bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy, durability, and safety of faricimab with extended dosing up to every 16 weeks in diabetic macular edema: 2-year results from the Japan subgroup of the phase 3 YOSEMITE trial
Authors: Shimura Masahiko , Oh Hideyasu , Ueda Tetsuo , Kitano Shigehiko , Mitamura Yoshinori , Sato Junko , Iwasaki Keisuke , Hirakata Akito ,   for the YOSEMITE and RHINE Investigators
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the 2-year efficacy, durability, and safety of faricimab in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) in the YOSEMITE Japan subgroup.

Study design

YOSEMITE/RHINE (NCT03622580/NCT03622593) subgroup analysis: global, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, active-comparator–controlled, phase 3 faricimab trials.

Methods

Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to intravitreal faricimab 6.0 mg every 8 weeks (Q8W) and per treat-and-extend (T&E) dosing, or aflibercept 2.0 mg Q8W. Outcomes were assessed through year 2 for the YOSEMITE Japan subgroup (N = 60) and the pooled YOSEMITE/RHINE global cohort (N = 1891).

Results

In the YOSEMITE Japan subgroup, 21, 19, and 20 patients were randomized to faricimab Q8W, faricimab T&E, and aflibercept Q8W, respectively (632, 632, and 627 patients in the pooled YOSEMITE/RHINE cohort). Vision gains and anatomic improvements with faricimab at year 1 were maintained over 2 years and were generally consistent between groups. Mean best-corrected visual acuity changes from baseline at year 2 (weeks 92–100 average) for the YOSEMITE Japan subgroup were +12.5, +9.0, and +5.0 letters in the faricimab Q8W, faricimab T&E and aflibercept Q8W arms, respectively (+10.8, +10.4, and +10.3 letters in the pooled YOSEMITE/RHINE cohort). At week 96, 61.1% of the YOSEMITE Japan subgroup and 78.1% of the pooled YOSEMITE/RHINE cohort were on ≥ Q12W dosing. Faricimab was well-tolerated with a safety profile comparable with aflibercept.

Conclusion

Faricimab up to Q16W offered durable vision gains and anatomic improvements up to 2 years in patients with DME in the YOSEMITE Japan subgroup. Outcomes were generally consistent with the pooled YOSEMITE/RHINE cohort.
Topological Quantum Field Theories and Homotopy Cobordisms
Authors: Torzewska Fiona
Published: July 2024

We construct a category $${\textrm{HomCob}}$$
HomCob
whose objects are homotopically 1-finitely generated topological spaces, and whose morphisms are cofibrant cospans. Given a manifold submanifold pair (M, A), we prove that there exists functors into $${\textrm{HomCob}}$$
HomCob
from the full subgroupoid of the mapping class groupoid $$\textrm{MCG}_{M}^{A}$$

MCG

M

A

, and from the full subgroupoid of the motion groupoid $$\textrm{Mot}_{M}^{A}$$

Mot

M

A

, whose objects are homotopically 1-finitely generated. We also construct a family of functors $${\textsf{Z}}_G:{\textrm{HomCob}}\rightarrow {\textbf{Vect}}$$

Z
G

:
HomCob
→
Vect

, one for each finite group G. These generalise topological quantum field theories previously constructed by Yetter, and an untwisted version of Dijkgraaf–Witten. Given a space X, we prove that $${\textsf{Z}}_G(X)$$

Z
G

(
X
)

can be expressed as the $${\mathbb {C}}$$
C
-vector space with basis natural transformation classes of maps from $$\pi (X,X_0)$$

π
(
X
,

X
0

)

to G for some finite representative set of points $$X_0\subset X$$

X
0

⊂
X

, demonstrating that $${\textsf{Z}}_G$$

Z
G

is explicitly calculable.
A randomised trial comparing 6-monthly adjuvant zoledronate with a single one-time dose in patients with early breast cancer
Authors: Awan Arif Ali , Stober Carol , Pond Gregory R. , Machado Igor , Clemons Lucas , Conter Henry , Simos Demetrios , Dhesy-Thind Sukhbinder , Mates Mihaela , Kumar Vikaash , Hilton John , Savard Marie-France , Fergusson Dean , Vandermeer Lisa , Clemons Mark ,   the REaCT Investigators
Published: July 2024

Purpose

While adjuvant bisphosphonate use in early breast cancer (EBC) is associated with improvements in breast cancer-specific outcomes, questions remain around optimal bisphosphonate type, dose and scheduling. We evaluated a single zoledronate infusion in a prospective randomised trial.

Methods

Postmenopausal patients with EBC were randomised to receive a single infusion of zoledronate (4 mg IV) or 6-monthly treatment for 3 years. Outcomes measured were; Quality of Life (QoL; EQ-5D-5L), bisphosphonate-related toxicities, including acute phase reactions (APRs), recurrence-free survival (RFS), bone metastasis-free survival (BMFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

211 patients were randomized to either a single infusion (n = 107) or six-monthly treatment (n = 104). After 3 years of follow up there were no significant differences between the arms for QoL and most toxicity endpoints. APRs following zoledronate occurred in 81% (171/211) of patients (77.6% in single infusion arm and 84.6% in the 6-monthly group). While the frequency of APRs decreased over 3 years in the 6-monthly arm, they still remain common. Of 34/104 (32.7%) patients who discontinued zoledronate early in the 6-monthly treatment group, the most common reason was APRs (16/34, 47%). At the 3 year follow up, there were no differences between arms for RFS, BMFS or OS.

Conclusion

A single infusion of zoledronate was associated with increased patient convenience, less toxicity, and lower rates of treatment discontinuation. Despite the common clinical impression that APRs decrease with time, this was not observed when patients were specifically questioned. While the study is not powered for non-inferiority, longer-term follow-up for confirmation of RFS and OS rates is ongoing.
Validation of the ND-PAE Diagnosis in Children with Heavy Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Authors: Veziris Christina R. , Hyland Matthew T. , Kable Julie A. , Wozniak Jeffrey R. , Coles Claire D. , May Philip A. , Kalberg Wendy O. , Sowell Elizabeth R. , Jones Kenneth L. , Riley Edward P. , Mattson Sarah N.
Published: July 2024

This study evaluated criteria for neurobehavioral disorder associated with prenatal alcohol exposure (ND-PAE). Kable et al. (Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 55:426, 2022) assessed the validity of this diagnosis in a sample with low exposure to alcohol. The current study expanded this assessment to a sample with a wider age range and heavier alcohol exposure. Data were collected from participants (5–17 years) with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and typically developing controls at six Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders sites using neuropsychological assessment and caregiver reports. Impairment was tested at 1SD, 1.5SD, and 2SD below the normative average and a modification of the adaptive functioning requirement was tested. Testing impairment at 1SD resulted in the highest endorsement rates in both groups. Our findings replicated the study by Kable et al. and show that current criteria captured a high rate of those with PAE and that requiring fewer adaptive functioning criteria resulted in higher sensitivity to PAE.
Industrial adoption of machine learning techniques for early identification of invalid bug reports
Authors: Laiq Muhammad , Ali Nauman bin , Börstler Jürgen , Engström Emelie
Published: July 2024

Despite the accuracy of machine learning (ML) techniques in predicting invalid bug reports, as shown in earlier research, and the importance of early identification of invalid bug reports in software maintenance, the adoption of ML techniques for this task in industrial practice is yet to be investigated. In this study, we used a technology transfer model to guide the adoption of an ML technique at a company for the early identification of invalid bug reports. In the process, we also identify necessary conditions for adopting such techniques in practice. We followed a case study research approach with various design and analysis iterations for technology transfer activities. We collected data from bug repositories, through focus groups, a questionnaire, and a presentation and feedback session with an expert. As expected, we found that an ML technique can identify invalid bug reports with acceptable accuracy at an early stage. However, the technique’s accuracy drops over time in its operational use due to changes in the product, the used technologies, or the development organization. Such changes may require retraining the ML model. During validation, practitioners highlighted the need to understand the ML technique’s predictions to trust the predictions. We found that a visual (using a state-of-the-art ML interpretation framework) and descriptive explanation of the prediction increases the trustability of the technique compared to just presenting the results of the validity predictions. We conclude that trustability, integration with the existing toolchain, and maintaining the techniques’ accuracy over time are critical for increasing the likelihood of adoption.
For the society as a whole: higher education and the public good in Poland
Authors: Szadkowski Krystian
Published: July 2024

Using a qualitative case study of the Polish higher education system, the article problematises the relationship between higher education and the public good. It emerges from an international comparative study including 11 national cases and contributes to the growing body of literature on the cultural specificities of the public good(s) in national higher education systems. Seeing the public good as a holistic ideal, transcendent to the higher education reality, it traces different meanings with which it is filled by main actors of the system: policymakers, representatives of collegial bodies, faculty and managers at two public universities (33 semi-structured interviews). The article discusses the public good in Poland in four areas: its general definition, the state’s role in higher education, and national and global contributions. Contradictions exposed in the study of Polish higher education’s discourses on the public good (national vs. global; state vs. academic community; mass higher education vs. elite higher education) serve the purpose of further elaborating the concept.
How do additions of submerged macrophytes, large-bodied cladocerans and nutrients impact tropical plankton communities? A mesocosm experiment
Authors: Amorim Cihelio A. , Jeppesen Erik , Moura Ariadne N.
Published: July 2024

We investigated the individual and combined impacts of manipulation of submerged macrophytes, large-bodied cladocerans, and nutrients on plankton communities in a tropical hypereutrophic shallow reservoir. We tested how the addition of the macrophyte Ceratophyllum demersum, the cladoceran Sarsilatona serricauda, and nutrients affected phytoplankton and zooplankton diversity, composition, and structure using mesocosms and a factorial design (3 × 3) with eight treatments. During the experiment, the reservoir experienced an intense bloom of algae (207 mg l−1 of biomass), mainly composed of cyanobacteria (> 98%). The submerged macrophytes were found to significantly reduce the biomass of cyanobacteria (by 85%), diatoms (80%), and green algae (78%), while the addition of zooplankton and nutrients led to a 96% reduction for diatoms. While both submerged macrophytes and the added cladocerans impacted the native zooplankton community, the macrophytes exerted stronger effects on phytoplankton and zooplankton diversity, composition, and structure. Intriguingly, nutrient addition did not alter the main effects of macrophytes and large cladocerans. Our findings reveal the positive potential of introducing submerged macrophytes in tropical shallow lakes, even at a low to moderate percentage of the volume inhabited, to control toxic cyanobacterial blooms. Under our experimental conditions, the method was effective even without extra zooplankton grazing and at increased nutrient input.
In Some Ways: Syādvāda as the Synthesis of Anekāntavāda and Nayavāda in Akalaṅka’s Philosophical Treatises
Authors: Nahata Shree
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates the relationship between the theory of many-sidedness (anekāntavāda), the theory of viewpoints (nayavāda), and the theory of sevenfold conditional predication (syādvāda) in the philosophical monographs of the Jaina philosopher Akalaṅka (c. 720-780 CE). Despite being celebrated as novel Jaina contributions to Indian philosophy, the mutual relationship between these three theories is poorly understood. Do these three theories represent three distinct frameworks with distinct purposes? Or do these three theories ultimately synthesise to form a single unified framework? Through a careful study of the Laghīyastraya and the Nyāyaviniścaya, this paper shows how Akalaṅka understands syādvāda as the central organising framework for integrating the theory of many-sidedness and the theory of viewpoints. On the one hand, syādvāda is analysed as the synthesis of multiple viewpoints because each of the seven conditional predications, when taken individually, represents a genuine viewpoint. On the other hand, the seven conditional predications of syādvāda, when taken collectively and iterated with respect to different characteristics, represent the linguistic formalisation of many-sided (anekānta) Jaina ontology. This paper shows how syādvāda as the grand synthesis of the theory of many-sidedness and the theory of viewpoints creates new possibilities as well as new problems within Akalaṅka’s philosophical system.
Properties, characterization and biomedical applications of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF): a review
Authors: Concha Viktor O. C. , Timóteo Laura , Duarte Leila A. N. , Bahú Juliana O. , Munoz Federico L. , Silva Aline P. , Lodi Leandro , Severino Patrícia , León-Pulido Jeffrey , Souto Eliana B.
Published: July 2024

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) boosted its technological applications because of its piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties, together with mechanical, chemical, and thermal resistance. In this review, we address the PVDF chemical structure and its synthesis procedure, also describing the occurrence of polymorphism (alpha (α), beta (β), gamma (γ), and delta (δ) of this semicrystalline polymer, and the processes involved in phase transformation that govern the adaptability of the PVDF crystalline phases and properties for several industrial uses. It can be used as a component of implants and sutures, as engineering plastic to play a structural role in aggressive environments, acting in the field of process control as a component of transducers and sensors, as well as in the synthesis of separation membranes, fuel cells, and a long list of new applications that include an important role in robotics. The main physicochemical techniques used for PVDF characterization, i.e., differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy, that highlight its unique properties, are also discussed, showing the versatility of PVDF for a range of biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.
Transverse relaxation optimized spectroscopy of NH2 groups in glutamine and asparagine side chains of proteins
Authors: Tugarinov Vitali , Torricella Francesco , Ying Jinfa , Clore G. Marius
Published: July 2024

A transverse relaxation optimized spectroscopy (TROSY) approach is described for the optimal detection of NH2 groups in asparagine and glutamine side chains of proteins. Specifically, we have developed NMR experiments for isolating the slow-relaxing 15N and 1H components of NH2 multiplets. Although even modest sensitivity gains in 2D NH2-TROSY correlation maps compared to their decoupled NH2–HSQC counterparts can be achieved only occasionally, substantial improvements in resolution of the NMR spectra are demonstrated for asparagine and glutamine NH2 sites of a buried cavity mutant, L99A, of T4 lysozyme at 5 ºC. The NH2-TROSY approach is applied to CPMG relaxation dispersion measurements at the side chain NH2 positions of the L99A T4 lysozyme mutant — a model system for studies of the role of protein dynamics in ligand binding.
Stress, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and aggression
Authors: Mbiydzenyuy Ngala Elvis , Qulu Lihle-Appiah
Published: July 2024

This comprehensive review explores the intricate relationship between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, and aggression. It provides a detailed overview of the physiology and functioning of these axes, as well as the implications for aggressive behavior. The HPA axis, responsible for the stress response, is activated in response to various stressors and can influence aggressive behavior. Glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, play a crucial role in stress-induced activation of the HPA axis and have been implicated in aggressive tendencies. Chronic stress can dysregulate the HPA axis, leading to alterations in cortisol levels and potentially contributing to aggressive behavior. The HPG axis, particularly the androgen hormone testosterone, is also closely linked to aggression. Animal and human studies have consistently shown a positive association between testosterone levels and aggression. The androgen receptors in the brain’s neural circuitry play a critical role in modulating aggressive behavior. Interactions between the HPA and HPG axes further contribute to the regulation of aggression. Feedback mechanisms and crosstalk between these axes provide a complex system for the modulation of both stress and reproductive functions, which can impact aggressive behavior. Additionally,the influence of stress on reproductive functions, particularly the role of androgens in stress-induced aggression, adds further complexity to this relationship. The review also discusses the future directions and implications for clinical interventions. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying aggression requires integrating molecular, cellular, and circuit-level approaches. Translational perspectives, including animal models and human studies, can bridge the gap between basic research and clinical applications. Finally, therapeutic strategies for aggression-related disorders are explored, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions based on a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between the HPA and HPG axes. In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the physiological and neurobiological mechanisms underlying aggression, with a specific focus on the interplay between the HPA and HPG axes. By elucidating the complex interactions between stress, hormones, and aggressive behavior, this research paves the way for future investigations and potential therapeutic interventions for aggression-related disorders.
Role of environmental awareness & self-identification expressiveness in electric-vehicle adoption
Authors: Mustafa Sohaib , Shi Yangyan , Adan Dur e , Luo Wen , Al Humdan Eias
Published: July 2024

Global warming is a serious threat to humanity, and greenhouse gases are behind it. CO2 is one of the main greenhouse gasses that cause global warming. The second most important reason behind CO2 emission is the transport sector. Electric-powered Vehicles introduced by the automobile sector are regarded as the main alternative to cope with this issue. Despite their advantages, EV adoption rates vary by country, and the expected reductions in energy shortages and pollution are not fully achieved. We took the opportunity to assess the consumer EV adoption intention by using the Value-based technology adoption model. We integrated Environmental awareness (EA) and Self-identification expressiveness (SIE) as new factors in this model to assess the role of EA and SIE in EV adoption intentions. We have collected the response of 704 EV users from China and applied the SEM-ANN dual-stage hybrid model to test proposed hypotheses and rank the variables according to their importance. Study findings revealed that Environmental awareness is a significant predictor of EV adoption but is not the most important factor. Study results also revealed that the perceived benefits of EV adoption and perceived sacrifices for its adoption have a significant impact on the perceived value of EV, and this value leads to the adoption intentions. PV is revealed as a significant mediator in our proposed model. We conclude that people need to educate about environmental issues and the benefits of using EVs to achieve the CO2 reduction and EV sale target. The study has several theoretical and practical implications for the government and the electric vehicle manufacturing industry.
Heat Kernel Asymptotics for Scaling Limits of Isoradial Graphs
Authors: Schwarz Simon , Sturm Anja , Wardetzky Max
Published: July 2024

We consider the asymptotics of the discrete heat kernel on isoradial graphs for the case where the time and the edge lengths tend to zero simultaneously. Depending on the asymptotic ratio between time and edge lengths, we show that two different regimes arise: (i) a Gaussian regime and (ii) a Poissonian regime, which resemble the short-time asymptotics of the heat kernel on (i) Euclidean spaces and (ii) graphs, respectively.
Assessment of Different Methods for Estimation of Missing Rainfall Data
Authors: Hırca Tuğçe , Eryılmaz Türkkan Gökçen
Published: July 2024

Missing data is a common problem encountered in various fields, including clinical research, environmental sciences and hydrology. In order to obtain reliable results from the analysis, the data inventory must be completed. This paper presents a methodology for addressing the missing data problem by examining the missing data structure and missing data techniques. Simulated datasets were created by considering the number of missing data, missing data pattern and missing data mechanism of real datasets containing missing values, which are often overlooked in hydrology. Considering the missing data pattern, the most commonly used methods for missing data analysis in hydrology and other fields were applied to the created simulated datasets. Simple imputation techniques and expectation maximization (EM) were implemented in SPSS software and machine learning techniques such as k-nearest neighbor (kNN), together with the hot-deck were implemented in the Python programming language. In the performance evaluation based on error metrics, it is concluded that the EM method is the most suitable completion method. Homogeneity analyses were performed in the Mathematica programming language to identify possible changes and inconsistencies in the completed rainfall dataset. Homogeneity analyses revealed that most of the completed rainfall datasets are homogeneous at class 1 level, consistent and reliable and do not show systematic changes in time.
A real-time and energy-efficient SRAM with mixed-signal in-memory computing near CMOS sensors
Authors: Diaz-Madrid Jose-Angel , Domenech-Asensi Gines , Ruiz-Merino Ramon , Zapata-Perez Juan-Francisco
Published: July 2024

In-memory computing (IMC) represents a promising approach to reducing latency and enhancing the energy efficiency of operations required for calculating convolution products of images. This study proposes a fully differential current-mode architecture for computing image convolutions across all four quadrants, intended for deep learning applications within CMOS imagers utilizing IMC near the CMOS sensor. This architecture processes analog signals provided by a CMOS sensor without the need for analog-to-digital conversion. Furthermore, it eliminates the necessity for data transfer between memory and analog operators as convolutions are computed within modified SRAM memory. The paper suggests modifying the structure of a CMOS SRAM cell by incorporating transistors capable of performing multiplications between binary (−1 or +1) weights and analog signals. Modified SRAM cells can be interconnected to sum the multiplication results obtained from individual cells. This approach facilitates connecting current inputs to different SRAM cells, offering highly scalable and parallelized calculations. For this study, a configurable module comprising nine modified SRAM cells with peripheral circuitry has been designed to calculate the convolution product on each pixel of an image using a $$3 \times 3$$

3
×
3

mask with binary values (−1 or 1). Subsequently, an IMC module has been designed to perform 16 convolution operations in parallel, with input currents shared among the 16 modules. This configuration enables the computation of 16 convolutions simultaneously, processing a column per cycle. A digital control circuit manages both the readout or memorization of digital weights, as well as the multiply and add operations in real-time. The architecture underwent testing by performing convolutions between binary masks of 3 × 3 values and images of 32 × 32 pixels to assess accuracy and scalability when two IMC modules are vertically integrated. Convolution weights are stored locally as 1-bit digital values. The circuit was synthesized in 180 nm CMOS technology, and simulation results indicate its capability to perform a complete convolution in 3.2 ms, achieving an efficiency of 11,522 1-b TOPS/W (1-b tera-operations per second per watt) with a similarity to ideal processing of 96%.
Evolution of white matter hyperintensity segmentation methods and implementation over the past two decades; an incomplete shift towards deep learning
Authors: Rahmani Maryam , Dierker Donna , Yaeger Lauren , Saykin Andrew , Luckett Patrick H. , Vlassenko Andrei G. , Owens Christopher , Jafri Hussain , Womack Kyle , Fripp Jurgen , Xia Ying , Tosun Duygu , Benzinger Tammie L. S. , Masters Colin L. , Lee Jin-Moo , Morris John C. , Goyal Manu S. , Strain Jeremy F. ,   for the ADOPIC, ADNI Investigators, Kukull Walter , Weiner Michael ,   Biostats, Database and Bioinformatics, Burnham Samantha , CoxDoecke Tim James , Fedyashov Victor , Fripp Jurgen , Shishegar Rosita , Xiong Chengjie , Marcus Daniel , Raniga Parnesh , Li Shenpeng ,   Cognition, Aschenbrenner Andrew , Hassenstab Jason , Lim Yen Ying , Maruff Paul , Sohrabi Hamid , Robertson Jo , Markovic Shaun ,   Imaging, Bourgeat Pierrick , Doré Vincent , Mayo Clifford Jack , Mussoumzadeh Parinaz , Rowe Chris , Villemagne Victor ,   CSF and Blood, Bateman Randy , Fowler Chris , Li Qiao-Xin , Martins Ralph , Schindler Suzanne , Shaw Les ,   Genetics, Cruchaga Carlos , Harari Oscar , Laws Simon , Porter Tenielle , O’Brien Eleanor ,   Neuropathology, Perrin Richard ,   NACC, Kukull Walter ,   DIAN, Bateman Randy , McDade Eric ,   Cerebrovascular Disease (CVD) Risk, Jack Clifford , Morris John , Yassi Nawaf ,   Hippocampal Sclerosis (HS-TDP43) Risk, Bourgeat Pierrick , Perrin Richard , Roberts Blaine , Villemagne Victor ,   Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Fedyashov Victor , Goudey Benjamin
Published: July 2024

This systematic review examines the prevalence, underlying mechanisms, cohort characteristics, evaluation criteria, and cohort types in white matter hyperintensity (WMH) pipeline and implementation literature spanning the last two decades. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we categorized WMH segmentation tools based on their methodologies from January 1, 2000, to November 18, 2022. Inclusion criteria involved articles using openly available techniques with detailed descriptions, focusing on WMH as a primary outcome. Our analysis identified 1007 visual rating scales, 118 pipeline development articles, and 509 implementation articles. These studies predominantly explored aging, dementia, psychiatric disorders, and small vessel disease, with aging and dementia being the most prevalent cohorts. Deep learning emerged as the most frequently developed segmentation technique, indicative of a heightened scrutiny in new technique development over the past two decades. We illustrate observed patterns and discrepancies between published and implemented WMH techniques. Despite increasingly sophisticated quantitative segmentation options, visual rating scales persist, with the SPM technique being the most utilized among quantitative methods and potentially serving as a reference standard for newer techniques. Our findings highlight the need for future standards in WMH segmentation, and we provide recommendations based on these observations.
Preliminary Observations of the Loke Microdialysis in an Experimental Pig Model: Are We Ready for Continuous Monitoring of Brain Energy Metabolism?
Authors: Svedung Wettervik Teodor , Hånell Anders , Ahlgren Kerstin M. , Hillered Lars , Lewén Anders
Published: July 2024

Background

Brain energy metabolism is often disturbed after acute brain injuries. Current neuromonitoring methods with cerebral microdialysis (CMD) are based on intermittent measurements (1–4 times/h), but such a low frequency could miss transient but important events. The solution may be the recently developed Loke microdialysis (MD), which provides high-frequency data of glucose and lactate. Before clinical implementation, the reliability and stability of Loke remain to be determined in vivo. The purpose of this study was to validate Loke MD in relation to the standard intermittent CMD method.

Methods

Four pigs aged 2–3 months were included. They received two adjacent CMD catheters, one for standard intermittent assessments and one for continuous (Loke MD) assessments of glucose and lactate. The standard CMD was measured every 15 min. Continuous Loke MD was sampled every 2–3 s and was averaged over corresponding 15-min intervals for the statistical comparisons with standard CMD. Intravenous glucose injections and intracranial hypertension by inflation of an intracranial epidural balloon were performed to induce variations in intracranial pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure, and systemic and cerebral glucose and lactate levels.

Results

In a linear mixed-effect model of standard CMD glucose (mM), there was a fixed effect value (± standard error [SE]) at 0.94 ± 0.07 (p < 0.001) for Loke MD glucose (mM), with an intercept at − 0.19 ± 0.15 (p = 0.20). The model showed a conditional R
2 at 0.81 and a marginal R
2 at 0.72. In a linear mixed-effect model of standard CMD lactate (mM), there was a fixed effect value (± SE) at 0.41 ± 0.16 (p = 0.01) for Loke MD lactate (mM), with an intercept at 0.33 ± 0.21 (p = 0.25). The model showed a conditional R
2 at 0.47 and marginal R
2 at 0.17.

Conclusions

The established standard CMD glucose thresholds may be used as for Loke MD with some caution, but this should be avoided for lactate.
Complex network analysis of climate and landscape satellite data to explore spatio-temporal patterns in urban environment: the case of Athens
Authors: Charakopoulos Avraam , Karakasidis Theodoros , Ziliaskopoulos Konstantinos , Laspidou Chrysi
Published: July 2024

Motivated by the significance and complexity of exploring spatiotemporal patterns - regions within an urban environment, particularly in the context of extreme heat events- this research analyzes meteorological time series through complex network analysis. The data collected for the examination area is focused on Athens, Greece, and covers sections of the city’s urban landscape. The data was obtained from the Copernicus observation component of the European Union. Initially, the time series are transformed into networks using correlation network methodology, followed by examination of the discriminative capability of the topological measures of networks degree and modularity as community - region detection methods. Of particular interest is that our findings suggest that the proposed complex network analysis can lead to the extraction of spatial urban regions closely linked to land use and building heights in corresponding areas. These results may help investigate the spatial variability of heat in the urban environment and inform urban planning and management strategies in policy decision-making regarding the intensity of urban heat throughout the city and the planning of climate change adaptation strategies.
Unintended sprouts as additional resource for pathogen-free seed potato (Solanum tuberosum) propagation
Authors: de Souza-Dias José Alberto Caram , Feldmann Falko
Published: July 2024

Unintended sprouting of potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum) occurs within the professional production chain during transportation or storage due to the break of dormancy by changing environmental conditions. The sprouting of high-quality seed potatoes, for example, results in huge amounts of sprouts which complicate the planting process and are, therefore, manually removed and discarded. However, such sprouts can be very useful and sustainable when used as propagation material, helping to avoid losses of seed potatoes and increasing productivity per individual seed potato tuber.
Existential risk and equal political liberty
Authors: Porter J. Joseph , Gibbons Adam F.
Published: July 2024

Rawls famously argues that the parties in the original position would agree upon the two principles of justice. Among other things, these principles guarantee equal political liberty—that is, democracy—as a requirement of justice. We argue on the contrary that the parties have reason to reject this requirement. As we show, by Rawls’ own lights, the parties would be greatly concerned to mitigate existential risk. But it is doubtful whether democracy always minimizes such risk. Indeed, no one currently knows which political systems would. Consequently, the parties—and we ourselves—have reason to reject democracy as a requirement of justice in favor of political experimentalism, a general approach to political justice which rules in at least some non-democratic political systems which might minimize existential risk.
Mathematische Kompetenzen bei Erstklässlern mit expressiv und expressiv-rezeptiv auffälliger Sprachentwicklung
Authors: Mahlau Kathrin , Sikora Simon
Published: July 2024

Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: Kinder mit Sprachentwicklungsstörungen (SES) tragen ein hohes Risiko für eine komorbide Beeinträchtigung ihres Lernerfolgs im Bereich Mathematik. Studien zeigen, dass sprachliches und mathematisches Lernen zusammenhängt. Ungeklärt ist, ob die Form der SES die mathematischen Kompetenzen beeinflusst. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, zu prüfen, ob Unterschiede in den mathematischen (Basis-)Kompetenzen zwischen sprachlich unauffälligen Kindern, Kindern mit einer rein expressiven und Kindern mit einer kombiniert expressiv-rezeptiven SES vorliegen und wie sich diese über das erste Schuljahr in den Gruppen entwickeln. Methode: Die Untersuchung erfolgte im Drei-Gruppen-Design über zwei Messzeitpunkte (MZP) zu Beginn und zum Ende des ersten Schuljahres. Mittels Kovarianzanalysen wurde geprüft, ob Unterschiede im Mathematiklernen zwischen den drei Gruppen bestehen. Ergebnisse: Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass in den Gruppen von Kindern mit SES zu beiden Zeitpunkten erheblich geringere Leistungen in den mathematischen (Basis-)Kompetenzen vorliegen als in der Vergleichsgruppe. Zwischen den beiden Gruppen der Kinder mit SES zeigen sich keine signifikanten Unterschiede. Diskussion: Eine formative Erfassung mathematischer Kompetenzen ist bei Kindern mit SES unerlässlich, um eine frühe und gezielte Förderung einzuleiten. Im Mathematikunterricht sollten die unterschiedlichen sprachlichen Voraussetzungen berücksichtigt werden.
Mechanical Impact of Heterogeneously Distributed H2O on Quartz Deformation
Authors: Pongrac Petar , Jeřábek Petr , Stünitz Holger , Raimbourg Hugues , Racek Martin , Jollands Michael C. , Gies Nils , Lueder Mona , Lexa Ondrej , Nègre Lucille
Published: July 2024

In order to identify relations between mechanical behavior, deformation mechanisms, microstructural properties, and H2O distribution, Tana‐quartzite samples with added H2O ranging from 0 to 0.5 wt.% were deformed by axial shortening at constant displacement rates, at 900°C and 1 GPa, reaching up to ∼30% bulk strain. Samples with lower quantities of added H2O (0.1 and 0.2 wt.%) were in average ∼30 MPa weaker than the as‐is samples with no added H2O. In contrast, samples with more than 0.2 wt.% added H2O revealed more variable mechanical behavior, showing either weaker or stronger trend. The weaker samples showed strain localization in their central parts in the vicinity of the thermocouple, that is, the hottest parts of the samples, whereas the stronger samples showed localization in their upper, slightly colder parts. Bulk deformation is accommodated by crystal plasticity and dissolution‐precipitation processes. Distribution of H2O in our samples revealed systematic decrease of H2O content in the interiors of original grains, caused by increasing strain and H2O draining into grain boundary regions. With increasing content of added H2O, the quartz recrystallization gradually changes from subgrain‐rotation‐dominated to crack‐induced nucleation, along with increasing quantity of melt/fluid pockets. The unexpected strain localization in the upper parts of stronger samples most likely results from mode‐1‐cracking that led to drainage of grain boundaries (GB) due to the crack dilatancy effect, and inhibited dissolution‐precipitation in the hottest part of the samples next to the thermocouple. The locus of deformation is then shifted to colder regions where more H2O is available along GB.
Controls of Cross‐Shore Planktonic Ecosystem Structure in an Idealized Eastern Boundary Upwelling System
Authors: Moscoso Jordyn E. , Bianchi Daniele , Stewart Andrew L.
Published: July 2024

Eastern boundary upwelling systems (EBUSs) are among the most productive regions in the ocean because deep, nutrient‐rich waters are brought up to the surface. Previous studies have identified winds, mesoscale eddies and offshore nutrient distributions as key influences on the net primary production in EBUSs. However uncertainties remain regarding their roles in setting cross‐shore primary productivity and ecosystem diversity. Here, we use a quasi‐two‐dimensional (2D) model that combines ocean circulation with a spectrum of planktonic sizes to investigate the impact of winds, eddies, and offshore nutrient distributions in shaping EBUS ecosystems. A key finding is that variations in the strength of the wind stress and the nutrient concentration in the upwelled waters control the distribution and characteristics of the planktonic ecosystem. Specifically, a strengthening of the wind stress maximum, driving upwelling, increases the average planktonic size in the coastal upwelling zone, whereas the planktonic ecosystem is relatively insensitive to variations in the wind stress curl. Likewise, a deepening nutricline shifts the location of phytoplankton blooms shore‐ward, shoals the deep chlorophyll maximum offshore, and supports larger phytoplankton across the entire domain. Additionally, increased eddy stirring of nutrients suppresses coastal primary productivity via “eddy quenching,” whereas increased eddy restratification has relatively little impact on the coastal nutrient supply. These findings identify the wind stress maximum, isopycnal eddy diffusion, and nutricline depth as particularly influential on the coastal ecosystem, suggesting that variations in these quantities could help explain the observed differences between EBUSs, and influence the responses of EBUS ecosystems to climate shifts.
Streamflow Intermittence in Europe: Estimating High‐Resolution Monthly Time Series by Downscaling of Simulated Runoff and Random Forest Modeling
Authors: Döll Petra , Abbasi Mahdi , Messager Mathis Loïc , Trautmann Tim , Lehner Bernhard , Lamouroux Nicolas
Published: July 2024

Knowing where and when rivers cease to flow provides an important basis for evaluating riverine biodiversity, biogeochemistry and ecosystem services. We present a novel modeling approach to estimate monthly time series of streamflow intermittence at high spatial resolution at the continental scale. Streamflow intermittence is quantified at more than 1.5 million river reaches in Europe as the number of no‐flow days grouped into five classes (0, 1–5, 6–15, 16–29, 30–31 no‐flow days) for each month from 1981 to 2019. Daily time series of observed streamflow at 3706 gauging stations were used to train and validate a two‐step random forest modeling approach. Important predictors were derived from time series of monthly streamflow at 73 million 15 arc‐sec (∼500 m) grid cells that were computed by downscaling the 0.5 arc‐deg (∼55 km) output of the global hydrological model WaterGAP, which accounts for human water use. Of the observed perennial and non‐perennial station‐months, 97.8% and 86.4%, respectively, were correctly predicted. Interannual variations of the number of non‐perennial months at non‐perennial reaches were satisfactorily simulated, with a median Pearson correlation of 0.5. While the spatial prevalence of non‐perennial reaches is underestimated, the number of non‐perennial months is overestimated in dry regions of Europe where artificial storage abounds. Our model estimates that 3.8% of all European reach‐months and 17.2% of all reaches were non‐perennial during 1981–2019, predominantly with 30–31 no‐flow days. Although estimation uncertainty is high, our study provides, for the first time, information on the continent‐wide dynamics of non‐perennial rivers and streams.
Phosphate Influx and Dust Deposition Create Zonal and Meridional Biogeochemical Gradients in Trichodesmium Abundance
Authors: Mehta Shreya , Kiko Rainer , Hauss Helena , Ojha Narendra , Singh Arvind
Published: July 2024

Trichodesmium plays a key role in the biogeochemical cycling of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in the Tropical Atlantic Ocean. A complex interplay of physicochemical factors control the growth of Trichodesmium. However, owing to the large spatial and temporal variability, the relative influence of these factors in controlling Trichodesmium distribution and abundance remains unclear. In this study, we examined the basin‐scale distribution pattern of Trichodesmium in the upper 200 m water column of the Atlantic Ocean (25°N–30°S and 70°W–20°E) using a large data set (n = 33,235) and tried to constrain the distribution based on various physicochemical parameters. We suggest that the combined effect of warm temperatures and phosphate (PO43−) availability determines the zonal spatial extent and the abundance of Trichodesmium in the Tropical North Atlantic Ocean. However, the availability of dissolved iron, along with high sea surface temperatures and meteorological parameters such as the wind direction and precipitation, likely govern the meridional distribution of Trichodesmium across the Atlantic Ocean. Excess PO43− at the surface rules out the possibility of PO43− limitation in regulating the meridional distribution of the Trichodesmium. Depth‐integrated nitrogen fixation rates, based on a multiple linear regression, vary from 0.07 to 306 μmol N m−2 d−1. The presence of Trichodesmium colonies down to a depth of 200 m and the depth‐integrated nitrogen fixation rates reflect the pivotal role of Trichodesmium in the nitrogen budget of this region.
Understanding the Intermittency of the Wintertime North Atlantic Oscillation and East Atlantic Pattern Seasonal Forecast Skill in the Copernicus C3S Multi‐Model Ensemble
Authors: Baker L. H. , Shaffrey L. C. , Johnson S. J. , Weisheimer A.
Published: July 2024

The wintertime North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and East Atlantic Pattern (EA) are the two leading modes of North Atlantic pressure variability and have a substantial impact on winter weather in Europe. The year‐to‐year contributions to multi‐model seasonal forecast skill in the Copernicus C3S ensemble of seven prediction systems are assessed for the wintertime NAO and EA, and well‐forecast and poorly‐forecast years are identified. Years with high NAO predictability are associated with substantial tropical forcing, generally from the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), while poor forecasts of the NAO occur when ENSO forcing is weak. Well‐forecast EA winters also generally occurred when there was substantial tropical forcing, although the relationship was less robust than for the NAO. These results support previous findings of the impacts of tropical forcing on the North Atlantic and show this is important from a multi‐model seasonal forecasting perspective.
Multiple Satellite Observations of the High‐Latitude Cusp Aurora During Northward IMF Conditions
Authors: Zhou Su , Luan Xiaoli , Hou Ying
Published: July 2024

Cusp auroras poleward of the typical auroral oval are ascribed to high‐latitude lobe reconnection when the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) Bz is predominantly northward. In this study, we further investigate the ionospheric characteristics of a unique high‐latitude cusp region employing multiple satellite observations. A cusp aurora event with wide spatial spread was observed in the postnoon polar cap region. It was found to be associated with northward IMF Bz and positive By components. The cusp aurora was located from 68° to 86° in magnetic latitude and within 15–17 hr in magnetic local time. This broad coverage in the polar cap indicates direct precipitating particles from the magnetosheath. Particle energy is different between the equatorward and poleward edges of the cusp aurora. The precipitating ions at the equatorward side maintain magnetosheath particle characteristics as expected, while ions with higher energies occurred in the poleward side. Further, the poleward edge of the cusp aurora was nearly situated in the center of a convection shear and was associated with an upward field‐aligned current. These observations suggest a lobe cell circulation, hence we attribute the formation of the cusp aurora to the high‐latitude lobe reconnection. Simultaneous observations in the southern hemisphere indicate the absence of cusp aurora. The auroral presence only in the northern hemisphere is probably due to the combination of large dipole tilt angle and positive IMF Bz, which facilitates the lobe reconnection.
Frequency‐Bessel Transform Method for Multimodal Dispersion Measurement of Surface Waves From Distributed Acoustic Sensing Data
Authors: Yuan Shichuan , Chen Xiaofei , Liu Qi , Ren Hengxin , Wang Jiannan , Meng Haoran , Yan Yingwei
Published: July 2024

The array‐based frequency‐Bessel transform method has been demonstrated to effectively extract dispersion curves of higher‐mode surface waves from the empirical Green's functions (EGFs) of displacement fields reconstructed by ambient noise interferometry. Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), a novel dense array observation technique, has been widely implemented in surface wave imaging to estimate subsurface velocity structure in practice. However, there is still no clear understanding in theory about how to accurately extract surface‐wave dispersion curves directly from DAS strain (or strain rate) data. To address this, we extend the frequency‐Bessel transform method by deriving Green’s functions (GFs) for horizontal strain fields, making it applicable to DAS data. First, we test its performance using synthetic GFs and verify the correctness of extracted dispersion spectrograms with theoretical results. Then, we apply it to three field DAS ambient‐noise data sets, two recorded on land and one in the seabed. The reliability and advantages of the method are confirmed by comparing results with the widely used phase shift method. The results demonstrate that our extended frequency‐Bessel transform method is reliable and can provide more abundant and higher‐quality dispersion information of surface waves. Moreover, our method is also adaptable for active‐source DAS data with simple modifications to the derived transform formulas. We also find that the gauge length in the DAS system significantly impacts the polarity and value of extracted dispersion energy. Overall, our study provides a theoretical framework and practical tool for multimodal surface wave dispersion measurement using DAS data.