bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PackageCovRegpy: Regularized covariance regression and forecasting inPython
Authors: van Jaarsveldt Cole , Peters Gareth W. , Ames Matthew , Chantler Mike 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis paper will outline the functionality available in theCovRegpypackage which was written for actuarial practitioners, wealth managers, fund managers, and portfolio analysts in the language ofPython 3.11. The objective is to develop a new class of covariance regression factor models for covariance forecasting, along with a library of portfolio allocation tools that integrate with this new covariance forecasting framework. The novelty is in two stages: the type of covariance regression model and factor extractions used to construct the covariates used in the covariance regression, along with a powerful portfolio allocation framework for dynamic multi-period asset investment management.The major contributions of packageCovRegpycan be found on the GitHub repository for this library in the scripts:CovRegpy.py,CovRegpy_DCC.py,CovRegpy_RPP.py,CovRegpy_SSA.py,CovRegpy_SSD.py, andCovRegpy_X11.py. These six scripts contain implementations of software features including multivariate covariance time series models based on the regularized covariance regression (RCR) framework, dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) framework, risk premia parity (RPP) weighting functions, singular spectrum analysis (SSA), singular spectrum decomposition (SSD), and X11 decomposition framework, respectively.These techniques can be used sequentially or independently with other techniques to extract implicit factors to use them as covariates in the RCR framework to forecast covariance and correlation structures and finally apply portfolio weighting strategies based on the portfolio risk measures based on forecasted covariance assumptions. Explicit financial factors can be used in the covariance regression framework, implicit factors can be used in the traditional explicit market factor setting, and RPP techniques with long/short equity weighting strategies can be used in traditional covariance assumption frameworks.We examine, herein, two real-world case studies for actuarial practitioners. The first of these is a modification (demonstrating the regularization of covariance regression) of the original example from Hoff & Niu ((2012).Statistica Sinica, 22(2), 729–753) which modeled the covariance and correlative relationship that exists between forced expiratory volume (FEV) and age and FEV and height. We examine this within the context of making probabilistic predictions about mortality rates in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.The second case study is a more complete example using this package wherein we present a funded and unfunded UK pension example. The decomposition algorithm isolates high-, mid-, and low-frequency structures from FTSE 100 constituents over 20 years. These are used to forecast the forthcoming quarter’s covariance structure to weight the portfolio based on the RPP strategy. These fully funded pensions are compared against the performance of a fully unfunded pension using the FTSE 100 index performance as a proxy.
What drives trust in regulatory agencies? Probing the relevance of governmental level and performance through a cross-national elite experiment on EU regulation
Authors: Kappler Moritz , Verhoest Koen , Bach Tobias , Maman Libby , Schomaker Rahel 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTrust between constituent actors within the European Union (EU)’s multilevel regulatory regimes is decisive for regulatory success. Trust drives information flows, increases compliance, and improves cooperation within these regimes. Despite its importance, systematic knowledge regarding the drivers of trust within regulatory regimes is limited. This paper inquires whether trust in regulatory agencies is influenced by their affiliation with the national or EU governmental level, as well as by their performance. While existing literature predominantly focuses on why citizens place their trust in governments or regulatory agencies, this paper presents original insights regarding the formation of trust among elites within the regulatory regime, including politicians, ministerial officials, agency officials, interest groups, and regulated entities. We employ data obtained from a large-scale vignette experiment conducted in six countries involving 752 decision-makers from relevant organizations. The experimental results suggest that both public and private elite actors’ trust assessment of regulatory agencies does not hinge on cues associated with the governmental level, but rather depends on agency performance. Accordingly, belonging to the national or EU governmental level does not create a difference in trust assessment of regulatory agencies in itself. It, however, shows that particularly elite actors are rather sensitive in terms of the performance of a regulatory agency.
Twins Standing in for Co-Twins: Explanation and Speculation/Twin Research Reviews: Single v. Multiple Embryo Transfer; Neurimaging of Twins with Periventricular Nodular Heterotopia; Twin Dietary Study; New Hungarian Text on Twins/Human Interest: Valedictorian and Salutatorian Twins; Twin Mother at Age Seventy; Twins Reunited by Tiktok; New Film on Twins with Selective Mutism; Becoming Twin Doctors
Authors: Segal Nancy L. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAn overview of circumstances in which twins take the place of their co-twin is presented. Various explanations and speculations are proposed for understanding twins’ willingness to do so in certain situations. This section is followed by reviews of timely twin research, namely single versus multiple embryo transfer; neurimaging of twins with periventricular nodular heterotopia; a twin dietary comparison; and a new book of twin-related readings from Hungary. The final portion of this article concerns human interest stories that both inform and entertain. They involve valedictorian and salutatorian twins; a mother delivering twins at age seventy; twins reunited by TikTok; a new film about twins with selective mutism; and twins becoming doctors.
Interactions Between Anthropogenic Greenhouse‐Gas and Aerosol Emissions Will Shape Extreme Precipitations Over the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Tang Wenchang , Huang Guohe , Li Yongping , Tian Chuyin , Song Tangnyu , Wu Mengjie , Zhou Xiong , Zhao Xiaohu , Zheng Yali 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAttributing intensification extreme precipitation to anthropogenic factors on the regional scale is challenging, given the large fluctuations and the complexity of quantifying interactions among these anthropogenic factors. Here, we propose a new variance‐based method to investigate the roles of human‐induced greenhouse gas (GHG), aerosol (AER), and their interactions (GA) in shaping extreme precipitation on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP) at stational scale. In terms of contribution, GHG has the greatest impact on total wet‐day precipitation and simple daily intensity. In terms of significance, GA, and AER exert significant effects on all 10 extreme indices (P; < 0.05) over 48.3% and 44.8% of all stations, while GHG affects less (25.9%). Overall, GHG is not the only dominant factor, and GA and AER are expected to play vital roles in intensifying extreme precipitation over the QTP under SSP2‐4.5. These findings challenge the conventional insights that GHG is the primary anthropogenic driver of extreme precipitation.
Impacts and State‐Dependence of AMOC Weakening in a Warming Climate
Authors: Bellomo Katinka , Mehling Oliver 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAll climate models project a weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) strength in response to greenhouse gas forcing. However, the climate impacts of the AMOC decline alone cannot be isolated from other drivers of climate change using existing Coupled Model Intercomparison Project simulations. To address this issue, we conduct idealized experiments using the EC‐Earth3 climate model. We compare an abrupt 4×CO2 simulation with the same experiment, except we artificially fix the AMOC strength at preindustrial levels. With this design, we can formally attribute differences in climate change impacts between these two experiments to the AMOC decline. In addition, we quantify the state‐dependence of AMOC impacts by comparing the aforementioned experiments with a preindustrial simulation in which we artificially reduce the AMOC strength. Our findings demonstrate that AMOC decline impacts are state‐dependent, thus understanding AMOC impacts on future climate change requires targeted model experiments.
A One‐Dimensional Model of Atmospheric Sputtering at Io Driven by S++ and O+
Authors: Huang Xu , Gu Hao , Ni Yangxin , Zhao JinJin , Cui Jun 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIo, the closest of Jupiter's four Galilean moons, suffers from intense ion bombardment from Jupiter's magnetosphere. The constant atmospheric erosion by energetic ion precipitation, referred to atmospheric sputtering, serves as an important mechanism of Io's atmospheric escape. This study is devoted to a state‐of‐the‐art study of atmospheric sputtering at Io, with the aid of constantly accumulated understandings of Io's space environment and atmospheric photochemistry, as well as the updated laboratory measurements. A Monte Carlo model is constructed to track the energy degradation of incident S++ and O+ and atmospheric recoils from which the sputtering yields of different atmospheric species are determined. Our calculations suggest a total escape rate of 3 × 1029 atom s−1 on Io, and SO2 is the dominant sputtered species. Further investigations reveal that S++ is the most efficient species for atmospheric sputtering on Io, and sputtering yields increase substantially with increasing incident ion mass, energy, and incidence angle. The model sensitivity to different influence factors is also discussed, including scattering angle distribution, atmospheric column density, proton precipitation, inelastic process, and surface sputtering, of which the former two dominate.
Significant Sea‐Level Fluctuations in the Western Tropical Pacific During the Mid‐Holocene
Authors: Yan Tingli , Yu Kefu , Jiang Leilei , Li Yueer , Zhao Ning 
Published: May 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the history of sea‐level changes in the past and the associated mechanisms is crucial for predicting sea level in the future. The South China Sea is the largest semi‐enclosed marginal sea in the western tropical Pacific. Previous studies showed that this region experienced several sea‐level fluctuations up to half a meter on centennial timescales ∼7,000 cal yr BP. These fluctuations were greater in magnitude than the rise in global mean sea level induced by greenhouse effect over the 20th century. However, whether such sea‐level fluctuations occurred in a wider temporal context and their potential causes remain unclear. To answer these questions, we reconstructed the mid‐Holocene sea‐level fluctuations in the northern South China Sea using nine coral microatoll fossils collected from Hainan Island. The results suggest that sea‐level fluctuations with amplitude of about half a meter on centennial timescales were common during 6,143–4,384 cal yr BP. Based on recent studies of sea‐level driving mechanisms in the South China Sea and paleoclimate reconstructions, we infer that these sea‐level fluctuations were likely driven by changes of Walker circulation intensity. Due to the internal variability of the climate system, the possibility of similar sea‐level fluctuations in the foreseeable future cannot be ruled out.
Turbulence Intermittency Effects on the Initiation Threshold of Sediment Motion in Natural Waters
Authors: Li Renzhi , Wang Ya Ping , Gao Shu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe initiation threshold of sediment motion, a key component in quantifying sediment transport, has potential link to intermittent turbulence bursts. Here, we elaborated in situ experiments on coastal sea bottom covered with cohesive sediments, to obtain intermittency parameters. The variable “waiting time” between turbulence bursts was utilized to capture the occurrence of sediment initiation events in natural waters. A relationship between waiting time and shear stress reveals the different intermittency features of sediment flux time series before and after reaching the threshold, which can be used to determine the initiation threshold of sediment motion. Multi‐site results demonstrate the limitations of traditional empirical formulae for fine‐grained sediments, where cohesiveness becomes more pronounced as grain size decreases and the deviation can reach 600%. The empirical formula was modified using grain size, and the modified calculations were in good agreement with observed values, which will greatly assist in sediment transport and geomorphology model predictions.
Magmatic Controls on Volcanic Sulfur Emissions at the Iceland Hotspot
Authors: Ranta E. , Halldórsson S. A. , Óladóttir B. A. , Pfeffer M. A. , Caracciolo A. , Bali E. , Guðfinnsson G. H. , Kahl M. , Barsotti S. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOutgassing of sulfur (as SO2) is one of the principal hazards posed by volcanic eruptions. However, S emission potentials of most volcanoes globally are poorly constrained due to a short observational record and an incomplete understanding of the magmatic processes that influence pre‐eruptive S concentrations. Here, we use a compilation of published and new data from melt inclusions (MIs)—which can preserve magmatic S concentrations prior to eruptive degassing—from the Iceland hotspot to evaluate the effects of mantle melting and crustal magmatic processes on the S budgets of Icelandic melts. We use MI data to estimate S emission potentials (ΔSmax, in ppm S) for 73 eruptions from 22 of Iceland's presently active ∼33 volcanic systems. We show that the S systematics of Icelandic melts are strongly regulated by the sulfide solubility limit. Sulfide‐saturated conditions during lower‐degree mantle melting, prevalent at off‐rift zones, likely explains observed decoupling between S and Cl. During magmatic differentiation, a local maximum in modeled sulfide solubility occurs in evolved basalts (4–6 wt.% MgO), coinciding with highest MI S concentrations. Highest ΔSmax values (2,100–2,600 ppm) are found in the Hekla 1913 CE, Eldgjá 939 CE, and Surtsey 1963–1967 CE eruptions in the South Iceland Volcanic Zone. Our results extend the record of volcanic sulfur emissions back in time and can be used to assess volcanic gas hazards at Icelandic volcanoes where no direct measurements are available. Broadly, the results underline the governing role of sulfide saturation during melting and magma differentiation in controlling the eruptible S contents of Icelandic magmas.
The Potential of Absorbing Aerosols to Enhance Extreme Precipitation
Authors: Dagan Guy , Eytan Eshkol 
Published: May 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the impact of various climate forcing agents, such as aerosols, on extreme precipitation is socially and scientifically vital. While anthropogenic absorbing aerosols influence Earth's energy balance and atmospheric convection, their role in extreme events remains unclear. This paper uses convective‐resolving radiative‐convective‐equilibrium simulations, with fixed solar radiation, to investigate the influence of absorbing aerosols on extreme precipitation comprehensively. Our findings reveal an underappreciated mechanism through which absorbing aerosols can, under certain conditions, strongly intensify extreme precipitation. Notably, we demonstrate that a mechanism previously reported for much warmer (hothouse) climates, where intense rainfall alternates with multi‐day dry spells, can operate under current realistic conditions due to absorbing aerosol influence. This mechanism operates when an aerosol perturbation shifts the lower tropospheric radiative heating rate to positive values, generating a strong inhibition layer. Our work highlights an additional potential effect of absorbing aerosols, with implications for climate change mitigation and disaster risk management.
Human dental pulp stem cells mitigate the neuropathology and cognitive decline via AKT-GSK3β-Nrf2 pathways in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Xiong Wei , Liu Ye , Zhou Heng , Li Junyi , Jing Shuili , Jiang Cailei , Li Mei , He Yan , Ye Qingsong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOxidative stress is increasingly recognized as a major contributor to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), particularly in the early stages of the disease. The multiplicity advantages of stem cell transplantation make it fascinating therapeutic strategy for many neurodegenerative diseases. We herein demonstrated that human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) mediated oxidative stress improvement and neuroreparative effects in in vitro AD models, playing critical roles in regulating the polarization of hyperreactive microglia cells and the recovery of damaged neurons. Importantly, these therapeutic effects were reflected in 10-month-old 3xTg-AD mice after a single transplantation of hDPSCs, with the treated mice showing significant improvement in cognitive function and neuropathological features. Mechanistically, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, as well as cognitive enhancements elicited by hDPSCs, were at least partially mediated by Nrf2 nuclear accumulation and downstream antioxidant enzymes expression through the activation of the AKT-GSK3β-Nrf2 signaling pathway. In conclusion, our findings corroborated the neuroprotective capacity of hDPSCs to reshape the neuropathological microenvironment in both in vitro and in vivo AD models, which may be a tremendous potential therapeutic candidate for Alzheimer’s disease.
Integrated proteogenomic analysis for inherited bone marrow failure syndrome
Authors: Wakamatsu Manabu , Muramatsu Hideki , Sato Hironori , Ishikawa Masaki , Konno Ryo , Nakajima Daisuke , Hamada Motoharu , Okuno Yusuke , Kawashima Yusuke , Hama Asahito , Ito Masafumi , Iwafuchi Hideto , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Ohara Osamu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractRecent advances in in-depth data-independent acquisition proteomic analysis have enabled comprehensive quantitative analysis of >10,000 proteins. Herein, an integrated proteogenomic analysis for inherited bone marrow failure syndrome (IBMFS) was performed to reveal their biological features and to develop a proteomic-based diagnostic assay in the discovery cohort; dyskeratosis congenita (n = 12), Fanconi anemia (n = 11), Diamond–Blackfan anemia (DBA, n = 9), Shwachman–Diamond syndrome (SDS, n = 6), ADH5/ALDH2 deficiency (n = 4), and other IBMFS (n = 18). Unsupervised proteomic clustering identified eight independent clusters (C1–C8), with the ribosomal pathway specifically downregulated in C1 and C2, enriched for DBA and SDS, respectively. Six patients with SDS had significantly decreased SBDS protein expression, with two of these not diagnosed by DNA sequencing alone. Four patients with ADH5/ALDH2 deficiency showed significantly reduced ADH5 protein expression. To perform a large-scale rapid IBMFS screening, targeted proteomic analysis was performed on 417 samples from patients with IBMFS-related hematological disorders (n = 390) and healthy controls (n = 27). SBDS and ADH5 protein expressions were significantly reduced in SDS and ADH5/ALDH2 deficiency, respectively. The clinical application of this first integrated proteogenomic analysis would be useful for the diagnosis and screening of IBMFS, where appropriate clinical screening tests are lacking.
Early life stress is associated with greater negative emotionality and peripheral inflammation in alcohol use disorder
Authors: Kirsch Dylan E. , Grodin Erica N. , Nieto Steven J. , Kady Annabel , Ray Lara A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEarly life stress (ELS) increases risk for psychiatric illness, including alcohol use disorder (AUD). Researchers have hypothesized that individuals with and without a history of ELS who have the same primary DSM-5 diagnosis are clinically and biologically distinct. While there is strong support for this hypothesis in the context of mood disorders, the hypothesis remains largely untested in the context of AUD. This study investigated the impact of ELS on the neuroclinical phenomenology and inflammatory profile of individuals with AUD. Treatment-seeking adults with AUD (N = 163) completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Questionnaire and phenotypic battery as part of a pharmacotherapy trial for AUD (NCT03594435). Participants were classified as having “no-ELS,” (ACE = 0) “moderate-ELS,” (ACE = 1, 2 or 3) or “high-ELS” (ACE = 4 + ). The Addictions Neuroclinical Assessment domains incentive salience and negative emotionality were derived and used to assess the neuroclinical phenomenology of AUD. We tested (1) cumulative ELS as a predictor of ANA domains and (2) ELS group differences in ANA domains. A subset of participants (N = 98) provided blood samples for a biomarker of peripheral inflammation (C-reactive protein; CRP); analyses were repeated with CRP as the outcome variable. Greater ELS predicted higher negative emotionality and elevated CRP, but not incentive salience. The high-ELS group exhibited greater negative emotionality compared with the no-ELS and moderate-ELS groups, with no difference between the latter two groups. The high-ELS group exhibited elevated CRP compared with the no/moderate-ELS group. Findings suggest that high-ELS exposure is associated with a unique AUD neuroclinical presentation marked by greater negative emotionality, and inflammatory profile characterized by elevated peripheral CRP.
Safety, immunogenicity and protective effect of sequential vaccination with inactivated and recombinant protein COVID-19 vaccine in the elderly: a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Liu Hong-Hong , Xie Yunbo , Yang Bao-Peng , Wen Huan-Yue , Yang Peng-Hui , Lu Jin-E , Liu Yan , Chen Xi , Qu Meng-Meng , Zhang Yang , Hong Wei-Guo , Li Yong-Gang , Fu Junliang , Wang Fu-Sheng 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in the elderly, a high-risk group for severe COVID-19 infection, have not been fully understood. To clarify these issues, this prospective study followed up 157 elderly and 73 young participants for 16 months and compared the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of two doses of the inactivated vaccine BBIBP-CorV followed by a booster dose of the recombinant protein vaccine ZF2001. The results showed that this vaccination protocol was safe and tolerable in the elderly. After administering two doses of the BBIBP-CorV, the positivity rates and titers of neutralizing and anti-RBD antibodies in the elderly were significantly lower than those in the young individuals. After the ZF2001 booster dose, the antibody-positive rates in the elderly were comparable to those in the young; however, the antibody titers remained lower. Gender, age, and underlying diseases were independently associated with vaccine immunogenicity in elderly individuals. The pseudovirus neutralization assay showed that, compared with those after receiving two doses of BBIBP-CorV priming, some participants obtained immunological protection against BA.5 and BF.7 after receiving the ZF2001 booster. Breakthrough infection symptoms last longer in the infected elderly and pre-infection antibody titers were negatively associated with the severity of post-infection symptoms. The antibody levels in the elderly increased significantly after breakthrough infection but were still lower than those in the young. Our data suggest that multiple booster vaccinations at short intervals to maintain high antibody levels may be an effective strategy for protecting the elderly against COVID-19.