bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shorter vs. standard-duration antibiotic therapy for nocardiosis: a multi-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Attias Nofar Hezkelo , Schlaeffer-Yosef Tal , Zahavi Itay , Hasson Noga , Ari Yaara Ben , Darawsha Basel , Levitan Idan , Goldberg Elad , Landes Michal , Litchevsky Vladislav , Ben-Zvi Haim , Amit Sharon , Nesher Lior , Bishara Jihad , Paul Mical , Yahav Dafna , Margalit Ili
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The prolonged treatment recommended for nocardiosis does not rely on strong evidence. Consequently, some clinicians opt shorter therapy in certain circumstances. We assessed the effectiveness of shorter therapy.

Methods

A multi-center retrospective cohort study comprising individuals diagnosed with nocardiosis between 2007 and 2022. We classified all patients who survived 90 days into three groups according to treatment duration: short (≤ 90 days), intermediate (91–180 days), and prolonged (> 180 days). We compared baseline characteristics (comorbidities, immune status) and nocardiosis manifestations across the unadjusted treatment groups, one-year all-cause mortality, disease relapse, and antibiotic-related adverse events to identify patients who may safely receive the short course.

Results

We detected 176 patients with nocardiosis, their median age was 65 years; 74 (42%) were women. Forty-three (24%) patients died within 90 days. Of the remaining 133, 37 (28%) patients received short therapy, 40 (30%) intermediate, and 56 (42%) prolonged treatment duration. Longer courses were more likely to be administered to patients with immunosuppression, disseminated nocardiosis, and N. farcinica infection. Within a year, 20 (15%) individuals died and 2 (2%) relapsed. Treatment duration was not associated with either mortality (p = 0.945) or relapse (p = 0.509). Nocardiosis was the cause of death in only one patient, receiving a prolonged course. Of 73 patients with solitary pulmonary nocardiosis, 20 (27%) received short duration. None relapsed and 2 (10%) died, both immunocompromised. The rate of AE was similar across the groups.

Conclusions

With clinically guided case-by-case patient selection nocardiosis can be safely treated for durations significantly shorter than traditionally recommended.
Justification of the Benjamin–Ono equation as an internal water waves model
Authors: Paulsen Martin Oen
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we give the first rigorous justification of the Benjamin-Ono equation: $$\begin{aligned} \hspace{3cm} \partial _t \zeta + (1 - \frac{\gamma }{2}\sqrt{\mu }|\textrm{D}|)\partial _x \zeta + \frac{3{\varepsilon }}{2}\zeta \partial _x\zeta =0, \hspace{2cm} \text {(BO)} \end{aligned}$$

∂
t

ζ
+
(
1
-

γ
2

μ

|
D
|
)

∂
x

ζ
+

3
ε

2

ζ

∂
x

ζ
=
0
,

(
BO
)

as an internal water wave model on the physical time scale. Here, $${\varepsilon }$$
ε
is a small parameter measuring the weak nonlinearity of the waves, $$\mu $$
μ
is the shallowness parameter, and $$\gamma \in (0,1)$$

γ
∈
(
0
,
1
)

is the ratio between the densities of the two fluids. To be precise, we first prove the existence of a solution to the internal water wave equations for a two-layer fluid with surface tension, where one layer is of shallow depth and the other is of infinite depth. The existence time is of order $${\mathcal {O}}(\frac{1}{{\varepsilon }})$$

O
(

1
ε

)

for a small amount of surface tension such that $${\varepsilon }^2 \le \textrm{bo}^{-1} $$

ε

2

≤

bo

-
1

where $$\textrm{bo}$$
bo
is the Bond number. Then, we show that these solutions are close, on the same time scale, to the solutions of the BO equation with a precision of order $${\mathcal {O}}(\mu + \textrm{bo}^{-1})$$

O
(
μ
+

bo

-
1

)

. In addition, we provide the justification of new equations with improved dispersive properties, the Benjamin equation, and the Intermediate Long Wave (ILW) equation in the deep-water limit.

The long-time well-posedness of the two-layer fluid problem was first studied by Lannes [Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal., 208(2):481-567, 2013] in the case where both fluids have finite depth. Here, we adapt this work to the case where one of the fluid domains is of finite depth, and the other one is of infinite depth. The novelties of the proof are related to the geometry of the problem, where the difference in domains alters the functional setting for the Dirichlet-Neumann operators involved. In particular, we study the various compositions of these operators that require a refined symbolic analysis of the Dirichlet-Neumann operator on infinite depth and derive new pseudo-differential estimates that might be of independent interest.
Welche Rolle spielen Wahlversprechen für die Wahlentscheidung?
Authors: Bytzek Evelyn , Steffens Melanie C.
Published: November 2024

Wahlversprechen stellen ein wichtiges Element demokratischer Wahlkämpfe dar und ihre Rolle als Bindeglied zwischen Wählerschaft und Regierungshandeln wird im Ansatz der Promissory Representation deutlich. Wahlversprechen haben hierbei eine doppelte Funktion: In prospektiver Perspektive sollte die Partei gewählt werden, deren Wahlversprechen den politischen Vorstellungen einer Wählerin bzw. eines Wählers am nächsten kommt. In retrospektiver Perspektive sollten Parteien, die ihre Wahlversprechen brechen, bei der nächsten Wahl durch Stimmentzug bestraft werden. Es stellt sich jedoch die Frage, ob die Voraussetzungen für das Erfüllen dieser Rolle gegeben sind und Wahlversprechen tatsächlich eine Wirkung auf Wahlentscheidungen haben.
Novel heart valve leaflet designs with stiff polymeric materials and biomimetic kinematics
Authors: Smid Caroline C. , Pappas Georgios A. , Cesarovic Nikola , Falk Volkmar , Ermanni Paolo
Published: November 2024

Despite continuous efforts to improve the robustness of cardiac valve implants, neither bioprosthetic nor mechanical valves fulfill both hemodynamic and durability requirements. This study discussed novel flexible leaflet designs, focusing on polymeric materials with proven hemocompatibility, such as polyether ether ketone, of much higher stiffness than native tissue, aiming at optimal valve implants. A biomimetic valve with a single-curvature belly-curve (B-C) was used as a reference for new design variants with a double-curvature B-C with varying radii. Soft (13.2 MPa) and stiff (2.4 GPa) leaflet materials and different thicknesses were studied using lean simulations and in vitro experiments under physiologic hemodynamic conditions. The performance was assessed using opening pressure (OP) and orifice area (OA). The latter was determined by a newly developed automatized image processing tool. Experimental trends are in agreement with simulations and demonstrated that a buckling-inspired double-curvature leaflet design significantly enhances the trileaflet valve opening behavior, which is particularly advantageous for stiffer leaflet materials. Compared to the reference, the best-performing variant showed an OP improvement of 47% and 44% based on simulations and experiments, respectively. In contrast, the achieved mean pressure differential was directly comparable to state-of-the-art bioprosthetic valves. The OA was slightly reduced for new variants but still in the satisfying range.

Graphic abstract
Travelling waves for discrete stochastic bistable equations
Authors: Geldhauser Carina , Kuehn Christian
Published: November 2024

Many physical, chemical and biological systems have an inherent discrete spatial structure that strongly influences their dynamical behaviour. Similar remarks apply to internal or external noise. In this paper we study the combined effect of spatial discretization and stochastic perturbations on travelling waves in the Nagumo equation, which is a prototypical model for bistable reaction-diffusion partial differential equations (PDEs). We prove that under suitable parameter conditions, various discrete-stochastic variants of the Nagumo equation have solutions, which stay close on long time scales to the classical monotone Nagumo front with high probability if the noise covariance and spatial discretization are sufficiently small.
Circular product design strategies in the apparel industry: toward the circular economy
Authors: Rahee Sanjida Parvin , Sarker Md. Rayhan
Published: November 2024

The design stage of a product plays a critical role in determining its sustainability. Key product attributes—such as reliability, durability, reusability, repairability, design for remanufacturing, recyclability, and end-of-life considerations—are established during this stage, influencing the product’s overall environmental impact. Circular product design (CPD) is a design philosophy that fosters economic growth while reducing negative environmental impact across the product’s entire life cycle. This study aims to identify circular product design strategies (CPDS) for the apparel industry, a sector known for its significant carbon footprint. Twelve CPDS are identified in this study, categorized into five dimensions of circular economy (CE): narrowing, slowing, closing, reintegrating, and technology, using the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) with inputs from a panel of twenty-three experts. Furthermore, causal interrelationships and a prioritized list of these strategies are determined using the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique. Of the twelve strategies, five are part of the causal group, while the remainder are in the effect group. The top three causal CPDS are Design standardization, Design with responsible materials, and Design for redesign and remanufacturing. Conversely, the CPDS under the ‘effect’ group with least impact includes Multifunctional product design, Artificial intelligence in design forecasting, and Computer-aided product design. This study offers valuable managerial insights for decision-makers and designers in the apparel industry, guiding the implementing of CE practices throughout the apparel supply chain.
Study on the characteristics of weekend trips to three types of non-work destinations based on multi-source data: a case study of Shanghai, China
Authors: Jianzhong Huang , Gangyu Hu , Yuhan Liu , Tianran Zhang , Siling Chen , Yishuai Zhang
Published: November 2024

The proportion of Shanghai residents' non-commuting trips in the total number of urban trips has been increasing year by year. Non-commuting trips, as an important symbol of modernized lifestyles, reflect the use of urban resources by people in production and life, and their dynamic distribution and changes have extremely important guiding roles in the city's fine-tuned management and resource allocation. Taking Shanghai as an example, this paper extracts three types of urban function grids, namely, urban park green space, commercial consumption and public service through the establishment of Shanghai urban grid function identification system based on multi-source data such as Baidu LBS (Location-BasedServices), data, POI (Point of Interest) data, etc. Then 3 types of non-commuting trips, namely, urban park, commercial and public service are further classified and identified, and their characteristics are analyzed. The results show that: ①Urban park travel frequency is low, and the proportion of long-distance trip is high. Zhujiajiao Town, Nanjing East Road Street and Lujiazui Street are three main travel gathering nodes in the city. There is a close relationship between the main urban area and the suburbs and the main urban area is more dependent on the suburbs. ②The travel frequency of commercial is the highest and the average travel distance is the shortest. The trend of trip agglomeration to the main urban area is significant and the trip distribution shows an obvious multi-center trend. ③The travel frequency of public service is high and the average travel distance is short. The trip distribution shows an obvious hierarchical structure, gathering in the main urban area and suburban new towns. ④Songjiang, Jiading and Qingpu in the suburban new towns have stronger attraction. The study suggests that non-commuting trips have an important impact on the urban spatial network structure, which needs to be further analyzed and compared with the spatial network structure formed by commuting trips to find the links and differences, so as to provide research support for the optimization of urban spatial structure.
Heritage and Transformation of an African Popular Music
Authors: Bahi Aghi
Published: November 2024

Modern popular music is closely linked to the 'traditional' heritage – intangible and material – of which artist-musicians have, in a way, usufruct. This Element examines the relationship between (cultural) heritage and the transformation of popular music in Côte d'Ivoire. It views heritage from a dynamic and innovative perspective as a constantly evolving reality, informed by a multitude of encounters, both local and global. It frees itself from the sectoralization and disciplinary impermeability of the sector – in places of music performance to understand how the artistic-musical heritage is transmitted, imagined and managed and the complex process of transformation of popular music in which it registers. It appears that heritage, far from being frozen in time, is rather activated, deactivated and reactivated according to the creative imagination. In addition, the work highlights a minor aspect of the heritage subsumed in popular intellectuality at work in popular music.
Foundations of General Relativity
Authors: Fletcher Samuel C.
Published: November 2024

This Element provides a somewhat comprehensive interpretation of general relativity, a description of what reality would be like if the theory were true. This concerns (i) what possibilities it represents, (ii) the internal structure of those possibilities and their interrelations, and, to some extent, (iii) how those possibilities differ from what's come before. By providing an interpretive foil that one can amplify or amend, it aspires to shape the research agenda in the foundations of general relativity for established philosophers of physics, graduate students searching for work in these topics, and other interested academics. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
More than a wink and a nudge: examining the choice architecture of online government budget simulations
Authors: Afonso Whitney , Mohr Zachary
Published: November 2024

Following the growing interest in using behavioral theory and choice architecture in the public sector, several new studies have looked at how changes in the choice architecture of budget simulations influence the participants’ budgetary decisions. These studies have also introduced the possible problem that participants may make inappropriate choices in the budget simulation, like creating a budget with unacceptably high budget surpluses. Building on Thaler and Sunstein’s NUDGES framework, we seek to answer the question, ‘How can budgetary choice architects correct for errors such as large ending surpluses at the end of the budget simulation?’ We replicate earlier results on budget starting conditions. Additionally, we test a budget treatment that encourages participants to reduce ending budget surpluses. The budget treatment works as intended and suggests that the large ending budget surpluses stem from errors made by participants in the simulation rather than loss aversion. The need to both nudge and budge participants is important for practicing choice architects, like public budgeters who have to design and implement tools that inform citizens and reveal accurate preferences that conform with legal requirements.
Rethinking authentic leadership: An alternative approach based on dynamic processes of active identity, self-regulation, and ironic processes of mental control
Authors: Bunjak Aldijana , Lord Robert G. , Acton Bryan P.
Published: November 2024

Despite its popularity, authentic leadership remains enigmatic, with both advantages and disadvantages. The connection between authenticity (an internal process) and leadership (an external influence process) is complex. We introduce a theory that connects these processes through self-regulation, suggesting that authenticity results from managing multiple identities regulated by factors such as active self-identity. Using ironic processes theory, we propose a model that encourages leaders to focus on their active self rather than suppressing misaligned aspects. We present authenticity as a dynamic process, adaptable across individual, relational, and collective levels, with self-identity shifting contextually. This perspective offers insights into developing leader authenticity, addresses the limitations of the authentic leadership approach, and provides a roadmap for future research.
Well-posedness of quasilinear parabolic equations in time-weighted spaces
Authors: Matioc Bogdan-Vasile , Walker Christoph
Published: November 2024

Well-posedness in time-weighted spaces of certain quasilinear (and semilinear) parabolic evolution equations

$u'=A(u)u+f(u)$

is established. The focus lies on the case of strict inclusions

$\mathrm{dom}(f)\subsetneq \mathrm{dom}(A)$

of the domains of the nonlinearities

$u\mapsto f(u)$

and

$u\mapsto A(u)$

. Based on regularizing effects of parabolic equations it is shown that a semiflow is generated in intermediate spaces. In applications this allows one to derive global existence from weaker a priori estimates. The result is illustrated by examples of chemotaxis systems.
Minimal isometric dilations and operator models for the polydisc
Authors: Pal Sourav , Sahasrabuddhe Prajakta
Published: November 2024

For commuting contractions

$T_1,\dots,T_n$

acting on a Hilbert space

$\mathscr{H}$

with

$T=\prod_{i=1}^n T_i$

, we find a necessary and sufficient condition such that

$(T_1,\dots,T_n)$

dilates to a commuting tuple of isometries

$(V_1,\dots,V_n)$

on the minimal isometric dilation space of T with

$V=\prod_{i=1}^nV_i$

being the minimal isometric dilation of T. This isometric dilation provides a commutant lifting of

$(T_1, \dots, T_n)$

on the minimal isometric dilation space of T. We construct both Schäffer and Sz. Nagy–Foias-type isometric dilations for

$(T_1,\dots,T_n)$

on the minimal dilation spaces of T. Also, a different dilation is constructed when the product T is a

$C._0$

contraction, that is,

${T^*}^n \rightarrow 0$

as

$n \rightarrow \infty$

. As a consequence of these dilation theorems, we obtain different functional models for

$(T_1,\dots,T_n)$

in terms of multiplication operators on vectorial Hardy spaces. One notable fact about our models is that the multipliers are all analytic functions in one variable. The dilation when T is a

$C._0$

contraction leads to a conditional factorization of T. Several examples have been constructed.
On the study of the cumulative residual extropy of mixed used systems and their complexity
Authors: Pakdaman Zohreh , Noughabi Reza Alizadeh
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we use an information theoretic approach called cumulative residual extropy (CRJ) to compare mixed used systems. We establish mixture representations for the CRJ of mixed used systems and then explore the measure and comparison results among these systems. We compare the mixed used systems based on stochastic orders and stochastically ordered conditional coefficients vectors. Additionally, we derive bounds for the CRJ of mixed used systems with independent and identically distributed components. We also propose the Jensen-cumulative residual extropy (JCRJ) divergence to calculate the complexity of systems. To demonstrate the utility of these results, we calculate and compare the CRJ and JCRJ divergence of mixed used systems in the Exponential model. Furthermore, we determine the optimal system configuration based on signature under a criterion function derived from JCRJ in the exponential model.
Movement and Countermovement Mobilization in the US Abortion Conflict
Authors: Staggenborg Suzanne
Published: November 2024

The conflict over abortion in the United States shows no sign of abatement. Both supporters and opponents of abortion rights have mobilized movements, engaged in collective action, suffered defeats and won victories, and survived over many decades. To understand how the current battle is likely to progress, we need to examine the movement/countermovement dynamics that drive the mobilization and outcomes of the opposing movements (Meyer and Staggenborg 1996). This article demonstrates how ongoing mobilization is fueled by the strategies and tactics of each side, which are strongly influenced by the actions of their opponents.
Violence, mental health and nutritional status in pregnant women: the Araraquara Cohort Study
Authors: Biagio Leonardo Domingos , Devakumar Delanjathan , da Silva Paula Louro , López Rossana Verónica Mendoza , Argentato Perla Pizzi , Luzia Liania Alves , Rondó Patrícia Helen Carvalho
Published: November 2024

Objective:

To investigate the relationship between violence and the nutritional status of pregnant women, and whether mental health could be a mediator in this relationship.

Design:

Cross-sectional study. Violence and mental health status were investigated using the following questionnaires: World Health Organization Violence Against Women (WHO-VAW), Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Demographic, socioeconomic, obstetric, and lifestyle factors (smoking/alcohol consumption) were also investigated. The nutritional status of the women was assessed by the body mass index.

Setting:

Data were collected from February 2021 to August 2022 in Araraquara city, Brazil.

Participants:

Four hundred pregnant women recruited at 34 health units and the municipal maternity hospital.

Results:

Experience of violence was reported by 52.2% of the women and psychological violence in the last 12 months was the most prevalent type of domestic violence (19.5%). Approximately 43% of the women showed mental health changes and 59.7% had a risk of major depression. Women with mental health changes had an increased risk (OR=2.34) of obesity. Psychological violence in the last 12 months was associated with obesity (p=0.01) when mediated by mental health changes. The mediation effect was significant (β=0.708; 95%BCa CI=0.004-1.460), with mental health changes mediating 46.1% of the relationship between psychological violence and obesity.

Conclusions:

The relationship between psychological violence and obesity during pregnancy was mediated by changes in mental health. This original study shows that nutritional status is not limited to biological factors and highlights the importance of social, mental, and psychological factors.
Food environments in the Pacific region and efforts to improve them: a scoping review
Authors: Fusi Sela Ki Folau , Gómez-Donoso Clara , Backholer Kathryn , Browne Jennifer , Ferguson Megan , Cameron Adrian J
Published: November 2024

Objective:

To understand the characteristics of food environments in the Pacific region, and the broader economic, policy and sociocultural surroundings that influence food choices and interventions to improve food environments for Pacific communities.

Design:

Systematic searches were conducted for articles related to food environments or factors influencing food choices from 1993 to 2024 in five academic databases, Google, Google Scholar and relevant organisations’ websites. Studies were included if they meet the eligibility criteria. Two authors independently reviewed the title and abstract of identified articles. Full-text screening was conducted before data were extracted from eligible studies. A narrative analysis was informed by an existing food environments framework.

Setting:

Pacific Island countries or territories that are a member of the Pacific Community (SPC).

Participants:

Not applicable.

Results:

From the sixty-six included studies (of 2520 records screened), it was clear that food environments in the Pacific region are characterised by high availability and promotion of ultra-processed unhealthy foods. These foods were reported to be cheaper than healthier alternatives and have poor nutritional labelling. Food trade and investment, together with sociocultural and political factors, were found to contribute to unhealthy food choices. Policy interventions have been implemented to address food environments; however, the development and implementation of food environment policies could be strengthened through stronger leadership, effective multisectoral collaboration and clear lines of responsibility.

Conclusions:

Interventions focused on improving physical, economic, policy and sociocultural influences on food choices should be prioritised in the Pacific region to improve the food environment and mitigate barriers to healthy eating.
“The Problem Alike of Statesman, Race Leader, and Philanthropist”: Economic Thinking and the Division of Negro Economics
Authors: Kumekawa Ian
Published: November 2024

In 1917, the US Department of Labor launched a new section: the Division of Negro Economics (DNE). Established to study black labor in the context of the Great Migration and staffed completely by black social scientists and social workers, the division offers a window onto the origins and meaning of black economics in the United States. During an age of pervasive scientific racism, the division’s leaders leveraged the language and tools of academic economics to assert black Americans' fundamental humanity, particularly by rendering black migrants as economic agents. The history of the division reveals how black economic thinkers made the economic study of the Great Migration into an egalitarian intellectual project, even if they could not escape institutional bias and prejudice. It stands as a lesson on the potential of economics, both as a tool of oppression and as one of political claims-making.
Insurance design and arson-type risks
Authors: Lauzier Jean-Gabriel
Published: November 2024

We design the insurance contract when the insurer faces arson-type risks. We show that the optimal contract must be manipulation-proof. Therefore, it is continuous, has a bounded slope, and satisfies the no-sabotage condition when arson-type actions are free. Any contract that mixes a deductible, coinsurance, and an upper limit is manipulation-proof. A key feature of our models is that we provide a simple, general, and entirely elementary proof of manipulation-proofness that is easily adapted to different settings. We also show that the ability to perform arson-type actions reduces the insured’s welfare as less coverage is offered in equilibrium.
Failing the state self: on the politics of state shame
Authors: Verleye Zeger
Published: November 2024

Observers have noted that world politics is replete with shame. Whether they observe this concerning the apologies regarding past atrocities, the felt necessity for revenge after a humiliating defeat, the feelings that populist leaders find antithetical to the greatness of their nation, or the affective responses to the latter's election, shame seems to be ubiquitous. Vital to understanding the particular politics of this emotion is the concept of state shame. However, the origins, divergent effects, and social and moral roles of state shame are left obscure in International Relations (IR) scholarship, making the concept undertheorized and in need of further elaboration. The primary goal of this research is to (re)conceptualize state shame as a narrative on the social position of the state by building on insights developed by IR theory, sociology, and social psychology. Moreover, the article proposes four types of state shame narratives, namely situational shame, narcissistic shame, aggressive shame, and deferential shame, that can separately account for the divergent effects and social and moral roles that the emotion can be attributed with. These four types, and the politics that characterize them, aim to capture and explain lived practices and meanings that state shame can come to hold.
Herbicide resistance is complex: a global review of cross-resistance in weeds within herbicide groups
Authors: Riechers Dean E. , Soltani Nader , Chauhan Bhagirath Singh , Concepcion Jeanaflor Crystal T. , Geddes Charles M. , Jugulam Mithila , Kaundun Shiv S. , Preston Christopher , Wuerrfel R. Joseph , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: November 2024

Herbicides have been placed in global Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) herbicide groups based on their sites of action (e.g., acetolactate synthase–inhibiting herbicides are grouped in HRAC Group 2). A major driving force for this classification system is that growers have been encouraged to rotate or mix herbicides from different HRAC groups to delay the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds, because in theory, all active ingredients within a herbicide group physiologically affect weeds similarly. Although herbicide resistance in weeds has been studied for decades, recent research on the biochemical and molecular basis for resistance has demonstrated that patterns of cross-resistance are usually quite complicated and much more complex than merely stating, for example, a certain weed population is Group 2-resistant. The objective of this review article is to highlight and describe the intricacies associated with the magnitude of herbicide resistance and cross-resistance patterns that have resulted from myriad target-site and non–target site resistance mechanisms in weeds, as well as environmental and application timing influences. Our hope is this review will provide opportunities for students, growers, agronomists, ag retailers, regulatory personnel, and research scientists to better understand and realize that herbicide resistance in weeds is far more complicated than previously considered when based solely on HRAC groups. Furthermore, a comprehensive understanding of cross-resistance patterns among weed species and populations may assist in managing herbicide-resistant biotypes in the short term by providing growers with previously unconsidered effective control options. This knowledge may also inform agrochemical company efforts aimed at developing new resistance-breaking chemistries and herbicide mixtures. However, in the long term, nonchemical management strategies, including cultural, mechanical, and biological weed management tactics, must also be implemented to prevent or delay increasingly problematic issues with weed resistance to current and future herbicides.
Modeling the Inception and Stepped Propagation of Upward Positive Lightning Leaders
Authors: Pantuso John G. , da Silva Caitano L.
Published: November 2024

Positive lightning leaders are a ubiquitous, yet poorly understood, component of lightning flashes. Upward lightning started by positive leaders may be formed when nearby storm activity induces electrical charges in a tall structure, such as communications towers or wind turbines. Alternatively, upward lightning can be triggered with the rocket‐and‐wire technique. In this paper, we introduce a new self‐consistent model for this important discharge mode, one which solves Maxwell's equations under the quasi‐electrostatic approximation. The model also includes a realistic treatment of the nonlinear plasma conductivity within the leader channel. This new computational tool explains the origin of the positive leader speed, of 10s of km/s, as well as why it displays a steady behavior over time. The model also explains the temporal evolution of current to ground measured during the early stages of rocket‐triggered lightning, where the current exhibits a series of small‐amplitude pulses, which disappear over time. The article also outlines straightforward criteria for leader inception, which may have practical applications for lightning protection.
The Quantified Galloway Ternary Diagram of Delta Morphology
Authors: Paniagua‐Arroyave Juan F. , Nienhuis Jaap H.
Published: November 2024

Waves, rivers, and tides shape delta morphology. Recent studies have enabled predictions of their relative influence on deltas globally, but methods and associated uncertainties remain poorly known. Here, we address that gap and show how to quantify delta morphology within the Galloway ternary diagram of river, wave, and tidal sediment fluxes. We assess delta morphology predictions compared to observations for 31 deltas globally and find a median error of 4% (standard deviation of 11%) in the river, tide, or wave‐driven sediment fluxes. Relative uncertainties are greatest for mixed‐process deltas (e.g., Sinu, error of 49%) and tend to decrease for end‐member morphologies where either wave, tide, or river sediment fluxes dominate (e.g., Fly, error of 0.2%). Prediction uncertainties for delta morphologic metrics are more considerable: the delta shoreline protrusion angles set by wave influence have a median error of 45%, the delta channel widening from tides 25%, and the number of distributary channels 86%. Larger sources of prediction uncertainty are (a) delta morphology data, for example, delta slopes that modulate tidal fluxes, (b) data on river sediment flux distribution between individual delta river outlets, and (c) theoretical basis behind fluvial and tidal dominance. Broadly, these methods will help improve delta morphology predictions and assess how natural and anthropogenic forces affect morphologic change.
Emerging mechanisms of lipid peroxidation in regulated cell death and its physiological implications
Authors: Zheng Yongxin , Sun Junlu , Luo Zhiting , Li Yimin , Huang Yongbo
Published: November 2024

Regulated cell death (RCD) refers to the form of cell death that can be regulated by various biomacromolecules. Each cell death modalities have their distinct morphological changes and molecular mechanisms. However, intense evidences suggest that lipid peroxidation can be the common feature that initiates and propagates the cell death. Excessive lipid peroxidation alters the property of membrane and further damage the proteins and nucleic acids, which is implicated in various human pathologies. Here, we firstly review the classical chain process of lipid peroxidation, and further clarify the current understanding of the myriad roles and molecular mechanisms of lipid peroxidation in various RCD types. We also discuss how lipid peroxidation involves in diseases and how such intimate association between lipid peroxidation-driven cell death and diseases can be leveraged to develop rational therapeutic strategies.
Microglial cannabinoid receptor type II stimulation improves cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease mice by controlling astrocyte activation
Authors: Sobue Akira , Komine Okiru , Endo Fumito , Kakimi Chihiro , Miyoshi Yuka , Kawade Noe , Watanabe Seiji , Saito Yuko , Murayama Shigeo , Saido Takaomi C. , Saito Takashi , Yamanaka Koji
Published: November 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau. Neuroinflammation, mainly mediated by glial activation, plays an important role in AD progression. Although there is growing evidence for the anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective effects of the cannabinoid system modulation, the detailed mechanism remains unclear. To address these issues, we analyzed the expression levels of cannabinoid receptor type II (Cnr2/Cb2) in AppNL-G-F/NL-G-F mice and human AD precuneus, which is vulnerable to amyloid deposition in AD, and the effects of JWH 133, a selective CB2 agonist, on neuroinflammation in primary glial cells and neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in AppNL-G-F/NL-G-F mice. The levels of Cnr2/Cb2 were upregulated in microglia isolated from the cerebral cortex of AppNL-G-F/NL-G-F mice. CNR2 expression was also increased in RNAs derived from human precuneus with advanced AD pathology. Chronic oral administration of JWH 133 significantly ameliorated the cognitive impairment of AppNL-G-F/NL-G-F mice without neuropsychiatric side effects. Microglia and astrocyte mRNAs were directly isolated from the mouse cerebral cortex by magnetic-activated cell sorting, and the gene expression was determined by quantitative PCR. JWH 133 administration significantly decreased reactive astrocyte markers and microglial C1q, an inducer for the reactive astrocytes in AppNL-G-F/NL-G-F mice. In addition, JWH133 administration inhibited the expression of p-STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) in astrocytes in AppNL-G-F/NL-G-F mice. Furthermore, JWH 133 administration suppressed dystrophic presynaptic terminals surrounding amyloid plaques. In conclusion, stimulation of microglial CB2 ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in AppNL-G-F/NL-G-F mice by controlling astrocyte activation and inducing beneficial neuroinflammation, and our study has implications that CB2 may represent an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of AD and perhaps other neurodegenerative diseases involving neuroinflammation.
Structural mechanisms of human sodium-coupled high-affinity choline transporter CHT1
Authors: Xue Jing , Chen Hongwen , Wang Yong , Jiang Youxing
Published: November 2024

Mammalian sodium-coupled high-affinity choline transporter CHT1 uptakes choline in cholinergic neurons for acetylcholine synthesis and plays a critical role in cholinergic neurotransmission. Here, we present the high-resolution cryo-EM structures of human CHT1 in apo, substrate- and ion-bound, hemicholinium-3-inhibited, and ML352-inhibited states. These structures represent three distinct conformational states, elucidating the structural basis of the CHT1-mediated choline uptake mechanism. Three ion-binding sites, two for Na+ and one for Cl–, are unambiguously defined in the structures, demonstrating that both ions are indispensable cofactors for high-affinity choline-binding and are likely transported together with the substrate in a 2:1:1 stoichiometry. The two inhibitor-bound CHT1 structures reveal two distinct inhibitory mechanisms and provide a potential structural platform for designing therapeutic drugs to manipulate cholinergic neuron activity. Combined with the functional analysis, this study provides a comprehensive view of the structural mechanisms underlying substrate specificity, substrate/ion co-transport, and drug inhibition of a physiologically important symporter.
Multicentennial cycles in continental demography synchronous with solar activity and climate stability
Authors: Wirtz Kai W. , Antunes Nicolas , Diachenko Aleksandr , Laabs Julian , Lemmen Carsten , Lohmann Gerrit , McLaughlin Rowan , Zorita Eduardo , Gronenborn Detlef
Published: November 2024

Human population dynamics and their drivers are not well understood, especially over the long term and on large scales. Here, we estimate demographic growth trajectories from 9 to 3 ka BP across the entire globe by employing summed probability distributions of radiocarbon dates. Our reconstruction reveals multicentennial growth cycles on all six inhabited continents, which exhibited matching dominant frequencies and phase relations. These growth oscillations were often also synchronised with multicentennial variations in solar activity. The growth cycle for Europe, reconstructed based on  >91,000 radiocarbon dates, was backed by archaeology-derived settlement data and showed only a weak correlation with mean climate states, but a strong correlation with the stability of these states. We therefore suggest a link between multicentennial variations in solar activity and climate stability. This stability provided more favourable conditions for human subsistence success, and seems to have induced synchrony between regional growth cycles worldwide.
Virus-modified paraspeckle-like condensates are hubs for viral RNA processing and their formation drives genomic instability
Authors: Harper Katherine L. , Harrington Elena M. , Hayward Connor , Anene Chinedu A. , Wongwiwat Wiyada , White Robert E. , Whitehouse Adrian
Published: November 2024

The nucleus is a highly organised yet dynamic environment containing distinct membraneless nuclear bodies. This spatial separation enables a subset of components to be concentrated within biomolecular condensates, allowing efficient and discrete processes to occur which regulate cellular function. One such nuclear body, paraspeckles, are comprised of multiple paraspeckle proteins (PSPs) built around the architectural RNA, NEAT1_2. Paraspeckle function is yet to be fully elucidated but has been implicated in a variety of developmental and disease scenarios. We demonstrate that Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) drives formation of structurally distinct paraspeckles with a dramatically increased size and altered protein composition that are required for productive lytic replication. We highlight these virus-modified paraspeckles form adjacent to virus replication centres, potentially functioning as RNA processing hubs for viral transcripts during infection. Notably, we reveal that PSP sequestration into virus-modified paraspeckles result in increased genome instability during both KSHV and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infection, implicating their formation in virus-mediated tumourigenesis.
Neuronal diversity and stereotypy at multiple scales through whole brain morphometry
Authors: Liu Yufeng , Jiang Shengdian , Li Yingxin , Zhao Sujun , Yun Zhixi , Zhao Zuo-Han , Zhang Lingli , Wang Gaoyu , Chen Xin , Manubens-Gil Linus , Hang Yuning , Gong Qiaobo , Li Yuanyuan , Qian Penghao , Qu Lei , Garcia-Forn Marta , Wang Wei , De Rubeis Silvia , Wu Zhuhao , Osten Pavel , Gong Hui , Hawrylycz Michael , Mitra Partha , Dong Hongwei , Luo Qingming , Ascoli Giorgio A. , Zeng Hongkui , Liu Lijuan , Peng Hanchuan
Published: November 2024

We conducted a large-scale whole-brain morphometry study by analyzing 3.7 peta-voxels of mouse brain images at the single-cell resolution, producing one of the largest multi-morphometry databases of mammalian brains to date. We registered 204 mouse brains of three major imaging modalities to the Allen Common Coordinate Framework (CCF) atlas, annotated 182,497 neuronal cell bodies, modeled 15,441 dendritic microenvironments, characterized the full morphology of 1876 neurons along with their axonal motifs, and detected 2.63 million axonal varicosities that indicate potential synaptic sites. Our analyzed six levels of information related to neuronal populations, dendritic microenvironments, single-cell full morphology, dendritic and axonal arborization, axonal varicosities, and sub-neuronal structural motifs, along with a quantification of the diversity and stereotypy of patterns at each level. This integrative study provides key anatomical descriptions of neurons and their types across a multiple scales and features, contributing a substantial resource for understanding neuronal diversity in mammalian brains.
scRNA-seq revealed transcriptional signatures of human umbilical cord primitive stem cells and their germ lineage origin regulated by imprinted genes
Authors: Jarczak Justyna , Bujko Kamila , Ratajczak Mariusz Z. , Kucia Magdalena
Published: November 2024

A population of CD133+lin-CD45- and CD34+lin-CD45- very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) has been identified in postnatal human tissues, including bone marrow (BM), mobilized peripheral blood (mPB) and umbilical cord blood (UCB). Under appropriate conditions, VSELs in vitro and in vivo differentiate into tissue-committed stem cells for all three germ layers. Molecular analysis of adult murine BM-purified VSELs revealed that these rare cells deposited during development in adult tissues (i) express a similar transcriptome as embryonic stem cells, (ii) share several markers characteristic for epiblast and migratory primordial germ cells (PGCs), (iii) highly express a polycomb group protein enhancer of zeste drosophila homolog 2 (Ezh2) and finally (iv) display a unique pattern of imprinting at crucial paternally inherited genes that promotes their quiescence. Here, by employing single-cell RNA sequencing we demonstrate for the first time that purified from UCB human VSELs defined by expression of CD34 or CD133 antigens and lack of lineage markers, including CD45 antigen express similar molecular signature as murine BM-derived VSELs. Specifically, unsupervised clustering revealed numerous subpopulations of VSELs including ones i) annotated to germline compartments, ii) regulated by parental imprinting, iii) responding to early developmental fate decisions, iv) transcription factors involved in differentiation and development, including homeobox family of genes, and v) expressing innate immunity and purinergic signaling genes.
Synthesis, characterization, molecular docking, pharmacokinetics, and molecular dynamics of new bis-thiazoles based on bis-thiosemicarbazone as anti-coxsackievirus
Authors: Farghaly Thoraya A. , Abbas Eman M. H. , Abd-Elghaffar Heba S. , Elsayed Mohamed A. , Elnaggar Dina H. , El-Sayed Ahmed F. , Abd-Elshafy Dina N. , Mohamed Salwa F.
Published: November 2024

It was known that the majority of viral infections start off as cutaneous eruptions, which heal on their own in most cases. The prognosis is dependent on the state of immunologic surveillance, just like in other infectious disorders. Therefore, those who are immunosuppressed are more in danger. But recently it’s becoming increasingly clear that eruptions that were once thought to be benign diseases can really cause problems and even death, even in immunocompetent patients. Hence, in this article, our goal was to identify possible potential antiviral candidates. We have synthesized a series of bis-thiazole derivatives via the reaction of bis-thiosemicarbazone derivative 3 with hydrazonoyl chlorides and haloketones in an effort to examine their potential antiviral properties and interactions with the main protease of Coxsackievirus B. Spectroscopic methods and elemental analysis were used to corroborate the structures of the novel bis-thiazole derivatives. The most potent derivative, bis-thiazole derivative 7a, was found to have the strongest antiviral activity against Coxsackievirus B (Cox B). Further investigation into its mode of action indicated that compound 7a has a dual activity that inhibits viral adsorption and replication. The efficacy of many compounds against Coxsackievirus adenovirus targets was assessed using molecular docking. The findings revealed that compounds 7a, 7c, 11b and 11c have high binding energies, efficiently engaging the active sites of essential Cox B virus proteins such as the Coxsackievirus adenovirus receptor (CAR), 3C-protease, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). These interactions involved a variety of chemical bonding types, indicating that these substances can inhibit enzyme activity while also exhibiting substantial antiviral effects involving viral replication and adsorption. Furthermore, the computational ADMET study of these compounds indicated conformance to Lipinski’s criteria, implying positive physicochemical properties. Furthermore, MD simulations demonstrated stable complexes of 7a and 11b with Coxsackievirus adenovirus receptor (CAR), 3C-protease, and RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) with RMSD (0.1–0.30, 0.20–0.30, and 0.20–0.35 nm), RMSF (0.1–0.5 nm), and SASA (80–105, 140–150, and 220–235). These outcomes further reinforce the potential of these compounds in current antiviral drug development endeavors. The collective findings underscore the potential of these compounds as candidates for antiviral therapies against Coxsackievirus adenovirus.
Optimal control of polar sea-ice near its tipping points
Authors: Kooloth Parvathi , Lu Jian , Bakker Craig , DeSantis Derek , Rupe Adam
Published: November 2024

Several Earth system components are at a high risk of undergoing rapid, irreversible qualitative changes or “tipping” with increasing climate warming. It is therefore necessary to investigate the feasibility of arresting or even reversing the crossing of tipping thresholds. Here, we study feedback control of an idealized energy balance model (EBM) for Earth’s climate, which exhibits a “small icecap” instability responsible for a rapid transition to an ice-free climate under increasing greenhouse gas forcing. We develop an optimal control strategy for the EBM under different forcing scenarios to reverse sea-ice loss while minimizing costs. Control is achievable for this system, but the cost nearly quadruples once the system tips. While thermal inertia may delay tipping, leading to an overshoot of the critical forcing threshold, this leeway comes with a steep rise in requisite control once tipping occurs. Additionally, we find that the optimal control is localized in the polar region.