bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modal Knowledge for Expressivists
Authors: Hawke Peter
Published: June 2024

What does ‘Smith knows that it might be raining’ mean? Expressivism here faces a challenge, as its basic forms entail a pernicious type of transparency, according to which ‘Smith knows that it might be raining’ is equivalent to ‘it is consistent with everything that Smith knows that it is raining’ or ‘Smith doesn’t know that it isn’t raining’. Pernicious transparency has direct counterexamples and undermines vanilla principles of epistemic logic, such as that knowledge entails true belief and that something can be true without one knowing it might be. I re-frame the challenge in precise terms and propose a novel expressivist formal semantics that meets it by exploiting (i) the topic-sensitivity and fragmentation of knowledge and belief states and (ii) the apparent context-sensitivity of epistemic modality. The resulting form of assertibility semantics advances the state of the art for state-based bilateral semantics by combining attitude reports with context-sensitive modal claims, while evading various objectionable features. In appendices, I compare the proposed system to Beddor and Goldstein’s ‘safety semantics’ and discuss its analysis of a modal Gettier case due to Moss.
Non-local relativistic $$\delta $$-shell interactions
Authors: Heriban Lukáš , Tušek Matěj
Published: June 2024

In this paper, new self-adjoint realizations of the Dirac operator in dimension two and three are introduced. It is shown that they may be associated with the formal expression $$\mathcal {D}_0+|F\delta _\Sigma \rangle \langle G\delta _\Sigma |$$

D
0

+
|
F

δ
Σ

⟩
⟨
G

δ
Σ

|

, where $$\mathcal {D}_0$$

D
0

is the free Dirac operator, F and G are matrix valued coefficients, and $$\delta _\Sigma $$

δ
Σ

stands for the single layer distribution supported on a hypersurface $$\Sigma $$
Σ
, and that they can be understood as limits of the Dirac operators with scaled non-local potentials. Furthermore, their spectral properties are analysed.
The problem of sentience
Authors: Candiotto Laura
Published: June 2024

Sentience, as the capacity to feel pleasure and pain, is often understood as a property of an organism, and the main problem is to determine whether an organism possesses this property or not. This is not just an armchair worry. Sentient ethics grounds its normative prescriptions on sentience, so assessing if an organism possesses sentience is crucial for ethical reasoning and behaviour. Assessing if it is the case is far from simple and there is no stable agreement about it. This is the problem of sentience. In this paper, I argue that there is a problem intrinsic to the problem of sentience. I call it the “metaproblem of sentience”. I claim that the assumptions that underlie the concept of sentience are what create the “problem of sentience”. In the first part of the paper, I list and describe these assumptions and show how they create the problem of sentience in sentient ethics. In the second part, I offer enactive and pragmatist tools, namely real doubt (Peirce, In: Kloesel C (ed) Writings of Charles S. Peirce: A Chronological Edition, vol. 3. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1986) and loving epistemology (De jaegher, Phenomenol Cogn Sci 20:847–870. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11097-019-09634-5, 2019), for tackling the problem of sentience. I advance a participatory account of sentience and show of relevance of the transcendental argument (Weber and Varela, Phenomenol Cogn Sci, 1:97–125, 2002; Weber, Natur als Bedeutung: Versuch Einer Semiotischen Ästhetik Des Lebendigen. Königshausen & Neumann, 2003; Thompson, Mind in life: Biology, Phenomenology, and the sciences of mind. Harvard University Press, 2007) in ethical discourse. My own contribution is that the transcendental argument should be understood in a relational manner, from the experience of participatory sentience. So it is not just that life can be known only by life. Life can be cared for only by life. So, as in sentient ethics, it is out of my concern for sentient begins that I need to care for them. But, distinct from sentient ethics, may approach to participatory sentience would push to known sentience from how I care for sentient begins, from how I engage with them, from how I take part in their life. I conclude by stressing the significance of a participatory ethics of sentience.
The spectrum of cardiac abnormalities in patients with acromegaly: results from a case-control cardiac magnetic resonance study
Authors: De Alcubierre Dario , Feola Tiziana , Cozzolino Alessia , Pofi Riccardo , Galea Nicola , Catalano Carlo , Auriemma Renata Simona , Pirchio Rosa , Pivonello Rosario , Isidori Andrea M. , Giannetta Elisa
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Cardiac abnormalities are common in patients with acromegaly, contributing to the increased morbidity and mortality. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold standard for measuring cardiac morpho-functional changes. This study aims to detect cardiac alterations in acromegaly through CMR, even when the disease is adequately controlled.

Methods

In this, multicentre, case-control study, we compared consecutive patients with acromegaly, cured after surgery or requiring medical treatment, with matched controls recruited among patients harbouring non-functioning adrenal incidentalomas.

Results

We included 20 patients with acromegaly (7 females, mean age 50 years) and 17 controls. Indexed left ventricular-end-diastolic volume (LV-EDVi) and LV-end-systolic volume (LV-ESVi) were higher in patients than in controls (p < 0.001), as were left ventricular mass (LVMi) (p = 0.001) and LV-stroke volume (LV-SVi) (p = 0.028). Right ventricle (RV) EDVi and ESVi were higher, whereas RV-ejection fraction (RV-EF) was lower (p = 0.002) in patients than in controls (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the prevalence of cardiometabolic comorbidities, including hypertension, glucose and lipid metabolism impairment, obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, and obesity. IGF1 x upper limit of normal significantly predicted LVMi (b = 0.575; p = 0.008). Subgroup analysis showed higher LVMi (p = 0.025) and interventricular septum thickness (p = 0.003) in male than female patients, even after adjusting cardiac parameters for confounding factors.

Conclusions

The CMR analysis reveals a cluster of biventricular structural and functional impairment in acromegaly, even when the biochemical control if achieved. These findings appear specifically triggered by the exposure to GH-IGF1 excess and show sex-related differences advocating a possible interaction with sex hormones in cardiac disease progression.
Utility of copeptin in predicting non-pathological postoperative polyuria in patients affected by acromegaly undergoing pituitary neurosurgery
Authors: Varaldo Emanuele , Prencipe Nunzia , Berton Alessandro Maria , Aversa Luigi Simone , Bioletto Fabio , De Marco Raffaele , Gasco Valentina , Zenga Francesco , Grottoli Silvia
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Copeptin efficiently predicts post-neurosurgical central diabetes insipidus (CDI) in patients with hypothalamic-pituitary lesions, but its role in characterizing changes in diuresis in individuals with acromegaly undergoing neurosurgery remains unexplored. Our study aimed to assess changes in postoperative fluid balance in acromegaly patients and correlate them with both copeptin and growth hormone (GH) levels.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of a prospective study involving 15 acromegaly patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal resection at our University Hospital. Fluid balance was assessed daily, and copeptin and GH levels were evaluated preoperatively (T0), and serially on the morning of the first (T2) and second (T3) postoperative day, with an additional measurement of copeptin one hour post-extubation (T1). Patients with pre-existing or post-neurosurgical CDI were excluded from the analysis.

Results

Most patients (11/15) exhibited a negative fluid balance on the second postoperative day, with 4 developing polyuria. Postoperative GH levels did not differ significantly between polyuric and non-polyuric patients, but GH measured at T2 correlated significantly with negative total balance (r = -0.519, p = 0.048). Copeptin levels at T1 were significantly higher in those who developed polyuria (p = 0.013), and a copeptin value > 39.9 pmol/L at T1 showed excellent ability (Sensitivity 100%, Specificity 90.9%, p < 0.001) in predicting postoperative polyuria. Additionally, polyuric patients exhibited a higher T1 / T3 copeptin ratio (p = 0.013) and a negative fluid balance was associated with the remission of acromegaly at 12 months (p = 0.046).

Conclusion

The early assessment of copeptin, in addition to facilitating the rapid identification of individuals at increased risk of developing CDI, could also allow the recognition of subjects with a tendency towards non-pathological polyuria in the postoperative setting, at least in individuals affected by acromegaly.
Regional embeddedness is the key: Quantity and quality of regional business opportunity perception
Authors: Birkholz Jessica
Published: June 2024

The perception of regional opportunities is the crucial starting point of the entrepreneurial process. To explain regional opportunity perception in general and innovative regional opportunity perception specifically is of key interest for steering regional entrepreneurial activities. It is known that entrepreneurship is a regional phenomenon; thus, the interrelation between individual inhabitants of a region and their regional context is of crucial relevance. A primary data collection in Germany assessed the regional embeddedness of inhabitants on four levels—actor, network, environment, and culture. The relation between these levels and the likelihood of opportunity perception is analysed by applying binary logistic regression analyses. The results suggest that regional embeddedness matters, although innovative regional opportunity perception is less dependent on regional embeddedness than regional opportunity perception in general. Derived from the results, entrepreneurship policies aiming at regional economic development, potentially profit most when policies focus on innovative entrepreneurial endeavours.
Two improving approaches for faulty interaction localization using logistic regression analysis
Authors: Nishiura Kinari , Choi Eun-Hye , Choi Eunjong , Mizuno Osamu
Published: June 2024

Faulty Interaction Localization (FIL)is a process to identify which combination of input parameter values induced test failures in combinatorial testing. An accurate and fast FIL provides helpful information to fix defects causing the test failure. One type of conventional FIL approach, which analyzes test results of whole test cases and estimates the suspiciousness of each combination, has two main concerns; (1) the accuracy is not enough, (2) the huge time cost is sometimes needed. In this paper, we propose two novel approaches to improve those concerns. attempts to estimate suspiciousness more accurately using logistic regression analysis. attempts to estimate failure-inducing combinations at high speed by estimating the subsets of them using logistic regression analysis and exploring just their supersets. Through evaluation experiments using a large number of artificial test results based on several real software systems, we observed that has very high accuracy, and can drastically reduce time cost for targets that have been difficult to complete by the conventional method.
Automatic text classification of prostate cancer malignancy scores in radiology reports using NLP models
Authors: Collado-Montañez Jaime , López-Úbeda Pilar , Chizhikova Mariia , Díaz-Galiano M. Carlos , Ureña-López L. Alfonso , Martín-Noguerol Teodoro , Luna Antonio , Martín-Valdivia M. Teresa
Published: June 2024

This paper presents the implementation of two automated text classification systems for prostate cancer findings based on the PI-RADS criteria. Specifically, a traditional machine learning model using XGBoost and a language model-based approach using RoBERTa were employed. The study focused on Spanish-language radiological MRI prostate reports, which has not been explored before. The results demonstrate that the RoBERTa model outperforms the XGBoost model, although both achieve promising results. Furthermore, the best-performing system was integrated into the radiological company’s information systems as an API, operating in a real-world environment.

Graphical abstract
Beyond the visible: preliminary evaluation of the first wearable augmented reality assistance system for pancreatic surgery
Authors: Javaheri Hamraz , Ghamarnejad Omid , Bade Ragnar , Lukowicz Paul , Karolus Jakob , Stavrou Gregor Alexander
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The retroperitoneal nature of the pancreas, marked by minimal intraoperative organ shifts and deformations, makes augmented reality (AR)-based systems highly promising for pancreatic surgery. This study presents preliminary data from a prospective study aiming to develop the first wearable AR assistance system, ARAS, for pancreatic surgery and evaluating its usability, accuracy, and effectiveness in enhancing the perioperative outcomes of patients.

Methods

We developed ARAS as a two-phase system for a wearable AR device to aid surgeons in planning and operation. This system was used to visualize and register patient-specific 3D anatomical models during the surgery. The location and precision of the registered 3D anatomy were evaluated by assessing the arterial pulse and employing Doppler and duplex ultrasonography. The usability, accuracy, and effectiveness of ARAS were assessed using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire.

Results

Perioperative outcomes of five patients underwent various pancreatic resections with ARAS are presented. Surgeons rated ARAS as excellent for preoperative planning. All structures were accurately identified without any noteworthy errors. Only tumor identification decreased after the preparation phase, especially in patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy because of the extensive mobilization of peripancreatic structures. No perioperative complications related to ARAS were observed.

Conclusions

ARAS shows promise in enhancing surgical precision during pancreatic procedures. Its efficacy in preoperative planning and intraoperative vascular identification positions it as a valuable tool for pancreatic surgery and a potential educational resource for future surgical residents.
The role of debittering process with normal water, NaOH and lye on chemical properties of brine, antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds and sensory characteristics of fermented caper (Capparis ovata Desf. var. Ovata) buds
Authors: AlJuhaimi Fahad , Ahmed Isam A. Mohamed , Özcan Mehmet Musa , Uslu Nurhan , Albakry Zainab
Published: June 2024

In this study, the effect of the application of salt water (brine), lye and caustic (NaOH) on salt content, acidity, pH in caper brine during fermentation was investigated. The total carotenoid quantity of the caper buds were assessed to be between 0.46 (lye) and 1.57 µg/g (hot water) on the 5th day, while the total carotenoid quantities of the buds on the 30th are found between 0.22 (normal water) and 0.94 µg/g (brine). The total carotenoid values of the caper buds on the 45th day were changed to be between 0.05 (hot water) and 0.75 µg/g (brine). The total phenol quantities of the buds on the 30th day were detected between 111.23 (caustic) and 194.48 mg GAE/100 g (hot water), while the total phenol quantities of the caper buds on the 45th day were assigned between 66.87 (lye) and 159.33 mgGAE/100 g (brine). The total flavonoid quantities of thecaper buds were assigned between 289.29 (lye) and 458.81 mg catechin equivalent (CE)/100 g (normal water) on the 45th day. The highest decrease in phenolic components during fermentation was detected in catechin, rutin and resveratrol. Fermented caper buds, whose bitterness was removed with normal water on the 45th day, received the most appreciation. At the end of fermentation, the buds whose bitterness was removed with soda water, normal and hot water, normal water and caustic were most appreciated in terms of color, smell, taste and hardness.

Graphical abstract
Laparoscopic Conversion of Gastric Plication to One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass
Authors: Nevo Hadar , Hamoud Mohamad , Khuri Wail , Mokari Shams-Eldin , Zoabi Samih , Sakran Nasser
Published: June 2024

Laparoscopic gastric plication (LPG) is a restrictive procedure to reduce the size of the stomach by folding and suturing the stomach to decrease its capacity. LGP has a high revision rate, mostly to sleeve gastrectomy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such report on the bariatric population that has been never described before.

The purpose of this video was to show the feasibility and safety, as well as the main technical aspects, of a laparoscopic conversion of gastric plication to One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass.
Constraints and barriers on industrial customer performance in an omnichannel ecosystem
Authors: Cuesta-Valiño Pedro , Alonso-García Javier , Pablo-Martí Federico , Núnez-Barriopedro Estela
Published: June 2024

One of the business models in the digital field that has proliferated the most lately is the omnichannel model. Its objective is to provide services adapted to the specific demand of each particular client, regardless of the channel at any given time. To carry it out, the firm must have exact knowledge of the client. Manufacturing companies that have incorporated technology to learn more about their industrial customers and predict which proposal is the most appropriate for each customer-context have the basis to go further and get to know the final consumer. This knowledge of the consumer is a pillar for innovation in a company and especially for product innovation. Usually, the manufacturer does not want to bypass the traditional distribution channel, so it is proposed to create an ecosystem for the provision of services. That is, manufacturers enable digital communication channels with the final consumer, to collect information, while providing the service or supply through the traditional channel. In this way, omnichannel ecosystems arise. This article aims to clarify the barriers that hinder customer performance, either directly as an industrial buyer of a good, or as an intermediary, in an omnichannel ecosystem.
Limited Attention to Climate Change in U.S. Sociology
Authors: Hiltner Sofia
Published: June 2024

Climate change is increasingly recognized as not only a biophysical and technological problem but also a social one. Nonetheless, sociologists have expressed concern that sociology has paid relatively little attention to climate change. This deficit threatens to limit the frames available to understand and imagine solutions to the climate crisis. In this paper I report the most up-to-date and expansive empirical assessment of attention to climate change in sociology in the United States (U.S.). I find little to no mention of climate change across leading sociology journal articles (0.89%), conference sessions (1.5%), and faculty biographies (2.8%) and course listings (0.2%) in the 20 top-ranked departments in the U.S. Two leading journals, theAmerican Sociological ReviewandAmerican Journal of Sociology, have cumulatively published just three articles focused on climate change to date. This level of disciplinary attention appears low compared to the field’s engagement with other important social problems. My findings thus suggest that climate silence is persistent and pervasive in U.S. sociology. I discuss the implications of this silence and outline opportunities for sociologists, funders, journalists, and policymakers to embrace social science perspectives in climate change teaching, research, and policymaking.
Cochlear Implantation and Vestibular Schwannoma Management
Authors: Hallak Diana , Macielak Robert J. , Zhang Lisa , Ren Yin
Published: June 2024

Purpose of Review

This review examines recent literature on cochlear implantation (CI) in patients with vestibular schwannomas (VS), both in sporadic and Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2)-associated schwannomatosis. Indications, post-operative outcomes, and the impact of tumor management strategy on CI performance are reviewed. The key objective is to identify research gaps that warrant further investigation.

Recent Findings

Improvement in speech perception, sound localization, and quality-of-life metrics are observed after CI in VS patients. Key considerations in candidate selection include tumor size, contralateral hearing status, and intra-operative cochlear nerve function. CI outcomes in sporadic VS are influenced by tumor management modality, with less invasive approaches demonstrating potentially more favorable results.

The review underscores the potential of CI as a hearing rehabilitation option for VS patients no longer benefiting from amplification. Future research should explore neural integrity biomarkers, timing of implantation, and quality-of-life measures specific to the VS population.
Fast Computation of Analytic Capacity
Authors: Nasser Mohamed M. S. , Green Christopher C. , Vuorinen Matti
Published: June 2024

A boundary integral equation method is presented for fast computation of the analytic capacities of compact sets in the complex plane. The method is based on using the Kerzman–Stein integral equation to compute the Szegő kernel and then the value of the derivative of the Ahlfors map at the point at infinity. The proposed method can be used for domains with smooth and piecewise smooth boundaries. When combined with conformal mappings, the method can be used for compact slit sets. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method. We recover some known exact results and corroborate the conjectural subadditivity property of analytic capacity.
Analysis of mechanical response mechanism and energy evolution characteristics of saturated coal with a single pre-existing hole
Authors: Lai Xingping , Fang Xianwei , Shan Pengfei , Gu Helong , Zhan Shuai , Liu Xudong
Published: June 2024

It is essential to elucidate the mechanical mechanism of water injection and large-diameter drilling pressure relief measures on coal rock deformation and failure. This helps coal mines adopt more precise and effective dynamic disaster prevention and control measures. To obtain the mechanical response mechanism and energy evolution characteristics of saturated coal with a single pre-existing hole, uniaxial compression tests was carried out, and the deformation and failure process of coal samples were monitored by high-speed camera and acoustic emission monitoring systems. It is found that water saturation, single pre-existing hole measures, and their coupling effect resulted in a deterioration in the coal sample's strength by approximately 23.49%, 9.47%, and 47.95% respectively. The final failure mode of coal samples with different measures is shear failure. The law of fracture development and expansion and energy accumulation and release in different coal samples is roughly the same, the speed of energy accumulation and release in different stages is different. Water saturation and single pre-existing hole measures can affect the impact risk of coal samples, and water saturation can significantly reduce the impact tendency of coal samples, and reduce the impact energy index of complete coal samples by 56.59%. The impact tendency index of natural coal sample is slightly increased by single pre-existing hole measure, and the impact energy index of intact coal sample is reduced by 46.78% by the coupling of the two measures. These findings can provide technical support for coal mine power disaster prevention and control.
Preparing for future pandemics: frailty associates with mortality in hospitalised older people during the entire COVID-19 pandemic, a Dutch multicentre cohort study
Authors: van Raaij Bas F. M. , Noordam Raymond , Smits Rosalinde A. L. , van der Klei Veerle M. G. T. H. , Jansen Steffy W. M. , van der Linden Carolien M. J. , Polinder-Bos Harmke A. , Minnema Julia , Tap Lisanne , van der Bol Jessica M. , van de Glind Esther M. M. , Willems Hanna C. , van Deudekom Floor J. A. , Ruiter Rikje , van Munster Barbara C. , Robben Sarah H. M. , Schouten Henrike J. , Barten Dennis G. , Lucke Jacinta A. , Peeters Geeske , Trompet Stella , Drewes Yvonne M. , van den Bos Frederiek , Gussekloo Jacobijn , Mooijaart Simon P. ,   the COOP study group, Mooijaart Simon P , Polinder-Bos Harmke A , Moons Karel G. M , Smeden Maarten , Peeters Geeske , Melis René J. F , Elders Petra J. M , Festen Jan
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Viral mutations and improved prevention or treatment options may have changed the association of frailty with mortality throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated how associations of frailty with in-hospital mortality changed throughout the pandemic in older people hospitalised for COVID-19.

Methods

The COVID-OLD study included COVID-19 patients aged ≥ 70 years hospitalised during the first (early 2020), second (late 2020), third (late 2021) or fourth wave (early 2022). Based on the clinical frailty scale, patients were categorised as fit (1–3), pre-frail (4–5) or frail (6–9). Associations of frailty with in-hospital mortality were assessed with pairwise comparisons with fit as reference category and modelled using binary logistic regression adjusted for age and sex.

Results

This study included 2362 patients (mean age 79.7 years, 60% men). In the first wave, in-hospital mortality was 46% in patients with frailty and 27% in fit patients. In-hospital mortality decreased in each subsequent wave to 25% in patients with frailty and 11% in fit patients in the fourth wave. After adjustments, an overall higher risk of in-hospital mortality was found in frail (OR 2.26, 95% CI: 1.66–3.07) and pre-frail (OR 1.73, 95% CI: 1.27–2.35) patients compared to fit patients, which did not change over time (p for interaction = 0.74).

Conclusions

Frailty remained associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality throughout the entire COVID-19 pandemic, although overall in-hospital mortality rates decreased. Frailty therefore remains a relevant risk factor in all stages of a pandemic and is important to consider in prevention and treatment guidelines for future pandemics.
A statistical model of solar radiation absorption in the United States
Authors: Atthasongkhro Jaruek , Lim Apiradee , Ueranantasun Attachai , Tongkumchum Phatrawan , Khurram Haris
Published: June 2024

The transitivity of solar radiation in the atmosphere varies greatly depending on location, time of day, earth-to-sun distance, angle of incidence, and other variables. Solar radiation has an impact on climate change and can be used as energy. So, its modelling will help plan and design policies for climate change and the sustainable use of energy. This study aimed to investigate solar energy patterns and trends on the Earth’s surface via solar radiation absorption by cloud cover. Data on solar radiation absorption from 133 stations between the years 1998 and 2020 across the United States were downloaded from the National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB) website. A linear regression model was used to model solar absorption by cloud and factor analysis was used to group the regions by reducing the spatial correlation of solar radiation absorption. After that, a multivariate regression model was utilized to investigate average changes. There were seven regions obtained from factor analysis. All regions showed a seasonal pattern, with the peak in December to January and the lowest level in June to July. The north, north-east, or south-east of the country experienced an increase in solar radiation absorption, while the north-west, central, and south of the country experienced a decrease. The overall average absorption increased by 0.015%. The patterns and trends of solar radiation by location and time help climate scientists make better decisions. It is also useful to manage renewable energy sources, which will lead policymakers to make better policies.
Estimation of the Ionospheric D‐Region Ionization Caused by X‐Class Solar Flares Based on VLF Observations
Authors: Ryakhovsky I. A. , Poklad Y. V. , Gavrilov B. G. , Bekker S. Z.
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we study the ionization‐recombination processes in the lower ionosphere during solar flares of various classes in June 2014 and September 2017. For the first time, ionization and recombination rates of the ionospheric D‐region were estimated using the experimental data on variations in the amplitude and phase characteristics of very low frequencies (VLF) signals and two‐channel data from the GOES satellite (0.05–0.4 nm and 0.1–0.8 nm). The empirical two‐parameter Wait‐Ferguson model was used to calculate temporal changes in the electron concentration Ne during solar flares of different classes. GOES satellite data and black body model were used to estimate the X‐ray fluxes in the wavelength spectral range λ ≤ 0.3 nm. Joint analysis of the temporal evolution of the Ne vertical profile in the lower ionosphere and X‐ray fluxes in different wavelength ranges was carried out. As a result, the values of the ionization and recombination rate coefficients were obtained, and the spectral ranges of radiation that have the greatest impact on Ne at given heights were determined. Calculated ionization and recombination rate coefficients and ranges were successfully verified using VLF data during different solar flares. The results obtained in this work can be used in future studies for a more accurate assessment of the response of lower ionosphere to solar flares of various classes.
Temporal Variations in Frequency‐Dependent Shear‐Wave Anisotropy Above a Plate Interface Following Episodic Slow‐Slip Events
Authors: Ito Yosuke , Nakajima Junichi
Published: June 2024

Recent observations beneath Kanto, Japan have shown that seismic activity and seismic attenuation within the overlying continental plate change with time due to drainage caused by slow‐slip events (SSEs) along the upper boundary of the Philippine Sea plate. However, associated changes in rock properties have not been investigated. In this study, we estimate frequency‐dependent shear‐wave anisotropy to provide a detailed insight into the structural change associated with drainage. We perform shear‐wave splitting analysis in frequency ranges of 1–4, 2–6, and 4–8 Hz for 306 earthquakes that occur during September 2009–August 2021 and recorded at the Metropolitan Seismic Observation network. Obtained time differences between fast and slow S waves (delay time) range from almost zero to 0.16–0.18 s, exhibiting spatio‐temporal variation and frequency dependence. The fast S‐wave polarization directions are generally consistent with the direction of the maximum horizontal compressional axis in the study region, which suggests that the observed anisotropy is probably caused by the NE–SW‐oriented fractures developed under the regional stress field. The temporal variation in delay times is correlated with SSEs activity with a lag time of 0.0–0.1 year. Furthermore, comparisons between observed frequency‐dependent delay times and numerical calculation of fracture‐induced anisotropy suggest that the average fracture radius is almost constant (0.30–0.35 m) over time but fracture density temporally varies from 0.025 to 0.035. We infer that the fracture density is probably enhanced by opening of the NE–SW‐oriented fractures during the upward migration of fluids that are expelled from the plate interface.
New Insight Into the Formation Mechanism of Wintertime Thermal Front West of Luzon Island
Authors: Sun Ruili , Li Peiliang , Zhai Fangguo , Gu Yanzhen , Bai Peng
Published: June 2024

Wintertime thermal front west of Luzon Island (WTFWLI) plays a vital role in local marine biogeochemical environment, geostrophic thermal advection of Luzon cold eddy (LCE) was once recognized as the causation of WTFWLI. However, current investigation based on multi‐source data revealed poor spatial correspondence between WTFWL and LCE over an interannual scale during 1993–2022, highlighting the necessity of revisiting the mechanism of WTFWLI. Our analysis shows that formation of WTFWLI was mainly caused by a northward warm tongue caused by geostrophic thermal advection of a northward current west of Luzon Island. The northward warm tongue encounters cold water west of Luzon Island and forms the WTFWLI at the boundary of cold and warm water. Our study provides a new explanation for the formation mechanism of WTFWLI, which will help deepen people's understanding of thermal front dynamics.
Borehole‐Based Interval Kriging for 3D Lithofacies Modeling
Authors: Song Yuqi , Tsai Frank T.‐C.
Published: June 2024

Developing a three‐dimensional (3D) lithofacies model from boreholes is critical for providing a coherent understanding of complex subsurface geology, which is essential for groundwater studies. This study aims to introduce a new geostatistical method—interval kriging—to efficiently conduct 3D borehole‐based lithological modeling with sand/non‐sand binary indicators. Interval kriging is a best linear unbiased estimator for irregular interval supports. Interval kriging considers 3D anisotropies between two orthogonal components—a horizontal plane and a vertical axis. A new 3D interval semivariogram is developed. To cope with the nonconvexity of estimation variance, the minimization of estimation variance is regulated with an additional regularization term. The minimization problem is solved by a global‐local genetic algorithm embedded with quadratic programming and Brent's method to obtain kriging weights and kriging length. Four numerical and real‐world case studies demonstrate that interval kriging is more computationally efficient than 3D kriging because the covariance matrix is largely reduced without sacrificing borehole data. Moreover, interval kriging produces more realistic geologic characteristics than 2.5D kriging, while conditional to spatial borehole data. Compared to the multiple‐point statistics (MPS) algorithm—SNESIM, interval kriging can reproduce the geological architecture and spatial connectivity of channel‐type features, meanwhile producing tabular‐type features with better connectivity. Because the regularization term constrains kriged value toward 0 or 1, interval kriging produces more certainty in sand/non‐sand classification than 2.5D kriging, 3D kriging, and SNESIM. In conclusion, interval kriging is an effective and efficient 3D geostatistical algorithm that can capture the 3D structural complexity while significantly reducing computational time.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of COVID‐19 Pandemic City Lockdown: Insights From Nighttime Light Remote Sensing
Authors: Jiang Luguang , Liu Ye
Published: June 2024

The global COVID‐19 outbreak severely hampered the growth of the global economy, prompting the implementation of the strictest prevention policies in China. Establishing a significant relationship between changes in nighttime light and COVID‐19 lockdowns from a geospatial perspective is essential. In light of nighttime light remote sensing, we evaluated the spatiotemporal dynamic effects of COVID‐19 city lockdowns on human activity intensity in the Zhengzhou region. Prior to the COVID‐19 outbreak, nighttime light in the Zhengzhou region maintained a significant growth trend, even under regular control measures. However, following the October 2022 COVID‐19 lockdown, nighttime light experienced a substantial decrease. In the central area of Zhengzhou, nighttime light decreased by at least 18% compared to pre‐lockdown levels, while in the sub‐center, the decrease was around 14%. The areas where nighttime light decreased the most in the central region were primarily within a 15 km radius, while in the sub‐center, the decrease was concentrated within a 5 km radius. These changes in both statistical data and nighttime light underscored the significant impact of the COVID‐19 lockdown on economic activities in the Zhengzhou region.
Genetic analysis of congenital unilateral renal agenesis in children based on next-generation sequencing
Authors: Yang Huiru , Zhang Jingzhi , Tang Yao , Zhong Qiang , Qian Wen , Wang Zhengrong , Zhou Zunlun , Zhang Zulong , Pan Wei
Published: June 2024

Background

Congenital unilateral renal agenesis (URA) is a kind of rare birth defect during fetal development with varies clinical phenotypes. The pathogenesis and the relationship between gene and phenotype are still unclear.

Methods

Ten URA fetuses were followed up after birth using postnatal renal ultrasound examination to confirm the diagnosis with nine children were URA and one was Renal Ectopy (RE). Trio- WES, CNV- seq were performed with the 10 children and their close relatives.

Results

There were 3 heterozygous variants of CHD7, PROKR2 and NRIP1 genes were identified in 3 children, respectively. CHD7 (c.2663T>C, p.M888T) is classified as likely pathogenic (LP), PROKR2 (c.685G>C, p.G229R) and NRIP1 (c.2705T>G, p.F902C) are classified as variants of uncertain significance (VUS). CHD7 (c.2663T>C, p.M888T) and PROKR2 (c.685G>C, p.G229R) as URA-related genes may be associated with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) or CHARGE syndrome (CS), and 3D-protein structure prediction revealed that the two variants may affect the stability in the CHD7 protein or PROKR2 protein, separately. The RE-related gene NRIP1 (c.2705T>G, p.F902C) may be causative of congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT).

Conclusions

Identification of these variants can in exploring the etiology of URA or RE and improve the level of genetic counseling.

Impacts

We performed trio-whole-exome sequencing (trio- WES) and copy number variation sequencing (CNV- seq) in 10 children, including 9 children with Unilateral Renal Agenesis and 1 with Renal Ectopy after birth.

The possible pathogenic genes of URA can be screened using prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of URA fetuses and gene detection after birth.

Future studies evaluating this association may lead to a better understanding of URA and elucidate exploring the etiology of URA or RE and improve the level of genetic counseling.
Anthropometric traits and risk of multiple myeloma: differences by race, sex and diagnostic clinical features
Authors: Arnold Kevin D. , Ong Krystle L. , Ravi Gayathri , Cutshall Hannah , Purnell Kalyn , Wessel Meredith C. , Godby Kelly N. , Bal Susan , Giri Smith , Rogers Laura Q. , Demark-Wahnefried Wendy , Davies Faith E. , Costa Luciano J. , Morgan Gareth J. , Birmann Brenda M. , Brown Elizabeth E.
Published: June 2024

Background

Obesity is an established modifiable risk factor for multiple myeloma (MM). However, associations of obesity and MM risk in Black populations, for whom obesity and MM are more common, is less clear.

Methods

Using participants enrolled in the Integrative Molecular And Genetic Epidemiology study, we evaluated the association of anthropometric traits with MM risk overall, stratified by race and sex. Among cases, we assessed the association of BMI with the presence of myeloma-defining events.

Results

We observed an 18% increase in MM risk for every 5 kg/m2 increase in usual adult BMI. Participants with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) had the highest risk compared to those with a normal usual adult BMI (18.5–24.9 kg/m2; OR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.25–2.80), particularly among Black men (OR = 3.94, 95% CI 0.90–17.36). Furthermore, MM cases with overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) were more likely to present at diagnosis with low renal function (OR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.09–2.40), deletion 13q (OR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.08–2.76) and lytic lesions or compression fractures (OR = 2.39, 95% CI 0.82–7.01) and less likely to present with severe diffuse osteopenia (OR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.31–0.81).

Conclusions

Findings underscore the importance of obesity as a modifiable risk factor for MM, particularly in high-risk populations, and for the clinical presentation of disease.
Topologically influenced terahertz emission in Co2MnGa with a large anomalous Hall effect
Authors: Mandal Ruma , Momma Ren , Ishibashi Kazuaki , Iihama Satoshi , Suzuki Kazuya , Mizukami Shigemi
Published: June 2024

The terahertz (THz) spectral zone is one of the most exciting but least explored domains of the electromagnetic spectrum. To extend the applicability of THz waves, the present objective is to develop an efficient, compact, durable, and low-cost THz emitter source. A spintronic THz emitter consisting of a ferromagnetic/nonmagnetic bilayer heterostructure is a promising innovation that can provide an alternative solution/replacement for conventional THz emitters. To further develop these spin-based THz emitters, we demonstrate an efficient and strong THz emission from a single layer of Co2MnGa with a large anomalous Hall effect (AHE) influenced by its Weyl semimetallic nature. Strong correlations among the THz emission, AHE, and chemical ordering of the full Heusler crystal structures for Co2MnGa are shown. Based on proper structural and chemical design, the topological nature of this material facilitates systematic optimization. Our initial findings provide a new design concept for the topological influences on spin-based THz emitters, and these emitters are expected to facilitate the further development of the intriguing Weyl physics.
Using computational approaches to enhance the interpretation of missense variants in the PAX6 gene
Authors: Andhika Nadya S. , Biswas Susmito , Hardcastle Claire , Green David J. , Ramsden Simon C. , Birney Ewan , Black Graeme C. , Sergouniotis Panagiotis I.
Published: June 2024

The PAX6 gene encodes a highly-conserved transcription factor involved in eye development. Heterozygous loss-of-function variants in PAX6 can cause a range of ophthalmic disorders including aniridia. A key molecular diagnostic challenge is that many PAX6 missense changes are presently classified as variants of uncertain significance. While computational tools can be used to assess the effect of genetic alterations, the accuracy of their predictions varies. Here, we evaluated and optimised the performance of computational prediction tools in relation to PAX6 missense variants. Through inspection of publicly available resources (including HGMD, ClinVar, LOVD and gnomAD), we identified 241 PAX6 missense variants that were used for model training and evaluation. The performance of ten commonly used computational tools was assessed and a threshold optimization approach was utilized to determine optimal cut-off values. Validation studies were subsequently undertaken using PAX6 variants from a local database. AlphaMissense, SIFT4G and REVEL emerged as the best-performing predictors; the optimized thresholds of these tools were 0.967, 0.025, and 0.772, respectively. Combining the prediction from these top-three tools resulted in lower performance compared to using AlphaMissense alone. Tailoring the use of computational tools by employing optimized thresholds specific to PAX6 can enhance algorithmic performance. Our findings have implications for PAX6 variant interpretation in clinical settings.
Nerve fibre organisation in the human optic nerve and chiasm: what do we really know?
Authors: Pawar Pratap R. , Booth Joshua , Neely Andrew , McIlwaine Gawn , Lueck Christian J.
Published: June 2024

A recent anatomical study of the human optic chiasm cast doubt on the widespread assumption that nerve fibres travelling in the human optic nerve and chiasm are arranged retinotopically. Accordingly, a scoping literature review was performed to determine what is known about the nerve fibre arrangement in these structures. Meta-analysis suggested that the average number of fibres in each optic nerve was 1.023 million with an inter-individual range of approximately 50% of the mean. Loss of nerve fibres with age (approximately 3,400 fibres/year) could not account for this variability. The review suggested that there might be a retinotopic arrangement of nerve fibres in the orbital portion of the optic nerve but that this arrangement is most likely to be lost posteriorly with a more random distribution of nerve fibres at the chiasm. Limited studies have looked at nerve fibre arrangement in the chiasm. In summary, the chiasm is more ‘H-shaped’ than ‘X-shaped’: nerve fibre crossings occur paracentrally with nerves in the centre of the chiasm travelling coronally and in parallel. There is interaction between crossed and uncrossed fibres which are widely distributed. The review supports the non-existence of Wilbrand’s knee. Considerable further work is required to provide more precise anatomical information, but this review suggests that the assumed preservation of retinotopy in the human optic nerve and chiasm is probably not correct.
Extraembryonic gut endoderm cells undergo programmed cell death during development
Authors: Batki Julia , Hetzel Sara , Schifferl Dennis , Bolondi Adriano , Walther Maria , Wittler Lars , Grosswendt Stefanie , Herrmann Bernhard G. , Meissner Alexander
Published: June 2024

Despite a distinct developmental origin, extraembryonic cells in mice contribute to gut endoderm and converge to transcriptionally resemble their embryonic counterparts. Notably, all extraembryonic progenitors share a non-canonical epigenome, raising several pertinent questions, including whether this landscape is reset to match the embryonic regulation and if extraembryonic cells persist into later development. Here we developed a two-colour lineage-tracing strategy to track and isolate extraembryonic cells over time. We find that extraembryonic gut cells display substantial memory of their developmental origin including retention of the original DNA methylation landscape and resulting transcriptional signatures. Furthermore, we show that extraembryonic gut cells undergo programmed cell death and neighbouring embryonic cells clear their remnants via non-professional phagocytosis. By midgestation, we no longer detect extraembryonic cells in the wild-type gut, whereas they persist and differentiate further in p53-mutant embryos. Our study provides key insights into the molecular and developmental fate of extraembryonic cells inside the embryo.
A recurrent network model of planning explains hippocampal replay and human behavior
Authors: Jensen Kristopher T. , Hennequin Guillaume , Mattar Marcelo G.
Published: June 2024

When faced with a novel situation, people often spend substantial periods of time contemplating possible futures. For such planning to be rational, the benefits to behavior must compensate for the time spent thinking. Here, we capture these features of behavior by developing a neural network model where planning itself is controlled by the prefrontal cortex. This model consists of a meta-reinforcement learning agent augmented with the ability to plan by sampling imagined action sequences from its own policy, which we call ‘rollouts’. In a spatial navigation task, the agent learns to plan when it is beneficial, which provides a normative explanation for empirical variability in human thinking times. Additionally, the patterns of policy rollouts used by the artificial agent closely resemble patterns of rodent hippocampal replays. Our work provides a theory of how the brain could implement planning through prefrontal–hippocampal interactions, where hippocampal replays are triggered by—and adaptively affect—prefrontal dynamics.