bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laboratory experiments of melting ice in warm salt-stratified environments
Authors: Sweetman James K. , Shakespeare Callum J. , Stewart Kial D. , McConnochie Craig D.
Published: April 2024

Melting icebergs provide nearly half of the total freshwater flux from ice shelves to the ocean, but the availability of accurate, data-constrained melting rate parametrisations limits the correct representation of this process in ocean models. Here, we investigate the melting of a vertical ice face in a warm, salt-stratified environment in a laboratory setting. Observations of the depth-dependent melting rates

${m}$

and boundary layer flow speed

$U$

are reported for a range of initially uniform far-field ambient temperatures

$T_a$

above

${10}\,^{\circ }{\rm C}$

. Ice scallops are characteristic features observed in all experiments, with the width of the scallops consistent with the theory of double-diffusive layers. The morphology of the scallops changes from symmetric about the scallop centre in the colder experiments to asymmetric in the warmer experiments. Observed melting rates are consistent with a melting rate scaling of the form

${m}\propto U\,\Delta T_a$

proposed by previous work in less extreme parameter regimes, where

$\Delta T_a$

is the magnitude of thermal driving between the ambient and ice–fluid interface. Our results indicate that ice scalloping is closely linked to the naturally convecting flow of the ambient fluid. Depth-averaged melting rates depend on the buoyancy frequency in the ambient fluid, and double-diffusive convection promotes a turbulent-flux regime distinct from that explained previously in an unstratified regime. These findings have implications for parametrising melting rates of icebergs and glaciers in numerical models or potential freshwater harvesting operations, and provide insights into the interplay between stratification and ice melting.
Notes on Finality in Aquinas’s Fifth Way
Authors: Weigel Peter
Published: April 2024

Aquinas’s Fifth Way argues for God’s existence from the perception of goal-directed activity in nature. Its details are difficult to understand. This study interprets the premises and offers background reasoning for them, which Aquinas develops elsewhere in his writings. A major focus is clarifying the scope of finality the Fifth Way invokes. The argument leaves unspecified the kinds of purposive activity in nature Aquinas has in mind. Thus, the discussion first treats types of purposive activity in nature Aquinas recognizes. It then looks at the two reasons the argument gives for final causes in nature. Things tend to act in regular ways and tend toward what is ‘best’. Attention then turns to the key premise that goal-directed activity in nonrational beings requires direction by something with intelligence. A final section of the article explores why Aquinas seems to look to a single source of finality in nature and why, in the conclusion, he claims that we call this God. Thus, Aquinas’s larger views on finality in nature shed light on his intents in the Fifth Way.
ORIBASIUS ON CABBAGE: LIBRI AD EVNAPIVM 3.13.4
Authors: Lin Lijuan
Published: April 2024

This article suggests a new reading for Oribasius’ Libri ad Eunapium 3.13.4. Based on evidence from both Greek and Syriac sources, it argues that the variant contained in Oribasius’ Synopsis ad Eustathium should be adopted as the correct reading of the original.
Measuring the Partisan Behavior of U.S. Newspapers, 1880 to 1980
Authors: Hirano Shigeo , Snyder James M.
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we study newspaper partisan behavior and content, which we measure using coverage of and commentary on partisan activities, institutions, and actors. We use this measure to describe the levels of relative partisan behavior during the period 1880 to 1900, and to describe changes over the period 1880 to 1980. We find that, on average, newspapers were initially highly partisan, but gradually became less partisan over time. Importantly, we find as much change after the 1910s as before, which contributes to the existing literature that focuses on changes in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. We also investigate words and phrases that had negative or positive partisan connotations in particular periods. Finally, we examine whether some of the common hypotheses offered in the literature can account for the changes. The initial findings suggest that these explanations can only account for part of the decline.
On the Capital Market Consequences of Big Data: Evidence from Outer Space
Authors: Katona Zsolt , Painter Marcus O. , Patatoukas Panos N. , Zeng Jean
Published: April 2024

We use the introduction of satellite coverage of major retailers to study the capital market implications of unequal access to big data. Satellite data enabled sophisticated investors with access to such data to formulate profitable trading strategies, especially by targeting the upcoming reports of retailers with bad news for the quarter. The introduction of satellite data led to more informed short-selling activity, less informed individual buying activity, and lower stock liquidity around the reports of retailers with satellite coverage. We conclude that unequal access to big data can increase information asymmetry among market participants without immediately enhancing price discovery.
Introduction
Authors: Clarke Jackie , Clark Andy , Wright Valerie
Published: April 2024

This introduction sets out the context for the special feature on gender and deindustrialization. It briefly outlines the development of research in this field and the contribution made by the articles included in this issue, before pointing to some directions for future research.
Development of verb argument constructions in L2 English learners: A close replication of research question 3 in Römer and Berger (2019)
Authors: Liu Yingying , Lu Xiaofei
Published: April 2024

This study closely replicates the analyses of the third research question in Römer and Berger (2019), which reported that the associations between verbs and verb argument constructions (VACs) used by German and Spanish learners of English move closer to a native usage norm as the learners’ proficiency increases. This study conducted the same correlation analyses from the original study but with a substantially expanded version of the learner corpus used therein. Additionally, we conducted zero-inflated negative binomial analyses to estimate the relationship between the frequencies of verb-VAC combinations in the British National Corpus (BNC) and in the learner subcorpora representing different proficiency levels. Our findings were consistent with the original study in showing significant positive correlations between frequencies of the verb-VAC combinations in the BNC and in the learner subcorpora but further revealed the potential effect of topic on the learners’ VAC usage. Implications for future studies are discussed.
Challenges in identifying malnutrition in obesity; An overview of the state of the art and directions for future research
Authors: Mwala Natasha Nalucha , Borkent Jos W. , van der Meij Barbara S. , de van der Schueren Marian A.E.
Published: April 2024

(Protein–energy) malnutrition in individuals living with obesity presents complex diagnostic challenges due to the distinctive physiological characteristics of obesity. This narrative review critically examines the identification of malnutrition within the population with obesity, distinguishing malnutrition in obesity from related conditions such as sarcopenic obesity. While noting some shared features, the review highlights key differences between these conditions. The review also highlights the limitations of current malnutrition screening tools, which are not designed for individuals living with obesity. These tools primarily rely on anthropometric measurements, neglecting (among others) nutrient intake assessment, which hinders accurate malnutrition detection. Additionally, this review discusses limitations in existing diagnostic criteria, including the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, when applied to individuals living with obesity. Challenges include the identification of appropriate cut-off values for phenotypic criteria (unintentional weight loss, low body mass index and muscle mass) and aetiological criteria such as reduced food intake and inflammation for the population with obesity. Overall, this review emphasises the need for modified screening tools and diagnostic criteria to recognise and assess malnutrition in obesity, leading to improved clinical outcomes and overall wellbeing.
A single-layer multimode high gain circularly polarized metasurface antenna using CMA for C-band applications
Authors: Gangwar Deepak , Sharma Ankit
Published: April 2024

This article presents an innovative design for a low-profile, high-gain circularly polarized (CP) antenna using a single-layer metasurface (MTS). The proposed design incorporates an MTS layer, comprising a 4 × 4 array of hexagonal-shaped patches, printed on the top layer of the substrate. The bottom layer features a coplanar waveguide-fed slotted ground. Circular polarization and broadside radiation are achieved through the application of characteristic mode analysis (CMA). CMA is employed to simultaneously excite desired modes, aiming for wideband circular polarization and gain enhancement. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the design, with compact dimensions of 0.67λ0 × 0.67λ0 × 0.04λ0. The measurements demonstrate an impressive impedance bandwidth of 84.3% within the 3.7–9.1 GHz. Additionally, a 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth of 18.6% is observed between 4.96 and 5.98 GHz and 3.74% between 8.38 and 8.7 GHz. The antenna exhibits excellent radiation pattern characteristics, featuring a maximum gain of 10.08 dBi at 7.1 GHz. The radiation pattern is symmetrical with broadside directionality, making the antenna well-suited for sensing applications.
Cost-effectiveness of early intervention in psychosis in low- and middle-income countries: economic evaluation from São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Aceituno D. , Razzouk D. , Jin H. , Pennington M. , Gadelha A. , Bressan R. , Noto C. , Crossley N. , Prina M. ,   for the ANDES Network
Published: April 2024

Aims

The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of early intervention for psychosis (EIP) services are well established in high-income countries but not in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite the scarcity of local evidence, several EIP services have been implemented in LMICs. Local evaluations are warranted before adopting speciality models of care in LMICs. We aimed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of implementing EIP services in Brazil.

Methods

A model-based economic evaluation of EIP services was conducted from the Brazilian healthcare system perspective. A Markov model was developed using a cohort study conducted in São Paulo. Cost data were retrieved from local sources. The outcome of interest was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) measured as the incremental costs over the incremental quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of the results.

Results

The study included 357 participants (38% female), with a mean (SD) age of 26 (7.38) years. According to the model, implementing EIP services in Brazil would result in a mean incremental cost of 4,478 Brazilian reals (R$) and a mean incremental benefit of 0.29 QALYs. The resulting ICER of R$ 15,495 (US dollar [USD] 7,640 adjusted for purchase power parity [PPP]) per QALY can be considered cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of 1 Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita (R$ 18,254; USD 9,000 PPP adjusted). The model results were robust to sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

This study supports the economic advantages of implementing EIP services in Brazil. Although cultural adaptations are required, these data suggest EIP services might be cost-effective even in less-resourced countries.
Maize Cultivation Three Hundred Years Ago Triggered Severe Rocky Desertification in Southwest China
Authors: Yue Yuemin , Hao Xiudong , Wang Lu , Yuan Shuai , Ouyang Xuhong , Zhang Xinbao , Liu Hongyan , Wang Kelin
Published: April 2024

Understanding the forest evolution is vital to answering the reforestation potential in karst areas. Here, we present the first‐ever pollen record in karst depression sediment, combined with comprehensive dating methods (137Cs, 210Pbex, and 14C) and historical documents, to reveal plant change history in southwest Guangxi, a severe rocky‐desertification region. We inferred three stages of “virgin forest–deforestation–sparse tree planting” over the past three centuries. Before the 1780s, the barren mountains used to be a lush mixed broadleaf forest probably. However, maize cultivation, along with explosive population growth and migration, accelerated mountain reclamation and deforestation, leading to severe rocky desertification since the 1780s, featured by the co‐occurrence of Zea pollen appearance and Dicranopteris spore surge from 0.92% to 12.18%. Since the 1930s, sparse tree planting began, as Cupressaceae/Taxodiaceae pollen abruptly increased by 32%. Our study is significant in understanding the rocky desertification causes and guiding ecological restoration in the region.
Modulation of Annual Rossby Waves on the Formation of Basin‐Wide Salinity Fronts
Authors: Zhu Jiechao , Zhang Yuhong , Huang Ke , Xia Yifan , Du Yan
Published: April 2024

This study reveals the formation mechanisms of a group of salinity fronts across the Arabian Sea (AS) and explores their associations with annual Rossby waves, utilizing Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite data and other relevant data sets. As low‐salinity water is transported westward and northward at varying rates between 6°N ∼ 20°N, substantial basin‐wide northeast‐southwest oriented salinity fronts emerge at its leading edge from March to May. Further analysis indicates a strong correlation between the transport of low‐salinity water and the westward‐propagating Rossby waves. The salinity fronts are primarily influenced by the geostrophic circulation, which significantly contributes to the transport of low‐salinity water. As a result, the low‐salinity water closely aligns with positive sea level anomaly (SLA), representing westward propagating downwelling Rossby waves. A continuously stratified linear ocean model (LOM) analysis suggests second mode baroclinic Rossby waves dominate seasonal sea level changes, surpassing the influence of the first mode. The spatial mean standard deviation of the first mode within the region of 56 ∼ 75°E, 9 ∼ 11°N is approximately 60% that of the second mode. Positive SLA is mainly caused by the annual downwelling Rossby waves radiating from the eastern boundary. Due to the latitudinal decrease in the phase speed of the annual Rossby waves, the sea level fronts manifest the northeast‐southwest direction, resembling the location of the sea surface salinity fronts. The salinity fronts highlight the crucial role of Rossby waves in shaping upper ocean water mass distribution in the AS, potentially impacting the broader Indian Ocean climate.
Reactive Transport Modeling for Exploring the Potential of Water Quality Sensors to Estimate Hydrocarbon Levels in Groundwater
Authors: Wu C. L. R. , Wagterveld R. M. , van Breukelen B. M.
Published: April 2024

Petroleum products have contaminated groundwater with harmful organic compounds, such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX). Collecting and analyzing polluted groundwater samples is expensive and undertaken infrequently. However, quick remedial action in case of unexpected events requires continuous monitoring. In‐situ water quality sensors (pH, EC, DO, ORP) may show correlations with the components of dissolved petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) such as aromatics and non‐volatile mobile fractions. Correlations are prerequisite to ultimately develop real‐time prediction models. Since suitable field data sets are limited, we simulated the fate of hydrocarbons in groundwater under various realistic conditions using a reactive transport model as novel approach to explore when, where, and why correlations occur. A stationary oil source zone continuously dissolved at the top of a heterogeneous and shallow sandy aquifer over a two‐dimensional cross‐section. Our model considered transient conditions (fluctuating water table) and spatially uniform hydrogeochemical composition. We observed a strong correlation between PHCs and water quality sensors (rolling Spearman's correlation > |0.8|) at varying periods. These correlations are strongly affected by the location of observation wells, the aquifer's hydraulic conductivity, and the availability of calcite and oxide minerals, and other electron acceptors. DO and ORP are significant for the early detection of hydrocarbon contamination, whereas pH and EC are important features for the long‐term monitoring of hydrocarbons. Our findings lay the foundation for the subsequent development of a data analysis model to detect and estimate in real time PHC levels in groundwater using in‐situ water quality sensors.
Acceleration of Deep Subsurface Fluid Fluxes in the Anthropocene
Authors: Ferguson Grant , Bailey Lydia R. , Kim Ji‐Hyun , Osburn Magdalena R. , Reiners Peter W. , Drake Henrik , Stevenson Bradley S. , McIntosh Jennifer C.
Published: April 2024

The Anthropocene has been framed around humanity's impact on atmospheric, biologic, and near‐surface processes, such as land use and vegetation change, greenhouse gas emissions, and the above‐ground hydrologic cycle. Groundwater extraction has lowered water tables in many key aquifers but comparatively little attention has been given to the impacts in the deeper subsurface. Here, we show that fluid fluxes from the extraction and injection of fluids associated with oil and gas production and inflow of water into mines likely exceed background flow rates in deep (>500 m) groundwater systems at a global scale. Projected carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), geothermal energy production, and lithium extraction to facilitate the energy transition will require fluid production rates exceeding current oil and co‐produced water extraction. Natural analogs and geochemical modeling indicate that subsurface fluid manipulation in the Anthropocene will likely appear in the rock record. The magnitude and importance of these changes are unclear, due to a lack of understanding of how deep subsurface hydrologic and geochemical cycles and associated microbial life interact with the rest of the Earth system.
Targeting pathogenic CD8+ tissue-resident T cells with chimeric antigen receptor therapy in murine autoimmune cholangitis
Authors: Zhu Hao-Xian , Yang Shu-Han , Gao Cai-Yue , Bian Zhen-Hua , Chen Xiao-Min , Huang Rong-Rong , Meng Qian-Li , Li Xin , Jin Haosheng , Tsuneyama Koichi , Han Ying , Li Liang , Zhao Zhi-Bin , Gershwin M. Eric , Lian Zhe-Xiong
Published: April 2024

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a cholestatic autoimmune liver disease characterized by autoreactive T cell response against intrahepatic small bile ducts. Here, we use Il12b-/-Il2ra-/- mice (DKO mice) as a model of autoimmune cholangitis and demonstrate that Cd8a knockout or treatment with an anti-CD8α antibody prevents/reduces biliary immunopathology. Using single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, we identified CD8+ tissue-resident memory T (Trm) cells in the livers of DKO mice, which highly express activation- and cytotoxicity-associated markers and induce apoptosis of bile duct epithelial cells. Liver CD8+ Trm cells also upregulate the expression of several immune checkpoint molecules, including PD-1. We describe the development of a chimeric antigen receptor to target PD-1-expressing CD8+ Trm cells. Treatment of DKO mice with PD-1-targeting CAR-T cells selectively depleted liver CD8+ Trm cells and alleviated autoimmune cholangitis. Our work highlights the pathogenic role of CD8+ Trm cells and the potential therapeutic usage of PD-1-targeting CAR-T cells.
Seeding the meiotic DNA break machinery and initiating recombination on chromosome axes
Authors: Dereli Ihsan , Telychko Vladyslav , Papanikos Frantzeskos , Raveendran Kavya , Xu Jiaqi , Boekhout Michiel , Stanzione Marcello , Neuditschko Benjamin , Imjeti Naga Sailaja , Selezneva Elizaveta , Tuncay Hasibe , Demir Sevgican , Giannattasio Teresa , Gentzel Marc , Bondarieva Anastasiia , Stevense Michelle , Barchi Marco , Schnittger Arp , Weir John R. , Herzog Franz , Keeney Scott , Tóth Attila
Published: April 2024

Programmed DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation is a crucial feature of meiosis in most organisms. DSBs initiate recombination-mediated linking of homologous chromosomes, which enables correct chromosome segregation in meiosis. DSBs are generated on chromosome axes by heterooligomeric focal clusters of DSB-factors. Whereas DNA-driven protein condensation is thought to assemble the DSB-machinery, its targeting to chromosome axes is poorly understood. We uncover in mice that efficient biogenesis of DSB-machinery clusters requires seeding by axial IHO1 platforms. Both IHO1 phosphorylation and formation of axial IHO1 platforms are diminished by chemical inhibition of DBF4-dependent kinase (DDK), suggesting that DDK contributes to the control of the axial DSB-machinery. Furthermore, we show that axial IHO1 platforms are based on an interaction between IHO1 and the chromosomal axis component HORMAD1. IHO1-HORMAD1-mediated seeding of the DSB-machinery on axes ensures sufficiency of DSBs for efficient pairing of homologous chromosomes. Without IHO1-HORMAD1 interaction, residual DSBs depend on ANKRD31, which enhances both the seeding and the growth of DSB-machinery clusters. Thus, recombination initiation is ensured by complementary pathways that differentially support seeding and growth of DSB-machinery clusters, thereby synergistically enabling DSB-machinery condensation on chromosomal axes.
LaMg6Ga6S16: a chemical stable divalent lanthanide chalcogenide
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Chen Jiale , Li Kaixuan , Wu Hongping , Hu Zhanggui , Wang Jiyang , Wu Yicheng , Yu Hongwei
Published: April 2024

Divalent lanthanide inorganic compounds can exhibit unique electronic configurations and physicochemical properties, yet their synthesis remains a great challenge because of the weak chemical stability. To the best of our knowledge, although several lanthanide monoxides epitaxial thin films have been reported, there is no chemically stable crystalline divalent lanthanide chalcogenide synthesized up to now. Herein, by using octahedra coupling tetrahedra single/double chains to construct an octahedral crystal field, we synthesized the stable crystalline La(II)-chalcogenide, LaMg6Ga6S16. The nature of the divalent La2+ cations can be identified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray absorption near-edge structure and electron paramagnetic resonance, while the stability is confirmed by the differential thermal scanning, in-situ variable-temperature powder X-ray diffraction and a series of solid-state reactions. Owing to the particular electronic characteristics of La2+(5d1), LaMg6Ga6S16 displays an ultrabroad-band green emission at 500 nm, which is the inaugural instance of La(II)-based compounds demonstrating luminescent properties. Furthermore, as LaMg6Ga6S16 crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric space group, P−6, it is the second-harmonic generation (SHG) active, possessing a comparable SHG response with classical AgGaS2. In consideration of its wider band gap (Eg = 3.0 eV) and higher laser-induced damage threshold (5×AgGaS2), LaMg6Ga6S16 is also a promising nonlinear optical material.
Compensatory growth and recovery of cartilage cytoarchitecture after transient cell death in fetal mouse limbs
Authors: Ho H’ng Chee , Amarasinghe Shanika L. , Zhang Boya , Chang Hojin , Qu Xinli , Powell David R. , Rosello-Diez Alberto
Published: April 2024

A major question in developmental and regenerative biology is how organ size and architecture are controlled by progenitor cells. While limb bones exhibit catch-up growth (recovery of a normal growth trajectory after transient developmental perturbation), it is unclear how this emerges from the behaviour of chondroprogenitors, the cells sustaining the cartilage anlagen that are progressively replaced by bone. Here we show that transient sparse cell death in the mouse fetal cartilage is repaired postnatally, via a two-step process. During injury, progression of chondroprogenitors towards more differentiated states is delayed, leading to altered cartilage cytoarchitecture and impaired bone growth. Then, once cell death is over, chondroprogenitor differentiation is accelerated and cartilage structure recovered, including partial rescue of bone growth. At the molecular level, ectopic activation of mTORC1 correlates with, and is necessary for, part of the recovery, revealing a specific candidate to be explored during normal growth and in future therapies.
Senescent-like macrophages mediate angiogenesis for endplate sclerosis via IL-10 secretion in male mice
Authors: Fan Yonggang , Zhang Weixin , Huang Xiusheng , Fan Mingzhe , Shi Chenhao , Zhao Lantian , Pi Guofu , Zhang Huafeng , Ni Shuangfei
Published: April 2024

Endplate sclerosis is a notable aspect of spine degeneration or aging, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report that senescent macrophages accumulate in the sclerotic endplates of lumbar spine instability (LSI) or aging male mouse model. Specifically, knockout of cdkn2a (p16) in macrophages abrogates LSI or aging-induced angiogenesis and sclerosis in the endplates. Furthermore, both in vivo and in vitro studies indicate that IL-10 is the primary elevated cytokine of senescence-related secretory phenotype (SASP). Mechanistically, IL-10 increases pSTAT3 in endothelial cells, leading to pSTAT3 directly binding to the promoters of Vegfa, Mmp2, and Pdgfb to encourage their production, resulting in angiogenesis. This study provides information on understanding the link between immune senescence and endplate sclerosis, which might be useful for therapeutic approaches.
Statins improve cardiac endothelial function to prevent heart failure with preserved ejection fraction through upregulating circRNA-RBCK1
Authors: Li Bin , Bai Wen-Wu , Guo Tao , Tang Zhen-Yu , Jing Xue-Jiao , Shan Ti-Chao , Yin Sen , Li Ying , Wang Fu , Zhu Mo-Li , Lu Jun-Xiu , Bai Yong-Ping , Dong Bo , Li Peng , Wang Shuang-Xi
Published: April 2024

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is associated with endothelial dysfunction. We have previously reported that statins prevent endothelial dysfunction through inhibition of microRNA-133a (miR-133a). This study is to investigate the effects and the underlying mechanisms of statins on HFpEF. Here, we show that statins upregulate the expression of a circular RNA (circRNA-RBCK1) which is co-transcripted with the ring-B-box-coiled-coil protein interacting with protein kinase C-1 (RBCK1) gene. Simultaneously, statins increase activator protein 2 alpha (AP-2α) transcriptional activity and the interaction between circRNA-RBCK1 and miR-133a. Furthermore, AP-2α directly interacts with RBCK1 gene promoter in endothelial cells. In vivo, lovastatin improves diastolic function in male mice under HFpEF, which is abolished by loss function of endothelial AP-2α or circRNA-RBCK1. This study suggests that statins upregulate the AP-2α/circRNA-RBCK1 signaling to suppress miR-133a in cardiac endothelial cells and prevent diastolic dysfunction in HFpEF.
SOXC are critical regulators of adult bone mass
Authors: Angelozzi Marco , Karvande Anirudha , Lefebvre Véronique
Published: April 2024

Pivotal in many ways for human health, the control of adult bone mass is governed by complex, incompletely understood crosstalk namely between mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The SOX4, SOX11 and SOX12 (SOXC) transcription factors were previously shown to control many developmental processes, including skeletogenesis, and SOX4 was linked to osteoporosis, but how SOXC control adult bone mass remains unknown. Using SOXC loss- and gain-of-function mouse models, we show here that SOXC redundantly promote prepubertal cortical bone mass strengthening whereas only SOX4 mitigates adult trabecular bone mass accrual in early adulthood and subsequent maintenance. SOX4 favors bone resorption over formation by lowering osteoblastogenesis and increasing osteoclastogenesis. Single-cell transcriptomics reveals its prevalent expression in Lepr+ mesenchymal cells and ability to upregulate genes for prominent anti-osteoblastogenic and pro-osteoclastogenic factors, including interferon signaling-related chemokines, contributing to these adult stem cells’ secretome. SOXC, with SOX4 predominantly, are thus key regulators of adult bone mass.
Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 expression and subsequent dynamic changes in patients with ovarian cancer
Authors: Kim Yoo-Na , Chung Yun Soo , Park Eunhyang , Lee Seung Tae , Lee Jung-Yun
Published: April 2024

Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-targeting drugs are increasingly being incorporated into therapeutic paradigms for non-breast cancers, yet studies on HER2 expression in ovarian cancer (OC) are inadequate. Here, we studied the HER2 status and dynamic changes in OC by reviewing the records of patients who underwent HER2 testing at a single institution. Clinical parameters, including histology, BRCA status, and immunohistochemistry (IHC), were evaluated alongside HER2 expression, timing, and anatomical location. Among 200 patients, 28% and 6% exhibited expression scores of 2+ and 3+, respectively. HER2 3+ scores were observed in 23%, 11%, 9%, and 5% of mucinous, endometrioid, clear cell, and high-grade serous tumors, respectively, and were exclusively identified in BRCA-wildtype, mismatch repair-proficient, or PD-L1-low-expressing tumors. The TP53 mutation rate was low, whereas ARID1A, KRAS, and PIK3CA mutations were relatively more prevalent with HER2 scores of 2+ or 3+ than with 0 or 1+. Four of the five tumors with an HER2 3+ score exhibited ERBB2 amplification. Among 19 patients who underwent multiple time-lagged biopsies, 11 showed increased HER2 expression in subsequent biopsies. Patients with HER2-overexpressing OC exhibited distinct histological, IHC, and genomic profiles. HER2-targeting agents are potential options for BRCA-wildtype patients, particularly as later lines of treatment.
Comparison between using inlet circular jet and elliptic jet in combustion chamber by using twin jet flow propane and methanol
Authors: Yaseen Mohamed M. S. , Attia Ahmed A. , El-Dosouky M. W. , Hegazy Maher Gamil , Elsemary Ismail M. M.
Published: April 2024

The current work aimed to improve the combustion behavior of a non-premixed twin-jet inlet. The effect of fuel and air inlet shape under different velocities was studied using ANSYS as the process takes place in species transport and finite rate/eddy dissipation, and the flow is considered to be turbulent. Two different shapes (circular–circular and circular–elliptic inlet jets) were investigated, and the results show that the behavior and intensity of the fire are affected by variations in the speed and, geometry of the inlet which affects temperature, heat release rate, combustion efficiency, and equivalent ratios. The optimum air/fuel velocities were found to be 2.5/1.5 with circular–circular inlet jets.
Prognostic value of the combination of volume, massiveness and fragmentation parameters measured on baseline FDG pet in high-burden follicular lymphoma
Authors: Draye-Carbonnier S. , Camus V. , Becker S. , Tonnelet D. , Lévêque E. , Zduniak A. , Jardin F. , Tilly H. , Vera P. , Decazes P.
Published: April 2024

The prognostic value of radiomic quantitative features measured on pre-treatment 18F-FDG PET/CT was investigated in patients with follicular lymphoma (FL). We conducted a retrospective study of 126 FL patients (grade 1-3a) diagnosed between 2006 and 2020. A dozen of PET/CT-derived features were extracted via a software (Oncometer3D) from baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT images. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Kaplan–Meier method and Cox analysis were used to assess the prognostic factors for progression of disease within 24 months (POD24) and progression-free survival at 24 months. Four different clusters were identified among the twelve PET parameters analyzed: activity, tumor burden, fragmentation-massiveness and dispersion. On ROC analyses, TMTV, the total metabolic tumor volume, had the highest AUC (0.734) followed by medPCD, the median distance between the centroid of the tumors and their periphery (AUC: 0.733). Patients with high TMTV (HR = 4.341; p < 0.001), high Tumor Volume Surface Ratio (TVSR) (HR = 3.204; p < 0.003) and high medPCD (HR = 4.507; p < 0.001) had significantly worse prognosis in both Kaplan–Meier and Cox univariate analyses. Furthermore, a synergistic effect was observed in Kaplan–Meier and Cox analyses combining these three PET/CT-derived parameters (HR = 12.562; p < 0.001). Having two or three high parameters among TMTV, TVSR and medPCD was able to predict POD24 status with a specificity of 68% and a sensitivity of 75%. TMTV, TVSR and baseline medPCD are strong prognostic factors in FL and their combination better predicts disease prognosis.
Modified polymeric biomaterials with antimicrobial and immunomodulating properties
Authors: Szałapata Katarzyna , Pięt Mateusz , Kasela Martyna , Grąz Marcin , Kapral-Piotrowska Justyna , Mordzińska-Rak Aleksandra , Samorek Elżbieta , Pieniądz Paulina , Polak Jolanta , Osińska-Jaroszuk Monika , Paduch Roman , Pawlikowska-Pawlęga Bożena , Malm Anna , Jarosz-Wilkołazka Anna
Published: April 2024

The modification of the surgical polypropylene mesh and the polytetrafluoroethylene vascular prosthesis with cecropin A (small peptide) and puromycin (aminonucleoside) yielded very stable preparations of modified biomaterials. The main emphasis was placed on analyses of their antimicrobial activity and potential immunomodulatory and non-cytotoxic properties towards the CCD841 CoTr model cell line. Cecropin A did not significantly affect the viability or proliferation of the CCD 841 CoTr cells, regardless of its soluble or immobilized form. In contrast, puromycin did not induce a significant decrease in the cell viability or proliferation in the immobilized form but significantly decreased cell viability and proliferation when administered in the soluble form. The covalent immobilization of these two molecules on the surface of biomaterials resulted in stable preparations that were able to inhibit the multiplication of Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis strains. It was also found that the preparations induced the production of cytokines involved in antibacterial protection mechanisms and stimulated the immune response. The key regulator of this activity may be related to TLR4, a receptor recognizing bacterial LPS. In the present study, these factors were produced not only in the conditions of LPS stimulation but also in the absence of LPS, which indicates that cecropin A- and puromycin-modified biomaterials may upregulate pathways leading to humoral antibacterial immune response.
Advanced efficient energy management strategy based on state machine control for multi-sources PV-PEMFC-batteries system
Authors: Kanouni Badreddine , Badoud Abd Essalam , Mekhilef Saad , Bajaj Mohit , Zaitsev Ievgen
Published: April 2024

This article offers a PV-PEMFC-batteries energy management strategy (EMS) that aims to meet the following goals: keep the DC link steady at the standard value, increase battery lifespan, and meet power demand. The suggested multi-source renewable system (MSRS) is made to meet load demand while using extra power to fill batteries. The major energy source for the MSRS is photovoltaic, and fuzzy logic MPPT is used to guarantee that the PV operates at optimal efficiency under a variety of irradiation conditions. The suggested state machine control consists of 15 steps. It prioritizes the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) as a secondary source for charging the battery when power is abundant and the state of charge (SOC) is low. The MSRS is made feasible by meticulously coordinating control and power management. The MSRS is made achievable by carefully orchestrated control and electricity management. The efficacy of the proposed system was evaluated under different solar irradiance and load conditions. The study demonstrates that implementing the SMC led to an average improvement of 2.3% in the overall efficiency of the system when compared to conventional control techniques. The maximum efficiency was observed when the system was operating under high load conditions, specifically when the state of charge (SOC) was greater than the maximum state of charge (SOCmax). The average efficiency achieved under these conditions was 97.2%. In addition, the MSRS successfully maintained power supply to the load for long durations, achieving an average sustained power of 96.5% over a period of 7.5 s. The validity of the modeling and management techniques mentioned in this study are confirmed by simulation results utilizing the MATLAB/Simulink (version: 2016, link: https://in.mathworks.com/products/simulink.html) software tools. These findings show that the proposed SMC is effective at managing energy resources in MSRS, resulting in improved system efficiency and reliability.
Impact of sand media continuous drying and rewetting cyclic on nutrients transformation performance from reclaimed wastewater effluent at soil aquifer treatment
Authors: Gharbia Abdalkarim S. , Zákányi Balázs , Tóth Márton
Published: April 2024

Reusing reclaimed wastewater became a practical resource for water utilization in groundwater recharge and irrigation activities. However, the quality of reclaimed wastewater needs improvement to meet the environmental regulations and reduce contamination risks. A laboratory-scale study simulated a soil aquifer treatment (SAT) system, exploring the synergistic effects of wet and dry cycles alongside key physicochemical parameters on pollutant removal efficiency using a glass column filled with quartz sand as the filtration medium. The investigation focused on the cyclic wetting and drying phases to unravel their impact on removing NH4+, NO3−, and PO43−. The synthetic wastewater introduced into the system exhibited varying pollutant concentrations during wet and dry periods, influenced by dynamic soil water content (WC%), pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and oxidation–reduction potential (ORP). The high removal rates of 93% for PO43− and 43% for Total N2 demonstrate the system’s capability to reduce concentrations significantly under dynamic alternating between wet and dry conditions. Results unveiled that the wet period consistently yielded higher removal rates for N2 species. Interestingly, for PO43−, the dry periods demonstrated a higher removal efficiency. Moreover, the study identified an average NO3− production during the experimental phases as a byproduct of nitrification. The average NO3− production in wet periods was 2.5 mg/L, whereas it slightly decreased to 2.2 mg/L in dry periods. These findings underscore the nuanced influence of wet and dry conditions on specific pollutants within SAT systems. Applying the logistic regression model and principal component analysis demonstrated the statistical significance of WC, pH, DO, and ORP in predicting wet/dry conditions, providing quantitative insights into their influential roles on the nutrient dynamic concentrations. This study contributes valuable data to our understanding of SAT systems, offering practical implications for designing and implementing sustainable wastewater treatment practices and pollution management across diverse environmental contexts.
Social and economic driving forces of recent CO2 emissions in three major BRICS economies
Authors: Koilakou Eleni , Hatzigeorgiou Emmanouil , Bithas Kostas
Published: April 2024

The study examines the driving factors of total energy-related and power-related (electricity-heat) CO2 emissions for China, India and Brazil, three BRICS countries with vital economic and demographic dynamics. The paper applies decoupling and decomposition analysis in order to investigate the influence of those factors that are prominent in the contemporary literature as well as factors reflecting important social and demographic dynamics which affect the ecological footprint of society. Household size and number of households are introduced into the relevant literature for the first time to reflect demographic factors with substantially different trends from population size, the predominant factor in the existing literature. This novelty together with the simultaneous application of decoupling and decomposition analysis adds importance to the findings of the study, which covers the period of 2000–2018. The results show that increasing income and population significantly enlarge the energy-related CO2 emissions. Household size, number of households and income effects are crucial in the increase of power-related CO2 emissions. The crucial factor for the decrease of energy-related CO2 emissions is the decreasing energy intensity, while for power-related CO2 emissions it is the emission factor effect reflecting the recent shift towards less carbon intensive energy types.
Topology of ferroelectric nematic droplets: the case driven by flexoelectricity or depolarization field
Authors: Zou Yu , Yang Jidan , Zhang Xinxin , Huang Mingjun , Aya Satoshi
Published: April 2024

Emerging polar nematics exhibits nontrivial topologies in confinement, controlled by the magnitude of the polarization.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in silicone wristbands of Uruguayan children: measurement and exposure source exploration
Authors: Running Logan S. , Olson James R. , Aga Diana S. , Travis Steven C. , Daleiro Mónica , Queirolo Elena I. , Kordas Katarzyna
Published: April 2024

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) pose health risks to children, potentially resulting in developmental issues but lack of reliable and noninvasive means to measure PAHs results in poor understanding of exposure patterns and sources in children.
Backbone-functionalised ruthenium diphosphine complexes for catalytic upgrading of ethanol and methanol to iso-butanol
Authors: Sama Folasade J. , Doyle Rachel A. , Kariuki Benson M. , Pridmore Natalie E. , Sparkes Hazel A. , Wingad Richard L. , Wass Duncan F.
Published: April 2024

Michael addition of a variety of amines to ruthenium-coordinated 1,1-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethylene produces new backbone-functionalised ligands and catalysts that are highly effective for the Guerbet coupling of ethanol/methanol to isobutanol.
Next-gen biomimetic actuators: bilayer hydrogel evolution in the 21st century and its advancements from a post-2020 perspective
Authors: Basak Sayan , Bandyopadhyay Abhijit
Published: April 2024

Bilayer hydrogel actuators, consisting of two hydrogel layers with differing rates or proportions of swelling, have emerged as an encouraging category of intelligent materials.
Generation of sulfones utilizing β-sulfinyl esters as masked aryl sulfinates under redox-neutral conditions
Authors: Zhang Yixin , Yang Zhu , Yang Hongjun , Li Xuefeng , Yang Lu
Published: April 2024

A method for generation of SVI sulfones from β-sulfinyl esters (SIV) under transition-metal-free non-oxidative mild conditions is presented.
Ultra-high molecular weight complex coacervates via polymerization-induced electrostatic self-assembly
Authors: Rho Julia Y. , Korpusik Angie B. , Hoteit Miriam , Garrison John B. , Sumerlin Brent S.
Published: April 2024

Advances in reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP), particularly the recent renaissance of photoiniferter polymerization, have led to new methods to achieve ultra-high molecular weight polymers with high functional-group tolerance.
In the Driver's Seat: Narrative-Based Counseling in Aphasia
Authors: Lavergne Nicole , Azios Jamie H. , Azios Michael , Whisenhunt Saar Karen
Published: April 2024

Purpose:

People with aphasia have been shown to experience higher rates of depression and mental health issues than stroke survivors without aphasia. Narrative-based counseling approaches to therapy in communication disorders have shown promise in several areas, such as stuttering. Little is known regarding how these approaches can be implemented with individuals with aphasia. This study sought to uncover what therapeutic processes could be utilized to overcome barriers to utilizing this approach with people with aphasia.

Method:

A qualitative case study design was utilized. The primary data source included audio-recorded intervention sessions of a narrative-based counseling approach. Secondary data sources included reflection journals produced by the clinician and artifacts created by the client, including letter written as a part of the therapeutic process and other documents co-constructed by the clinician and client that detailed the client's journey. Data were analyzed inductively, in which transcripts were coded by the researchers and compared across the data set until patterns were apparent in the data that were later defined as themes.

Results:

Analysis of data suggests that adapting narrative counseling techniques for success with people with aphasia consists of allowing adequate time for client response, building a therapeutic alliance, reiteration and saturation of solution-focused language and narratives, and maintaining a topic of conversation centered around aphasia.

Conclusion:

This study argues for further consideration of how narrative-based counseling techniques can be adapted and flexibly used in aphasia intervention.
Design of fractional MOIF and MOPIF controller using PSO algorithm for the stabilization of an inverted pendulum‐cart system
Authors: Cheballah Fatima , Mellah Rabah , Saim Abdelhakim
Published: April 2024

The topic of this paper is the design of two fractional order schemes, based on a state feedback for linear integer order system. In the first one of the state feedback is associated with a fractional order integral () controller. In the second structure the state feedback is associated with a fractional order proportional integral () controller. With such controllers, the closed loop system with state feedback described by the state equations splits in n‐subsystems with different fractional orders derivatives of the state variable. In order to find the optimal parameters value of both controllers () and (), a multi‐objective particle swarm optimization algorithm is used, with the integral of absolute error, the overshoot , the Buslowicz stability criterion are considered as objective functions. The multi‐objective integral fractional order controller and the multi‐objective proportional integral fractional order controller are applied to stabilize the inverted pendulum‐cart system (IP‐C), and their performance is compared to the fractional order controller. The simulation results of these innovative controllers are also compared with those obtained by conventional proportional–integral–derivative and fractional order proportional–integral–derivative controllers. The robustness of the proposed controllers against disturbances is investigated through simulation runs, considering the non‐linear model of the IP‐C system. The obtained results demonstrate that our approach not only leads to high effectiveness but also showcases remarkable robustness, supported by both simulation and experimental results.