bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic crises and the survival of international organizations
Authors: Haftel Yoram Z. , Nadel Bar
Published: June 2024

How do hard economic times affect countries’ foreign policy and, specifically, their international commitments? Although a large body of literature assumes that economic crises lead to the prioritization of domestic politics at the expense of international cooperation, these claims are rarely subjected to systematic empirical tests. This study examines one important aspect of these relationships: the consequences of economic crises for the survival of international organizations (IOs), a question that attracted only scant scholarly attention to date. Theoretically, we argue that even though economic crises can weaken member states’ commitment to IOs, they also underscore their ability to tackle the root causes of such crises and mitigate their most pernicious effects. As such, economic crises are actually conducive to IO longevity. We expect this effect to be especially pronounced for currency crises, IOs with an economic mandate, and regional IOs, given their particular relevance for international cooperation during hard economic times. These conjectures are tested with a comprehensive sample of IOs and data on currency, banking and sovereign debt crises from 1970 to 2014. Using event history models and controlling for several alternative explanations of IO survival, we find ample empirical support for the theoretical expectations.
Quantitative Determination of Minerals and Toxic Elements Content in Tropical and Subtropical Fruits by Microwave-Assisted Digestion and ICP-OES
Authors: AlJuhaimi Fahad , Kulluk Duygu Akçay , Yılmaz Fatma Gökmen , Ahmed Isam Ali Mohamed , Özcan Mehmet Musa , Albakry Zainab
Published: June 2024

In the presented study, 15 tropical and subtropical fruits were studied for their mineral composition ranging from trace to major elements by ICP-OES after microwave digestion. The moisture amounts were assigned to be between 21.90 (tamarind) and 95.66% (pepino). The differences between the macroelement quantities of the fruits were established to be statistically significant (p<0.01). P and K quantities of fruits were displayed to be between 53.40 (pepino) and 927.74 mg/kg (tamarind) to 720.27 (pepino) and 13441.12 mg/kg (tamarind), respectively. While Ca quantities of fruits vary between 123.71 (pineapple) and 1519.76 mg/kg (blood orange), Mg quantities of fruits were established to be between 78.66 (pepino) and 875.02 mg/kg (tamarind). In general, the lowest macroelement quantities were determined in pepino fruit, but the highest P and K contents were determined in Gooseberry and Tamarind fruits, respectively. The microelement amounts of the fruits were established to be at very low levels compared to the macroelement contents. In general, the most abundant element in fruits was Fe, followed by Zn, Cu, Mn and B in decreasing order. In general, heavy metal quantities of fruits were detected at very low levels (except As and Ba). As and Ba quantities of fruits were assigned to be between 0.972 μg/g (mandarin) and 5.86 (kiwi) to 0.103 (pineapple) and 4.08 (avocado), respectively. As with macro and microelements, results regarding heavy metal concentrations varied depending on fruit types.

Graphical Abstract
A New Laparoscopic Multifunctional Instrument Design
Authors: Thomasset Raphael , Feudo Vanessa , Masturzo Bianca , Tinelli Raffaele , Libretti Alessandro , Leo Livio
Published: June 2024

Minimally invasive surgery typically requires the use of small instruments that are easily manipulated and have various functions. Our goal is to create, develop, and ultimately obtain a prototype for a novel surgical suction-irrigation device that includes coagulation and neuromuscular stimulation capabilities. The need to achieve accurate hemostasis, particularly during deep pelvic dissection while maintaining suction-irrigation capabilities, served as a valuable motivation for the development of this device. Neurostimulation is necessary in various anatomical contexts, in addition to its coagulation function. Several prototypes were built with exterior diameters ranging from 8 to 5 mm. A series of tests were conducted on pork steaks, and a pathological investigation was carried out using hematoxylin–eosin staining to assess the extent of coagulation. Manual tests demonstrated excellent agility and a high level of effectiveness. The two functions, coagulation and neurostimulation, aid the surgeon in reducing blood loss and accurately pinpointing nerve locations. Hence, this novel prototype has the potential to stimulate the creation of additional equipment that could prove highly valuable in pelvic radical surgery and neuropelveology, where the need for accurate hemostasis and the identification of nerve landmarks are of utmost significance.
Shape preserving fractal multiquadric quasi-interpolation
Authors: Kumar D. , Chand A. K. B. , Massopust P. R.
Published: June 2024

In this article, we construct a novel self-referential fractal multiquadric function which is symmetric about the origin. The scaling factors are suitably restricted to preserve the differentiability and the convexity of the underlying classical multiquadric function. Based on the translates of a fractal multiquadric function defined on a grid, we propose two fractal quasi-interpolants $$L_C^{\alpha }f$$

L
C
α

f

and $$L_D^{\alpha }f$$

L
D
α

f

to approximate smooth and irregular functions. We study the convergence of $$L_C^{\alpha }f$$

L
C
α

f

and $$L_D^{\alpha }f$$

L
D
α

f

to f using uniform error estimates. We investigate the linear polynomial reproducing property, convexity/concavity and monotonicity features of these quasi-interpolation operators. The advantages of fractal quasi-interpolants over the classical quasi-interpolants are demonstrated by various examples.
Namazu: Low-Cost Tunable Shaking Table for Vibration Experiments Under Generic Signals
Authors: Grashorn J. , Bittner M. , Banse M. , Chang X. , Beer M. , Fau A.
Published: June 2024

This article presents Namazu, a low-cost tunable shaking table framework for uniaxial vibration experiments in engineering education and research. All components and corresponding assembly are detailed. The design is easy to use and requires minimum maintenance. Open-source software covering signal generation and microcontroller programming is proposed to prescribe the motion of the table. There is no restriction in the programming language used to interface with the table. Communication with the microcontroller is performed via a serial interface, which eliminates the need for additional software. Besides, any displacement signals, including random ones, can be chosen. Due to the open-source nature of the Namazu table, users can also implement custom methods for signal generation and modify the table hardware. Suggestions are given in the paper. Accuracy is analyzed through displacement measurements. In addition, the Shinozuka benchmark is proposed and applied to test the table accuracy in the frequency domain. The results show good consistency of the signals obtained with the setpoints. Thus, Namazu, including the shaking table and a software suite, offers a versatile, accessible, and accurate solution for vibration experiments.
Effect of swab and surge pressure on the time-dependent wellbore natural fracture development
Authors: Kamgue Lenwoue Arnaud Regis , Li Zhonghui , Hu Pengjie , Songwe Selabi Naomie Beolle , Wandji Djouonkep Lesly Dasilva
Published: June 2024

Drilling engineers continue to grapple with the persistent challenge of maintaining wellbore stability. Throughout the drilling process, the wellbore pressure experiences fluctuations induced by various factors such as swab and surge pressure, leading to potential instability. This study employs a numerical approach, utilizing Abaqus software, to investigate the impact of swab and surge pressure on the natural fracture growth within the wellbore and the evolving pore pressure. A computational tool developed with MATLAB is then utilized to ascertain a safe operational mud window by assessing the time-dependent collapse and fracture pressures. The findings illustrated a notable increase in fracture width as a function of time in response to swab and surge pressure, with the most significant percentage increase reaching 69.92%. Notably, a 69.16% augmentation in fracture width is observed in the immediate vicinity of the wellbore following the application of swab and surge pressure. However, parameters such as fracture length, loss circulation rate, and pore fluid pressure exhibited marginal changes post-integration of swab and surge effects. The examination of the time-dependent wellbore stability after integration of swab and surge pressure indicated a narrowing of the initial mud window as a function of time, with a 14.33% increase in collapse pressure and a 13.80% decrease in fracture pressure. The numerical model verification against analytical solutions demonstrated good agreement, highlighting its potential utility in optimizing particle size for wellbore reinforcement and mitigating lost circulation through natural fracture sealing.
Postdigital Citizen Science and Humanities: A Theoretical Kaleidoscope
Authors: Jopling Michael , Stewart Georgina Tuari , Orchard Shane , Suoranta Juha , Tolbert Sara , Cheilan Laurène , Yan Fei , Price Catherine , Hayes Sarah , Scott Howard , Latham Annabel , Bhatt Ibrar , Dodonov Vyacheslav , Matthews Adam , Muhtaseb Rami , MacKenzie Alison , Owaineh Mohamed , Earle Sarah , Simmons Ben , Clarke Zoë , la Velle Linda , Green Benjamin J. , Brown Cheryl , Watermeyer Richard , Jandrić Petar
Published: June 2024

This collective article presents a theoretical kaleidoscope, the multiple lenses of which are used to examine and critique citizen science and humanities in postdigital contexts and from postdigital perspectives. It brings together 19 short theoretical and experiential contributions, organised into six loose groups which explore areas and perspectives including Indigenous and local knowledge, technology, and children and young people as citizen researchers. It suggests that this collective approach is appropriate because both postdigital and citizen research are founded on and committed to collaboration, dialogue, and co-creation, as well as challenging the tenets and approaches of traditional academic research. In particular, it suggests that postdigital transformations in contemporary societies are both changing citizen science and humanities and making it more important.
Seismic probabilistic assessment of steel and reinforced concrete structures including earthquake-induced pounding
Authors: Kazemi F. , Asgarkhani N. , Manguri A. , Jankowski R.
Published: June 2024

Recent earthquakes demonstrate that prioritizing the retrofitting of buildings should be of the utmost importance for enhancing the seismic resilience and structural integrity of urban structures. To have a realistic results of the pounding effects in modeling process of retrofitting buildings, the present research provides seismic Probability Factors (PFs), which can be used for estimating collision effects without engaging in intricate and time-intensive analysis. To include the low-, to mid-rise buildings, the 3-Story, 5-Story, and 9-Story adjacent steel and Reinforced Concrete (RC) moment-resisting frames were modeled in OpenSees software capable to take into account the structure in a state of collapse during the analysis, which can provide the real condition of buildings under seismic excitations. Results of analysis confirmed that the impact force can considerably affect the moment–rotation curve of beams and columns, in which, it can affect the structural response of structures during earthquakes. Therefore, seismic PFs proposed to examine the possibility of changes in the performance levels and fragility assessments. Moreover, proposed PFs can be used as coefficient factors to facilitate the retrofitting process of buildings and improve the environmental effects.
Natural Structural Transition of Gas Hydrates From sI to sII in the Deep Seafloor
Authors: Ma Liang , Luan Zhendong , Du Zengfeng , Wang Minxiao , Li Lianfu , Xi Shichuan , Zhang Yitong , Zhang Xiong , Zhang Xin
Published: June 2024

The evolution of gas hydrates influenced by the seawater environment is unknown. We present a model of structural transformation from sI hydrate to sII hydrate due to the influence of seawater environment and vent fluid in nature through in situ experiments of gas hydrate formation in the Haima cold seep area. The in situ experimental results indicate that gas hydrates preferentially form as sI hydrates even in cold seep environments where C2+ hydrocarbons are present. During subsequent evolution, the sI hydrates could restructured at the effect of seawater environment and vent fluid, causing transformation to sII hydrates under the influence of hydrate stability. The supply of gas and direct contact with seawater environment are critical factors for structural transformation. Such structural transformation is the result of gas hydrates seeking thermodynamic stability and may be common in active cold seep areas.
Distinct Modulations of Northwest Pacific Tropical Cyclone Precipitation by Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation
Authors: Zhao Jiuwei , Zhan Ruifen , Kim Daehyun , Kug Jong‐Seong , Long Jingchao , Zhang Leying , Ma Xiaofan
Published: June 2024

The interdecadal variability of tropical cyclone precipitation (TCP) over the western North Pacific (WNP) has not been thoroughly explored in previous studies. Here, we show that the TCP variations are modulated by both the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) and Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) as evidenced by reanalysis data and model experiments. A clustering analysis of tropical cyclone tracks shows that the AMO dominates a dipole pattern of TCP anomalies in the South China Sea and along the coastal eastern China. Meanwhile, the IPO dominates TCP over the southeastern WNP. Further analyses show that the AMO, particularly its extratropical component, affects TCP over the WNP by triggering an eastward‐propagating Rossby‐wave train, resulting in a pair of anomalous gyres over the WNP. Contrastly, the IPO modulates TCP by stimulating tropical circulation anomalies via the tropical pathway. These findings shed light on improving near‐term TCP forecast and its regional influence on East Asia.
A Global Probability‐Of‐Fire (PoF) Forecast
Authors: McNorton J. R. , Di Giuseppe F. , Pinnington E. , Chantry M. , Barnard C.
Published: June 2024

Accurate wildfire forecasting can inform regional management and mitigation strategies in advance of fire occurrence. Existing systems typically use fire danger indices to predict landscape flammability, based on meteorological forecasts alone, often using little or no direct information on land surface or vegetation state. Here, we use a vegetation characteristic model, weather forecasts and a data‐driven machine learning approach to construct a global daily ∼9 km resolution Probability of Fire (PoF) model operating at multiple lead times. The PoF model outperforms existing indices, providing accurate forecasts of fire activity up to 10 days in advance, and in some cases up to 30 days. The model can also be used to investigate historical shifts in regional fire patterns. Furthermore, the underlying data driven approach allows PoF to be used for fire attribution, isolating key variables for specific fire events or for looking at the relationships between variables and fire occurrence.
Multi‐Decadal Skill Variability in Predicting the Spatial Patterns of ENSO Events
Authors: Wright M. J. , Weisheimer A. , Woollings T.
Published: June 2024

Seasonal hindcasts have previously been demonstrated to show multi‐decadal variability in skill across the twentieth century in indices describing El‐Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which drives global seasonal predictability. Here, we analyze the skill of predicting ENSO events' magnitude and spatial pattern, in the CSF‐20C coupled seasonal hindcasts in 1901–2010. We find minima in the skill of predicting the first (in 1930–1950) and second (in 1940–1960) principal components of sea‐surface temperature (SST) in the tropical Pacific. This minimum is also present in the spatial correlation of SSTs, in 1930–1960. The skill reduction is explained by lower ENSO magnitude and variance in 1930–1960, as well as decreased SST persistence. The SST skill minima project onto surface winds, leading to worse predictions in coupled hindcasts compared to hindcasts using prescribed SSTs. Questions remain about the offset between the first and second principal components' skill minima, and how the skill minima impact the extra‐tropics.
Antarctic Ice Doughnuts May Hold the Key to Shelf Collapse
Authors: Besl J.
Published: June 2024

The first direct record of ring fractures in Antarctic ice shows how the phenomenon could cause rapid ice shelf collapse.
Investigating the Behavior of Sedimentary Mercury (Hg) During Burial‐Related Thermal Maturation
Authors: Indraswari A. O. , Frieling J. , Mather T. A. , Dickson A. J. , Jenkyns H. C. , Idiz E.
Published: June 2024

Understanding the behavior of mercury (Hg) in organic‐rich sediments as they undergo thermal maturation is important, for example, because enrichment of Hg in sedimentary deposits has become a widely used proxy for volcanism from Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs). In this study, we evaluate the effects of such processes on sedimentary Hg concentrations by investigating a common stratigraphic interval in three drill cores with different levels of thermal maturity (immature, mature and post‐mature) in Toarcian sediments (Posidonienschiefer Formation) from the Lower Saxony Basin, Germany. We present Hg concentrations, bulk organic geochemistry, and total sulfur data. Mercury concentrations in the mature and post‐mature sediments are increased >2‐fold relative to the immature material, which is greater than any potential differences in original Hg concentrations in the studied successions prior to burial. Organic‐carbon and host‐rock mass loss during thermal maturation may have concentrated Hg in the mature sediments to some extent, provided Hg is considered effectively immobile. The increased Hg, TOC‐normalized Hg, and TS‐normalized Hg are most likely linked to the “closed system” behavior of Hg in sedimentary basins and the relatively low temperatures (70–260°C) during maturation that resulted in limited Hg mobility. More speculatively, a certain degree of redistribution of Hg within the mature sediments is suggested by its enrichment in distinct stratigraphic levels. Regardless of the exact mechanisms at play, the elevated Hg concentrations in mature sediments amplify both Hg/TOC and Hg/TS, implying that thermal effects must be considered when using normalized Hg as a proxy for far‐field volcanic activity.
Internal Tide Surface Signature and Incoherence in the North Atlantic
Authors: Lahaye Noé , Ponte Aurélien , Le Sommer Julien , Albert Aurélie
Published: June 2024

Despite intensified efforts to better quantify Internal Tide dynamics over past decades, large uncertainties remain regarding their distribution and lifecycle in the ocean. In particular, internal tide incoherence (loss of time‐regularity) has limited our ability to characterize, understand, and predict internal tides, challenging the exploitation of new‐generation wide‐swath satellite altimeters. Based on a realistic high‐resolution numerical simulation, we quantify the internal tide distribution and incoherence properties in the North Atlantic. We quantify IT incoherence for sea level and surface currents, and for different vertical modes independently. Our results show that typical decorrelation timescale induced by the mesoscale turbulence are rather short—below 25 days for the first vertical mode. It further exhibits a strong dependence of the internal tide incoherence with location, reflecting regions of enhanced eddy activity, and with vertical mode number—higher baroclinic modes being much more incoherent with shorter decorrelation timescale.
Cross‐Season Effect of Spring Kuroshio‐Oyashio Extension SST Anomalies on Following Summer Atmospheric Circulation
Authors: Tao Lingfeng , Sun Xuguang , Yang Xiu‐Qun , Fang Jiabei , Cai Danping , Zhou Botao , Chen Haishan
Published: June 2024

The long‐term memory of the ocean makes sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) become a significant predictor for the subsequent atmosphere, and the tropical ocean is primarily regarded as a major source of atmospheric anomalies. While in North Pacific, the local midlatitude SSTAs also have large contributions but have not been adequately considered yet. We discover a strong connection between the Kuroshio‐Oyashio Extension (KOE) SSTAs in spring and the local atmospheric circulation anomalies in following summer at interannual timescale, wherein, the spring KOE SSTAs are generally independent of tropical ocean, and they are primarily induced by the concurrent atmospheric anomalies via surface heat flux and ocean dynamic processes. The spring KOE SSTAs can persist to summer, and then generate nearly reversed whole‐layer atmospheric circulation anomalies in their north side through both diabatic heating and atmospheric transient eddy forcing. Consequently, precipitation anomalies in Pan‐Pacific regions are distinctly modulated from spring to summer.
Topographical Effects on Volcano Deformation Signal Intensity: Implications for GPS Network Configuration
Authors: Hickey J. , Pascal K. , Syers R. , Alshembari R.
Published: June 2024

Volcano GPS networks can capture vital information during volcanic unrest to aid with hazard assessment and eruption forecasting, but can be hindered by their discrete point locations and possibly miss key spatial information. We show how numerical models can reveal controls on spatial deformation signal intensity compared against GPS network design. Using the GPS network at Soufrière Hills Volcano (SHV), Montserrat, and a range of models, we explore expected surface deformation patterns. Peak horizontal deformation is located offshore, highlighting the difficulties with geodetic monitoring on small ocean‐island volcanoes. Onshore areas where the deformation signal is expected to be high are also identified. At SHV, topography plays a greater role in altering the relative distribution of surface displacement patterns than subsurface heterogeneity. Our method, which can be adapted for other volcanoes, highlights spatial areas that can be targeted for effective GPS station placement to help improve deformation monitoring efficiency.
Corals Evidence an Underestimation of the 20th Century Warming in the Eastern Pacific Cold Tongue
Authors: Han Tao , Yan Hong , Wang Jianglin , Stoffel Markus , Guillet Sébastien , Corona Christophe , Lin Xiaopei , Xing Huibin , Tian Qun , Liu Chengcheng , Dodson John , Yu Kefu
Published: June 2024

The trade winds cause strong upwelling in the eastern equatorial Pacific, and create the eastern Pacific Cold Tongue (EPCT) that has far‐reaching impacts on global climate. However, large discrepancies persist in quantifying 20th‐century EPCT sea surface temperature (SST) changes across different instrumental data sets. Here we synthesize four coral Sr/Ca‐SST records from the tropical central‐eastern Pacific to develop a Cold Tongue Index (CTI) reconstruction for 1887–1997. The coral CTI record shows a rapid 20th century warming of the EPCT, suggesting an underestimation of warming trends in instrumental CTI records. The decadal to multidecadal changes in reconstructed EPCT SST show an association with the Walker Circulation. Our reconstruction indicates that recent EPCT cooling during the global warming hiatus is not unusual in the context of the 20th century. Our results provide new evidence for 20th century EPCT SST changes and an observational constraint for predicting future tropical climate changes.
MMS Observations of Oscillating Energy Conversion and Electron Vorticity in an Electron‐Scale Layer Within a Southward Magnetopause Reconnection Exhaust
Authors: Eriksson S. , Ahmadi N. , Burch J. L. , Genestreti K. J. , Swisdak M. , Argall M. R. , Newman D. L.
Published: June 2024

The MMS satellites traversed a ∼6 di‐wide and ∼500 km/s southward reconnection exhaust at the dayside magnetopause on 6 December 2015 and ∼29 di from the associated X‐line region. A narrow ∼0.26–0.34 di layer of enhanced ±3.5 nW/m3 oscillating energy conversion perpendicular to the magnetic field resides in this exhaust. It contained two regions of diverging in‐plane electric fields in general agreement with two clockwise electron flow vortices and a proposed increase of the electron vorticity ∇ × Ve. The layer developed sunward of a unipolar Hall magnetic field for a duskward BM/BL ∼ 0.9 guide field. Each electron flow vortex supported a local ∆BM ∼ 10 nT strengthening of this Hall field. The presence of this electron‐scale layer in a southward exhaust for a duskward guide field is consistent with a two‐dimensional simulation of a similar structure that evolved from an X‐line into a northward exhaust for a similar strength dawnward guide field.
Genetic and environmental interactions contribute to immune variation in rewilded mice
Authors: Oyesola Oyebola , Downie Alexander E. , Howard Nina , Barre Ramya S. , Kiwanuka Kasalina , Zaldana Kimberly , Chen Ying-Han , Menezes Arthur , Lee Soo Ching , Devlin Joseph , Mondragón-Palomino Octavio , Souza Camila Oliveira Silva , Herrmann Christin , Koralov Sergei B. , Cadwell Ken , Graham Andrea L. , Loke P’ng
Published: June 2024

The relative and synergistic contributions of genetics and environment to interindividual immune response variation remain unclear, despite implications in evolutionary biology and medicine. Here we quantify interactive effects of genotype and environment on immune traits by investigating C57BL/6, 129S1 and PWK/PhJ inbred mice, rewilded in an outdoor enclosure and infected with the parasite Trichuris muris. Whereas cellular composition was shaped by interactions between genotype and environment, cytokine response heterogeneity including IFNγ concentrations was primarily driven by genotype with consequence on worm burden. In addition, we show that other traits, such as expression of CD44, were explained mostly by genetics on T cells, whereas expression of CD44 on B cells was explained more by environment across all strains. Notably, genetic differences under laboratory conditions were decreased following rewilding. These results indicate that nonheritable influences interact with genetic factors to shape immune variation and parasite burden.
Abrasivity database of different genetic rocks based on CERCHAR Abrasivity Test
Authors: Gao Kuidong , Wang Xinyu , Wei Hongxin , Wang Shuxue , Xu Weipeng , Li Xu , Sun Liqing , Jiang Hongxiang
Published: June 2024

Rock abrasivity is one of the main factors affecting the wear of rock-cutting tools, which is usually quantified by the CERCHAR Abrasivity Index (CAI). Researchers and engineers study tool wear and predict tool life based on the CAI of rocks. However, there is still a lack of a dataset on rock properties, especially the abrasivity of various rocks. This paper reports the abrasive dataset of 10 kinds of rocks, including sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks, and igneous rocks, with the aid of the CERCHAR Abrasivity Test and digital measurement techniques. The dataset comprises rock abrasivity data, point cloud data for visualization, scratch photos, CERCHAR Abrasivity Test force data, and mechanical properties (uniaxial compressive strength) of rock samples. This dataset facilitates future research on rock abrasivity and rock-cutting tool wear.
Investigating the influence of perinatal fluoxetine exposure on murine gut microbial communities during pregnancy and lactation
Authors: Desorcy-Scherer Katelyn , Zuniga-Chaves Ibrahim , Reisner Maggie A. , Suen Garret , Hernandez Laura L.
Published: June 2024

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) therapy is common among perinatal populations for the treatment of mood disorders. Medications can affect diversity and composition of the gut microbiome, which plays a key role in modulating health. While previous studies have examined the effects of antidepressant exposure on the maternal gut microbiome, whether SSRI exposure affects the offspring gut microbiome is unknown. We investigated the effects of maternal fluoxetine exposure on the gut microbiome of maternal and offspring mice during pregnancy and lactation (embryonic day 10–lactation day 21; E10–L21). Stool samples collected on E17, L11, L15, and L21 were examined using 16S rRNA sequencing. Our results suggest that maternal fluoxetine exposure may result in decreased alpha diversity of the offspring gut microbiome in early life. Furthermore, we observed several genera-specific differences in the gut microbiome based on treatment, specifically of Turicibacter, Parasutterella, and Romboutsia. These findings support our understanding of gut health, as dysbiotic development of the gut microbiome has been associated with local and systemic health problems including gastrointestinal morbidities and interrupted growth patterns in infants. Future research should pursue study in human populations and those at high risk for gut microbial dysbiosis and intestinal injury.
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound improves symptoms in patients with Buerger disease: a double-blinded, randomized, and placebo-controlled study
Authors: Mohamad Yusoff Farina , Kajikawa Masato , Yamaji Takayuki , Kishimoto Shinji , Maruhashi Tatsuya , Nakashima Ayumu , Tsuji Toshio , Higashi Yukihito
Published: June 2024

Here we report the effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on symptoms in peripheral arterial disease patients with Buerger disease. A double-blinded and randomized study with active and inactive LIPUS was conducted. We assessed symptoms in leg circulation during a 24-week period of LIPUS irradiation in 12 patients with Buerger disease. Twelve patients without LIPUS irradiation served as controls. The pain intensity on visual analog score was significantly decreased after 24-week LIPUS treatment. Skin perfusion pressure was significantly increased in patients who received LIPUS treatment. There was no significant difference in symptoms and perfusion parameters in the control group. No severe adverse effects were observed in any of the patients who underwent LIPUS treatment. LIPUS is noninvasive, safe and effective option for improving symptoms in patients with Buerger disease.
Tailoring silk fibroin hydrophilicity and physicochemical properties using sugar alcohols for medical device coatings
Authors: Kaewpirom Supranee , Piboonnithikasem Sarayoot , Sroisroemsap Pongsathorn , Uttoom Sittichai , Boonsang Siridech
Published: June 2024

This study explores the modification of silk fibroin films for hydrophilic coating applications using various sugar alcohols. Films, prepared via solvent casting, incorporated glycerol, sorbitol, and maltitol, revealing distinctive transparency and UV absorption characteristics based on sugar alcohol chemical structures. X-ray diffraction confirmed a silk I to silk II transition influenced by sugar alcohols. Glycerol proved most effective in enhancing the β-sheet structure. The study also elucidated a conformational shift towards a β-sheet structure induced by sugar alcohols. Silk fibroin–sugar alcohol blind docking and sugar alcohol-sugar alcohol blind docking investigations were conducted utilizing the HDOCK Server. The computer simulation unveiled the significance of size and hydrogen bonding characteristics inherent in sugar alcohols, emphasizing their pivotal role in influencing interactions within silk fibroin matrices. Hydrophilicity of ozonized silicone surfaces improved through successful coating with silk fibroin films, particularly glycerol-containing ones, resulting in reduced contact angles. Strong adhesion between silk fibroin films and ozonized silicone surfaces was evident, indicating robust hydrogen bonding interactions. This comprehensive research provides crucial insights into sugar alcohols’ potential to modify silk fibroin film crystalline structures, offering valuable guidance for optimizing their design and functionality, especially in silicone coating applications.
Antitumor effect of Iso-mukaadial acetate on MCF-7 breast cancer mice xenograft model
Authors: Raphela-Choma P. P. , Lukhwareni R. , Simelane M. B. C. , Motadi L. R. , Choene M. S.
Published: June 2024

Antitumor drugs used today have shown significant efficacy and are derived from natural products such as plants. Iso-mukaadial acetate (IMA) has previously been shown to possess anticancer properties by inducing apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of IMA in the breast cancer xenograft mice model. Female athymic nude mice were used and inoculated with breast cancer cells subcutaneously. Untreated group one served as a negative control and positive control group two (cisplatin) was administered intravenously. IMA was administered orally to group three (100 mg/kg) and group four (300 mg/kg). Blood was collected (70 μL) from the tail vein on day zero, day one and day three. Tumor regression was measured every second day and body mass was recorded each day. Estimation of serum parameters for renal indices was examined using a creatinine assay. Histopathological analysis was conducted to evaluate morphological changes of liver, kidney, and spleen tissues before and after compound administration under a fluorescence light microscope. Histopathological analysis of tumors was conducted before and after compound administration. Apoptotic analysis using the TUNEL system was conducted on liver, kidney, and spleen tissues. Tumor shrinkage and reduction in body mass were observed after treatment with IMA. Serum creatinine was slightly elevated after treatment with IMA at a dosage of 100 and 300 mg/kg. Histopathological results of the liver exhibited no changes before and after IMA while the kidney and spleen tissues showed changes in the cellular structure. IMA showed no cytotoxic effect on the tumor cells, and cell proliferation was observed. Apoptotic assay stain with TUNEL showed apoptotic cells in spleen tissue and kidney but no apoptotic cells were observed in liver tissue section treated with IMA. IMA showed clinical toxic signs that resulted in the suffering and death of the mice immediately after IMA administration. Histopathology of tumor cells showed that IMA did not inhibit cell proliferation and no cellular damage was observed. Therefore, based on the results obtained, we cannot make any definitive conclusion on the complete effect of IMA in vivo. IMA is toxic, poorly soluble, and not safe to use in animal studies. The objective of the study was not achieved, and the hypothesis was rejected.
Durability performance of alkali-activated concrete with pre-treated coarse recycled aggregates for pavements
Authors: Khan MD Ikramullah , Ram V. Vinayaka , Patel Vipulkumar Ishvarbhai
Published: June 2024

This study examines the effect of coarse recycled aggregates (CRAs) and processed coarse recycled aggregates (PCRAs) on the behaviour of alkali-activated concrete (AAC) before and after exposure to marine seawater and acidic environments (5% HCl and 5% H2SO4 solutions). Measurements of compressive strength and the microstructure changes were conducted over periods of 56 and 90 days to assess these effects. The experimental design included varying the replacement levels of NAs with CRAs and PCRAs from (0–100%) and using ground-granulated blast furnace slag and fly ash as constant components. In addition to durability tests, sorptivity assessments were conducted to gauge the material’s porosity and water absorption capabilities. Advanced microstructure techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), were employed to detail the pre and post-exposure mineralogical and microstructural transformations within the AAC blends. The AAC mixtures incorporating PCRAs emerged as durable, showcasing better strength and a denser, more compact matrix facilitated by the synergistic formation of NASH and CASH gels after exposure to aggressive agents compared to untreated CRAs. In addition, the results show that the samples exposed to marine seawater exhibited improved mechanical performance compared to those exposed to acidic environments. The novelty of this study lies in its exploration of the effects of recycling plant-based CRAs and PCRAs on AAC for marine and acid exposure.
Left ventricular trabeculation in Hominidae: divergence of the human cardiac phenotype
Authors: Curry Bryony A. , Drane Aimee L. , Atencia Rebeca , Feltrer Yedra , Calvi Thalita , Milnes Ellie L. , Moittié Sophie , Weigold Annika , Knauf-Witzens Tobias , Sawung Kusuma Arga , Howatson Glyn , Palmer Christopher , Stembridge Mike R. , Gorzynski John E. , Eves Neil D. , Dawkins Tony G. , Shave Rob E.
Published: June 2024

Although the gross morphology of the heart is conserved across mammals, subtle interspecific variations exist in the cardiac phenotype, which may reflect evolutionary divergence among closely-related species. Here, we compare the left ventricle (LV) across all extant members of the Hominidae taxon, using 2D echocardiography, to gain insight into the evolution of the human heart. We present compelling evidence that the human LV has diverged away from a more trabeculated phenotype present in all other great apes, towards a ventricular wall with proportionally greater compact myocardium, which was corroborated by post-mortem chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) hearts. Speckle-tracking echocardiographic analyses identified a negative curvilinear relationship between the degree of trabeculation and LV systolic twist, revealing lower rotational mechanics in the trabeculated non-human great ape LV. This divergent evolution of the human heart may have facilitated the augmentation of cardiac output to support the metabolic and thermoregulatory demands of the human ecological niche.
BrainTACO: an explorable multi-scale multi-modal brain transcriptomic and connectivity data resource
Authors: Ganglberger Florian , Kargl Dominic , Töpfer Markus , Hernandez-Lallement Julien , Lawless Nathan , Fernandez-Albert Francesc , Haubensak Wulf , Bühler Katja
Published: June 2024

Exploring the relationships between genes and brain circuitry can be accelerated by joint analysis of heterogeneous datasets from 3D imaging data, anatomical data, as well as brain networks at varying scales, resolutions, and modalities. Generating an integrated view, beyond the individual resources’ original purpose, requires the fusion of these data to a common space, and a visualization that bridges the gap across scales. However, despite ever expanding datasets, few platforms for integration and exploration of this heterogeneous data exist. To this end, we present the BrainTACO (Brain Transcriptomic And Connectivity Data) resource, a selection of heterogeneous, and multi-scale neurobiological data spatially mapped onto a common, hierarchical reference space, combined via a holistic data integration scheme. To access BrainTACO, we extended BrainTrawler, a web-based visual analytics framework for spatial neurobiological data, with comparative visualizations of multiple resources. This enables gene expression dissection of brain networks with, to the best of our knowledge, an unprecedented coverage and allows for the identification of potential genetic drivers of connectivity in both mice and humans that may contribute to the discovery of dysconnectivity phenotypes. Hence, BrainTACO reduces the need for time-consuming manual data aggregation often required for computational analyses in script-based toolboxes, and supports neuroscientists by directly leveraging the data instead of preparing it.
Three-dimensional analysis reveals diverse heat wave types in Europe
Authors: Lhotka Ondřej , Kyselý Jan
Published: June 2024

Heat waves are among the most studied atmospheric hazards but commonly investigated near-surface temperature patterns provide only limited insight into their complex structure. Here we propose and evaluate a novel approach to the analysis of heat waves as three-dimensional (3D) phenomena, employing the ERA5 reanalysis in three European regions during 1979–2022. Four types of heat waves based on their vertical cross sections of temperature anomalies are introduced: near-surface, lower-tropospheric, higher-tropospheric, and omnipresent. The individual heat wave types differ in length, predominant occurrence within summer, and soil moisture preconditioning. While near-surface heat waves may persist for more than 2 weeks, those located mainly in higher troposphere are shortest (5 days at most). This demonstrates that warm advection must be accompanied by a downward propagation of positive temperature anomalies through air subsidence and diabatic heating to maintain long-lasting heat waves. We also show that soil-moisture preconditioning is crucial for near-surface heat waves only, thus pointing to different driving mechanisms for the individual 3D heat wave types.
Managing a low urban emissions world
Authors: Lichtman Rob
Published: June 2024

We have largely ignored serious organization issues blocking urban greenhouse gas emissions reductions. Most urban climate measures treat decision-making as a black box, where sensible solutions are simply implemented. We need to re-examine decision-making assumptions about how city governments and businesses actually collaborate and whether current plans are credible. Significant constraints affect both groups and also limit citizens’ abilities to effectively shape policies and investments. These problems can be addressed by creating a trusted, professional, independent organization to drive innovation and implementation to reduce emissions and moderate urban inequality. This “Lowering Emissions Economy Partnership (LEEP)” can be jointly owned by stakeholders who could pool investments and recover a share of the large resource savings this approach will create. Any city could do this, drawing upon a range of start-up capital options. This reduces political and financial risks, and it can accelerate emission reductions in a more just, sustainable way.
Up to 80% of threatened and commercial species across European marine protected areas face novel climates under high emission scenario
Authors: Predragovic Milica , Assis Jorge , Sumaila U. Rashid , Gonçalves Jorge M. S. , Cvitanovic Christopher , Horta e Costa Bárbara
Published: June 2024

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a critical tool for safeguarding marine species and habitats for the future, though the effects of projected climate change raise concerns about their long-term success. Assessing the degree to which MPAs may be exposed to future novel climatic conditions is, therefore, crucial for informing conservation and management actions aimed at ensuring a resilient and thriving ocean in the years to come. Here, we evaluate the future exposure of 398 threatened and commercially important species to novel and extremely novel climatic conditions within European MPAs. We estimated climate novelty through multivariate analyses considering biologically meaningful distribution drivers of temperature, oxygen, pH, and primary productivity from present-day to the end of the 21st-century conditions under contrasting shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP) scenarios—low emission scenario (SSP1–1.9) and high emission scenario (SSP5–8.5). Our findings suggest that, under SSP1–1.9, ~6.5% of species and 0.5% of European MPAs will be at risk due to future novel conditions. In contrast, under SSP5–8.5, 87% of MPAs and 80% of species are projected to be at risk. Notably, up to 100% of species currently located in the MPAs of enclosed and semi-enclosed seas like the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea are projected to be exposed to novel or even extremely novel conditions. Virtually all species in most of those regions will be at risk, suggesting that even new MPAs might not be able to adequately protect them. Comparatively, the Norwegian Sea, North-East Atlantic, and western parts of the Mediterranean and North Seas are expected to be less impacted even under the high emission scenario. Overall, our study advances the understanding of the potential impacts of future climate change scenarios on threatened and commercially important marine species in European MPAs and reinforces the urgent need to meet the Paris Agreement. Our results suggest that existing approaches to marine governance in Europe may be insufficient for ensuring the success of MPAs in light of future impacts and that novel anticipatory forms of governance are needed.
Stability and chemical bonding in a series of inverse sandwich actinide boride clusters (An2B8) with δ bonding
Authors: Hu Shu-Xian , Liu Hai-Tao , Wei Zhi-Yu , Wang Bo , Zuo Rui-Min , Zhang Ping
Published: June 2024

The (d–π)π and (d–p)δ bonding interactions between the B8 ligands and An⋯An unit lead to high stability of the inverse sandwich structure An2B8 and the presence of (f–p)δ bond provides additional stability to Pa2B8 and U2B8 as well.
Operator-free HPLC automated method development guided by Bayesian optimization
Authors: Dixon Thomas M. , Williams Jeanine , Besenhard Maximilian , Howard Roger M. , MacGregor James , Peach Philip , Clayton Adam D. , Warren Nicholas J. , Bourne Richard A.
Published: June 2024

Automated, closed-loop HPLC method optimization using single and multi-objective Bayesian optimization algorithms.
Nanoparticle co-delivery of carboplatin and PF543 restores platinum sensitivity in ovarian cancer models through inhibiting platinum-induced pro-survival pathway activation
Authors: Wang Chen , Li Qing , Song Keqi , Wang Wenjing , Zhang Ning , Dai Lan , Di Wen
Published: June 2024

The nanoparticle co-delivery of carboplatin and PF543, a specific SphK1 inhibitor, restores platinum sensitivity in ovarian cancer by inhibiting platinum-induced activation of pro-survival pathways, such as ERK, AKT and STAT3 signaling.
Large piezoelectric responses and ultra-high carrier mobility in Janus HfGeZ3H (Z = N, P, As) monolayers: a first-principles study
Authors: Vu Tuan V. , Phuc Huynh V. , Phuong Le T. T. , Vi Vo T. T. , Kartamyshev A. I. , Hieu Nguyen N.
Published: June 2024

Breaking structural symmetry in two-dimensional layered Janus materials can result in enhanced new phenomena and create additional degrees of piezoelectric responses.
Br-doped Ga2O3/MCM-41 catalyzed synthesis of propylene carbonate from carbon dioxide and propylene oxide
Authors: Xu Chenxia , Lv Jianhua , Liu Jidong , Guo Bao , Li Wensong
Published: June 2024

In this paper, Br-doped Ga2O3/MCM-41 has been synthesised for the reaction of CO2 and propylene oxide, which has the advantages of high efficiency, greenness and recyclability.
Significance of in situ quantitative membrane property–morphology relation (QmPMR) analysis
Authors: Nicolella Zachary , Okamoto Yukihiro , Watanabe Nozomi Morishita , Thompson Gary Lee , Umakoshi Hiroshi
Published: June 2024

A novel analysis method to understand lipid membrane budding and birthing deformation using concurrent fluorescence imaging and simple physical parameters, revealing the deformation mechanism and relative composition of the deformed membranes.
Residual Neural Network for Direction‐of‐Arrival Estimation of Multiple Targets in Low SNR
Authors: Qin Yanhua
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a novel direction‐of‐arrival (DOA) estimation method is proposed for linear arrays on the basis of residual neural network (ResNet). The real parts, imaginary parts, and phase entries of the spatial covariance matrix from the on‐grid angles are used as the input of ResNet for training, and the angular directions formulated as a multilabel classification task are predicted using the sample covariance matrix from the off‐grid angles during the testing phase. ResNet demonstrates robustness in the scenarios on a fixed number of signals and a mixed number of signals. Simulation results show that ResNet can achieve significant performance in DOA estimation compared to multiple signal classification, estimation of signal parameters via rotation invariance techniques, convolutional neural network (CNN), and deep complex‐valued CNN in low signal‐to‐noise ratio.