bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel genetic variants in the NLRP3 inflammasome-related PANX1 and APP genes predict survival of patients with hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Yingchun , Fan Yuman , Gong Rongbin , Qiu Moqin , Wei Xiaoxia , Lin Qiuling , Zhou Zihan , Cao Ji , Jiang Yanji , Chen Peiqin , Chen Bowen , Yang Xiaobing , Wei Yuying , Zhang RuoXin , Wen Qiuping , Yu Hongping
Published: August 2024

Background

The nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) is one of the most characterized inflammasomes involved in the pathogenesis of several cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the effects of genetic variants in the NLRP3 inflammasome-related genes on survival of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC patients are unclear.

Methods

We performed multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to evaluate associations between 299 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 16 NLRP3 inflammasome-related genes and overall survival (OS) of 866 patients with HBV-related HCC. We further performed expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis using the data from the GTEx project and 1000 Genomes projects, and performed differential expression analysis using the TCGA dataset to explore possible molecular mechanisms underlying the observed associations.

Results

We found that two functional SNPs (PANX1 rs3020013 A > G and APP rs9976425 C > T) were significantly associated with HBV-related HCC OS with the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 0.83 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.73–0.95, P = 0.008], and 1.26 (95% CI = 1.02–1.55, P = 0.033), respectively. Moreover, the eQTL analysis revealed that the rs3020013 G allele was correlated with decreased mRNA expression levels of PANX1 in both normal liver tissues (P = 0.044) and whole blood (P < 0.001) in the GTEx dataset, and PANX1 mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in HCC samples and associated with a poorer survival of HCC patients. However, we did not observe such correlations for APP rs9976425.

Conclusions

These results indicated that SNPs in the NLRP3 inflammasome-related genes may serve as potential biomarkers for HBV-related HCC survival, once replicated by additional larger studies.
Retrospective isotope analysis of ancient remains to distinguish between tamed and wild animals
Authors: Matsubayashi Jun , Tsutaya Takumi , Sato Takao
Published: August 2024

The origin and process of the domestication of wild animals have long fascinated scientists. However, there are no reliable methods to distinguish between tamed and wild animals. Here, we present a new method to identify tamed and wild juvenile brown bears (Ursus arctos) using retrospective isotope analysis of the femur. We used femurs from the nine bear cubs and the tibia from one domesticated dog excavated from the Nijibetsu Shuwan Kumaokuriba site, Hokkaido Islands, Japan (late 19th century–1939 AD). These bears were potentially tamed by indigenous Ainu people, and the domesticated dog was used as a reference of a tamed animal. We subdivided these bones into 10 sections along the growing axis, extracted collagen and measured the stable nitrogen isotope ratios (δ15N). The bone sections of the domesticated dog had constant δ15N values that were as high as that of salmon, suggesting that tamed animals exclusively consumed a marine diet fed to them by the Ainu. Notably, two of nine brown bear cubs showed a temporal elevation of δ15N to the similar isotope ratios of the dog tibia, which is unlikely to occur in the wild condition, strongly suggesting that they were tamed and fed by the Ainu people.
Meaning of home attenuates the relationship between functional limitations and active aging
Authors: Slaug Björn , Zingmark Magnus , Granbom Marianne , Björk Jonas , Rantanen Taina , Schmidt Steven M. , Iwarsson Susanne
Published: August 2024

Background and aims

Active aging is the process through which people strive to maintain wellbeing when growing old. Addressing the lack of research on active aging in the context of housing, the aim was to describe active aging among people aged 55 and older considering relocation and investigate whether perceived housing moderates the relationship between functional limitations and active aging.

Methods

We utilized cross-sectional data from a sub-sample (N = 820; mean age = 69.7; 54% women) of the Prospective RELOC-AGE. Functional limitations were reported using 10 dichotomous questions. Active aging was assessed with the University of Jyvaskyla Active Aging Scale (UJACAS; 17 items, self-rated for four perspectives). Perceived housing was self-rated with four usability questions and meaning of home (MOH; 28 items). Cross-sectional associations and interactions were analysed using linear regression models, adjusting for gender and educational level.

Results

Each functional limitation decreased the active aging score by almost five points (p < 0.001). Usability did not moderate that relationship while MOH significantly attenuated the association between functional limitations and active aging (p = 0.039). Those with high MOH had two points less decrease in active aging score compared to those with low MOH.

Discussion and conclusions

Having a home with more personal meaning attached to it seems to provide more ability and opportunity for meaningful activities, thus supporting active aging despite functional limitations. This sheds new light on the known association between MOH and different aspects of wellbeing in old age and has relevance for theory development, housing policies and housing counselling targeting younger older adults.
Latent-SDE: guiding stochastic differential equations in latent space for unpaired image-to-image translation
Authors: Zhang Xianjie , Li Min , He Yujie , Gou Yao , Zhang Yusen
Published: August 2024

Score-based diffusion models have shown promising results in unpaired image-to-image translation (I2I). However, the existing methods only perform unpaired I2I in pixel space, which requires high computation costs. To this end, we propose guiding stochastic differential equations in latent space (Latent-SDE) that extracts domain-specific and domain-independent features of the image in the latent space to calculate the loss and guides the inference process of a pretrained SDE in the latent space for unpaired I2I. To refine the image in the latent space, we propose a latent time-travel strategy that increases the sampling timestep. Empirically, we compare Latent-SDE to the baseline of the score-based diffusion model on three widely adopted unpaired I2I tasks under two metrics. Latent-SDE achieves state-of-the-art on Cat $$\rightarrow $$
→
Dog and is competitive on the other two tasks. Our code will be freely available for public use upon acceptance at https://github.com/zhangXJ147/Latent-SDE.
Sexual Orientation, Sexual Attraction, and Income
Authors: Carpenter Christopher S. , Martin Joshua C. , Shahid Hasan
Published: August 2024

We provide new evidence on sexual orientation, sexual attraction, and income using data from the 2015–2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). These data ask individuals about both orientation and attraction, allowing us to describe a sexual minority group that has been hidden in prior research: people who identify as heterosexual but who concurrently report some same-sex attraction. We show that this population is much larger than the sample of self-identified gay, lesbian, or bisexual people, and we show that relative to heterosexual people who report exclusively different-sex attraction, heterosexual people who report some same-sex attraction are younger, less likely to be married, and much more highly educated. We document that, controlling for observables, heterosexual men who report same-sex attraction experience robust and statistically significant employment and income penalties relative to heterosexual men who are exclusively different-sex attracted. These penalties are larger for non-Hispanic White men than for non-Hispanic Black men. We find no similar penalty for heterosexual women who report same-sex attraction. Our results indicate that prior research has overlooked one of the largest groups of sexual minorities—heterosexual people who report some same-sex attraction—who experience systematically different economic outcomes than heterosexual individuals who are exclusively different-sex attracted.
Eco-friendly freestanding superhydrophobic thin films and coatings for corrosion protection
Authors: Saleem Junaid , Moghal Zubair Khalid Baig , Fayyaz Osama , Nawaz Muddasir , Shakoor R. A. , McKay Gordon
Published: August 2024

Superhydrophobic surfaces and coatings have gained significant attention for their potential in anti-corrosion applications, yet they present several challenges. These coatings typically lack the flexibility to function as freestanding films, limiting their ease of application and removal. Additionally, existing techniques often involve complex chemical processes and utilize materials that are costly and environmentally hazardous. In this study, waste polyethylene is valorized to produce flexible superhydrophobic films and coatings with anticorrosive properties. The process employs thermally induced phase separation using a bio-solvent and spin-casting. The resulting films demonstrate dual functionality as both anti-corrosion coatings and freestanding films. The maximum contact angle of anticorrosive film was found to be 148o. The maximum charge transfer resistances Rct of carbon steel and polymer coated film were 0.184 and 173 kΩ.cm2, respectively. The electrochemical impedance spectrometry (EIS) shows a corrosion inhibition efficiency of 99.39%, which confirms the superior anticorrosive properties of the coating. Importantly, the use of waste polyethylene offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to conventional superhydrophobic coatings, contributing to the circular economy and reducing plastic waste. Overall, this study presents an alternate strategy to develop anticorrosive superhydrophobic films, providing a template for utilizing waste polyethylene in corrosion protection applications.

Graphical Abstract
Numerical Analysis of the Impact of Process Parameters on the Residual Stress of a Flat Composite Part
Authors: Zappino E. , Santori M. , Masia R. , Zobeiry N. , Petrolo M.
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a numerical approach to assess the influence of process parameters on a composite part’s mechanical properties. A one-dimensional thermochemical model is used to predict the curing progress of the resin during the curing cycle. Material properties are derived using the cure hardening instantaneous linear elastic model, and a refined one-dimensional model derived within the Carrera Unified Formulation framework is used to obtain accurate results concerning process-induced stresses. Various process parameters, such as the holding temperature and heating rate, are evaluated. The results show that some process parameters, such as the fiber volume fraction and holding temperature, significantly influence composite characteristics and process-induced stresses. It is also shown that modifications to curing cycles leading to reduced energy overhead may not affect performances.
Follicular Fluid Metabolomics: Tool for Predicting IVF Outcomes of Different Infertility Causes
Authors: Zhang Yijing , He Chenyan , He Yuedong , Zhu Zhongyi
Published: August 2024

Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples at child-bearing ages and assisted reproductive technologies (ART), especially in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET), provided infertile patients with an effective solution. The current paradox is that multiple embryo transfer that may leads to severe obstetric and perinatal complications seems to be the most valid measure to secure high success rate in the majority of clinic centers. Therefore, to avoid multiple transfer of embryos, it is urgent to explore biomarkers for IVF prognosis to select high-quality oocytes and embryos. Follicular fluid (FF), a typical biofluid constituted of the plasma effusion and granulosa-cell secretion, provides essential intracellular substances for oocytes maturation and its variation in composition reflects oocyte developmental competence and embryo viability. With the advances in metabolomics methodology, metabolomics, as an accurate and sensitive analyzing method, has been utilized to explore predictors in FF for ART success. Although FF metabolomics has provided a great possibility for screening markers with diagnostic and predictive value, its effectiveness is still doubted by some researchers. This may be resulted from the ignorance of the impact of sterility causes on the FF metabolomic profiles and thus its predictive ability might not be rightly illustrated. Therefore, in this review, we categorically demonstrate the study of FF metabolomics according to specific infertility causes, expecting to reveal the predicting value of metabolomics for IVF outcomes.
Psychological characteristics of environmental stakeholders and interactions in their social network
Authors: Przesdzink Felix , Sperling Nicol , Oswald Tom , Fiebelkorn Florian
Published: August 2024

This research explores the roles of (1) the stakeholder categories conservation association, land use association, public authority and research group, (2) Organizational Culture, operationalized by the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument; (3) Environmental Worldview, operationalized by the New Environmental Paradigm; and (4) Environmental Risk Perception, operationalized by the Myths of Physical Nature, in shaping the interactions in the social network of environmental stakeholders in the city and district of Osnabrück in Northwest Germany. First, the study examines the stakeholder categories (1), regarding the expression of the constructs (2), (3) and (4) among them. Second, all constructs (1), (2), (3) and (4) are examined regarding possible correlations with the presence of collaboration and conflict between stakeholders. Our analysis reveals that (1) Stakeholder Categories are significantly correlated with the presence of collaboration, but not of conflict. (2) A significant correlation between membership of a stakeholder category and the dominant manifestation of a particular organizational culture is present, while no correlation between Organizational Cultures and the presence of collaborations or conflicts could be found. Moreover, the study highlights (3) a generally pro-environmental orientation across stakeholders as captured by the New Environmental Paradigm (NEP), indicating a shared foundation for potential collaborative efforts. (4) Analysis of Environmental Risk Perception, through the Cultural Theory’s myths of physical nature, uncovers a widespread preference for the hierarchical myth, suggesting a common perception of environmental risks and resilience. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding psychological and social dimensions in environmental stakeholder management to enhance collaborative efforts towards sustainable development. It highlights the need for management approaches that acknowledge the complex interplay of diverse psychological constructs in driving effective and sustainable collaborations between stakeholders of regional land use, nature conservation, public authorities, academia and other sectors depending on the context. Through its insights into stakeholder interactions, this research contributes to the broader discourse on achieving sustainable development goals through informed, cooperative stakeholder engagement.
The transition to a circular economy: different paths for international and non-international micro-manufacturing firms
Authors: Ahmadov Tarlan , Foli Samuel , Durst Susanne , Gerstlberger Wolfgang
Published: August 2024

This article examines how environmental awareness, stakeholder pressure, circular economy orientation and internal barriers influence circular economy practices in international and non-international micro-firms. For this, we utilised fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) using data from 128 micro firms operating in different manufacturing industries in Estonia. Three paths were identified for explaining circular economy practices in internationally operating micro-firms and two paths for explaining it in micro-firms that do not operate internationally. Our results show that understanding the impact of the four before-mentioned aspects can be beneficial for engaging in circular economy efforts in both international and non-international micro-firms. The intricate five pathways (three for international and two for non-international) through which environmental awareness, stakeholder pressure, circular economy orientation, and internal barriers shape circular economy practices in micro-firms, challenging conventional understandings and offering nuanced insights for effective engagement in sustainable business practices. Based on the findings, theoretical and practical implications of this study and directions for future research are discussed.
Removal of acid red dye 1 from textile wastewater by heterogenous photocatalytic ozonation employing titanium dioxide and iron zeolite
Authors: Raashid Muhammad , Kazmi Mohsin , Ikhlaq Amir , Sulaiman Muhammad , Akram Adeela , Afaf Aliha , Shafaqat Sidra , Masood Zafar , Zafar Abdul Mannan , Al-Farraj Saleh , Sillanpää Mika
Published: August 2024

Clean water is a necessity for all life to survive and flourish. However, natural waters are being continuously contaminated due to the release of waste streams in water. Hence, it is important to remove pollutants from wastewater to fulfill human needs. Conventional treatment methods are neither efficient nor economical for wastewaters that especially contain refractory toxic pollutants. This requires novel techniques like Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), that may successfully degrade persistent micropollutants more efficiently. In this study, an azo dye Acid Red 1 was removed by three AOPs, namely Photocatalytic oxidation, Ozonation and Photocatalytic Ozonation, by employing heterogenous catalysts. TiO2 was used as photocatalyst, whereas Fe-Zeolite has been further added as Ozonation catalyst. The study revealed that photocatalysis degraded only 28% Acid red dye after 15 min, whereas for ozonation, the degradation percentage was 95% in same time. In combined photocatalytic ozonation process using TiO2, 95% degradation was achieved in just 9 min and treatment time further reduced to 5 min when Fe-zeolite was added. Optimization studies for initial concentration, UV intensity and catalyst loading were performed. Finally, rate constants and Electrical Energy per Order (EEO) values were determined for all AOPs, and mechanism was proposed.
Brief report: assessment of barriers to mental health services among caregivers of children with rare disease
Authors: Hager Kim , Calderon Maria Martinez , Rothschild Allison W. , Luiselli James K.
Published: August 2024

Background

Caregivers of children with rare disease experience obstacles to securing medical care including mental health treatment services. The question posed in this study was whether barriers to accessing mental health treatment services reported by caregivers of children with rare disease differed from caregivers of children with common medical and mental health conditions, and children with mental health conditions alone.

Method

An online survey combining both quantitative and qualitative outcome measures was distributed to caregivers (n = 305) who were biological, step, foster, and adoptive parents of 374 children under 18-years-old residing at home in the United States.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences among the caregiver groups concerning barriers to accessing mental health services based on quantified measures from the Barriers to Treatment Participation Scale. Statistically significant main and interaction effects were found on three scale items (scheduling appointments, life stress, understanding treatment). Qualitative responses among caregivers of children with rare disease emphasized difficulty finding mental health treatment, lack of competent professionals, financial burden, and problems with insurance coverage.

Conclusion

Despite non-significant findings, several implications for families of children with rare disease are noted, namely having access to knowledgeable and experienced practitioners, making in-home services available, integrating disciplines at outpatient settings, and overcoming the costs of mental health treatment to the care required for complex medical conditions.
Quality over quantity? The role of data quality and uncertainty for AI in surgery
Authors: Jogan Matjaž , Kurada Sruthi , Vasisht Shubha , Singh Vivek , Hashimoto Daniel A.
Published: August 2024

Surgical Data Science is an emerging scientific discipline that applies advances in data science, machine learning and AI to harness the increasingly large amounts of surgical data to enable AI in surgery [1–4]. Data collection for AI solutions involves both ingestion of contingent data (in case of surgery—medical records, case data, instrument data, medical images, data from OR sensors and surgical video), as well as intentionally collected annotations and expert opinion describing the data. This organized knowledge is then used to train AI models that ultimately generate predictions based on the available training data. Historically, the data science workflow starts with organizing a clean and consistent dataset, with the mantra GIGO—garbage in, garbage out—emphasizing that the quality of the model output is directly related to the quality of data. In surgery, as in healthcare in general, this is not an easy goal to achieve due to the complex logistics of data collection, missing and incomplete data, human error, the lack of measurement standards, as well as subjective differences in data interpretation. In this article, we look at surgical AI from this particular perspective of data quality and uncertainty. We highlight a few topics of which hospitals, surgeons and research teams need to be aware when collecting data for AI that will provide actionable outputs in clinical and educational settings.
Multi-objective Approach for Dynamic Economic Emission Dispatch Problem Considering Power System Reliability and Transmission Loss Prediction Using Cascaded Forward Neural Network
Authors: Nagulsamy Nalini , Chandrasekaran Kumar , Manoharan Premkumar , Derebew Bizuwork
Published: August 2024

This study addresses the significant problem of Dynamic Economic Emission Dispatch (DEED), a critical consideration in power systems from both economic and environmental protection viewpoints. Reliability stands as another vital facet, impacting maintenance and operation perspectives. The integration of Artificial Neural Network (ANN)-based transmission loss prediction into the DEED model is also essential to address specific limitations and enhance the overall performance of the dispatch process. Traditionally, the DEED model relies on a single B-loss coefficient to estimate transmission losses. While this approach simplifies calculations, it fails to account for the significant variations in demand that occur throughout the dispatch period and it leads to inaccuracies in loss prediction, especially in dynamic environments. Using a single coefficient, the model cannot adequately capture the complex, non-linear relationships between power generation, load, and transmission losses under different operating conditions. To overcome this limitation, this study introduces an ANN-based loss prediction method integrated into the DEED model and uses trained ANN to replace the process of finding B-loss coefficients during each dispatch period. This paper also introduces a strategy leveraging the multi-objective northern goshawk optimizer algorithm, characterized by a non-dominated sorting and crowding distance mechanism, to enhance DEED considerations incorporating reliability (DEEDR). This novel algorithm improves the solution space effectively, maintains high population diversity and enables an even distribution of individuals sharing the same rank in the objective space. The fundamental objective of this study is to balance fuel cost, emission, and system reliability in power system operations. Compared with a few existing multi-objective optimization algorithms, this study demonstrates superior performance in generating a series of non-dominated solutions. The experimental results highlight its competitive and potential as an efficient tool in the DEED and DEEDR problems, promising a synergistic coordination of economy, environmental protection, and system reliability benefits in power system management.
Evaluating annual thermal discomfort time ratio of indoor occupants caused by solar radiation using a novel model
Authors: Xiang Xingchao , He Yingdong , Li Nianping
Published: August 2024

Thermal comfort of indoor occupants exposed to solar radiation is receiving widespread attention. Researchers have proposed many models to predict solar radiation and related indexes are used to evaluate thermal comfort. However, there are some limitations in the existing solar radiation models and evaluation indexes, such as only applying to sunny weather and requiring intensive modeling work. This study adopts a mathematical model called the improved HNU Solar Model and proposes a new evaluation index called the annual thermal discomfort time ratio by solar radiation (ratiotd, solar) to evaluate thermal comfort of indoor occupants exposed to solar radiation. The effects of different window parameters, i.e. window direction, window transmittance (Tsol) and window-to-wall ratio (WWR) on ratiotd, solar were also analyzed. The results show that the indoor area less than 2.0 m away from the window is easy to have solar discomfort. And for every 0.1 reduction in WWR, the average values of the four directions are reduced by 3% to 4%; and for every 0.1 reduction in Tsol, the ratiotd, solar values of four window directions are reduced by 4% to 6%. This study provides references for evaluating and optimizing the window design to create thermally comfortable environments for indoor occupants.
Lithium niobate/lithium tantalate single-crystal thin films for post-moore era chip applications
Authors: Zhu Yixin , Wan Qing
Published: August 2024

Lithium niobate (LiNbO3) and lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) are a class of multifunctional materials with excellent piezoelectric/ferroelectric, electro-optic, and nonlinear optical properties, which have wide applications in high-performance radio frequency filters, optical communications, integrated photonics, quantum information, and other fields. With the advent of the post-Moore era of integrated circuit technology, LiNbO3/LiTaO3 thin-film also shows great potential and advantages in new concept chip applications. High-quality single-crystal thin films lay the foundation for high-performance radio frequency, optoelectronic, and quantum devices and their integration. This review first introduces the main characteristics of LiNbO3/LiTaO3 single-crystal thin films, such as ferroelectricity, piezoelectricity, electro-optic effect and nonlinear optical effect, then introduces the preparation methods of LiNbO3/LiTaO3 single-crystal thin films represented by smart-cut and their application progress in different fields such as waveguides, modulators, laterally excited bulk acoustic wave resonators, and quantum devices. The application prospects and challenges of LiNbO3/LiTaO3 single-crystal thin films in post-Moore era chips are also discussed in this article, aiming to provide valuable references for their development and application.
Mechanical response and stress equation of pressure pipe liner passing across circular corrosion
Authors: Zhai Kejie , Wang Kaidong , Hu Deqiang , Fang Hongyuan , Wang Niannian , Li Bin , Sun Mingming , Du Xueming , Xue Binghan
Published: August 2024

Corrosion is one of the most common forms of damage to pressure pipes. CIPP liner can improve the mechanical properties of the pipe with corrosion. It is very important to study the mechanical response of corrosion pipes rehabilitated by CIPP liner. In this study, a three-dimensional finite element model of a pressure pipe rehabilitated with CIPP liner under the condition of circular corrosion is established, and the model is evaluated by using the experimental and analytical results. Afterward, the influence of each parameter on the stress and displacement of the liner is analyzed. Finally, the liner stress calculation equation is obtained based on 870 sets of data. The results show that the finite element results are in good agreement with the experimental and analytical results. The maximum stress of the liner first occurs at the center of the corroded circle, and as the corrosion diameter increases, the maximum stress gradually shifts to the edge. The maximum stress of the liner increases first and then tends to be stable with the increase of the corrosion diameter, and the friction coefficient has little effect on the liner stress.
The value of viscoelastic platelet function measurements with Sonoclot in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Fathelbab Hany Tawfik , Abdelghany Mahmoud Mohamed , Rizk Amal Foad , Shawky Mohamed Ashraf
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Platelets play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and adequate platelet inhibition is a cornerstone during invasive management with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Despite this, pivotal role routine measurement of platelet function is not done. We aimed at using the using the Sonoclot device for measuring platelet activity and predicting outcome in patients with ACS undergoing PCI.

Methods

This was a cohort longitudinal study involving 50 patients who were admitted with ACS and undergoing emergent PCI in the critical care department at Cairo University from November 2020 to July 2021. Three parameters will be obtained: platelet function, ACT, and coagulation rate.

Results

According to the 1st parameter (platelet function), adequate platelet inhibition was achieved in 54% of our cases. To study the impact of this analysis, our population was classified into 2 groups (well-inhibited platelets vs. poorly inhibited platelets). The 2nd and 3rd parameters (ACT, CR) could separate our patients into 2 groups according to whether patients were well anticoagulated or not. Classification 1, well vs. poorly inhibited platelets, both groups were comparable. However, epicardial coronary flow (TIMI flow) and myocardial blush grade post-stenting were better in the well-inhibited platelets group. Classification 2, well vs. poor anticoagulation, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups.

Conclusion

Adequate platelet inhibition as measured by Sonoclot device can predict better outcomes in patients with ACS undergoing PCI.
The clinical usefulness of guideline-based strategies with and without the role of nonspecific symptoms to predict urinary tract infections in nursing homes: a decision curve analysis
Authors: Kuil Sacha , de Jong Menno , Schneeberger Caroline , van Leth Frank
Published: August 2024

Objective:

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical value of urinary tract infections (UTIs) guideline algorithms and the role of nonspecific symptoms to support clinical decision-making in nursing home residents.

Design:

In a preplanned secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study including nursing home residents with a presumed UTI, 2 prediction models were used in a decision curve analysis (DCA): (1) guideline-based and (2) extended: nonspecific symptom(s) added to the guideline model. The stringent outcome definition for “true UTIs” included symptom improvement during adequate antimicrobial therapy, based on susceptibility test results. The outcome of a DCA is the Net Benefit to quantify the performance of the prediction models, visualized in a decision curve.

Setting:

Dutch nursing homes (n = 13).

Patients:

Nursing home residents with a presumed UTI.

Results:

Of the 180 residents with a presumed UTI, 43 fulfilled the definition of “true UTI” (23.9%). The Net Benefit of the guideline-based model was low and the corresponding threshold range was small (21%–28%). The extended model improved the prediction of UTIs. However, the clinical usefulness of the extended model was still limited to a small threshold range (10%–28%).

Conclusions:

The clinical usefulness of the current guideline-based algorithm to diagnose UTI in nursing home residents seems limited, and adding nonspecific symptoms does not further improve decision-making due to the small threshold probability. Given the poor performance of the guideline-based model, refinement of the guidelines may be required.

Trial registry:

Dutch trial registry: NTR6467; date of first registration, 25/05/2017.
Field of Education and Political Behavior: Predicting GAL/TAN Voting
Authors: HOOGHE LIESBET , MARKS GARY , KAMPHORST JONNE
Published: August 2024

Education is perhaps the most generally used independent variable in the fields of public opinion and vote choice. Yet the extent to which a person is educated is just one way in which education may affect political beliefs and behavior. In this article, we suggest that the substantive field of education has an independent and important role to play over and above level. Using cross-national evidence for 15 European countries we find that a person’s field of education is robustly significant and substantively strong in predicting voting for GAL and TAN parties that have transformed European party systems. Analysis of panel data suggests that the effect of educational field results from self-selection, a direct effect during education, and a post-education effect in occupation.
A Turn Against Empire: Benito Juárez’s Liberal Rejoinder to the French Intervention in Mexico
Authors: LONG TOM , SCHULZ CARSTEN-ANDREAS
Published: August 2024

In the mid-nineteenth century—even as many European liberals took a “turn to empire”—Mexican President Benito Juárez and his supporters enunciated an anti-imperial, liberal vision for international politics. In the context of the French intervention, Mexican liberals rejected claims that Europe’s material progress conferred upon the continent a “civilizing mission” vis-à-vis the rest of the world. Reconfiguring liberal and republican scripts, juaristas proposed an order legitimated by popular sovereignty and based on equality among states, non-intervention, and republican fraternity. This article situates juarista liberal internationalism in its historical context and in light of recent debates over liberalism’s longstanding entanglements with empire. By uncovering this overlooked strand of anti-imperial liberalism from the periphery, this article helps to decenter debates on liberal political thought and liberalism’s international implications. The juaristas’ rejoinder, we argue, should be integral to constructing a more pluralist and global understanding of the lineages of liberal internationalism.
Function of maxillipeds and first oostegites in bopyrid isopods inferred from behavioural observations of Bopyrus crangorum infesting Palaemon serrifer
Authors: Burgos Lorelie A. , Itani Gyo
Published: August 2024

The morphology of female bopyrids is adapted to parasitism, but understanding the function of their thoracic and mouth appendages is hindered by their small size and cryptic lifestyle, limiting detailed examination. This study aimed to clarify the function of the first oostegites and maxillipeds in bopyrid isopods infesting the branchial chamber of caridean shrimp through behavioural observations and morphological examination. We tested whether the movement of these structures was exclusive to ovigerous female parasites during brood ventilation. The results revealed that the beating of the maxillipeds and flapping of the first oostegites were not restricted to ovigerous females. However, the frequency of these movements was significantly higher in ovigerous females than in non-ovigerous females. The frequency of maxilliped beating increased with embryonic development, whereas that of flapping the first oostegites exhibited the opposite trend. Microscopic observation using dye showed that the movements of the maxillipeds and the first oostegites expelled residual dye from the female brood chamber through the dorsal surface or beneath the first oostegites. The dye was then transported by the water current generated by the scaphognathite of the host shrimp. These findings suggest that these structures not only facilitate ventilation but also serve as a grooming mechanism for female parasites, which is critical for embryonic survival. The results of the present study represent the first observation of embryo grooming in bopyrid isopods. This study also provides new information on the functional morphology of bopyrid isopods, which is important for understanding their ecological dynamics and adaptation to parasitism.
Measuring Clear‐Air Vertical Motions From Space
Authors: Poujol Basile , Bony Sandrine
Published: August 2024

Measuring vertical velocity in the atmosphere has long been a challenge due to its small magnitude. Taking advantage of the modulation of free tropospheric relative humidity by vertical motions, we derive analytical relationships that allow us to retrieve vertical motions in clear air from geostationary measurements of brightness temperature in the infrared absorption band of water vapor. The new observations have a resolution of 1 hr and 2 km in time and space, respectively. They capture the variability of mesoscale and large‐scale vertical velocity measured during field campaigns. In the mid‐troposphere, clear‐sky vertical motions are mostly subsiding but highly heterogeneous in space and time. Around organized deep convective systems, strong subsidence (>500 hPa·day−1) is observed within a distance of a few hundred kilometers. In contrast, transient upward motions of up to 100 hPa·day−1 can occur at the mesoscale. Vertical motions in the clear‐sky atmosphere appear to be primarily associated with buoyancy and gravity waves at the mesoscale, and with radiative cooling and equatorial waves at larger spatial scales. This new retrieval reveals a rich range of dynamical features that were previously invisible, thus shedding new light on tropical meteorology.
Evidence of Secondary Bedform Controls on River Dune Migration
Authors: Zomer J. Y. , Hoitink A. J. F.
Published: August 2024

In rivers worldwide, multiple scales of dunes coexist. It is unknown how the larger, primary dunes interact with secondary bedforms that are superimposed. We test the hypothesis that streamwise variability in the sediment flux inferred from the downstream migration of secondary bedforms explains migration of the host dune, based on bathymetric data from a lowland, sand‐bedded river. Results indicate that transport estimated from secondary bedform migration increases along the host dune stoss, eroding the stoss slope. When the superimposed bedforms disintegrate at the primary lee slopes, results indicate that all sediment transport associated to secondary bedform migration is arrested in the lee of the host dune, explaining migration of the host dune. When secondary dunes persist however, only part of the sediments transport linked to secondary dunes contributes to the migration of the host dune. This study gives novel insight into the fundamental mechanisms controlling the kinematics of compound dunes.
Cold Waves Accelerate the Spread of Infectious Diseases
Authors: Lian Xinbo , Huang Jianping , Li Han , Yan Wei , Zhao Yingjie , Wang Rui
Published: August 2024

Climate change is creating a new era of infectious disease crises, further exacerbated by extreme weather. However, the relationship between extreme weather and infectious disease remain unclear. Here, we provide a new quantitative study on the impact of cold wave on COVID‐19 as an example. We found that during cold waves, extreme cold temperatures coupled with rapid aerosol transport accelerated COVID‐19 outbreaks. It directly increased the number of COVID‐19 cases in Beijing by 28.1% in the winter of year 2022. More urgently, cold temperatures led to a higher risk of death during infectious disease outbreaks, with a 7.07% increase in confirmed deaths and a 16.61% increase in excess mortality. Our findings emphasize the urgent need to promote a synergistic policy for responding to infectious diseases during cold wave disasters in order to minimize the risk of death among the elderly and those with underlying diseases.
A Mechanism for Ice Layer Formation in Glacial Firn
Authors: Shadab Mohammad Afzal , Adhikari Surendra , Rutishauser Anja , Grima Cyril , Hesse Marc Andre
Published: August 2024

There is ample evidence for ice layers and lenses within glacial firn. The standard model for ice layer formation localizes the refreezing by perching of meltwater on pre‐existing discontinuities. Here we argue that even extreme melting events provide insufficient flux for this mechanism. Using a thermomechanical model we demonstrate a different mechanism of ice layer formation. After a melting event when the drying front catches up with the wetting front and arrests melt percolation, conductive heat loss freezes the remaining melt in place to form an ice layer. This model reproduces the depth of a new ice layer at the Dye‐2 site in Greenland. It provides a deeper insight into the interpretation of firn stratigraphy and past climate variability. It also improves the simulation of firn densification processes, a key source of uncertainty in assessing and attributing ice sheet mass balance based on satellite altimetry and gravimetry data.
Evidence of Ecosystem Tipping Point on St. Lawrence Island: Widespread Lake Drainage Events After 2018
Authors: Liu Aobo , Cheng Xiao , Wang Chengxin , Chen Yating
Published: August 2024

Influenced by climate change, numerous lakes in permafrost regions are draining, showing significant spatial variability. This study focuses on St. Lawrence Island, where over the last two decades, 771 of 3,271 lakes have drained—a rate around 40 times higher than across the entire northern permafrost region. The surge in lake drainage began in 2018, coinciding with record low sea ice extent in the Bering Sea and unprecedented bird mortalities. Using satellite imagery and machine learning methods, we analyzed drainage events to identify the climatic drivers and potential climate thresholds affecting the island's lake ecosystems. Our findings indicate that autumn peak temperatures above 6°C more than triple the drainage probability, and warming‐induced permafrost thawing may be the direct driver of lake drainage. This research highlights the vulnerability of Arctic lake ecosystems to climate change and assists in developing predictive models for permafrost response, crucial for mitigating impacts on Arctic communities.
Unique expression and critical role of metallothionein 3 in the control of osteoclastogenesis and osteoporosis
Authors: Mo Shenzheng , Kim Min Kyung , Jang Ji Sun , Lee Seung Hye , Hong Seo Jin , Jung Suhan , Kim Hong-Hee
Published: August 2024

Bone homeostasis is maintained by an intricate balance between osteoclasts and osteoblasts, which becomes disturbed in osteoporosis. Metallothioneins (MTs) are major contributors in cellular zinc regulation. However, the role of MTs in bone cell regulation has remained unexplored. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis discovered that, unlike the expression of other MT members, the expression of MT3 was unique to osteoclasts among various macrophage populations and was highly upregulated during osteoclast differentiation. This unique MT3 upregulation was validated experimentally and supported by ATAC sequencing data analyses. Downregulation of MT3 by gene knockdown or knockout resulted in excessive osteoclastogenesis and exacerbated bone loss in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis. Transcriptome sequencing of MT3 knockdown osteoclasts and gene set enrichment analysis indicated that the oxidative stress and redox pathways were enriched, which was verified by MT3-dependent regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, MT3 deficiency increased the transcriptional activity of SP1 in a manner dependent on intracellular zinc levels. This MT3-zinc-SP1 axis was crucial for the control of osteoclasts, as zinc chelation and SP1 knockdown abrogated the promotion of SP1 activity and osteoclastogenesis by MT3 deletion. Moreover, SP1 bound to the NFATc1 promoter, and overexpression of an inactive SP1 mutant negated the effects of MT3 deletion on NFATc1 and osteoclastogenesis. In conclusion, MT3 plays a pivotal role in controlling osteoclastogenesis and bone metabolism via dual axes involving ROS and SP1. The present study demonstrated that MT3 elevation is a potential therapeutic strategy for osteolytic bone disorders, and it established for the first time that MT3 is a crucial bone mass regulator.
A data-driven approach to identifying PFAS water sampling priorities in Colorado, United States
Authors: Barton Kelsey E. , Anthamatten Peter J. , Adgate John L. , McKenzie Lisa M. , Starling Anne P. , Berg Kevin , Murphy Robert C. , Richardson Kristy
Published: August 2024

Background

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of environmentally and biologically persistent chemicals, have been used across many industries since the middle of the 20th century. Some PFAS have been linked to adverse health effects.

Objective

Our objective was to incorporate known and potential PFAS sources, physical characteristics of the environment, and existing PFAS water sampling results into a PFAS risk prediction map that may be used to develop a PFAS water sampling prioritization plan for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

Methods

We used random forest classification to develop a predictive surface of potential groundwater contamination from two PFAS, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA). The model predicted PFAS risk at locations without sampling data into one of three risk categories after being “trained” with existing PFAS water sampling data. We used prediction results, variable importance ranking, and population characteristics to develop recommendations for sampling prioritization.

Results

Sensitivity and precision ranged from 58% to 90% in the final models, depending on the risk category. The model and prioritization approach identified private wells in specific census blocks, as well as schools, mobile home parks, and public water systems that rely on groundwater as priority sampling locations. We also identified data gaps including areas of the state with limited sampling and potential source types that need further investigation.

Impact statement

This work uses random forest classification to predict the risk of groundwater contamination from two per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across the state of Colorado, United States. We developed the prediction model using data on known and potential PFAS sources and physical characteristics of the environment, and “trained” the model using existing PFAS water sampling results. This data-driven approach identifies opportunities for PFAS water sampling prioritization as well as information gaps that, if filled, could improve model predictions. This work provides decision-makers information to effectively use limited resources towards protection of populations most susceptible to the impacts of PFAS exposure.