bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trust and the Procedural Requirements of Article 7(2) TEU: When More than One Bad Apple Spoils the Barrel
Authors: Kartalova Sofiya
Published: April 2024

This article discusses a currently hypothetical, but increasingly more likely, situation where Article 7(2) TEU is activated against more than one backsliding Member State at the same time. To prevent the offending Member States from teaming up to block the sanction mechanism, an extension of the exclusion from voting in Article 354 TFEU beyond “the Member State in question” is likely to be considered by the CJEU. However, such a use of this mechanism is contrary to the effet utile of Article 7 TEU, if interpreted in the context of trust. This interdisciplinary study uses insights from trust theory to demonstrate that the outcome will inevitably be further distrust and fragmentation between the EU and its Member States. This is why Article 7(2) TEU is not meant to be (and ought not to be) used against more than one Member State at the same time in this manner. This impression is reinforced considering that the existing legal solutions for implementing the extension of the exclusion from voting under Article 354 TFEU violate general principles of EU law and will therefore cause further distrust and fragmentation.
Structural stability of transonic shock flows with an external force
Authors: Weng Shangkun , Yang Wengang
Published: April 2024

This paper is devoted to the structural stability of a transonic shock passing through a flat nozzle for two-dimensional steady compressible flows with an external force. We first establish the existence and uniqueness of one-dimensional transonic shock solutions to the steady Euler system with an external force by prescribing suitable pressure at the exit of the nozzle when the upstream flow is a uniform supersonic flow. It is shown that the external force helps to stabilize the transonic shock in flat nozzles and the shock position is uniquely determined. Then we are concerned with the structural stability of these transonic shock solutions when the exit pressure is suitably perturbed. One of the new ingredients in our analysis is to use the deformation-curl decomposition to the steady Euler system developed by Weng and Xin [Sci. Sinica Math., 49 (2019), pp. 307–320] to deal with the transonic shock problem.
The Nigerian Anti-Torture Act of 2017 and Its Compatibility with the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
Authors: Ayo-Ojo Bayode Sunday
Published: April 2024

Article 2 of the 1984 Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) obligates states to take measures to prevent torture. While many states have provisions that prohibit torture, in most cases these do not align with the jurisprudential anti-torture framework required by UNCAT. Before the advent of the Anti-Torture Act, the Nigerian 1999 Constitution prohibited torture, but it was not a crime per se. Any act or omission that constituted torture usually fell under the heading of a civil claim and could also be prosecuted under the criminal or the penal code. However, most cases were prosecuted as grievous bodily harm, attempted murder, assault or murder. The 1999 Constitution failed to detail what constituted torture; in fact, the use of torture did not diminish under the Constitution. To fully apprehend the present situation in Nigeria, it is important to understand the legislative framework and its compatibility with international standards.
Faunal community of a new hot vent field on the Amami Rift
Authors: Chen Chong , Hookabe Natsumi , Komatsu Hironori
Published: April 2024

Deep-sea hydrothermal vents host chemosynthesis-based ecosystems inhabited chiefly by specially adapted animals that do not live anywhere else, and depth has been shown to be a major driver of species composition at vents around Japan. Though the Ryukyu region in southern Japan is home to many hot vents, only two – Minami-Ensei Knoll and Yoron Hole – have been found shallower than 1000 m. Here, we report the discovery of a new vent field on the Amami Rift northwest off Amami Ōshima at 630 m deep. A total of 29 macrofaunal species were recorded from Amami Rift, including 19 vent specialists. Comparison of species composition across the three shallow Ryukyu vents revealed only three shared species, highlighting that all three display distinct community structure. Amami Rift exhibits distinct zonation patterns and is generally more similar to Minami-Ensei than Yoron Hole, but the presence of key taxa such as the sulphide worm Paralvinella and the mussel ‘Bathymodiolus’ platifrons as well as the absence of the symbiotic squat lobster Shinkaia and the limpet Lepetodrilus exemplify its difference with Minami-Ensei. Furthermore, the non-vent specific predators seen in these two sites were completely different. Overall, the Amami Rift vent field can be considered a shallow vent with a unique set of fauna, warranting future research on the mechanisms shaping disparate macrofaunal diversity between nearby shallow vents such as Amami Rift and Minami-Ensei. The unusual geological setting of Amami Rift at the converging point of Okinawa Trough and Ryukyu Arc may influence fluid chemistry to drive such differences.
Transcatheter recanalisation for absent intra-pericardial pulmonary arteries
Authors: Matoq Amr A. , Kernizan Daphney , Radtke Wolfgang
Published: April 2024

Unilateral absence of intra-pericardial pulmonary artery is a rare congenital malformation. If untreated, it can lead to morbidity and mortality in adulthood. Early intervention and restoration of physiologic pulmonary blood flow is necessary. Transcatheter stenting as initial intervention has been rarely reported. We present transcatheter recanalisation and stenting of the obliterated ductus in two newborns with unilateral absence of intra-pericardial pulmonary artery with cross-sectional imaging, procedural details, angiography, and follow up to surgical repair. We believe that such procedure promotes ipsilateral pulmonary vasculature growth to facilitate unifocalization surgery at a later age.
Quantitative Metrics in Mass-Gathering Studies: A Comprehensive Systematic Review
Authors: Çalışkan Cüneyt , Kuday Ahmet Doğan , Özcan Tuğba , Dağ Nihal , Kınık Kerem
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

Mass gatherings are events where many people come together at a specific location for a specific purpose, such as concerts, sports events, or religious gatherings, within a certain period of time. In mass-gathering studies, many rates and ratios are used to assess the demand for medical resources. Understanding such metrics is crucial for effective planning and intervention efforts. Therefore, this systematic review aims to investigate the usage of rates and ratios reported in mass-gathering studies.

Methods:

In this systematic review, the PRISMA guidelines were followed. Articles published through December 2023 were searched on Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, and PubMed using the specified keywords. Subsequently, articles were screened based on titles, abstracts, and full texts to determine their eligibility for inclusion in the study. Finally, the articles that were related to the study’s aim were evaluated.

Results:

Out of 745 articles screened, 55 were deemed relevant for inclusion in the study. These included 45 original research articles, three special reports, three case presentations, two brief reports, one short paper, and one field report. A total of 15 metrics were identified, which were subsequently classified into three categories: assessment of population density, assessment of in-event health services, and assessment of out-of-event health services.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study revealed notable inconsistencies in the reporting of rates and ratios in mass-gathering studies. To address these inconsistencies and to standardize the information reported in mass-gathering studies, a Metrics and Essential Ratios for Gathering Events (MERGE) table was proposed. Future research should promote consistency in terminology and adopt standardized methods for presenting rates and ratios. This would not only enhance comparability but would also contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the dynamics associated with mass gatherings.
Food insecurity and coping strategies associate with higher risk of anxiety and depression among South African households with children
Authors: Dlamini Siphiwe N , Mtintsilana Asanda , Craig Ashleigh , Mapanga Witness , Norris Shane A
Published: April 2024

Objective:

To investigate food insecurity and related coping strategies, and their associations with the risk of anxiety and depression, among South African households with children.

Design:

Nationally representative cross-sectional study. Tools for assessing food insecurity, coping strategies, risk of anxiety and depression were assessed from the Community Childhood Hunger Identification Project, Coping Strategies Index, Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9, respectively. We used ordered logistic regression to test associations of food insecurity and coping strategies with the risk of anxiety and depression. Moderating effects of each coping strategy were tested in the associations of food insecurity with anxiety and depression.

Setting:

South Africa, post COVID-19 restrictions, May–June 2022.

Participants:

1,774 adults, weighted to 20,955,234 households.

Results:

Food insecurity prevalence was 23·7 % among households with children. All coping strategies were used to some extent, but relying on less preferred and less expensive foods was the most used strategy (85·5 % of food-insecure households). Moving to a higher level of food insecurity was associated with >1·6 greater odds of being in a higher risk of anxiety and depression. Sending a household member to beg for food was the strongest associated factor (OR = 1·7, P < 0·001). All coping strategies partly moderated (lessened) the associations of food insecurity with a higher risk of anxiety and depression.

Conclusions:

Food insecurity among households with children was high following the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborative efforts between government, private sector and civil society to eradicate food insecurity should prioritise poorer households with children, as these populations are the most vulnerable.
Diversity studies in Assam rice genotypes for ratooning ability and perennation
Authors: Chakrawarti Neha , Borgohain Rupam , Verma Rajshree
Published: April 2024

The objective of the research was to assess diversity among 50 rice genotypes for ratooning and perennation which refers to ability of a plant to regrow from stubble remaining after harvesting. Results showed that 30 genotypes exhibited different degree of ratoon production and ratoon yield. Diversity analysis revealed that all the ratooning genotypes could be assigned to ten clusters. Clusters III (Binadhan-11 and Sayjihari) and VI (IR-64, DRR-44) were the best performing for ratoon yield. Maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between genotypes falling under clusters III and X followed by genotypes under clusters III and II indicating wider genetic diversity between these genotypes. Thus, these genotypes may be useful for future breeding to develop superior varieties with respect to ratooning ability and ratoon yield.
GLULA: Linear attention-based model for efficient human activity recognition from wearable sensors
Authors: Bolatov Aldiyar , Yessenbayeva Aigerim , Yazici Adnan
Published: April 2024

Body-worn sensor data is used in monitoring patient activity during rehabilitation and also can be extended to controlling rehabilitation devices based on the activity of the person. The primary focus of research has been on effectively capturing the spatiotemporal dependencies in the data collected by these sensors and efficiently classifying human activities. With the increasing complexity and size of models, there is a growing emphasis on optimizing their efficiency in terms of memory usage and inference time for real-time usage and mobile computers. While hybrid models combining convolutional and recurrent neural networks have shown strong performance compared to traditional approaches, self-attention-based networks have demonstrated even superior results. However, instead of relying on the same transformer architecture, there is an opportunity to develop a novel framework that incorporates recent advancements to enhance speed and memory efficiency, specifically tailored for human activity recognition (HAR) tasks. In line with this approach, we present GLULA, a unique architecture for HAR. GLULA combines gated convolutional networks, branched convolutions, and linear self-attention to achieve efficient and powerful solutions. To enhance the performance of our proposed architecture, we employed manifold mixup as an augmentation variant which proved beneficial in limited data settings. Extensive experiments were conducted on five benchmark datasets: PAMAP2, SKODA, OPPORTUNITY, DAPHNET, and USC-HAD. Our findings demonstrate that GLULA outperforms recent models in the literature on the latter four datasets but also exhibits the lowest parameter count and close to the fastest inference time among state-of-the-art models.
Weakened Seasonality of the Ocean Surface Mixed Layer Depth in the Southern Indian Ocean During 1980–2019
Authors: Long Shang‐Min , Zhao Shichang , Gao Zhen , Sun Shantong , Shi Jia‐Rui , Ying Jun , Li Guancheng , Cheng Lijing , Chen Jiajia , Cheng Xuhua , Lu Shaolei
Published: April 2024

Temporal and spatial variations in the ocean surface mixed layer are important for the climate and ecological systems. During 1980–2019, the Southern Indian Ocean (SIO) mixed layer depth (MLD) displays a basin‐wide shoaling trend that is absent in the other basins within 40°S–40°N. The SIO MLD shoaling is mostly prominent in austral winter with deep climatology MLD, substantially weakening the MLD seasonality. Moreover, the SIO MLD changes are primarily caused by a southward shift of the subtropical anticyclonic winds and hence ocean gyre, associated with a strengthening of the Southern Annular Mode, in recent decades for both winter and summer. However, the poleward‐shifted subtropical ocean circulation preferentially shoals the SIO MLD in winter when the meridional MLD gradient is sharp but not in summer when the gradient is flat. This highlights the distinct subtropical MLD response to meridional mitigation in winds due to different background oceanic conditions across seasons.
Generation Mechanism and Beaming of Jovian nKOM From 3D Numerical Modeling of Juno/Waves Observations
Authors: Boudouma A. , Zarka P. , Louis C. K. , Briand C. , Imai M.
Published: April 2024

The narrowband kilometric radiation (nKOM) is a Jovian low‐frequency radio component identified as a plasma emission produced in the region of the Io plasma torus. Measurements from the Waves instrument onboard the Juno spacecraft permitted to establish the distribution of nKOM occurrence and intensity as a function of frequency and latitude. We have developed a 3D geometrical model that can simulate at large scale the plasma emissions occurrence observed by a spacecraft based on an internal Jovian magnetic field model and a diffusive equilibrium model of the plasma density in Jupiter's inner magnetosphere. With this model, we propose a new method to discriminate the generation mechanism, wave mode, beaming and radio source location of plasma emissions. Here, this method is applied to the study of the nKOM observed from all latitudes by the Juno/Waves experiment to identify which conditions reasonably reproduce the observed occurrence distribution versus frequency and latitude. The results allow us to exclude the two main nKOM models published so far, and to show that the emission is produced at the local plasma frequency and then beamed anti‐parallel to the local density gradient into free space. We also propose that depending on its latitude, Juno observes two distinct kinds of nKOM: the low frequency nKOM in ordinary mode at high latitudes, and the high frequency nKOM on extraordinary mode at low latitudes. Both radio source locations are found to be distributed near the centrifugal equator ranging from the outer edge to the inner edge of the Io plasma torus.
Precipitation Characteristics of Easterly Waves Across the Global Tropics
Authors: Hollis Margaret A. , Stachnik Justin P. , Lewis‐Merritt Carrie , McCrary Rachel R. , Martin Elinor R.
Published: April 2024

Tropical easterly waves (TEWs) are a recurrent mode of low‐latitude weather that are often convectively coupled and impact precipitation extremes. Previous work has examined the development of TEWs and their associated precipitation for individual seasons or regional domains, but no studies exist that document the importance of TEW precipitation globally. This study quantifies the precipitation associated with TEWs across the entire tropics using satellite (Integrated Multi‐satellitE Retrievals for the Global Precipitation Measurement [IMERG]) and reanalysis (Modern‐Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 [MERRA‐2]) data. Traditional space‐time filtering of precipitation reveals a mostly similar climatological power distribution for westward traveling, synoptic period disturbances corresponding to TEWs within all data sets. Using objective tracking, we find that areas with maximum TEW frequency such as the North Atlantic, Equatorial Pacific, and Indian Ocean have the highest accumulation of TEW‐associated precipitation. TEWs account for at most 30% of total annual precipitation in regions where they commonly occur and 1%–5% over much of the tropics. Vertically collocated storms, where the 850 and 700 hPa tracks correspond with each other, have higher conditional rain rates and indicate that waves with vertical development produce stronger and more organized convection. We find similar regional patterns using MERRA‐2 precipitation and latent heating, although the importance and contribution of TEWs to the background are reduced compared to IMERG. While the broad pattern of TEW associated precipitation in MERRA‐2 is like observations, the underestimation of rainfall contributions from TEWs, coupled with occasional false alarms in reanalysis data, suggests that MERRA‐2 does not capture organized convection within TEWs correctly.
Thermally Driven Winds on Mars: A Review and a Slope Effect Numerical Study
Authors: Montlaur Adeline , Arias Santiago , Rojas Jose I.
Published: April 2024

Regional and local thermally driven winds are planetary boundary layer phenomena frequently observed on Mars over sloping and flat regions, when diurnal surface temperature variations are significant and large‐scale winds are sufficiently weak. In particular, slope flows are prevalent in many areas on Mars, where they can reach high speeds and have a substantial impact on the near‐surface wind patterns, pressure diurnal cycle, aeolian activity, etc. This work first reviews literature on Martian winds, listing wind speeds obtained either numerically or from in situ measurements, with special emphasis on slope flows. Second, a methodology is presented to perform numerical simulations of slope flows on Mars using the open‐source computational fluid dynamics code OpenFOAM. Slope winds are then studied in a simplified Martian mountain‐valley configuration, using realistic values for various parameters, such as the slope angle and temperature variation. The incompressible Navier‐Stokes equations with Boussinesq approximation are used, along with the k‐ɛ Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes turbulence model. Radiant heat transfer is included and proven to be paramount for a correct description of Martian slope winds. Results of velocity and temperature profiles are obtained for various slope angles. These simulations aim to provide further insight on the behavior of slope winds on Mars, to simplify the process of assessing numerous potential landing sites for upcoming missions, since these highly regular winds could be useful, for instance, for dust removal applications.
Interrelated Coastal Flooding, Erosion, and Groundwater Salinization on a Barrier Island During Hurricane Fiona
Authors: Cantelon Julia A. , LeRoux Nicole K. , Mulligan Ryan P. , Swatridge Laura , Kurylyk Barret L.
Published: April 2024

Coastal flooding transforms barrier island morphology and rapidly salinizes freshwater lenses that support island populations and ecosystems. Climate change is expected to increase coastal flood risks, and understanding future island vulnerability requires understanding erosion and salinization processes and their feedbacks. This study investigates how island morphology and groundwater salinity distributions on Hog Island, Prince Edward Island, Canada, responded to high water levels during post‐tropical storm Fiona (24 September 2022), the costliest hurricane to make landfall in Canadian history. Island morphology was monitored with drone‐based LiDAR, and beach groundwater dynamics were investigated with frequency‐domain electromagnetic geophysics surveys and monitoring wells. Comparing pre‐storm and post‐disturbance data revealed high dune scarping that thinned the ocean‐side foredune by 12.3 m on average and reduced the total island volume by 12%. Beach groundwater levels and electrical conductivity increased by up to 2 m and 19 mS cm−1, respectively, and the freshwater lens was lost under the eroded foredune. Measurements 9 months after the storm revealed early‐stage recovery of the foredune; however, high dune scarping prolonged recovery, and the island volume only increased by 1%. Without a stable ocean‐side foredune, the landward extent of recurring coastal flooding increased and limited freshwater flushing and aquifer recovery. Results indicate that rapid erosion from extreme coastal storms shifts coastal boundaries, salinizes formerly freshwater resources, and limits freshwater recovery. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding the often‐overlooked interconnections between coastal flooding, erosion, and groundwater salinization to effectively manage coastal resources in an age of environmental change.
Eocene‐Oligocene Intensification of the Deep Western Boundary Current in the North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Parent Andrew M. , Chilton Kristin D. , van Peer Tim E. , Bohaty Steven M. , Spray James F. , Scher Howie D. , Wilson Paul A. , Romans Brian W.
Published: April 2024

The role played by ocean circulation in major transitions in Earth's climate is debated. Here, we investigate the physical evolution of the Deep Western Boundary Current (DWBC) in the western North Atlantic Ocean through the late Eocene‐to‐mid Oligocene (35−26 Ma) using terrigenous grain size and geochemistry records of marine sediment cores. Our records cover the most pivotal transition in Cenozoic climate history, the Eocene‐Oligocene Transition (EOT; ∼33.7 Ma), when Earth first became sufficiently cool to sustain large ice sheets on Antarctica. To assess changes in deep‐water circulation in the northwest Atlantic across the EOT, we assembled sortable silt (10–63 μm) grain‐size and Nd, Hf, and Pb radiogenic isotope records at two Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) drill sites on the Newfoundland ridges (Sites U1406 and U1411). These records reveal an overall gradual increase in sortable silt abundance (SS%) at both sites with no change in sediment provenance. We interpret a steady, long‐term invigoration of the DWBC, likely driven by deepening of the Greenland‐Scotland Ridge and resultant enhanced inflow of waters sourced from deep‐water production sites in the Nordic Seas to the North Atlantic Ocean. Our results do not support abrupt and widespread invigoration of bottom current activity in the North Atlantic synchronous with accelerated cooling and Antarctic ice growth at the EOT. Instead, our records suggest that the DWBC started to intensify before this pivotal event in Cenozoic climate history (at ∼35 Ma) and then further strengthened gradually across the EOT (∼34 Ma) and through the early‐to‐mid Oligocene (∼34‒26 Ma).
Modeling Geomagnetically Induced Currents in the Alberta Power Network: Comparison and Validation Using Hall Probe Measurements During a Magnetic Storm
Authors: Cordell Darcy , Mann Ian R. , Parry Hannah , Unsworth Martyn J. , Cui Ryan , Clark Colin , Kelemen Eva , MacMullin Ryan
Published: April 2024

During space weather events, geomagnetic disturbances (GMDs) induce geoelectric fields which drive geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) through electrically‐grounded power transmission lines. Alberta, Canada—located near the auroral zone and thus prone to large GMDs—has a dense network of magnetometer stations and surface impedance measurements to better characterize the GMD and ground conductivity, respectively. GIC monitoring devices were recently installed at five substation transformer neutrals, providing a unique opportunity to compare data to modeled GICs. GICs are modeled across the >240 kV provincial power transmission network during a moderate GMD event on 24 April 2023. GIC monitoring devices measured larger neutral‐to‐ground currents than expected up to 117 Amps during peak storm time, providing unequivocal evidence linking network GICs with GMDs. The model performs reasonably well (correlation coefficients >0.5; performance parameter >0.15) at four of five substations, but generally underestimates peak GIC values (sometimes by a factor >2), suggesting that the present model underrepresents overall network risk. The model performs poorly at one of the five substations (correlation = 0.46; performance parameter = 0.10), the reasons for which may be due to simplifications and/or unknowns in network parameters. Despite these underestimates, during this GMD, the model predicts the largest GIC at substations located in the northeastern part of the province (240 kV) or around Edmonton (500 kV)—regions which have significant electrical and industrial infrastructure. Further refinement of the network model with transformer resistances, more line and earthing resistances, and/or including lower voltage levels is necessary to improve data fit.
The Fuzzy Cores of Jupiter and Saturn
Authors: Helled Ravit , Stevenson David J.
Published: April 2024

New interior models of Jupiter and Saturn suggest that both planets have “fuzzy cores.” These cores should be viewed as central regions that are enriched with heavy elements but are not distinct from the rest of the deep interior. These cores may contain large amounts of hydrogen and helium though small pure heavy‐element cores may also exist. New measurements along with advanced planetary modeling have revolutionized the way we think about the interiors of giant planets and provide important constraints for planet formation and evolution theories. These developments are also relevant for the characterization of giant exoplanets.
Thank You to Our 2023 Reviewers
Authors: Caprarelli Graziella , Baratoux David , Cervato Cinzia , Diviacco Paolo , Donea Alina , Fletcher Steven J. , Gentemann Chelle , Glaves Helen M. , Jiang Jonathan H. , Jones Cathleen E. , Maute Astrid , Mills Franklin P. , Pryor Sara C. , Tiampo Kristy , Xie Zunyi
Published: April 2024

The Editors and Staff of Earth and Space Science thank the reviewers whose selfless work has significantly contributed to the publication process of papers highlighting the best research in geophysics, planetary, and space science in 2023. Peer‐reviewing is a demanding and thankless job. It is however an essential component of the scientific process, requiring the highest standards of integrity and rigor. Reviewers check data and procedures and test reproducibility of methods and results; they share their expertise to verify that the interpretations and conclusions of a paper are consistent with assumptions and existing knowledge. Without this essential work it would not be possible to trust in the scientific process. Publication of papers in a multidisciplinary journal such as Earth and Space Science, that highlights methods, instruments, data and algorithms, relies directly on the expertise of its reviewers to verify and vouch for the quality of the papers that are published. We are indebted to all our reviewers and are delighted to acknowledge them publicly in this Editorial.
Radiative Effect of Two Contrail Cirrus Outbreaks Over Western Europe Estimated Using Geostationary Satellite Observations and Radiative Transfer Calculations
Authors: Wang Xinyue , Wolf Kevin , Boucher Olivier , Bellouin Nicolas
Published: April 2024

Estimation of the perturbation to the Earth's energy budget by contrail outbreaks is required for estimating the climate impact of aviation and verifying the climate benefits of proposed contrail avoidance strategies such as aircraft rerouting. Here we identified two successive large‐scale contrail outbreaks developing in clear‐sky conditions in geostationary and polar‐orbiting satellite infrared images of Western Europe lasting from 22–23 June 2020. Their hourly cloud radiative effect, obtained using geostationary satellite cloud retrievals and radiative transfer calculations, is negative or weakly positive during daytime and positive during nighttime. The cumulative energy forcing of the two outbreaks is 7 PJ and −8.5 PJ, with uncertainties of 3 PJ, stemming each from approximately 15–20 flights over periods of 19 and 7 hr, respectively. This study suggests that an automated quantification of contrail outbreak radiative effect is possible, at least for contrails forming in clear sky conditions.
Glucose-regulatory hormones and growth in very preterm infants fed fortified human milk
Authors: Holgersen Kristine , Rasmussen Martin Bo , Zamir Itay , Aunsholt Lise , Zachariassen Gitte , Sangild Per Torp
Published: April 2024

Background

Bovine colostrum (BC) contains a range of milk bioactive components, and it is unknown how human milk fortification with BC affects glucose-regulatory hormones in very preterm infants (VPIs). This study aimed to investigate the associations between hormone concentrations and fortification type, birth weight (appropriate/small for gestational age, AGA/SGA), milk intake, postnatal age, and body growth.

Methods

225 VPIs were randomized to fortification with BC or conventional fortifier (CF). Plasma hormones were measured before, one and two weeks after start of fortification. ΔZ-scores from birth to 35 weeks postmenstrual age were calculated.

Results

Compared with CF, infants fortified with BC had higher plasma GLP-1, GIP, glucagon, and leptin concentrations after start of fortification. Prior to fortification, leptin concentrations were negatively associated with growth, while IGF-1 concentrations associated positively with growth during fortification. In AGA infants, hormone concentrations generally increased after one week of fortification. Relative to AGA infants, SGA infants showed reduced IGF-1 and leptin concentrations.

Conclusion

Fortification with BC increased the plasma concentrations of several glucose-regulatory hormones. Concentrations of IGF-1 were positively, and leptin negatively, associated with growth. Glucose-regulatory hormone levels were affected by birth weight, milk intake and postnatal age, but not closely associated with growth in VPIs.

Impact

Little is known about the variation in glucose-regulatory hormones in the early life of very preterm infants (VPIs).

This study shows that the levels of glucose-regulatory hormones in plasma of VPIs are highly variable and modified by birth weight (appropriate or small for gestational age, AGA or SGA), the type of fortifier, enteral nutritional intake, and advancing postnatal age.

The results confirm that IGF-1 levels are positively associated with early postnatal growth in VPIs, yet the levels of both IGF-1 and other glucose-regulatory hormones appeared to explain only a small part of the overall variation in growth rates.
A mechanism for reconciling the synchronisation of Heinrich events and Dansgaard-Oeschger cycles
Authors: Schannwell Clemens , Mikolajewicz Uwe , Kapsch Marie-Luise , Ziemen Florian
Published: April 2024

The evolution of the northern hemispheric climate during the last glacial period was beset by quasi-episodic iceberg discharge events from the Laurentide ice sheet, known as Heinrich events (HEs). The paleo record places most HEs into the cold stadial of the Dansgaard-Oeschger cycle. However, not every Dansgaard-Oeschger cycle is associated with a HE, revealing a complex interplay between the two modes of glacial variability. Here, using a coupled ice sheet-solid earth model, we introduce a mechanism that explains the synchronicity of HEs and Dansgaard-Oeschger cycles. Unlike earlier studies, our mechanism does not require a trigger during the stadial. Instead, the atmospheric warming signal during the interstadial of the Dansgaard-Oeschger cycle causes enhanced ice stream thickening that leads to the HE during the late interstadial. We demonstrate that this mechanism reproduces the key HE characteristics and provides an explanation for synchronous HEs from different regions of the Laurentide ice sheet.
Cryo-EM structures of pannexin 1 and 3 reveal differences among pannexin isoforms
Authors: Hussain Nazia , Apotikar Ashish , Pidathala Shabareesh , Mukherjee Sourajit , Burada Ananth Prasad , Sikdar Sujit Kumar , Vinothkumar Kutti R. , Penmatsa Aravind
Published: April 2024

Pannexins are single-membrane large-pore channels that release ions and ATP upon activation. Three isoforms of pannexins 1, 2, and 3, perform diverse cellular roles and differ in their pore lining residues. In this study, we report the cryo-EM structure of pannexin 3 at 3.9 Å and analyze its structural differences with pannexin isoforms 1 and 2. The pannexin 3 vestibule has two distinct chambers and a wider pore radius in comparison to pannexins 1 and 2. We further report two cryo-EM structures of pannexin 1, with pore substitutions W74R/R75D that mimic the pore lining residues of pannexin 2 and a germline mutant of pannexin 1, R217H at resolutions of 3.2 Å and 3.9 Å, respectively. Substitution of cationic residues in the vestibule of pannexin 1 results in reduced ATP interaction propensities to the channel. The germline mutant R217H in transmembrane helix 3 (TM3), leads to a partially constricted pore, reduced ATP interaction and weakened voltage sensitivity. The study compares the three pannexin isoform structures, the effects of substitutions of pore and vestibule-lining residues and allosteric effects of a pathological substitution on channel structure and function thereby enhancing our understanding of this vital group of ATP-release channels.
Translation velocity determines the efficacy of engineered suppressor tRNAs on pathogenic nonsense mutations
Authors: Bharti Nikhil , Santos Leonardo , Davyt Marcos , Behrmann Stine , Eichholtz Marie , Jimenez-Sanchez Alejandro , Hong Jeong S. , Rab Andras , Sorscher Eric J. , Albers Suki , Ignatova Zoya
Published: April 2024

Nonsense mutations – the underlying cause of approximately 11% of all genetic diseases – prematurely terminate protein synthesis by mutating a sense codon to a premature stop or termination codon (PTC). An emerging therapeutic strategy to suppress nonsense defects is to engineer sense-codon decoding tRNAs to readthrough and restore translation at PTCs. However, the readthrough efficiency of the engineered suppressor tRNAs (sup-tRNAs) largely varies in a tissue- and sequence context-dependent manner and has not yet yielded optimal clinical efficacy for many nonsense mutations. Here, we systematically analyze the suppression efficacy at various pathogenic nonsense mutations. We discover that the translation velocity of the sequence upstream of PTCs modulates the sup-tRNA readthrough efficacy. The PTCs most refractory to suppression are embedded in a sequence context translated with an abrupt reversal of the translation speed leading to ribosomal collisions. Moreover, modeling translation velocity using Ribo-seq data can accurately predict the suppression efficacy at PTCs. These results reveal previously unknown molecular signatures contributing to genotype-phenotype relationships and treatment-response heterogeneity, and provide the framework for the development of personalized tRNA-based gene therapies.
Non-canonical functions of UHRF1 maintain DNA methylation homeostasis in cancer cells
Authors: Yamaguchi Kosuke , Chen Xiaoying , Rodgers Brianna , Miura Fumihito , Bashtrykov Pavel , Bonhomme Frédéric , Salinas-Luypaert Catalina , Haxholli Deis , Gutekunst Nicole , Aygenli Bihter Özdemir , Ferry Laure , Kirsh Olivier , Laisné Marthe , Scelfo Andrea , Ugur Enes , Arimondo Paola B. , Leonhardt Heinrich , Kanemaki Masato T. , Bartke Till , Fachinetti Daniele , Jeltsch Albert , Ito Takashi , Defossez Pierre-Antoine
Published: April 2024

DNA methylation is an essential epigenetic chromatin modification, and its maintenance in mammals requires the protein UHRF1. It is yet unclear if UHRF1 functions solely by stimulating DNA methylation maintenance by DNMT1, or if it has important additional functions. Using degron alleles, we show that UHRF1 depletion causes a much greater loss of DNA methylation than DNMT1 depletion. This is not caused by passive demethylation as UHRF1-depleted cells proliferate more slowly than DNMT1-depleted cells. Instead, bioinformatics, proteomics and genetics experiments establish that UHRF1, besides activating DNMT1, interacts with DNMT3A and DNMT3B and promotes their activity. In addition, we show that UHRF1 antagonizes active DNA demethylation by TET2. Therefore, UHRF1 has non-canonical roles that contribute importantly to DNA methylation homeostasis; these findings have practical implications for epigenetics in health and disease.
De novo diploid genome assembly using long noisy reads
Authors: Nie Fan , Ni Peng , Huang Neng , Zhang Jun , Wang Zhenyu , Xiao Chuanle , Luo Feng , Wang Jianxin
Published: April 2024

The high sequencing error rate has impeded the application of long noisy reads for diploid genome assembly. Most existing assemblers failed to generate high-quality phased assemblies using long noisy reads. Here, we present PECAT, a Phased Error Correction and Assembly Tool, for reconstructing diploid genomes from long noisy reads. We design a haplotype-aware error correction method that can retain heterozygote alleles while correcting sequencing errors. We combine a corrected read SNP caller and a raw read SNP caller to further improve the identification of inconsistent overlaps in the string graph. We use a grouping method to assign reads to different haplotype groups. PECAT efficiently assembles diploid genomes using Nanopore R9, PacBio CLR or Nanopore R10 reads only. PECAT generates more contiguous haplotype-specific contigs compared to other assemblers. Especially, PECAT achieves nearly haplotype-resolved assembly on B. taurus (Bison×Simmental) using Nanopore R9 reads and phase block NG50 with 59.4/58.0 Mb for HG002 using Nanopore R10 reads.
Reshaping the energy landscape of Crete through renewable energy valleys
Authors: Skaloumpakas Panagiotis , Sarmas Elissaios , Rachmanidis Michalis , Marinakis Vangelis
Published: April 2024

Renewable energy valleys (REVs) represent a transformative concept poised to reshape global energy landscapes. These comprehensive ecosystems transition regions from conventional energy sources to sustainable, self-reliant hubs for renewable energy generation, distribution, and consumption. At their core, REVs integrate advanced information and communication technology (ICT), interoperable digital solutions, social innovation processes, and economically viable business models. They offer a vision of decentralized, low-carbon landscapes accessible to all, capable of meeting local energy demands year-round by harnessing multiple renewable energy sources (RES) and leveraging energy storage technologies. This paper provides an overview of the key components and objectives of REVs, including digital integration through advanced ICT technologies and open digital solutions that enable the seamless management of RES within the REV. The social innovation aspect via the REV’s active communities is also examined, encouraging their participation in the co-design, implementation, and benefit-sharing of renewable energy solutions. In addition, business viability through sustainable business models central to the REV framework is proposed, ensuring affordability and accessibility to all stakeholders. The paper presents a case study of Crete, showcasing how the REV idea can work in real life. Crete utilizes various energy sources to become energy-independent, lower carbon emissions, and enhance system resilience. Advanced energy storage technologies are employed to ensure supply and demand balance within the REV. Situated on the picturesque island of Crete, Greece, it is pioneering the establishment of a Renewable Energy Valley ‘Living Lab’ (REV-Lab), integrating Community Energy Labs (CELs) as innovation hubs. This initiative exemplifies the REV model, striving to create a digitalized, distributed, and low-carbon landscape accessible to all residents throughout the year.
Synthesis, surface activity, and corrosion inhibition capabilities of new non-ionic gemini surfactants
Authors: Deyab M. A. , Ibrahim Ibrahim Z. , El-Shamy Omnia A. A. , Khalil Khalil A. , Awad Abdelhamid F. , Alghamdi Majed M. , El-Zahhar Adel A. , Abo-Riya Mohamed A.
Published: April 2024

Several environmentally acceptable non-ionic gemini surfactants are synthesized in this work using natural sources, including polyethenoxy di-dodecanoate (GSC12), polyethenoxy di-hexadecanoate (GSC16), and polyethenoxy di-octadecenoate (GSC18). The produced surfactants are confirmed by spectrum studies using FT-IR, 1HNMR, and 13CNMR. It explored and examined how the length of the hydrocarbon chain affected essential properties like foaming and emulsifying abilities. Surface tension examinations are used to assess the surface activity of the examined gemini surfactants. The lower value of critical micelle concentrations (0.381 × 10−4M) is detected for GSC18. Their spontaneous character is shown by the negative values of the free energy of adsorption (ΔGads) and micellization (ΔGmic) which arranged in the order GSC18 > GSC16 > GSC12. Based on theoretical, weight loss, and electrochemical investigations, these novel surfactants were investigated for their possible use in inhibiting carbon steel from corroding in 1 M HCl. Measuring results show that GSC18 inhibits corrosion in carbon steel by 95.4%. The isotherm of adsorption evaluated for the investigated inhibitors and their behavior obeys Langmuir isotherm.
Dimension reduction of microbiome data linked Bifidobacterium and Prevotella to allergic rhinitis
Authors: Komaki Shohei , Sahoyama Yukari , Hachiya Tsuyoshi , Koseki Keita , Ogata Yusuke , Hamazato Fumiaki , Shiozawa Manabu , Nakagawa Tohru , Suda Wataru , Hattori Masahira , Kawakami Eiryo
Published: April 2024

Dimension reduction has been used to visualise the distribution of multidimensional microbiome data, but the composite variables calculated by the dimension reduction methods have not been widely used to investigate the relationship of the human gut microbiome with lifestyle and disease. In the present study, we applied several dimension reduction methods, including principal component analysis, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), and non-negative matrix factorization, to a microbiome dataset from 186 subjects with symptoms of  allergic rhinitis (AR) and 106 controls. All the dimension reduction methods supported that the distribution of microbial data points appeared to be continuous rather than discrete. Comparison of the composite variables calculated from the different dimension reduction methods showed that the characteristics of the composite variables differed depending on the distance matrices and the dimension reduction methods. The first composite variables calculated from PCoA and NMDS with the UniFrac distance were strongly associated with AR (FDR adjustedP = 2.4 × 10–4for PCoA andP = 2.8 × 10–4for NMDS), and also with the relative abundance ofBifidobacteriumandPrevotella. The abundance ofBifidobacteriumwas also linked to intake of several nutrients, including carbohydrate, saturated fat, and alcohol via composite variables. Notably, the association between the composite variables and AR was much stronger than the association between the relative abundance of individual genera and AR. Our results highlight the usefulness of the dimension reduction methods for investigating the association of microbial composition with lifestyle and disease in clinical research.
Genomic characterization of a novel Hepatovirus identified in Maranhão state, Brazil
Authors: de Moraes Pires Walna Micaelle , Cruz Ana Cecília Ribeiro , de Souza Alex Junior Souza , Silva Sandro Patroca , Souza Barbosa Coelho Taciana Fernandes , Dias Daniel Damous , Rosa Júnior José Wilson , Mendes Samira Brito , da Costa Fraga Elmary , Barros Maria Claudene , Sampaio Iracilda
Published: April 2024

Bats are efficient reservoirs of a number of viruses with zoonotic potential, and are involved directly in the transmission cycle of many zoonoses. In the present study, which is part of a larger project that is documenting the viromes of the bat species found in the Mid-North states of Maranhão and Piauí, we analyzed 16 pooled samples obtained from four species of bat of the genus Artibeus—Artibeus obscurus, Artibeus cinereus, Artibeus lituratus and Artibeus planirostris. We describe and identify a Hepatovirus, denominated Hepatovirus H isolate sotense, which was found in a pool of internal organs (liver and lungs) extracted from a specimen of A. planirostris, a frugivorous bat, collected in the Cerrado biome of Maranhão state. This material was analyzed using new generation sequencing, which produced a contig of 7390 nucleotides and presented a degree of identity with a number of existing Hepatovirus sequences available for bats (amino acid identity of 61.5% with Bat hepatovirus C of Miniopterus cf. manavi, 66.6% with Bat hepatovirus G of Coleura afra, 67.4% with Hepatovirus G2 of Rhinolophus landeri, and 75.3% with Hepatovirus H2 of Rhinolophus landeri). The analysis of the functional domains of this contig confirmed a pattern consistent with the characteristics of the genus Hepatovirus (Picornaviridae). In the phylogenetic tree with several other Hepatovirus species, this genome also grouped in a monophyletic clade with Hepatovirus H (HepV-H1; HepV-H2, and HepV-H3) albeit on an external branch, which suggests that it may be a distinct genotype within this species. This is the first isolate of Hepatovirus H identified in bats from South America, and represents an important discovery, given that most studies of viruses associated with bats in the state of Maranhão have focused on the family Rhabdoviridae.