bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A momentum-conserving wake superposition method for wind-farm flows under pressure gradient
Authors: Du Bowen , Ge Mingwei , Li Xintao , Liu Yongqian
Published: November 2024

Pressure gradient over topography will significantly affect wind-farm flow. However, knowledge gaps still exist on how to superpose wind-turbine wakes in the wind-farm flow analytical model to account for this effect, leading to systematic errors in evaluating wind-farm wake effects. To this end, we derive an implicit momentum-conserving wake superposition method under pressure gradient (PG-IMCM) based on the total momentum deficit equation, which is linearised by the convection velocity introduced by Zong & Porté-Agel (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 889, 2020, A8). The PG-IMCM method consists of the linear-weighted sum of individual velocity deficits, the sum of the individual pressure correction terms and the total pressure correction term. Based on a sensitivity analysis, we demonstrate that the last two terms nearly cancel out and, thus, can be neglected, resulting in a simplified form, which has the same form as its counterpart under zero pressure gradient but with the single-wake quantities redefined based on the wake model under pressure gradient. This motivates us to further examine the performance of the combination of five empirical superposition methods and the stand-alone wake model under pressure gradient. Validation results based on large-eddy simulation show that PG-IMCM has an overall satisfactory performance in both the magnitude and shape of the velocity-deficit profiles, provided that the stand-alone turbine wake can be modelled accurately, which is virtually identical with its simplified form. Further comparison with empirical superposition methods shows that local linear and wind product superposition methods based on the updated base flow also have comparable performance, with only discernable differences with the PG-IMCM method in the near-wake region of downstream turbines. Therefore, they are two attractive methods for engineering applications.
Enhancing tip vortices to improve the lift production through shear layers in flapping-wing flow control
Authors: Jin Bruce Ruishu , Wang Li , Ravi Sridhar , Young John , Lai Joseph C.S. , Tian Fang-Bao
Published: November 2024

Flow control of a low-aspect-ratio flat-plate heaving wing at an average angle of attack of

$10^{\circ }$

by a steady-blowing jet is numerically studied by using a feedback immersed boundary–lattice Boltzmann method. Blowing jets at the leading edge, mid-chord and trailing edge are considered. The wing enjoys the highest lift production with the trailing-edge downstream blowing jet, which improves the average lift by 50.0 % at

$Re = 1000$

and 22.9 % at

$Re = 5000$

through the enhancement of the tip vortex circulation caused by the increase in the mass flux of the shear layer at the wing tips. This increase in mass flux decreases as

$Re$

increases from 1000 to 5000 due to its self-limiting mechanism. A mid-chord vertical blowing jet induces a middle vortex which enhances the lift production but the enhancement is smaller than that of trailing-edge downstream blowing jet. Other jet arrangements do not significantly increase the lift coefficient, but the mid-chord upstream blowing jet experiences a significant reduction in the drag coefficient, leading to an increase of 50.6 % in the average lift-to-drag ratio. The effectiveness of the flow control is not significantly affected by the aspect ratio.
A Reynolds analogy model for compressible wall turbulence
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Fu Lin
Published: November 2024

In the present study, we propose a Reynolds analogy model for compressible wall turbulence. This model is demonstrated to be able to alleviate the defects of the generalized Reynolds analogy model (GRA) (Zhang et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 739, 2014, pp. 392–420), and maintains its success in describing the mean velocity–temperature relation. Furthermore, the present model is superior to the GRA in depicting the relationship between their fluctuating fields and also bridges the gap between the phenomenological model and the mathematical representation of the Reynolds analogy. The key points of the present model are validated by analysing the data of compressible wall-bounded turbulence with different Mach numbers, Reynolds numbers and wall thermal conditions.
The optimal tennis serve: a mathematical model
Authors: Seppala-Holtzman David
Published: November 2024

Mathematical modelling has several valuable properties that address a number of pedagogical issues. As such, it makes for an excellent classroom exercise. First and foremost, it reinforces the insight that mathematics is nearly ubiquitous. It is all around us, hiding in plain sight. Secondly, in contrast to textbook problems which are often highly artificial, mathematical modelling is decidedly real. Next, it serves to un-silo the curriculum. As mathematics students advance, they populate their toolbox with more and more tools. However, these tools are generally course specific. Algebra tools in algebra class, calculus tools in calculus class, and so on. In attacking a modelling problem, the student needs to decide what tool to pick up and how to apply it. Finally, modelling is empowering in that it allows, indeed it requires, the student to decide for herself what the salient features of a problem are and which features are extraneous and can safely be suppressed.
Algebraic and geometric definitions of the cross product: the link
Authors: Dubeau François
Published: November 2024

Given two vectors
$\overrightarrow u = {({u_1},\,\,{u_2},\,{u_3})^t}$
and
$\overrightarrow y = {({v_1},\,{v_2},\,{v_3})^t}$
in
${{\mathcal{R}}^3}$
, the cross product
$\overrightarrow u \times \overrightarrow v $
is defined as follows (see [1] or [2]):

$$Algebraic{\rm{ }}definition{\rm{:}}\,\,\overrightarrow u \times \overrightarrow v \, = \,\left[ {\matrix{
{{u_2}{v_3}} \hfill & - \hfill & {{u_3}{v_2}} \hfill \cr
{{u_3}{v_1}} \hfill & - \hfill & {{u_1}{v_3}} \hfill \cr
{{u_1}{v_2}} \hfill & - \hfill & {{u_2}{v_1}} \hfill \cr

} } \right].$$
Salvation through Implicit Faith: A New Defence
Authors: Stacey Gregory R. P. , McNabb Tyler Dalton
Published: November 2024

The once-popular thesis that non-Christians who are inculpably ignorant of the gospel can be saved through ‘implicit faith’ in Christ has fallen on hard times. In this paper, we consider objections raised against this position by a range of Catholic critics, including Thomas Crean, Augustine DiNoia, Gavin D’Costa, and Stephen Bullivant. In our judgement, criticisms of ‘implicit faith’ often suffer from a lack of clarity about the nature of such faith, although admittedly this ambiguity was present even in original Scholastic uses of the term. However, in the past few decades, analytic philosophers have explored many forms of belief, which one might call ‘implicit’. Accordingly, we draw on both Scholastic and analytic epistemology to arrive at a more attractive characterisation of implicit faith. We argue that once implicit faith is understood in this way, recent objections to the claim that non-Christians can be saved soluble.
Dietary total antioxidant capacity is closely associated with skeletal muscle mass: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Jie , Fang Wendong , Chen Shuiping , Wang Lu
Published: November 2024

Skeletal muscle is of great importance for human activity and quality of life, as its loss contributes greatly to immobilisation, especially for aged individuals. An increased dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins may be beneficial for muscle loss because of ageing. However, the quantitative relationship between total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of antioxidant vitamins and muscle mass is undetermined. Totally, 4009 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed with demographic, lifestyle and dietary intake adjustment factors. The dose saturation effect was also determined by a saturation effect analysis. Subgroup analysis was performed for age and sex. In the fully adjusted model, per unit increase of dietary TAC was associated with an increase of 0·018 g/kg appendicular lean mass (95 % CI 0·007, 0·029), 0·014 g/kg trunk lean mass (95 % CI 0·004, 0·024) and 0·035 g/kg total lean mass (95 % CI 0·014, 0·055). TAC was associated with a decrease of 0·004 kg/kg total percent fat (95 % CI −0·006, −0·002), 0·005 kg/kg trunk percent fat (95 % CI −0·007, −0·002) and 0·003 kg/m2 BMI (95 % CI −0·006, −0·001) at the same time. Subgroup analysis indicated that women and adults < 50 years may experience the most significant association between TAC and skeletal muscle mass. We revealed a positive correlation between TAC and lean body mass and a negative association between TAC and body fat and BMI. Saturation values were found among people aged 40–59 years. Age and sex mediate these associations.
DECIPHERING INTERIM OBLIGATIONS UNDER ARTICLES 18 AND 25 OF THE VIENNA CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF TREATIES
Authors: Rydberg Agnes Viktoria
Published: November 2024

Under the law of treaties, two mechanisms currently seek to bridge the gap between the conclusion and entry into force of treaties. These are found in Article 18 (the obligation not to defeat the object and purpose of a pending treaty) and Article 25 (provisional application of treaties) of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. This article considers the nexus and relationship between these provisions and clarifies two aspects of their interaction. First, the article assesses how Articles 18 and 25 interact in their practical application and whether Article 25 can inform the content and interpretation of Article 18. Second, the article explores how the termination of a provisionally applied treaty under Article 25(2) affects the applicability of Article 18(a).
The effects and costs of an anti-bullying program (KiVa) in UK primary schools: a multicenter cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bowes Lucy , Babu Malavika , Badger Julia R. , Broome Matthew R. , Cannings-John Rebecca , Clarkson Suzy , Coulman Elinor , Edwards Rhiannon Tudor , Ford Tamsin , Hastings Richard P. , Hayes Rachel , Lugg-Widger Fiona , Owen-Jones Eleri , Patterson Paul , Segrott Jeremy , Sydenham Mia , Townson Julia , Watkins Richard C. , Whiteley Holly , Williams Margiad E. ,   the Stand Together Team, Hutchings Judy
Published: November 2024

Background

Childhood bullying is a public health priority. We evaluated the effectiveness and costs of KiVa, a whole-school anti-bullying program that targets the peer context.

Methods

A two-arm pragmatic multicenter cluster randomized controlled trial with embedded economic evaluation. Schools were randomized to KiVa-intervention or usual practice (UP), stratified on school size and Free School Meals eligibility. KiVa was delivered by trained teachers across one school year. Follow-up was at 12 months post randomization. Primary outcome: student-reported bullying-victimization; secondary outcomes: self-reported bullying-perpetration, participant roles in bullying, empathy and teacher-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Outcomes were analyzed using multilevel linear and logistic regression models.

Findings

Between 8/11/2019–12/02/2021, 118 primary schools were recruited in four trial sites, 11 111 students in primary analysis (KiVa-intervention: n = 5944; 49.6% female; UP: n = 5167, 49.0% female). At baseline, 21.6% of students reported being bullied in the UP group and 20.3% in the KiVa-intervention group, reducing to 20.7% in the UP group and 17.7% in the KiVa-intervention group at follow-up (odds ratio 0.87; 95% confidence interval 0.78 to 0.97, p value = 0.009). Students in the KiVa group had significantly higher empathy and reduced peer problems. We found no differences in bullying perpetration, school wellbeing, emotional or behavioral problems. A priori subgroup analyses revealed no differences in effectiveness by socioeconomic gradient, or by gender. KiVa costs £20.78 more per pupil than usual practice in the first year, and £1.65 more per pupil in subsequent years.

Interpretation

The KiVa anti-bullying program is effective at reducing bullying victimization with small-moderate effects of public health importance.

Funding

The study was funded by the UK National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research program (17-92-11). Intervention costs were funded by the Rayne Foundation, GwE North Wales Regional School Improvement Service, Children's Services, Devon County Council and HSBC Global Services (UK) Ltd.
Impact of an educational program on oncology nurses’ attitudes and behaviors toward care of the dying
Authors: Hou Xiaoting , Li Xin , Guo Renxiu , Wang Yun , He Shuangzhi , Yang Hong , Bai Dongli , Lu Yuhan
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Care of the dying is an essential part of holistic cancer nursing. Improving nurses’ attitudes and behaviors regarding care of the dying is one of the critical factors in increasing the quality of nursing service. This study aims to examine the impact of an educational program based on the CARES tool on nurses’ attitudes and behaviors toward care of the dying.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study with pre- and post-intervention measures was conducted. A total of 222 oncology nurses from 14 hospitals in Beijing, China, were enrolled using a convenient sampling method. This online educational course developed based on the CARES framework comprised 7 modules and 10 sessions. Each session was carried out twice a week over 30–60 min. Data were collected using a sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire, the Frommelt Attitude Towards Care of the Dying Scale (FATCOD) and the Nurses’ Practice Behavior Toward Care of the Dying Questionnaire (NPBTCOD). Reassessment of attitudes and behaviors was conducted when completed the learning and 6 months after the learning, respectively. The sociodemographic characteristics of the nurses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and differences in attitudes and behaviors were reported and compared by the paired t-test.

Results

All the 222 oncology nurses completed educational courses, and 218 nurses (98.20%) completed the pre- and post-attitudes evaluation and 213 (95.9%) nurses completed the pre- and post-behaviors evaluation. The mean (SD) FATCOD score before and after the educational program was 108.83 (12.07) versus 115.09 (14.91), respectively (t = −8.546, p ≥ 0.001). The mean (SD) NPBTCOD score before and after the educational program was 69.14 (17.56) versus 73.40 (18.96), respectively (t = −3.231, p = 0.001).

Significance of results

This educational intervention was found to be an effective method for improving oncology nurses’ attitudes and behaviors toward caring for dying patients.
Facility- and community-level factors associated with hospice patient experience
Authors: He Mengying , Davlyatov Ganisher , Orewa Gregory , Qu Haiyan , Weech-Maldonado Robert
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Mandated by the Affordable Care Act of 2010, hospices were required to provide information regarding the Hospice Quality Reporting Program, with a reduced reimbursement tied to hospices if they fail to submit data to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between hospice organizational and community factors and quality of hospice care as measured by patient experience through Hospice Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers & Systems (CAHPS®) survey.

Methods

We used secondary data from Hospice Compare, Healthcare Cost Report Information System Dataset, Rural–urban commuting area codes, and the American Community Survey to examine the relationship between hospice patient/family experience and hospice organizational-level and community-level factors for the period 2017–2020. The unit of analysis was hospice-year observations.

Results

For-profit and chain-affiliated hospices were negatively associated with CAHPS® scores. Organizational longevity and Medicare payer mix were positively associated with CAHPS® scores. Hospice community factors including competition, per capita income, and the racial/ethnic minorities’ percentage were negatively associated with CAHPS® scores.

Significance of results

Hospice organizational and community factors were related to hospice quality of care. Interventions that account for organizational and community factors may be needed to improve patient/family experience of hospice care.
State Capacity and COVID-19 Responses: Comparing the US States
Authors: Auerbach Kiran , Lerner Joshua Y. , Ridge Hannah M.
Published: November 2024

This article addresses the interstate differences in outcomes from the coronavirus disease COVID-19 pandemic by focusing on state capacity. State capacity refers to states’ ability to create and implement policy. We posit that states want to limit death and destruction within their borders. COVID-19 created an instance in which states had a shared, preferred outcome but had very different levels of success. Using a novel measure of state capacity that allows for subnational comparisons – and is independent of ideological political will – we show that states with greater capacity experienced fewer excess deaths during 2020 and more successfully distributed vaccines in early 2021. The findings are robust to various measures of partisanship, social capital, geography, and demographics. Our work bridges US state politics literature and comparative politics literature on state capacity, and it contributes to research on the politics of pandemics.
Using a seed impact mill to limit waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) seed inputs in Iowa soybean
Authors: Meadows Alexis L. , Yadav Ramawatar
Published: November 2024

Mounting cases of herbicide-resistant waterhemp [Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer] in the U.S. Midwest have renewed the interest in nonchemical weed management strategies. Field experiments were conducted in 2021 and 2022 to quantify the effectiveness of a commercial combine equipped with a seed impact mill in preventing A. tuberculatus seed return to the soil seedbank in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Amaranthus tuberculatus seed shattering before crop harvest was quantified. Amaranthus tuberculatus started shattering seeds during the last week of August in both years. Overall, 51% of A. tuberculatus seeds were retained on the plant at harvest on October 23, 2021, compared with 61% at harvest on October 7, 2022. Viability of shattered A. tuberculatus seeds ranged from 84% to 94%. Additional seed shattering occurred when plants were disturbed by the combine header during soybean harvest, which caused 15% and 9% shattering in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Amaranthus tuberculatus seeds passed through the impact mill were grouped in three categories: no damage, moderate damage, and severe damage. In 2021, A. tuberculatus seeds with moderate damage had 26% lower germination and viability than seeds with no visible damage. In 2022, seed germination and viability of no-damage seeds did not differ from seeds with a moderate level of damage. No severely damaged seed germinated or tested viable in either year. Altogether, impact mill treatment reduced the number of germinable seeds by 87% compared with the no–impact mill treatment. These results indicate that seed impact mills can be a useful tool in Iowa soybean production to help manage multiple herbicide–resistant A. tuberculatus populations. However, A. tuberculatus seed shattering before crop harvest reduces the overall effectiveness of seed impact mills in preventing seedbank replenishments.
Therapeutic climbing in inpatient rehabilitation
Authors: Michelsen Freda , Jenuwein Stefan , Luttenberger Katharina , Calvano Claudia
Published: November 2024

Abstract: Background: Therapeutic climbing (TC) has been increasingly implemented in the context of mental health care, with promising effects. While most evaluation studies focus on symptom reduction, the specific elements and mechanisms that make climbing effective compared to other therapeutic sports remain unclear. This study explores the subjective experiences of participants of a climbing therapy program in order to explore the underlying processes and the subjectively perceived effects. Method: The study took place at an inpatient rehabilitation facility in southern Germany, where a weekly group TC program was part of the treatment for individuals with mental disorders. Data from 265 participants with ICD-10 mental disorders collected between 2010 and 2022 was analyzed via questionnaires quantitatively assessing physical, psychological, and social improvements with rating items. Additionally open answers on subjectively relevant psychological experiences were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis. Results: Climbing therapy was generally perceived as relevant to their rehabilitation and rated as influential in terms of improving physical and psychological condition as well as sociability. The qualitative analysis identified five main categories being “Successful coping and positive mood”, “Challenge and coping strategies”, “Self-reflection and self-perception”, “Social experiences and belaying” and “Letting go of worries and being in the moment”. Conclusion: The results support previous findings on the benefits of TC and highlight its relevance as a therapeutic tool. Participants with mental disorders reported various positive experiences, emphasizing the unique demands, motivational aspects and social context of climbing. Further high-quality research is needed to compare climbing’s potential with other therapeutic sports across different target groups.
North‐East Peri‐Tethyan Water Column Deoxygenation and Euxinia at the Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum
Authors: Behrooz L. , Monteiro F. M. , Naafs B. D. A. , Taylor K. W. R. , Dickson A. J. , Graham O. A. , Pearson A. , Pancost R. D.
Published: November 2024

The Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) is associated with climatic change and biological turnover. It shares features with the Oceanic Anoxic Events (OAEs) of the Mesozoic, such as transient global warming and biogeochemical perturbations. However, the PETM experienced a more muted expansion of marine anoxia compared to the Mesozoic OAEs (especially OAE2), with geographically limited evidence for photic zone euxinia (PZE). We explore the extent and drivers of marine deoxygenation during the PETM using biomarkers for water column euxinia and anoxia as well as an intermediate complexity Earth system model (cGEnIE). These reveal that the water column in the North‐East Peri‐Tethys became anoxic, with euxinic conditions reaching the photic zone (PZE) during the PETM. Our model shows that euxinia developed due to a global increase in the ocean nutrient inventory with concomitant oxygen consumption, similar to findings for OAE2. The particularly strong regional response in the NE Peri‐Tethys appears to arise from a combination of global CO2‐weathering forcing, regionally restricted circulation and upwelling of sulphidic thermocline waters. Unlike OAE2, anoxia and PZE do not become widespread in our PETM simulations, consistent with new and existing geochemical and biological proxy data. This globally muted response could result from reduced biogeochemical feedbacks to climate forcing relative to the mid‐Cretaceous climate. Our observations suggest that similar mechanisms operated in response to disparate Cenozoic (PETM) and Mesozoic (OAEs) transient global warming events, while also highlighting that background conditions are crucial in modulating the sensitivity of Earth's system to them.
Reconstruction of Magma Plumbing System and Regional Magmatic Processes via Chemical and Structural Zoning of Biotite in Rhyolite from Long Valley, CA
Authors: Xi Jiaxin , Yang Yiping , Xu Huifang , Xian Haiyang , Pan Fabin , Li Shan , Xue Shuo , Cao Yonghua , Zhu Jianxi , He Hongping
Published: November 2024

Minerals with compositional zoning in volcanic products are widely used to decipher the history of magmatic evolution. However, structural information, which reflects physical conditions and crystallization equilibrium, has often been overlooked. This study presents the first report on the structural zoning of deep‐derived biotite phenocrysts through investigations of metaluminous rhyolite from Long Valley, CA. Biotite is enriched in Si, Mg, and K and depleted in Fe3+, Ti, and AlIV in core zones compared with rims. In situ structural analyses, including micro X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, were conducted to identify cores with perfect 2M1 polytype and disordered rims of biotite. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of these methods in revealing various (micro)polytypes of a single species, which occur at different crystallization temperatures, pressures, supersaturation levels, and oxygen fugacities. The concept of structural zoning is introduced here to describe the different structural features distributed systematically in various parts of minerals. By combining structural and chemical zoning, we illustrate a two‐step growth for samples: equilibrium crystallization of the highly ordered cores in a deep magma reservoir with high temperature and pressure, followed by rapid growth of disordered rims during magma mixing in a crystal mush. We further discuss the implications of these findings for reflecting the plumbing system structure and eruption history of rhyolitic magma over extended periods. Our study underscores the remarkable sensitivity of structural zoning in delineating the crystallization conditions of minerals and documenting the environmental changes within magma.
Testing Astronomical Solutions With Geological Data for the Latest Cretaceous: An Astronomically Tuned Time Scale
Authors: Kocken I. J. , Zeebe R. E.
Published: November 2024

Astronomical solutions form the backbone of accurate dating for geology and paleoclimate studies. Beyond 50 Ma, however, the chaos inherent in the solar system makes it impossible to calculate a unique astronomical solution. Geological data have been used to constrain the chaos in order to arrive at an astronomically calibrated time scale up to the end‐Cretaceous. Here, we adopt and extend this approach into the latest Cretaceous, by re‐analyzing the Zumaia and Sopelana composite proxy records from the Maastrichtian. We find that the filtered total light reflectance () record is most compatible with the astronomical solution ZB20a. However, the results are sensitive to parameter choices in our algorithm, which we describe in detail. Nevertheless, we present evidence in favor of using solution ZB20a for cyclostratigraphic applications during the latest Cretaceous. Intervals with very long eccentricity nodes (VLNs) (low amplitude in the short eccentricity cycle) in the astronomical solutions that coincide with large amplitudes in the short eccentricity‐related peaks in the filtered proxy record rule out alternatives.
Spatial‐Temporal Analysis of Inter Tropical Discontinuity Influence on Radio Signal Behavior in Nigeria
Authors: Emmanuel I. , Ojo O. S. , Emmanuel G. O. , Adedayo K. D.
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the influence of the inter tropical discontinuity (ITD) on radio signal behavior over Nigeria using ERA5 data from the Copernicus Climate Change Services (C3S). Monthly variations of refractivity gradient values and ITD movements were analyzed through spatial distribution and wavelet coherence. Results indicate that the ITD position significantly affects refractivity gradient values. Below the ITD, values range from −5 to −110 N‐units/km, while above the ITD, values are less than −110 N‐units/km, indicating predominant ducting conditions. The ITD shifts latitudinally from a peak at 20° in August to a low at 5° in December. Correlation coefficients between ITD position and refractivity gradient values in different climatic regions (Am, Aw, BSh, BWh) range from −0.920 to 0.844, emphasizing the significant influence of ITD on atmospheric conditions in these regions. Statistical analysis using the wavelet coherence method demonstrates a strong connection between ITD and refractivity gradient, with coherence values indicating synchronization at specific frequency‐time pairs.
The brightest multi-colour phonon lasers
Authors: Bhattacharya Mishkat
Published: November 2024

A new device applies a single-colour electronic injection to create the brightest multi-colour phonon laser, with ten times more power and much narrower linewidth than others.
SNF2L maintains glutathione homeostasis by initiating SLC7A11 transcription through chromatin remodeling
Authors: Zhang Jiaguan , Gao Zeshou , Yang Yi , Li Zhenhao , Wu Binjie , Fan Chunxin , Zheng Yuyan , Yang Ruohan , Zhang Fangrong , Lin Xiaohuang , Zheng Daoshan
Published: November 2024

SNF2L encodes an ISWI chromatin remodeling factor that promotes gene transcription and is consistently elevated in cancers. Previous studies have shown that inhibiting SNF2L expression in cancer cells leads to significant growth suppression, DNA damage, and cell death. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that cancer cells lacking SNF2L show significantly decreased glutathione (GSH) levels, leading to elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased oxidative stress. SNF2L deficiency also heightened the sensitivity of cancer cells to APR-246, a drug that depletes GSH and induces oxidative stress, consequently decreasing cell viability and increasing ROS levels, regardless of p53 status. Mechanistically, we found that NRF2 recruits SNF2L to the SLC7A11 promoter, leading to increased chromatin accessibility and facilitating SLC7A11 transcription. This results in decreased cystine uptake and impaired GSH biosynthesis. These findings suggest that targeting the SNF2L/SLC7A11 axis could enhance the effectiveness of APR-246 by depleting GSH and increasing ROS level in cancer cells, highlighting SNF2L as a promising therapeutic target.
Triggering the 2022 eruption of Mauna Loa
Authors: Lynn Kendra J. , Downs Drew T. , Trusdell Frank A. , Wieser Penny E. , Rangel Berenise , McDade Baylee , Hotovec-Ellis Alicia J. , Bennington Ninfa , Anderson Kyle R. , Ruth Dawn C. S. , DeVitre Charlotte L. , Ellis Andria P. , Nadeau Patricia A. , Clor Laura , Kelly Peter , Dotray Peter J. , Chang Jefferson C.
Published: November 2024

Distinguishing periods of intermittent unrest from the run-up to eruption is a major challenge at volcanoes around the globe. Comparing multidisciplinary monitoring data with mineral chemistry that records the physical and spatio-temporal evolution of magmas fundamentally advances our ability to forecast eruptions. The recent eruption of Mauna Loa, Earth’s largest active volcano, provides a unique opportunity to differentiate unrest from run-up and improve forecasting of future eruptions. After decades of intermittent seismic and geodetic activity over 38 years of repose, Mauna Loa began erupting on 27 November 2022. Here we present a multidisciplinary synthesis that tracks the spatio-temporal evolution of precursory activity by integrating mineral and melt chemistry, fluid inclusion barometry, numerical modeling of mineral zoning, syn-eruptive gas plume measurements, the distribution and frequency of earthquake hypocenters, seismic velocity changes, and ground deformation. These diverse data indicate that the eruption occurred following a 2-month period of sustained magma intrusion from depths of 3–5 km up to 1–2 km beneath the summit caldera, providing a new model of the plumbing system at this very high threat volcano. Careful correlation of both the geochemistry and instrumental monitoring data improves our ability to distinguish unrest from the run-up to eruption by providing deeper understanding of the both the monitoring data and the magmatic system—an approach that could be applied at other volcanic systems worldwide.
Neutralizing antibody correlate of protection against severe-critical COVID-19 in the ENSEMBLE single-dose Ad26.COV2.S vaccine efficacy trial
Authors: Carpp Lindsay N. , Hyrien Ollivier , Fong Youyi , Benkeser David , Roels Sanne , Stieh Daniel J. , Van Dromme Ilse , Van Roey Griet A. , Kenny Avi , Huang Ying , Carone Marco , McDermott Adrian B. , Houchens Christopher R. , Martins Karen , Jayashankar Lakshmi , Castellino Flora , Amoa-Awua Obrimpong , Basappa Manjula , Flach Britta , Lin Bob C. , Moore Christopher , Naisan Mursal , Naqvi Muhammed , Narpala Sandeep , O’Connell Sarah , Mueller Allen , Serebryannyy Leo , Castro Mike , Wang Jennifer , Petropoulos Christos J. , Luedtke Alex , Lu Yiwen , Yu Chenchen , Juraska Michal , Hejazi Nima S. , Wolfe Daniel N. , Sadoff Jerald , Gray Glenda E. , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Goepfert Paul A. , Bekker Linda-Gail , Gaur Aditya H. , Veloso Valdilea G. , Randhawa April K. , Andrasik Michele P. , Hendriks Jenny , Truyers Carla , Vandebosch An , Struyf Frank , Schuitemaker Hanneke , Douoguih Macaya , Kublin James G. , Corey Lawrence , Neuzil Kathleen M. , Follmann Dean , Koup Richard A. , Donis Ruben O. , Gilbert Peter B. ,   On behalf of the Immune Assays Team,   the Coronavirus Vaccine Prevention Network (CoVPN)/ENSEMBLE Team, Van Dromme Ilse , Van Roey Griet A. ,   the United States Government (USG)/CoVPN Biostatistics Team
Published: November 2024

Assessment of immune correlates of severe COVID-19 has been hampered by the low numbers of severe cases in COVID-19 vaccine efficacy (VE) trials. We assess neutralizing and binding antibody levels at 4 weeks post-Ad26.COV2.S vaccination as correlates of risk and of protection against severe-critical COVID-19 through 220 days post-vaccination in the ENSEMBLE trial (NCT04505722), constituting ~4.5 months longer follow-up than our previous correlates analysis and enabling inclusion of 42 severe-critical vaccine-breakthrough cases. Neutralizing antibody titer is a strong inverse correlate of severe-critical COVID-19, with estimated hazard ratio (HR) per 10-fold increase 0.35 (95% CI: 0.13, 0.90). In a multivariable model, HRs are 0.31 (0.11, 0.89) for neutralizing antibody titer and 1.22 (0.49, 3.02) for anti-Spike binding antibody concentration. VE against severe-critical COVID-19 rises with neutralizing antibody titer: 63.1% (95% CI: 40.0%, 77.3%) at unquantifiable [<4.8975 International Units (IU)50/ml], 85.2% (47.2%, 95.3%) at just-quantifiable (5.2 IU50/ml), and 95.1% (81.1%, 96.9%) at 90th percentile (30.2 IU50/ml). At the same titers, VE against moderate COVID-19 is 32.5% (11.8%, 48.4%), 33.9% (19.1%, 59.3%), and 60.7% (40.4%, 76.4%). Protection against moderate vs. severe disease may require higher antibody levels, and very low antibody levels and/or other immune responses may associate with protection against severe disease.
Label-free biosensor assay decodes the dynamics of Toll-like receptor signaling
Authors: Holze Janine , Lauber Felicitas , Soler Sofía , Kostenis Evi , Weindl Günther
Published: November 2024

The discovery of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) represented a significant breakthrough that paved the way for the study of host-pathogen interactions in innate immunity. However, there are still major gaps in understanding TLR function, especially regarding the early dynamics of downstream TLR pathways. Here, we present a label-free optical biosensor-based assay as a method for detecting TLR activation in a native and label-free environment and defining the dynamics of TLR pathway activation. This technology is sufficiently sensitive to detect TLR signaling and readily discriminates between different TLR signaling pathways. We define pharmacological modulators of cell surface and endosomal TLRs and downstream signaling molecules and uncover TLR signaling signatures, including potential biased receptor signaling. These findings highlight that optical biosensor assays complement traditional assays that use a single endpoint and have the potential to facilitate the future design of selective drugs targeting TLRs and their downstream effector cascades.
Hepatic SerpinA1 improves energy and glucose metabolism through regulation of preadipocyte proliferation and UCP1 expression
Authors: Okagawa Shota , Sakaguchi Masaji , Okubo Yuma , Takekuma Yuri , Igata Motoyuki , Kondo Tatsuya , Takeda Naoki , Araki Kimi , Brandao Bruna Brasil , Qian Wei-Jun , Tseng Yu-Hua , Kulkarni Rohit N. , Kubota Naoto , Kahn C. Ronald , Araki Eiichi
Published: November 2024

Lipodystrophy and obesity are associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome accompanied by fat tissue dysregulation. Here, we show that serine protease inhibitor A1 (SerpinA1) expression in the liver is increased during recovery from lipodystrophy caused by the adipocyte-specific loss of insulin signaling in mice. SerpinA1 induces the proliferation of white and brown preadipocytes and increases the expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) to promote mitochondrial activation in mature white and brown adipocytes. Liver-specific SerpinA1 transgenic mice exhibit increased browning of adipose tissues, leading to increased energy expenditure, reduced adiposity and improved glucose tolerance. Conversely, SerpinA1 knockout mice exhibit decreased adipocyte mitochondrial function, impaired thermogenesis, obesity, and systemic insulin resistance. SerpinA1 forms a complex with the Eph receptor B2 and regulates its downstream signaling in adipocytes. These results demonstrate that SerpinA1 is an important hepatokine that improves obesity, energy expenditure and glucose metabolism by promoting preadipocyte proliferation and activating mitochondrial UCP1 expression in adipocytes.
Antithrombotic coating with sheltered positive charges prevents contact activation by controlling factor XII–biointerface binding
Authors: Ji Haifeng , Yu Kai , Abbina Srinivas , Xu Lin , Xu Tao , Cheng Shengjun , Vappala Sreeparna , Arefi S. M. Amin , Rana Md Mohosin , Chafeeva Irina , Drayton Matthew , Gonzalez Kevin , Liu Yun , Grecov Dana , Conway Edward M. , Zhao Weifeng , Zhao Changsheng , Kizhakkedathu Jayachandran N.
Published: November 2024

Antithrombotic surfaces that prevent coagulation activation without interfering with haemostasis are required for blood-contacting devices. Such materials would restrain device-induced thrombogenesis and decrease the need for anticoagulant use, thereby reducing unwanted bleeding. Here, by optimizing the interactions with coagulation factor XII rather than preventing its surface adsorption, we develop a substrate-independent antithrombotic polymeric coating with sheltered positive charges. The antithrombic properties of the coating were demonstrated in vitro with human blood and in vivo using a carotid artery–jugular vein shunt model in rabbits. The coating exhibits a strong interaction with factor XII, but results in a low reciprocal activation of the contact pathway that triggers clot formation. These findings contradict the prevailing strategy of designing antithrombotic materials through protein-repelling surfaces. Overall, the polymeric coating we describe can benefit most blood-contacting devices and is a useful engineering guideline for designing surfaces with improved antithrombotic properties.
Analysis of behavioral flow resolves latent phenotypes
Authors: von Ziegler Lukas M. , Roessler Fabienne K. , Sturman Oliver , Waag Rebecca , Privitera Mattia , Duss Sian N. , O’Connor Eoin C. , Bohacek Johannes
Published: November 2024

The accurate detection and quantification of rodent behavior forms a cornerstone of basic biomedical research. Current data-driven approaches, which segment free exploratory behavior into clusters, suffer from low statistical power due to multiple testing, exhibit poor transferability across experiments and fail to exploit the rich behavioral profiles of individual animals. Here we introduce a pipeline to capture each animal’s behavioral flow, yielding a single metric based on all observed transitions between clusters. By stabilizing these clusters through machine learning, we ensure data transferability, while dimensionality reduction techniques facilitate detailed analysis of individual animals. We provide a large dataset of 771 behavior recordings of freely moving mice—including stress exposures, pharmacological and brain circuit interventions—to identify hidden treatment effects, reveal subtle variations on the level of individual animals and detect brain processes underlying specific interventions. Our pipeline, compatible with popular clustering methods, substantially enhances statistical power and enables predictions of an animal’s future behavior.
Spatially integrated cortico-subcortical tracing data for analyses of rodent brain topographical organization
Authors: Øvsthus Martin , van Swieten Maaike M. H. , Puchades Maja A. , Tocco Chiara , Studer Michèle , Bjaalie Jan G. , Leergaard Trygve B.
Published: November 2024

The cerebral cortex extends axonal projections to several subcortical brain regions, including the striatum, thalamus, superior colliculus, and pontine nuclei. Experimental tract-tracing studies have shown that these subcortical projections are topographically organized, reflecting the spatial organization of sensory surfaces and body parts. Several public collections of mouse- and rat- brain tract-tracing data are available, with the Allen mouse brain connectivity atlas being most prominent. There, a large body of image data can be inspected, but it is difficult to combine data from different experiments and compare spatial distribution patterns. To enable co-visualization and comparison of topographical organization in mouse brain cortico-subcortical projections across experiments, we represent axonal labelling data as point data in a common 3D brain atlas space. We here present a collection of point-cloud data representing spatial distribution of corticostriatal, corticothalamic, corticotectal, and corticopontine projections in mice and exemplify how these spatially integrated point data can be used as references for experimental investigations of topographic organization in transgenic mice, and for cross-species comparison with corticopontine projections in rats.
High-resolution topography reveals morphological changes of Stromboli volcano following the July 2024 eruption
Authors: Civico Riccardo , Ricci Tullio , Cecili Alessandro , Scarlato Piergiorgio
Published: November 2024

The July 2024 eruption of Stromboli volcano has been characterised by the manifestation, at variable intensity, of the entire repertoire of volcanic events that Stromboli volcano is capable of, and is by far the one that has most changed the morphology of the crater terrace and of the Sciara del Fuoco slope in the last decades. We present the results of an Unoccupied Aircraft System (UAS) survey performed on 14 July 2024 and consisting of 4,988 visible and thermal photographs coupled with Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry that allowed us to produce a high-resolution (0.2 m/pixel) Digital Surface Model (DSM). We documented the profound morphological changes of the Stromboli volcano resulting from the 4–11 July 2024 eruption and obtained elevation and volume change estimates by differencing our survey and a UAS-derived pre-event surface (24 May 2024).
A novel pillar-layered MOF with urea linkers as a capable catalyst for synthesis of new 1,8-naphthyridines via the anomeric-based oxidation
Authors: Beiranvand Masoumeh , Habibi Davood , Khodakarami Hosein
Published: November 2024

Metal-based catalysts play an essential role in organic chemistry and the chemical industry. This research designed and successfully synthesized a pillar-layered metal–organic framework (MOF) with the urea linkers, namely Basu-HDI, as a novel and efficient heterogeneous catalyst. Various techniques such as FT-IR, EDX, elemental mapping, SEM, XRD, BET, and TGA/DTA studied its structure and morphology. Then, we investigated the synthesis of new 1,8-naphthyridines utilizing Basu-HDI in mild conditions via a one‐pot, three‐component tandem Knoevenagel/Michael/ cyclization/anomeric-based oxidation reaction. Final products were achieved by anomeric-based oxidation without employing an oxidation agent. Remarkably, this tandem process gave a good range of new 1,8-naphthyridines with high yields in a short reaction time. The pure products were confirmed by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectrometry techniques. Moreover, the introduced catalyst showed good efficiency and stability and can be reused four times without significantly reducing efficiency.
Exposure to constant artificial light alters honey bee sleep rhythms and disrupts sleep
Authors: Kim Ashley Y. , Velazquez Aura , Saavedra Belen , Smarr Benjamin , Nieh James C.
Published: November 2024

Artificial light at night (ALAN) changes animal behavior in multiple invertebrates and vertebrates and can result in decreased fitness. However, ALAN effects have not been studied in European honey bees (Apis mellifera), an important pollinator in which foragers show strong circadian rhythmicity. Colonies can be exposed to ALAN in swarm clusters, when bees cluster outside the nest on hot days and evenings, and, in limited cases, when they build nests in the open. We captured and maintained foragers in incubated cages and subjected them to constant light (LL), constant dark (DD), or 12 h light:12 h dark (LD) cycle, and observed them with infrared cameras. After 79 h, there was a significant interaction of treatment and time because LL bees slept less. In detail, the bees maintained a regular sleep pattern for three days but LL bees showed a shift on the fourth day. LL bees had the largest sleep differences from LD controls, with trends of lengthened periods and increased phase misalignment from both LD and DD bees. LL bees also experienced significantly more disturbances from their nestmates and preferred to sleep in the lower portion of the cages, which had significantly lower light intensity. These findings suggest that ALAN can disrupt the sleep of honey bee foragers, which has implications for their behavior and overall colony health.
Thermal and flow dynamics of an inclined air heat exchanger equipped with spring turbulators in the transition flow regime
Authors: Vishwakarma Devendra Kumar , Bhattacharyya Suvanjan , Soni Manoj K.
Published: November 2024

The research involves an experimental investigation into the performance of a flow assisting air heat exchanger under varying angular orientation and uniform external heat fluxes without and with spring turbulators. The investigation was performed for Reynolds numbers ranging from 511 to 9676 and inclination angle 15° and 30°. Three heat fluxes (2, 3, and 4 kW/m2) were applied to the test section to investigate the effect of external surface heating on the range of transition flow regime and thermohydraulic performance. Transition from laminar to turbulent flow for plain channel at different heat fluxes and inclinations occurs within specific Reynolds number ranges: 2436–4446 for 15° inclination at 4 kW/m2, 2574–4289 at 3 kW/m2, and 2850–4152 at 2 kW/m2; for 30° inclination, the ranges are 2518–4151, 2712–4361, and 2992–4346 at the respective heat fluxes. When it comes to the effect of inclination on Nusselt number, the transition occurs sooner at lower angles, but is delayed as the angle increases. Additionally, the Nusselt number decreases as the angle of inclination increases. When comparing the Nusselt numbers of plain tubes to those with spring turbulators, the latter shows a significantly greater enhancement. In laminar flow, a maximum 100% deviation exists between highest and lowest friction factors, decreasing to 75% with increasing Reynolds number; all insert configurations exhibit highest friction factor at 15° due to stronger buoyancy forces.