bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accounting for Financing Risks improves Intergenerational Equity of Climate Change Mitigation
Authors: Fries Christian , Quante Lennart 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Today's decisions on climate change mitigation affect the damage that future generations will bear. Discounting future benefits and costs of climate change mitigation is one of the most important components of assessing efficient climate mitigation pathways. We extend the DICE model with stochastic discount rates to reflect the dynamic nature of discount rates. Stochastic rates give rise to a mitigation strategy, resulting in all model quantities becoming stochastic.
We show that the classical calibration of the DICE model induces intergenerational inequality: future generations have to bear higher costs relative to GDP and that this effect worsens under stochastic discount rates.
Accounting for additional financing risks, we investigate two modifications of DICE. We find that allowing financing of abatement costs and considering non-linear financing effects for large damages improves intergenerational effort sharing. We propose a modified optimisation to keep costs below 3\% of GDP, resulting in more equal efforts between generations.
Superhydrophobic polyvinylidene fluoride microporous membranes via combining TIPS with rolling embossing: the influence of pre-evaporation
Authors: Sun Qichao , Yang Zhensheng , Wang Zhingying , Wu Lianying 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Superhydrophobic microporous membranes hold great promise for applications in membrane contactor processes and oil-water separation, and it is crucial to develop a simple method to prepare stable superhydrophobic membrane. We investigated the impact of pre-evaporation time on membrane performance during the preparation of superhydrophobic membranes, employing a combination of TIPS with rolling embossing. To ensure the success of the roll pressing process, we initially conducted pre-evaporation experiments to determine the optimal pre-evaporation time. Subsequently, the embossed membranes underwent comprehensive characterization using SEM, XRD, AFM, contact angle measurement, porosity analysis, pore size determination, N2 flux measurement, and assessment of mechanical stability. The surface of the embossed membrane showcased a micron-submicron hierarchical structure reminiscent of the lotus leaf surface, resulting in a high water contact angle (WCA) of 151° and a low solid contact angle (SA) of 9.5°. Furthermore, the embossed membrane exhibited favorable porosity, pore size, N2 flux, and liquid entry pressure (LEP). The micro-submicron hierarchical structure demonstrated excellent mechanical stability. Ultimately, the embossed membranes demonstrated remarkable separation efficiency and operational stability in emulsion separation. Even after 20 cycles, the PVDF micropores maintained a high flux of 982.10 L•m− 2•h− 1 and a retention rate (α) of 98.67%. Notably, the embossed membranes effectively removed 100% of mechanical impurities and water from waste diesel fuel.
Trade-offs of on-farm yield estimation approaches and key factors affecting yield accuracy in smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa. A review.
Authors: Nabateregga Mabel , Sølberg Svein Øivind , Etten Jacob van , de Sousa Kauê 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Enhancing food security for smallholder farmers amidst challenging climatic conditions requires accurate quantification of agricultural production. However, there are increasing debates on the weaknesses of commonly used yield estimation approaches in smallholder production systems. There is also a limited understanding of the implications of methodological choice of different yield estimation approaches at varying scales in diverse production systems. As such, smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have been characterized with substantial crop yield variability which is persistent even within the same agro-ecological zones. Moreover, broad comparisons for regional and national agricultural productivity have often formed the basis of certain misconceptions about crop productivity across a wide diversity of production systems, each with its own peculiarities and oddities. Additionally, the key factors influencing accuracy and reliability of yield data are still not well understood and are often overlooked when estimating yield in both small and large-scale surveys. This review provides an in-depth comparative analysis of trade-offs and sources of error in commonly applied yield estimation approaches in SSA production systems. Also, here for the first time, we collectively discuss the key factors that impact accuracy and reliability of yield data in diverse production systems in sub-Saharan Africa. Our review provides useful insights for standardizing on-farm yield measurement approaches and benchmarking crop production in smallholder production systems, a prerequisite for recommendations and decision-making in agricultural research. Improving the measurement of yield data will increase the understanding of diverse smallholder production systems and consequentially improve the targeting of productivity-enhancing interventions.
Neural network based estimates of the climate impact on mortality in Germany-application to storyline climate simulations
Authors: Schachtschneider Reyko , Saynisch-Wagner Jan , Sánchez-Benitez Antonio , Thomas Maik 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The aim of this work is the prediction of heat-related mortality for Germany under future, i.e. hotter, climate conditions. The prediction is made based on 2m temperature data from climate storyline simulations using machine learning techniques. We use an echo state network for linking the outputs of storyline climate simulations to the target data. The target data are all-cause mortality rates of Germany for all ages. The network is trained with present day climate model outputs. Model outputs of future, i.e. 2K and 4K warmer, storylines are used to predict mortality rates under such climatic conditions. We find that we can train an echo state network with recent temperature data and mortality and make plausible predictions about expected developments of mortality in Germany based on future climate storylines. The trained network can successfully predict mortality rates for future climate conditions. We find increased mortality during the summer months which is attributed to the presence of more severe heat waves. The mortality decrease found during winter can be explained milder winters leading to fewer deaths caused by respiratory diseases. However, mortality in winter is largely influenced by other factors such as influenza waves or vaccination rate and explainability due to temperature is limited.
3bmGPT: A novel language model for transforming and analyzing protein-ligand binding interactions in drug discovery.
Authors: Jung Jongsun , Lee Taeseob , Witztum Jonathan , Jung Heehoon , Jung Ahnjae , Min JaeWoong , Hong Jong , Zhang Bin , An Junsik , Hong Woonyoung 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Emergent Large Language Models (LLMs) show impressive capabilities in performing a wide range of tasks. These models can be harnessed for biophysical use, as well. The main challenge in this endeavor lies in transforming 3D chemical data into 1D language-like data. We developed a method to transform molecular data into language-like data and tokenize it for LLM use in biophysical context. We then trained a model, 3bmGPT, and validated it with a known protein-ligand complex. Using the pre-trained result, the model can assess the chemical properties of targets, detect shared binding properties and structures, and reveal related drugs. 3bmGPT and the synthetic-language to describe binding interactions uncovered novel protein-protein networks influenced by ligands, indicating functionally related yet previously unreported interactions. We provide open access to a fully functional web-based tool utilizing 3bmGPT.
Numerical Investigation on Seismic Specifications of Coupled Primary-Secondary Structural Systems
Authors: Fereidooni Omid , Zarfam Panam , Mansoori Mohammadreza 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The present study evaluates primary-secondary structure interaction (PSSI) in three-dimensional (3D) single- and multi-story steel frame structures. A novel, yet practical, technique was presented to include the effects of secondary systems on the seismic response of coupled structures using concentrated mass systems. Also, a method was proposed to lower the time period of coupled structures via designing a deformable infill wall seating, contrary to the conventional wall-frame connections. The coupled structures were experimentally and numerically studied to examine the effect of secondary systems in the form of concentrated mass, infill walls, and the associated restraining wall posts. Thus, experimental models were exposed to selected ground motion excitations and the finite element (FE) models were subjected to non-linear dynamic time-history analyses. Five types of frame structures were designed, fabricated, and subjected to seismic loading via both approaches and the results were compared. An excellent agreement between the two approaches were observed. It was revealed that secondary systems noticeably increase story displacements and accelerations despite the very light weight, altering the seismic behavior of the entire system. However, free vibrations of the coupled frames were considerably eliminated when the proposed concentrated mass secondary systems were used in steel frames. Also, the input earthquake energy was immediately dissipated in structures with deformable wall seating.
The Associations between Muscle Ultrasound Measurements, Calf Circumference, Mid-upper Arm Circumference, and Body Mass Index
Authors: Ozturk Yelda , Guner Merve , Bas Arzu Okyar , Ceylan Serdar , Koca Meltem , Esme Mert , Balci Cafer , Dogu Burcu Balam , Cankurtaran Mustafa , Halil Meltem 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Muscle ultrasound (US) is a trending method for sarcopenia diagnosis. In this study, we aimed to show the changes in rectus femoris (RF) muscle thickness, RF cross-sectional area, gastrocnemius medialis (GC) muscle thickness, calf circumference (CC), and mid-upper arm circumference (MAC) throughout different body mass index (BMI) categories. Therefore, we planned to find out their associations with probable sarcopenia regardless of age, sex, and BMI.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted in geriatric outpatients (≥ 65 years). Waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), MAC, CC, BMI, handgrip strength (HGS), fat-free mass index (FFMI), fat%, and muscle US measurements were obtained.
Results
A total of 227 patients, 62.1% female, were included. Partial correlation, controlled for age, and sex, revealed that BMI had a positive strong correlation with WC (r = 0.727), HC (r = 0.793), MAC (r = 0.637), FFMI (r = 0.632), and fat% (r = 0.620). Therefore, BMI had a positive moderate correlation with CC (r = 0.545), and a positive weak correlation with GC muscle thickness (r = 0.283). RF muscle thickness (OR 0.781, 95% CI;0.691–0.882, p < 0.001), RF cross-sectional area (OR 0.601, 95% CI; 0.480–0.753, p < 0.001), and GC muscle thickness (OR 0.869, 95% CI; 0.783–0.964), p < 0.008) were independently associated with probable sarcopenia when adjusted for age, sex, and BMI categories. There were no independent associations between BMI, CC, and MAC.
Conclusion
Muscle US measurements are independently associated with probable sarcopenia, regardless of age, sex, and BMI. Future prospective studies are needed to support the importance of muscle US to predict sarcopenia in patients with obesity.
Mixed phase Ti3+-rich TiO2 thin films by oxide defect engineered crystallization
Authors: Palmolahti Lauri , Ali-Löytty Harri , Hannula Markku , Tinus Tuomas , Lehtola Kalle , Tukiainen Antti , Reuna Jarno , Valden Mika 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Amorphous TiO2 thin films have an insufficient chemical stability for photocatalytic applications. Annealing treatments induce crystallization improving the chemical stability. However, the crystalline structure is already predetermined by the composition of the amorphous phase. In this paper, we demonstrate that the oxide defects, i.e., oxygen vacancies and Ti3+ states, can be created by O2 deficiency during ion-beam sputter deposition without affecting the O/Ti ratio of TiO2 that thus contains a variable degree of under- and over-coordinated Ti atoms. TiO2 with only a few defects crystallizes into microcrystalline anatase during vacuum annealing whereas a moderate density of defects causes crystallization into nanocrystalline rutile. An excessive density of defects results in a mixed amorphous/nanocrystalline rutile phase that was analyzed by near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. The density of defects did not affect the crystallization temperature that was 400 °C. Unlike the as deposited amorphous TiO2 thin films, all crystalline films including the mixed phase one were chemically stable in 1.0 M NaOH. The vacuum annealing preserves the Ti3+ gap states that are critical to the charge transfer in protective TiO2-based photoelectrode coatings.
A low dose of curcumin-PDA nanoparticles improves viability and proliferation in endoneurial fibroblasts and Schwann cell cultures
Authors: Alberdi Lucia Vázquez , Martínez-Busi Marcela , Arrarte Eloisa , Echeverry Carolina , Calero Miguel , Kun Alejandra 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Curcumin is a polyphenol extracted from Curcuma longa’s roots. Low doses of curcumin are related to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects, while high doses are used for their lethality. This diversity of behaviors allows us to understand curcumin as a compound with hormetic action. Due to its strongly hydrophobic character, curcumin is often solubilized in organic compounds. Despite their importance in experimental design, the specific biological impact of these vehicles alone is rarely documented. In this way, we have recently reported the undesirable and occasionally irreversible effects of alcohol and DMSO on the viability of primary Schwann cell cultures. In this scenario, the use of nanoparticles as delivery systems has become a successful alternative strategy for these compounds. In the present work, we describe the structure of Polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles, loaded with a low dose of curcumin (Curc-PDA) without the use of additional organic solvents, characterized by transmission/scanning electron microscopy, and diffraction light scattering. We analyzed the curcumin released using Ultra-High-Pressure-Liquid Chromatography with a Mass-Spectrometry detector, and we found two different forms of curcumin. Small increased cell viability and proliferation were observed in endoneurial fibroblast and Schwann cell primary cultures when Curc-PDA was steadily supplied for 5 days. Furthermore, opposite to that observed in front of organic solvents, PDA alone showed no effect over endoneurial fibroblast or Schwann cell viability nor proliferation. These results confirm the properties of curcumin at very low doses, thus widening its therapeutic window thanks to the increased bioavailability provided by our biological approach.
Expression of CD83 in tissue-resident regulatory T cells maintains local homeostasis and restricts effector cells in allergic asthma
Authors: Heiß Anita , Wild Andreas , Steinkasserer Alexander , Kuhnt Christine , Draßner Christina , Krammer Susanne , Geiger Adriana , Geppert Carol , Schliep Stefan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Non-lymphoid tissue Tregs (NLT-Tregs) are critical for tissue homeostasis, inflammation control, and induction of mucosal repair. Recent single-cell RNA sequencing data identified expression of CD83 as part of a NLT-Treg signature, however its biological significance for this specialized Tregs was not yet fully understood. In our previous investigations, we found that conditional deletion of CD83 (CD83cKO) disrupts stability and differentiation of lymphoid Tregs and exacerbates autoimmune responses. The present study explores for the first time the role of CD83 expression by lung-resident Tregs to understand its importance in barrier tissues. We report that CD83-deficient lung Tregs are less differentiated but more activated, resulting in unrestrained T cell activation. Furthermore, using an allergic asthma model, CD83cKO mice showed an accelerated disease progression, with augmented eosinophilic inflammation, driven by Th2-biased T cell responses. CD83cKO Tregs exhibited an enhanced responsiveness to IL-4, leading to insufficient control of Th2-differentiation from naïve T cells. These findings underscore the pivotal role of CD83 in the NLT-Treg-mediated modulation of inflammation, especially in the context of Th2 responses. Overall, our results highlight CD83 as a key player in maintaining tissue homeostasis and modulating inflammatory responses, suggesting potential therapeutic implications for inflammatory disorders such as asthma.
ncRNAs-mediated high expression of Cuproptosis-Related Gene DLAT correlates with poor prognosis and tumor immune infiltration of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shi Lei , Zong Zengmin , Zhang Cuiwei , Xu Jiayun , Lv Muhan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Cuproptosis is defined as a new form of programmed cell death which targets lipoylated TCA cycle proteins and reveals ten cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) of the process. Some of the CRGs have been explored as the prognostic biomarkers of various cancers. To date, HCC is still notorious for its poor prognosis. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that the cuproptosis-related gene DLAT plays critical roles in the initiation and progression of multiple human cancers, whereas the knowledge of DLAT in HCC is still limited. This study first conducted a pan-cancer analysis of DLAT's expression using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data. DLAT was differentially expressed in most cancer types and correlated with HCC's poor prognosis. Subsequently, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) contributing to DLAT overexpression were identified by conducting expression analysis, survival analysis, and correlation analysis. Finally, the LINC01278/miR-122-5p/DLAT axis was identified as the most potential upstream ncRNA-related pathway of DLAT in HCC. Moreover, an analysis of DLAT expression concerning immune cell infiltration, immune cell biomarkers, and immune checkpoint expression in HCC was performed. Collectively, our findings elucidated that ncRNAs-mediated upregulation of DLAT is associated with poor prognosis and tumour immune infiltration in HCC.
Direct Evidence of Contact-Induced Variability in Industrially-Fabricated Highly-Scaled MoS2 FETs
Authors: Panarella Luca , Kaczer Ben , Smets Quentin , Tyaginov Stanislav , Canflanca Pablo Saraza , Vici Andrea , Verreck Devin , Schram Tom , Lin Dennis , Knobloch Theresia , Grasser Tibor , Rosa Cesar de la , Kar Gouri , Afanas'ev Valeri 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Evidence of microscopic inhomogeneities of the side source/drain contacts in 300 mm wafer integrated MoS2 FETs is presented. In particular, the presence of a limited number of low Schottky barrier spots through which channel carriers are predominantly injected is demonstrated by the dramatic current changes induced by individual charge traps located near the source contact. Two distinct types of "contact-impacting traps" are identified. Type-1 trap is adjacent to the contact interface and exchanges carriers with the metal. Its impact is only observable when the adjacent contact is the reverse-biased FET source and limits the channel current. Type-2 trap is located in the AlOx interlayer, near the source contact, and exchanges carriers with the channel. Its capture/emission time constants exhibit both a gate and drain bias dependence due to the high sensitivity of the contact regions to the applied lateral and vertical fields. Unlike typical channel-impacting oxide traps, both types of reported defects affect the Schottky barrier height rather than the threshold voltage and result in giant random telegraph noise (RTN). These observations indicate that the contact quality and geometry play a fundamental role in the ultimate scaling of 2D FETs.
Quantitative Precipitation Forecast with a Radar Data Assimilation Method for Rainfall-induced Shallow Landslide Predictions
Authors: Ho Jui-Yi , Lin Chung-Yi , Liu Che-Hsin , Chen Wei-Bo , Chang Chih-Hsin , Lee Kwan Tun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Taiwan is prone to hillslope disasters in mountain areas because of its special topographical, geological, and hydrological conditions. During typhoons and rainstorms, severe shallow landslides frequently occur. To mitigate the impact of shallow landslides, not only the structural measures are necessary, but also adequate warning systems and contingency measures must be executed. Hence, precise precipitation forecasts and landslide prediction are the most important measures in practice. To account for inherent weather uncertainties precipitation forecasts based on quantitative precipitation forecast model with radar data assimilation method and ensemble mean prediction were adopted in this study instead of using a single model output. The SIMTOP model based on infinite-slope model and TOPMODEL was developed. In considering detail topographic characteristics of the subcatchments, the proposed model can estimate the variation of saturated water level during rainstorms, and then link with the slope instability analysis to clarify whether shallow landslides would occur in the subcatchment. Two area vulnerable to landslide in Taiwan were collected to test the applicability of the model for landslide prediction. Six typhoons events were used to verify the applicability of the proposed model. Four indexes including the probability of detection (POD), false alarm ratio (FAR), threat score (TS), and accuracy (ACC) were adopted to assess the performance of two kinds of very short-term rainfall forecasts with SIMTOP model. The results indicate that quantitative precipitation forecast model with radar data assimilation with SIMTOP model was better than ensemble rainfall forecasts with SIMTOP model. It is promising to apply the proposed model for landslide early warnings to reduce the magnitude of the loss of lives and properties.