bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of atrial fibrillation in persons aged 65 years and above using a mobile electrocardiogram device
Authors: Daniëls Fenna , Ramdjan Tanwier T. T. K. , Mánfai Balázs , Adiyaman Ahmet , Smit Jaap Jan J. , Delnoy Peter Paul H. M. , Elvan Arif
Published: November 2023

Background

Untreated atrial fibrillation (AF) often results in increased morbidity and mortality. Opportunistic AF screening in persons aged ≥ 65 years is recommended to identify patients with AF in order to prevent AF-related complications.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of screening persons for AF with the Kardia mobile electrocardiogram device (MED) and to determine the percentage of newly detected AF cases by selective population screening in the Netherlands.

Methods

Persons aged ≥ 65 years, without a medical history of AF, in nursing homes, at public events or visiting the general practitioner (GP) were approached to participate. A Kardia MED smartphone ECG (sECG) was recorded and the CHA2DS2-VASc score was calculated. An automated AF algorithm classified the sECGs as ‘sinus rhythm’, ‘AF’ or ‘unclassified’. In the case of AF, participants were referred to their GP. All sECGs were assessed by blinded experts.

Results

A total of 2168 participants were screened for AF. According to the expert’s interpretation, 2.5% had newly detected AF, of whom 76.4% never experienced palpitations and 89.1% had a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 2. The algorithm result was unclassified in 12.2% of cases, of which 95.5% were interpretable by experts. With expert opinion as the gold standard and excluding unclassified sECGs, the Kardia MED’s negative and positive predictive value for detecting AF was 99.8% and 60.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

Screening for AF using the Kardia MED is feasible and results in 2.5% newly detected AF cases. Expert interpretation of algorithm outcomes AF and unclassified is recommended.
The importance, consequences and treatment of psychosocial risk factors in heart disease: less conversation, more action!
Authors: Kupper Nina , van den Houdt Sophie , Kuijpers Petra M. J. C. , Widdershoven Jos
Published: November 2023

Psychosocial factors play a significant role in the incidence and prognosis of cardiovascular disease with a rapidly increasing body of knowledge, as acknowledged by their inclusion in the European Society of Cardiology cardiovascular prevention guideline since 2012. Nevertheless, psychosocial risk is not consistently assessed, acknowledged and treated in daily clinical practice. Therefore, adopting a multidimensional approach that encompasses biological, psychological, and social factors is crucial for understanding the dynamic nature of cardiovascular health and disease, delivering patient-centred care, and developing effective interventions to ultimately enhance health and satisfaction with contemporary medicine and care. The current review summarises the state-of-the-art evidence for screening and treating psychological risk factors in coronary heart disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation in the context of cardiac rehabilitation, along with accompanying recommendations. The limited adoption of routine screening, despite longstanding recommendations, highlights the importance of prioritising the implementation and expansion of routine screening in primary and secondary prevention. To advance psychosocial treatment, a standardised and personalised approach including comprehensive education, physical exercise, and psychosocial support with a focus on patient-reported outcomes is crucial. Treating heart and mind together has the potential to decrease psychosocial risk while enhancing the prognosis and quality of life, therefore delivering true patient-centred care.
Challenge Not Only to the Muscles—Surface Instability Shifts Attentional Demands in Young and Older Adults While Performing Resistance Exercise
Authors: Claußen Lisa , Braun Claudia
Published: November 2023

Regular physical activity is an important factor in maintaining and improving physical and cognitive functions in an aging society. Compared to resistance and endurance training, motor tasks with attentional demands and cognitive activation are considered to have a greater potential for improving executive functions. Unstable devices increase the coordinative demands and could thus lead to increased cognitive engagement during acute resistance exercises. This study aimed to investigate the required attentional resources during squats on stable and unstable surfaces in young and older adults. For this purpose, 13 young (Mage = 23.5, SD = 2.7 years) and 17 older (Mage = 70.2, SD = 4.3 years) healthy adults performed dumbbell squats on a flat ground (stable condition) and on an unstable device (unstable condition) while simultaneously conducting a visual-verbal Stroop task. Attentional resources for the stable and unstable conditions were assessed by calculating the differences in reaction time for the Stroop task (dual-task effect) from the single-task to the dual-task condition, respectively. As a result, there was a significant higher negative dual-task effect (i.e., cognitive performance decrement) while squatting on an unstable (− 13.96%) versus a stable surface (− 8.68%). Older adults did not show significantly greater dual-task effects than young adults. In conclusion, the attentional resources required during acute resistance training may be increased by the use of unstable devices. The fact that no age differences were found could be a consequence of the strict selection criteria for the study (selection bias).
2D Problem of a Nonlocal Thermoelastic Diffusion Solid with Gravity via Three Theories
Authors: Said Samia M. , Othman Mohamed I. A.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The impact of gravity on nonlocal thermoelastic diffusion solid is discussed in this work.

Methods

The Green-Naghdi theory (G-N II), the Lord-Shulman theory, and the three-phase-lag model all explore the issue. The governing equations are solved using the normal mode technique to get the analytic forms of the displacements, temperatures, force stress tensors, and mass concentration. Using appropriate boundary conditions, the physical fields are calculated and the numerical computations have been carried out with the help of MATLAB programming.

Results

In the physical domain, numerical results for the field quantities are provided and graphically displayed in both the absence and presence of gravity and the nonlocal parameter.

Conclusion

Physical variables are affected by nonlocal thermoelasticity as well as the gravity field.
Innovative solution: soil cement column walls as a temporary retaining structure for excavation in soft Bangkok clay
Authors: Hoy Menglim , Srijaroen Chayanon , Horpibulsuk Suksun , Phunpeng Veena , Rachan Runglawan , Arulrajah Arul
Published: November 2023

The installation of temporary retaining walls for excavation activities is considered a crucial and costly aspect in the realm of geotechnical engineering construction. Several past studies have been undertaken on the stability aspects of the deep mixing method for soil–cement column walls in soft Bangkok clay are available. However, there has been a lack of research focusing specifically on the relationship between execution time, cost, and stability of these walls, a topic on which this study is focused. The principal aim of this research was to investigate and make a comparative analysis of the stability, construction cost, and construction duration of retaining walls under varying construction site conditions. This study placed particular emphasis on shallow excavation conducted in the context of soft Bangkok clay, and its focus was to determine the most effective construction management strategies within the given contextual parameters. The investigated wall systems comprised of soil–cement columns (SC), stiffened soil–cement columns (SSC), and sheet pile walls. The SC had a diameter of a diameter of 0.6 m, while the SSC was composed of an embedded steel pipe with a diameter of 0.2 m (SSC-IRow Wall). The stability of the walls under investigation was assessed through the utilization of finite element (FE) simulation. The finite element model was initially calibrated through a comparison between the simulation results and the data obtained from field measurements. For a 4.5 m deep excavation with a required factor of safety > 1.3, the SCC and SSCC Walls were found to have an advantage over the conventional sheet pile wall. The SC Wall, consisting of two rows and measuring 7 m in length, demonstrated superior efficiency in terms of both time and cost, regardless of whether it was implemented in unconfined or confined construction sites. The utilization of the SSC-IRow Wall was suggested as an alternative in cases where the use of a thick SC Wall was prohibited. A systematic approach for the selection and design of the SC and SSC Wall systems was proposed, drawing upon a thorough examination and evaluation of the study findings. The results of this study possess the capacity to be utilized in excavation endeavors encompassing diverse depths in the context of soft Bangkok clay and comparable soil conditions.
Estimating stellar parameters and identifying very metal-poor stars for low-resolution spectra (R∼ 200)
Authors: Wu Tianmin , Bu Yude , Xie Jianhang , Liang Junchao , Liu Wei , Yi Zhenping , Kong Xiaoming , Liu Meng
Published: November 2023

Very metal-poor (VMP, [Fe/H]<-2.0) stars serve as invaluable repositories of insights into the nature and evolution of the first-generation stars formed in the early galaxy. The upcoming China Space Station Telescope (CSST) will provide us with a large amount of spectral data that may contain plenty of VMP stars, and thus it is crucial to determine the stellar atmospheric parameters ($T_{\textrm{eff}}$,$\log$g, and [Fe/H]) for low-resolution spectra similar to the CSST spectra ($R\sim 200$). This study introduces a novel two-dimensional Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model, comprised of three convolutional layers and two fully connected layers. The model’s proficiency is assessed in estimating stellar parameters, particularly metallicity, from low-resolution spectra ($R \sim 200$), with a specific focus on enhancing the search for VMP stars within the CSST spectral data. We mainly use 10 008 spectra of VMP stars from LAMOST DR3, and 16 638 spectra of non-VMP stars ([Fe/H]>-2.0) from LAMOST DR8 for the experiments and apply random forest and support vector machine methods to make comparisons. The resolution of all spectra is reduced to$R\sim200$to match the resolution of the CSST, followed by pre-processing and transformation into two-dimensional spectra for input into the CNN model. The validation and practicality of this model are also tested on the MARCS synthetic spectra. The results show that using the CNN model constructed in this paper, we obtain Mean Absolute Error (MAE) values of 99.40 K for$T_{\textrm{eff}}$, 0.22 dex for$\log$g, 0.14 dex for [Fe/H], and 0.26 dex for [C/Fe] on the test set. Besides, the CNN model can efficiently identify VMP stars with a precision rate of 94.77%, a recall rate of 93.73%, and an accuracy of 95.70%. This paper powerfully demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed CNN model in estimating stellar parameters for low-resolution spectra ($R\sim200$) and recognizing VMP stars that are of interest for stellar population and galactic evolution work.
Symmetrized and non-symmetrizedasymptotic mean value Laplacian in metric measure spaces
Authors: Minne Andreas , Tewodrose David
Published: November 2023

The asymptotic mean value Laplacian—AMV Laplacian—extends the Laplace operator from

$\mathbb {R}^n$

to metric measure spaces through limits of averaging integrals. The AMV Laplacian is however not a symmetric operator in general. Therefore, we consider a symmetric version of the AMV Laplacian, and focus lies on when the symmetric and non-symmetric AMV Laplacians coincide. Besides Riemannian and 3D contact sub-Riemannian manifolds, we show that they are identical on a large class of metric measure spaces, including locally Ahlfors regular spaces with suitably vanishing distortion. In addition, we study the context of weighted domains of

$\mathbb {R}^n$

—where the two operators typically differ—and provide explicit formulae for these operators, including points where the weight vanishes.
Longitudinal associations of circadian eating patterns with sleep quality, fatigue and inflammation in colorectal cancer survivors up to 24 months post-treatment
Authors: Chong Marvin Y. , Eussen Simone J. P. M. , van Roekel Eline H. , Pot Gerda K. , Koster Annemarie , Breukink Stéphanie O. , Janssen-Heijnen Maryska L. G. , Keulen Eric T. P. , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Weijenberg Matty P. , Bours Martijn J. L.
Published: November 2023

Fatigue and insomnia, potentially induced by inflammation, are distressing symptoms experienced by colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. Emerging evidence suggests that besides the nutritional quality and quantity, also the timing, frequency and regularity of dietary intake (chrono-nutrition) could be important for alleviating these symptoms. We investigated longitudinal associations of circadian eating patterns with sleep quality, fatigue and inflammation in CRC survivors. In a prospective cohort of 459 stage I-III CRC survivors, four repeated measurements were performed between 6 weeks and 24 months post-treatment. Chrono-nutrition variables included meal energy contribution, frequency (a maximum of six meals could be reported each day), irregularity and time window (TW) of energetic intake, operationalised based on 7-d dietary records. Outcomes included sleep quality, fatigue and plasma concentrations of inflammatory markers. Longitudinal associations of chrono-nutrition variables with outcomes from 6 weeks until 24 months post-treatment were analysed by confounder-adjusted linear mixed models, including hybrid models to disentangle intra-individual changes from inter-individual differences over time. An hour longer TW of energetic intake between individuals was associated with less fatigue (β: −6·1; 95 % CI (−8·8, −3·3)) and insomnia (β: −4·8; 95 % CI (−7·4, −2·1)). A higher meal frequency of on average 0·6 meals/d between individuals was associated with less fatigue (β: −3·7; 95 % CI (−6·6, −0·8)). An hour increase in TW of energetic intake within individuals was associated with less insomnia (β: −3·0; 95 % CI (−5·2, −0·8)) and inflammation (β: −0·1; 95 % CI (−0·1, 0·0)). Our results suggest that longer TWs of energetic intake and higher meal frequencies may be associated with less fatigue, insomnia and inflammation among CRC survivors. Future studies with larger contrasts in chrono-nutrition variables are needed to confirm these findings.
The impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on care-givers of people with cognitive impairment and their support needs: a mixed-methods systematic review
Authors: Baldassar Loretta , Nguyen Thi Ngoc Minh , Jones Bronte , Stevens Catriona , Krzyzowski Lukasz , Lozeva Silvia , Marino Simone , Du Plooy Maria Greta Carleze , Eldridge Johanne , Almeida Osvaldo P. , Ghosh Manonita
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing restrictions/lockdowns have caused significant physical and psychological consequences for people with cognitive impairment who are heavily dependent on their care-givers. However, little is known about the impact on care-givers, the factors that exacerbate their situation and what supports they need. The aims of this paper are threefold: (a) to examine the impact of COVID-19 physical restrictions on both formal and informal care-givers of people with cognitive impairment; (b) to identify attributing factors influencing this impact; and (c) to recognise their support needs. Further, this paper informs future research, policy and practice. Guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute framework, a systematic review was conducted using a mixed-methods convergent integrated approach. Eight databases were searched using keywords related to COVID-19 restriction, dementia care-givers, impacts and care settings, followed by a manual search. The study was limited to primary research published in English between January 2020 and December 2021. Of the 840 records identified, 30 met the inclusion criteria. Service withdrawal and social distancing has effectively led to the reprivatisation of care to the family, particularly women. Care-givers experienced negative impacts including reduced psychological wellbeing and physical health, increased care burden and financial difficulties. A number of clinical attributes and socio-demographic factors influenced the COVID-19 impact on care-givers. Consequently, counselling services, assistance with care and financial support were identified as support needs. Implementation of new support and the strengthening of existing services are recommended to enhance resilience, build capacity to support care-givers in any given situation and mitigate the effects of future outbreaks.
Delimitation methodology for the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles: Three-stage approach as a way forward?
Authors: Liao Xuexia
Published: November 2023

Delimitation of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles (nm) is a relatively novel exercise by international courts and tribunals, and a question that assumes theoretical and practical importance is whether the delimitation methodology primarily developed in maritime delimitation within 200 nm can be applied to the delimitation beyond that distance. In contrast to some prevailing arguments that the delimitation methodology for the continental shelf beyond 200 nm should somewhat differ, this article examines whether the delimitation beyond 200 nm can be integrated under the three-stage approach articulated by the ICJ in the 2009 Black Sea case and discusses what methodological problems have been raised in the delimitation process. By analysing the applicability and application of the three-stage approach to the continental shelf delimitation beyond 200 nm in the jurisprudence, this article argues that substantive integration of the delimitation methodology for the continental shelf beyond 200 nm has taken place and is likely to continue. The integrated approach to the delimitation methodology adopted in the Bangladesh v. India case and the Ghana/Côte d’Ivoire case may prove to be guiding precedents that indicate a way forward in the jurisprudence.
Gold and Silver: Relative Values in the Ancient Past
Authors: Ross James , Bettenay Leigh
Published: November 2023

We have documented more than 200 relative values of gold and silver across almost 3000 years (2500 bce–400 ce) to establish value benchmarks for essentially pure metal. Our aim is to improve understanding of ancient economies by enabling regional and temporal comparisons of these relative values. First, we establish silver as an early, reliable benchmark for valuing gold of varying purity before implementation of parting. Whilst purity accounted for two to threefold variation in the value of gold, we conclude that availability was more influential. Access to Nubian gold until about 1100 bce seems an important influence on gold-silver value ratios in Egypt and the Near East, which increased significantly following loss of this source. This investigation yields a suite of relative values for essentially pure gold and silver, subdivided by regions and intervals from 2500 bce–400 ce. These will enable future comparisons of precious metal-denominated costs of labour and commodities, including with today.
Mindfulness Fills in the Blank Spaces Left by Affective Uncertainty Uplifting Adaptive Behaviors
Authors: Junça-Silva Ana , Caetano António
Published: November 2023

Drawing on the integrative model of uncertainty tolerance, we aimed to investigate whether uncertainty relates to adaptive performance, at the within-person level. We argue that daily uncertainty at work will trigger negative affective reactions that, in turn, will minimize adaptive performance. Moreover, we focus on socio-cognitive mindfulness as a cross-level moderator of the indirect relationship of uncertainty on adaptive performance via negative affect. To capture changes in daily life and test our model, we conducted two diary studies across 5-working days: One with a sample of telecommuters (n = 101*5 = 505), and the other with a sample of non-telecommuters (n = 253*5 = 1,265). Study 1 took place between February and March of 2021 (during the mandatory confinement), and Study 2 occurred between April and May 2021 (out of the mandatory confinement). Both studies were conducted in Portugal. The multilevel results showed that at the day-level of analysis, uncertainty decreased adaptive performance through the enhanced negative affect. Moreover, at the person-level of analysis mindfulness moderated (a) the direct relationship of uncertainty to adaptive performance, and (b) the indirect relationship of uncertainty to adaptive performance via negative affect, in such a way that it became weaker when mindfulness was higher (multilevel-mediated moderation effect). This relation was different between Studies 1 and 2; that is, in Study 1, teleworkers who were high on mindfulness engaged in more adaptive performance when negative affect was high. In Study 2, adaptive performance significantly decreased, when negative affect was higher, even though this effect was weaker for mindful of individuals. The findings show that mindfulness helps to fill in the spaces of the affective uncertainty attenuating its detrimental effects.
Psychometric Properties of the CES-D, PCL-5, and DERS in a Honduran Adult Sample
Authors: Miller-Graff Laura E. , Guzman Juan Carlos , Hare Thomas
Published: November 2023

Abstract: Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of Latin American Spanish-language versions of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), PTSD Checklist for the DSM-5 (PCL-5), and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Methods: Measures were translated, backtranslated, and adapted for use with a Honduran sample ( N = 970). Results: Support for the construct validity of the PCL-5 and moderate support for the CES-D were evident. Internal consistency, correlations, and mean differences across groups demonstrated good evidence of internal consistency and convergent validity. The original factor structure for the DERS did not show evidence of construct validity, but internal consistency for the overall scale was good, and there was evidence of convergent validity. Conclusions: The findings provide support for these versions of the PCL-5 but suggest that future work should examine exploratory factor analyses of the CES-D and DERS.
Role of Snowfall Versus Air Temperatures for Greenland Ice Sheet Melt‐Albedo Feedbacks
Authors: Ryan J. C. , Medley B. , Stevens C. M. , Sutterley T. C. , Siegfried M. R.
Published: November 2023

The Greenland Ice Sheet is a leading contributor to global sea‐level rise because climate warming has enhanced surface meltwater runoff. Melt rates are particularly sensitive to air temperatures due to feedbacks with albedo. The primary melt‐albedo feedback, fluctuation of seasonal snowlines, however, is determined not only by melt but also by antecedent snowfall which could delay the onset of dark glacier ice exposure. Here we investigate the role of snowfall versus air temperatures on ice sheet melt‐albedo feedbacks using satellite remote sensing and atmospheric reanalysis data. We find several lines of evidence that snowline fluctuations are driven primarily by air temperatures and that snowfall is a secondary control. First, standardized linear regressions indicate that the timing of glacier ice exposure is nearly twice as sensitive to air temperatures than antecedent snowfall. Second, in 74% of the ablation zone by area, winter snowfall rates are not significantly correlated with winter air temperatures. This relationship implies that ice sheet melt due to climate warming is unlikely to be compensated by higher snowfall rates in the ablation zone. Third, we find no significant change in snowfall rates in the ablation zone during our 1981–2021 study period. Our findings demonstrate that snowfall is unlikely to reduce future ice sheet melt and that ice sheet meltwater runoff should be accurately predicted by air temperatures. Although given the importance of melt‐albedo feedbacks, ice sheet models that parameterize albedo or are coupled with regional climate models are likely to provide the most accurate projections of mass loss.
Simulations of Io Plasma Torus Around Jupiter: Predictions for Lenghu Observatory
Authors: Tan Xiaoyi , He Fei , Kagitani Masato , Zhao Yong , Yao Zhonghua , Rong Zhaojin , Wei Yong
Published: November 2023

Characterizing the temporal evolution of the three‐dimensional structure of the Io plasma torus is essential to understand the dynamics of the Jovian magnetosphere. Optical imaging is a powerful tool to uncover the global torus structure. Currently, two ground‐based optical telescopes with diameters of 0.8 and 1.8 m, respectively, are under construction at the Lenghu Observatory for Planetary Science on the Tibetan Plateau of China, to systematically observe the Io plasma torus at wavelengths between 392 and 1,100 nm. These telescopes will begin to operate in the end of 2023. In order to support the inversion and scientific interpretation of the Io plasma torus images, we perform systematic simulations of the Io plasma torus in this work. First, a three‐dimensional model of electron and ion densities and electron temperature is constructed first. Then, the emissions of O+ 372.7 nm, O+ 372.9 nm, S+ 406.9 nm, S+ 671.8 nm, S+ 673.1 nm, and S++ 953.2 nm are simulated from the perspective of observing from the Earth. The simulated emission intensities and distributions are consistent with previous observations. This work provides a state‐of‐the‐art convenient tool for ground‐based telescope observation of the Io plasma torus at a specific site and time and also benefits future inversion of images to obtain physical parameters of Io plasma torus.
Distinguishing Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) Waves From Other Pc1 Signatures in Satellite Recordings by Means of the Swarm Satellite Constellation
Authors: Lühr Hermann , Zhou Yun‐Liang
Published: November 2023

In this study we make use of the closely spaced Swarm A and C spacecraft to determine the main wave parameters of micro‐pulsation in the Pc1 range. Generally, the interpretation of wave events in satellite recordings suffers from the spatial/temporal ambiguity of such data. To resolve that problem, we use for the first time in the 0.2–5 Hz apparent frequency range high‐resolution magnetic field data from the Swarm A/C spacecraft pair. Particularly suitable for this analysis is the period of Counter Rotating Orbit Phase in 2021. During that period the along‐track distance between the spacecraft was varied from 2 to 40 s. Surprisingly many of the wavy signals at middle latitudes were identified as small‐scale (order of 10s km) quasi‐static field‐aligned current (FAC) structures. Some of the events turned out to be medium‐scale (100–200 km) waves oscillating at 1 Hz or less. A number of published electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves were checked on their consistency. One characteristic is their long wavelength (∼1,000 km). About half of the cases passed the check, the other did not satisfy the spatial homogeneity. The small‐scale FAC structures we believe to be driven by atmospheric gravity waves. While the medium‐scale waves we prefer to relate to the effects of the ionospheric Alfvén resonator.
Drivers of Cloud Condensation Nuclei in the Eastern North Atlantic as Observed at the ARM Site
Authors: Ghate Virendra P. , Surleta Thomas , Magaritz‐Ronen Leehi , Raveh‐Rubin Shira , Gallo Francesca , Carlton Annmarie G. , Azevedo Eduardo B.
Published: November 2023

Seven years of data collected at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement's Eastern North Atlantic (ENA) site are analyzed to understand the controls of Cloud Condensation Nuclei (CCN) concentrations in the region. Day‐night differences in the aerosol data as segregated by wind direction demonstrate the aerosol observations to be impacted by local emissions when the wind direction (wdir) is between 90° and 310° (measured clockwise from the North where air is coming from). Data collected during marine conditions (wdir <90° or wdir >310°) show the CCN concentrations to be higher in the summer months as compared to the winter months. CCN budget analysis revealed advection and precipitation scavenging being primarily responsible for modulating the CCN concentrations at the site on monthly timescales, with rain rates driving the precipitation scavenging term. High (greater than 75th percentile) and low (lower than 25th percentile) CCN events were identified for each month to characterize the sub‐monthly variability of CCN concentrations. Low CCN events had thicker clouds, stronger rain rates, and lower reanalysis reported free‐tropospheric aerosol pseudo number concentration at the ENA site as compared to the high CCN events. Analysis of satellite data of air‐parcels 48 hr prior to their arrival at the ENA site demonstrated the air parcels during low CCN events to encounter higher cloudiness, stronger rain rates, and higher cloud top heights as compared to the high CCN events. The results presented herein provide key constraints for model evaluation studies and climatological studies conducted at the ENA site.
Stochastic Simulations of Bed Topography Constrain Geothermal Heat Flow and Subglacial Drainage Near Dome Fuji, East Antarctica
Authors: Shackleton Calvin , Matsuoka Kenichi , Moholdt Geir , Van Liefferinge Brice , Paden John
Published: November 2023

Topographic variability beneath ice sheets regulates ice flow, basal melting, refreezing processes, and meltwater drainage. The preservation of old ice layers and basal ice stratigraphy is sensitive to these subglacial processes, and Dome Fuji, inland East Antarctica, is one of the few regions where 1.5‐Ma old ice can be preserved for investigating a major climatic change that occurred in the mid‐Pleistocene. We used stochastic simulation methods and radar data to generate an ensemble of simulated bed topography with the continuous and realistic roughness necessary to assess basal conditions. Ensemble analysis reveals the magnitude and spatial distribution of topographic uncertainty, facilitating uncertainty‐constrained assessments of subglacial drainage and topographic adjustments to geothermal heat flow (GHF). We find that topographic variability can lead to widespread local GHF variations of ±20% of the background value, which aggregate to raise the regional value and suggest previously underestimated distributions and rates of basal melting. We also find that survey profile spacing has an increasing influence on topographic uncertainty for rougher bed, deriving an empirical relationship that could guide future survey planning based on uncertainty tolerance.
Transitions in Dissolved Organic Phosphorus and Dissolved Organic Carbon Across a Freshwater Estuary Gradient
Authors: King Sarah S. E. , Frost Paul C. , Watson Susan B. , Xenopoulos Marguerite A.
Published: November 2023

Despite the significant role that dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) plays in ecosystem productivity, efforts to characterize inputs of phosphorus (P) into lakes have largely ignored P fractions complexed to dissolved organic matter (DOM). To address this gap, we characterized DOP and DOM along a transect of a Lake Erie tributary (Kettle Creek) from the headwaters to the rivermouth and into the nearshore and offshore central basin. DOM and DOP characteristics impart a chemical fingerprint that is useful for determining source and production in aquatic ecosystems. We analyzed DOM composition and concentration (DOC; organic carbon) in addition to DOP as phosphomonoesters (MP; predominantly terrestrial in origin) and phosphodiesters (DP; microbially‐produced), along with other water quality parameters. DOM and DOC within the river were relatively invariant. While there were no consistent trends in riverine MP and DP, an impoundment on the river appeared to act as a sink for some soluble P forms and a potential source of DP. At the rivermouth, we observed a rapid decrease in DOC, DOP, and total P and a shift to more autochthonous‐like DOM, though the decrease in DP was weaker. Relative to in‐flowing river water, P pools in nearshore and offshore Lake Erie were enriched in DOP, especially DP. DOP accounted for up to 42% of total P in Kettle Creek and up to 92% in Lake Erie's central basin. Our work shows the importance of considering DOP in P management efforts as its dynamics differ from those of other, more commonly measured P forms.
Liver X receptor alpha ensures blood-brain barrier function by suppressing SNAI2
Authors: Vacondio D. , Nogueira Pinto H. , Coenen L. , Mulder I. A. , Fontijn R. , van het Hof B. , Fung W. K. , Jongejan A. , Kooij G. , Zelcer N. , Rozemuller A. J. , de Vries H. E. , de Wit N. M.
Published: November 2023

In Alzheimer’s disease (AD) more than 50% of the patients are affected by capillary cerebral amyloid-angiopathy (capCAA), which is characterized by localized hypoxia, neuro-inflammation and loss of blood-brain barrier (BBB) function. Moreover, AD patients with or without capCAA display increased vessel number, indicating a reactivation of the angiogenic program. The molecular mechanism(s) responsible for BBB dysfunction and angiogenesis in capCAA is still unclear, preventing a full understanding of disease pathophysiology. The Liver X receptor (LXR) family, consisting of LXRα and LXRβ, was reported to inhibit angiogenesis and particularly LXRα was shown to secure BBB stability, suggesting a major role in vascular function. In this study, we unravel the regulatory mechanism exerted by LXRα to preserve BBB integrity in human brain endothelial cells (BECs) and investigate its role during pathological conditions. We report that LXRα ensures BECs identity via constitutive inhibition of the transcription factor SNAI2. Accordingly, deletion of brain endothelial LXRα is associated with impaired DLL4-NOTCH signalling, a critical signalling pathway involved in vessel sprouting. A similar response was observed when BECs were exposed to hypoxia, with concomitant LXRα decrease and SNAI2 increase. In support of our cell-based observations, we report a general increase in vascular SNAI2 in the occipital cortex of AD patients with and without capCAA. Importantly, SNAI2 strongly associated with vascular amyloid-beta deposition and angiopoietin-like 4, a marker for hypoxia. In hypoxic capCAA vessels, the expression of LXRα may decrease leading to an increased expression of SNAI2, and consequently BECs de-differentiation and sprouting. Our findings indicate that LXRα is essential for BECs identity, thereby securing BBB stability and preventing aberrant angiogenesis. These results uncover a novel molecular pathway essential for BBB identity and vascular homeostasis providing new insights on the vascular pathology affecting AD patients.
Peculiar transient behaviors of organic electrochemical transistors governed by ion injection directionality
Authors: Kim Ji Hwan , Halaksa Roman , Jo Il-Young , Ahn Hyungju , Gilhooly-Finn Peter A. , Lee Inho , Park Sungjun , Nielsen Christian B. , Yoon Myung-Han
Published: November 2023

Despite the growing interest in dynamic behaviors at the frequency domain, there exist very few studies on molecular orientation-dependent transient responses of organic mixed ionic–electronic conductors. In this research, we investigated the effect of ion injection directionality on transient electrochemical transistor behaviors by developing a model mixed conductor system. Two polymers with similar electrical, ionic, and electrochemical characteristics but distinct backbone planarities and molecular orientations were successfully synthesized by varying the co-monomer unit (2,2’-bithiophene or phenylene) in conjunction with a novel 1,4-dithienylphenylene-based monomer. The comprehensive electrochemical analysis suggests that the molecular orientation affects the length of the ion-drift pathway, which is directly correlated with ion mobility, resulting in peculiar OECT transient responses. These results provide the general insight into molecular orientation-dependent ion movement characteristics as well as high-performance device design principles with fine-tuned transient responses.
Systematic characterization of the HOXA9 downstream targets in MLL-r leukemia by noncoding CRISPR screens
Authors: Wright Shaela , Zhao Xujie , Rosikiewicz Wojciech , Mryncza Shelby , Hyle Judith , Qi Wenjie , Liu Zhenling , Yi Siqi , Cheng Yong , Xu Beisi , Li Chunliang
Published: November 2023

Accumulating evidence indicates that HOXA9 dysregulation is necessary and sufficient for leukemic transformation and maintenance. However, it remains largely unknown how HOXA9, as a homeobox transcriptional factor, binds to noncoding regulatory sequences and controls the downstream genes. Here, we conduct dropout CRISPR screens against 229 HOXA9-bound peaks identified by ChIP-seq. Integrative data analysis identifies reproducible noncoding hits, including those located in the distal enhancer of FLT3 and intron of CDK6. The Cas9-editing and dCas9-KRAB silencing of the HOXA9-bound sites significantly reduce corresponding gene transcription and impair cell proliferation in vitro, and in vivo by transplantation into NSG female mice. In addition, RNA-seq, Q-PCR analysis, chromatin accessibility change, and chromatin conformation evaluation uncover the noncoding regulation mechanism of HOXA9 and its functional downstream genes. In summary, our work improves our understanding of how HOXA9-associated transcription programs reconstruct the regulatory network specifying MLL-r dependency.
Adults on pre-exposure prophylaxis (tenofovir-emtricitabine) have faster clearance of anti-HIV monoclonal antibody VRC01
Authors: Huang Yunda , Zhang Lily , Karuna Shelly , Andrew Philip , Juraska Michal , Weiner Joshua A. , Angier Heather , Morgan Evgenii , Azzam Yasmin , Swann Edith , Edupuganti Srilatha , Mgodi Nyaradzo M. , Ackerman Margaret E. , Donnell Deborah , Gama Lucio , Anderson Peter L. , Koup Richard A. , Hural John , Cohen Myron S. , Corey Lawrence , McElrath M. Juliana , Gilbert Peter B. , Lemos Maria P.
Published: November 2023

Broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are being developed for HIV-1 prevention. Hence, these mAbs and licensed oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (tenofovir-emtricitabine) can be concomitantly administered in clinical trials. In 48 US participants (men and transgender persons who have sex with men) who received the HIV-1 mAb VRC01 and remained HIV-free in an antibody-mediated-prevention trial (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT02716675), we conduct a post-hoc analysis and find that VRC01 clearance is 0.08 L/day faster (p = 0.005), and dose-normalized area-under-the-curve of VRC01 serum concentration over-time is 0.29 day/mL lower (p < 0.001) in PrEP users (n = 24) vs. non-PrEP users (n = 24). Consequently, PrEP users are predicted to have 14% lower VRC01 neutralization-mediated prevention efficacy against circulating HIV-1 strains. VRC01 clearance is positively associated (r = 0.33, p = 0.03) with levels of serum intestinal Fatty Acid Binding protein (I-FABP), a marker of epithelial intestinal permeability, which is elevated upon starting PrEP (p = 0.04) and after months of self-reported use (p = 0.001). These findings have implications for the evaluation of future HIV-1 mAbs and postulate a potential mechanism for mAb clearance in the context of PrEP.
Label-free identification of protein aggregates using deep learning
Authors: Ibrahim Khalid A. , Grußmayer Kristin S. , Riguet Nathan , Feletti Lely , Lashuel Hilal A. , Radenovic Aleksandra
Published: November 2023

Protein misfolding and aggregation play central roles in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), including Huntington’s disease, which is caused by a genetic mutation in exon 1 of the Huntingtin protein (Httex1). The fluorescent labels commonly used to visualize and monitor the dynamics of protein expression have been shown to alter the biophysical properties of proteins and the final ultrastructure, composition, and toxic properties of the formed aggregates. To overcome this limitation, we present a method for label-free identification of NDD-associated aggregates (LINA). Our approach utilizes deep learning to detect unlabeled and unaltered Httex1 aggregates in living cells from transmitted-light images, without the need for fluorescent labeling. Our models are robust across imaging conditions and on aggregates formed by different constructs of Httex1. LINA enables the dynamic identification of label-free aggregates and measurement of their dry mass and area changes during their growth process, offering high speed, specificity, and simplicity to analyze protein aggregation dynamics and obtain high-fidelity information.
Sustainable healthy diet modeling for a plant-based dietary transitioning in the United States
Authors: Aidoo Raphael , Abe-Inge Vincent , Kwofie Ebenezer M. , Baum Jamie I. , Kubow Stan
Published: November 2023

The potential environmental and nutritional benefits of plant-based dietary shifts require thorough investigation to outline suitable routes to achieve these benefits. Whereas dietary consumption is usually in composite forms, sustainable healthy diet assessments have not adequately addressed composite diets. In this study, we build on available data in the Food4HealthyLife calculator to develop 3 dietary concepts (M) containing 24 model composite diet scenarios (S) assessed for their environmental and nutritional performances. The Health Nutritional Index (HENI) and Food Compass scoring systems were used for nutritional quality profiling and estimates of environmental impact were derived from previously reported midpoint impact values for foods listed in the What We Eat in America database. The diets were ranked using the Kruskal‒Wallis nonparametric test, and a dual-scale data chart was employed for a trade-off analysis to identify the optimal composite diet scenario. The results showcased a distinct variation in ranks for each scenario on the environment and nutrition scales, describing an inherent nonlinear relationship between environmental and nutritional performances. However, trade-off analysis revealed a diet with 10% legumes, 0.11% red meat, 0.28% processed meat and 2.81% white meat could reduce global warming by 54.72% while yielding a diet quality of 74.13 on the Food Compass Scoring system. These observations provide an interesting forecast of the benefits of transitioning to an optimal plant- and animal-based dieting pattern, which advances global nutritional needs and environmental stewardship among consumers.
Healthy ageing: Herpes zoster infection and the role of zoster vaccination
Authors: Curran Desmond , Doherty T. Mark , Lecrenier Nicolas , Breuer Thomas
Published: November 2023

Populations are ageing worldwide, with considerable time lived in ill-health, putting upwards pressure on healthcare budgets. Healthy ageing is defined as maintaining functional ability, including the ability to: meet basic needs; learn, grow and make decisions; be mobile; build and maintain relationships; and contribute to society. The risk and impact of infectious diseases increase with age due to immunosenescence. Vaccination can help to prevent disease in older adults, promoting healthy ageing and active lives. Herpes zoster (HZ) occurs when the varicella zoster virus is reactivated due to declining immunity. HZ is common, with a lifetime risk of one-third, and increases in incidence with age. HZ is associated with severe and intense pain, substantially affecting the functional status of patients as well as their overall health-related quality of life. HZ and its complications may result in prolonged morbidity, including persistent pain (post-herpetic neuralgia, PHN), hearing impairment, vision loss and increased risk of stroke and myocardial infarction. HZ and PHN are difficult to treat, substantiating the benefits of prevention. Vaccines to prevent HZ include a recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV). RZV has shown efficacy against the HZ burden of disease and HZ burden of interference on activities of daily living of over 90% in immunocompetent adults aged ≥50 years. Vaccine efficacy against HZ was maintained at over 70% at 10 years post-vaccination. Adult vaccination, including against HZ, has the potential to reduce burden of disease, thus helping to maintain functioning and quality of life to support healthy ageing in older adults.
The foraging ecology of yellow-billed and red- billed choughs changed between two climatically different years
Authors: Rolando Antonio , Basso Cecilia , Brunelli Nicolò , Bocca Massimo , Laini Alex
Published: November 2023

Climate change is affecting the alpine ecosystem at an unprecedented rate, with marked changes in spring phenology and the elevation distribution of birds. Changes in the European Alps are happening rapidly, and it is possible behaviours stand to change from one year to the next. The year 2022 was characterised by climatic extremes: Italy experienced its hottest year ever, and it was the driest since 1800. Here, we assessed whether the foraging ecology of two coexisting upland bird species, the yellow-billed and the red-billed chough, changed from 2021 to 2022. We assessed foraging stay times, flock size, propensity to mixed flocking, foraging home ranges and altitudinal distribution. Stay times of both species when foraging in monospecific flocks significantly shortened in 2022, especially in the case of the red-billed chough. The two corvids are known to influence each other when foraging together. In 2021, as expected, the stay times of the red-billed chough decreased when in the presence of the congener, but this did not occur in 2022. Instead, the yellow-billed chough increased its altitudinal foraging distribution in 2022. The results are in line with the hypothesis that large climate variations may disrupt the foraging ecology of mountain birds. However, as it is not possible to draw solid conclusions from just two years of observations, further field research will have to be planned in the future.
Investigation of physicochemical and sensory characteristics of low calorie sponge cake made from flaxseed mucilage and flaxseed flour
Authors: Ahmadinia Fariba , Mohtarami Forogh , Esmaiili Mohsen , Pirsa Sajad
Published: November 2023

This research aimed to extract flaxseed mucilage (FM) and investigate its rheological properties (static and dynamic tests) compared with animal oil. In the next stage, the D-optimal design was applied to investigate the effect of FM (0–60%) and FF (0–30%) replacements with animal oil and cake flour, respectively on the sponge cake's physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties. According to the flow behavior test, FM showed Newtonian behavior while animal oil had pseudoplastic behavior. The results of the dynamic test showed with an increase in frequency, the loss modulus (G״) and storage modulus (Gʹ) of samples increased. However, Gʹ was higher than G״ in all samples. By replacement of FM and FF, the moisture content, water activity, antioxidant capacity, crumb hardness, and cohesiveness of the samples increased while springiness, crust hardness, and specific volume decreased (P < 0.05). Lightness of samples with replacement of FF decreased (P < 0.05). The overall acceptance score was enhanced with an increase in FM substitution while it was decreased with the replacement of FF (P < 0.05). The amounts of fat, calories, and peroxide values were decreased in sponge cake with the incorporation of FF and FM (P < 0.05). In general, the substitution of FM (60%) and FF (28%) in the cake formulation as an optimized sample to make new products with low-calorie content is possible without significant decreases in product quality.