shorelines demonstrate that the MRZ currently has a low tectonic activity. Integrated in the geodynamic framework of the region, these results suggest that present‐day deformation shifts toward the Okavango Graben north of the MRZ. We therefore propose a “zip‐opening” model to explain the propagation of the Southwestern Branch of the East African Rift System where the tip of the system progressively progresses southwestward, driven by motions of the continental plates.
What is the pipeline for future medications for obesity?
Authors: Melson Eka , Ashraf Uzma , Papamargaritis Dimitris , Davies Melanie J.
Published: February 2024

Obesity is a chronic disease associated with increased risk of obesity-related complications and mortality. Our better understanding of the weight regulation mechanisms and the role of gut-brain axis on appetite has led to the development of safe and effective entero-pancreatic hormone-based treatments for obesity such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RA). Semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly, a subcutaneously administered GLP-1 RA approved for obesity treatment in 2021, results in 15–17% mean weight loss (WL) with evidence of cardioprotection. Oral GLP-1 RA are also under development and early data shows similar WL efficacy to semaglutide 2.4 mg. Looking to the next generation of obesity treatments, combinations of GLP-1 with other entero-pancreatic hormones with complementary actions and/or synergistic potential (such as glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon, and amylin) are under investigation to enhance the WL and cardiometabolic benefits of GLP-1 RA. Tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist has been approved for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes as well as for obesity management leading in up to 22.5% WL in phase 3 obesity trials. Other combinations of entero-pancreatic hormones including cagrisema (GLP-1/amylin RA) and the triple agonist retatrutide (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon RA) have also progressed to phase 3 trials as obesity treatments and early data suggests that may lead to even greater WL than tirzepatide. Additionally, agents with different mechanisms of action to entero-pancreatic hormones (e.g. bimagrumab) may improve the body composition during WL and are in early phase clinical trials. We are in a new era for obesity pharmacotherapy where combinations of entero-pancreatic hormones approach the WL achieved with bariatric surgery. In this review, we present the efficacy and safety data for the pipeline of obesity pharmacotherapies with a focus on entero-pancreatic hormone-based treatments and we consider the clinical implications and challenges that the new era in obesity management may bring.
Mapping super-resolution image quality
Authors: Steves Megan A. , Xu Ke
Published: February 2024

The local quality of super-resolution microscopy images can be assessed and mapped by rolling Fourier ring correlation, even when image quality varies within a single image.
Neuronal DSCAM regulates the peri-synaptic localization of GLAST in Bergmann glia for functional synapse formation
Authors: Dewa Ken-ichi , Arimura Nariko , Kakegawa Wataru , Itoh Masayuki , Adachi Toma , Miyashita Satoshi , Inoue Yukiko U. , Hizawa Kento , Hori Kei , Honjoya Natsumi , Yagishita Haruya , Taya Shinichiro , Miyazaki Taisuke , Usui Chika , Tatsumoto Shoji , Tsuzuki Akiko , Uetake Hirotomo , Sakai Kazuhisa , Yamakawa Kazuhiro , Sasaki Takuya , Nagai Jun , Kawaguchi Yoshiya , Sone Masaki , Inoue Takayoshi , Go Yasuhiro , Ichinohe Noritaka , Kaibuchi Kozo , Watanabe Masahiko , Koizumi Schuichi , Yuzaki Michisuke , Hoshino Mikio
Published: February 2024

In the central nervous system, astrocytes enable appropriate synapse function through glutamate clearance from the synaptic cleft; however, it remains unclear how astrocytic glutamate transporters function at peri-synaptic contact. Here, we report that Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (DSCAM) in Purkinje cells controls synapse formation and function in the developing cerebellum.Dscam-mutant mice show defects in CF synapse translocation as is observed in loss of function mutations in the astrocytic glutamate transporter GLAST expressed in Bergmann glia. These mice show impaired glutamate clearance and the delocalization of GLAST away from the cleft of parallel fibre (PF) synapse. GLAST complexes with the extracellular domain of DSCAM. Riluzole, as an activator of GLAST-mediated uptake, rescues the proximal impairment in CF synapse formation in Purkinje cell-selectiveDscam-deficient mice. DSCAM is required for motor learning, but not gross motor coordination. In conclusion, the intercellular association of synaptic and astrocyte proteins is important for synapse formation and function in neural transmission.
Ag3PO4 enables the generation of long-lived radical cations for visible light-driven [2 + 2] and [4 + 2] pericyclic reactions
Authors: Guo Lirong , Chu Rongchen , Hao Xinyu , Lei Yu , Li Haibin , Ma Dongge , Wang Guo , Tung Chen-Ho , Wang Yifeng
Published: February 2024

Photocatalytic redox reactions are important for synthesizing fine chemicals from olefins, but the limited lifetime of radical cation intermediates severely restricts semiconductor photocatalysis efficiency. Here, we report that Ag3PO4 can efficiently catalyze intramolecular and intermolecular [2 + 2] and Diels-Alder cycloadditions under visible-light irradiation. The approach is additive-free, catalyst-recyclable. Mechanistic studies indicate that visible-light irradiation on Ag3PO4 generates holes with high oxidation power, which oxidize aromatic alkene adsorbates into radical cations. In photoreduced Ag3PO4, the conduction band electron (eCB−) has low reduction power due to the delocalization among the Ag+-lattices, while the particle surfaces have a strong electrostatic interaction with the radical cations, which considerably stabilize the radical cations against recombination with eCB−. The radical cation on the particle’s surfaces has a lifetime of more than 2 ms, 75 times longer than homogeneous systems. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of inorganic semiconductors for challenging radical cation-mediated synthesis driven by sunlight.
Carbene organic catalytic planar enantioselective macrolactonization
Authors: Lv Xiaokang , Su Fen , Long Hongyan , Lu Fengfei , Zeng Yukun , Liao Minghong , Che Fengrui , Wu Xingxing , Chi Yonggui Robin
Published: February 2024

Macrolactones exhibit distinct conformational and configurational properties and are widely found in natural products, medicines, and agrochemicals. Up to now, the major effort for macrolactonization is directed toward identifying suitable carboxylic acid/alcohol coupling reagents to address the challenges associated with macrocyclization, wherein the stereochemistry of products is usually controlled by the substrate’s inherent chirality. It remains largely unexplored in using catalysts to govern both macrolactone formation and stereochemical control. Here, we disclose a non-enzymatic organocatalytic approach to construct macrolactones bearing chiral planes from achiral substrates. Our strategy utilizes N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) as a potent acylation catalyst that simultaneously mediates the macrocyclization and controls planar chirality during the catalytic process. Macrolactones varying in ring sizes from sixteen to twenty members are obtained with good-to-excellent yields and enantiomeric ratios. Our study shall open new avenues in accessing macrolactones with various stereogenic elements and ring structures by using readily available small-molecule catalysts.
Mesoporous carbon spheres with programmable interiors as efficient nanoreactors for H2O2 electrosynthesis
Authors: Tian Qiang , Jing Lingyan , Du Hongnan , Yin Yunchao , Cheng Xiaolei , Xu Jiaxin , Chen Junyu , Liu Zhuoxin , Wan Jiayu , Liu Jian , Yang Jinlong
Published: February 2024

The nanoreactor holds great promise as it emulates the natural processes of living organisms to facilitate chemical reactions, offering immense potential in catalytic energy conversion owing to its unique structural functionality. Here, we propose the utilization of precisely engineered carbon spheres as building blocks, integrating micromechanics and controllable synthesis to explore their catalytic functionalities in two-electron oxygen reduction reactions. After conducting rigorous experiments and simulations, we present compelling evidence for the enhanced mass transfer and microenvironment modulation effects offered by these mesoporous hollow carbon spheres, particularly when possessing a suitably sized hollow architecture. Impressively, the pivotal achievement lies in the successful screening of a potent, selective, and durable two-electron oxygen reduction reaction catalyst for the direct synthesis of medical-grade hydrogen peroxide disinfectant. Serving as an exemplary demonstration of nanoreactor engineering in catalyst screening, this work highlights the immense potential of various well-designed carbon-based nanoreactors in extensive applications.
The use of a systems approach to increase NAD+ in human participants
Authors: Henderson John D. , Quigley Sophia N. Z. , Chachra Shruti S. , Conlon Nichola , Ford Dianne
Published: February 2024

Reversal or mitigation against an age-related decline in NAD+ has likely benefits, and this premise has driven academic and commercial endeavour to develop dietary supplements that achieve this outcome. We used a systems-based approach to improve on current supplements by targeting multiple points in the NAD+ salvage pathway. In a double-blind, randomised, crossover trial, the supplement – Nuchido TIME+® (NT) - increased NAD+ concentration in whole blood. This was associated with an increase in SIRT1 and an increase in nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) in peripheral blood mononucleocytes, lower concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in plasma, including a reduction in interleukin 2 (IL2), a reduction in glycated serum protein and a shift in the glycosylation profile of immunoglobulin G (IgG) toward a younger biological age, all of which are likely to promote a healthier ageing trajectory.
Pig-eRNAdb: a comprehensive enhancer and eRNA dataset of pigs
Authors: Wang Yifei , Jin Weiwei , Pan Xiangchun , Liao Weili , Shen Qingpeng , Cai Jiali , Gong Wentao , Tian Yuhan , Xu Dantong , Li Yipeng , Li Jiaqi , Gong Jing , Zhang Zhe , Yuan Xiaolong
Published: February 2024

Enhancers and the enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) have been strongly implicated in regulations of transcriptions. Based the multi-omics data (ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq and RNA-seq) from public databases, Pig-eRNAdb is a dataset that comprehensively integrates enhancers and eRNAs for pigs using the machine learning strategy, which incorporates 82,399 enhancers and 37,803 eRNAs from 607 samples across 15 tissues of pigs. This user-friendly dataset covers a comprehensive depth of enhancers and eRNAs annotation for pigs. The coordinates of enhancers and the expression patterns of eRNAs are downloadable. Besides, thousands of regulators on eRNAs, the target genes of eRNAs, the tissue-specific eRNAs, and the housekeeping eRNAs are also accessible as well as the sequence similarity of eRNAs with humans. Moreover, the tissue-specific eRNA-trait associations encompass 652 traits are also provided. It will crucially facilitate investigations on enhancers and eRNAs with Pig-eRNAdb as a reference dataset in pigs.
Muscle synergies inherent in simulated hypogravity running reveal flexible but not unconstrained locomotor control
Authors: Fazzari Camille , Macchi Robin , Kunimasa Yoko , Ressam Camélia , Casanova Rémy , Chavet Pascale , Nicol Caroline
Published: February 2024

With human space exploration back in the spotlight, recent studies have investigated the neuromuscular adjustments to simulated hypogravity running. They have examined the activity of individual muscles, whereas the central nervous system may rather activate groups of functionally related muscles, known as muscle synergies. To understand how locomotor control adjusts to simulated hypogravity, we examined the temporal (motor primitives) and spatial (motor modules) components of muscle synergies in participants running sequentially at 100%, 60%, and 100% body weight on a treadmill. Our results highlighted the paradoxical nature of simulated hypogravity running: The reduced mechanical constraints allowed for a more flexible locomotor control, which correlated with the degree of spatiotemporal adjustments. Yet, the increased temporal (shortened stance phase) and sensory (deteriorated proprioceptive feedback) constraints required wider motor primitives and a higher contribution of the hamstring muscles during the stance phase. These results are a first step towards improving astronaut training protocols.
Intra-articular injection of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (mesenchymal stem cells) in KL grade III and IV knee osteoarthritis: 4 year results of 37 knees
Authors: Pabinger Christof , Lothaller Harald , Kobinia Georg Stefan
Published: February 2024

Cell based therapies are increasingly used and results of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) show encouraging short- to middle term results, superior to hyaluronic acid and platelet rich plasma (PRP). Most studies describe patients with mild to moderate arthritis and results of patients with KL III and IV osteoarthritis of the knee are limited to short term evaluations. Hence, the aim of this prospective study was to investigate the mid-term outcome of BMAC injections in patients with severe osteoarthritis of the knee. The BMAC was retrieved from the iliac crest as previously published with the “reorientation technique” from the iliac crest in supine position in analgosedation and injected into the patients’ osteoarthritic knees. Patients were followed-up for 4 years. WOMAC, IKDC, SF 36 and walking distance were measured in a total of 37 participants. There was an improvement of IKDC and WOMAC from the first year onwards and a significant improvement beginning from year 2 up to the mid-term follow-up: IKDC increased significantly from 56 ± 12 (range 34–81) to 73 ± 13 (range 45–100), p < 0.001. WOMAC decreased significantly from 40 ± 23 (range 6–96) to 18 ± 18 (range 0–67), p < 0.001. 35 of 37 knees improved regarding IKDC and WOMAC score from the first to the last follow-up. Not a single protheses had to be implanted. Elaborate statistical analysis was done to exclude covariates and confounders (age, time, BMI,…). In summary, this is the first study on BMAC injections into 37 osteoarthritic knees with a 4-year follow up showing significant improvements in IKDC and WOMAC scores, and with a 95% success rate and significant improvement in walking distance.

Clinical relevance Describes the 4-year outcome of BMAC injections for knees with severe osteoarthritis.
An explainable machine learning approach for Alzheimer’s disease classification
Authors: Alatrany Abbas Saad , Khan Wasiq , Hussain Abir , Kolivand Hoshang , Al-Jumeily Dhiya
Published: February 2024

The early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) presents a significant challenge due to the subtle biomarker changes often overlooked. Machine learning (ML) models offer a promising tool for identifying individuals at risk of AD. However, current research tends to prioritize ML accuracy while neglecting the crucial aspect of model explainability. The diverse nature of AD data and the limited dataset size introduce additional challenges, primarily related to high dimensionality. In this study, we leveraged a dataset obtained from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center, comprising 169,408 records and 1024 features. After applying various steps to reduce the feature space. Notably, support vector machine (SVM) models trained on the selected features exhibited high performance when tested on an external dataset. SVM achieved a high F1 score of 98.9% for binary classification (distinguishing between NC and AD) and 90.7% for multiclass classification. Furthermore, SVM was able to predict AD progression over a 4-year period, with F1 scores reached 88% for binary task and 72.8% for multiclass task. To enhance model explainability, we employed two rule-extraction approaches: class rule mining and stable and interpretable rule set for classification model. These approaches generated human-understandable rules to assist domain experts in comprehending the key factors involved in AD development. We further validated these rules using SHAP and LIME models, underscoring the significance of factors such as MEMORY, JUDGMENT, COMMUN, and ORIENT in determining AD risk. Our experimental outcomes also shed light on the crucial role of the Clinical Dementia Rating tool in predicting AD.
Fabrication and characterization of different PbO borate glass systems as radiation-shielding containers
Authors: Abou Hussein E. M. , Madbouly A. M.
Published: February 2024

Three borate glasses of 50, 35, and 15 mol% PbO-doped Ce, Sb, or Mn ions were fabricated via the melting-annealing procedure. Their structural features were inspected before and after 250 kGy of gamma irradiation using FTIR and ESR techniques. The spectra of the ESR and FTIR vibrational bands remain constant, with a minor reduction in N4 and an enhancement in density values after irradiation, indicating the large structural stability and glass compactness. Many radiation shielding parameters were studied, such as gamma dose rate (µSv/h), dose transmission %, lifetime cancer risk %, macroscopic effective removal cross-section (∑R), mass stopping power, and projected range values ​​were considered for protons particles by SRIM Monte Carlo simulation code and ESTAR program. The whole data reveals the high radiation shielding efficiency of the glasses compared to other standard shields to be used as glass immobilizers for radioactive wastes or storage containers, e.g., for nuclear medicine units in hospitals.
Biochar production under different pyrolysis temperatures with different types of agricultural wastes
Authors: Khater El-Sayed , Bahnasawy Adel , Hamouda Ramy , Sabahy Amr , Abbas Wael , Morsy Osama M.
Published: February 2024

The main aim of this study is to determine the physical and chemical properties of biochar synthesized from different materials (straw rice, sawdust, sugar cane, and tree leaves) at different pyrolysis temperatures (400, 600, and 800 °C). The physical and chemical properties such as moisture content, water holding capacity, bulk density, and porosity; and pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter, organic carbon, total nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and sulfur were determined, respectively. The results show that the biochar yield decreased with increasing pyrolysis temperature, and the values of the analyzed properties varied depending on the type of biochar and pyrolysis temperature. The moisture content ranged from 1.11 to 4.18%, and the water holding capacity ranged from 12.9 to 27.6 g water g−1 dry sample. The highest value of bulk density (211.9 kg m−3) was obtained from sawdust at a pyrolysis temperature of 800 °C. The porosity values ranged from 45.9 to 63.7%. The highest values of pH and EC (10.4 and 3.46 dS m−1) were obtained from tree leaves at a pyrolysis temperature of 800 °C. Total organic matter ranged from 66.0 to 98.1%, total organic carbon ranged from 38.3 to 56.9%, and total nitrogen ranged from 0.4 to 1.9%. The highest values of phosphorus and calcium content (134.6 and 649.0 mg kg−1) were obtained from sugar cane at a pyrolysis temperature of 800 °C. The magnesium, sodium and sulfur content had ranges of 10.9–51.7, 1124–1703 and 3568–12,060 mg kg−1, respectively.
Central auditory test performance predicts future neurocognitive function in children living with and without HIV
Authors: Joseph Jeff , Niemczak Christopher , Lichtenstein Jonathan , Kobrina Anastasiya , Magohe Albert , Leigh Samantha , Ealer Christin , Fellows Abigail , Reike Catherine , Massawe Enica , Gui Jiang , Buckey Jay C.
Published: February 2024

Tests of the brain’s ability to process complex sounds (central auditory tests) correlate with overall measures of neurocognitive performance. In the low- middle-income countries where resources to conduct detailed cognitive testing is limited, tests that assess the central auditory system may provide a novel and useful way to track neurocognitive performance. This could be particularly useful for children living with HIV (CLWH). To evaluate this, we administered central auditory tests to CLWH and children living without HIV and examined whether central auditory tests given early in a child’s life could predict later neurocognitive performance. We used a machine learning technique to incorporate factors known to affect performance on neurocognitive tests, such as education. The results show that central auditory tests are useful predictors of neurocognitive performance and perform as well or in some cases better than factors such as education. Central auditory tests may offer an objective way to track neurocognitive performance in CLWH.
Policy instruments as a trigger for urban sprawl deceleration: monitoring the stability and transformations of green areas
Authors: Filepné Kovács Krisztina , Varga Dalma , Kukulska-Kozieł Anita , Cegielska Katarzyna , Noszczyk Tomasz , Husar Milan , Iváncsics Vera , Ondrejicka Vladimir , Valánszki István
Published: February 2024

The socialist era postponed suburbanisation in Central and Eastern European countries. After 1990, the process became extremely intensive and transformed the compact form of cities into more decentralised and dispersed urban structures. Therefore, the study aims to identify the main trends in land-cover transformation caused by urban sprawl in peri-urban areas of three Central and Eastern European cities (NUTS 3 level: the Pest County, Bratislava Region, and Krakowski subregion). In addition, we identified various policy tools for green infrastructure protection. We further investigated the extent to which the presence of legal means of nature conservation affects the stability of natural and seminatural areas. The research used an original questionnaire and spatio-temporal analysis. It has been confirmed that after decades of socialism, a highly intensive urban sprawl process started in the analysed regions. It generally slowed down after 2000 except for the Krakowski subregion. The majority of new artificial areas replaced agricultural land. Despite the dynamic urban sprawl, almost one-third of the analysed Central and Eastern European peri-urban areas were stable natural and seminatural areas. The traditional nature conservation tools proved to be effective in preserving natural and seminatural areas, but the protection of landscapes exposed to urban sprawl needs specific tools. The effectiveness of urban sprawl control is hindered by the fact that spatial planning competences are dispersed. This research may influence monitoring urban sprawl and offer an innovative method because it combines spatial analysis (quantitative approach) with the impact of policy tools (qualitative approach).
A study on the evaluation of competitiveness in the aviation logistics industry cluster in Zhengzhou
Authors: Sun Zhihua
Published: February 2024

As the global economy continues to evolve, air transportation is increasingly seen as a crucial factor in enhancing regional competitiveness. In particular, aviation logistics industry clusters have emerged as a new driving force for regional economic development. In this context, the current study aims to evaluate the competitiveness of the aviation logistics industry cluster in Zhengzhou, China. To achieve this goal, the study employs the “GEM model” and constructs a GKA evaluation model using evaluation index data from 21 logistics node cities across China in 2021. The entropy-weighted TOPSIS method is used for empirical analysis of the data. The results of the study reveal that the competitiveness of Zhengzhou’s aviation logistics industry cluster is moderately low. This is primarily due to the weak competitiveness of its foundational and regulatory subsystems. Specifically, the study finds that Zhengzhou’s resources, facilities, markets, government, and industry aspects are all less competitive when compared to other cities in China. In order to enhance the competitiveness of Zhengzhou’s aviation logistics industry cluster, the study recommends that efforts be made to improve the competitiveness of key elements such as resources, facilities, markets, and government. In particular, the focus should be on elevating industry competitiveness, followed by the development of appropriate regulatory strategies. By doing so, the aviation logistics industry cluster in Zhengzhou would be better positioned to compete with other clusters within China and globally.
Effect of social capital, social support and social network formation on the quality of life of American adults during COVID-19
Authors: Larnyo Ebenezer , Tettegah Sharon , Griffin Brianna , Nutakor Jonathan Aseye , Preece Natasha , Addai-Dansoh Stephen , Dubon Natalia , Liu Senyuan
Published: February 2024

This study aims to evaluate the effect of social capital (SC), social support (SS), and social network formation (SNF) on the quality of life of American adults during COVID-19. Using a probability sample of American adults aged 49+, 2370 respondents were selected from the National Social Life Health and Aging Project (NSHAP) dataset for analysis using an integrated partial least squares based on structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM)-K-fold cross-validation approach. The analysis showed that social capital assessed using civic engagement, social cohesion, socioeconomic status (SES), social support, and social network formation were significantly and positively associated with American adults’ quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the results showed that using the PLS-SEM and K-fold cross-validation approach produced a medium predictive power of the overall model, confirming the importance of SC, SS, and SNF in predicting quality of life-outcomes. These findings suggest that efforts to promote the well-being of American adults, especially older adults, during the pandemic should focus on strengthening social capital, social support and social network formation.
Brain tumor detection from images and comparison with transfer learning methods and 3-layer CNN
Authors: Khaliki Mohammad Zafer , Başarslan Muhammet Sinan
Published: February 2024

Health is very important for human life. In particular, the health of the brain, which is the executive of the vital resource, is very important. Diagnosis for human health is provided by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices, which help health decision makers in critical organs such as brain health. Images from these devices are a source of big data for artificial intelligence. This big data enables high performance in image processing classification problems, which is a subfield of artificial intelligence. In this study, we aim to classify brain tumors such as glioma, meningioma, and pituitary tumor from brain MR images. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and CNN-based inception-V3, EfficientNetB4, VGG19, transfer learning methods were used for classification. F-score, recall, imprinting and accuracy were used to evaluate these models. The best accuracy result was obtained with VGG16 with 98%, while the F-score value of the same transfer learning model was 97%, the Area Under the Curve (AUC) value was 99%, the recall value was 98%, and the precision value was 98%. CNN architecture and CNN-based transfer learning models are very important for human health in early diagnosis and rapid treatment of such diseases.
Visual outcomes and their association with grey and white matter microstructure in adults born preterm with very low birth weight
Authors: Ingvaldsen Sigrid Hegna , Jørgensen Anna Perregaard , Grøtting Arnstein , Sand Trond , Eikenes Live , Håberg Asta K. , Indredavik Marit S. , Lydersen Stian , Austeng Dordi , Morken Tora Sund , Evensen Kari Anne I.
Published: February 2024

Individuals born with very low birth weight (VLBW; < 1500 g) have a higher risk of reduced visual function and brain alterations. In a longitudinal cohort study, we assessed differences in visual outcomes and diffusion metrics from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) at 3 tesla in the visual white matter pathway and primary visual cortex at age 26 in VLBW adults versus controls and explored whether DTI metrics at 26 years was associated with visual outcomes at 32 years. Thirty-three VLBW adults and 50 term-born controls was included in the study. Visual outcomes included best corrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, P100 latency, and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness. Mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity, and fractional anisotropy was extracted from seven regions of interest in the visual pathway: splenium, genu, and body of corpus callosum, optic radiations, lateral geniculate nucleus, inferior-fronto occipital fasciculus, and primary visual cortex. On average the VLBW group had lower contrast sensitivity, a thicker retinal nerve fibre layer and higher axial diffusivity and radial diffusivity in genu of corpus callosum and higher radial diffusivity in optic radiations than the control group. Higher fractional anisotropy in corpus callosum areas were associated with better visual function in the VLBW group but not the control group.
Application of anatomy-based spacing of electrode contacts for achieving a uniform semitonal resolution: A novel concept in cochlear implant electrode design
Authors: Aljazeeri Isra Ali , Hagr Abdulrahman
Published: February 2024

Using anatomy-based fitting, we can determine the place-specific map with individualized center frequencies for each electrode contact that is a closer match to the natural pitch-place of the cochlea. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the tonal presentation across the electrode array and to calculate the semitone difference between each adjacent pair of contacts according to their anatomy-based map. The secondary objective is to determine the distancing of the contacts that would result in an equal semitone difference with a uniform tonal presentation. A total of 167 ears were included in this retrospective study. The frequencies across the electrode arrays were found to be unequally presented. The semitonal condensations were higher in the apical inter-contact spaces compared to the basal inter-contact spaces, being 3.0–2.3 semitones/mm (Kruskal Wallis test, p < 0.000). The anatomy-based spacing of the electrode contacts was larger in the basal inter-contact spaces compared to the apical inter-contact spaces, ranging from 1.92 to 1.48 mm. In conclusion, the current electrode designs do not have uniform tonal representation throughout the electrode array. There is a more condensed tonal presentation in the apical electrodes than in the basal electrodes, resulting in a lower tonal resolution in the apical region.
Assessment of UV radiation effects on airborne mucormycetes and bacterial populations in a hospital environment
Authors: Sarkhoshkalat Mohammadmahdi , Nasab Mahdi Ahmadi , Yari Mohammad Reza , Tabatabaee Seyed Saeed , Ghavami Vahid , Joulaei Fatemeh , Sarkhosh Maryam
Published: February 2024

Infections, such as mucormycosis, often result from inhaling sporangiospore present in the environment. Surprisingly, the extent of airborne Mucormycetes sporangiospore concentrations remains inadequately explored. This study aimed to assess the influence of UV radiation on microbial populations and Mucormycetes spore levels within a hospital environment in northern Iran. A comprehensive dataset comprising 298 air samples collected from both indoor and outdoor settings was compiled. The culture was conducted using Blood Agar and Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol (DRBC) culture media, with Chloramphenicol included for fungal agents and Blood Agar for bacterial. Before UV treatment, the average count of Mucormycetes ranged from 0 to 26.4 ± 25.28 CFU m−3, fungal agents from 2.24 ± 3.22 to 117.24 ± 27.6 CFU m−3, and bacterial agents from 29.03 ± 9.9 to 359.37 ± 68.50 CFU m−3. Following UV irradiation, the averages were as follows: Mucormycetes ranged from 0 to 7.85 ± 6.8 CFU m−3, fungal agents from 16.58 ± 4.79 to 154.98 ± 28.35 CFU m−3, and bacterial agents from 0.38 ± 0.65 to 43.92 ± 6.50 CFU m−3. This study, notably marks the pioneering use of UV light to mitigate Mucormycetes spore counts and bacterial agents in northeastern Iran, contributing to the advancement of environmental health and safety practices in hospital settings.