bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of Blood Cell Indexes in Progresses to ESRD
Authors: Lan Duong Thi Ngoc , Coradduzza Donatella , Van An Le , Paliogiannis Panagiotis , Chessa Carla , Zinellu Angelo , Mangoni Arduino A. , Carru Ciriaco 
Published: February 2024

AbstractChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a complex health condition characterized by the gradual loss of renal function, often leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It results from a combination of medical, environmental, and genetic factors. Predicting the rate of renal function decline and effectively managing the progression to ESRD is challenging in clinical practice. CKD assessment involves various indicators, including estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albuminuria levels, serum creatinine, and others. This study aimed to explore the predictive potential of specific blood cell indexes in forecasting further renal function decline and the transition from CKD stage 3–4 to ESRD. We assessed the following blood cell indexes in 377 CKD stage 3–4 patients: absolute neutrophil count (ANC), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), derived NLR (dNLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI), and systemic inflammation index (SII). ANC, MPV, NLR, PLR, dNLR, and SII were found to independently predict a rapid decline in eGFR. Notably, NLR and dNLR demonstrated the highest sensitivity and specificity with cut-off values of 3.36 and 2.45, respectively (NLR: 88.6 and 81.7%; dNLR: 85.2 and 75.8%). The corresponding area under the ROC curve values were 0.877 (95% CI 0.837–0.918, p < 0.001) for NLR and 0.849 (95% CI 0.805–0.892, p < 0.001) for dNLR. However, none of the blood cell indexes independently predicted the transition to ESRD. The NLR and the dNLR exhibited the highest predictive capacity towards a rapid decline in renal function in CKD. No blood cell index, however, independently predicted the transition into ERSD.
Understanding the Subsurface Microstructure and Thermal Behavior of Model Oxide Dispersion Strengthened Alloys Through FIB_SEM and TEM
Authors: Raghavendra K. G. , Sivakumar M. , Parida Pradyumna Kumar , Dasgupta Arup 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA potential but an underexplored application of FIB_SEM is its ability to image the subsurface microstructure and capability for an associated chemical analysis. In this article, agglomerated microstructures of two model oxide dispersion strengthened alloy systems, consisting of ZrO2 and Y2O3 dispersions, are evaluated to understand its elevated temperature behaviors. The systems under evaluation are relevant as candidate nuclear structural materials for next-generation fast breeder reactors, and FIB_SEM technique is effectively used along with TEM and EDS for a comprehensive understanding of the material microstructure, and the results are discussed. Distinct microstructures are observed for the two systems with a difference in crystallite size distribution and presence of micron-sized dispersoids in Y2O3. The varied behavior of dispersoids is discussed in terms of its pre-annealing microstructures, and the superiority of ZrO2 over Y2O3 as a dispersoid for ODS alloys is emphasized.
Swine industry perspectives on the future of pig farming
Authors: von Keyserlingk Marina AG , Hendricks Jillian , Ventura Beth , Weary Daniel M 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Understanding the views of those working along the value chain reliant on livestock is an important step in supporting the transition towards more sustainable farming systems. We recruited 31 delegates attending the Pig Welfare Symposium held in the United States to participate in one of six focus group discussions on the future of pig farming. Each of these six group discussions was subjected to a thematic analysis that identified four themes: (1) technical changes on the farm; (2) farm and industry culture; (3) the farm-public interface; and (4) sustainability. The results of this study illustrate the complexity and diversity of views of those working along the associated value chain within the swine industry. Participants spent the majority of their time discussing current challenges, including technical challenges on the farm and public perception of pig farms. Participants were more hesitant to discuss future issues, but did engage on the broader issue of sustainability, focusing upon economic and environmental aspects.
Scaling limit of the local time of random walks conditioned to stay positive
Authors: Hong Wenming , Sun Mingyang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe prove that the local time of random walks conditioned to stay positive converges to the corresponding local time of three-dimensional Bessel processes by proper scaling. Our proof is based on Tanaka’s pathwise construction for conditioned random walks and the derivation of asymptotics for mixed moments of the local time.
GEOCHRONOLOGY OF PHREATOPHYTIC MOUNDS ON THE ATMUR EL KIBIESH, EGYPT: WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF PLANTS COLLECTED DURING THE EXPEDITION TO THE EASTERN SAHARA, EGYPT, AND SUDAN (APPENDIX I)
Authors: Haynes C Vance , Boulos Loutfy , Muller Anthony B 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTIn the hyperarid eastern Sahara, west of the Nile River in Egypt, areas with vegetated eolian mounds have attracted people and animals because of shallow groundwater that at times of high water tables may be reached by hand digging shallow wells. An eolian phreatophytic mound with a living arak bush (Silvadora persica L.) on top, one of three known from this region of SW Egypt, provided a stratigraphic record of its growth. The geochronology of the mounds aggradation and that of a nearby tarfa mound (Tamarix nilatica Bunge) was determined by radiocarbon dating plant macrofossils within the stratigraphic succession. Eolian aggradation of the mound postdates deflation that eroded playa sediments of the Neolithic pluvial that ended ca. 5000 BP and appears to be due to a resurgence of the shallow aquifer. Subsequent deflation of the mounds is apparently due to post-1500 BP aridity. Regional vegetation is described in the Appendix I.
A SUMMARY OF RADIOCARBON MEASUREMENTS OF FLUVIAL AND COLLUVIAL DEPOSITS IN CATCHMENTS OF SOUTH-CENTRAL ONTARIO, CANADA
Authors: Mahaney William C , Stewart Andrew M 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTFluvial and colluvial deposits of Late Holocene age in South-Central Ontario catchments have provided few 14C dates, most by conventional methods registering century-old ages. Other young deposits, dated by conventional and accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon (AMS 14C), have yielded bomb-affected post-1950 ages over variable time limits. Attempts to date the base of Ah and lower-in-section soil horizons, in Early to Late Holocene stream terrace deposits, have yielded atomic bomb effects. Comparing bomb contamination in Late Holocene fluvial deposits, using both conventional and AMS methods, identifies a mix of bomb-affected beds juxtaposed with dated beds, the latter yielding ages with narrow standard deviations. Colluvial deposits overlying key glacial sections in the Rouge Catchment, while rare, yield bracketed AMS ages for an Ahbk horizon that refines weathering times relative to previously obtained conventional 14C dates. Bomb-affected sediment appears variably distributed within floodplain soils and in the ground soil of a colluvial section. Mass wasted deposits, with AMS 14C ages spread over the last few centuries, appear related to Little Ice Age (LIA) changes in climate, corroborated by pollen records. Further, these AMS-14C dated beds calibrate weathering of secondary Fe-Al oxihydroxides over the first half a millennium of weathering time.
Fleshing Out the Strength of Weakness: Intercorporeality in the Theological Discourse on Disability
Authors: Massmann Alexander 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the context of theological interpretations of disabilities, I am arguing for the concept of “strength in weakness.” So far, a “theology of weakness,” which portrays people with disabilities as pointedly illustrating universal human weakness, has played a very prominent role in the field. I argue that this theological interpretation of disabilities should not be the dominant one. I trace the alternative model of “strength in weakness” in discussing writings by the apostle Paul and describe how it is supported by the anthropological concept of intercorporeality. Yet first, the article discusses Stanley Hauerwas’s theology of disability, which is not only a very pointed theology of weakness but also repeatedly associates disabilities with suffering. Since at least the latter aspect is in contrast with widespread self-perceptions among people with disabilities, a theology of weakness amounts to a “narrative prosthesis” (David Mitchell and Sharon Snyder). By contrast, Paul suggests that weakness can allow for distinct strengths. To flesh out distinctive competences of people with intellectual disabilities, I then discuss Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s concept of intercorporeality. Intercorporeality denotes a human competence more generally, but I suggest that it is often partly eclipsed by social norms. However, people with intellectual disabilities often pay less attention to social norms, which helps explain a distinctive intercorporeal competence among people with intellectual disabilities. Reduced attention to social norms can imply a distinctive strength.
JWST observations of ALMA [O iii] 88 μm emitters in the epoch of reionization
Authors: Hashimoto Takuya 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUnderstanding properties of galaxies in the epoch of reionization (EoR) is a frontier in the modern astronomy. ALMA observations have demonstrated that i) some [O iii] 88 μm emitters have matured stellar populations at z>6, implying early star formation activity at z>10, and that ii) high-z star-forming galaxies typically have very high [O iii] 88 μm-to-[C ii] 158 μm luminosity ratios ranging from 3 to 12 or higher, indicating interstellar media of high-z galaxies could be highly ionized. We discuss initial results of a medium-sized JWST GO1 program that targets a sample of 12 z=6–8 ALMA [O iii] 88 μm emitters with NIRCam and NIRSPec IFU modes (GO-1840). Our JWST GO1 program, in conjunction with ALMA data, will characterize the stellar, nebular, and dust properties of these [O iii] 88 μm emitters and place this galaxies in the context of reionization.
The Prevalence of the α-bimodality: First JWST α-abundance Results in M31
Authors: Nidever David L. , Gilbert Karoline , Tollerud Erik , Siders Charles , Escala Ivanna , Prieto Carlos Allende , Smith Verne , Cunha Katia , Debattista Victor P. , Ting Yuan-Sen , Kirby Evan N. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe present initial results from our JWST NIRSpec program to study the α-abundances in the M31 disk. The Milky Way has two chemically-defined disks, the low-α and high-α disks, which are closely related to the thin and thick disks, respectively. The origin of the two populations and the α-bimodality between them is not entirely clear, although there are now several models that can reproduce the observed features. To help constrain the models and discern the origin, we have undertaken a study of the chemical abundances of the M31 disk using JWST NIRSpec, in order to determine whether stars in M31’s disk also show an α-abundance bimodality. Approximately 100 stars were observed in our single NIRSpec field at a projected distance of 18 kpc from the M31 center. The 1-D extracted spectra have an average signal-to-noise ratio of 85 leading to statistical metallicity precision of 0.016 dex, α-abundance precision of 0.012 dex, and a radial velocity precision 8 km s-1 (mostly from systematics). The initial results indicate that, in contrast to the Milky Way, there is no α-bimodality in the M31 disk, and no low-α sequence. The entire stellar population falls along a single chemical sequence very similar to the MW’s high-α component which had a high star formation rate. While this is somewhat unexpected, the result is not that surprising based on other studies that found the M31 disk has a larger velocity dispersion than the MW and is dominated by a thick component. M31 has had a more active accretion and merger history than the MW which might explain the chemical differences.
Bar pattern speed at z∼1–2 to explore challenges of the Standard Cosmology
Authors: Cuomo Virginia , Roshan Mahmood , Aguerri J. Alfonso L. , Morelli Lorenzo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractStellar bars drive the galaxy secular evolution. While rotating around the galaxy centre with a given angular frequency, the bar pattern speed, they sweep material and modify the galaxy structure. In the LCDM model, bars are expected to slow down by exchanging angular momentum with the other omponents and/or through dynamical friction exerted by the dark matter halo. The only direct method to derive the bar pattern speed, the Tremaine-Weinberg method, revealed that real bars rotate fast, stressing a tension between the observations, conducted to date in the local universe, and the LCDM model. Measuring the bar pattern speed to bars up to z∼1-2 will reveal if the expected bar evolutionary path is actually taking place and/or to confirm if the dark matter is able to exert friction. Using high resolution N-body simulations we tested the applicability of the Tremaine-Weinberg method to deep spectroscopy of the NIRSpec@JWST for a sample of bars at z∼1-2. Our analysis can be used to prepare an observational proposal to get dedicated data.
An Object‐Based Approach to Differentiate Pores and Microfractures in Petrographic Analysis Using Explainable, Supervised Machine Learning
Authors: Jayachandran Issac Sujay Anand John , Gibbs Holly Catherine , Laya Juan Carlos , Qaiser Yemna , Khan Talha , Ansari Mohammed Ishaq Mohammed Shoeb , Ansari Mohammed Yaqoob , Malyah Mohammed , Alyafei Nayef , Seers Thomas Daniel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPetrographic observations are vital for carbonate pore‐typing, linking geological frameworks to petrophysical behavior. However, current petrographic pore typing is manual, with the qualitative to semi‐quantitative results not easily fitted into quantitative subsurface characterization. Some recent studies have automated this process using supervised machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), focusing on simple pore morphological features, and have reported high classification accuracies for several complex pore types. However, there are concerns about the validity of these studies due to conceptual and technical flaws in their collective approach. This study was aimed at a more fundamental problem, classifying between open microfractures and open pores in petrographic thin sections using an object‐based approach and explainable supervised ML. We analyzed 18 carbonate thin sections from the USA, numerically representing them using five shape features: compactness, aspect ratio, extent, solidity, and formfactor. Using a labeled data set of 400 microfractures and 400 pores, we evaluated nine of the most widely used supervised models. All models showed high testing accuracies (89.58%–90.42%). Interestingly, complex non‐linear models did not significantly outperform simpler linear ones. Compactness and aspect ratio were the most informative features. However, the labeled data sets did not reflect the overall data set's complexity, which suggested that high accuracies in similar studies might be due to curated data sets rather than accounting for the true complexity of carbonate pore systems. The study concludes that simple shape features are ineffective for classifying carbonate pore types. It is hoped that this study will provide a foundation for more robust artificial intelligence‐assisted pore typing.
Emerging roles of MITF as a crucial regulator of immunity
Authors: Lee Aram , Lim Jihyun , Lim Jong-Seok 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMicrophthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), a basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper transcription factor (bHLH-Zip), has been identified as a melanocyte-specific transcription factor and plays a critical role in melanocyte survival, differentiation, function, proliferation and pigmentation. Although numerous studies have explained the roles of MITF in melanocytes and in melanoma development, the function of MITF in the hematopoietic or immune system—beyond its function in melanin-producing cells—is not yet fully understood. However, there is convincing and increasing evidence suggesting that MITF may play multiple important roles in immune-related cells. Therefore, this review is focused on recent advances in elucidating novel functions of MITF in cancer progression and immune responses to cancer. In particular, we highlight the role of MITF as a central modulator in the regulation of immune responses, as elucidated in recent studies.
Transforming growth factor-β receptors: versatile mechanisms of ligand activation
Authors: Chia Zheng-Jie , Cao Ying-nan , Little Peter J. , Kamato Danielle 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTransforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is initiated by activation of transmembrane TGF-β receptors (TGFBR), which deploys Smad2/3 transcription factors to control cellular responses. Failure or dysregulation in the TGF-β signaling pathways leads to pathological conditions. TGF-β signaling is regulated at different levels along the pathways and begins with the liberation of TGF-β ligand from its latent form. The mechanisms of TGFBR activation display selectivity to cell types, agonists, and TGF-β isoforms, enabling precise control of TGF-β signals. In addition, the cell surface compartments used to release active TGF-β are surprisingly vibrant, using thrombospondins, integrins, matrix metalloproteinases and reactive oxygen species. The scope of TGFBR activation is further unfolded with the discovery of TGFBR activation initiated by other signaling pathways. The unique combination of mechanisms works in series to trigger TGFBR activation, which can be explored as therapeutic targets. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the diverse mechanisms underpinning TGFBR activation, shedding light on potential avenues for therapeutic exploration.
Intrauterine growth and the tangential expansion of the human cerebral cortex in times of food scarcity and abundance
Authors: Vosberg Daniel E. , Jurisica Igor , Pausova Zdenka , Paus Tomáš 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTangential growth of the human cerebral cortex is driven by cell proliferation during the first and second trimester of pregnancy. Fetal growth peaks in mid-gestation. Here, we explore how genes associated with fetal growth relate to cortical growth. We find that both maternal and fetal genetic variants associated with higher birthweight predict larger cortical surface area. The relative dominance of the maternal vs. fetal variants in these associations show striking variations across birth years (1943 to 1966). The birth-year patterns vary as a function of the epigenetic status near genes differentially methylated in individuals exposed (or not) to famine during the Dutch Winter of 1944/1945. Thus, it appears that the two sets of molecular processes contribute to early cortical development to a different degree in times of food scarcity or its abundance.
Neuromorphic electro-stimulation based on atomically thin semiconductor for damage-free inflammation inhibition
Authors: Bao Rong , Wang Shuiyuan , Liu Xiaoxian , Tu Kejun , Liu Jingquan , Huang Xiaohe , Liu Chunsen , Zhou Peng , Liu Shen 
Published: February 2024

AbstractInflammation, caused by accumulation of inflammatory cytokines from immunocytes, is prevalent in a variety of diseases. Electro-stimulation emerges as a promising candidate for inflammatory inhibition. Although electroacupuncture is free from surgical injury, it faces the challenges of imprecise pathways/current spikes, and insufficiently defined mechanisms, while non-optimal pathway or spike would require high current amplitude, which makes electro-stimulation usually accompanied by damage and complications. Here, we propose a neuromorphic electro-stimulation based on atomically thin semiconductor floating-gate memory interdigital circuit. Direct stimulation is achieved by wrapping sympathetic chain with flexible electrodes and floating-gate memory are programmable to fire bionic spikes, thus minimizing nerve damage. A substantial decrease (73.5%) in inflammatory cytokine IL-6 occurred, which also enabled better efficacy than commercial stimulator at record-low currents with damage-free to sympathetic neurons. Additionally, using transgenic mice, the anti-inflammation effect is determined by β2 adrenergic signaling from myeloid cell lineage (monocytes/macrophages and granulocytes).
Drought response of the boreal forest carbon sink is driven by understorey–tree composition
Authors: Martínez-García Eduardo , Nilsson Mats B. , Laudon Hjalmar , Lundmark Tomas , Fransson Johan E. S. , Wallerman Jörgen , Peichl Matthias 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe boreal forest is an important global carbon sink, but its response to drought remains uncertain. Here, we compiled biometric- and chamber-based flux data from 50 boreal forest stands to assess the impact of the 2018 European summer drought on net ecosystem production (NEP) across a 68 km2 managed landscape in northern Sweden. Our results reveal a non-uniform reduction in NEP (on average by 80 ± 16 g C m−2 yr−1 or 57 ± 13%) across the landscape, which was greatest in young stands of 20–50 years (95 ± 39 g C m−2 yr−1), but gradually decreased towards older stands (54 ± 57 g C m−2 yr−1). This pattern was attributed to the higher sensitivity of forest-floor understorey to drought and its decreasing contribution to production relative to trees during stand development. This suggests that an age-dependent shift in understorey–tree composition with increasing stand age drives the drought response of the boreal forest NEP. Thus, our study advocates the need for partitioning ecosystem responses to improve empirical and modelling assessments of carbon cycle–climate feedbacks in boreal forests. It further implies that the forest age structure may strongly determine the carbon sink response to the projected increase in drought events across the managed boreal landscape.
Energy management of electric vehicle using a new strategy based on slap swarm optimization and differential flatness control
Authors: Ghadbane Houssam Eddine , Barkat Said , Djerioui Ali , Houari Azeddine , Oproescu Mihai , Bizon Nicu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOptimal energy management of electric vehicles using slap swarm optimization and differential flatness control has been proposed. A battery–supercapacitor power system is adopted. Each source is connected in parallel to the DC-bus using DC–DC bidirectional converters and supplies a synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM) based drive. The proposed EMS fundamental forces lie in using a combination of complementary proprieties of two approaches, a Slap Swarm optimization Algorithm and Differential Flatness (DF). With a fast optimization mechanism, the Slap Swarm optimization algorithm allows adapting in real-time conditions the DF gains to optimize the system performances. On its side, DF uses predefined trajectories respecting the physical proprieties of the system, which is a powerful tool to guarantee the dynamic constraints of the sources when ensuring desired robust control proprieties. To check the feasibility and performance of the suggested EMS, comprehensive processor-in-the-loop co-simulations of the electric vehicle were carried out using the C2000 launchxl-f28379d DSP board. The main goal of the proposed EMS is to guarantee the DC-bus stabilization, reducing the DC-bus voltage ripples (Δv = 5 V) and the voltage overshoots 15 V (3.2%), respect the source dynamics, and satisfy the SynRM motor power demand. Furthermore, the algorithm minimizes induced harmonics by the drive (10.49%), reducing the battery current ripple by 17.15A, thereby enhancing the battery lifecycle.