bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver function maximum capacity test during normothermic regional perfusion predicts graft function after transplantation
Authors: Schurink Ivo J. , de Goeij Femke H. C. , van der Heijden Fenna J. , van Rooden Rutger M. , van Dijk Madeleine C. , Polak Wojciech G. , van der Laan Luc J. W. , Huurman Volkert A. L. , de Jonge Jeroen
Published: July 2024

Purpose

In an effort to reduce waitlist mortality, extended criteria donor organs, including those from donation after circulatory death (DCD), are being used with increasing frequency. These donors carry an increased risk for postoperative complications, and balancing donor-recipient risks is currently based on generalized nomograms. Abdominal normothermic regional perfusion (aNRP) enables individual evaluation of DCD organs, but a gold standard to determine suitability for transplantation is lacking. This study aimed to incorporate individualized and predictive measurements of the liver maximum capacity (LiMAx) test to objectively grade liver function during aNRP and prevent post-op complications.

Methods

aNRP was performed to salvage 18 DCD liver grafts, otherwise discarded. Continuous variables were presented as the median with the interquartile range.

Results

The liver function maximum capacity (LiMAx) test was successfully performed within the aNRP circuit in 17 aNRPs (94%). Donor livers with good lactate clearance during aNRP demonstrated significantly higher LiMAx scores (396 (301–451) µg/kg/h versus those who did not 105 (70–158) µg/kg/h; P = 0.006). This was also true for manifesting stress hyperglycemia > 20 mmol/l (P = 0.032). LiMAx score correlated with alanine aminotransferase (ALT; R =  − 0.755) and aspartate transaminase (AST; R =  − 0.800) levels during perfusion and distinguished livers that were selected for transplantation (397 (346–453) µg/kg/h) from those who were discarded (155 (87–206) µg/kg/h; P < 0.001). Twelve livers were accepted for transplantation, blinded for LiMAx results, and all had LiMAx scores of > 241 µg/kg/h. Postoperatively, LiMAx during aNRP displayed correlation with 24-h lactate levels.

Conclusions

This study shows for the first time the feasibility to assess liver function during aNRP in individual donor livers. LiMAx presents an objective tool to predict donor liver function and risk of complications in the recipient, thus enabling individualized matching of donor livers for an individual recipient. The LiMAx test may present a valuable test for the prediction of donor liver function, preventing post-transplant complication, and personalizing the selection of donor livers for individual recipients.
The state of the Yamuna River: a detailed review of water quality assessment across the entire course in India
Authors: Sharma Madhuben , Rawat Sameeksha , Kumar Dheeraj , Awasthi Amit , Sarkar Abhijit , Sidola Atul , Choudhury Tanupriya , Kotecha Ketan
Published: July 2024

The Yamuna River, a vital water source in India, poses a profound challenge concerning water purity across its entire stretch. The comprehensive review aims to thoroughly examine the river's water quality, shedding light on the sources of pollution and their consequences for both ecological systems and public health. The primary objective of this review is to examine the published research papers concerning the Yamuna River water quality stretching from Yamunotri to Prayagraj and its resulting impact on human health. This paper also comprises a wide range of pollutants mainly caused by human activity; during the strange period of COVID-19 lockdown, when all industries were closed, resulting in changes in water quality, signifies the destructive effects of human activity on the river. Studies uncover that the most contaminated areas are Nizamuddin of Delhi region and D/S of Agra in Uttar Pradesh, which includes the foremost level of faecal coliforms to be around 210000–11000000 and 450–6100000, respectively. The total coliforms were found to be between 700000–28000000 and 2200–32000000, respectively. Biochemical oxygen demands, industrial discharge, urban waste and agriculture are identified as the most responsible factors for this contamination. After the COVID-19 lockdown, all industries were open, and now, the conditions are the same as before COVID-19. The primary insight to be assembled is that the ecological balance of the Yamuna River and public health depend on the immediate requirement for effective wastewater treatment solutions. Besides offering valuable data by compiling findings from multiple studies, this review underscores the importance of implementing stringent regulations on industrial emissions, upgrading sewage treatment plants, and promoting eco-friendly farming methods to tackle pollution in the Yamuna River and also manage the rural and urban areas of the sewage pipeline plan. It stresses the importance of safeguarding the Yamuna River ecosystem's inherent socioeconomic benefits while alleviating the environmental harm caused by pervasive pollution. Essentially, the study calls for prompt and comprehensive measures to ensure the sustainable health of this crucial water resource in India.
Predicting heavy metal transport in groundwater around Lemna dumpsite: implications for residence utilizing borehole water in Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Igelle Evaristus Idaga , Phil-Eze Philip Ogbonnia , Obeta Michael Chukwuma , Abdelrahman Kamal , Andráš Peter , Ekwok Stephen E. , Eldosuoky Ahmed M.
Published: July 2024

Groundwater is considered the most important natural resource to mankind. Groundwater constitutes an important part of the hydrological cycle and is more prone to pollution. Dumpsite located in close proximity to groundwater resources is highly susceptible to leachates pollution. Predicting the susceptibility of groundwater pollution is crucial to address industry-standard codes for groundwater flow, contaminant transport, local to regional-scale water quality, and source water protection issues. Therefore, predicting heavy metal transport in groundwater around Lemna dumpsite in Cross River State, Nigeria, was examined. Soil samples were purposively collected with a soil Auger, along a straight line at (5 m, 25 m and 50 m) in the dumpsite. Water samples were purposively collected from five (5) boreholes close to Lemna dumpsite. The study utilized pumping test method to obtain data for the analysis of heavy metal transport in groundwater. Data analysis of the laboratory results of soil and borehole water quality focuses on arsenic, lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and mercury. Paired sample t test was used to analyse the soil and borehole water quality. Visual Modflow was also used to analyse the solute transport of heavy metals in groundwater around Lemna dumpsite. The paired sample t test of the analysis of heavy metals in soil exhibited a significant difference (p < 0.05) compared to National Environmental Standard Regulation and Enforcement Agency limits. The paired sample t test of the analysis of heavy metals in borehole water exhibited a significant difference (p < 0.05) compared to World Health Organization limits. The significant level indicates contamination of the soil and borehole water. The findings revealed a spatial spread of 259.2000 m2/day, with the contaminant travelling up to 94,608 m2/year. The extent of heavy metals concentration exhibited a maximum of 0.991 mg/l to a minimum of (− 6.72 × 10–18 mg/l), with concentrations decreasing as the plume extend. The study recommends the need for remediation and stringent monitoring to mitigate heavy metal contamination of boreholes near Lemna dumpsite.
Protease-activated CendR peptides targeting tenascin-C: mitigating off-target tissue accumulation
Authors: Tobi Allan , Haugas Maarja , Rabi Kristina , Sethi Jhalak , Põšnograjeva Kristina , Paiste Päärn , Jagomäe Toomas , Pleiko Karlis , Lingasamy Prakash , Teesalu Tambet
Published: July 2024

To achieve precision and selectivity, anticancer compounds and nanoparticles (NPs) can be targeted with affinity ligands that engage with malignancy-associated molecules in the blood vessels. While tumor-penetrating C-end Rule (CendR) peptides hold promise for precision tumor delivery, C-terminally exposed CendR peptides can accumulate undesirably in non-malignant tissues expressing neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), such as the lungs. One example of such promiscuous peptides is PL3 (sequence: AGRGRLVR), a peptide that engages with NRP-1 through its C-terminal CendR element, RLVR.

Here, we report the development of PL3 derivatives that bind to NRP-1 only after proteolytic processing by urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), while maintaining binding to the other receptor of the peptide, the C-domain of tenascin-C (TNC-C). Through a rational design approach and screening of a uPA-treated peptide-phage library (PL3 peptide followed by four random amino acids) on the recombinant NRP-1, derivatives of the PL3 peptide capable of binding to NRP-1 only post-uPA processing were successfully identified. In vitro cleavage, binding, and internalization assays, along with in vivo biodistribution studies in orthotopic glioblastoma-bearing mice, confirmed the efficacy of two novel peptides, PL3uCendR (AGRGRLVR↓SAGGSVA) and SKLG (AGRGRLVR↓SKLG), which exhibit uPA-dependent binding to NRP-1, reducing off-target binding to healthy NRP-1-expressing tissues. Our study not only unveils novel uPA-dependent TNC-C targeting CendR peptides but also introduces a broader paradigm and establishes a technology for screening proteolytically activated tumor-penetrating peptides.

Graphical Abstract
Transportation system models to analyse ports competition and cooperation
Authors: Russo Francesco , Musolino Giuseppe
Published: July 2024

Some global drivers of the shipping market, such as the carriers’ alliance consolidation process and the growing ship sizes have determined critical conditions in standalone ports in the XXI century. The traditional attitude of each port during the XX century was to consider other ports, even if they belong to the same territorial system, as competitors following the postulate of the natural monopoly of access to a territory. However, the necessity to respond to the binding requests of port users and of the ship gigantism brought to different experiences between ports belonging to the same territorial system. New forms of cooperation and competition took place at different levels. The paper presents a theoretical equilibrium model to analyse the competition and/or cooperation scenarios of two, or more, ports belonging to a territorial system. The model is based on the consolidated topological-behavioural paradigm of Transportation System Models (TSMs). The proposed equilibrium model allows to simulate the condition inside a port system, which moves from a competition attitude between ports to a cooperation one, within the same modelling framework. The model could provide to the port authorities, managers, planners and researchers a quantitative tool to understand the competition-cooperation scenarios and to define alternative strategies in relation to the decisions taken by other actors of the market.
Development and evaluation of dexamethasone-loaded bioadhesive polymeric nanocapsules for mitigating cardiac and gastric adverse effects of free dexamethasone
Authors: Abdel-Emam Rania A. , Ali Marwa F. , Hassan Abeer S. , Abd-Ellatief Rasha B.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Despite having a wide range of therapeutic advantages, dexamethasone (DEXM)-free formulations have some negative side effects that manifest over time. Polymeric nanocapsules (PNCs) exhibit a core-shell structure that can encapsulate and control the release of drug products. Accordingly, the present study aimed to develop a new nanoparticulate system, PNCs, as drug nanocarriers of DEXM and to exemplify the difference in safety profile regarding the gastropathic and cardiopathic effects of DEXM PNCs versus free DEXM.

Methods

Dexamethasone-loaded alginate nanocapsules were prepared using the nanoprecipitation technique and evaluated for different parameters. In-vivo assessment of the safety profile of the DEXMs (free and PNCs) necessitated three animal groups: vehicle, free DEXM, and DEXM PNCs groups. Treatments with DEXM were administered intraperitoneally, once daily, for 7 days. Stomach and heart samples were investigated for tissue damage. Tissue insults were assessed via macroscopic, biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses.

Results

The selected PNCs exhibited a small particle size of 287 ± 7.5 nm, a zeta-potential of -21.06 ± 0.23 mV, an encapsulation efficiency of 91.53 ± 0.5%, and a prolonged release profile for up to 48 h as compared with a free drug. Gastric damage indicators showed more serious mucosal damage with free DEXM, hemorrhagic ulcers, and enhanced oxidative stress than the DEXM PNCs. Biomarkers of cardiac damage were significantly elevated with free DEXM and significantly lower in the DEXM PNCs group.

Conclusion

Dexamethasone was successfully encapsulated into polymeric nanocapsules of sodium alginate coating polymer. The developed alginate nanocapsules exhibited desirable parameters and a superior anticipated side effect profile regarding gastric and cardiac damage.
Study on the influence of food emulsion components on its lubrication characteristics and smooth perception
Authors: Qian Shanhua , Wang Liang , Zheng Ziyan , Tang Qichen , Bian Da
Published: July 2024

Due to the increasing risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases caused by high-fat diets, low-fat foods have become a priority demand for consumers’ health. However, the smoothness perception and scientific assessment methods of the existing low-fat foods should be improved. In this study, three food emulsions were prepared, and their lubrication characteristics, sensory evaluation of smoothness, and electroencephalogram (EEG) signals were assessed to preliminarily investigate the effects of food emulsion components on their above characteristics. The results showed that fat substitute (FSU) and fat could significantly reduce coefficient of friction (CoF) of the food emulsions, with average CoF reduced by 28% and 63% compared to the original food emulsions. In addition, fat-enriched food emulsions continued to exhibit excellent lubrication characteristics after adding artificial saliva, with an average CoF reduced by 31.1% compared to that of the food emulsions without artificial saliva. Both FSU and fat improved the smoothness of food emulsions, and the lubricating properties of fat were more pronounced, with fat-enriched food emulsion which could provide a substantial improvement in smoothness compared to the fat-free food emulsion. Comparison of subjects’ EEG signals revealed that food emulsion with lower CoF and higher smoothness triggered higher P3 amplitudes and longer latencies. These findings provide better insights into the scientific evaluation of food texture and the development of low-fat foods.
Cycles of length 3 and 4 in edge-colored complete graphs with restrictions in the color transitions
Authors: Galeana-Sánchez Hortensia , Hernández-Lorenzana Felipe , Sánchez-López Rocío
Published: July 2024

Let G be a graph and H a graph possibly with loops. We will say that a graph G is an H-colored graph if and only if there exists a function $$c:E(G)\longrightarrow V(H)$$

c
:
E
(
G
)
⟶
V
(
H
)

. A cycle $$(v_1,\ldots ,v_k,v_1)$$

(

v
1

,
…
,

v
k

,

v
1

)

is an H-cycle if and only if $$(c(v_1 v_2),\ldots ,c(v_{k-1}v_k),$$

(
c

(

v
1

v
2

)

,
…
,
c

(

v

k
-
1

v
k

)

,

$$c(v_kv_1), c(v_1 v_2))$$

c

(

v
k

v
1

)

,
c

(

v
1

v
2

)

)

is a walk in H. Whenever H is a complete graph without loops, an H-cycle is a properly colored cycle. In this paper, we work with an H-colored complete graph, namely G, with local restrictions given by an auxiliary graph, and we show sufficient conditions implying that every vertex in V(G) is contained in an H-cycle of length 3 (respectively 4). As a consequence, we obtain some well-known results in the theory of properly colored walks.
Assessing the hazard of diesel particulate matter (DPM) in the mining industry: A review of the current state of knowledge
Authors: Azam Sikandar , Liu Shimin , Bhattacharyya Sekhar , Zheng Siyang
Published: July 2024

In the confined spaces of underground mines, the exposure of over 10,000 miners in the U.S. to diesel exhaust and diesel particulate matter (DPM) is an occupational inevitability, particularly in metal and nonmetal mineral extraction. These workers routinely operate amidst diesel-powered equipment, often outdated and highly polluting, extracting resources such as limestone, gold, and salt. The acute health effects of such exposure are significant, leading to symptoms like headaches and flu-like conditions, with the impact being more pronounced in these closed work environments. This review scrutinizes DPM’s hazard in the mining sector, consolidating the extant knowledge and exploring ongoing research. It encapsulates our understanding of DPM’s physicochemical properties, existing sampling methods, health ramifications, and mitigation technologies. Moreover, it underscores the necessity for further study in areas such as the evolution of DPM’s physicochemical attributes, from its genesis at high-pressure, high-temperature conditions within diesel engines to its emission into the mine atmosphere. A key research gap is the intricate interaction of DPM with specific characteristics of the mine environment—such as relative humidity, ambient temperature, the presence of other mineral dust, and the dynamics of ventilation air. These factors can significantly alter the physicochemical profile of DPM, influencing both its in-mine transport and its deposition behavior. Consequently, this can affect the respiratory health of miners, modifying the toxicity and the respiratory deposition of DPM particles. Identified research imperatives include (1) the advancement of instrumentation for accurate number measurement of DPM to replace or supplement traditional gravimetric methods; (2) the development of long-lasting, cost-effective control technologies tailored for the mining industry; (3) an in-depth investigation of DPM interactions within the unique mine microclimate, considering the critical components like humidity and other aerosols; and (4) understanding the differential impact of DPM in mining compared to other industries, informing the creation of mining-specific health and safety protocols. This review’s findings underscore the urgency to enhance emission control and exposure prevention strategies, paving the way for a healthier underground mining work environment.
Approach-Avoidance Training: Exploring the Role of Action Identification Processes
Authors: Eder Andreas B. , Krishna Anand
Published: July 2024

Approach-Avoidance Training (AAT) aims to modify evaluations and behaviors towards specific stimuli through repetitive engagement in approach and avoidance behaviors. The current research investigates whether training conditions that promote action identification at the level of approach-avoidance movements, rather than at the level of behavioral actions effecting these movements, are more effective in changing evaluative reactions towards fictitious social groups. In two experiments (total N = 411), participants directed a computerized manikin, symbolizing the self, towards one group and away from another. Following the training, participants liked the approached group more than the avoided group in both explicit and indirect attitude measures. These changes in liking were not influenced by training conditions that enabled consistent key presses throughout the task (facilitating action identification at the motoric level) and those that necessitated alternating key presses (promoting action identification at the approach-avoidance level). Furthermore, changes in liking were unrelated to changes in AA-related response tendencies as assessed with a separate response task. It is concluded that the manikin task utilized for AAT is robust against task variants that facilitate action identification at the motor level, especially when the training instructions are clear about which stimuli should be approached and avoided. Insights for the practical application of AAT are discussed.
Exploring Impediments to Human Flourishing Across the Lifespan in Six African Countries
Authors: Ngyah-Etchutambe Ijang Bih , Mengstie Missaye Mulatie , Njungwa Martina Zinkeng , Wadende Pamela
Published: July 2024

Human flourishing (HF) is fundamental in fostering development in every sector of human communities throughout the world. Understanding the concept of human flourishing is essential in identifying and limiting practices that may impede human’s tendency to flourish. Most research on HF have been focused on the minority world and devoted to factors that foster it with minimal regard for the impediments and perspectives from the majority world. Based on this, the study aims to explore the impediments to human flourishing across the lifespan in Africa. Specifically, it examines factors that impede human flourishing in three age groups (children, adolescents, and adults). Empirical data were collected qualitatively through focus group discussion sessions and expert interviews with children, adolescents, and adults from communities in 6 African countries (Marachi, Eteso and Turkana of Kenya, the Sukuma of Tanzania, the Bantu and Nilo Hamites of Uganda, the Amhara of Ethopia, the Nso and Nweh of Cameroon and the Akan of Ghana). After the thematic analysis, the findings revealed that; inevitable factors like death and other issues that can be improved on like poverty, conflict, selfishness, immoral behavior and ill health impede human flourishing across the life span. However, other impediments identified were age specific. Marriage challenges impeded flourishing among adult folks while lack of sufficient play time impeded children’s flourishing. An intervention on coping strategies to deal with inevitable impeding factors to human flourishing like death and strategies to improve on all the other manageable impediments is vital for the enhancement of flourishing in Africa.
Mind-reading in AI and neurotechnology: evaluating claims, hype, and ethical implications for neurorights
Authors: Gilbert Frederic , Russo Ingrid
Published: July 2024

This paper examines claims that the convergence of AI and neurotechnology applications, known as brain-reading, enables the reading of human minds. The purpose of this examination is to investigate whether the use of the terms “brain-reading” and “mind-reading” to convey current neurotechnological findings carries evidence of hype. We conducted an interpretive content analysis of 1017 academic articles to gain insights into the current state of the art and examine assertions made by academics. Our analysis revealed that up to 91% of the examined articles suggest the possibility of mind-reading through brain-reading. Ethical issues discussed frequently include mental privacy, mental freedom, and personhood. Our study highlights the imprecise and inconsistent usage of the term mind-reading in scientific discourse, which leads to exaggerated claims about AI and BCIs having already achieved capacities beyond their current capabilities—or even reaching capacities that may never be feasible. While our study provides evidence of AI and BCI hype concerning alleged mind-reading capabilities, it also uncovers a hype in AI ethics, specifically pertaining to neurorights. This involves hypothetical scenarios where the fictional prospect of AI-enabled mind-reading calls for the establishment of new protective human rights.
Experiences and lessons learned from a global research administration capacity building project to support and expand HIV/AIDS research in southwestern Uganda
Authors: Bajunirwe Francis , Armstrong Lauren B. , Karuhanga Jacqueline , Mbabazi Margaret , Muhindo Ezrah , Steen Amber , Olmsted Elizabeth W.
Published: July 2024

International collaborative research projects conducted at academic research institutions, including complex basic science, clinical, and translational HIV/AIDS research, require intensive communication, coordination, and thoughtful relationship-building at all institutional levels and especially require the support of experienced and well-trained Research Administrators. To be successful, global research teams must be not only scientifically adept, but supported by a staff skilled in identifying opportunities, submitting proposals, and managing all aspects of award administration and reporting. Using a National Institutes of Health, Fogarty International Center funded training grant, the project team aimed to develop a comprehensive Research administration capacity-building program that would improve the support provided to investigators at Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda through collaboration with the University of Virginia in the United States and expand future funding success for innovative HIV/AIDS and HIV-related research. The experiences and achievements of conducting a comprehensive, primarily remote training program are documented for other global partnerships to highlight successes and uncover opportunities to ensure sustainability. Despite the hurdles of the COVID-19 pandemic, this program was able to succeed through a long-term relationship of mutual respect between the two institutions. Project success was achieved by the team’s unwavering commitment to collectively explore and implement various methods to achieve its goals.
Clinical outcomes of patients with in-hospital witnessed cardiac arrest: effect of co-morbidities
Authors: Nassar Yasser , Fathy Sozan , Sabri Sherif , Gaber Ayman , Mokhtar Sherif
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is frequently performed in hospitalized patients after in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA), especially in the intensive care unit (ICU) (J Crit Care 24:408-414, 2009). Despite the fact that nearly half of the in-hospital cardiac arrests (IHCA) actually happen in intensive care units (ICUs) (N Engl J Med 367:1912-1920, 2012), intensive care unit cardiac arrest (ICU-CA) compared to IHCA or out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) has received little attention, and data on ICU-CA remains scanty (Intensive Care Med 40:1853-1916, 2014).

Aim

We aimed to evaluate the clinical status and factors associated with the survival of patients subjected to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) after a witnessed cardiac arrest (CA) inside the medical intensive care unit (MICU).

Patients

The study included 110 patients, mean age of 60 ± 18 years, 69 (63%) males, and 41 (37%) females. Co-morbidities included diabetes mellitus was present in 46 (42%), hypertension 57 (52%), central nervous system (CNS) disease 31 (29%), cardiovascular (CVS) 76 (69%), respiratory 63 (57%), hepatic 16 (15%), shock 35 (32%), and renal 44 (40%). Mechanical ventilation was present in 97 (88%) of patients. SOFA score < 9 was present in 38%, MPM III score < 10 in 37%, and GCS > 7 in 66% of patients. Non-shockable rhythm occurred in 95 (86%) while shockable rhythm in 15 (14%) of patients.

Methods

Data were collected prospectively at the medical ICU of Cairo University from Jan. 2013 to Feb 2013. A resuscitation protocol was done according to the latest recommendation of the European Society of Cardiology at the time of patient inclusion. Clinical data were recorded and surviving patients were clinically followed daily until hospital discharge.

Results

Out of 110 witnessed cardiac arrests, CPR was initially successfully manifested by return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in 60 patients (55%), of whom 22 (20%) survived hospital discharge and only 9 patients (8%) were functionally independent. Compared to non-survivors, 60 patients (55%) with ROSC had a MPM III < 10 (p 0.015), EF ≥ 50% (p 0.001), and non-shocked patients (p 0.008). Other factors such as DC shocks < 3 (p 0.02), CPR cycles < 2 (p < 0.001), resuscitation duration < 10 min (p 0.03), time to start CPR < 1 min (p 0.001), maintained HCO3 (p 0.03), and PaCO2 (p 0.002) were found to improve ROSC. Mortality before discharge decreased with asystole (p < 0.01). Mortality before discharge increased with CNS (p < 0.02) and respiratory comorbidities (p 0.02), shock (p < 0.001) and mechanical ventilation (p < 0.0001), SOFA > 9 (p 0.001), MPM III > 10 (0.018), and time to start CPR > 1 min (p 0.001).

Conclusion

Not all ROSC reached long-term survival and hospital discharge. Several co-morbidities affect ROSC and short-term and long-term patient survival after witnessed MICU cardiac arrest.
Personality Traits and Stockpiling in the United Kingdom During the COVID–19 Pandemic
Authors: Magnus Roos John
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Introduction: This study analyzes the effects of personality traits on the stockpiling of groceries in the United Kingdom during the COVID–19 pandemic. The sample is representative of the UK population in terms of age, gender, and residential area. Methods: We collected the data through five rounds of web surveys during the spring of 2020 ( N = 1025). We used the Big Five Inventory (BFI–10) to measure personality traits. We analyzed the data using independent t-tests and logistic regression. Results: The independent t-tests show that “stockpilers” have a higher degree of Neuroticism and a lower degree of Agreeableness and Conscientiousness than “nonstockpilers.” Logistic regressions moreover show that differences in Neuroticism are related to other personality traits, and that differences in Agreeableness are largely related to age and residential area. The low degree of Conscientiousness among “stockpilers” remains, after we controlled for other factors in the model (i.e., personality traits, gender, age, and residential area). Discussion: We discuss the findings regarding previous research. Understanding personality traits and stockpiling is important to prepare and manage similar extraordinary situations that may occur in the future.
Roofing Highways With Solar Panels Substantially Reduces Carbon Emissions and Traffic Losses
Authors: Jiang Hou , Lu Ning , Qin Jun , Yao Ling , Lian Xu , He Jijiang , Liu Tang , Zhou Chenghu
Published: July 2024

Photovoltaic (PV) installations are a leading technology for generating green electricity and reducing carbon emissions. Roofing highways with solar panels offers a new opportunity for PV development, but its potential of global deployment and associated socio‐economic impacts have not been investigated. Here, we combine solar PV output modeling with the global highway distribution and levelized cost of electricity to estimate the potential and economic feasibility of deploying highway PV systems worldwide. We also quantify its co‐benefits of reducing CO2 equivalent emissions and traffic losses (road traffic deaths and socio‐economic burdens). Our analysis reveals a potential for generating 17.58 PWh yr−1 of electricity, of which nearly 56% can be realized at a cost below US$100 MWh−1. Achieving the full highway PV potential could offset 28.78% (28.21%–29.1%) of the global total carbon emissions in 2018, prevent approximately 0.15 million road traffic deaths, and reduce US$0.43 ± 0.16 trillion socio‐economic burdens per year. Highway PV projects could bring a net return of about US$14.42 ± 4.04 trillion over a 25‐year lifetime. To exploit the full potential of highway PV, countries with various income levels must strengthen cooperation and balance the multiple socio‐economic co‐benefits.
Chromatic Acclimating Synechococcus Dominate in Mesoscale Eddies
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Li Yingdong , Xu Zhimeng , Chen Jiawei , Cheung Shunyan , Jing Hongmei , Xu Jie , Liu Hongbin
Published: July 2024

Mesoscale eddies are found almost everywhere in global ocean. They can last for weeks to months with scales up to over 100 km and play important roles in global biogeochemical cycles. In this study, we analyzed the phylogenetic and pigment type composition of Synechococcus in a cyclonic eddy (CE, cold eddy) and an anticyclonic eddy (ACE, warm eddy) located in western South China Sea in summer, 2018. Nutrients pumping enhanced Synechococcus abundance markedly in the upper euphotic layers of CE. High diversity of both phylogenetic clades and pigment types of Synechococcus were discovered in the sampling area, with clear composition difference between CE and ACE. The chromatic acclimating pigment type (PT) 3dA dominated in CE while PT 3dB dominated in ACE. The potential weak chromatic acclimator PT 3eA contributed a significant proportion in both CE and ACE. To better understand the difference of PT composition in CE and ACE, we further investigated the phylogenetic composition of Synechococcus in CE and ACE. Clade CRD 1, which were the main strains in upwelling regions, were dominant in CE, where cooler and nutrient rich subsurface water was pumped to the upper layers. Warm water adapted clade II and clade III dominated in ACE. Our study, for the first time, indicated that chromatic acclimation was important in shaping the vertical profile of Synechococcus community in mesoscale eddies of the subtropical oceans.
Resolving Weather Fronts Increases the Large‐Scale Circulation Response to Gulf Stream SST Anomalies in Variable‐Resolution CESM2 Simulations
Authors: Wills Robert C. J. , Herrington Adam R. , Simpson Isla R. , Battisti David S.
Published: July 2024

Canonical understanding based on general circulation models (GCMs) is that the atmospheric circulation response to midlatitude sea‐surface temperature (SST) anomalies is weak compared to the larger influence of tropical SST anomalies. However, the ∼100‐km horizontal resolution of modern GCMs is too coarse to resolve strong updrafts within weather fronts, which could provide a pathway for surface anomalies to be communicated aloft. Here, we investigate the large‐scale atmospheric circulation response to idealized Gulf Stream SST anomalies in Community Atmosphere Model (CAM6) simulations with 14‐km regional grid refinement over the North Atlantic, and compare it to the responses in simulations with 28‐km regional refinement and uniform 111‐km resolution. The highest resolution simulations show a large positive response of the wintertime North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) to positive SST anomalies in the Gulf Stream, a 0.4‐standard‐deviation anomaly in the seasonal‐mean NAO for 2°C SST anomalies. The lower‐resolution simulations show a weaker response with a different spatial structure. The enhanced large‐scale circulation response results from an increase in resolved vertical motions with resolution and an associated increase in the influence of SST anomalies on transient‐eddy heat and momentum fluxes in the free troposphere. In response to positive SST anomalies, these processes lead to a stronger and less variable North Atlantic jet, as is characteristic of positive NAO anomalies. Our results suggest that the atmosphere responds differently to midlatitude SST anomalies in higher‐resolution models and that regional refinement in key regions offers a potential pathway to improve multi‐year regional climate predictions based on midlatitude SSTs.
Insights for River Restoration: The Impacts of Vegetation Canopy Length and Canopy Discontinuity on Riverbed Evolution
Authors: Li Fujian , Shan Yuqi , Li Ming , Guo Yakun , Liu Chao
Published: July 2024

River restoration projects often involve vegetation planting to retain sediment and stabilize riverbanks. Laboratory experiments have explored the impact of rigid emergent vegetation canopies on bed morphology. Inside canopies, bed erosion is attributed to vegetation‐induced turbulent kinetic energy (TKE). Based on the in‐canopy local TKE and the criteria for sediment movement, a method is established and validated for predicting the length of the bed erosion region. In the bare channel, bed erosion is related to the ratio of canopy length to flow adjustment distance, L/LI, and exhibits two trends. At L/LI < 1, the maximum depth, ds(bare), and length, Ls(bare), of the bed erosion region increase with increasing canopy length. At L/LI ≥ 1, ds(bare) and Ls(bare) are not influenced by the canopy length and remain constant. In vegetated regions with the same length and plant density, discontinuous canopies (streamwise interval s ≥ canopy width D) yield weaker bed erosion than continuous canopies. The mutual influence between two canopies must be considered if the canopy interval satisfies s < 3D. These results provide insights for designing vegetation canopies for river restoration projects.
Projected Thermally Driven Elderly Mortality for Beijing Under Greenhouse Gas and Stratospheric Aerosol Geoengineering Scenarios
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhao Liyun , Moore John C.
Published: July 2024

Beijing is undergoing multiple challenges including urbanization, warming and aging. The Beijing megalopolis of 20 million people now suffers more cold‐related than heat‐related deaths. Stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) geoengineering is designed to lower surface temperatures, so if SAI were ever done, it may reduce future heat‐related mortality, while also increasing cold‐related mortality. Here we use four Earth System Models (ESM) downscaled to 10 km resolution with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) system to capture urban temperature, humidity and wind speeds. Temperature‐related mortality risk were calculated using a distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) of the elderly (over 65s) under the dynamically downscaled moderate (RCP4.5) and extreme (RCP8.5) greenhouse gas, and the G4 SAI scenarios. We used population demographics for all five shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP) and various adaptation measures. Heat‐related excess deaths under G4 are 630∼3,160 per year fewer than RCP4.5, while cold‐related deaths are 370∼1,990 more than RCP4.5 during 2060–2069, with a marginally significant net reduction. G4 significantly reduces the excess deaths relative to RCP8.5. Both heat‐related and cold‐related mortality will increase by 240∼490% when the aging population is accounted for, and decrease by 11%, 23% and 44% under low, medium and high adaptation relative to a no adaptation scenario. Dynamical downscaling produces better quality climate simulations than commonly used statistical approaches, and in the case of Beijing, significantly fewer heat‐related deaths. The marginal health benefits of modest future SAI in Beijing may be representative of the population impacts in the extra‐tropics where deaths due to cold are more than those caused by heat.
Electron Dynamics Associated With Advection and Diffusion in Self‐Consistent Wave‐Particle Interactions With Oblique Chorus Waves
Authors: Chen Huayue , Wang Xueyi , Zhao Hong , Lin Yu , Chen Lunjin , Omura Yoshiharu , Chen Rui , Hsieh Yi‐Kai
Published: July 2024

Chorus waves are intense electromagnetic emissions critical in modulating electron dynamics. In this study, we perform two‐dimensional particle‐in‐cell simulations to investigate self‐consistent wave‐particle interactions with oblique chorus waves. We first analyze the electron dynamics sampled from cyclotron and Landau resonances with waves, and then quantify the advection and diffusion coefficients through statistical studies. It is found that phase‐trapped cyclotron resonant electrons satisfy the second‐order resonance condition and gain energy from waves. While phase‐bunched cyclotron resonant electrons cannot remain in resonance for long periods. They transfer energy to waves and are scattered to smaller pitch angles. Landau resonant electrons are primarily energized by waves. For both types of resonances, advection coefficients are greater than diffusion coefficients when the wave amplitude is large. Our study highlights the important role of advection in electron dynamics modulation resulting from nonlinear wave‐particle interactions.
The Vertical Tilt of Mesoscale Eddy in the Northern South China Sea in a High‐Resolution Numerical Simulation
Authors: Men Guorui , Wan Xiuquan , Ma Weiwei
Published: July 2024

Using a high‐resolution numerical model, we investigate the influence of slope topography on the vertical tilted structure of mesoscale eddies in the northern South China Sea (NSCS). The model effectively captures key features including trajectories, intensities, and three‐dimensional tilted structures of these eddies. By compositing all NSCS eddies on the slope and in the basin, a more pronounced southwestward tilt in slope eddies is found from the sea surface down to the deep, compared to basin eddies. The tilt distance of slope eddies is approximately 1.8 times that of basin eddies, with the strongest eddy tilt near the Dongsha Islands. Variations in topography gradient induce noticeable changes in both the magnitude and direction of the eddy tilt. Due to potential vorticity conservation, the eddies' lower part follows isobaths, while the upper part drifts southwestward. This rapidly increases a southward eddy tilt during the upslope phase (USP) and a gradual transition to a southwestward tilt in the downslope phase (DSP). Moreover, the lower eddy part responds more significantly and earlier (about 20 days) to topography than the upper eddy part, moving faster and tilt‐developing more rapidly. The lower eddy part tilts larger during the USP, roughly 2.5 times than that of the upper eddy part. In the subsequent DSP, the tilt of lower eddy part decreases, about half of that in the upper eddy part. This study reveals the complex interactions between mesoscale eddies and steep slope topography, aiding further understanding the dynamics of eddy tilt and propagation.
Summertime Ozone Production at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico: Influence of Oil and Natural Gas Development
Authors: Marsavin Andrey , Pan Da , Pollack Ilana B. , Zhou Yong , Sullivan Amy P. , Naimie Lillian E. , Benedict Katherine B. , Juncosa Calahoranno Julieta F. , Fischer Emily V. , Prenni Anthony J. , Schichtel Bret A. , Sive Barkley C. , Collett Jeffrey L.
Published: July 2024

Southeastern New Mexico's Carlsbad Caverns National Park (CAVE) has increasingly experienced summertime ozone (O3) exceeding an 8‐hr average of 70 parts per billion by volume (ppbv). The park is located in the western part of the Permian oil and natural gas (O&G) basin, where production rates have increased fivefold in the last decade. We investigate O3–precursor relationships by constraining the F0AM box model to observations of nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2) and a suite of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) collected at CAVE during summer 2019. O&G‐related VOCs dominated the calculated VOC reactivity with hydroxyl radicals (OH) on days when O3 concentrations were primarily controlled by local photochemistry. Radical budget analysis showed that NOx levels were high enough to impose VOC sensitivity on O3 production in the morning hours, while subsequent NOx loss through photochemical consumption led to NOx‐sensitive conditions in the afternoon. Maximum daily O3 was responsive to both NOx and O&G‐related VOC reductions, with NOx reductions proving most effective. The model underestimated observed O3 during a 5‐day high O3 episode that was influenced by photochemically aged O&G emissions, as indicated by back‐trajectory analysis, low i‐/n‐pentane ratios, enhanced secondary VOCs, and low ratios of NOx to total reactive oxidized nitrogen (NOy). Model‐observation agreement was improved by constraining model NOx with observed NOy, which approximates NOx at the time of emission, indicating that a large fraction of O3 during this episode was formed nonlocally.
Is game-based therapy effective for treating cognitive deficits in adults with schizophrenia? Evidence from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Junkai , Zhang Jie , Xu Peng , Qian Tianyi , Tan Shuping , Liang Peipeng
Published: July 2024

Cognitive deficits in schizophrenia are a major contributor to poor functional outcomes and everyday functioning, making them a promising therapeutic target. Recent years have witnessed a dramatic increase in the use of digital interventions, such as game-based therapy, targeting various domains of cognition to treat mental disorders. Game-based digital interventions have been suggested to have therapeutic value in health care for people with schizophrenia. To support this idea, a novel, online training program (Komori Life) that targets cognitive deficits in schizophrenia was tested for feasibility of use and initial efficiency. Inpatients with schizophrenia were randomized to complete 20 sessions of either Komori Life (N = 40 completers) or treatment as usual (N = 40 completers). Cognitive and clinical assessments were performed at enrollment and after completion of the training intervention for all patients. In addition, 32 healthy volunteers were recruited as controls, and an eye-tracking paradigm was employed to assess attentional biases to emotional information before and after game intervention for all subjects. The results showed that there were no group differences in cognitive or clinical assessments at baseline between the two patient groups. After game training, there were still no group × time interactions on cognitive or clinical assessment scores. Regarding eye movement measurements, both patient groups showed increased attention to threatening stimuli compared to healthy controls in terms of attentional maintenance at baseline. After game training, the game training group revealed greater improvement in attentional bias towards threatening scenes (decreased percentage of total duration and percentage of total fixations towards threatening stimuli) relative to the treatment as usual group. Moreover, our results partially indicated that training effectiveness was associated with cognitive improvement and that heightened attentional maintenance to threats was associated with worse cognitive performance. This study provides initial evidence that a remote, online cognitive training program is feasible and effective in improving cognitive function in schizophrenia. This form of training may serve as a complementary therapy to existing psychiatric care. Clinical trial registration: the trial is registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2100048403.