bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perspectives on the future of nuclear energy in Slovakia
Authors: Vrban Branislav , Nečas Vladimír , Čerba Štefan , Lüley Jakub , Filová Vendula 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe Slovak electric power generation market is small compared to that of other European countries. Anyhow, quite a unique mix of energy sources, a small number of inhabitants, and a well-developed nuclear industry make the story of Slovakia interesting and worth knowing. The status of new builds and decommissioning activities is given with the following brief presentation of the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava with a focus on the Institute of Nuclear and Physical Engineering. The last part of the contribution is devoted to the new platform for education in nuclear being established in Central Europe. European Nuclear Experimental Educational platform aiming to simplify access to research reactors and specialized laboratories for students and researchers is introduced and discussed.
Identification of rare variants in candidate genes associated with monogenic diabetes in polish mody-x patients
Authors: Jakiel Paulina , Gadzalska K. , Juścińska E. , Gorządek M. , Płoszaj T. , Skoczylas S. , Borowiec M. , Zmysłowska A. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Monogenic diabetes (MD) is caused by a mutation in a single gene and accounts for approximately 2.5–6% of all diabetes cases. Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is the most common form of MD. To date, 14 different genes have been identified and associated with the presence of MODY phenotype. However, the number of potential candidate genes with relevance to beta cell function and glucose metabolism is increasing as more research is published. The aim of the study was to identify potentially causative variants in selected candidate genes in patients with a clinical diagnosis of MD.

Methods
Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing (tNGS) on Illumina NextSeq 550 platform involving Agilent SureSelectQXT Target Enrichment protocol for 994 patients with suspected MD was performed. In the next step, the sequencing data of 617 patients with no pathogenic variants in main MD-related genes were reanalysed for the presence of causative variants in six candidate genes (MTOR, TBC1D4, CACNA1E, MNX1, SLC19A2, KCNH6). The presence of the selected variants was confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

Results
Seven heterozygous possibly damaging variants were identified in four candidate genes (MTOR, TBC1D4, CACNA1E, MNX1). Five changes were assessed as novel variants, not previously described in available databases. None of the described variants were present among patients previously diagnosed with MODY diabetes due to causative, pathogenic variants in known MODY-related genes.

Conclusions
The results obtained seem to confirm the effectiveness of the NGS method in identifying potentially causative variants in novel candidate genes associated with MODY diabetes.
Temporal and spatial responses of ecological resilience to climate change and human activities in the economic belt on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains, China
Authors: Zhang Shubao , Lei Jun , Tong Yanjun , Zhang Xiaolei , Lu Danni , Fan Liqin , Duan Zuliang 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn the Anthropocene era, human activities have become increasingly complex and diversified. The natural ecosystems need higher ecological resilience to ensure regional sustainable development due to rapid urbanization and industrialization as well as other intensified human activities, especially in arid and semi-arid areas. In the study, we chose the economic belt on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains (EBNSTM) in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China as a case study. By collecting geographic data and statistical data from 2010 and 2020, we constructed an ecological resilience assessment model based on the ecosystem habitat quality (EHQ), ecosystem landscape stability (ELS), and ecosystem service value (ESV). Further, we analyzed the temporal and spatial variation characteristics of ecological resilience in the EBNSTM from 2010 to 2020 by spatial autocorrelation analysis, and explored its responses to climate change and human activities using the geographically weighted regression (GWR) model. The results showed that the ecological resilience of the EBNSTM was at a low level and increased from 0.2732 to 0.2773 during 2010–2020. The spatial autocorrelation analysis of ecological resilience exhibited a spatial heterogeneity characteristic of “high in the western region and low in the eastern region”, and the spatial clustering trend was enhanced during the study period. Desert, Gobi and rapidly urbanized areas showed low level of ecological resilience, and oasis and mountain areas exhibited high level of ecological resilience. Climate factors had an important impact on ecological resilience. Specifically, average annual temperature and annual precipitation were the key climate factors that improved ecological resilience, while average annual evapotranspiration was the main factor that blocked ecological resilience. Among the human activity factors, the distance from the main road showed a negative correlation with ecological resilience. Both night light index and PM2.5 concentration were negatively correlated with ecological resilience in the areas with better ecological conditions, whereas in the areas with poorer ecological conditions, the correlations were positive. The research findings could provide a scientific reference for protecting the ecological environment and promoting the harmony and stability of the human-land relationship in arid and semi-arid areas.
Machine Learning-Assisted Low-Dimensional Electrocatalysts Design for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Li Jin , Wu Naiteng , Zhang Jian , Wu Hong-Hui , Pan Kunming , Wang Yingxue , Liu Guilong , Liu Xianming , Yao Zhenpeng , Zhang Qiaobao 
Published: October 2023

AbstractEfficient electrocatalysts are crucial for hydrogen generation from electrolyzing water. Nevertheless, the conventional "trial and error" method for producing advanced electrocatalysts is not only cost-ineffective but also time-consuming and labor-intensive. Fortunately, the advancement of machine learning brings new opportunities for electrocatalysts discovery and design. By analyzing experimental and theoretical data, machine learning can effectively predict their hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance. This review summarizes recent developments in machine learning for low-dimensional electrocatalysts, including zero-dimension nanoparticles and nanoclusters, one-dimensional nanotubes and nanowires, two-dimensional nanosheets, as well as other electrocatalysts. In particular, the effects of descriptors and algorithms on screening low-dimensional electrocatalysts and investigating their HER performance are highlighted. Finally, the future directions and perspectives for machine learning in electrocatalysis are discussed, emphasizing the potential for machine learning to accelerate electrocatalyst discovery, optimize their performance, and provide new insights into electrocatalytic mechanisms. Overall, this work offers an in-depth understanding of the current state of machine learning in electrocatalysis and its potential for future research.
Towards disentangling the classification of freshwater fish trypanosomes
Authors: Zhang Peng , Liu Jie , Yin Xiao-Ming , Zhou Jun-Yu , Lukeš Julius , Lun Zhao-Rong , Lai De-Hua 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCurrently, new species of freshwater fish trypanosomes, which are economically important parasites, are being described based on subjectively selected features, i.e., their cell morphology and the host species. We have performed detailed phylogenetic and haplotype diversity analyses of all 18S rRNA genes available for freshwater fish trypanosomes, including the newly obtained sequences of Trypanosoma carassii and Trypanosoma danilewskyi. Based on a sequence similarity of 99.5%, we divide these trypanosomes into 15 operational taxonomic units, and propose three nominal scenarios for distinguishing T. carassii and other aquatic trypanosomes. We find evidences for the existence of a low number of freshwater fish trypanosomes, with T. carassii having the widest geographic and host ranges. Our analyses support the existence of an umbrella complex composed of T. carassii and two sister species.
Preparation of gold nanoparticles using low-temperature heating of the dry residue of a droplet of an HAuCl4 solution in air
Authors: Ii Kazuki , Kurita Yoshiki , Kida Naoya , Kunimura Shinsuke 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn the present study, by heating a quartz glass substrate having the dry residue of a 10 μL droplet of a solution of HAuCl4 and a counter substrate facing to the dry residue from room temperature to one hundred and several tens of degrees Celsius in 20 min in air, highly dense gold nanoparticles were produced on the counter substrate. A gold nanoparticle substrate produced by this simple method was utilized as a substrate for surface-enhanced Raman scattering analysis.
Graphical abstract
Changing Regional Price Relationships in Retail Fresh Broiler/Fryer Whole Chicken Prices
Authors: Duangnate Kannika , Mjelde James W. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCausal flow analyses combined with time series analyses are used to examine price relationships among fresh broiler retail markets (Northeast, South, Midwest, and West). Results indicate structural changes have occurred in this industry. Reasons for changes in price relationships include the perishable nature of fresh broilers, along with vertical integration and increases in production and concentration in the industry. The four markets are integrated, but the level of integration has decreased over time. With the markets becoming more exogenous, there may be a decrease in society’s welfare. The South market is the most important market for price discovery.
Impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria on Asthma, Hypertension, and Depression in a Sample of the Puerto Rico Population
Authors: Martínez-Lozano Marijulie , Fraticelli Frank , Irizarry Jessica , Almodóvar-Rivera Israel , Nunn Martha , Joshipura Kaumudi J. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective:
To evaluate the impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria on 3 major chronic diseases in Puerto Rico.

Methods:
San Juan Overweight Adults Longitudinal study participants were re-evaluated after Hurricanes Irma and Maria (May 2019–July 2020) for the Preparedness to Reduce Exposures and Diseases Post-hurricanes and Augment Resilience study. This study compared the prevalence and incidence of asthma, depression, and hypertension within the same 364 individuals over time.

Results:
Asthma and depression prevalence and incidence did not change significantly after the hurricanes. The prevalence of hypertension increased significantly after the hurricanes (OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2, 3.9). The incidence of hypertension after the hurricanes (IR = 9.0, 95% CI: 6.5, 12.4) increased significantly compared to before the hurricanes (IR = 6.1, 95% CI: 4.5, 8.0) (age-adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] = 1.4, 95% CI: 4.5, 8.0) for similar time periods.

Conclusion:
Hurricanes Irma and Maria were associated with a significant increase in the prevalence and incidence of hypertension in this study population. Contrary to expectations, no significant increases were observed in depression and asthma prevalence after the hurricanes. Results from this study can inform better strategies to prevent and manage hypertension in the population affected by a hurricane.
Improving the sea state forecasts by using local wave observations and the ensembleBMA software
Authors: Kokina Tatjana , Peláez-Zapata Daniel Santiago , Murphy Thomas Brendan , Dias Frédéric 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe main goal of this study is to investigate if the publicly available sea state forecasts for the Aran Islands region in the Republic of Ireland can be improved. This improvement is achieved by using the combination of local scale sea state forecasts and Bayesian Model Averaging techniques. The question of a good forecast has been around since the start of forecasting. With current state-of-the-art numerical models, computational power, and vast data availability, we consider whether it is possible to improve model forecasts only by using the combination of publicly available forecasts, free open-source software, and very moderate computational power. It is shown that it is possible to improve the sea state forecast by at least$ 1\% $, and in some cases up to$ 8\% $. The reduction of error is between$ 6\% $and$ 48\% $. With a more careful and specific selection of training parameters, it is possible to improve the forecast accuracy even more. The possibility of extending this local improvement to the whole coastal area around the island of Ireland is explored. Unfortunately, it is currently impossible, due to a lack of live data buoys in the coastal waters. Nonetheless, it is shown that the proposed process is simple and can be implemented by anyone whose livelihood depends on an accurate sea state forecast. It does not require large computational power, model forecasts are publicly available, and there is minimal to no training in forecasting and statistics required to enable one to perform such improvements for one’s area of interest, provided one has access to live wave data.
Dependency Care in a Politically Liberal Society
Authors: Edenberg Elizabeth 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCaregiving is crucial for any society; however, it often goes unnoticed and unanalyzed within theories of justice. Asha Bhandary's theory of liberal dependency care seeks to both rectify the invisibility of care and defend principles of justice for caregiving arrangements by arguing for several important modifications to John Rawls's theory of justice. In this article, I analyze Bhandary's modifications to Rawls's theory to consider how well liberal dependency care fits into a broader political liberal framework, while still securing protection against oppression. I also evaluate the permissibility and limits of teaching children autonomy and caregiving skills in a politically liberal society.
The Role of Clay in Limiting Frictional Healing in Fault Gouges
Authors: Seyler C. E. , Shreedharan S. , Saffer D. M. , Marone C. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractFrictional healing is fundamental to the seismic cycle and plays a role in the energy balance, dynamics, and recurrence interval of earthquakes and slow slip events. Although the healing behavior of quartz has been studied extensively, the role of clay content is less understood. We tested synthetic mixtures of quartz and smectite (10%–100% smectite) in a double‐direct shear configuration to measure frictional healing. We show that the magnitude and rate of healing decreases systematically with higher clay content (from 0.008/decade at 10% smectite to 0.002/decade at 100% smectite). Healing scales with both the magnitude of stress relaxation during holds and layer‐normal compaction of the gouge. We suggest this reflects the alignment of clay minerals, leading to saturation of the real area of contact that limits restrengthening during holds. The low healing rates of clay‐rich faults—together with rate‐neutral to rate‐strengthening friction—should promote frequent, small failures or stable sliding.
Mode I Microscopic Cracking Process of Granite Considering the Criticality of Failure
Authors: Mo Chengkang , Zhao Junliang , Zhang Dongxiao 
Published: October 2023

AbstractRock failure under tensile loading conditions is significant for rock engineering stability and underground energy development. However, a comprehensive understanding of the rock cracking process and the corresponding failure pattern at microscale remains unclear. Therefore, the cracking process and the damage evolution of rock and their underlying mechanisms were systematically investigated. In this study, the fracture behavior of granite was examined by performing mode I fracture tests. For extensive analysis of the cracking process, the cracks were captured in real‐time by scanning electron microscope, and the two fracture toughnesses of the double‐K model were evaluated. Subsequently, fracture morphologies of the post‐failure specimens were analyzed to further investigate the cracking mechanisms. The experimental results indicated the following: (a) the propagated direction of cracks was controlled by the fracture toughness of mineral grains and grain boundaries; and (b) the ratio of the two fracture toughnesses was correlated with fracture tortuosity. Furthermore, two damage modes of granite were found: catastrophic failure and non‐catastrophic failure modes. The former showed precursory behavior prior to catastrophic failure, while the latter did not. The underlying mechanisms of damage modes were revealed as follows: (a) the increased degree of heterogeneity caused by mineral composition complexity led to the early arrival of precursors; and (b) the occurrence of catastrophic or non‐catastrophic failure mode was determined by the difference in grain‐scale heterogeneity. Our results found at microscale also have implications for understanding the macroscopic failure process of rocks.
High-angle deflection of metagrating-integrated laser emission for high-contrast microscopy
Authors: Juodėnas Mindaugas , Strandberg Erik , Grabowski Alexander , Gustavsson Johan , Šípová-Jungová Hana , Larsson Anders , Käll Mikael 
Published: October 2023

AbstractFlat metaoptics components are looking to replace classical optics elements and could lead to extremely compact biophotonics devices if integrated with on-chip light sources and detectors. However, using metasurfaces to shape light into wide angular range wavefronts with high efficiency, as is typically required in high-contrast microscopy applications, remains a challenge. Here we demonstrate curved GaAs metagratings integrated on vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) that enable on-chip illumination in total internal reflection and dark field microscopy. Based on an unconventional design that circumvents the aspect ratio dependent etching problems in monolithic integration, we demonstrate off-axis emission centred at 60° in air and 63° in glass with > 90% and > 70% relative deflection efficiency, respectively. The resulting laser beam is collimated out-of-plane but maintains Gaussian divergence in-plane, resulting in a long and narrow illumination area. We show that metagrating-integrated VCSELs of different kinds can be combined to enable rapid switching between dark-field and total internal reflection illumination. Our approach provides a versatile illumination solution for high-contrast imaging that is compatible with conventional microscopy setups and can be integrated with biophotonics devices, such as portable microscopy, NIR-II range bioimaging, and lab-on-a-chip devices.
Chemogenetic activation of CRF neurons as a model of chronic stress produces sex-specific physiological and behavioral effects
Authors: Montgomery Kristen R. , Bridi Morgan S. , Folts Lillian M. , Marx-Rattner Ruth , Zierden Hannah C. , Wulff Andreas B. , Kodjo Emmanuela A. , Thompson Scott M. , Bale Tracy L. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractTrauma and chronic stress exposure are the strongest predictors of lifetime neuropsychiatric disease presentation. These disorders often have significant sex biases, with females having higher incidences of affective disorders such as major depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Understanding the mechanisms by which stress exposure heightens disease vulnerability is essential for developing novel interventions. Current rodent stress models consist of a battery of sensory, homeostatic, and psychological stressors that are ultimately integrated by corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons to trigger corticosteroid release. These stress paradigms, however, often differ between research groups in the type, timing, and duration of stressors utilized. These inconsistencies, along with the variability of individual animals’ perception and response to each stressor, present challenges for reproducibility and translational relevance. Here, we hypothesized that a more direct approach using chemogenetic activation of CRF neurons would recapitulate the effects of traditional stress paradigms and provide a high-throughput method for examining stress-relevant phenotypes. Using a transgenic approach to express the Gq-coupled Designer Receptor Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADD) receptor hM3Dq in CRF-neurons, we found that the DREADD ligand clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) produced an acute and robust activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, as predicted. Interestingly, chronic treatment with this method of direct CRF activation uncovered a novel sex-specific dissociation of glucocorticoid levels with stress-related outcomes. Despite hM3Dq-expressing females producing greater corticosterone levels in response to CNO than males, hM3Dq-expressing males showed significant typical physiological stress sensitivity with reductions in body and thymus weights. hM3Dq-expressing females while resistant to the physiological effects of chronic CRF activation, showed significant increases in baseline and fear-conditioned freezing behaviors. These data establish a novel mouse model for interrogating stress-relevant phenotypes and highlight sex-specific stress circuitry distinct for physiological and limbic control that may underlie disease risk.
Prognostic indices in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a population-based comparison and validation study of multiple models
Authors: Jelicic Jelena , Juul-Jensen Karen , Bukumiric Zoran , Roost Clausen Michael , Ludvigsen Al-Mashhadi Ahmed , Pedersen Robert Schou , Poulsen Christian Bjørn , Brown Peter , El-Galaly Tarec Christoffer , Stauffer Larsen Thomas 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCurrently, the International Prognostic Index (IPI) is the most used and reported model for prognostication in patients with newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). IPI-like variations have been proposed, but only a few have been validated in different populations (e.g., revised IPI (R-IPI), National Comprehensive Cancer Network IPI (NCCN-IPI)). We aimed to validate and compare different IPI-like variations to identify the model with the highest predictive accuracy for survival in newly diagnosed DLBCL patients. We included 5126 DLBCL patients treated with immunochemotherapy with available data required by 13 different prognostic models. All models could predict survival, but NCCN-IPI consistently provided high levels of accuracy. Moreover, we found similar 5-year overall survivals in the high-risk group (33.4%) compared to the original validation study of NCCN-IPI. Additionally, only one model incorporating albumin performed similarly well but did not outperform NCCN-IPI regarding discrimination (c-index 0.693). Poor fit, discrimination, and calibration were observed in models with only three risk groups and without age as a risk factor. In this extensive retrospective registry-based study comparing 13 prognostic models, we suggest that NCCN-IPI should be reported as the reference model along with IPI in newly diagnosed DLBCL patients until more accurate validated prognostic models for DLBCL become available.