Hochschulbibliothekszentrum des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen (hbz)
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Efficiency metrics for ocean alkalinity enhancements under responsive and prescribed atmospheric <i>p</i>CO<sub>2</sub> conditions
No full text<jats:p>Abstract. Ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) and direct ocean removal (DOR) are emerging as promising technologies for enacting negative emissions. The long equilibration timescales, potential for premature subduction of surface water parcels, and extensive horizontal transport and dilution of added alkalinity make direct experimental measurement of induced CO2 uptake challenging. Therefore, the challenge of measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) will rely to a great extent on general circulation models, parameterized and constrained by experimental measurements. A number of recent studies have assessed the efficiency of OAE using different model setups and different metrics. Some models use prescribed atmospheric CO2 levels, while others use fully coupled Earth system models. The former ignores atmospheric feedback effects, while the latter explicitly models them. In this paper it is shown that, even for very small OAE deployments, which do not substantially change atmospheric pCO2, the change in oceanic CO2 inventories differs significantly between these methods due to atmospheric feedback causing some ocean CO2 off-gassing. An analogous off-gassing occurs during direct air capture (DAC). Due to these feedback effects, care must be taken to compute the correct metrics when assessing OAE efficiency with respect to determining negative emissions credits, as opposed to determining the effect on global temperatures. This paper examines the commonly used metrics of OAE efficiency, their exact physical meanings, the assumptions inherent in their use, and the relationship between them. It is shown that the efficiency metric η(t), used in prescribed pCO2atm simulations, equals the equivalent schedule of a gradual DAC removal and storage in a fully coupled system.
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The benefits and trade-offs of multi-variable calibration of the WaterGAP global hydrological model (WGHM) in the Ganges and Brahmaputra basins
No full text<jats:p>Abstract. While global hydrological models (GHMs) are affected by large uncertainties regarding model structure, forcing and calibration data, and parameters, observations of model output variables are rarely used to calibrate the model. Pareto-dominance-based multi-objective calibration, often referred to as Pareto-optimal calibration (POC), may serve to estimate model parameter sets and analyse trade-offs among different objectives during calibration. Within a POC framework, we determined optimal parameter sets for the WaterGAP global hydrological model (WGHM) in the two largest basins of the Indian subcontinent – the Ganges and the Brahmaputra, collectively supporting nearly 580 million inhabitants. The selected model parameters, determined through a multi-variable, multi-signature sensitivity analysis, were estimated using up to four types of observations: in situ streamflow (Q), GRACE and GRACE Follow-On terrestrial water storage anomaly (TWSA), LandFlux evapotranspiration (ET), and surface water storage anomaly (SWSA) derived from multi-satellite observations. While our sensitivity analysis ensured that the model parameters that are most influential for the four variables were identified in a transparent and comprehensive way, the rather large number of calibration parameters, 10 for the Ganges and 16 for the Brahmaputra, had a negative impact on parameter identifiability during the calibration process. Calibration against observed Q was crucial for reasonable streamflow simulations, while additional calibration against TWSA was crucial for the Ganges basin and helpful for the Brahmaputra basin to obtain a reasonable simulation of both Q and TWSA. Additionally calibrating against ET and SWSA enhanced the overall model performance slightly. We identified several trade-offs among the calibration objectives, with the nature of these trade-offs closely tied to the physiographic and hydrologic characteristics of the study basins. The trade-offs were particularly pronounced in the Ganges basin, in particular between Q and SWSA, as well as between Q and ET. When considering the observational uncertainty of the calibration data, model performance decreases in most cases. This indicates an overfitting to the singular observation time series by the calibration algorithm. We therefore propose a transparent algorithm to identify high-performing Pareto solutions under consideration of observational uncertainties of the calibration data.
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Subjective cognitive decline in conjunction with cerebrospinal fluid anti-ATP1A3 autoantibodies and a low amyloid β 1-42/1-40 ratio: Report and literature review
No full textBACKGROUND: Animal studies reveal the role of the sodium/potassium transporting ATPase α-3 subunit (ATP1A3) in maintaining the resting membrane potential and thus in synaptic information processing and potentially cognitive disorders. However, autoantibodies against AT1A3 have not previously been reported in patients with subjective cognitive decline.
CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 57-year-old female who underwent neuropsychological testing, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 18 F fluorodesoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Neural autoantibodies were assessed in serum and CSF. We found a normal cognitive profile together with a self-reported cognitive decline, and such consistent with subjective cognitive decline (SCD). Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid revealed anti-ATP1A3 autoantibodies. ATP1A3 autoantibodies were also detected in serum. Analysis of amyloid pathology markers in the CSF showed a slightly reduced amyloid β1-42/ amyloid β1-40 ratio. In view of the possible paraneoplastic autoantibodies, whole-body FDG-PET was performed, which did not reveal a malignancy-specific lesion. FDG-PET of the brain also showed no hypometabolism. We diagnosed SCD based on CSF-affirmed possible Alzheimer´s pathologic change with ATP1A3 autoantibodies in CSF and serum. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report of CSF and serum ATP1A3 autoantibodies associated with SCD although an incidental finding cannot be fully excluded. In addition, amyloid pathology was detected via CSF biomarkers, suggesting that ATP1A3 autoantibodies are a potentially promising biomarker in SCD with an Alzheimer´s pathologic change if confirmed in large-scale studies
Pollen and anther morphological variation in rye was shaped by domestication
No full textBACKGROUND: In plants and animals, pollen or sperm morphology differ greatly between species. Across plant species, pollen morphological diversity is broadly linked to different pollination systems. However, the extent of within-species diversity is less well understood. To address this question, we explored pollen and anther diversity in rye (Secale cereale L.), a wind-pollinating grass species. RESULTS: We analysed 339 domesticated, feral and wild rye individuals of 64 diverse accessions. Population structure analysis revealed a differentiation gradient from wild to domesticated rye. We found pronounced within-species diversity of pollen and anther morphology. Genome-wide association scans uncovered a polygenic architecture of pollen and anther traits, with medium to high heritability and mostly small-effect loci. A subset of these loci overlapped with previously identified domestication loci, for which the underlying traits were unknown. A P(ST)-F(ST) analysis suggests that pollen and anther traits were under selection throughout rye domestication. Population genomic analyses revealed signatures of selection at 37% of all identified loci. CONCLUSION: Our work shows that selection for larger pollen grains and longer anthers occurred throughout rye domestication. The present study extends our knowledge of the genetic architecture underlying within-species pollen and anther morphological diversity, and further unravels domestication traits in rye
Impact of invasive infections on clinical outcomes in acute pancreatitis: early predictive factors and implications for prophylactic anti-infective therapy
No full text<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title>
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<jats:title>Background</jats:title>
<jats:p>The use of antibiotic therapy in acute pancreatitis remains controversial and is currently recommended only for confirmed infections of peripancreatic necrosis. However, reliable early predictors of septic complications and unfavorable outcomes are substantially lacking.</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Methods</jats:title>
<jats:p>Patients with acute pancreatitis were retrospectively reviewed and divided into two groups: one with a septic course defined by pathogen detection [GERM(+)] and one without [GERM(-)]. After propensity score matching, both groups were compared regarding clinical outcomes. Early predictors of pathogen detection were evaluated by multivariate analysis.</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Results</jats:title>
<jats:p>424 patients with acute pancreatitis were included. After propensity score matching 123 GERM(-) patients were compared to 74 GERM(+) patients. GERM(+) patients demonstrated significantly worse clinical outcomes with higher rate of intensive care treatment (59.5% vs. 35.0%; <jats:italic>p </jats:italic>= 0.0011) and consecutive longer stay in intensive care unit (11.5 ± 25.2d vs. 3.0 ± 7.9d; <jats:italic>p </jats:italic>= 0.0007), longer in-hospital stay (26.8 ± 22.0d vs. 14.7 ± 15.0d; <jats:italic>p</jats:italic> = 0.0003) as well as worse results in the composite outcome length of in-hospital stay &gt; 15d or death (67.6% vs. 31.7%; <jats:italic>p</jats:italic> &lt; 0.0001). Prescence of ascites and elevated white blood cell count at the onset of acute pancreatitis were identified as significant predictive factors in the early disease associated with invasive infection and pathogen detection. The most frequently detected pathogens were commensals of the gastrointestinal tract, observed in 70.7% of the examined body fluids and 50.7% of the examined blood cultures.</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Conclusions</jats:title>
<jats:p>Detection of pathogens is associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes in acute pancreatitis. The presence of ascites and elevated white blood cell count at onset of acute pancreatitis are significant predictive factors indicating the risk of invasive infection with relevant bacterial load. Thus, an aggressive, early anti-infective strategy against pathogens of intestinal origin should be considered in these cases and may improve patient outcomes.</jats:p>
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Spatial dataset of climate robust and high-yield agricultural areas in Brandenburg: results of a classification framework using bio-economic climate simulations
No full textCoherent spatial data are crucial for informed land use and regional planning decisions, particularly in the context of securing a crisis-proof food supply and adapting to climate change. This dataset provides spatial information on climate-robust and high-yield agricultural arable land in Brandenburg, Germany, based on the results of a classification using bio-economic climate simulations. The dataset is intended to support regional planning and policy makers in zoning decisions (e.g., photovoltaic power plants) by identifying climate-robust arable land with high current and stable future production potential that should be reserved for agricultural use. The classification method used to generate the dataset includes a wide range of indicators, including established approaches, such as a soil quality index, drought, water, and wind erosion risk, as well as a dynamic approach, using bio-economic simulations, which determine the production potential under future climate scenarios. The dataset is a valuable resource for spatial planning and climate change adaptation, contributing to long-term food security especially in dry areas such as the state of Brandenburg facing increased production risk under future climatic conditions, thereby serving globally as an example for land use planning challenges related to climate change
The risks of adverse events with mirtazapine for adults with major depressive disorder: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
No full text<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title>
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<jats:title>Background</jats:title>
<jats:p>Mirtazapine is used to treat depression worldwide, and the effects of mirtazapine on depression rating scales are well-known. Our primary objective was to assess the risks of adverse events with mirtazapine for major depressive disorder.</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Methods</jats:title>
<jats:p>We searched relevant sources from inception to 7 March 2024 for randomised clinical trials comparing mirtazapine versus placebo in adults with major depressive disorder. The primary outcomes were suicides or suicide attempts, serious adverse events, and non-serious adverse events. Data were synthesised using meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis.</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Results</jats:title>
<jats:p>We included 17 trials randomising 2,131 participants to mirtazapine versus placebo. All results were at high risk of bias, and the certainty of the evidence was very low. The included trials assessed outcomes at a maximum of 12 weeks after randomisation. Meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis showed insufficient information to determine the effects of mirtazapine on the risks of suicides or suicide attempts and serious adverse events. Meta-analyses showed that mirtazapine increased the risks of somnolence, weight gain, dry mouth, dizziness, and increased appetite but decreased the risk of headaches.</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Conclusions</jats:title>
<jats:p>There is a lack of evidence on the effects of mirtazapine on suicides and serious adverse events. Mirtazapine increases the risks of somnolence, weight gain, dry mouth, dizziness, and increased appetite. Mirtazapine might decrease the risk of headaches. The long-term effects of mirtazapine are unknown.</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Prospero id</jats:title>
<jats:p>CRD42022315395.</jats:p>
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Inorganic–organic hybrid nanoparticles with carbonate-triggered emission-colour-shift
No full text<jats:p>(Eu<jats:sup>3+</jats:sup><jats:sub>4</jats:sub>[PTC]<jats:sup>4–</jats:sup><jats:sub>3</jats:sub>)<jats:sub>0.78</jats:sub>(Eu<jats:sup>3+</jats:sup>[TREN-1,2-HOPO]<jats:sup>3−</jats:sup>)<jats:sub>0.22</jats:sub> nanoparticles show a shift of the emission colour from red to green triggered by carbonate, allowing a luminescence-driven qualitative and quantitative determination of the carbonate content in water.</jats:p>
Innovative Infrared Spectroscopic Technologies for the Prediction of Deoxynivalenol in Wheat
No full textMycotoxin contamination in cereals is a global food safety concern. One of the most common mycotoxins in grains is deoxynivalenol (DON), a secondary metabolite produced by the fung
