bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal changes of the femoral bone mineral density from first to third trimester of pregnancy: bone health assessment by means of non-ionizing REMS technology
Authors: Ramirez Zegarra Ruben , Degennaro Valentina , Brandi Maria Luisa , Cagninelli Greta , Casciaro Sergio , Celora Gabriella , Conversano Francesco , Lombardi Fiorella A. , Pisani Paola , Ghi Tullio
Published: February 2024

Background

Throughout the pregnancy, there is a substantial transfer of calcium from the maternal skeleton to the fetus, which leads to a transient net reduction of the maternal bone mineral density.

Aims

To assess longitudinally the changes in the bone mineral density at the femoral neck between the first and third trimester of pregnancy in a cohort of healthy participants using Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (REMS) technology.

Methods

Prospective, cohort study conducted at the University hospital of Parma, Italy between July 2022 and February 2023. We recruited healthy participants with an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy before 14 completed weeks of gestation. All included participants were submitted to a sonographic examination of the femoral neck to assess the bone mineral density (and the corresponding Z-score values) using REMS at 11–13 and 36–38 weeks of pregnancy. The primary outcome was the change in the bone mineral density values at the maternal femoral neck between the first and third trimester of pregnancy.

Results

Over a period of 7 months, a total of 65 participants underwent bone mineral density measurement at the femoral neck at first and third trimester of the pregnancy using REMS. A significant reduction of the bone mineral density at the femoral neck (0.723 ± 0.069 vs 0.709 ± 0.069 g/cm2; p < 0.001) was noted with a mean bone mineral density change of − 1.9 ± 0.6% between the first and third trimester of pregnancy. At multivariable linear regression analysis, none of the demographic or clinical variables of the study population proved to be independently associated with the maternal bone mineral density changes at the femoral neck.

Conclusions

Our study conducted on a cohort of healthy participants with uncomplicated pregnancy demonstrates that there is a significant reduction of bone mineral density at femoral neck from early to late gestation.
Gender Differences in Early Child Development: Evidence from Large-Scale Studies of Very Young Children in Nine Countries
Authors: Bando Rosangela , Lopez-Boo Florencia , Fernald Lia , Gertler Paul , Reynolds Sarah
Published: February 2024

Some evidence suggests that there are significant gender gaps in early child development in low- and middle-income countries, with girls generally outperforming boys. However, few studies have tested for the existence of such gaps at a large scale. Our objective is to examine gender disparities in early child development in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Nicaragua, Peru, Senegal, and Uruguay, with 26,055 children aged 7 to 48 months. We estimate gaps using cross-sectional studies with language, socioemotional, and motor skills development assessments. Consistent with small-sample findings, the data shows girls consistently outperformed boys on language tests (0.14 standard deviations) and socioemotional development (0.17 standard deviations), with differences consistent across all nine countries. There were no systematic differences by gender for motor development. We explored how family characteristics, health investments, or parent–child interactions influenced the gap. We did not find evidence that variation on these characteristics across children explained the gap. Our findings suggest that gender gaps in language and socioemotional development emerge very early in life.
Environmental implications of residual pyrogenic carbonaceous materials from incomplete biomass combustion: a review
Authors: Chang Zhaofeng , Shen Guofeng , Jiang Ke , Huang Wenxuan , Zhao Jinfeng , Luo Zhihan , Men Yatai , Xing Ran , Zhao Nan , Pan Bo , Xing Baoshan , Tao Shu
Published: February 2024

Incomplete biomass burning produces considerable amounts of pyrogenic carbonaceous materials (PCMs), which are widely distributed in environmental matrices. Those PCMs undergo different environmental processes and consequently have non-negligible impacts on the global carbon cycle, ecological functions and environmental security. This review provided a comprehensive review of qualitative and quantitative methods, carbon sequestration capabilities and other ecosystem functions of PCMs. In addition, the generation mechanism and environmental health risks of emerging contaminants, especially persistent free radicals (EPFRs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with PCMs were discussed. The results showed that the coexisting kerogen and coal may interfere with PCMs quantification, and that estimates of PCMs pools vary significantly due to methodological differences, natural variability and limited spatial coverage. The input of PCMs into soils increased soil carbon sequestration through direct carbon contribution and indirect negative priming effect on native SOC. In addition, PCMs can improve soil structure and properties and immobilize/degrade pollutants, which is conducive to the restoration of soil ecology. However, various contaminants associated with PCMs may threaten ecological safety, and thus their formation mechanisms and toxicological pathway to living organisms need to be further investigated. The development of standards for PCMs identification and quantification, application protocols of PCMs in pilot scale, and assessing the effects of PCMs on soil health deserve extended studies.
The TKT Course Training Activities
Authors: Welling Joanne
Published: February 2024

This is 'the' teacher training course for teachers and trainee teachers preparing for the Cambridge ESOL Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) Modules 1, 2 and 3 or other initial teacher training qualifications.

The TKT Course Training Activities CD-ROM contains 30 specially designed teacher training activities in convenient PDF format. It can be used on its own or with the TKT Course Modules 1, 2 and 3 Second Edition book. Tackling each of the three core TKT modules in turn, these activities will help a teacher trainer bring the syllabus of the TKT to life. Ideal for use in TKT preparation, as well as general teacher training courses.
Real News about the News
Authors: Newton Kenneth
Published: February 2024

What role does the media play in British politics? There is growing concern that the media environment is biased, and that online news and social media spread fake news, conspiracy theories, propaganda, and foreign interference. Examining TV, radio, newspapers and the internet, Kenneth Newton unravels the real effects of the mainstream and alternative news media. With abundant evidence, Newton demonstrates that, contrary to popular belief: newspapers neither win nor lose elections; nor set election agendas; most citizens have a fairly mixed news diet and do not inhabit echo-chambers; social media influences on political attitudes are generally small and actually expand the range of news people get; impartial and reliable public service news still provides the bulk of the nation's news diet. Evidence shows that the main media effects on political attitudes and behaviour are positive and inform and mobilise citizens rather than influencing their voting choice.
Foundations of Taxation Law
Authors: Barkoczy Stephen
Published: February 2024

Foundations of Taxation Law provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to the policy, principles and practice that underpin the Australian taxation system. Designed as a guide for law and business students as well as tax practitioners, the text blends policy issues, taxation theory, black letter law and commercial practice into a succinct general principles text. Topics are presented in a logical and structured order and are cross-referenced to specific provisions in the legislation and relevant cases so that readers are able to easily find the source of the law. The text includes approximately 400 examples and dozens of diagrams and tables that condense the law and help clarify difficult concepts. This edition contains expanded technical and policy discussion of several areas of law. It has been substantially revised and restructured to take account of the many important legislative reforms, case law developments and announcements that have occurred over the last 24 months.
Mapping the Ophiocordyceps sinensis value chain: actors, profits and social institutions in south-west China
Authors: Fan Ben , He Jun
Published: February 2024

Commercial use of wildlife is booming. However, knowledge of trade, price structure and benefit distribution mechanisms remain limited for many endemic, threatened and economically valuable species, impeding efforts to develop conservation intervention schemes in line with sustainable objectives. We illustrate the nature of commercialization of the caterpillar fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis, collected in a high-altitude Tibetan region. Using the value-chain approach, we document how caterpillar fungus is collected in a remote mountainous region and traded across a wide range of middlemen until it finally reaches high-end markets in urban centres. Mapping the caterpillar fungus value chain helps identify the actors involved and the social institutions (i.e. the rules, norms and arrangements that shape people's behaviours) facilitating access to markets and influencing profit distribution and price structure. We present the complex dynamics of this commercialization process, providing a holistic value-chain analysis that encompasses actors, profits and institutions.
The Influence of Future Changes in Tidal Range, Storm Surge, and Mean Sea Level on the Emergence of Chronic Flooding
Authors: Hague Ben S. , Talke Stefan. A.
Published: February 2024

Sea‐level rise is leading to increasingly frequent coastal floods globally. Recent research shows that changes in tidal properties and storm surge magnitudes can further exacerbate sea‐level rise‐related increases in flood frequencies. However, such non‐stationarity in tide and storm surge statistics are largely neglected in existing coastal flood projection methodologies. Here we develop a framework to explore the effect that different realizations of various sources of uncertainty have on projections of coastal flood frequencies, including changes in tidal range and storminess. Our projection methodology captures how observed flood rates depend on how storm surges coincide with tidal extremes. We show that higher flood rates and earlier emergence of chronic flooding are associated with larger sea‐level rise rates, lower flood thresholds, and increases in tidal range and skew surge magnitudes. Smaller sea‐level rise rates, higher flood thresholds and decreases in sea level variability lead to commensurately lower flood rates. Percentagewise, changes in tidal amplitudes generally have a much larger impact on flood frequencies than equivalent percentagewise changes in storm surge magnitudes. We explore several implications of these findings. Firstly, understanding future local changes in storm surges and tides is required to fully quantify future flood hazards. Secondly, existing hazard assessments may underestimate future flood rates as changes in tides are not considered. Finally, identifying the flood frequencies and severities relevant to local coastal managers is imperative to develop useable and policy‐relevant projections for decisionmakers.
Overriding Plate Thickness as a Controlling Factor for Trench Retreat Rates in Narrow Subduction Zones
Authors: Gea Pedro J. , Mancilla Flor de Lis , Negredo Ana M. , van Hunen Jeroen
Published: February 2024

Slab width is a significant factor in controlling subduction zone dynamics, particularly the retreat velocities, which tend to decrease with wider slabs. However, observations of natural narrow subduction zones reveal no correlation between slab width and trench velocities. This suggests that other factors may exert a greater influence. In this study, we employ 3D numerical subduction models to systematically assess the impact of slab width, strength of slab coupling to the lateral plate (LP), and overriding plate (OP) thickness on trench kinematics and geometry. Our models focus on narrow slabs (400–1,200 km), and the results demonstrate that, in the case of narrow subduction zones, the slab width has little effect on trench migration rates and the viscous coupling at the lateral slab edge is only important for very narrow subduction zones (≤800 km). Conversely, the OP thickness emerges as a crucial factor, with increasing plate thickness leading to a strong decrease in trench velocities. These findings provide an explanation for the observed trench velocities in natural narrow subduction zones, where an inverse relationship with OP thickness is evident. Furthermore, our study reveals that not only slab width, but also the OP thickness and the slab coupling to the LP, significantly influence trench geometry. Strong lateral coupling promotes the formation of concave trench geometries, while thick overriding plates favor the development of “w”‐shaped geometries. Overall, a comprehensive understanding of subduction processes necessitates considering the interplay between slab width, OP thickness, and slab coupling to the LP.
Trustworthy Satellite Earth Observations for Science and Society
Authors: Niro Fabrizio , Cosh Michael , Nickeson Jaime
Published: February 2024

Enhancing confidence in satellite observations of terrestrial properties like land surface temperature and soil moisture requires advances in validation and data quality assessment practices.
Social isolation and aggression training lead to escalated aggression and hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis hyperfunction in mice
Authors: Oliveira Vinícius Elias de Moura , Evrard Florence , Faure Melanie C. , Bakker Julie
Published: February 2024

Although the participation of sex hormones and sex hormone-responsive neurons in aggressive behavior has been extensively studied, the role of other systems within the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis remains elusive. Here we assessed how the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and kisspeptin systems are impacted by escalated aggression in male mice. We used a combination of social isolation and aggression training (IST) to exacerbate mice’s aggressive behavior. Next, low-aggressive (group-housed, GH) and highly aggressive (IST) mice were compared regarding neuronal activity in the target populations and hormonal levels, using immunohistochemistry and ELISA, respectively. Finally, we used pharmacological and viral approaches to manipulate neuropeptide signaling and expression, subsequently evaluating its effects on behavior. IST mice exhibited enhanced aggressive behavior compared to GH controls, which was accompanied by elevated neuronal activity in GnRH neurons and arcuate nucleus kisspeptin neurons. Remarkably, IST mice presented an increased number of kisspeptin neurons in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV). In addition, IST mice exhibited elevated levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) in serum. Accordingly, activation and blockade of GnRH receptors (GnRHR) exacerbated and reduced aggression, respectively. Surprisingly, kisspeptin had intricate effects on aggression, i.e., viral ablation of AVPV-kisspeptin neurons impaired the training-induced rise in aggressive behavior whereas kisspeptin itself strongly reduced aggression in IST mice. Our results indicate that IST enhances aggressive behavior in male mice by exacerbating HPG-axis activity. Particularly, increased GnRH neuron activity and GnRHR signaling were found to underlie aggression whereas the relationship with kisspeptin remains puzzling.
Intense exercise increases dopamine transporter and neuromelanin concentrations in the substantia nigra in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: de Laat Bart , Hoye Jocelyn , Stanley Gelsina , Hespeler Michelle , Ligi Jennifer , Mohan Varsha , Wooten Dustin W. , Zhang Xiaomeng , Nguyen Thanh D. , Key Jose , Colonna Giulia , Huang Yiyun , Nabulsi Nabeel , Patel Amar , Matuskey David , Morris Evan D. , Tinaz Sule
Published: February 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons. Exercise has been reported to slow the clinical progression of PD. We evaluated the dopaminergic system of patients with mild and early PD before and after a six-month program of intense exercise. Using18F-FE-PE2I PET imaging, we measured dopamine transporter (DAT) availability in the striatum and substantia nigra. Using NM-MRI, we evaluated the neuromelanin content in the substantia nigra. Exercise reversed the expected decrease in DAT availability into a significant increase in both the substantia nigra and putamen. Exercise also reversed the expected decrease in neuromelanin concentration in the substantia nigra into a significant increase. These findings suggest improved functionality in the remaining dopaminergic neurons after exercise. Further research is needed to validate our findings and to pinpoint the source of any true neuromodulatory and neuroprotective effects of exercise in PD in large clinical trials.
Rain may improve survival from direct lightning strikes to the human head
Authors: Machts René , Hunold Alexander , Drebenstedt Christian , Rock Michael , Leu Carsten , Haueisen Jens
Published: February 2024

There is evidence that humans can survive a direct lightning strike to the head. Our question is: could water (rain) on the skin contribute to an increase in the survival rate? We measure the influence of rain during high-energy direct lightning strikes on a realistic three-compartment human head phantom. We find a lower number of perforations and eroded areas near the lightning strike impact points on the head phantom when rain was applied compared to no rain. Current amplitudes in the brain were lower with rain compared to no rain before a fully formed flashover. We conclude that rain on the scalp potentially contributes to the survival rate of 70–90% due to: (1) lower current exposition in the brain before a fully formed flashover, and (2) reduced mechanical and thermal damage.
Imaging mass cytometry analysis of Becker muscular dystrophy muscle samples reveals different stages of muscle degeneration
Authors: Piñol-Jurado Patricia , Verdú-Díaz José , Fernández-Simón Esther , Domínguez-González Cristina , Hernández-Lain Aurelio , Lawless Conor , Vincent Amy , González-Chamorro Alejandro , Villalobos Elisa , Monceau Alexandra , Laidler Zoe , Mehra Priyanka , Clark James , Filby Andrew , McDonald David , Rushton Paul , Bowey Andrew , Alonso Pérez Jorge , Tasca Giorgio , Marini-Bettolo Chiara , Guglieri Michela , Straub Volker , Suárez-Calvet Xavier , Díaz-Manera Jordi
Published: February 2024

Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is characterised by fiber loss and expansion of fibrotic and adipose tissue. Several cells interact locally in what is known as the degenerative niche. We analysed muscle biopsies of controls and BMD patients at early, moderate and advanced stages of progression using Hyperion imaging mass cytometry (IMC) by labelling single sections with 17 markers identifying different components of the muscle. We developed a software for analysing IMC images and studied changes in the muscle composition and spatial correlations between markers across disease progression. We found a strong correlation between collagen-I and the area of stroma, collagen-VI, adipose tissue, and M2-macrophages number. There was a negative correlation between the area of collagen-I and the number of satellite cells (SCs), fibres and blood vessels. The comparison between fibrotic and non-fibrotic areas allowed to study the disease process in detail. We found structural differences among non-fibrotic areas from control and patients, being these latter characterized by increase in CTGF and in M2-macrophages and decrease in fibers and blood vessels. IMC enables to study of changes in tissue structure along disease progression, spatio-temporal correlations and opening the door to better understand new potential pathogenic pathways in human samples.
Cardiac arrhythmias classification using photoplethysmography database
Authors: Qananwah Qasem , Ababneh Marwa , Dagamseh Ahmad
Published: February 2024

Worldwide, Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death. Patients at high cardiovascular risk require long-term follow-up for early CVDs detection. Generally, cardiac arrhythmia detection through the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal has been the basis of many studies. This technique does not provide sufficient information in addition to a high false alarm potential. In addition, the electrodes used to record the ECG signal are not suitable for long-term monitoring. Recently, the photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal has attracted great interest among scientists as it provides a non-invasive, inexpensive, and convenient source of information related to cardiac activity. In this paper, the PPG signal (online database Physio Net Challenge 2015) is used to classify different cardiac arrhythmias, namely, tachycardia, bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular flutter/fibrillation. The PPG signals are pre-processed and analyzed utilizing various signal-processing techniques to eliminate noise and artifacts, which forms a stage of signal preparation prior to the feature extraction process. A set of 41 PPG features is used for cardiac arrhythmias' classification through the application of four machine-learning techniques, namely, Decision Trees (DT), Support Vector Machines (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNNs), and Ensembles. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) technique is used for dimensionality reduction and feature extraction while preserving the most important information in the data. The results show a high-throughput evaluation with an accuracy of 98.4% for the KNN technique with a sensitivity of 98.3%, 95%, 96.8%, and 99.7% for bradycardia, tachycardia, ventricular flutter/fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia, respectively. The outcomes of this work provide a tool to correlate the properties of the PPG signal with cardiac arrhythmias and thus the early diagnosis and treatment of CVDs.
A detectable change in the air-sea CO2 flux estimate from sailboat measurements
Authors: Behncke Jacqueline , Landschützer Peter , Tanhua Toste
Published: February 2024

The sailboat Seaexplorer collected underway sea surface partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) data for 129 days (2018–2021), including an Antarctic circumnavigation. By comparing ensembles of data-driven air-sea CO2 fluxes computed with and without sailboat data and applying a detection algorithm, we show that these sailboat observations significantly increase the regional carbon uptake in the North Atlantic and decrease it in the Southern Ocean. While compensating changes in both basins limit the global effect, the Southern Ocean–particularly frontal regions (40°S–60°S) during summertime—exhibited the largest air-sea CO2 flux changes, averaging 20% of the regional mean. Assessing the sensitivity of the air-sea CO2 flux to measurement uncertainty, the results stay robust within the expected random measurement uncertainty (± 5 μatm) but remain undetectable with a measurement offset of 5 µatm. We thus conclude that sailboats fill essential measurement gaps in remote ocean regions.
Undernutrition in children under five associated with wealth-related inequality in 24 low- and middle-income countries from 2017 to 2022
Authors: Birhanu Frehiwot , Yitbarek Kiddus , Bobo Firew Tekle , Atlantis Evan , Woldie Mirkuzie
Published: February 2024

Undernourishment is a persistent public health problem contributing to increased mortality in children under five in low-income countries, likely exacerbated by socio-economic disparities within communities. This paper aimed to examine the effect of wealth-related inequality on undernutrition in children under five in low, lower-middle, and upper-middle-income countries (LMICs). We analyzed cross-sectional data from the demographic and health survey program collected between 2017 and 2022 from 24 LMICs. Children born within 5 years preceding the survey were included in the analysis. Child undernutrition was the dependent variable (measured by stunting, wasting, and underweight) and country-level wealth-based inequality was the independent variable assessed by concentration index values stratified by the World Bank’s income categories. Within country inequality of child undernutrition was determined by concentration index (C) values with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and sub-group analysis by place of residence and sex of the child. We then fit bootstrapped meta-regression to check the variation in inequality of child undernutrition across different income category countries. The analysis was controlled by potential confounding variables. From the total sample size of 334,502 children included in the study, 35% were undernourished. Wealth-related inequality in child undernutrition was observed in 11 countries, consistently across income categories. Child undernutrition was highly concentrated among the poor households of Türkiye [C: − 0.26, 95% CI − 0.31 to − 0.20], and Cameroon [C: − 0.19, 95% CI − 0.22 to − 0.17], and relatively it was less concentrated among the poor in Liberia [C: − 0.07, 95% CI − 0.11 to − 0.04], and Gambia [C: − 0.07, 95% CI − 0.11 to − 0.04]. There is no difference in undernutrition associated with inequality between the three broad LMIC categories. The wealth-related inequality in child undernutrition within many of the included countries is still very significant. However, the economic category of countries made no difference in explaining wealth-related inequality in child undernutrition. Inter-sectoral collaboration to fight poverty and render special attention to the disadvantaged population segments would potentially help to address the observed inequity.
SOC estimation of lead–carbon battery based on GA-MIUKF algorithm
Authors: Wang Lu , Wang Feng , Xu Liju , Li Wei , Tang Junfeng , Wang Yanyan
Published: February 2024

The paper proposes a SOC (State of Charge) estimation method for lead–carbon batteries based on the GA-MIUKF algorithm. The GA-MIUKF algorithm combines GA (Genetic Algorithm) for global search and optimization with the MI-UKF (Multi-innovation Unscented Kalman Filter) algorithm for estimating the SOC of lead–carbon batteries. By establishing an equivalent circuit model for the battery, the GA is employed to globally search and optimize the battery model parameters and the noise variance parameters in the MI-UKF algorithm. Comparative analyses with the UKF (Unscented Kalman Filter) algorithms and MI-UKF algorithms reveal that the SOC estimation method based on the GA-MIUKF algorithm yields more accurate results for lead–carbon battery SOC estimation, with an average estimation error of 2.0%. This highlights the efficacy of the proposed approach in enhancing SOC estimation precision.
Falsification of home rapid antigen lateral flow tests during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ray Devashish , Dhami Raenhha , Lecouturier Jan , McGowan Laura J. , Mukherjee Aritra , Vlaev Ivo , Kelly Michael P. , Sniehotta Falko F.
Published: February 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, lateral flow tests (LFTs) were used to regulate access to work, education, social activities, and travel. However, falsification of home LFT results was a concern. Falsification of test results during an ongoing pandemic is a sensitive issue. Consequently, respondents may not answer truthfully to questions about LFT falsification behaviours (FBs) when asked directly. Indirect questioning techniques such as the Extended Crosswise model (ECWM) can provide more reliable prevalence estimates of sensitive behaviors than direct questioning. Here we report the prevalence of LFT FBs in a representative sample in England (n = 1577) using direct questioning (DQ) and the ECWM. We examine the role of demographic and psychological variables as predictors of LFT FBs. We show that the prevalence estimates of the FBs in the DQ condition were significantly lower than the ECWM estimates, e.g., reporting a negative result without conducting a test: 5.7% DQ vs 18.4% ECWM. Moral norms, subjective norms, anticipated regret, perception of risk to self, and trust in government predicted some of the FBs. Indirect questioning techniques can help provide more realistic and higher quality data about compliance with behavioural regulations to government and public health agencies.
An artificial intelligence based abdominal aortic aneurysm prognosis classifier to predict patient outcomes
Authors: Chung Timothy K. , Gueldner Pete H. , Aloziem Okechukwu U. , Liang Nathan L. , Vorp David A.
Published: February 2024

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) have been rigorously investigated to understand when their clinically-estimated risk of rupture—an event that is the 13th leading cause of death in the US—exceeds the risk associated with repair. Yet the current clinical guideline remains a one-size-fits-all “maximum diameter criterion” whereby AAA exceeding a threshold diameter is thought to make the risk of rupture high enough to warrant intervention. However, between 7 and 23.4% of smaller-sized AAA have been reported to rupture with diameters below the threshold. In this study, we train and assess machine learning models using clinical, biomechanical, and morphological indices from 381 patients to develop an aneurysm prognosis classifier to predict one of three outcomes for a given AAA patient: their AAA will remain stable, their AAA will require repair based as currently indicated from the maximum diameter criterion, or their AAA will rupture. This study represents the largest cohort of AAA patients that utilizes the first available medical image and clinical data to classify patient outcomes. The APC model therefore represents a potential clinical tool to striate specific patient outcomes using machine learning models and patient-specific image-based (biomechanical and morphological) and clinical data as input. Such a tool could greatly assist clinicians in their management decisions for patients with AAA.
Decomposition of the anisotropic strain in 3D-structure GaN layers using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Takeuchi Kazuma , Ogura Hiroyuki , Hasuike Noriyuki , Kamikawa Takeshi
Published: February 2024

Strain engineering for gallium nitride has been studied by many researchers to improve the performance of various devices (i.e., light-emitting diodes, laser diodes, power devices, high electron mobility transistors, and so on). Further miniaturization of gallium nitride devices will clearly continue in the future, and therefore an accurate understanding of the strain state in the devices is essential. However, a measurement technique for axially resolved evaluation of the strain in microareas has not yet been established. In this study, we revealed that the anisotropic strain state induced in c-plane growth gallium nitride is linked to the split state of Raman peaks, which were measured with $$z(xx)\overline{z }$$

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and $$z(yx)\overline{z }$$

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polarized configurations. The anisotropic strain state in c-plane gallium nitride was induced in the 3D-structure by epitaxial lateral overgrowth, which enabled successful performance of our work. This result allowed us to axially decompose the strain in c-plane gallium nitride through Raman spectroscopy and establish a measurement technique for axially resolving the strain. This measurement technique is feasible using a conventional Raman spectrometer. Furthermore, the method was indicated to be applicable to all wurtzite-type crystals, including gallium nitride, silicon carbide, and aluminum nitride. Our work provides a new perspective for understanding the complex strain state in microareas for wurtzite materials. Comprehending the strain state, which strongly affects device performance, will help promote the research and development of III-V semiconductor devices.
Development of a greenhouse gas - air pollution interactions and synergies model for Korea (GAINS-Korea)
Authors: Woo Jung-Hun , Kim Younha , Choi Ki-Chul , Lee Yong-Mi , Jang Youjung , Kim Jinseok , Klimont Zbigniew , Kim Dai-Gon , Lee Jae-Bum , Jin Hyungah , Hu Hyejung , Ahn Young-Hwan
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to create Greenhouse Gas - Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies (GAINS)-Korea, an integrated model for evaluating climate and air quality policies in Korea, modeled after the international GAINS model. GAINS-Korea incorporates specific Korean data and enhances granularity for enabling local government-level analysis. The model includes source-receptor matrices used to simulate pollutant dispersion in Korea, generated through CAMx air quality modeling. GAINS-Korea's performance was evaluated by examining different scenarios for South Korea. The business as usual scenario projected emissions from 2010 to 2030, while the air quality scenario included policies to reduce air pollutants in line with air quality and greenhouse gas control plans. The maximum feasible reduction scenario incorporated more aggressive reduction technologies along with air quality measures. The developed model enabled the assessment of emission reduction effects by both greenhouse gas and air pollutant emission reduction policies across 17 local governments in Korea, including changes in PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 μm) concentration and associated benefits, such as reduced premature deaths. The model also provides a range of visualization tools for comparative analysis among different scenarios, making it a valuable resource for policy planning and evaluation, and supporting decision-making processes.
Utilization of nicking properties of CRISPR-Cas12a effector for genome editing
Authors: Kim Chan Hyoung , Lee Wi-jae , Oh Yeounsun , Lee Youngjeon , Lee Hyomin K. , Seong Jung Bae , Lim Kyung-Seob , Park Sang Je , Huh Jae-Won , Kim Young-Hyun , Kim Kyoung Mi , Hur Junho K. , Lee Seung Hwan
Published: February 2024

The CRISPR-Cas nickase system for genome editing has attracted considerable attention owing to its safety, efficiency, and versatility. Although alternative effectors to Cas9 have the potential to expand the scope of genome editing, their application has not been optimized. Herein, we used an enhanced CRISPR-Cas12a nickase system to induce mutations by targeting genes in a human-derived cell line. The optimized CRISPR-Cas12a nickase system effectively introduced mutations into target genes under a specific directionality and distance between nickases. In particular, the single-mode Cas12a nickase system can induce the target-specific mutations with less DNA double-strand breaks. By inducing mutations in the Thymine-rich target genes in single- or dual-mode, Cas12a nickase compensates the limitations of Cas9 nickase and is expected to contribute to the development of future genome editing technologies.
Sperm-specific histone H1 in highly condensed sperm nucleus of Sargassum horneri
Authors: Takeuchi Yu , Sato Shinya , Nagasato Chikako , Motomura Taizo , Okuda Shujiro , Kasahara Masahiro , Takahashi Fumio , Yoshikawa Shinya
Published: February 2024

Spermatogenesis is one of the most dramatic changes in cell differentiation. Remarkable chromatin condensation of the nucleus is observed in animal, plant, and algal sperm. Sperm nuclear basic proteins (SNBPs), such as protamine and sperm-specific histone, are involved in chromatin condensation of the sperm nucleus. Among brown algae, sperm of the oogamous Fucales algae have a condensed nucleus. However, the existence of sperm-specific SNBPs in Fucales algae was unclear. Here, we identified linker histone (histone H1) proteins in the sperm and analyzed changes in their gene expression pattern during spermatogenesis in Sargassum horneri. A search of transcriptomic data for histone H1 genes in showed six histone H1 genes, which we named ShH1.1a, ShH1b, ShH1.2, ShH1.3, ShH1.4, and ShH1.5. Analysis of SNBPs using SDS-PAGE and LC–MS/MS showed that sperm nuclei contain histone ShH1.2, ShH1.3, and ShH1.4 in addition to core histones. Both ShH1.2 and ShH1.3 genes were expressed in the vegetative thallus and the male and female receptacles (the organs producing antheridium or oogonium). Meanwhile, the ShH1.4 gene was expressed in the male receptacle but not in the vegetative thallus and female receptacles. From these results, ShH1.4 may be a sperm-specific histone H1 of S. horneri.
Radiation effects on retinal layers revealed by OCT, OCT-A, and perimetry as a function of dose and time from treatment
Authors: Tamplin Michelle R. , Wang Jui-Kai , Binkley Elaine M. , Garvin Mona K. , Hyer Daniel E. , Buatti John M. , Boldt H. Culver , Grumbach Isabella M. , Kardon Randy H.
Published: February 2024

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become a key method for diagnosing and staging radiation retinopathy, based mainly on the presence of fluid in the central macula. A robust retinal layer segmentation method is required for identification of the specific layers involved in radiation-induced pathology in individual eyes over time, in order to determine damage driven by radiation injury to the microvessels and to the inner retinal neurons. Here, we utilized OCT, OCT-angiography, visual field testing, and patient-specific dosimetry models to analyze abnormal retinal layer thickening and thinning relative to microvessel density, visual function, radiation dose, and time from radiotherapy in a cross-sectional cohort of uveal melanoma patients treated with 125I-plaque brachytherapy. Within the first 24 months of radiotherapy, we show differential thickening and thinning of the two inner retinal layers, suggestive of microvessel leakage and neurodegeneration, mostly favoring thickening. Four out of 13 eyes showed decreased inner retinal capillary density associated with a corresponding normal inner retinal thickness, indicating early microvascular pathology. Two eyes showed the opposite: significant inner retinal layer thinning and normal capillary density, indicating early neuronal damage preceding a decrease in capillary density. At later time points, inner retinal thinning becomes the dominant pathology and correlates significantly with decreased vascularity, vision loss, and dose to the optic nerve. Stable multiple retinal layer segmentation provided by 3D graph-based methods aids in assessing the microvascular and neuronal response to radiation, information needed to target therapeutics for radiation retinopathy and vision loss.
Comparison of azvudine, molnupiravir, and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in adult patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Mei-Ping , Jiang Di-Xuan , Rang Jia-Xi , Zhuo Hai-Bo , Zhou Zhi-Guo
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to explore the effectiveness and safety of azvudine, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, and molnupiravir in adult patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. This retrospective cohort study included patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 (asymptomatic, mild, and common types) at the First Hospital of Changsha (Hunan Province, China) between March and November 2022. Eligible patients were classified into the azvudine, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, or molnupiravir groups according to the antiviral agents they received. The outcomes were the times to nucleic acid negative conversion (NANC). This study included 157 patients treated with azvudine (n = 66), molnupiravir (n = 66), or nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (n = 25). There were no statistically significant differences in the time from diagnosis to NANC among the azvudine, molnupiravir, and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir groups [median, 9 (95% CI 9–11) vs. 11 (95% CI 10–12) vs. 9 (95% CI 8–12) days, P = 0.15], time from administration to NANC [median, 9 (95% CI 8–10) vs. 10 (95% CI 9.48–11) vs. 8.708 (95% CI 7.51–11) days, P = 0.50], or hospital stay [median, 11 (95% CI 11–13) vs. 13 (95% CI 12–14) vs. 12 (95% CI 10–14) days, P = 0.14], even after adjustment for sex, age, COVID-19 type, comorbidities, Ct level, time from diagnosis to antiviral treatment, and number of symptoms. The cumulative NANC rates in the azvudine, molnupiravir, and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir groups were 15.2%/12.3%/16.0% at day 5 (P = 0.858), 34.8%/21.5%/32.0% at day 7 (P = 0.226), 66.7%/52.3%/60.0% at 10 days (P = 0.246), and 86.4%/86.2%/80.0% at day 14 (P = 0.721). No serious adverse events were reported. Azvudine may be comparable to nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir in adult patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 regarding time to NANC, hospital stay, and AEs.
Spin glass states in multicomponent layered perovskites
Authors: Pramanik P. , Clulow R. , Joshi D. C. , Stolpe A. , Berastegui P. , Sahlberg M. , Mathieu R.
Published: February 2024

Temperature-dependent dc-magnetization and ac-susceptibility curves have been recorded for series of single and double layered Ruddlesden-Popper multicomponent perovskites with chemical formula A2BO4 and A3B2O7, respectively, with (La, Sr) on A-sites and up to 7 different cations on the B-sites (Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu). The phase purity and chemical homogeneity of the compounds were investigated by X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Independently of the composition, spin glassiness is observed in both systems. Scaling analyses suggest the materials undergo spin glass phase transitions at low temperatures. Yet, qualitative differences are observed between the single-layered and double-layered systems, which are discussed in the light of the spatial dimensionality and magnetic interaction in layered oxide perovskites.
Design, simulation and experimental analysis of a monolithic bending section for enhanced maneuverability of single use laparoscopic devices
Authors: Uhlig Kai , Bruk Sascha , Fischer Matthieu , Henkel Konrad , Brinkmann Franz , Körbitz René , Hüttner Ronny , Pietsch Malte , Hempel Phillip , Spickenheuer Axel , Stommel Markus , Richter Andreas , Hampe Jochen
Published: February 2024

Standard laparoscopes, which are widely used in minimally invasive surgery, have significant handling limitations due to their rigid design. This paper presents an approach for a bending section for laparoscopes based on a standard semi-finished tube made of Nitinol with laser-cut flexure hinges. Flexure hinges simply created from a semi-finished product are a key element for realizing low-cost compliant structures with minimal design space. Superelastic materials such as Nitinol allow the reversible strain required for this purpose while maintaining sufficient strength in abuse load cases. This paper focuses on the development of a bending section for single use laparoscopic devices (OD 10 mm) with a bending angle of 100°, which enables the application of 100 µm diameter Nitinol actuator wires. For this purpose, constructive measures to realise a required bending curvature and Finite Element Analysis for determining the strain distribution in the flexural region are applied and described for the design of the flexure hinges. In parallel, the influence of the laser-based manufacturing process on the microstructure is investigated and evaluated using micrographs. The deformation behavior of the bending section is experimentally determined using Digital Image Correlation. The required actuation forces and the failure load of the monolithic bending section is measured and compared to a state of the art riveted bending section made of stainless steel. With the developed monolothic bending section the actuation force could be reduced by 50% and the available inner diameter could be increased by 10% while avoiding the need of any assembly step.
Chimpanzees engage in competitive altruism in a triadic ultimatum game
Authors: Sánchez-Amaro Alejandro , Maurits Luke , Haun Daniel B. M.
Published: February 2024

Partner choice promotes competition among individuals to be selected as a cooperative partner, a phenomenon referred to as competitive altruism. We explored whether chimpanzees engage in competitive altruism in a triadic Ultimatum Game where two proposers can send offers simultaneously or consecutively to a responder who can only accept one of the two competing offers. In a dyadic control condition only one proposer at a time could send an offer to the responder. Chimpanzees increased their offers across trials in the competitive triadic, but not in the dyadic control condition. Chimpanzees also increased their offers after being rejected in previous triadic trials. Furthermore, we found that chimpanzees, under specific conditions, outcompete first proposers in triadic consecutive trials before the responder could choose which offer to accept by offering more than what is expected if they acted randomly or simply offered the smallest possible amount. These results suggest that competitive altruism in chimpanzees did not emerge just as a by-product of them trying to increase over previous losses. Chimpanzees might consider how others’ interactions affect their outcomes and engage in strategies to maximize their chances of being selected as cooperative partners.
Digital design of a spatial-pow-STDP learning block with high accuracy utilizing pow CORDIC for large-scale image classifier spatiotemporal SNN
Authors: Bahrami Mohammad Kazem , Nazari Soheila
Published: February 2024

The paramount concern of highly accurate energy-efficient computing in machines with significant cognitive capabilities aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of bio-inspired Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs). This paper addresses this main objective by introducing a novel spatial power spike-timing-dependent plasticity (Spatial-Pow-STDP) learning rule as a digital block with high accuracy in a bio-inspired SNN model. Motivated by the demand for precise and accelerated computation that reduces high-cost resources in neural network applications, this paper presents a methodology based on COordinate Rotation DIgital Computer (CORDIC) definitions. The proposed designs of CORDIC algorithms for exponential (Exp CORDIC), natural logarithm (Ln CORDIC), and arbitrary power function (Pow CORDIC) are meticulously detailed and evaluated to ensure optimal acceleration and accuracy, which respectively show average errors near 10–9, 10–6, and 10–5 with 4, 4, and 6 iterations. The engineered architectures for the Exp, Ln, and Pow CORDIC implementations are illustrated and assessed, showcasing the efficiency achieved through high frequency, leading to the introduction of a Spatial-Pow-STDP learning block design based on Pow CORDIC that facilitates efficient and accurate hardware computation with 6.93 × 10–3 average error with 9 iterations. The proposed learning mechanism integrates this structure into a large-scale spatiotemporal SNN consisting of three layers with reduced hyper-parameters, enabling unsupervised training in an event-based paradigm using excitatory and inhibitory synapses. As a result, the application of the developed methodology and equations in the computational SNN model for image classification reveals superior accuracy and convergence speed compared to existing spiking networks by achieving up to 97.5%, 97.6%, 93.4%, and 93% accuracy, respectively, when trained on the MNIST, EMNIST digits, EMNIST letters, and CIFAR10 datasets with 6, 2, 2, and 6 training epochs.