bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment pattern and clinical outcomes of remdesivir in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with severe chronic kidney disease: a database analysis of acute care hospitals in Japan
Authors: Yoshida Manami , Taguchi Nao , Piao Yi , Gupta Rikisha , Berry Mark , Peters Jami , Abdelghany Mazin , Chiang Mel , Wang Chen-Yu , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi
Published: December 2024

Background

There is limited evidence on clinical outcomes and treatment pattern in Japanese patients with severe chronic kidney disease (CKD), hospitalized for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to describe patient characteristics, treatment pattern, and clinical outcomes in Japanese patients with severe CKD, hospitalized for COVID-19 who received remdesivir (RDV).

Methods

We used the anonymized claims database from Medical Data Vision Co., Ltd., Japan. The analysis included patients aged ≥ 18 years with severe CKD, hospitalized for moderate to severe COVID-19, and administered ≥ 1 dose of RDV between October 2021 and September 2023. All-cause inpatient mortality, disease progression, and recovery up to 56 days from hospitalization were evaluated.

Results

Data of 847 patients were analyzed (mean age 73.0 ± 14.1 years). Median (Q1–Q3) time to RDV initiation was 1.0 day (1.0–2.0) from hospitalization and treatment duration was 5.0 days (3.0–5.0). At RDV initiation, 44.27% patients required non-invasive positive pressure ventilation/high or low flow oxygen; 4.25% required invasive mechanical ventilation/extracorporeal membrane oxygenation/intensive care unit hospitalization. Proportion of patients with all-cause mortality was 11.45% (stage 4, 14.89%; stage 5, 10.47%) by 28 days and 12.28% (stage 4, 16.49%; stage 5, 11.08%) by 56 days. At 28 days, 12.28% had disease progression and 72.14% recovered.

Conclusion

Most patients with severe CKD received RDV immediately after hospitalization. The majority of patients recovered by 28 days. The study provided insights into RDV treatment in inpatient settings, which could contribute to the discussion on standard of care in this population in Japan.
Volumetric Properties and Viscosity of PIBs and PIB-Based Dispersants in a Mineral Oil
Authors: Avery Katrina , Devlin Mark T. , Kiran Erdogan
Published: December 2024

In this study we report on the influence of poly(isobutylene) (PIB) and PIB-based dispersants on the high pressure thermodynamic properties and the viscosity of a mineral base oil used in passenger vehicle transmission fluids. Density was measured over a pressure range from 10 to 35 MPa at isotherms of 298, 323, 348, 373, and 398 K using a high pressure variable-volume view cell. The density data were then correlated with the Sanchez-Lacombe Equation of State from which the thermodynamic properties of isothermal compressibility, isobaric expansively and internal pressure were derived. Viscosity was measured over a pressure range from 10 to 45 MPa at 298, 323, 248, and 373 K using a uniquely designed high pressure rotational viscometer. Viscosity data were then correlated with density according to the free volume and density-scaling formalisms to provide further insights into molecular packing and interactions.
Art and design teachers’ personal rules of thumb while designing instruction for studios
Authors: van Gameren Marjanne J. , van Diggelen Migchiel R. , Evers Arnoud T.
Published: December 2024

In higher vocational education, innovations are shifting from teacher-oriented to student-oriented education and hybrid learning environments. Designing these innovative environments is complex. This study aimed to gain insight into art and design teachers’ rules of thumb when designing instruction in studios. The rules of thumb from experienced designers of design education provide insight into the practical knowledge essential for creating effective studio learning environments. These rules of thumb, derived from teachers' practical knowledge, outline teachers’ ideas about characteristics design education should have to achieve specific student learning outcomes. Six teachers participated in this case study, to investigate this phenomenon in a real-world context. During interviews, they designed a studio for their teaching practice while thinking aloud, expressing their thoughts, actions, and reasoning. These teachers had at least four years of experience in designing art and design studios and were still active in their roles. Within and cross-case analysis revealed that learning theories are recognizable in teachers’ rules of thumb when designing studio instruction. Teachers and their rules of thumb span a spectrum from cognitivism to social constructivism, with most teachers oriented towards social constructivism. This aligns with strategic design considerations at studios, which are also based on social constructivism. Typical social-constructivist rules of thumb focus on student ownership of their learning process and fostering collaboration between various actors in an authentic context. The rules of thumb from experienced designers are incorporated into the training of current and future studio designers and may inspire those who create similar innovative learning environments.
Evaluating of BERT-based and Large Language Mod for Suicide Detection, Prevention, and Risk Assessment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Levkovich Inbar , Omar Mahmud
Published: December 2024

Suicide constitutes a public health issue of major concern. Ongoing progress in the field of artificial intelligence, particularly in the domain of large language models, has played a significant role in the detection, risk assessment, and prevention of suicide. The purpose of this review was to explore the use of LLM tools in various aspects of suicide prevention. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, APA PsycNet, Cochrane Library, and IEEE Xplore—for studies published were systematically searched for articles published between January 1, 2018, until April 2024. The 29 reviewed studies utilized LLMs such as GPT, Llama, and BERT. We categorized the studies into three main tasks: detecting suicidal ideation or behaviors, assessing the risk of suicidal ideation, and preventing suicide by predicting attempts. Most of the studies demonstrated that these models are highly efficient, often outperforming mental health professionals in early detection and prediction capabilities. Large language models demonstrate significant potential for identifying and detecting suicidal behaviors and for saving lives. Nevertheless, ethical problems still need to be examined and cooperation with skilled professionals is essential.
Red ginseng prevents niraparib-induced myelosuppression in C57BL/6 mice via inhibiting p53-mediated upregulation of p21 and p27
Authors: Liao Huiyan , Hu Xiangdan , Chen Shenming , Fan Zhaofeng , Xiao Jing
Published: December 2024

Myelosuppression is a serious and common complication of targeted therapy for cancer patients, and there are few studies exploring the efficacy of natural drugs in this condition. Niraparib is a widely used targeted therapy for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer. As a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, niraparib significantly improves progression-free and overall survival in patients. We aimed to explore the potential effect of red ginseng (RG) on niraparib-induced myelosuppression and to further reveal its possible molecular mechanism. Female C57BL/6 mice were divided into control, tumor, model, and RG groups (n = 6). After receiving ID8 ovarian cancer cell inoculation, the mice received niraparib treatment (80 mg/kg) for 3 days. Meanwhile, RG groups (100 and 200 mg/kg) were intragastrically treated with RG extract for 7 days. Compared with the model group, RG extract increased the counts of peripheral blood cells and enhanced the hematopoietic function of bone marrow. Furthermore, RG extract increased the colony yield of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), facilitated DNA damage repair, alleviated the G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest, and significantly reversed the increased expression levels of p53, p21, and p27, while stimulating cyclinE1 expression levels. These findings indicate that RG might have therapeutic potential on niraparib-induced myelosuppression, which encourages further clinical trials. This study is the first to explore the efficacy and mechanism of RG in preventing myelosuppression induced by niraparib.

Graphical abstract
The role of tumor types in immune-related adverse events
Authors: Xu Qian , Hu Jing , Wang Yan , Wang Zhaohui
Published: December 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are monoclonal antibodies that block inhibitors of T cell activation and function. With the widespread use of ICIs in cancer therapy, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have gradually emerged as urgent clinical issues. Tumors not only exhibit high heterogeneity, and their response to ICIs varies, with “hot” tumors showing better anti-tumor effects but also a higher susceptibility to irAEs. The manifestation of irAEs displays a tumor-heterogeneous pattern, correlating with the tumor type in terms of the affected organs, incidence, median onset time, and severity. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the pathogenic patterns of irAEs can provide novel insights into the prevention and management of irAEs, guide the development of biomarkers, and contribute to a deeper understanding of the toxicological characteristics of ICIs. In this review, we explore the impact of tumor type on the therapeutic efficacy of ICIs and further elucidate how these tumor types influence the occurrence of irAEs. Finally, we assess key candidate biomarkers and their relevance to proposed irAE mechanisms. This paper also outlines management strategies for patients with various types of tumors, based on their disease patterns.
Detection of Porcine Norovirus GII.18 Strains in Pigs Using Broadly Reactive RT-qPCR Assay for Genogroup II Noroviruses
Authors: Gupta Ankita K. , Heinonen Mari , König Emilia , Mikkonen Venla , Maunula Leena
Published: December 2024

Noroviruses, belonging to the family Caliciviridae, are classified into at least ten genogroups (G) based on their major capsid protein (VP1). The common genogroup to be identified in both humans and pigs is GII, although porcine noroviruses (PoNoVs) belong to genotypes of their own (GII.11, GII.18, and GII.19). So far, PoNoVs have not been studied much in Finland, possibly due to their rather symptomless nature in pigs. In the present study, we enrolled a total of 189 fecal samples collected from pigs from Finnish farms. Samples were taken from 12 farms in 2010, 2019 and 2020. We analyzed feces from growing pigs ranging from 2.1 to 6 months of age. RNA was extracted from fecal suspensions using a commercial viral RNA extraction kit, followed by RT (reverse transcription)-qPCR. The genotypes were determined by Sanger sequencing of the PCR fragments amplified by conventional PCR. Of the 12 farms, 6 (50%) had at least one PoNoV-infected pig. Altogether 18 (9.5%) of the 189 pigs tested positive for PoNoVs. Pigs mostly aged over 4 months were infected with PoNoVs. Eventually, 12 positive samples were determined as genotype GII.18. We could demonstrate the presence of PoNoVs in Finnish pigs. In future, more studies in which longer sequences from PoNoV genome can be obtained, are required.
Implantation of Islets Co-Seeded with Tregs in a Novel Biomaterial Reverses Diabetes in the NOD Mouse Model
Authors: Elizondo Diana M. , de Oliveira Rekowsky Lais L. , de Sa Resende Ayane , Seenarine Jonathan , da Silva Ricardo Luis Louzada , Ali Jamel , Yang Dazhi , de Moura Tatiana , Lipscomb Michael W.
Published: December 2024

Background:

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results in autoreactive T cells chronically destroying pancreatic islets. This often results in irreplaceable loss of insulin-producing beta cells. To reverse course, a combinatorial strategy of employing glucose-responsive insulin restoration coupled with inhibiting autoreactive immune responses is required.

Methods:

Non-obese diabetic mice received a single intraperitoneal implantation of a novel biomaterial co-seeded with insulin-producing islets and T regulatory cells (Tregs). Controls included biomaterial seeded solely with islets, or biomaterial only groups. Mice were interrogated for changes in inflammation and diabetes progression via blood glucose monitoring, multiplex serum cytokine profiling, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry assessments.

Results:

Islet and Tregs co-seeded biomaterial recipients had increased longevity, insulin secretion, and normoglycemia through 180 days post-implantation compared to controls. Serum profile revealed reduced TNFα, IFNγ, IL-1β and increased IL-10, insulin, C-Peptide, PP and PPY in recipients receiving co-seeded biomaterial. Evaluation of the resected co-seeded biomaterial revealed reduced infiltrating autoreactive CD8 + and CD4 + T cells concomitant with sustained presence of Foxp3 + Tregs; further analysis revealed that the few infiltrated resident effector CD4+ or CD8+ T cells were anergic, as measured by low levels of IFNγ and Granzyme-B upon stimulation when compared to controls. Interestingly, studies also revealed increased Tregs in the pancreas. However, there was no restoration of the pancreas beta cell compartment, suggesting normoglycemia and production of insulin levels were largely supported by the implanted co-seeded biomaterial.

Conclusion:

These studies show the efficacy of a combinatorial approach seeding Tregs with pancreatic islets in a novel self-assembling organoid for reversing T1D.
Resistance spot welding of die-cast and wrought aluminum alloys: Improving weld spot quality through parameter optimization
Authors: Epperlein M. , Schiebahn A. , Reisgen U.
Published: December 2024

Welding aluminum castings is known for a high sensitivity for hydrogen-induced weld porosity. Research has shown that the porosity detected in mixed material resistance spot welds between die-cast and wrought aluminum is predominantly classified as solidification porosity. But, nugget penetration depths into the wrought aluminum alloy are low. In this work, the effect of a forging electrode force during welding current time t

i
or after the welding current is shut off on weld spot characteristics is investigated, when resistance spot welding (RSW) mixed material joints between EN AC-43500-T6/T7 and EN AW-6082-T6. A current cut-off test based on a welding profile according to VDA 238–401 reveals a welding current time t

i
between 60 ms ≤ t

i
 ≤ 80 ms as relevant for porosity detection in cross-section analysis. Based on this, different welding profiles are tested, and resulting weld spot characteristics are analyzed when applying chisel tests, cross-section analysis, quasi-static shear tensile tests, and scanning electron microscopy. The application of a forging electrode force reduces weld spot porosity in RSW significantly, while a current downslope leads to an increase. Further, the application of a forging electrode force during welding current time leads to a significant decrease in the standard deviation of s = 1.07 kN to s = 0.08 kN in shear tension force, although the mean shear tension force is increased marginally from 7.07 kN to 7.15 kN. Yet, an increase in weld penetration depth ≥ 20% into EN AW-6082-T6 is only achieved when reducing the initial electrode force to 5 kN and initiating forging electrode force during t

i
.
Perinatal and infant mental health care in Austria
Authors: Zechmeister-Koss I. , Hörtnagl C. , Lampe Astrid , Paul J. L.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Perinatal mental illness (PMI) is one of the major health problems during pregnancy and one year after birth (the perinatal period), with robust evidence of its potentially detrimental effects on the parent’s and child’s health. Many countries have prioritised perinatal and infant mental health care (PIMHC). In Austria, it is currently unknown how many services are available in which region. The paper aims to map the current PIMHC landscape.

Methods

Using publicly accessible sources, such as health reports or organisation websites and supplementary information from experts, we collected data on eight characteristics of services to prevent, early identify, treat or support parents with a PMI. We extracted the information into tables, narratively summarised the results and presented a geographical visualisation of service availability.

Results

While there is currently no standardised nationwide systematic screening for PMI in place, there are a variety of services to support and treat parents with a PMI of different severity in Austria. However, there are large regional variations and gaps in care, particularly regarding specialised PIMHC and trained staff, leading to unequal access. PIMHC primarily addresses mothers and involves many, mostly public, providers and funding sources.

Conclusion

There is an urgent need to reduce the regional disparities regarding specialised PIMHC, ensuring adequate referrals and treatment and reducing inequalities in access to care. The results also call for a national strategy and defined political, administrative and service provider responsibilities based on international evidence-based recommendations. Investing in the training of staff and defined care pathways seems warranted.
Recent Advances in Wide-Range Temperature Metal-CO2 Batteries: A Mini Review
Authors: Zhang Xuejing , Zhao Ning , Zhang Hanqi , Fan Yiming , Jin Feng , Li Chunsheng , Sun Yan , Wang Jiaqi , Chen Ming , Hu Xiaofei
Published: December 2024

The metal–carbon dioxide batteries, emerging as high-energy–density energy storage devices, enable direct CO2 utilization, offering promising prospects for CO2 capture and utilization, energy conversion, and storage. However, the electrochemical performance of M-CO2 batteries faces significant challenges, particularly at extreme temperatures. Issues such as high overpotential, poor charge reversibility, and cycling capacity decay arise from complex reaction interfaces, sluggish oxidation kinetics, inefficient catalysts, dendrite growth, and unstable electrolytes. Despite significant advancements at room temperature, limited research has focused on the performance of M-CO2 batteries across a wide-temperature range. This review examines the effects of low and high temperatures on M-CO2 battery components and their reaction mechanism, as well as the advancements made in extending operational ranges from room temperature to extremely low and high temperatures. It discusses strategies to enhance electrochemical performance at extreme temperatures and outlines opportunities, challenges, and future directions for the development of M-CO2 batteries.
Roasting-Water Leaching-Slag Cleaning Process for Recovery of Valuable Metals from Li-ion Battery Scrap
Authors: Klemettinen Lassi , Biswas Jayasree , Klemettinen Anna , Zhang Juhua , O’Brien Hugh , Partinen Jere , Jokilaakso Ari
Published: December 2024

Waste lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are important secondary sources of valuable materials, including Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) like lithium, cobalt, manganese, and graphite, as defined by the European Union (EU). LIBs also contain nickel and copper, classified as Strategic Raw Materials by the EU since 2023. Significant efforts have been made to develop efficient recycling processes for waste LIBs, with pyrometallurgical processes playing a key role. These technologies are relatively mature, with high adaptability for different raw materials and involve smelting waste batteries above the melting points of battery components, followed by separating metals through reduction reactions. This method efficiently recovers cobalt, copper, and nickel as a metal alloy or matte, while lithium and manganese are lost in the slag phase. The goal of this work was to enhance the recovery of valuable battery metals by combining hydro- and pyrometallurgical processes. Mechanically prepared battery black mass underwent selective sulfation roasting to convert LiCoO2 and Mn-oxides into Li, Co, and Mn sulfates. After roasting, the battery scrap was leached in distilled water at 60 °C, recovering 95% of lithium, 61% of manganese, and 35% of cobalt. The solid leaching residue was then mixed with industrial Ni-slag and biochar. Two experimental series were carried out, one with the addition of industrial Ni-concentrate and one without. The smelting experiments were conducted at 1350 °C in flowing argon atmosphere as a function of time (5–60 min) to investigate the reduction behavior of battery metals. The results show that Co and Ni from the slag and leach residue can be efficiently recovered in the slag cleaning stage.

Graphical Abstract
Cultures for acid-fast bacilli: are we being good stewards?
Authors: Hanrahan Jennifer , Sill Julie D. , Ver Schneider Patricia , Copeland Jessica F. , Frimpongmaa Amoako-Kissi Elsie , Ilobi Ogochukwu O. , Toepp Angela J.
Published: December 2024

Objective:

To describe the use of cultures for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) and situations in which AFB cultures are unlikely to be of clinical benefit.

Design:

Retrospective descriptive study of AFB cultures submitted to Sentara Health microbiology laboratory from December 1, 2021, to December 1, 2023. Data were collected from the electronic medical record and included patient demographics, the service line that ordered the culture, specimen source, and culture results.

Setting:

Sentara Healthcare System.

Patients:

All patients who had specimens submitted to the microbiology laboratory during the study period were included.

Results:

A total of 13,944 AFB cultures from 8,243 patients were collected during the study period. Of these, 4.72% (n = 389) patients had a positive result, and 40 of 680 positive cultures were likely contaminants or non-mycobacterial. The average number of days between culture collection and positive results was 84.32 days (SD = 49.64) and 56.25 days (SD = 8.32) for negative results. Most cultures were ordered by medical subspecialties (44.06%, n = 6,144), followed by orthopedic providers (23.34%, n = 3,254) and surgical subspecialty providers (16.11%, n = 2,246). Most specimens were pulmonary (n = 6,620) with 619 (9.35%) positive cultures. Of 3,561 AFB cultures ordered from bone specimens, only 17 were positive (0.48%). The number of specimens processed by the microbiology laboratory required 2 full-time microbiology technicians to process specimens.

Conclusions:

Many AFB cultures were sent from patients who did not have clinical scenarios consistent with mycobacterial disease and cultures were not clinically indicated. Implementation of testing criteria could decrease AFB cultures and healthcare costs.
Effects of paleoclimatic variables on suitable open habitats for Pleistocene–Holocene megafauna in South America
Authors: Machado Célia Cristina Clemente , de Lucena Vivianne Albano , Canassa Nathália Fernandes , de Oliveira David Holanda , de Araujo Helder Farias Pereira
Published: December 2024

The cause of megafauna extinction in South America remains clouded in controversy, since it took place at a time of intense climate change and almost at the same time as the initial human influx into the continent. In this paper, we aimed to assess the effects of climate change on open vegetation habitats and, consequently, on megafauna extinction in South America by using a species distribution model, fossil records, and paleoclimatic projections. In addition, we evaluated the effects of climatic variables on the distribution of suitable habitats across South America. Our results demonstrated alternating intervals of expansion and contraction of suitable areas for megafauna persistence, mainly in response to lower and higher precipitation, in the last 21 ka in all regions of South America. However, the amplitude of this oscillation was more significant in the Brazilian Northeast. In the Andean and Chaco–Pampas regions, greater precipitation stability resulted in greater stability in habitat suitability; therefore, for these regions, other factors must have predominated for the extinction of the megafauna. We therefore concluded that in the Andean and Chaco–Pampas regions, climate change was not solely responsible for the disappearance of megafauna, but in the Brazilian Northeast, it may have been decisive.
8 Human osteoarchaeology in Greece: an overview of the past 10 years and directions for the following 10
Authors: Nikita Efthymia
Published: December 2024

Human osteoarchaeology, the study of human skeletal remains from archaeological contexts, has a long history in Greece. This review paper examines the developments that have occurred in the field over the past decade using case studies published from 2015 onwards. These studies have been selected to demonstrate the wealth of osteoarchaeological research, geographically and temporally, and are organized based on the themes of mobility, diet, palaeopathology, activity patterns, and funerary archaeology. The final part of the paper discusses some of the key challenges that human osteoarchaeology in Greece faces. Most prominent among these challenges is the limited financial support for the humanities, the few national-level training opportunities in human osteoarchaeology in higher education, the lack of a national association within the field that could promote standardized practices and collaboration, and the fact that most osteoarchaeological material has come to light through rescue excavations. In association with these challenges, the future prospects of osteoarchaeology in Greece are briefly discussed.
9 Archaeological and cultural heritage web mapping resources: linking the Greek experience with wider research considerations
Authors: Katsianis Markos , Gkadolou Eleni
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we document the current research activities surrounding the mapping of cultural heritage on the web by contextualizing examples from Greek projects and applications within the broader international research landscape. We highlight the benefits of digital mapping for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage and address specific challenges that call for ongoing and future research. Mapping cultural heritage involves considerable effort from professionals with different backgrounds and can be extensive, as there are no limits to building up digital content. Several opportunities are opening up for expanding the scope of these efforts, foregrounding new questions and research avenues, and creating spin-off applications for diverse audiences. However, there are limitations to the durability of web GIS infrastructures, and their aging in a rapidly changing technological environment can significantly impact the associated content. It is crucial to understand that datafication and content curation go together, and that implementing open data provisions at an early stage can benefit dissemination, support preservation, and create surplus value by enabling third-party and broader audience participation in reusing or repurposing the mapped content.
4 Archaeological fieldwork and research in Euboea: 2014–2024
Authors: Saggini Tamara
Published: December 2024

The last decade has been a fruitful period for the archaeology of Euboea. New and ongoing work includes research projects, survey, rescue, and systematic excavations, led by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Euboea of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture (henceforth EAE) and the foreign schools active on the island. In the northern part of the island, protection and restoration of monuments and collections has been the focus of work in various towns (Oreoi, Histiaea, Limni, Aedipsos), and a few sites have been explored (Kerinthos, Cape Artemision). In central Euboea, construction works have allowed for further insights on ancient settlements (Aliveri, Chalkida, Manika, Psachna–Kastella), while systematic excavation projects have explored sites and cultic activities from the Bronze Age to the Archaic time (Amarynthos, Lefkandi–Xeropolis), as well as athletic institutions of the Classical to Roman periods (Eretria). The ancient map of the southern part of Euboea has been enriched (Kapsouri Kaphirea and in the Bouros-Kastri, Kampos, and Katsaronio plains) during multiple survey explorations, leading to further systematic excavations (Gourimadi, Plakari), while extensive research has also now begun in the ancient quarries and the drakospita. New publications on previously investigated sites (Gkisouri, Zarakes, Karystos) and on underwater explorations completes the picture.
Evaluating GEMS HCHO Retrievals With TROPOMI Product, Pandora Observations, and GEOS‐Chem Simulations
Authors: Fu Weitao , Zhu Lei , Kwon Hyeong‐Ahn , Park Rokjin J. , Lee Gitaek T. , De Smedt Isabelle , Liu Song , Li Xicheng , Chen Yuyang , Pu Dongchuan , Li Juan , Zuo Xiaoxing , Zhang Peng , Li Yali , Yan Zhuoxian , Zhang Xue , Zhang Jiaming , Wu Xingyi , Shen Huizhong , Ye Jianhuai , Wang Chen , Fu Tzung‐May , Yang Xin
Published: December 2024

Satellite column formaldehyde (HCHO) is an indicator of regional volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions as HCHO is a short‐lived intermediate oxidation product. The Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS), launched in 2020, is the first geostationary satellite to monitor hourly HCHO. GEMS offers unprecedented potential to reveal the diurnal variations of VOC emissions in Asia. Here, we present the first study to evaluate year‐round GEMS HCHO retrievals using TROPOMI satellite and ground‐based Pandora spectrometers. Our study shows that GEMS HCHO aligns with TROPOMI (r = 0.59–0.85; differences within 20% for most areas). Moreover, GEMS captures monthly and diurnal HCHO variations observed by Pandora spectrometers across Asia with differences overall within 15% (r ∼ 0.85). Diurnally, we find strong HCHO variations over urban areas but not in forests. During the fire season of mainland Southeast Asia, GEMS HCHO increases in the afternoon, in line with diurnal emission estimates from the Global Fire Emissions Database Version 4 with small fires (GFED4s) and GEOS‐Chem simulations. GEMS also captures the spatial patterns of fire emissions in GFED4s. GEMS HCHO shows negative bias when observing with a high (>60°) viewing zenith angle (VZA) and overly relies on model correction for observations to the north of 30°N.
Mapping 3D Overthrust Structures by a Hybrid Modeling Method
Authors: Hou Weisheng , Li Yanhua , Ye Shuwan , Yang Songhua , Xiao Fan
Published: December 2024

A rational three‐dimensional (3D) geological model with complex characteristics generated on a small amount of data is a crucial data infrastructure for scientific research and many applications. However, reconstructing structures with multi‐Z values on a single point caused by folding or overthrusting is still one of the bottlenecks in 3D geological modeling. Combined with the multi‐point statistics (MPS) method and fully connected neural networks (FCNs), this study presented a hybrid framework for 3D geological modeling. The loss functions of FCN and the conventional MPS method jointly form the kernel function of the proposed method, which is constrained by stratigraphic sequence and stratum thickness. The input and output parameters of the FCN are the coordinates and corresponding elevations of geological contacts, respectively. To solve the kernel function, the initial model, in which geological surfaces are generated by the FCNs, is generated using a sequential process. An iterative MPS process with an Expectation Maximization‐like (EM‐like) algorithm is carried out to illuminate the artifacts in the initial model. Ten orthogonal cross‐sections are extracted from the overthrust model created by SEG/EAGE as the modeling data source. The results illustrated that the geometry and spatial relationships of strata and faults are retained well with the geological constraints. The comparison of virtual boreholes from the results and the real model shows that the accuracy of the geological object reaches 75%. The presented method provides a new idea for simulating 3D structures with multi‐Z values, which overcomes the limitations of the conventional MPS‐based 3D modeling method.
Interseismic Uplift of Anticlines Above the Rakhine‐Bangladesh Megathrust From ALOS‐2 InSAR
Authors: Chong Jeng‐Hann , Oryan Bar , Shen Lin , Steckler Michael S. , Lindsey Eric O.
Published: December 2024

The shallow portion of a megathrust represents the zone of first contact between two colliding plates, and its rheological properties control the seismic and tsunami hazards generated by the fault. The high cost of underwater geodetic data collection results in sparse observations, leading to limited constraints on the interseismic behavior of megathrusts. The Rakhine‐Bangladesh megathrust offers a unique opportunity to probe the behavior of the shallow megathrust as it is the only ocean‐continent subduction zone where the near‐trench region is fully accessible on land. Here, we use observations from ALOS‐2 wide‐swath imagery spanning 2015 to 2022 to conduct an InSAR timeseries analysis of the overriding plate within Bangladesh and the Indo‐Myanmar Ranges. We identify a narrow pattern of alternating uplift and subsidence associated with mapped anticlines but show that it cannot be explained by slip on the megathrust or other fault structures. Instead, we argue that the deformation is likely caused by active aseismic folding within the wedge above a shallow decollement. We show that estimates of the decollement depth derived from a viscous folding model and the observed anticline spacing are in agreement with previous seismic observations of the decollement depth across the fold belt. We suggest that the role of ductile deformation in the overriding plate in subduction zones may be more important than previously recognized.
Exploring Surface‐Enhanced Heterogeneous Oxidation of Isoprene: Evidence for Atmospheric Haze Chemistry
Authors: Li Haiwei , Li Jingyi , Ho Wingkei , Cui Long , Wang Ming , Zhang Yunjiang , Wang Junfeng , Wang Hongli , Huang Cheng , Fu Qingyan , Jiang Yuanchun , Chen Mindong , Liao Hong , Cao Junji , Lee Shun‐cheng , Ge Xinlei , Huang Yu , Chow Judith C. , Watson John G.
Published: December 2024

Solid atmospheric particulates can act as heterogeneous drivers for gas loss and particle aging during haze episodes. Observational and experimental evidence reveals an unidentified competitive mechanism involving transition metal ions (TMIs) that catalyze the heterogeneous oxidation of isoprene. Hydroxyl radicals (OH) were generated through the reaction of singlet oxygen (O(1D)) with molecular water at the surface of earth‐abundant manganese (Mn) nanoparticles. The energy threshold for OH production was minimized to 213 kJ mol−1 in the presence of alkali K+ ions, significantly lower than the 392 kJ mol−1 required for ozone photolysis. The rapid loss of isoprene (1.60 × 10−2 s−1) for the particulate mixtures resulted in the formation of approximately 70% C1–C4 carbonyl oligomers via interfacial binding modes, which promoted particle growth. This contrasts with the higher yields of C5 products typically observed in gas‐phase reactions of isoprene with OH radicals. The findings could enhance the understanding of severe haze formation, particularly under complex air pollution conditions.
The Observed and Simulated Evolution of a Microburst Using X‐Band Phased‐Array Radar Data Assimilation With EnKF
Authors: Zhu Yiqing , Zhou Ang , Zhao Kun , Lu Yinghui , Huang Hao
Published: December 2024

A microburst is a severe small‐scale meteorological event that develops rapidly, producing intense downdrafts that result in catastrophic divergent winds near the ground. The fine‐scale structure and evolution of real‐case microbursts are rarely analyzed due to the limitation of regular observational platforms and the computational capacity for numerical simulations. On 12 September 2020, a microburst was effectively captured by China's S‐band operational weather radar network and an X‐band polarimetric phased‐array radar (XPAR). XPAR observations can identify precursor signatures of the rapidly evolving microburst before the occurrence of surface wind disasters, demonstrating superior spatiotemporal resolution in monitoring compared to the S‐band radars. To disclose the evolution of small‐scale structure and the underlying physical processes, this study utilizes the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) system to assimilate XPAR data. The simulation successfully reproduces the fine‐scale structure and evolution of the microburst with a misocyclone. The analysis indicates that the microburst's downdraft is primarily triggered by the middle‐level hydrometeor loading. The misocyclone generates a downward‐directed perturbation pressure gradient then accelerates the microburst's downdraft toward the surface. This study is the first observation and simulation of a real‐case microburst using the WRF‐EnKF system assimilating XPAR data. The investigation of the impact of misocyclone on the microburst enhances our understanding of microbursts' forcing mechanism.
Comprehensive Assessment of Flood Socioeconomic Impacts Through Text‐Mining
Authors: Madruga de Brito Mariana , Sodoge Jan , Kreibich Heidi , Kuhlicke Christian
Published: December 2024

In July 2021, Germany experienced its costliest riverine floods in history, with over 189 fatalities and a staggering €33 billion in damages. Following this event, news outlets widely disseminated information on the flood's aftermath. Here, we demonstrate how newspaper data can be instrumental in the assessment of flood socioeconomic impacts often overlooked by conventional methods. Using natural language processing tools on 26,113 newspaper articles, we estimate the cascading impacts of the 2021 flood on various sectors and critical infrastructure, including water contamination, mental health, and tourism. Our results revealed severe and lasting impacts in the Ahr Valley, even months after the event. At the same time, we identified smaller‐scale yet widespread impacts across Germany, which are typically overlooked by existing impact databases. Our approach advances current research by systematically examining indirect and intangible flood consequences over large areas. This underscores the value of leveraging complementary text data to provide a more comprehensive picture of flood impacts.
Joint Probability Analysis of the Rich‐Poor Runoff and Sediment Discharge in Karst Watersheds
Authors: Yao Jiayin , Yu Xingxiu , Li Zhenwei , Peng Shilei , Xu Xianli
Published: December 2024

As one of the largest contiguous karst landscapes in the world, southwest China has experienced severe soil erosion because of its frequent climate extremes, special hydrogeology, shallow and discontinuous soil, steep topography, and inappropriate land use. Furthermore, the construction of dams in recent decades has rendered the relationship between runoff and sediment discharge increasingly complex. However, the joint probability distributions and joint return periods of runoff‐sediment discharge relationship are still not clear. The objective of this study was to investigate the synchronous‐asynchronous probabilities and return periods of rich‐poor combinations of annual runoff and sediment discharge using a bivariate copula function to assess the risk of soil erosion in four selected karst watersheds in southwest China. Results showed that sediment discharge has declined significantly in all watersheds except Liujiang, and annual runoff and sediment discharge were significantly positively correlated in all watersheds. The optimal marginal distribution and the best copula function of annual runoff and sediment discharge are not identical for each watershed. The synchronous and asynchronous probabilities of annual runoff and sediment discharge are close to 1:1 in the Wujiang watershed. The asynchronous probability is much higher for the combination of less runoff with more sediment discharge (r < s) than for the combination of more runoff with less sediment discharge (r > s) in Nanpanjiang. Therefore, the risk of soil erosion may be higher in the Wujiang and Nanpanjiang watersheds. The joint return periods of runoff‐sediment discharge were concentrated in less than 5 years during the historical period. These return periods can provide data references for designing the scale of water resources projects and help in better soil erosion control in the future. This study could be a technical reference for identifying the non‐stationarity of the multivariate relationship between runoff and sediment discharge in karst regions.
High-performance 2D electronic devices enabled by strong and tough two-dimensional polymer with ultra-low dielectric constant
Authors: Fang Qiyi , Yi Kongyang , Zhai Tianshu , Luo Shisong , Lin Chen-yang , Ai Qing , Zhu Yifan , Zhang Boyu , Alvarez Gustavo A. , Shao Yanjie , Zhou Haolei , Gao Guanhui , Liu Yifeng , Xu Rui , Zhang Xiang , Wang Yuzhe , Tian Xiaoyin , Zhang Honghu , Han Yimo , Zhu Hanyu , Zhao Yuji , Tian Zhiting , Zhong Yu , Liu Zheng , Lou Jun
Published: December 2024

As the feature size of microelectronic circuits is scaling down to nanometer order, the increasing interconnect crosstalk, resistance-capacitance (RC) delay and power consumption can limit the chip performance and reliability. To address these challenges, new low-k dielectric (k < 2) materials need to be developed to replace current silicon dioxide (k = 3.9) or SiCOH, etc. However, existing low-k dielectric materials, such as organosilicate glass or polymeric dielectrics, suffer from poor thermal and mechanical properties. Two-dimensional polymers (2DPs) are considered promising low-k dielectric materials because of their good thermal and mechanical properties, high porosity and designability. Here, we report a chemical-vapor-deposition (CVD) method for growing fluoride rich 2DP-F films on arbitrary substrates. We show that the grown 2DP-F thin films exhibit ultra-low dielectric constant (in plane k = 1.85 and out-of-plane k = 1.82) and remarkable mechanical properties (Young’s modulus > 15 GPa). We also demonstrated the improved performance of monolayer MoS2 field-effect-transistors when utilizing 2DP-F thin films as dielectric substrates.
The highly rugged yet navigable regulatory landscape of the bacterial transcription factor TetR
Authors: Westmann Cauã Antunes , Goldbach Leander , Wagner Andreas
Published: December 2024

Transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) are important sources of evolutionary innovations. Understanding how evolution navigates the sequence space of such sites can be achieved by mapping TFBS adaptive landscapes. In such a landscape, an individual location corresponds to a TFBS bound by a transcription factor. The elevation at that location corresponds to the strength of transcriptional regulation conveyed by the sequence. Here, we develop an in vivo massively parallel reporter assay to map the landscape of bacterial TFBSs. We apply this assay to the TetR repressor, for which few TFBSs are known. We quantify the strength of transcriptional repression for 17,765 TFBSs and show that the resulting landscape is highly rugged, with 2092 peaks. Only a few peaks convey stronger repression than the wild type. Non-additive (epistatic) interactions between mutations are frequent. Despite these hallmarks of ruggedness, most high peaks are evolutionarily accessible. They have large basins of attraction and are reached by around 20% of populations evolving on the landscape. Which high peak is reached during evolution is unpredictable and contingent on the mutational path taken. This in-depth analysis of a prokaryotic gene regulator reveals a landscape that is navigable but much more rugged than the landscapes of eukaryotic regulators.
Concurrent optoacoustic tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of resting-state functional connectivity in the mouse brain
Authors: Gezginer Irmak , Chen Zhenyue , Yoshihara Hikari A. I. , Deán-Ben Xosé Luís , Zerbi Valerio , Razansky Daniel
Published: December 2024

Resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) has been essential to elucidate the intricacy of brain organization, further revealing clinical biomarkers of neurological disorders. Although functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) remains a cornerstone in the field of rsFC recordings, its interpretation is often hindered by the convoluted physiological origin of the blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) contrast affected by multiple factors. Here, we capitalize on the unique concurrent multiparametric hemodynamic recordings of a hybrid magnetic resonance optoacoustic tomography platform to comprehensively characterize rsFC in female mice. The unique blood oxygenation readings and high spatio-temporal resolution at depths provided by functional optoacoustic (fOA) imaging offer an effective means for elucidating the connection between BOLD and hemoglobin responses. Seed-based and independent component analyses reveal spatially overlapping bilateral correlations between the fMRI-BOLD readings and the multiple hemodynamic components measured with fOA but also subtle discrepancies, particularly in anti-correlations. Notably, total hemoglobin and oxygenated hemoglobin components are found to exhibit stronger correlation with BOLD than deoxygenated hemoglobin, challenging conventional assumptions on the BOLD signal origin.
DLK-dependent axonal mitochondrial fission drives degeneration after axotomy
Authors: Gómez-Deza Jorge , Nebiyou Matthew , Alkaslasi Mor R. , Nadal-Nicolás Francisco M. , Somasundaram Preethi , Slavutsky Anastasia L. , Li Wei , Ward Michael E. , Watkins Trent A. , Le Pichon Claire E.
Published: December 2024

Currently there are no effective treatments for an array of neurodegenerative disorders to a large part because cell-based models fail to recapitulate disease. Here we develop a reproducible human iPSC-based model where laser axotomy causes retrograde axon degeneration leading to neuronal cell death. Time-lapse confocal imaging revealed that damage triggers an apoptotic wave of mitochondrial fission proceeding from the site of injury to the soma. We demonstrate that this apoptotic wave is locally initiated in the axon by dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK). We find that mitochondrial fission and resultant cell death are entirely dependent on phosphorylation of dynamin related protein 1 (DRP1) downstream of DLK, revealing a mechanism by which DLK can drive apoptosis. Importantly, we show that CRISPR mediated Drp1 depletion protects mouse retinal ganglion neurons from degeneration after optic nerve crush. Our results provide a platform for studying degeneration of human neurons, pinpoint key early events in damage related neural death and provide potential focus for therapeutic intervention.
Higher skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity is associated with preserved brain structure up to over a decade
Authors: Tian Qu , Greig Erin E. , Davatzikos Christos , Landman Bennett A. , Resnick Susan M. , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: December 2024

Impaired muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity is associated with future cognitive impairment, and higher levels of PET and blood biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease and neurodegeneration. Here, we examine its associations with up to over a decade-long changes in brain atrophy and microstructure. Higher in vivo skeletal muscle oxidative capacity via MR spectroscopy (post-exercise recovery rate, kPCr) is associated with less ventricular enlargement and brain aging progression, and less atrophy in specific regions, notably primary sensorimotor cortex, temporal white and gray matter, thalamus, occipital areas, cingulate cortex, and cerebellum white matter. Higher kPCr is also associated with less microstructural integrity decline in white matter around cingulate, including superior longitudinal fasciculus, corpus callosum, and cingulum. Higher in vivo muscle oxidative capacity is associated with preserved brain structure up to over a decade, particularly in areas important for cognition, motor function, and sensorimotor integration.