bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new approach to construct 3-D crustal shear-wave velocity models: method description and application to the Central Alps
Authors: Colavitti Leonardo , Hetényi György ,   the AlpArray Working Group
Published: November 2022

AbstractWe develop a new inversion approach to construct a 3-D structural and shear-wave velocity model of the crust based on teleseismic P-to-S converted waves. The proposed approach does not require local earthquakes such as body wave tomography, nor a large aperture seismic network such as ambient noise tomography, but a three-component station network with spacing similar to the expected crustal thickness. The main features of the new method are: (1) a novel model parametrization with 3-D mesh nodes that are fixed in the horizontal directions but can flexibly vary vertically; (2) the implementation of both sharp velocity changes across discontinuities and smooth gradients; (3) an accurate ray propagator that respects Snell’s law in 3-D at any interface geometry. Model parameters are inverted using a stochastic method composed of simulated annealing followed by a pattern search algorithm. The first application is carried out over the Central Alps, where long-standing permanent and the temporary AlpArray Seismic Network stations provide an ideal coverage. For this study we invert 4 independent parameters, which are the Moho discontinuity depth, the Conrad discontinuity depth, the P-velocity change at the Conrad and the average Vp/Vs of the crust. The 3-D inversion results clearly image the roots of the Alpine orogen, including the Ivrea Geophysical Body. The lower crust's thickness appears fairly constant. Average crustal Vp/Vs ratios are relatively higher beneath the orogen, and a low-Vp/Vs area in the northern foreland seems to correlate with lower crustal earthquakes, which can be related to mechanical differences in rock properties, probably inherited. Our results are in agreement with those found by 3-D ambient noise tomography, though our method inherently performs better at localizing discontinuities. Future developments of this technique can incorporate joint inversions, as well as more efficient parameter space exploration.
Attuali applicazioni della determinazione dei livelli plasmatici di copeptina in contesti non-endocrinologici
Authors: Berton Alessandro Maria , Varaldo Emanuele , Prencipe Nunzia , Rumbolo Francesca , Settanni Fabio , Benso Andrea , Grottoli Silvia 
Published: November 2022

SommarioCopeptina (CT-proAVP) rappresenta l’affidabile marker di secrezione dell’arginin-vasopressina (AVP) e nella pratica clinica endocrinologica viene impiegata per la diagnosi differenziale della sindrome poliurica-polidipsica. Negli ultimi anni, tuttavia, sono state indagate applicazioni alternative di tale glicopeptide in setting differenti. In questa rassegna sono esaminate, in particolare, le sue più interessanti proposte di utilizzo in ambito cardiovascolare, infettivologico e nefrologico.
Development of a Hybrid Adaptive Neuro-fuzzy Inference System with Coulomb-Counting State-of-Charge Estimator for Lithium–Sulphur Battery
Authors: Valencia Nicolas , Fotouhi Abbas , Shateri Neda , Auger Daniel 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis study presents the development of an improved state of charge (SOC) estimation technique for lithium–sulphur (Li–S) batteries. This is a promising technology with advantages in comparison with the existing lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries such as lower production cost and higher energy density. In this study, a state-of-the-art Li–S prototype cell is subjected to experimental tests, which are carried out to replicate real-life duty cycles. A system identification technique is then used on the experimental test results to parameterize an equivalent circuit model for the Li–S cell. The identification results demonstrate unique features of the cell’s voltage-SOC and ohmic resistance-SOC curves, in which a large flat region is observed in the middle SOC range. Due to this, voltage and resistance parameters are not sufficient to accurately estimate SOC under various initial conditions. To solve this problem, a forgetting factor recursive least squares (FFRLS) identification technique is used, yielding four parameters which are then used to train an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The Sugeno-type fuzzy system features four inputs and one output (SOC), totalling 375 rules. Each of the inputs features Gaussian-type membership functions while the output is of a linear type. This network is then combined with the coulomb-counting method to obtain a hybrid estimator that can accurately estimate SOC for a Li–S cell under various conditions with a maximum error of 1.64%, which outperforms the existing methods of Li–S battery SOC estimation.
Oxygen Functionalization-Induced Charging Effect on Boron Active Sites for High-Yield Electrocatalytic NH3 Production
Authors: Biswas Ashmita , Kapse Samadhan , Thapa Ranjit , Dey Ramendra Sundar 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAmmonia has been recognized as the future renewable energy fuel because of its wide-ranging applications in H2 storage and transportation sector. In order to avoid the environmentally hazardous Haber–Bosch process, recently, the third-generation ambient ammonia synthesis has drawn phenomenal attention and thus tremendous efforts are devoted to developing efficient electrocatalysts that would circumvent the bottlenecks of the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) like competitive hydrogen evolution reaction, poor selectivity of N2 on catalyst surface. Herein, we report the synthesis of an oxygen-functionalized boron carbonitride matrix via a two-step pyrolysis technique. The conductive BNCO(1000) architecture, the compatibility of B-2pz orbital with the N-2pz orbital and the charging effect over B due to the C and O edge-atoms in a pentagon altogether facilitate N2 adsorption on the B edge-active sites. The optimum electrolyte acidity with 0.1 M HCl and the lowered anion crowding effect aid the protonation steps of NRR via an associative alternating pathway, which gives a sufficiently high yield of ammonia (211.5 μg h−1 mgcat−1) on the optimized BNCO(1000) catalyst with a Faradaic efficiency of 34.7% at − 0.1 V vs RHE. This work thus offers a cost-effective electrode material and provides a contemporary idea about reinforcing the charging effect over the secured active sites for NRR by selectively choosing the electrolyte anions and functionalizing the active edges of the BNCO(1000) catalyst.
Cross disciplinary teaching: A pedagogical model to support teachers in the development and implementation of outdoor learning opportunities
Authors: Neville Ian A. , Petrass Lauren A. , Ben Francis 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThere is a growing body of empirical evidence documenting the positive effects associated with participation in environmental education and outdoor learning for students, teachers and the wider community. Despite this, there has been a substantial reduction in outdoor learning opportunities for school students, possibly due to the focus on evidenced-based outcomes, high-stakes standardised testing programs, and a lack of teacher knowledge, confidence and expertise in teaching and learning outdoors. Accordingly, this study presents an evidenced based model to support teaching practice. The model will assist teachers in the development and implementation of outdoor learning opportunities and offers applied examples that address curriculum outcomes. A comprehensive literature review methodology was implemented to identify peer-reviewed literature on teaching and learning outdoors and outdoor pedagogies. A thematic synthesis and constant comparative technique enabled development of themes, from which three themes emerged: the environment; the learner; and the educator, which inform the proposed model offered by the authors. The three interrelated components (the environment, the learner and the educator) require consideration for students to gain maximum benefit from outdoor learning experiences. The model, coupled with the applied examples, supports teachers to plan and facilitate immersive outdoor experiences that promote learning.
The effects of selenium supplementation on inflammatory markers in critically ill patients
Authors: Mahmoodpoor Ata , Faramarzi Elnaz , Reyhanifard Anita , Shamekh Ali , Nikanfar Saba , Azizi-Zeinalhajlou Akbar , Sanaie Sarvin 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Low serum selenium (Se) levels have been shown in critical illness, which is associated with poor clinical outcomes and a higher mortality rate. Se plays an important role in inflammation and oxidative stress. Since the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines and increased oxidative stress is a major component of critical illnesses, its supplementation has been demonstrated to have promising effects on critically ill patients. This study aims to review the evidence regarding the effects of Se supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative markers in critically ill patients. The literature review highlights alterations of inflammatory markers, including procalcitonin, leukocyte count, albumin, prealbumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), inflammatory cytokines, and cholesterol following Se supplementation in critically ill patients. Besides, the antioxidant properties of Se due to its presence in the structure of several selenoenzymes have been reported.

Article highlights

Low serum Se level have been shown in critical illness, which is associated with poor clinical outcome and higher mortality rate.

Se plays an important role in inflammation and oxidative stress.

Se supplementation can have promising effects by alterations of inflammatory markers and its antioxidant properties for critically ill patients.
Frequentist Conditional Variance for Nonlinear Mixed-Effects Models
Authors: Zheng Nan , Cadigan Noel 
Published: November 2022

AbstractNonlinear mixed-effects models are commonly used in fisheries and ecological studies to account for complex relationships and dependencies in data. These models involve both fixed parameters to estimate and random-effects (REs) to predict. This paper addresses the inferential setting involving repeated sampling of the data but conditional on the unknown REs. This setting is more appropriate when the focus is on statistical inferences based on the specific values of REs that generated the data. Assuming the Laplace approximation is appropriate to derive the marginal likelihood and following a frequentist framework, this work derives RE-conditional bias approximations of maximum likelihood parameter estimators and empirical Bayes RE predictors, as well as the conditional covariance and mean squared error (MSE) among parameter estimators and RE predictors. It is shown that the RE-conditional MSE can be approximated with the unconditional MSE. Simulation studies demonstrate that the variance and MSE approximations are reasonably accurate for relevant sample sizes. Considering the finite-sample RE-conditional biases in the parameter estimates and RE predictions, the MSE is more appropriate for constructing confidence intervals (CIs), and the CI coverage of REs should be interpreted as the average coverage over a range of REs or over repeated generation of REs.
In Vitro Collagenase Degradation of Grafts Used Clinically for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Human Tendon Data
Authors: Ventura Ben , Ashton Dylan M. , Clarke Elizabeth C. , Hartnell Nicholas , Haubruck Patrick , Hefferan Samantha A. , Little Christopher B. , Blaker Carina L. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIncreasing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture rates are driving the need for new graft materials which undergo testing to characterize material properties and function. The in vitro collagenase assay is routinely used to determine the degradation rate of collagenous materials. At times, it is used to screen new biomaterials on the basis that results reflect breakdown rates in vivo. However, its predictive potential is inconclusive with no guidelines for acceptable in vitro rates of degradation. Reference data from target tissue/s or existing clinical materials are needed to determine appropriate thresholds. From a summary of reported protocols, the most common bench conditions (bacterial collagenase; unloaded samples) were used to evaluate the in vitro degradation of human tendons used as ACL allografts: patellar, semitendinosus, gracilis, Achilles, tibialis anterior and posterior. Tendons were sectioned in equal volumes and exposed to 100 U collagenase for 1, 2, 4 or 8 h. The change in dry weight was analysed using mixed linear regression. All tendon samples demonstrated a significant reduction in mass over time but the patellar tendon degraded significantly faster than all other tendons (P ≤ 0.004). As all tendons used in this study are clinically accepted, this study provides a range of human tendon reference data for comparative assessment of new tendon and ligament biomaterials. However, the more rapid degradation of the patellar tendon, one of the most successful ACL graft materials, also highlights the limitations of common collagenase assay conditions for predicting in vivo performance, particularly in the absence of suitable comparative controls.
Effects of ICTs on the Terms of Trade of Sub-Saharan African Economies
Authors: Nzepang Fabrice , Nguenda Anya Saturnin Bertrand 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis paper argues that the increasing adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs) is a factor that improves the terms of trade of sub-Saharan African (SSA) economies. According to new theories of international trade, ICTs can change the terms of trade by increasing productivity, reducing costs, and increasing human capital endowment and specialization. Here, we use World Development Indicators (WDI) and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) data over the period from 2005 to 2017 and a vector autoregression (VAR) model on a panel of 39 SSA countries to illustrate the importance of ICTs in this regard. Our results show that the change in the terms-of-trade index is positively affected by the change in the number of internet users as a percentage of mobile phone subscribers in SSA. Furthermore, an impulse response function shows that a shock that would increase the number of internet users by 10 percent of mobile phone subscribers would result in the terms-of-trade index gains of more than 5% within about a year.
Salt consumption and mortality risk in cirrhotic patients: results from a cohort study
Authors: Pashayee-Khamene Fereshteh , Hajimohammadebrahim-Ketabforoush Melika , Saber-Firoozi Mahdi , Hatami Behzad , Naseri Kaveh , Karimi Sara , Ahmadzadeh Saleheh , Kord Hamed , Saadati Saeede , Hekmatdoost Azita 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Since conducting a long-term randomised clinical trial is not logical and feasible to find the optimum dosage of salt intake in patients with cirrhosis, cohort studies are the best design to assess the long-term effects of dietary salt on the survival of cirrhotic patients. This cohort study aimed to evaluate the association between dietary intake of salt and mortality risk in cirrhotic patients. The present study was designed as a cohort in three referral hospitals in Iran in 2018. One hundred and twenty-one patients aged between 20 and 70 years with established cirrhosis were recruited. Dietary intakes, demographic data and disease severity were evaluated at the baseline. Participants were followed up annually. Crude survival was greater in patients with low-to-moderate salt consumption rather than in those with high consumption, and in non-consumers [34⋅26 (95 % CI 33⋅04, 35⋅49) v. 30⋅41 (95 % CI 27⋅13, 33⋅69) v. 32⋅72 (95 % CI 30⋅63, 34⋅80), P = 0⋅028; log-rank test]. Using the Cox proportional hazard model, it was shown that the risk of mortality in the high-salt consumption category was approximately 126 % higher than that of the reference category (non-consumers) [HR value 2⋅26, (95 % CI 0⋅91, 5⋅63)], while this risk for the low-to-moderate consumption group was about 28 % lower than the reference category [HR value 0⋅72, (95 % CI 0⋅26, 1⋅99), P-trend = 0⋅04]. In conclusion, a high daily dietary intake of salt might increase the rate of mortality and moderate salt restriction (instead of elimination of salt) decreases the risk of death.
MCADAM: A Continuous Paleomagnetic Dipole Moment Model for at Least 3.7 Billion Years
Authors: Bono Richard K. , Paterson Greig A. , Biggin Andrew J. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractUnderstanding the evolution of Earth's magnetic field can provide insights into core processes and can constrain plate tectonics and atmospheric shielding. The absolute paleointensity database PINT provides a curated repository of site mean (i.e., cooling unit), estimates of the strength of the magnetic field. We present a minor update to the PINT database to version 8.1.1 by adding 295 records from 34 studies. The PINT database is used to define a continuous model of the dipole field, using an approach combining non‐parametric and Monte Carlo (MC) resampling termed Monte Carlo Axial Dipole Average Model (MCADAM). Three dipole field strength models spanning 50 ka to 3.7–4.2 Ga (MCADAM.1a‐c) are presented, reflecting three tiers of increasingly more stringent data selection. The MCADAM models allow for the estimation of the magnetic standoff distance, constraining the shielding of Earth's atmosphere against solar wind erosion provided by the geodynamo.
Evaluating cognitive disturbances as treatment target and predictor of antidepressant action in major depressive disorder: A NeuroPharm study
Authors: Dam Vibeke Høyrup , Stenbæk Dea Siggaard , Köhler-Forsberg Kristin , Cheng Ip  , Ozenne Brice , Sahakian Barbara Jacquelyn , Knudsen Gitte Moos , Jørgensen Martin Balslev , Frokjaer Vibe Gedsoe 
Published: November 2022

AbstractCognitive disturbances in major depressive disorder (MDD) constitute a critical treatment target and hold promise as an early predictor of antidepressant treatment response; yet their clinical relevance is not fully established. Therefore, we here investigate if (1) cognitive performance improves over the course of antidepressant treatment and (2) cognitive performance at baseline is predictive of antidepressant treatment response. In the NeuroPharm study (clinical trial id: NCT02869035), 92 antidepressant-free patients with a moderate to severe depressive episode were assessed with a comprehensive cognitive test battery including both cold (emotion-independent) and hot (emotion-dependent) tasks. Patients were tested before and after 12 weeks of standard antidepressant treatment with escitalopram in flexible doses of 10–20 mg. Performance improved across most cognitive domains over the course of antidepressant treatment. Notably, these improvements were independent of improvement in mood symptoms, emphasizing that cognitive disturbances are a distinct symptom and therefore treatment target in MDD. Results did not suggest that performance on any single cognitive measure at baseline was associated with later clinical response to antidepressant treatment. However, a small cluster of patients (N = 28) with globally disturbed cognition at baseline exhibited poorer clinical response after 8 but not 12 weeks of antidepressant treatment, suggesting that severe cognitive disturbances may delay treatment response. Thus, while pretreatment cognitive performance on individual tests may not be useful as clinical markers of treatment response, profiles capturing performance across different cognitive domains may be useful for stratification of patients with MDD and could be helpful in future intervention trials.
Ferroptosis: a double-edged sword mediating immune tolerance of cancer
Authors: Dang Qin , Sun Ziqi , Wang Yang , Wang Libo , Liu Zaoqu , Han Xinwei 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe term ferroptosis was put forward in 2012 and has been researched exponentially over the past few years. Ferroptosis is an unconventional pattern of iron-dependent programmed cell death, which belongs to a type of necrosis and is distinguished from apoptosis and autophagy. Actuated by iron-dependent phospholipid peroxidation, ferroptosis is modulated by various cellular metabolic and signaling pathways, including amino acid, lipid, iron, and mitochondrial metabolism. Notably, ferroptosis is associated with numerous diseases and plays a double-edged sword role. Particularly, metastasis-prone or highly-mutated tumor cells are sensitive to ferroptosis. Hence, inducing or prohibiting ferroptosis in tumor cells has vastly promising potential in treating drug-resistant cancers. Immunotolerant cancer cells are not sensitive to the traditional cell death pathway such as apoptosis and necroptosis, while ferroptosis plays a crucial role in mediating tumor and immune cells to antagonize immune tolerance, which has broad prospects in the clinical setting. Herein, we summarized the mechanisms and delineated the regulatory network of ferroptosis, emphasized its dual role in mediating immune tolerance, proposed its significant clinical benefits in the tumor immune microenvironment, and ultimately presented some provocative doubts. This review aims to provide practical guidelines and research directions for the clinical practice of ferroptosis in treating immune-resistant tumors.
Associations of hurricane exposure and forecasting with impaired birth outcomes
Authors: Hochard Jacob , Li Yuanhao , Abashidze Nino 
Published: November 2022

AbstractEarly forecasts give people in a storm’s path time to prepare. Less is known about the cost to society when forecasts are incorrect. In this observational study, we examine over 700,000 births in the path of Hurricane Irene and find exposure was associated with impaired birth outcomes. Additional warning time was associated with decreased preterm birth rates for women who experienced intense storm exposures documenting a benefit of avoiding a type II forecasting error. A larger share of this at-risk population experienced a type I forecasting error where severe physical storm impacts were anticipated but not experienced. Disaster anticipation disrupted healthcare services by delaying and canceling prenatal care, which may contribute to storm-impacted birth outcomes. Recognizing storm damages depend on human responses to predicted storm paths is critical to supporting the next generation’s developmental potential with judicious forecasts that ensure public warning systems mitigate rather than exacerbate climate damages.
Learning the histone codes with large genomic windows and three-dimensional chromatin interactions using transformer
Authors: Lee Dohoon , Yang Jeewon , Kim Sun 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe quantitative characterization of the transcriptional control by histone modifications has been challenged by many computational studies, but most of them only focus on narrow and linear genomic regions around promoters, leaving a room for improvement. We present Chromoformer, a transformer-based, three-dimensional chromatin conformation-aware deep learning architecture that achieves the state-of-the-art performance in the quantitative deciphering of the histone codes in gene regulation. The core essence of Chromoformer architecture lies in the three variants of attention operation, each specialized to model individual hierarchy of transcriptional regulation involving from core promoters to distal elements in contact with promoters through three-dimensional chromatin interactions. In-depth interpretation of Chromoformer reveals that it adaptively utilizes the long-range dependencies between histone modifications associated with transcription initiation and elongation. We also show that the quantitative kinetics of transcription factories and Polycomb group bodies can be captured by Chromoformer. Together, our study highlights the great advantage of attention-based deep modeling of complex interactions in epigenomes.