bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revaluating the Sustainable Development Thesis: exploring the moderating influence of Technological Innovation on the impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on Green Growth in the OECD Countries
Authors: Ketchoua Germain Stephane , Arogundade Sodiq , Mduduzi Biyase
Published: September 2024

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advocate for advancing green growth, a concept that balances economic prosperity with environmental protection. At the core of this vision are principles of sustainable consumption, production, and energy usage, all aimed at mitigating climate change and safeguarding ecosystems. This study investigates how technological innovation influences the relationship between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and green growth in OECD member countries. Specifically, we examine two facets of green growth: production-based CO2 productivity and demand-based CO2 productivity. We employ empirical analyses using the EKC and STIRPAT framework, which includes Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), smoothed instrumental-variables quantile regression (SIVQR), and System GMM methodologies, to uncover significant insights. Our analysis reveals that FDI impedes green growth, while technological innovation is pivotal in enhancing it. This pattern holds steady across various time frames and renewable energy sources. Furthermore, our findings indicate that combining FDI and technological advancement leads to heightened production-based CO2 productivity but diminished demand-based CO2 productivity. We also identify the presence of an environmental Kuznets curve for production-based CO2 productivity. Adding to significant scientific value by demonstrating how technological innovation moderates FDI's impact on green growth in OECD countries, we advocate for fostering collaborative partnerships between foreign investors and local innovators to leverage global expertise while advancing green objectives. Additionally, policy interventions should focus on stimulating demand for eco-friendly products and services to bolster demand-based CO2 productivity.
The creative agency of large language models: a philosophical inquiry
Authors: Ukpaka Paschal Mmesoma
Published: September 2024

This paper explores the difficult question of whether Large Language Models (LLMs) are intrinsically creative. Because they can independently create original content, LLMs are often seen as creative agents. Contrary to the belief that LLMs are creative, this paper argues that LLMs are not creative for two reasons. First, LLMs are not creative because they lack an essential component of creativity, which is the first-person experience of the world. Secondly, LLMs are not creative because they are not the principal authors of their creative output, for they lack the subjective awareness and intentionality necessary to be regarded as authors, and their output is a collaborative effort of the AI model, data providers, and other stakeholders. Since they are not full-fledged authors in a traditional sense, they are not creative.
Ethical considerations of use of hold-out sets in clinical prediction model management
Authors: Chislett Louis , Aslett Louis J. M. , Davies Alisha R. , Vallejos Catalina A. , Liley James
Published: September 2024

Clinical prediction models are statistical or machine learning models used to quantify the risk of a certain health outcome using patient data. These can then inform potential interventions on patients, causing an effect called performative prediction: predictions inform interventions which influence the outcome they were trying to predict, leading to a potential underestimation of risk in some patients if a model is updated on this data. One suggested resolution to this is the use of hold-out sets, in which a set of patients do not receive model derived risk scores, such that a model can be safely retrained. We present an overview of clinical and research ethics regarding potential implementation of hold-out sets for clinical prediction models in health settings. We focus on the ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy and justice. We also discuss informed consent, clinical equipoise, and truth-telling. We present illustrative cases of potential hold-out set implementations and discuss statistical issues arising from different hold-out set sampling methods. We also discuss differences between hold-out sets and randomised control trials, in terms of ethics and statistical issues. Finally, we give practical recommendations for researchers interested in the use hold-out sets for clinical prediction models.
Decoding environmental impact with image-based CO2 emission analytics
Authors: Kan Jie-Yuan , Feng Yu-Xi , Yao Yi-Na , Sun Ren-Da , Xu Yong , Xu Ming
Published: September 2024

As per the regulations of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the country’s carbon emission data hold primacy. Nevertheless, establishing and utilizing a database pose a daunting challenge. This study presents the “Carbon Seer System,” a novel software prototype designed to inform and educate users about the carbon footprint during their production and in daily life. The development process involved a three-stage user interview process, ensuring system’s alignment with user needs and preferences. The system employs machine learning and visual recognition technology, including convolutional neural networks (CNNs), feature pyramid networks, and self-attention mechanisms, enabling users to analyze captured images for carbon emission factors. It automatically identifies the carbon emission factors of industrial products, energy producers, household producers, waste treatment, and transportation. A unique “group detection” method allows for the simultaneous analysis of multiple objects in a single image, enhancing user convenience. Additionally, the software features a carbon footprint tracker and a carbon sink dashboard, providing users with insights into their carbon emissions and the efforts needed for offsetting. The study concludes that the “Carbon Seer System” represents a significant step towards individual enablement at understanding and actively participating in a low-carbon lifestyle.
Sexual and reproductive health focus group discussions with Syrian men and women living as refugees in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
Authors: Gordon Anna C. T. , Mamluk Loubaba
Published: September 2024

Background

Conflict in Syria since 2011 led to over one million Syrians fleeing to Lebanon, predominantly from economically disadvantaged areas with low literacy and high child marriage rates. Over 90% live in extreme poverty, in informal tented settlements with minimal access to education, healthcare or employment. Displacement and poverty have further increased early marriages and unplanned pregnancies, and curtailed access to sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH) in the Bekaa valley. This is exacerbated by increasing rates of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), intimate partner violence and domestic violence.

Study design

We aimed to explore SRH beliefs and practices and teach on key SRH topics through focus group discussions (FGD) and questionnaires, co-designed with Syrian practitioners, conducted with Syrian men and women. FGD were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Questionnaires collected demographics and explored SRH beliefs and practices.

Findings

24 FGD with 203 participants, 72.4% female and 27.6% men. 90.1% participants were married with an average age-gap of 6.3 years between partners. Teenage marriage rates were 55.6% for women, and 47.4% delivered their first child before the age of 20. 43.6% participants were not using any contraception. Findings demonstrate the impacts of SRH cultural norms and changes due to displacement, financial crisis, and increased exposure to technology and NGOs.

Conclusions

SRH is multifaceted and contested, requiring systemic improvements in access to care, employment and education. This small but important proof-of-concept study demonstrates the possibility of engaging men and women in SRH discussion; paramount to empowering communities and challenging intergenerational SGBV.
The effect of Reynolds number on the separated flow over a low-aspect-ratio wing
Authors: Smith Luke , Taira Kunihiko
Published: September 2024

At high incidence, low-aspect-ratio wings present a unique set of aerodynamic characteristics, including flow separation, vortex shedding and unsteady force production. Furthermore, low-aspect-ratio wings exhibit a highly impactful tip vortex, which introduces strong spanwise gradients into an already complex flow. In this work, we explore the interaction between leading-edge flow separation and a strong, persistent tip vortex over a Reynolds number range of$600 \leq Re \leq 10{\,}000$. In performing this study, we aim to bridge the insight gained from existing low-Reynolds-number studies of separated flow on finite wings ($Re \approx 10^2$) and turbulent flows at higher Reynolds numbers ($Re \approx 10^4$). Our study suggests two primary effects of the Reynolds number. First, we observe a break from periodicity, along with a dramatic increase in the intensity and concentration of small-scale eddies, as we shift from$Re = 600$to$Re = 2500$. Second, we observe that many of our flow diagnostics, including the time-averaged aerodynamic force, exhibit reduced sensitivity to Reynolds number beyond$Re = 2500$, an observation attributed to the stabilising impact of the wing tip vortex. This latter point illustrates the manner by which the tip vortex drives flow over low-aspect-ratio wings, and provides insight into how our existing understanding of this flow field may be adjusted for higher-Reynolds-number applications.
Digitaler Puls
Authors: Seebach Nils
Published: September 2024

Was bedeutet Digital Health schon jetzt und wie werden sich alle Lebensbereiche in Zukunft verändern? Der deutsche Gesundheitsmarkt steht vor einem enormen Umbruch, dessen Ausmaße die meisten Menschen bis heute stark unterschätzen. Die Digitalisierung des Gesundheitswesens ist eines der relevantesten Themen der nächsten Jahre und wird von allen Marktteilnehmern neue Denkweisen und Kompetenzen erfordern. Denn wie in jeder bedeutsamen Revolution werden schon bald alte Strategien nicht mehr funktionieren. Diese Überzeugung basiert auf der Beobachtung, dass sich der Patient zum Gesundheitskunden wandelt und dass der Patientenfokus - also Kundenfokus - mitbestimmen wird, wer die Gewinner und Verlierer im Gesundheitsmarkt der Zukunft sein werden. „Digitaler Puls“ ist Wissensspeicher und Ratgeber für alle, die diesen Wandel verstehen und in der neuen Marktdynamik relevant bleiben wollen. Das Buch nimmt den Leser mit auf eine Reise durch die letzten 20 Jahre Digitalisierungsgeschichte des Gesundheitsmarktes, erklärt die fünf wichtigsten Trends, die die Zukunft prägen werden, und wagt einen Blick auf alle wichtigen Marktteilnehmer und wie sich deren Rollen und Kompetenzen wandeln werden. Abschließend diskutieren die Autoren, wie und ob sich eine Plattformökonomie - nach dem E-Commerce-Vorbild - auch im Gesundheitswesen durchsetzen wird und wer die relevanten Player sein können. Über 20 detaillierte Use Cases und zahllose Praxisbeispiele lassen die Inhalte lebendig und das Buch zum Nachschlagewerk für die Digitalisierung im Gesundheitswesen werden. Mit spannenden Exkursen und Bezügen zur aktuellen Situation: Ist die Corona-Pandemie mit Ihren Konsequenzen für die Gesellschaft und dem Gesundheitssystem Anlass oder doch nur Katalysator für die längst überfällige Digitalisierung der Gesundheitsbranche?
Virtuelle Szenarien in der Rechtspsychologie
Authors: Volz Theres , Gubi-Kelm Silvia , Iffland Judith A.
Published: September 2024

Zusammenfassung: Virtuelle Realität (VR) bietet die Möglichkeit, kontrollierbare, sichere und realistische Umgebungen für die Erforschung von Verhalten und Emotionen in rechtspsychologischen Kontexten zu schaffen. Bislang war dies für bestimmte Fragestellungen mittels traditioneller Forschungsmethoden (z. B. Fallvignetten) aus ethischen oder praktischen Gründen nicht oder nur eingeschränkt möglich. Auf Basis vorliegender empirischer Befunde und der erfolgreichen Nutzung virtueller Szenarien im Bereich (sexueller) Opfererfahrungen schlagen die Autorinnen den Einsatz von VR zur empirischen Überprüfung aussagepsychologischer Methoden vor, im Besonderen der Merkmalsorientierten Inhaltsanalyse. Vor dem Hintergrund teilweise heterogener Befunde hinsichtlich Validität und Reliabilität der Merkmalsorientierten Inhaltsanalyse wird das Potenzial des Einsatzes von VR zur Überwindung der Herausforderungen traditioneller Studiendesigns hinsichtlich des ethischen Dilemmas und interner sowie externer Validität diskutiert, und ethische Herausforderungen der Nutzung von VR im Kontext (sexueller) Opfererfahrungen werden dargestellt. Die Autorinnen plädieren für den Einsatz von VR zur Validierung aussagepsychologischer Methoden, da transparente und reproduzierbare Schlussfolgerungen von weitreichender Bedeutung für die aussagepsychologische Sachverständigentätigkeit sind.
Falsche Fährten
Authors: Gubi-Kelm Silvia , Sauerland Melanie , Bitzigeio Christian , Strobach Tilo , Mueller Ronja
Published: September 2024

Zusammenfassung: Bei vielen Justizirrtümern spielt das fälschliche Wiedererkennen tatverdächtiger Personen durch Zeug_innen eine entscheidende Rolle. Zeug_innen werden meist im Rahmen von Wahllichtbildvorlagen neben dem Beschuldigtenbild auch Bilder anderer Personen präsentiert (Distraktorbilder). Aufgrund aktueller Datenschutzbestimmungen dürfen in einigen deutschen Bundesländern jedoch keine Distraktorbilder von real existierenden Personen verwendet werden, sodass Distraktorgesichter oftmals mit Fotobearbeitungsprogrammen neu kreiert werden. Dies geschieht häufig, indem Porträts von real existierenden Personen miteinander „vermischt“ werden, wodurch neue Gesichter entstehen (Morphing). Gemorphte Gesichter sind jedoch teilweise symmetrischer und durchschnittlicher als natürliche Gesichter. Diese Merkmale wirken sich auf die Gesichtswahrnehmung und -enkodierung aus. Eine damit einhergehende veränderte (positivere bzw. negativere) Beurteilung der Distraktorbilder, beispielsweise hinsichtlich ihrer Attraktivität, Einzigartigkeit und Vertrauenswürdigkeit, könnte dazu führen, dass sich auch die Bewertung des Beschuldigtenbildes verändert. Im schlimmsten Fall könnte sich dies auf die Identifizierungsentscheidung von Zeug_innen auswirken. Es stellt sich daher die Frage, ob sich die Polizei ohne empirische Prüfung der Verwendung von gemorphten Distraktorbildern auf falsche Fährten begibt.
Selbst- und Informant_innenbeurteilung psychopathischer Persönlichkeitseigenschaften und deren konkurrente Validität für Drogenkonsum
Authors: Helbig Nina , Yoon Dahlnym , Schneider Sabrina
Published: September 2024

Zusammenfassung: Die einflussreichste Definition von Psychopathie als eine spezifische Variante der Antisozialen Persönlichkeitsstörung stammt von Hare; die Messung anhand der Psychopathy Checklist – Revised als Expert_innenbeurteilung ist aufwendig und nur bei Straffälligen einsetzbar. Die alternativen Definitionen von Psychopathie basieren auf eigenschaftstheoretischen Ansätzen, in denen Psychopathie als dysfunktionale Ausprägung allgemeiner Persönlichkeitsmerkmale operationalisiert wird. Für beide Modelle sind subklinische Ausprägungen anhand von Selbstberichtsfragebogen erfassbar, wobei Informant_innenbeurteilungen aufgrund möglicher Impression-Managements oder fehlender Introspektionsfähigkeit eine wertvolle Ergänzung darstellen könnten. In diesem Beitrag wurden beide Beurteilungsbedingungen für die Hare-Psychopathie und für einen alternativen Ansatz des Elemental Psychopathy Assessments hinsichtlich ihrer Übereinstimmungen untersucht ( N = 63). Die moderaten bis hohen (ꞵ = .30–.67) Konvergenzen wurden dabei kaum durch die Beziehungsintensität beeinflusst. Im Vergleich zu den Informant_innenbeurteilungen zeigten Selbstbeurteilungen stärkere Zusammenhänge zum Drogenkonsum (ꞵ = .37 –.51), wobei die Informant_innenbeurteilung inkrementelle Validität aufwies. Die vorliegende Studie unterstreicht einerseits das Potenzial von Informant_innenbeurteilungen im forensischen Kontext und betont andererseits weiteren Forschungsbedarf zum Informationsgewinn durch Informant_innen und zur Eignung bestimmter Informant_innengruppen.
Effects of Mesozooplankton Growth and Reproduction on Plankton and Organic Carbon Dynamics in a Marine Biogeochemical Model
Authors: Clerc Corentin , Bopp Laurent , Benedetti Fabio , Knecht Nielja , Vogt Meike , Aumont Olivier
Published: September 2024

Marine mesozooplankton play an important role for marine ecosystem functioning and global biogeochemical cycles. Their size structure, varying spatially and temporally, heavily impacts biogeochemical processes and ecosystem services. Mesozooplankton exhibit size changes throughout their life cycle, affecting metabolic rates and functional traits. Despite this variability, many models oversimplify mesozooplankton as a single, unchanging size class, potentially biasing carbon flux estimates. Here, we include mesozooplankton ontogenetic growth and reproduction into a 3‐dimensional global ocean biogeochemical model, PISCES‐MOG, and investigate the subsequent effects on simulated mesozooplankton phenology, plankton distribution, and organic carbon export. Utilizing an ensemble of statistical predictive models calibrated with a global set of observations, we generated monthly climatologies of mesozooplankton biomass to evaluate the simulations of PISCES‐MOG. Our analyses reveal that the model and observation‐based biomass distributions are consistent ( = 0.40, total epipelagic biomass: 137 TgC from observations vs. 232 TgC in the model), with similar seasonality (later bloom as latitude increases poleward). Including ontogenetic growth in the model induced cohort dynamics and variable seasonal dynamics across mesozooplankton size classes and altered the relative contribution of carbon cycling pathways. Younger and smaller mesozooplankton transitioned to microzooplankton in PISCES‐MOG, resulting in a change in particle size distribution, characterized by a decrease in large particulate organic carbon (POC) and an increase in small POC generation. Consequently, carbon export from the surface was reduced by 10%. This study underscores the importance of accounting for ontogenetic growth and reproduction in models, highlighting the interconnectedness between mesozooplankton size, phenology, and their effects on marine carbon cycling.
Revisiting the Excitation of Free Core Nutation
Authors: Kiani Shahvandi Mostafa , Schindelegger Michael , Börger Lara , Mishra Siddhartha , Soja Benedikt
Published: September 2024

Earth possesses a Poincaré mode called Free Core Nutation (FCN) due to the misalignment of the rotation axes of the mantle and fluid outer core. FCN is the primary signal in the observations of Celestial Pole Offsets (CPO) and maintained by geophysical mechanisms that are yet to be understood. Earlier studies suggested an origin in Atmospheric Angular Momentum (AAM)—and to a lesser degree Oceanic Angular Momentum (OAM)—but discrepancies between these geophysical excitations and the geodetic (CPO‐based) excitation were too large to reach definite conclusions. Here we use newly calculated, 3‐hourly AAM and OAM series for the 1994–2022 period, in conjunction with the latest CPO series from the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS 20 C04 series), to demonstrate a markedly lower power ratio (4.6) of geophysical over geodetic excitation at the FCN frequency compared to previous works (ratio 10). Among all excitation sources, the AAM pressure term exhibits the highest coherence (0.56) and correlation (0.48) with the geodetic excitation, whereas the coherence with OAM is smaller by a factor of 3. Similar analyses using existing angular momentum series give comparable, albeit smaller coherence and correlation results. We attribute the relevant AAM pressure term signal to Northern Hemispheric landmasses and further show consistent temporal variations in the amplitude of geophysical and geodetic excitations around the FCN band. Our results thus corroborate evidence for large‐scale atmospheric mass redistribution to be the main cause of continuous FCN excitation.
Role of Organic Vapor Precursors in Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation: Concurrent Observations of IVOCs and VOCs in Guangzhou
Authors: Tong Mengxue , Zhang Yanli , Xiao Shaoxuan , Pei Chenglei , Wang Jun , Zhang Runqi , Huang Xiaoqing , Song Wei , Wang Xinming
Published: September 2024

Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formed through the atmospheric transformation of organic vapors constitutes a significant portion of fine particulate matter or PM2.5. While recent laboratory studies underscore the importance of intermediate‐volatility organic compounds (IVOCs) as key precursors to SOA, field observations that recognize the role of both volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and IVOCs in SOA formation remain scarce. In this study, we conducted concurrent measurements of VOCs and IVOCs in ambient air at urban and suburban sites in Guangzhou during a PM2.5 pollution event in winter 2021. The results reveal that between 12:00–15:00 local time, the photochemically adjusted initial concentrations of VOCs at both sites were approximately 7 times higher than that of IVOCs. However, the SOA formation potential (SOAFP) of primary hydrocarbon IVOCs exceeded that of VOCs by over 3–4 times. Receptor modeling results further indicated that while ship emissions contributed to less than 10% of the C2–C22 primary hydrocarbons concentration (VOCs + primary carbonaceous IVOCs), they accounted for the most significant source (approximately 40%) of SOA formation. This study highlights the substantial role of IVOCs in SOA formation and emphasizes the importance of future PM2.5 pollution control measures targeting major IVOCs contributors, such as ship emissions in harbor cities.
Analysis of the Cessation of Convection in Mercury's Mantle
Authors: Jain C. , Solomatov V. S.
Published: September 2024

The question of whether the present‐day mantle of Mercury is undergoing convection remains unresolved. We address this issue by estimating the minimum value of the core‐mantle boundary (CMB) temperature needed to support mantle convection and considering the time required to cool the mantle below this threshold. A simple mathematical analysis of the cooling of the core, based on the assumption of a quasi‐steady‐state thermal equilibrium of Mercury's mantle, shows that the CMB temperature falls to the critical temperature for cessation of convection roughly halfway through the planet's evolutionary history. To first order, the duration of subsolidus convection does not depend on the absolute value of the viscosity. It depends primarily on parameters that control the viscosity function, such as the stress exponent and the activation energy. Our results based on conventional assumptions suggest the absence of present‐day mantle convection in Mercury, which is consistent with numerical models of Mercury's thermal history. However, because of large uncertainties in the controlling parameters, the possibility of still ongoing mantle convection on Mercury cannot be ruled out.
Data Assimilation of Ion Drift Measurements for Estimation of Ionospheric Plasma Drivers
Authors: Hu Jiahui , McDonald Sarah , Chartier Alex , López Rubio Aurora , Datta‐Barua Seebany
Published: September 2024

During geomagnetic storms, the capabilities of current climate models in predicting ionospheric behavior are notably limited. A data assimilation tool, Estimating Model Parameters Reverse Engineering (EMPIRE), implements a Kalman filter to ingest electric density rate correcting the background electric potential and neutral wind. For the baseline setup, or case (1), EMPIRE ingests electron density global map output from the Ionospheric Data Assimilation 4‐Dimensional (IDA4D) algorithm. In this work, a new augmentation method is evaluated in which ion drift measurements are also assimilated into EMPIRE. The ion drift measurements used in the new augmentation method are obtained from Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) sites in the mid‐to‐high latitude region of the northern hemisphere. Cases (2) and (3) are set up for evaluating the impacts from ingesting different types of observations: SuperDARN fit and grid data, respectively. Six independent data sources are used as validation data sets to compare outcomes with or without ingesting ion drifts. One is the vector ion velocities derived from the Millstone Hill Incoherent Scatter Radar (MHISR) and a second is the vertical drift from Arecibo site. The other four are SuperDARN ion velocity grid data from Saskatoon, Kapuskasing, Christmas Valley West, and Hokkaido East. Results show improvements in performance at mid‐latitudes by augmenting electron density rates with 3D spatially distributed line‐of‐sight ion drift measurements, with negligible improvements to low and high latitude estimations. The lack of improvement at high‐latitudes is attributed to the increase in EMPIRE ion drift error poleward of 60° magnetic.
Sustainability inspired fabrication of next generation neurostimulation and cardiac rhythm management electrodes via reactive hierarchical surface restructuring
Authors: Amini Shahram , Choi Hongbin , Seche Wesley , Blagojevic Alexander , May Nicholas , Lefler Benjamin M. , Davis Skyler L. , Elyahoodayan Sahar , Tavousi Pouya , May Steven J. , Caputo Gregory A. , Lowe Terry C. , Hettinger Jeffrey , Shahbazmohamadi Sina
Published: September 2024

Over the last two decades, platinum group metals (PGMs) and their alloys have dominated as the materials of choice for electrodes in long-term implantable neurostimulation and cardiac rhythm management devices due to their superior conductivity, mechanical and chemical stability, biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, radiopacity, and electrochemical performance. Despite these benefits, PGM manufacturing processes are extremely costly, complex, and challenging with potential health hazards. Additionally, the volatility in PGM prices and their high supply risk, combined with their scarce concentration of approximately 0.01 ppm in the earth’s upper crust and limited mining geographical areas, underscores their classification as critical raw materials, thus, their effective recovery or substitution worldwide is of paramount importance. Since postmortem recovery from deceased patients and/or refining of PGMs that are used in the manufacturing of the electrodes and microelectrode arrays is extremely rare, challenging, and highly costly, therefore, substitution of PGM-based electrodes with other biocompatible materials that can yield electrochemical performance values equal or greater than PGMs is the only viable and sustainable solution to reduce and ultimately substitute the use of PGMs in long-term implantable neurostimulation and cardiac rhythm management devices. In this article, we demonstrate for the first time how the novel technique of “reactive hierarchical surface restructuring” can be utilized on titanium—that is widely used in many non-stimulation medical device and implant applications—to manufacture biocompatible, low-cost, sustainable, and high-performing neurostimulation and cardiac rhythm management electrodes. We have shown how the surface of titanium electrodes with extremely poor electrochemical performance undergoes compositional and topographical transformations that result in electrodes with outstanding electrochemical performance.
Microdissection tools to generate organoids for modeling the tumor immune microenvironment
Authors: Cordts Seth C. , Yuki Kanako , Henao Echeverri Maria F. , Narasimhan Balasubramanian , Kuo Calvin J. , Tang Sindy K. Y.
Published: September 2024

Patient-derived tumor organoids have emerged as promising models for predicting personalized drug responses in cancer therapy, but they typically lack immune components. Preserving the in vivo association between tumor cells and endogenous immune cells is critical for accurate testing of cancer immunotherapies. Mechanical dissection of tumor specimens into tumor fragments, as opposed to enzymatic digestion into single cells, is essential for maintaining these native tumor-immune cell spatial relationships. However, conventional mechanical dissection relying on manual mincing is time-consuming and irreproducible. This study describes two microdissection devices, the µDicer and µGrater, to facilitate the generation of intact tumor fragments from mouse B16 melanoma, a common model of human melanoma. The µDicer- and µGrater-cut tumor fragments were used to generate air‒liquid interface (ALI) organoids that copreserve tumor cells with infiltrating immune subsets without artificial reconstitution. The µDicer, consisting of a hexagonal array of silicon microblades, was employed to investigate the effect of organoid size. The viability of ALI organoid immune cells appeared insensitive to organoid sizes exceeding ~400 µm but diminished in organoids ~200 µm in size. The µGrater, consisting of an array of submillimeter holes in stainless steel, was employed to accelerate dissection. For the samples studied, the µGrater was 4.5 times faster than manual mincing. Compared with those generated by manual mincing, ALI organoids generated by the µGrater demonstrated similar viability, immune cell composition, and responses to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. With further optimization, the µGrater holds potential for integration into clinical workflows to support the advancement of personalized cancer immunotherapy.
Neuroinflammation, cerebrovascular dysfunction and diurnal cortisol biomarkers in a memory clinic cohort: Findings from the Co-STAR study
Authors: Daniilidou Makrina , Holleman Jasper , Hagman Göran , Kåreholt Ingemar , Aspö Malin , Brinkmalm Ann , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Solomon Alina , Kivipelto Miia , Sindi Shireen , Matton Anna
Published: September 2024

Cortisol dysregulation, neuroinflammation, and cerebrovascular dysfunction are biological processes that have been separately shown to be affected in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we aimed to identify biomarker signatures reflecting these pathways in 108 memory clinic patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD, N = 40), mild cognitive impairment (MCI, N = 39), and AD (N = 29). Participants were from the well-characterized Cortisol and Stress in Alzheimer’s Disease (Co-STAR) cohort, recruited at Karolinska University Hospital. Salivary diurnal cortisol measures and 41 CSF proteins were analyzed. Principal component analysis was applied to identify combined biosignatures related to AD pathology, synaptic loss, and neuropsychological assessments, in linear regressions adjusted for confounders, such as age, sex, education and diagnosis. We found increased CSF levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interferon γ-inducible protein (IP-10), thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in MCI patients. Further, markers of cortisol dysregulation (flattened salivary cortisol awakening response and flattened cortisol slope) correlated with increased levels of placental growth factor (PlGF), IP-10, and chitinase 3-like 1 (YKL-40) in the total cohort. A biosignature composed of cortisol awakening response, cortisol slope, and CSF IL-6 was downregulated in AD patients. Moreover, biomarker signatures reflecting overlapping pathophysiological processes of neuroinflammation and vascular injury were associated with AD pathology, synaptic loss, and worsened processing speed. Our findings suggest an early dysregulation of immune and cerebrovascular processes during the MCI stage and provide insights into the interrelationship of chronic stress and neuroinflammation in AD.
A conditional protein diffusion model generates artificial programmable endonuclease sequences with enhanced activity
Authors: Zhou Bingxin , Zheng Lirong , Wu Banghao , Yi Kai , Zhong Bozitao , Tan Yang , Liu Qian , Liò Pietro , Hong Liang
Published: September 2024

Deep learning-based methods for generating functional proteins address the growing need for novel biocatalysts, allowing for precise tailoring of functionalities to meet specific requirements. This advancement leads to the development of highly efficient and specialized proteins with diverse applications across scientific, technological, and biomedical fields. This study establishes a pipeline for protein sequence generation with a conditional protein diffusion model, namely CPDiffusion, to create diverse sequences of proteins with enhanced functions. CPDiffusion accommodates protein-specific conditions, such as secondary structures and highly conserved amino acids. Without relying on extensive training data, CPDiffusion effectively captures highly conserved residues and sequence features for specific protein families. We applied CPDiffusion to generate artificial sequences of Argonaute (Ago) proteins based on the backbone structures of wild-type (WT) Kurthia massiliensis Ago (KmAgo) and Pyrococcus furiosus Ago (PfAgo), which are complex multi-domain programmable endonucleases. The generated sequences deviate by up to nearly 400 amino acids from their WT templates. Experimental tests demonstrated that the majority of the generated proteins for both KmAgo and PfAgo show unambiguous activity in DNA cleavage, with many of them exhibiting superior activity as compared to the WT. These findings underscore CPDiffusion’s remarkable success rate in generating novel sequences for proteins with complex structures and functions in a single step, leading to enhanced activity. This approach facilitates the design of enzymes with multi-domain molecular structures and intricate functions through in silico generation and screening, all accomplished without the need for supervision from labeled data.
Concept and location neurons in the human brain provide the ‘what’ and ‘where’ in memory formation
Authors: Mackay Sina , Reber Thomas P. , Bausch Marcel , Boström Jan , Elger Christian E. , Mormann Florian
Published: September 2024

Our brains create new memories by capturing the ‘who/what’, ‘where’ and ‘when’ of everyday experiences. On a neuronal level, mechanisms facilitating a successful transfer into episodic memory are still unclear. We investigated this by measuring single neuron activity in the human medial temporal lobe during encoding of item-location associations. While previous research has found predictive effects in population activity in human MTL structures, we could attribute such effects to two specialized sub-groups of neurons: concept cells in the hippocampus, amygdala and entorhinal cortex (EC), and a second group of parahippocampal location-selective neurons. In both item- and location-selective populations, firing rates were significantly higher during successfully encoded trials. These findings are in line with theories of hippocampal indexing, since selective index neurons may act as pointers to neocortical representations. Overall, activation of distinct populations of neurons could directly support the connection of the ‘what’ and ‘where’ of episodic memory.
Machine learning driven performance for hole transport layer free carbon-based perovskite solar cells
Authors: Valsalakumar Sreeram , Bhandari Shubhranshu , Roy Anurag , Mallick Tapas K. , Hinshelwood Justin , Sundaram Senthilarasu
Published: September 2024

The rapid advancement of machine learning (ML) technology across diverse domains has provided a framework for discovering and rationalising materials and photovoltaic devices. This study introduces a five-step methodology for implementing ML models in fabricating hole transport layer (HTL) free carbon-based PSCs (C-PSC). Our approach leverages various prevalent ML models, and we curated a comprehensive dataset of 700 data points using SCAPS-1D simulation, encompassing variations in the thickness of the electron transport layer (ETL) and perovskite layers, along with bandgap characteristics. Our results indicate that the ANN-based ML model exhibits superior predictive accuracy for C-PSC device parameters, achieving a low root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.028 and a high R-squared value of 0.954. The novelty of this work lies in its systematic use of ML to streamline the optimisation process, reducing the reliance on traditional trial-and-error methods and providing a deeper understanding of the interdependence of key device parameters.
Computationally designed Spike antigens induce neutralising responses against the breadth of SARS-COV-2 variants
Authors: Vishwanath Sneha , Carnell George William , Billmeier Martina , Ohlendorf Luis , Neckermann Patrick , Asbach Benedikt , George Charlotte , Sans Maria Suau , Chan Andrew , Olivier Joey , Nadesalingam Angalee , Einhauser Sebastian , Temperton Nigel , Cantoni Diego , Grove Joe , Jordan Ingo , Sandig Volker , Tonks Paul , Geiger Johannes , Dohmen Christian , Mummert Verena , Samuel Anne Rosalind , Plank Christian , Kinsley Rebecca , Wagner Ralf , Heeney Jonathan Luke
Published: September 2024

Updates of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are required to generate immunity in the population against constantly evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns (VOCs). Here we describe three novel in-silico designed spike-based antigens capable of inducing neutralising antibodies across a spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs. Three sets of antigens utilising pre-Delta (T2_32), and post-Gamma sequence data (T2_35 and T2_36) were designed. T2_32 elicited superior neutralising responses against VOCs compared to the Wuhan-1 spike antigen in DNA prime-boost immunisation regime in guinea pigs. Heterologous boosting with the attenuated poxvirus - Modified vaccinia Ankara expressing T2_32 induced broader neutralising immune responses in all primed animals. T2_32, T2_35 and T2_36 elicited broader neutralising capacity compared to the Omicron BA.1 spike antigen administered by mRNA immunisation in mice. These findings demonstrate the utility of structure-informed computationally derived modifications of spike-based antigens for inducing broad immune responses covering more than 2 years of evolved SARS-CoV-2 variants.
International wildlife trade quotas are characterized by high compliance and coverage but insufficient adaptive management
Authors: Morton Oscar , Nijman Vincent , Edwards David P.
Published: September 2024

Effective management of international wildlife trade is crucial to ensure sustainability. Quotas are a common trade management tool and specify an annual number of individuals to be exported, yet at present there is no global assessment of quota coverage and compliance. Using over 7,000 country–year specific reptile quotas established under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) covering 343 species, we quantify quota coverage, compliance, trade trends pre-quota and post-quota setting and whether quotas likely represent adaptive management. Quotas predominantly concerned live wild-sourced reptiles, with only 6.6% of live non-zero quotas exceeded and 4.5% of zero quotas subverted. For 62.3% of species, quotas were established higher than pre-quota trade, with traded volumes post-quota mainly unchanged or higher than pre-quota establishment, thus potentially facilitating sustainable trade. Over 38% of quota series of species remained at the same level each year, with the longest-running quotas proportionately updated the least, indicating that many quotas do not change adaptively in response to changing threats to species through time. Greater specificity in exactly what quotas cover, justification for unchanged quotas and transparency over quota determination are needed to ensure that high compliance equates to sustainable use.
An East Antarctic, sub-annual resolution water isotope record from the Mount Brown South Ice core
Authors: Gkinis Vasileios , Jackson Sarah , Abram Nerilie J. , Plummer Christopher , Blunier Thomas , Harlan Margaret , Kjær Helle Astrid , Moy Andrew D. , Peensoo Kerttu Maria , Quistgaard Thea , Svensson Anders , Vance Tessa R.
Published: September 2024

We report high resolution measurements of the stable water isotope ratios (δ18O, δD) from the Mount Brown South ice core (MBS, 69.11° S 86.31° E). The record covers the period 873 - 2009 CE with sub-annual temporal resolution. Preliminary analyses of surface cores have shown the Mount Brown South site has relatively high annual snowfall accumulation (0.3 metres ice equivalent) with a seasonal bias toward lower snowfall during austral summer. Precipitation at the site is frequently related to intense, short term synoptic scale events from the mid-latitudes of the southern Indian Ocean. Higher snowfall regimes are associated with easterly winds, while lower snowfall regimes are associated with south-easterly winds. Isotope ratios are measured with Infra-Red Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy, calibrated on the VSMOW/SLAP scale and reported on the MBS2023 time scale interpolated accordingly. We provide estimates for measurement precision and internal accuracy for δ18O and δD.
Resting-state EEG data before and after cognitive activity across the adult lifespan and a 5-year follow-up
Authors: Getzmann Stephan , Gajewski Patrick D. , Schneider Daniel , Wascher Edmund
Published: September 2024

This dataset consists of 64-channels resting-state EEG recordings of 608 participants aged between 20 and 70 years, 61.8% female, as well as follow-up measurements after approximately 5 years of 208 participants, starting 2021. The EEG was measured for three minutes with eyes open and eyes closed before and after a 2-hour block of cognitive experimental tasks. The data set is part of the Dortmund Vital Study, a prospective study on the determinants of healthy cognitive aging. The dataset can be used for (1) analyzing cross-sectional resting-state EEG of healthy individuals across the adult life span; (2) generating normalization data sets for comparison of resting-state EEG data of patients with clinically relevant disorders; (3) studying effects of performing cognitive tasks on resting-state EEG and age; (4) exploring intra-individual changes in resting-state EEG and effects of task performance over a time period of about 5 years. The data are provided in Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS) format and are available on OpenNeuro.
Using geotagged facial expressions to visualize and characterize different demographic groups’ emotion in theme parks
Authors: Song Xiaoqing , Wu Haoze , Jiang Wei , Zhi Junjun , Xia Xinyu , Long Yi , Su Qin
Published: September 2024

Tourism is an emotional sphere, and researchers focus on emotions to optimize tourism experiences. Tourism studies on emotions mostly ignore differences in emotions across demographic tourist groups by gender and age, thus limiting the understanding of emotions to the explicit characteristics of tourists’ emotions. On the basis of geotagged facial expressions on social media platforms, this study aims to visualize the emotions of groups in scenic spots and then reveal the variations between groups’ emotions within theme parks. By employing a facial recognition algorithm, an emotion distribution graph was proposed to represent groups’ emotions in detail. Some analytical methods were combined to characterize of the emotion distribution of each group. Through a comprehensive comparison, the results suggest that there are unique characteristics of emotion distribution for each group and considerable variations between them. This study helps researchers achieve a deeper understanding of tourists’ emotional differences and enhances the theorization of emotions. This research also highlights the advantages and significant practical implications of our method framework.
Critical assessment of furrow openers and operational parameters for optimum performance under conservation tillage
Authors: Madhusudan B. S. , Kushwaha H. L. , Kumar Adarsh , Parray Roaf Ahmad , Swain Sidhartha Sekhar , Chowdhury Manojit , Nag Ramineni Harsha , Asha K. R. , Rathod Sunil Kumar , Kumar Pradeep , Anand Rohit , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Dewidar Ahmed Z. , Mattar Mohamed A.
Published: September 2024

Conservation Agriculture (CA) is an innovative approach that promotes sustainable farming while enhancing soil health. However, residue management challenges often hinder its adoption, causing farmers to burn crop leftovers in fields. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various furrow openers under simulated soil bin conditions. Three types of furrow openers were examined: single disk (SD), Inverted T-type furrow opener with a plain rolling coulter (ITRC), and double disc (DD) furrow opener. Tests were conducted at different forward speeds (1.5, 2, and 2.5 km h−1) and with three straw densities (1, 2, and 3 t ha−1) at a consistent working depth of 5 cm. Draft measurements were obtained using load cells connected to an Arduino-based data-logging system. Results indicated that draft requirements increased with forward speed and straw density, while straw-cutting efficiency decreased with these factors. Average draft values for SD, ITRC, and DD were 290.3 N, 420 N, and 368.5 N, respectively, and straw-cutting efficiencies were 53.62%, 59.47%, and 74.89%, respectively. The DD furrow opener showed the highest straw-cutting efficiency (81.36%) at a working speed of 1.5 km h−1 and a straw density of 1 t ha−1, demonstrating optimal performance compared to other furrow openers.
Development of a fully automated workstation for conducting routine SABRE hyperpolarization
Authors: Yang Jing , Xin Ruodong , Lehmkuhl Sören , Korvink Jan G. , Brandner Jürgen J.
Published: September 2024

SABRE is emerging as a fast, simple and low-cost hyperpolarization method because of its ability to regenerate enhanced NMR signals. Generally, SABRE hyperpolarization has been performed predominantly manually, leading to variations in reproducibility and efficiency. Recent advances in SABRE include the development of automated shuttling systems to address previous inconsistencies. However, the operational complexity of such systems and the challenges of integration with existing workflows hinder their widespread adoption. This work presents a fully automated lab workstation based on a benchtop NMR spectrometer, specifically designed to facilitate SABRE of different nuclei across different polarization fields. We demonstrated the capability of this system through a series of routine SABRE experimental protocols, including consecutive SABRE hyperpolarization with high reproducibility (average standard deviation of 1.03%), optimization polarization of 13C nuclei respect to the polarization transfer field, and measurement of polarization buildup rate or decay time across a wide range of magnetic fields. Furthermore, we have iteratively optimized the durations for pulsed SABRE-SHEATH 13C pyruvate. The constructed SABRE workstation offers full automation, high reproducibility, and functional diversification, making it a practical tool for conducting routine SABRE hyperpolarization experiments. It provides a robust platform for high-throughput and reliable SABRE and X-SABRE hyperpolarization studies.