bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A lower and more constrained estimate of climate sensitivity using updated observations and detailed radiative forcing time series
Authors: Skeie R. B. , Berntsen T. , Aldrin M. , Holden M. , Myhre G.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS) is constrained based on observed near-surface temperature change, changes in ocean heat content (OHC) and detailed radiative forcing (RF) time series from pre-industrial times to 2010 for all main anthropogenic and natural forcing mechanism. The RF time series are linked to the observations of OHC and temperature change through an energy balance model (EBM) and a stochastic model, using a Bayesian approach to estimate the ECS and other unknown parameters from the data. For the net anthropogenic RF the posterior mean in 2010 is 2.0 Wm−2, with a 90% credible interval (C.I.) of 1.3 to 2.8 Wm−2, excluding present-day total aerosol effects (direct + indirect) stronger than −1.7 Wm−2. The posterior mean of the ECS is 1.8 °C, with 90% C.I. ranging from 0.9 to 3.2 °C, which is tighter than most previously published estimates. We find that using three OHC data sets simultaneously and data for global mean temperature and OHC up to 2010 substantially narrows the range in ECS compared to using less updated data and only one OHC data set. Using only one OHC set and data up to 2000 can produce comparable results as previously published estimates using observations in the 20th century, including the heavy tail in the probability function. The analyses show a significant contribution of internal variability on a multi-decadal scale to the global mean temperature change. If we do not explicitly account for long-term internal variability, the 90% C.I. is 40% narrower than in the main analysis and the mean ECS becomes slightly lower, which demonstrates that the uncertainty in ECS may be severely underestimated if the method is too simple. In addition to the uncertainties represented through the estimated probability density functions, there may be uncertainties due to limitations in the treatment of the temporal development in RF and structural uncertainties in the EBM.
The IRHUM (Isotopic Reconstruction of Human Migration) database – bioavailable strontium isotope ratios for geochemical fingerprinting in France
Authors: Willmes M. , McMorrow L. , Kinsley L. , Armstrong R. , Aubert M. , Eggins S. , Falguères C. , Maureille B. , Moffat I. , Grün R.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Strontium isotope ratios (87Sr / 86Sr) are a key geochemical tracer used in a wide range of fields including archaeology, ecology, food and forensic sciences. These applications are based on the principle that the Sr isotopic ratios of natural materials reflect the sources of strontium available during their formation. A major constraint for current studies is the lack of robust reference maps to evaluate the source of strontium isotope ratios measured in the samples. Here we provide a new data set of bioavailable Sr isotope ratios for the major geologic units of France, based on plant and soil samples (Pangaea data repository doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.819142). The IRHUM (Isotopic Reconstruction of Human Migration) database is a web platform to access, explore and map our data set. The database provides the spatial context and metadata for each sample, allowing the user to evaluate the suitability of the sample for their specific study. In addition, it allows users to upload and share their own data sets and data products, which will enhance collaboration across the different research fields. This article describes the sampling and analytical methods used to generate the data set and how to use and access the data set through the IRHUM database. Any interpretation of the isotope data set is outside the scope of this publication.
Simulation of tropospheric chemistry and aerosols with the climate model EC-Earth
Authors: van Noije T. P. C. , Le Sager P. , Segers A. J. , van Velthoven P. F. J. , Krol M. C. , Hazeleger W.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. We have integrated the atmospheric chemistry and transport model TM5 into the global climate model EC-Earth version 2.4. We present an overview of the TM5 model and the two-way data exchange between TM5 and the integrated forecasting system (IFS) model from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), the atmospheric general circulation model of EC-Earth. In this paper we evaluate the simulation of tropospheric chemistry and aerosols in a one-way coupled configuration. We have carried out a decadal simulation for present-day conditions and calculated chemical budgets and climatologies of tracer concentrations and aerosol optical depth. For comparison we have also performed offline simulations driven by meteorological fields from ECMWF's ERA-Interim reanalysis and output from the EC-Earth model itself. Compared to the offline simulations, the online-coupled system produces more efficient vertical mixing in the troposphere, which likely reflects an improvement of the treatment of cumulus convection. The chemistry in the EC-Earth simulations is affected by the fact that the current version of EC-Earth produces a cold bias with too dry air in large parts of the troposphere. Compared to the ERA-Interim driven simulation, the oxidizing capacity in EC-Earth is lower in the tropics and higher in the extratropics. The methane lifetime is 7% higher in EC-Earth, but remains well within the range reported in the literature. We evaluate the model by comparing the simulated climatologies of surface carbon monoxide, tropospheric and surface ozone, and aerosol optical depth against observational data. The work presented in this study is the first step in the development of EC-Earth into an Earth system model with fully interactive atmospheric chemistry and aerosols.
The Decay of Consent: International Law in an Age of Global Public Goods
Authors: Krisch Nico
Published: March 2014

The consensual structure of the international legal order, with its strong emphasis on the sovereign equality of states, has always been somewhat precarious. In different waves over the centuries, it has been attacked for its incongruence with the realities of inequality in international politics, for its tension with ideals of democracy and human rights, and for standing in the way of more effective problem solving in the international community. While surprisingly resilient in the face of such challenges, the consensual structure has seen renewed attacks in recent years. In the 1990s, those attacks were mainly “moral” in character. They were related to the liberal turn in international law, and some of them, under the banner of human rights, aimed at weakening principles of nonintervention and immunity. Others, starting from the idea of an emerging “international community,” questioned the prevailing contractual models of international law and emphasized the rise of norms and processes reflecting community values rather than individual state interests. Since the beginning of the new millennium, the focus has shifted, and attacks are more often framed in terms of effectiveness or global public goods. Classical international law is regarded as increasingly incapable of providing much-needed solutions for the challenges of a globalized world; as countries become ever more interdependent and vulnerable to global challenges, an order that safeguards states’ freedoms at the cost of common policies is often seen as anachronistic. According to this view, what is needed—and what we are likely to see—is a turn to nonconsensual lawmaking mechanisms, especially through powerful international institutions with majoritarian voting rules.
Assessing Uncertainty in the Polish Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory Using Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Wójcik-Gront Elżbieta , Gront Dominik
Published: March 2014

Poland reports its greenhouse gas emissions annually to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This report also includes an estimation of uncertainty; for Poland, a simplified method based on error propagation is currently used. In this paper the authors estimate uncertainty concerning agricultural emissions in Poland in 2011 using an alternative Monte Carlo analysis. They compare the results from these simulations against the error propagation method. For methane emissions, the simulation results are similar to the simplified uncertainty estimation method and give a mean value of 576.8 Gg with an uncertainty range of −21.7% to +25.8%. The more pronounced differences between methods are for nitrous oxide emissions, for which the mean value of 73.5 Gg N2O was calculated, but the uncertainty is more asymmetrical, ranging from −50.0% to +79.9%. The policy implications of these differences are outlined.
X-Ray Fluorescence-Analyzed Mineral Micronutrient DensityVariation Among Kenyan Local Vegetables
Authors: Levi. M. Akundabweni Shadeya , W. Munene Regina , David Maina
Published: March 2014

In Africa staple cereal foods are often eaten along with the African Leafy Vegetables (ALVs) rendering meals rich in micronutrients. To increase the mineral micronutrient value, it is imperative to intensify their cultivation given their under-utilized diversity, neglect until needed, slow rate of incorporation into crop value chains for lack clear micronutrient nutrition driven agenda. As a way of focusing on their ionomic nutraceutic attribute potential, the first objective was to investigate accession ionome differentials on the basis a soil mineral criterion.The second objective was to determine a method for variation assessment of ionomic micronutrient dense variants in key Kenyan local vegetables. Four ALVs species constituting 25 accessions were collected in short season rains of 2003 from north and souther stretch of western Kenyaand in early Long rains of 2004 from south eastern Kenya. A stratified sampling design organized had three collection points per farm; on three farms per site; and at three sites per phyto-region. ALV samples together with accompanying soils were Energy Dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysed. The data were used, first, for ionomically differentiating populations by way of singling out respective element influenced accession differentials (SELIACDs). Second, elements were jointly resolved into multi-element influenced accession differentials (MELIACDs). Agro-edaphic effects on population ionome niching were assessed using analysis of variance and graphical aids. Geometric means were generated and awarded nutrametric merit scores to allow for nutrametric grading of accessions. Results suggest a great deal of ionomic phenotypic plasticity among the local vegetable accessions as a function at scale of farm, site and/or region soils. The SELIACD method was useful for piecemeal separation of accession on a single element basis but which method would require the development of a selection index with a certainty of a significant genetic gain at the onset. The joint MELIACD and the nutrametric grading methods are proposed as a promising basis for prebreeding tool prioritization given the XRF-analytic novelty and the emerging interest in ALV nutraceutical cropping.
Media design method
Authors: Nyre Lars
Published: March 2014

To design a medium means to investigate what happens when a new technology is intentionally introduced into an already existing communicative practice. The research team must be able to respond systematically to on-going, many-faceted, and quite unpredictable practices of media use. The scope is such that development and testing will take several years by teams of 3-4 researchers, plus students. This article belongs to the genre of methodology articles. There are few common references regarding methods, and difficult to compare the designs in a methodical way. I will recommend a comprehensive way of doing things. In this article I stake out a public purpose that should be vital to specifically academic medium design, and present a way for it to be both normative and scientific at the same time. The article sketches the basic steps of a theoretically informed practical testing of opportunities inherent in the interfaces and procedures of communication. It is an experience-based technique for discovery and problem solving. In the following, I will first locate my ”medium design heuristic” in relation to the concepts ”innovation” and ”design”. The remainder of the article presents the steps of the proposed method in chronological order. In short; the research team must formulate a program of action based on the full potential of new media, build a prototype of a new medium, try out procedures for editorial content tailored to it, and evaluate it with external test-users in various experimental treatments. Not least, the public value of the design project must be evaluated, and it is the ultimate measure of failure or success.
Storsul & Krumsvik - Media innovations: A multidisciplinary study of change
Authors: Sylvie George
Published: March 2014

Tanja Storsul & Arne H. Krumsvik (editors) Title: Media innovations: A multidisciplinary study of change Publisher: Nordicomm, 2013 ISBN: 978-91-86523-65-7 282 pages
Ibrus & Scolari - Crossmedia Innovations. Texts, Markets, Institutions
Authors: Barland Jens
Published: March 2014

Indrek Ibrus and Carlos A. Scolari (editors) Title: Crossmedia Innovations. Texts, Markets, Institutions Publisher: Peter Lang GmbH, Frankfurt, 2012 ISBN: 978-3-631-62228-5 (softcover), 978-3-653-02575-0 (eBook) 319 pages
Media Innovations, User Innovations, Societal Innovations
Authors: Bruns Axel
Published: March 2014

As the Journal of Media Innovations comes into existence, this article reflects on the first and most obvious question: just what do we mean by “media innovations”? Drawing on the examples of a range of recent innovations in media technologies and practices, initiated by a variety of media audiences, users, professionals, and providers, it explores the interplay between the different drivers of innovation and the effects of such innovation on the complex frameworks of contemporary society and the media ecology which supports it. In doing so, this article makes a number of key observations: first, it notes that media innovation is an innovation in media practices at least as much as in media technologies, and that changes to the practices of media both reflect and promote societal changes as well – media innovations are never just media technology innovations. Second, it shows that the continuing mediatisation of society, and the shift towards a more widespread participation of ordinary users as active content creators and media innovators, make it all the more important to investigate in detail these interlinked, incremental, everyday processes of media and societal change – media innovations are almost always also user innovations. Finally, it suggests that a full understanding of these processes as they unfold across diverse interleaved media spaces and complex societal structures necessarily requires a holistic perspective on media innovations, which considers the contemporary media ecology as a crucial constitutive element of societal structures and seeks to trace the repercussions of innovations across both media and society – media innovations are inextricably interlinked with societal innovations (even if, at times, they may not be considered to be improvements to the status quo).
Greywater Characteristics In Rural Areas of the Sahelian Region for Reuse Purposes: The Case of Burkina Faso
Authors: Maiga Ynoussa , Moyenga David , Ushijima Ken , Sou Mariam , Maiga Amadou Hama
Published: March 2014

The characteristics of greywater generated in two rural areas (“Barkoundba” and “Kologoudiessé”) located in the Sahelian region in Burkina Faso were assessed through observations in selected concessions, sample collection and laboratory analyses. The study aimed at characterizing the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of greywater in order to evaluate its reuse potential for gardening in rural areas. The results showed that greywater is generated from 3 to 4 main sources with average daily productions of 8 ± 1 L•capita‑1•d‑1 in “Barkoundba” and 13 ± 3 L•capita‑1•d‑1 in Kologoudiessé”. Despite these low rates, the average quantity of greywater production varied from 67 to 344 L•concession‑1•d‑1 during the dry season. This greywater can be collected to provide additional water for irrigation in home gardens of size varying from 10 to 43 m2. Shower activity is the major contributor of greywater with up to 56% in “Barkoundba” and 70% in “Kologoudiessé”. The qualitative assessment of the greywater streams showed that every source is contaminated with chemicals and microbial pollutants at levels not suitable for direct reuse in agriculture. Therefore, it is recommended to treat the greywater before its use for irrigation purposes. Based on World Health Organization (WHO) reuse guidelines, the treatment system should be able to remove bacteria by more than 2 log units and 4 log units if restricted and unrestricted irrigation are considered respectively. Since shower greywater is directly poured onto the ground, the treatment unit should be adapted to the shower room to allow shower greywater collection, in order to collect the required quantities for gardening. A slanted soil treatment system could be investigated. Hazards of a direct reuse are discussed for soils, plants and human health on the basis of the various qualitative parameters. However, an accurate risk assessment would require further investigations with the evaluation of the interannual variability of greywater quality.
Internet, nouvel eldorado pour la circulation de la production audiovisuelle autochtone ?
Authors: George Éric , Lupien Philippe-Antoine
Published: March 2014

La popularité grandissante des médias sociaux a réactualisé un discours présent depuis les débuts du réseau Internet, selon lequel les usagers du cyberespace, contribuant à la production du contenu en ligne, participent à l’essor de nouvelles structures de production appelées à révolutionner les industries de la culture. En quittant le simple statut de consommateur pour devenir générateur de contenu, l’internaute contribuerait activement au développement culturel de sa communauté et à la circulation de nouvelles formes de productions. En s’intéressant au rôle tenu par le réseau Internet dans la circulation de la production culturelle autochtone au Québec et au Canada, l’auteur a observé en quoi le cyberespace permet d’enrichir la production traditionnelle et comment le Web contribue à diversifier l’offre et à modifier les usages. En somme, dans quelle mesure les nouveaux moyens de communication contribuent- ils à élargir la prise de parole ou à renforcer la domination de médias déjà existants ?
Structure of bacterial cytoplasmic chemoreceptor arrays and implications for chemotactic signaling
Authors: Briegel Ariane , Ladinsky Mark S , Oikonomou Catherine , Jones Christopher W , Harris Michael J , Fowler Daniel J , Chang Yi-Wei , Thompson Lynmarie K , Armitage Judith P , Jensen Grant J
Published: March 2014

Most motile bacteria sense and respond to their environment through a transmembrane chemoreceptor array whose structure and function have been well-studied, but many species also contain an additional cluster of chemoreceptors in their cytoplasm. Although the cytoplasmic cluster is essential for normal chemotaxis in some organisms, its structure and function remain unknown. Here we use electron cryotomography to image the cytoplasmic chemoreceptor cluster in Rhodobacter sphaeroides and Vibrio cholerae. We show that just like transmembrane arrays, cytoplasmic clusters contain trimers-of-receptor-dimers organized in 12-nm hexagonal arrays. In contrast to transmembrane arrays, however, cytoplasmic clusters comprise two CheA/CheW baseplates sandwiching two opposed receptor arrays. We further show that cytoplasmic fragments of normally transmembrane E. coli chemoreceptors form similar sandwiched structures in the presence of molecular crowding agents. Together these results suggest that the 12-nm hexagonal architecture is fundamentally important and that sandwiching and crowding can replace the stabilizing effect of the membrane.
How does the brain process rhythm?
Authors: Kirkham Elizabeth
Published: March 2014

A region of the brain called the putamen has a central role in our ability to keep a beat in our head.
Associações entre glifosato e herbicidas pós-emergentes para o controle de trapoeraba em soja RR®
Authors: Marchi Sidnei Roberto , Bogorni Daniel , Biazzi Leandro , Bellé José Ricardo
Published: March 2014

Este trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar a seletividade e a eficácia da associação do glifosato com herbicidas pós-emergentes no controle de trapoeraba na cultura da soja Roundup Ready®. Para tanto, o experimento foi instalado no delineamento de blocos ao caso, com quatro repetições, onde os tratamentos foram constituídos de quatro doses do herbicida cloransulam-metil (10, 20, 30 e 40 g ha-1), quatro doses do herbicida clorimurom-etílico (2,5, 5,0, 7,5 e 10,0 g ha-1), imazetapir a 100 g ha-1 e lactofen a 72 g ha-1, todos estes utilizados em associação com o herbicida glifosato a 960 g ha-1. Também foram incluídas três testemunhas, sendo aplicação única do herbicida glifosato a 960 g ha-1, aplicação sequencial do glifosato a 960/ 960 g ha-1 e testemunha geral sem capina. Os resultados demonstraram que apenas a aplicação única do herbicida glifosato a 960 g ha-1 e sua associação com as menores doses de cloransulam-metil (10 g ha-1) e clorimurom-etílico (2,5 g ha-1) não proporcionaram controle efetivo da trapoeraba. Todos os tratamentos herbicidas não influenciaram na produtividade da soja RR®, embora a associação do glifosato com a maior dose de clorimurom-etílico (10 g ha-1) tenha proporcionado redução significativa no peso de 1000 grãos de soja.
Seletividade de herbicidas influenciada pelo estado nutricional da cana-de-açúcar
Authors: Silva Danilo Manoel da , Azania Carlos Alberto Mathias , Azania Andréa Aparecida de Padua Mathias , Beluci Lucas Ribeiro , Vitorino Renan , Garcia Julio César
Published: March 2014

Para validar a hipótese de que a cana-de-açúcar adequadamente adubada é menos prejudicada pelos herbicidas, foram avaliadas características fitotécnicas e o perfil isoenzimático da α-esterase e peroxidase nas cultivares de cana-de-açúcar IACSP96-2042 e IACSP95-5094, submetidas a diferentes adubações de plantio e tratadas ou não com herbicidas. No campo foram realizados dois experimentos, um para cada cultivar, em vasos (43 L), utilizando-se do delineamento inteiramente casualizado com os tratamentos dispostos em fatorial 3 x 3 + 1, com quatro repetições. O primeiro fator constituiu-se por herbicidas: clomazone (1000 g ha-1), diuron (1440 g ha-1) + hexazinone (396 g ha-1) e sulfentrazone (800 g ha-1); e o segundo fator pela adubação: doses de NPK (ausência, 20-120-100 e 40-240-200 kg ha-1) e a testemunha pela ausência dos fertilizantes e herbicidas. Na aplicação dos herbicidas as plantas apresentavam altura de 20 cm e 3 a 4 folhas. No campo, foram avaliados os sintomas visuais de intoxicação, teor de clorofila total, altura, comprimento de folhas, número de perfilhos e massa fresca e seca das plantas. Em laboratório caracterizou-se o perfil isoenzimático da α-esterase e peroxidase antes da aplicação dos herbicidas e aos 58 dias após, por eletroforese em gel de acrilamida. IACSP96-2042 apresentou menor sensibilidade aos herbicidas, sem prejuízo à massa fresca e seca, teor de clorofila total, altura, comprimento de folha e número de perfilhos. As isoformas da peroxidase diferiram em número e intensidade, e da α-esterase foram alteradas na intensidade das bandas. A IACSP95-5094 foi sensível aos efeitos da intoxicação dos herbicidas por prejudicar na altura, acúmulo de massa fresca e seca, particularmente no tratamento com diuron+hexazinone.
An Ominous Wave
Authors: Lee Chan-Hee , Scheinman Melvin M.
Published: July 2024

This case report describes a man in his 40s with evidence of malignant J wave syndrome on electrocardiography.
Financial and Clinical Characteristics of Hospitals Targeted by Private Equity Firms
Authors: Kannan Sneha , Song Zirui
Published: July 2024

This cross-sectional study examines whether private equity targets financially or clinically more distressed or successful hospitals for acquisition.
Obesity and Early-Onset Breast Cancer and Specific Molecular Subtype Diagnosis in Black and White Women
Authors: Sudan Sarabjeet Kour , Sharma Amod , Vikramdeo Kunwar Somesh , Davis Wade , Deshmukh Sachin K. , Poosarla Teja , Holliday Nicolette P. , Prodduturvar Pranitha , Nelson Cindy , Singh Karan P. , Singh Ajay P. , Singh Seema
Published: July 2024

Importance

Epidemiologic data suggest an association of obesity with breast cancer (BC); however, obesity’s contribution to early onset and risk of diagnosis with specific molecular subtypes by race is uncertain.

Objective

To examine the race-specific association of body mass index with early onset and diagnosis of specific molecular subtypes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study included patients with BC diagnosed between October 1, 2017, and March 31, 2022, at 3 University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute clinics. Participants were also prospectively enrolled for serum leptin measurement.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was age at BC onset and specific subtype diagnosis. The secondary outcome was race-specific differences. Odds ratios (ORs) for associations of body mass index with age at onset and subtype were estimated using the Fisher exact test. Race was self-reported.

Results

Of the 1085 study patients, 332 (30.6%) were Black with a median age of 58 (IQR, 50-66) years, and 753 (69.4%) were White with a median age of 63 (IQR, 53-71) years. A total of 499 patients (46.0%) had obesity, with Black women with obesity receiving more frequent BC diagnosis than their White counterparts (OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.87-3.15; P < .001). In addition, Black women had a significantly higher incidence of early-onset disease (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.33-2.86; P = .001) than White women, and obesity increased this risk significantly in Black women (OR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.35-6.22; P = .006). Black women with obesity also had a significantly higher risk of luminal A BC (OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.81-3.56; P < .001) and triple-negative BC (TNBC) (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.43-4.22; P = .002) diagnosis than White counterparts. Black women, with or without BC, had significantly higher serum leptin levels (median [IQR], 55.3 [40.3-66.2] ng/mL and 29.1 [21.1-46.5] ng/mL, respectively, P < .001) than White women (median [IQR], 33.4 [18.9-47.7] ng/mL and 16.5 [10.0-22.9] ng/mL, respectively), which was associated with higher odds of luminal A disease (OR, 5.25; 95% CI, 1.69-14.32, P = .003). Higher odds of early-onset disease (OR, 3.50; 95% CI, 0.43-23.15; P = .33 for trend), and TNBC diagnosis (OR, 6.00; 95% CI, 0.83-37.27; P = .14 for trend) were also seen, although these outcomes were not statistically significant.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of patients with BC, obesity and high serum leptin levels were associated with an enhanced risk of early-onset BC and diagnosis of luminal A and TNBC subtypes in Black women. These findings should help in developing strategies to narrow the existing disparity gaps.
Childhood Maltreatment and Longitudinal Epigenetic Aging
Authors: Chang Olivia D. , Meier Helen C. S. , Maguire-Jack Kathryn , Davis-Kean Pamela , Mitchell Colter
Published: July 2024

Importance

Child physical and emotional abuse and neglect may affect epigenetic signatures of accelerated aging several years after the exposure.

Objective

To examine the longitudinal outcomes of early-childhood and midchildhood exposures to maltreatment on later childhood and adolescent profiles of epigenetic accelerated aging.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (enrolled 1998-2000), a US birth cohort study with available DNA methylation (DNAm) data at ages 9 and 15 years (assayed between 2017 and 2020) and phenotypic data at birth (wave 1), and ages 3 (wave 3), 5 (wave 4), 9 (wave 5), and 15 (wave 6) years. Data were analyzed between June 18 and December 10, 2023.

Exposures

Emotional aggression, physical assault, emotional neglect, and physical neglect via the Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scale at ages 3 and 5 years.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Epigenetic accelerated aging (DNAmAA) was measured using 3 machine learning–derived surrogates of aging (GrimAge, PhenoAge, and DunedinPACE) and 2 machine learning–derived surrogates of age (Horvath and PedBE), residualized for age in months.

Results

A total of 1971 children (992 [50.3%] male) representative of births in large US cities between 1998 and 2000 were included. Physical assault at age 3 years was positively associated with DNAmAA for PhenoAge (β = 0.073; 95% CI, 0.019-0.127), and emotional aggression at age 3 years was negatively associated with PhenoAge DNAmAA (β = −0.107; 95% CI, −0.162 to −0.052). Emotional neglect at age 5 years was positively associated with PhenoAge DNAmAA (β = 0.051; 95% CI, 0.006-0.097). Cumulative exposure to physical assault between ages 3 and 5 years was positively associated with PhenoAge DNAmAA (β = 0.063; 95% CI, 0.003-0.123); emotional aggression was negatively associated with PhenoAge DNAmAA (β = −0.104; 95% CI, −0.165 to −0.043). The association of these measures with age 15 years PhenoAge DNAmAA was almost fully mediated by age 9 years PhenoAge DNAm age acceleration. Similar patterns were found for GrimAge, DunedinPACE, and PhenoAge, but only those for PhenoAge remained after adjustments for multiple comparisons.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, altered patterns of DNAmAA were sensitive to the type and timing of child maltreatment exposure and appeared to be associated with more proximate biological embedding of stress.
What Teens Should Know About Choosing Contraception
Authors: Gray Shaketha A. , Thompson Lindsay A.
Published: July 2024

This JAMA Pediatrics Patient Page describes what teens should consider when choosing contraception methods.
Harnessing Dual Phototherapy and Immune Activation for Cancer Treatment: The Development and Application of BODIPY@F127 Nanoparticles
Authors: Peng Yang , Hu Chenyan , Zhang Ludan , Dong Fan , Li Ruwan , Liang Huihui , Dai Hao , Jang Won Jun , Cheng Hong‐Bo , Zhou Liming , Wang Yuguang , Yoon Juyoung
Published: July 2024

Conventional phototherapeutic agents are typically used in either photodynamic therapy (PDT) or photothermal therapy (PTT). However, efficacy is often hindered by hypoxia and elevated levels of heat shock proteins in the tumor microenvironment (TME). To address these limitations, a formylated, near‐infrared (NIR)‐absorbing and heavy‐atom‐free Aza‐BODIPY dye is presented that exhibits both type‐I and type‐II PDT actions with a high yield of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and manifests efficient photothermal conversion by precise adjustments to the conjugate structure and electron distribution, leading to a large amount of ROS production even under severe hypoxia. To improve biosafety and water solubility, the dye with an amphiphilic triblock copolymer (Pluronic F‐127), yielding BDP‐6@F127 nanoparticles (NPs) is coated. Furthermore, inspired by the fact that phototherapy triggers the release of tumor‐associated antigens, a strategy that leverages potential immune activation by combining PDT/PTT with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy to amplify the systemic immune response and achieve the much‐desired abscopal effect is developed. In conclusion, this study presents a promising molecular design strategy that integrates multimodal therapeutics for a precise and effective approach to cancer therapy.
Two‐Regime Conformation of Grafted Polymer on Nanoparticle Determines Symmetry of Nanoparticle Self‐Assembly
Authors: Yu Ji Woong , Yun Hongseok , Lee Won Bo , Kim YongJoo
Published: July 2024

One of the key design factors that regulate the properties of grafted nanoparticles (GNPs) and their self‐assembly is the conformation of the grafted polymer. On the curved surface of the GNP core, the conformation of the polymer chain is not uniform in the radial direction. The segment is a non‐Gaussian chain in the concentrated polymer brush (CPB) regime near the interface between GNP core and grafted polymer, while it is less constrained in the semidilute polymer brush (SDPB) regime near the surface of GNP. Here, the property of polymer conformation showing crossover behavior at the CPB/SDPB threshold through the coarse‐grain molecular dynamics simulation of nanoparticles with explicit grafted chains is explored. Moreover, the self‐assembly structure depends on the effective softness, which is defined as a function of the threshold of two regimes estimated from the conformation of the polymer.
Effect of Substrate on Spin‐Wave Propagation Properties in Ferrimagnetic Thulium Iron Garnet Thin Films
Authors: Timalsina Rupak , Giri Bharat , Wang Haohan , Erickson Adam , Sarin Suchit , Lamichhane Suvechhya , Liou Sy‐Hwang , Shield Jeffrey E. , Xu Xiaoshan , Laraoui Abdelghani
Published: July 2024

Rare‐earth iron garnets have distinctive spin‐wave (SW) properties such as low magnetic damping and long SW coherence length making them ideal candidates for magnonics. Among them, thulium iron garnet (TmIG) is a ferrimagnetic insulator with unique magnetic properties including perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) and topological hall effect at room temperature when grown down to a few nanometers, extending its application to magnon spintronics. Here, the SW propagation properties of TmIG films (thickness of 7–34 nm) grown on GGG and sGGG substrates are studied at room temperature. Magnetic measurements show in‐plane magnetic anisotropy for TmIG films grown on GGG and out‐of‐plane magnetic anisotropy for films grown on sGGG substrates with PMA. SW electrical transmission spectroscopy measurements on TmIG/GGG films unveil magnetostatic surface spin waves (MSSWs) propagating up to 80 µm with a SW group velocity of 2–8 km s−1. Intriguingly, these MSSWs exhibit nonreciprocal propagation, opening new applications in SW functional devices. TmIG films grown on sGGG substrates exhibit forward volume spin waves with a reciprocal propagation behavior up to 32 µm.
Dinitropyridines: Synthesis and Reactions
Authors: Starosotnikov Alexey M. , Bastrakov Maxim A.
Published: July 2024

Dinitropyridines are one of the promising classes of heterocyclic compounds. They are considered as useful precursors of explosives and energetic compounds, agrochemicals, biosensors and biologically active compounds with diverse properties: antitumor, antiviral, anti‐neurodegenerative. Preliminary analysis of literature data shows that the chemistry of polynitropyridines has been actively developing over the past few decades. This is evidenced by the steadily growing annual number of publications. In this review the literature on the synthesis, reactions and practical application of isomeric dinitropyridines over a period of 2010–2024 is analyzed.
Neurometabolic topography and associations with cognition in Alzheimer's disease: A whole‐brain high‐resolution 3D MRSI study
Authors: Hu Jialin , Zhang Miao , Zhang Yaoyu , Zhuang Huixiang , Zhao Yibo , Li Yudu , Jin Wen , Qian Xiao‐Hang , Wang Lijun , Ye Guanyu , Tang Huidong , Liu Jun , Li Biao , Nachev Parashkev , Liang Zhi‐Pei , Li Yao
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION

Altered neurometabolism, detectable via proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (1H‐MRSI), is spatially heterogeneous and underpins cognitive impairments in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the spatial relationships between neurometabolic topography and cognitive impairment in AD remain unexplored due to technical limitations.

METHODS

We used a novel whole‐brain high‐resolution 1H‐MRSI technique, with simultaneously acquired 18F‐florbetapir positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, to investigate the relationship between neurometabolic topography and cognitive functions in 117 participants, including 22 prodromal AD, 51 AD dementia, and 44 controls.

RESULTS

Prodromal AD and AD dementia patients exhibited spatially distinct reductions in N‐acetylaspartate, and increases in myo‐inositol. Reduced N‐acetylaspartate and increased myo‐inositol were associated with worse global cognitive performance, and N‐acetylaspartate correlated with five specific cognitive scores. Neurometabolic topography provides biological insights into diverse cognitive dysfunctions.

DISCUSSION

Whole‐brain high‐resolution 1H‐MRSI revealed spatially distinct neurometabolic topographies associated with cognitive decline in AD, suggesting potential for noninvasive brain metabolic imaging to track AD progression.

Highlights

Whole‐brain high‐resolution 1H‐MRSI unveils neurometabolic topography in AD.

Spatially distinct reductions in NAA, and increases in mI, are demonstrated.

NAA and mI topography correlates with global cognitive performance.

NAA topography correlates with specific cognitive performance.
Improving Compliance With Evidence‐Based Laboratory Testing Recommendations and Monitoring Associated Patient Outcomes
Authors: Hawkins Alexandra , Moynihan Ann Marie , Glassman Kimberly , Clarke Sean
Published: July 2024

A team comprising nursing, medical staff, and administrative leaders at an urban academic orthopedic hospital in the northeastern United States sought to revise a preoperative laboratory testing protocol based on evidence and practice guidelines. The goal was to decrease unnecessary tests by 20% without negatively affecting patient outcomes. After adding the revised protocol to the electronic health record, audits revealed that the target goal was not met and additional strategies were implemented, including educational webinars for surgeon office personnel who ordered tests, additional webinars for advanced practice professionals, and the creation of scorecards to track surgeons’ progress. Overall, a downward trend in the ordering of unnecessary laboratory tests for patients without identified risks was observed, but a 20% reduction was not achieved. Surgical complications during the project were not associated with laboratory tests. Clinicians continue to use the revised preoperative laboratory testing protocol at the facility.
X centromeric drive may explain the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome and other conditions
Authors: Moore Tom
Published: July 2024

X chromosome centromeric drive may explain the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome and contribute to oocyte aneuploidy, menopause, and other conditions. The mammalian X chromosome may be vulnerable to meiotic drive because of X inactivation in the female germline. The human X pericentromeric region contains genes potentially involved in meiotic mechanisms, including multiple SPIN1 and ZXDC paralogs. This is consistent with a multigenic drive system comprising differential modification of the active and inactive X chromosome centromeres in female primordial germ cells and preferential segregation of the previously inactivated X chromosome centromere to the polar body at meiosis I. The drive mechanism may explain differences in X chromosome regulation in the female germlines of the human and mouse and, based on the functions encoded by the genes in the region, the transmission of X pericentromeric genetic or epigenetic variants to progeny could contribute to preeclampsia, autism, and differences in sexual differentiation.
Naphthalimide‐Based, Single‐Chromophore, Emission Ratiometric Fluorescent Sensor for Tracking Intracellular pH
Authors: Kumar Das Sujit , Kahali Smitaroopa , Kar Sabnam , Madhavan Nandita , Datta Ankona
Published: July 2024

We report a novel, reversible, cell‐permeable, pH‐sensor, TRapH. TRapH afforded a pH‐sensitive ratiometric emission response in the pH range ~3–6, enabling imaging and quantification of pH in living cells. The biological‐applicability of TRapH was illustrated via live‐tracking of intracellular pH dynamics in living mammalian cells induced by a synthetic H+‐transporter.
Adaptable Synthesis of Chondroitin Sulfate Disaccharide Subtypes Preprogrammed for Regiospecific O‐Sulfation
Authors: Wootton Hannah S. , Berry Sian S. , Ferguson Elaine L. , Mahon Clare S. , Miller Gavin J.
Published: July 2024

A divergent synthetic route to chondroitin sulfate (CS) disaccharide precursors, including rarer subtypes such as CS−D, has been developed. From common intermediates, a series of thioglycoside D‐glucosyl donors and 4,6‐O‐benzylidene protected D‐galactosamine acceptors are utilised in a robust glycosylation reaction, achieving β‐selectivity and consistent yields (60–75 %) on scales >2.0 g. A post‐glycosylation oxidation to D‐glucuronic acid and orthogonal protecting groups delivers access to CS−A, CS−C, CS−D, CS−E and CS−O precursor subtypes. Of further note is a 4‐O‐benzyl regioselective reductive ring opening of a 4,6‐O‐benzylidene protected disaccharide using dichlorophenylborane (PhBCl2) and triethylsilane (Et3SiH) to access a CS−D precursor, in 73 % yield over two steps. Finally, synthesis of a 6‐O‐sulfated CS−C disaccharide containing a conjugable anomeric allyl tether is completed. These materials will provide a benchmark to further synthesise and study chondroitin sulfates.
Investigation of physical properties of microalgae‐pectin‐based bio‐composite with addition of pine needle for environmental application
Authors: Munoz‐Cupa Carlos , Lee Kristine , Krishnan Anuradha , Bassi Amarjeet
Published: July 2024

Polymers and biopolymers have gained significance due to their applicability and use in industry reducing the negative impact of polymers based on petroleum. A possible solution for the conventional polymer's biodegradability is bio‐composites, which contain natural fibers or aggregates such as microalgae. Hence, microalgae biomass has a promising application to address the biodegradability issue of conventional polymers. In this study, Chlorella vulgaris biomass was mixed with pectin for control samples with glycerol as plasticizer. The mixture microalgae‐pectin‐glycerol, and the addition of pine needles was used to evaluate the tensile strength and compression of the bio‐composite. This bio‐composite showed a higher Young's modulus of 95.66 MPa for blend C2 and a higher strength with 20% of pectin concentration in the mixture. Additionally, the pine needle addition did not have a low effect between the compression results. On the other hand, analysis on elasticity showed that the full recovery of the bio‐composite happened after 10 min in all the blends. Also, the bio‐composite showed a slow release of nitrogen and phosphorous after 5 days of water addition, indicating an effective slow release for blend B for both nutrients. Water uptake capacity and loss of soluble material was studied using pullulan, chitosan, and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide additives. These cationic surfactants demonstrated their potential for reduction of water solubility of the bio‐composite.
Coal combustion modeling: A comparative study
Authors: Vilakazi Lethukuthula N. , Madyira Daniel
Published: July 2024

Coal combustion is a major power source in the world, and energy conservation and environmental protection are now the top priorities in terms of carrying out the strategy for continuous and persistent development in power generation. The intricate coal combustion process must be investigated to present the process inside a live boiler as accurately as possible. In this study, the ANSYS FLUENT program is used to compare two species models namely, species transport (STM) and nonpremixed model (NPM). The two models are run with similar geometry and boundary conditions. It was found that the STM enables entering of the species reactions and activates a selection for the crucial coal combustion and devolatization processes. The NPM combustion process takes place with the assumption that combustion is in equilibrium, a Probability Density Function (PDF) mixture table is calculated first before the simulation can be run. Both submodels can depict the combustion process for a CFPP boiler providing temperature gradients within the boiler with species composition throughout the boiler. The NPM does not track species individually through the boiler, limiting model validation data. The STM was found to be suitable since it provided more comprehensive coal combustion results, that can be used for model validation.
Improvement of intestinal microbial structure in patients with cerebral infarction through in vitro fermentation of anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray
Authors: Qiu Jun , Ye Bin , Feng Lei
Published: July 2024

Anthocyanins in Lycium ruthenicum Murray can be degraded into metabolites by intestinal microorganisms and have a wide range of biological functions. However, there are limited studies on the effect of anthocyanins on the intestinal flora structure in patients with cerebral infarction. To explore the new probiotic effects of ACN, the gut microbiota present in fecal samples obtained from healthy volunteers and patients with acute cerebral infarction underwent in vitro fermentation analysis. The in vitro fermentation product of ACN with L. ruthenicum Murray can significantly increase the diversity of the gut flora in patients with cerebral infarction. It can also promote beneficial bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium) in the guts of patients with acute cerebral infarction (e.g. Bifidobacterium, Allisonella, and Prevotell), reduce the growth of potentially harmful bacteria (Dialister, Megamonas, and Clostridium), and increase the levels of SCFAs. This investigation demonstrated the capability of ACN in vitro fermentation to improve the gut microbiota structure in patients with cerebral infarction. This, in turn, furnishes new theoretical underpinnings for its potential development as a functional food component.
Prebiotics enhance the immunomodulatory effect of Limosilactobacillus fermentum DALI02 by regulating intestinal homeostasis
Authors: Zhang Longfei , Liu Xiaoxiao , Liu Yang , Cheng Xinyi , Xu Mingze , Qu Hengxian , Wang Wenqiong , Gu Ruixia , Chen Dawei
Published: July 2024

The colonization ability of Limosilactobacillus fermentum DALI02 and the promoting effect of fermented prebiotics have been studied. This study aims to evaluate the systemic immunomodulatory effects of DALI02 and DALI02 + Prebiotics on cyclophosphamide‐induced immunosuppressed rats. We found that DALI02 and DALI02 + Prebiotics, especially DALI02 + Prebiotics, exhibited significant restorative effects on the immunocompromised state in rats (p < .05). Specifically, both of them promoted the recovery of body weight and immune organ function, enhanced the proliferative capacity of immune cells, and effectively reduced the levels of interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). Furthermore, both of them significantly reduced the levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and D‐lactic acid in the blood (p < .05). Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), principal component analysis (PCA), and unsupervised cluster analysis revealed that DALI02 and DALI02 + Prebiotics group were more similar to the blank group at the genus level of the gut microbiota. At the level of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), DALI02 + Prebiotics and blank group belonged to Cluster 3. These results suggested that the intervention with DALI02 and DALI02 + Prebiotics effectively modulated the structure of the gut microbiota, and DALI02 + Prebiotics restored the dysregulation of SCFAs. In summary, DALI02 and DALI02 + Prebiotics possess immunomodulatory functions, with the latter showing superior effects.