bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changing food choices: the option for high-protein foods and the move away from the Mediterranean diet
Authors: Vaccaro Concetta M. , Guarino Giulia , Danza Francesco , Fraulino Alessia , Bracale Renata
Published: June 2024

Purpose

 The growing importance placed on health and physical well-being by consumers continues to influence food industry choices. The food market therefore, pandering to the desires for a lean and athletic body, offers new products deemed more healthy and able to impact body image. It is evidenced, thus, a change in food choices and habits, with more attention to the quality and nutrient content of the products consumed, in which protein is assuming increasing importance. The purpose of the study is to highlight important changes in eating habits and in particular the increase in the consumption of high-protein foods, attributable to the focus on physical fitness and thinness, resulting in a decreasing adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the progressive loss of its positive impact on health.

Methods and results

This analysis is based on CIRCANA srl data on food consumption trends (change percentage of quantity and value sales) in recent years. Specifically, between January and September 2022 vs. 2021, there was a 21.6% increase in the sale of high-protein products, significantly higher than all the previous ones.

Conclusions

The past few years have seen the gradual discovery of new products, at first little-known and niche, which are becoming major players on the national food consumption scene. The trend is toward a growing preference for high-protein foods and diets with the gradual abandonment of the Mediterranean and an increased risk of nutritional deficiencies, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

Level of evidence

Level IV, evidence obtained from multiple time series with or without the intervention.
Thinking Inside the Bounds: Improved Error Distributions for Indifference Point Data Analysis and Simulation Via Beta Regression using Common Discounting Functions
Authors: Kim Mingang , Koffarnus Mikhail N. , Franck Christopher T.
Published: June 2024

Standard nonlinear regression is commonly used when modeling indifference points due to its ability to closely follow observed data, resulting in a good model fit. However, standard nonlinear regression currently lacks a reasonable distribution-based framework for indifference points, which limits its ability to adequately describe the inherent variability in the data. Software commonly assumes data follow a normal distribution with constant variance. However, typical indifference points do not follow a normal distribution or exhibit constant variance. To address these limitations, this paper introduces a class of nonlinear beta regression models that offers excellent fit to discounting data and enhances simulation-based approaches. This beta regression model can accommodate popular discounting functions. This work proposes three specific advances. First, our model automatically captures non-constant variance as a function of delay. Second, our model improves simulation-based approaches since it obeys the natural boundaries of observable data, unlike the ordinary assumption of normal residuals and constant variance. Finally, we introduce a scale-location-truncation trick that allows beta regression to accommodate observed values of 0 and 1. A comparison between beta regression and standard nonlinear regression reveals close agreement in the estimated discounting rate k obtained from both methods.
Sleep Quality of Heavy Vehicles’ Professional Drivers: An Analysis Based on Self-Perceived Feedback
Authors: Faria Brigida Monica , Lopes Tatiana , Oliveira Alexandra , Pimenta Rui , Gonçalves Joaquim , Carvalho Victor , Gonçalves Marta , Reis Luis Paulo
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Sleep is a crucial biological need for all individuals, being reparative on a physical and mental level. Driving heavy vehicles is a task that requires constant attention and vigilance, and sleep deprivation leads to behavioral and physiological changes that can develop sleep disorders which can put lives at risk.

Objectives

The main objectives of this study are to describe and evaluate sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, circadian preference, and risk of suffering from obstructive sleep apnea in a population of Portuguese professional drivers.

Methods

To fulfill the objectives, 43 Portuguese professional drivers, between 23 and 63 years old, answered validated questionnaires: Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Morningness–Eveningness, Stop-Bang Questionnaire, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

Results

Results indicated that older drivers tend to experience higher daytime sleepiness (11 ± 3.4; p = 0.002) and obstructive sleep apnea risk (4.5 ± 1.5; p = 0.03). Regarding sleep quality, the majority of drivers were classified with poor sleep quality (74.4%). It was possible to infer statistical differences between groups based on body mass index (p = 0.037), the type of route (p = 0.01), and physical activity (p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Drivers have an indifferent circadian preference and small-course drivers have a worse sleep health perception. Therefore, it is essential to implement prevention programs, promoting the basic rules for better sleep quality as well as identifying sleep disorders to minimize possible road accidents.
Biological potential of eight medicinal plants collected in the restored landscape after mining in South Kalimantan
Authors: Wiraswati Hesti Lina , Pradini Gita Widya , Fauziah Nisa , Laelalugina Amila , Arimdayu Annisa Retno , Supandi Supandi , Kodir Reza Abdul , Kurnia Dikdik , Berbudi Afiat , Achadiyani Achadiyani , Ma’ruf Ilma Fauziah
Published: June 2024

Land restoration is expected to enhance the supply of valuable ecosystem resources such as herbaceous bushes and weeds. This study aimed to determine the primary phytochemical constituents and bioactivities of methanol extracts from eight bushes and weeds collected from a restored post-mining landscape in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids and saponins in the methanol extracts of herbaceous plants. Their antioxidant activity was measured by using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate assay. Their superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was also measured. In addition, selected plant extracts were screened against the common human pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Phytochemical analysis showed that the methanol extracts contained all the bioactive compounds examined in this study except the one from Lycopodium cernuum, which lacked flavonoids and alkaloids. Further investigation revealed that all methanol extracts except the one from L. cernuum had promising antioxidant potential. The methanol extracts from Chromolaena odorata (stem), Trema micrantha, Melastoma malabathricum (flower and leaf) and Thypa angustifolia exhibited effective antibacterial activity. In addition, the methanol extracts from M. malabathricum (flower and leaf), T. micrantha, Scleria sumatrensis and Breynia cernua (leaf) exhibited effective antifungal activity. M. malabathricum (flower and leaf) has the greatest potential as a herbaceous plant since its methanol extract exhibits the most potent antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activities.
Discovering sustainable finance models for smallholder farmers: a bibliometric approach to agricultural innovation adoption
Authors: Alamsyah Raden Trizaldi Prima , Wulandari Eliana , Saidah Zumi , Hapsari Hepi
Published: June 2024

Smallholder farmers, crucial to global food security, face challenges in sustainable integration into agricultural innovation due to inherent flaws in existing finance models. This research addresses the conspicuous gap in comprehensive reviews on sustainable finance in agriculture through a bibliometric approach. Financial constraints, limited market access, and climate vulnerability plague smallholder farmers, hindering the long-term sustainability of current financial models. This study aims to systematically map the scholarly landscape of sustainable finance models for smallholder farmers, focusing on the adoption of agricultural innovations. A critical knowledge gap exists regarding bibliometric patterns and trends in the adoption of agricultural innovations by smallholder farmers. The study utilizes the RAPID framework for a streamlined and evidence-based bibliometric review, employing RStudio and the bibliometrix-package. The analysis aims to recognize, assess, purge, investigate, and document key themes and emerging patterns in the literature. Noteworthy trends from bibliometric reviews indicate a rise in bibliometric approaches, with VOSviewer as a prevalent tool. This research contributes methodologically by advocating for Scopus as the primary database. The study’s significance lies in informing policy, practice, and research initiatives supporting smallholder farmers. By revealing bibliometric patterns, this study aims to guide the design of innovative and context-specific financial instruments, fostering a more sustainable and inclusive agricultural landscape. In conclusion, this research endeavors to bridge the knowledge gap and provide novel insights at the intersection of sustainable finance and agricultural innovation adoption. The anticipated outcomes will inform the development of tailored financial models, advancing the resilience and productivity of smallholder farmers globally.
Bifurcation, Traveling Wave Solutions and Dynamical Analysis in the $$(2+1)$$-Dimensional Extended Vakhnenko–Parkes Equation
Authors: Sun Yan , Wu Juan-Juan , Wen Xiao-Yong
Published: June 2024

This paper is concerned with the bifurcation of the traveling wave solutions, as well as the dynamical behaviors and physical property of the soliton solutions of the (2+1)-dimensional extended Vakhnenko–Parkes (eVP) equation. Firstly, based on the traveling wave transformation, the planar dynamical system corresponding to the (2+1)-dimensional eVP equation is derived, and then the singularity type and trajectory map of this system are obtained and analyzed. Based on the bifurcation of this system, the analytical expression for the periodic wave solution is given and shown graphically. Secondly, the N-soliton solutions are obtained via the bilinear method, and some important physical quantities and asymptotic analysis of one-soliton and two-soliton solutions are discussed. The results obtained in this paper might be useful for understanding the propagation of high-frequency waves.
Urban development and the loss of natural streams leads to increased flooding
Authors: Baig Adeem , Atif Salman , Tahir Ali
Published: June 2024

Developing countries with hard pressed economies and a rapidly growing population have a myriad of issues to face. Karachi is one of the largest cities of Pakistan and is rapidly growing. The city has been hit by floods in the year 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020, recently. Since the early 1990s Karachi has seen a rapid spike in development and in the process many natural streams have been built over. This has led reduced space for rainwater runoff and has created problems for urban flood managers. To ascertain this, topographic records of 1940s and 1980s and Landsat imagery of 2000, 2008, 2015 and 2020 were used to map historical urban extent. Sentinel—1, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery was used to extract flooded areas during 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020 floods. In the year 2020, 64.3 km2 of area was flooded which was the highest. There has been a growth of 286% in urban area observed between 1980 and 2000. The city was built with several natural flood water carrying streams, north and west of it. It was found that that out of 3600 km of these streams, 870 km of streams have either been blocked or removed and a 100% in core urban area. DEM of difference (DOD) prepared by subtracting 1945 DEM from SRTM DEM indicated that most of embankments along these streams were in the areas that show erosion in DOD surface, thus explaining the expansion of built areas along historical stream channels. Forcing floods to enter these built areas.
Modern Robotics
Authors: Lynch Kevin M. , Park Frank C.
Published: June 2024

This introduction to robotics offers a distinct and unified perspective of the mechanics, planning and control of robots. Ideal for self-learning, or for courses, as it assumes only freshman-level physics, ordinary differential equations, linear algebra and a little bit of computing background. Modern Robotics presents the state-of-the-art, screw-theoretic techniques capturing the most salient physical features of a robot in an intuitive geometrical way. With numerous exercises at the end of each chapter, accompanying software written to reinforce the concepts in the book and video lectures aimed at changing the classroom experience, this is the go-to textbook for learning about this fascinating subject.
Impacts of epigenetic reprogramming on innate immunity
Authors: Fu Jie , Wang Yizhen
Published: June 2024

The innate immune response is the host’s first line of defense, promptly activated upon pathogen invasion. Its precise and rapid activation relies on innate immune cells (IICs). Upon recognizing danger signals postinfection or injury, they release various innate immune effectors to eliminate invading pathogens or damaged cells, thus supporting the host’s immune homeostasis. Epigenetic modifications, by shaping chromatin structures, orchestrate specific gene transcription patterns to regulate the lineage development, differentiation, and activation of IICs. This intricate process ultimately contributes to effective pathogen clearance and IICs’ healthy development and differentiation. To thoroughly elucidate the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the development and differentiation of IICs, this review first introduces the fundamental concepts and latest advancements in this field. We then delve into how the immune microenvironment or other signaling molecules shape the epigenetic landscapes of distinct IIC subsets during their lineage development and differentiation. Furthermore, we summarize how different epigenetic modification profiles mediate specific transcriptional patterns, thereby influencing the lineage development, differentiation, and activation of IICs in response to infections or injuries. Finally, we discuss several unresolved critical issues from the perspective of targeting epigenetic modifications to modulate the innate immune response. In summary, this review aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying the development, differentiation, and activation of IICs from an epigenetic perspective, providing theoretical foundations for scientific and medical researchers pursuing disease treatments.
Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales isolated from hospital sinks: molecular relationships with isolates from patients and the change in contamination status after daily disinfection with sodium hypochlorite
Authors: Shikama Yoshiaki , Yokoya Chiemi , Ohara Akira , Yamashita Megumi , Shimizu Yuichi , Imagawa Tomoyuki
Published: June 2024

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the contamination status of hospital sinks with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE), the efficacy of daily cleaning with sodium hypochlorite, and the relationships between CPEs isolated from contaminated sinks and patients.

Design:

Pre/postintervention surveys of the CPE-contaminated sinks.

Setting:

Hospital wards including pediatric intensive care unit in a children’s hospital.

Participants:

Consenting CPE-colonized patients admitted between November 2018 and June 2021 in our hospital.

Methods:

Environmental culture of 180 sinks from nine wards in our hospital was performed three times with an interval of 2 years (2019, 2021, 2023). Molecular typing of the isolated strains from the sinks and patients was performed. After the first surveillance culture, we initiated daily disinfection of the sinks using sodium hypochlorite.

Results:

Before the intervention, we detected 30 CPE-positive sinks in 2019. After the intervention with sodium hypochlorite, we observed a substantial decline in the number of sinks contaminated with CPE; 13 in 2021 and 6 in 2023. However, the intervention did not significantly reduce the number of CPE-contaminated sinks used for the disposal of nutrition-rich substances. The CPE isolates from the patients and those from the sinks of the wards or floors where they were admitted tended to have similar pulse-field gel electrophoresis patterns.

Conclusion:

Contaminated sinks could be reservoirs of disseminating CPE to the patients. Daily disinfection of sinks with sodium hypochlorite may be effective in eliminating CPE, although the effect could be weaker in sinks with a greater risk of contact with nutrition-rich substances.
The changing epidemiology of Clostridioides difficile infection and the NAP1/027 strain in two Québec hospitals: a 17-year time-series study
Authors: Couture Sandrine , Frenette Charles , Schiller Ian , Alfaro Rowin , Dendukuri Nandini , Thirion Daniel , Longtin Yves , Loo Vivian G.
Published: June 2024

Objective:

To describe the epidemiology of healthcare-associated Clostridioides difficile infection (HA-CDI) in two Québec hospitals in Canada following the 2003 epidemic and to evaluate the impact of antibiotic stewardship on the incidence of HA-CDI and the NAP1/027 strain.

Design:

Time-series analysis.

Setting:

Two Canadian tertiary care hospitals based in Montréal, Québec.

Patients:

Patients with a positive assay for toxigenic C. difficile were identified through infection control surveillance. All cases of HA-CDI, defined as symptoms occurring after 72 hours of hospital admission or within 4 weeks of hospitalization, were included.

Methods:

The incidence of HA-CDI and antibiotic utilization from 2003 to 2020 were analyzed with available C. difficile isolates. The impact of antibiotic utilization on HA-CDI incidence was estimated by a dynamic regression time-series model. Antibiotic utilization and the proportion of NAP1/027 strains were compared biannually for available isolates from 2010 to 2020.

Results:

The incidence of HA-CDI decreased between 2003 and 2020 at both hospitals from 26.5 cases per 10,000 patient-days in 2003 to 4.9 cases per 10,000 patient-days in 2020 respectively. Over the study period, there were an increase in the utilization of third-generation cephalosporins and a decrease in usage of fluoroquinolones and clindamycin. A decrease in fluoroquinolone utilization was associated with a significant decrease in HA-CDI incidence as well as decrease in the NAP1/027 strain by approximately 80% in both hospitals.

Conclusions:

Decreased utilization of fluoroquinolones in two Québec hospitals was associated with a decrease in the incidence of HA-CDI and a genotype shift from NAP1/027 to non-NAP1/027 strains.
Low Yield of Routine Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis to Assess for An Autoimmune Etiology in Patients with Chronic Seizures of Unknown Cause
Authors: Daub Meaghan , Sangam Kamala , Burneo Jorge G. , Budhram Adrian
Published: June 2024

In this study, we examined the yield of routine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis to assess for an autoimmune etiology in patients with chronic seizures of unknown cause. Forty-seven patients were included. Six of 47 (13%) had inflammation on routine CSF analysis, none of whom were diagnosed with seizures related to autoimmune encephalitis (AE). Meanwhile, 2/47 (4%) were diagnosed with seizures related to AE, neither of whom had inflammation on routine CSF analysis. Routine CSF analysis to assess for an autoimmune etiology in patients with chronic seizures of unknown cause is low yield, and has suboptimal specificity and sensitivity for seizures related to AE.
A qualitative study exploring the challenges for a national police force as first responders to children and young people presenting with mental health crises: perspectives of emergency department professionals
Authors: Bond L. , Rooney L. , Healy D. , McNicholas F.
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

The difficulties in accessing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and the lack of out-of-hours and crises services have resulted in Ireland’s national police force, An Garda Síochána (GS), becoming increasingly involved as first responders to children and young people (CYP) who are experiencing potential mental health crises.

Aims:

To outline challenges faced by members of GS and emergency department (ED) professionals in such cases.

Method:

Qualitative study design with semi-structured interviews conducted with a convenience sample of medical and mental health professionals (n = 11) from a paediatric ED who are frequently involved with the interface between GS and CYP experiencing potential mental health crises. Thematic analysis was conducted on transcribed interviews using the software package MaxQDA to systematically organise and code transcriptions.

Results:

Participants highlighted a lack of appropriate clinical settings within the ED for CYP who attend with a mental health crisis through GS. Whilst participants described positive rapport between GS and ED staff, interactions between GS and patients were identified as challenging. Knowledge gaps amongst members of GS in Mental Health Act (MHA) legislation and restraint were also identified as contributory stressors for GS and emergency department professionals.

Conclusion:

The increased prevalence of CYP mental health issues and psychosocial stressors in conjunction with difficulty in accessing CAMHS means that challenges faced by GS as first responders are likely to continue. Research is needed to quantify the adverse personal impacts on GS along with the potential negative impact on youth. Access to emergency mental health review for youth is essential to optimise the experience of both groups.
Capillary rise in partially saturated rigid porous media
Authors: Siddique Javed I. , Anderson Daniel M.
Published: June 2024

We explore predictions of two models of one-dimensional capillary rise in rigid and partially saturated porous media. One is an existing one from the literature and the second is a free-boundary model based on Richards’ equation with two moving boundaries of the evolving partially saturated region. Both models involve the specification of saturation-dependent functions for local capillary pressure and permeability and connect to classical models for saturated porous media. Existing capillary-rise experiments show two notable regimes: (i) an early-time regime typically well-described by classical capillary-rise theory in a fully saturated porous media, and (ii) a long-time regime that has anomalous dynamics in which the capillary-rise height may scale with a non-classical power law in time or have more complicated dynamics. We demonstrate that the predictions of both models compare well with experimental capillary-rise data over early- and long-time regimes gathered from three independent studies in the literature. The model predictions also shed light on recent scaling laws that relate the capillary pressure and permeability of the partially saturated media to the capillary-rise height. We use these models to probe computationally observed permeability relationships to capillary-rise height. We demonstrate that a recently proposed permeability scaling for the anomalous capillary-rise regime is indeed realized and is particularly apparent in the lower portion of the partially saturated media. For our free-boundary model we also compute capillary pressure measures and show that these reveal the linear relation between the capillary pressure and capillary-rise height expected for a capillarity–gravity balance in the upper portion of the partially saturated porous media.
“A romance based on information”: The curious case of Clements Markham’s Franklin Expedition novel
Authors: Rosenberg Allegra
Published: June 2024

Sir Clements Markham (1830-1916), secretary of the Royal Geographical Society for many decades, is best known for his role in shaping the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration and especially the career of his protege Robert Falcon Scott. His unpublished work of Franklin Expedition fiction, a 350-page handwritten manuscript held in the collection of the RGS, is an understudied artefact which has much to say about Markham’s life, work, and ideology. A work of fact-based history, yet also a fantasy on themes of chivalry, his 1899 novel James Fitzjames…, while occasionally mined for biographical information by scholars of the 19th-century Arctic, has never been fully evaluated on its own terms. An initial read reveals various preoccupations: Christian spirituality; the male body in extremis; loyalty to the imperial hierarchy; and a deep interest in establishing James Fitzjames as a heroic figure for posterity. In this paper, I aim to uncover various meanings embedded in this romance, place it into the ongoing literary afterlife of the Franklin Expedition, and demonstrate some of the insights it can offer regarding Markham’s role as a vital figure in the history of polar exploration.
An Investigation on Potential Dispersal of Airborne Pollen Over China and Their Impact on Climate as Ice Nuclei Using RegCM‐Pollen
Authors: Song Rong , Wang Tijian , Li Shu , Zhuang Bingliang , Li Mengmeng , Xie Min , Luo Chuanxiu , Kilifarska‐Nedialkova Natalya Andreeva
Published: June 2024

Pollen can serve as an effective ice‐nuclei (IN), altering cloud microphysical and radiative properties, thus precipitation and cloud life cycles. Here, a nationwide pollen emission inventory with a horizontal resolution of 5 km was established based on a parameterization scheme of mass balance of pollen grain fluxes surrounding the plant crowns, and using satellite observational data sets (including leaf area index and fractional vegetation cover) as well as pollen emission rates. The potential emission is then implemented in RegCM‐pollen model which treated pollen as aerosol tracers. Besides, pollen‐IN parameterization schemes were incorporated in RegCM‐pollen to simulate the interactions between pollen and ice clouds. Investigations show that the mean annual pollen emission in China is 2.65 × 107 grains m−2 yr−1, mainly distributed in the south and northeast of China. The IN magnitude is mainly determined by a combination of temperature and pollen concentration. Notably, an increasing number concentration of pollen grains produces opposite effects in Southern China (SC) and Northern China (NC). The weakened upward motion and vertical transport of water vapor in NC made ice clouds hardly form, resulting in cloud forcing (CF) of +0.86 W/m2. In contrast, it generates a CF of −0.84 W/m2 in SC mainly owing to expanded cloud cover. The changes in shortwave radiative forcing is more significant compared to longwave radiative forcing in the two regions. At the surface, the net radiative forcing in NC is +0.74 W/m2, while it is a −0.51 W/m2 in SC. Among them, downward shortwave radiative forcing is approximately twice that of upward longwave radiative forcing in SC and 1.4 times in NC. Surface temperature shows rising over NC, ranging from 0.05 to 0.25 K. In SC, it is primarily decreasing by −0.12 to −0.03 K. The pollen‐IN effect also causes a decline of precipitation in NC (−0.17 mm/day) and a rise in SC (0.09 mm/day). Our results suggest that the pollen effect on ice clouds is complex, yet significant in understanding its impact on radiation and climate of the atmosphere.
Experimental Evidence of Primary Permeability at Very Low Gas Content in Crystal‐Rich Silicic Magma
Authors: Theurel Anna , Collombet Marielle , Burgisser Alain , Martel Caroline , Arbaret Laurent , Champallier Rémi
Published: June 2024

Eruptive dynamics is influenced by gas escape from the ascending magma. Gas pathways form in the magma via bubble coalescence, leading to gas channeling. Magmatic crystals play a key role in gas channel formation. This work constrains experimentally decompression‐induced coalescence in high‐crystallinity silicic magmas without external deformation, focusing on low gas content and bimodal crystal size (microlites and phenocrysts). All percolating samples have permeabilities of 10−14 m2 at bulk porosities of 7–10 vol% and bulk crystallinities up to 75 vol%. Our results demonstrate the possibility of coalescence‐related outgassing at high pressure (120–350 MPa) and without external strain, which corresponds to magma stagnating deep in a volcanic conduit. Channeling at such low gas content implies that bimodal crystallinity favors effusive over explosive volcanic behavior. It may also be the missing physical mechanism explaining gas transfer across magmatic systems despite high melt viscosity and low or absent magma extrusion.
Observation of Io's Resurfacing via Plume Deposition Using Ground‐Based Adaptive Optics at Visible Wavelengths With LBT SHARK‐VIS
Authors: Conrad Al , Pedichini Fernando , Li Causi Gianluca , Antoniucci Simone , de Pater Imke , Davies Ashley Gerard , de Kleer Katherine , Piazzesi Roberto , Testa Vincenzo , Vaccari Piero , Vicinanza Martina , Power Jennifer , Ertel Steve , Shields Joseph C. , Ragland Sam , Giorgi Fabrizio , Jefferies Stuart M. , Hope Douglas , Perry Jason , Williams David A. , Nelson David M.
Published: June 2024

Since volcanic activity was first discovered on Io from Voyager images in 1979, changes on Io's surface have been monitored from both spacecraft and ground‐based telescopes. Here, we present the highest spatial resolution images of Io ever obtained from a ground‐based telescope. These images, acquired by the SHARK‐VIS instrument on the Large Binocular Telescope, show evidence of a major resurfacing event on Io's trailing hemisphere. When compared to the most recent spacecraft images, the SHARK‐VIS images show that a plume deposit from a powerful eruption at Pillan Patera has covered part of the long‐lived Pele plume deposit. Although this type of resurfacing event may be common on Io, few have been detected due to the rarity of spacecraft visits and the previously low spatial resolution available from Earth‐based telescopes. The SHARK‐VIS instrument ushers in a new era of high resolution imaging of Io's surface using adaptive optics at visible wavelengths.
Large Uncertainties When Diagnosing the “Eddy Feedback Parameter” and Its Role in the Signal‐To‐Noise Paradox
Authors: Saffin Leo , McKenna Christine M. , Bonnet Rémy , Maycock Amanda C.
Published: June 2024

A too‐weak eddy feedback in models has been proposed to explain the signal‐to‐noise paradox in seasonal‐to‐decadal forecasts of the winter Northern Hemisphere. We show that the “eddy feedback parameter” (EFP) used in previous studies is sensitive to sampling and multidecadal variability. When these uncertainties are accounted for, the EFP diagnosed from CMIP6 historical simulations generally falls within the reanalysis uncertainty. We find the EFP is not independent of the sampled North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Within the same dataset, a sample containing larger NAO variability will show a larger EFP, suggesting that the link between eddy feedbacks and the signal‐to‐noise paradox could be due to sampling effects with the EFP. An alternative measure of eddy feedback, the barotropic energy generation rate, is less sensitive to sampling errors and delineates CMIP6 models that have weak, strong, or unbiased eddy feedbacks, but shows little relation to NAO variability.
The Spread of the Hunga Tonga H2O Plume in the Middle Atmosphere Over the First Two Years Since Eruption
Authors: Nedoluha Gerald E. , Gomez R. Michael , Boyd Ian , Neal Helen , Allen Douglas R. , Lambert Alyn
Published: June 2024

The eruption of Hunga in January 2022 injected a large amount of water into the stratosphere. Satellite measurements from Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) show that this water vapor (H2O) has now spread throughout the stratosphere and into the lower mesosphere, resulting in an increase of >1 ppmv throughout most of this region. Measurements from three ground‐based Water Vapor Millimeter Wave Spectrometer (WVMS) instruments and MLS are in good agreement, and show that in 2023 there was more H2O in the lower mesosphere than at any time since the WVMS measurements began in the 1990's. At Table Mountain, California all WVMS H2O measurements at 54 km since June 2023, and all of the measurements from Mauna Loa, Hawaii, since the resumption of measurements in September 2023, show larger mixing ratios than any previous measurements. At 70 km several recent WVMS retrievals since September 2023 show the largest anomalies ever measured. The MLS measurements show that maximum H2O anomalies over the 2004–2023 record have occurred throughout almost all of the stratosphere and lower mesosphere since the eruption. As of November 2023, almost all of the ∼140 Tg of water originally injected into the stratosphere by the Hunga eruption remains in the middle atmosphere at pressures below 83 hPa (altitudes above ∼17 km). The eruption occurred during a period when stratospheric H2O was already slightly elevated above the 2004–2021 MLS average, and the November 2023 anomaly of ∼160 Tg represents ∼15% of the total mass of H2O in this region.
Pyroptosis and mitochondrial function participated in miR-654-3p-protected against myocardial infarction
Authors: Wu Chan , Zhang Xiao-Cheng , Chen Lan-Ruo , Huang Hui-Zhu , Wu Wei-Yin , Wang Yan , Li Gang
Published: June 2024

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of heart failure with highly complicated pathogeneses. miR-654-3p has been recognized as a pivotal regulator of controlling cell survival. However, the function of miR-654-3p in cardiomyocytes and MI has yet to be reported. This study aimed to identify the role of miR-654-3p in the regulation of myocardial infarction. To understand the contribution of miR-654-3p on heart function, we generated cardiac-specific knockdown and overexpression mice using AAV9 technology in MI injury. Mechanically, we combined cellular and molecular techniques, pharmaceutical treatment, RNA sequencing, and functional testing to elucidate the potential pathological mechanisms. We identified that mice subjected to MI decreased the expression of miR-654-3p in the border and infarcted area. Mice lacking miR-654-3p in the heart showed some inflammation infiltration and myocardial fibrosis, resulting in a mild cardiac injury. Furthermore, we found a deficiency of miR-654-3p in cardiomyocytes resulted in pyroptotic cell death but not other programmed cell death. Intriguingly, miR-654-3p deficiency aggravated MI-induced cardiac dysfunction, accompanied by higher myocardial fibrosis and cardiac enzymes and augmented pyroptosis activation. Cardiac elevating miR-654-3p prevented myocardial fibrosis and inflammation infiltration and decreased pyroptosis profile, thereby attenuating MI-induced cardiac damage. Using RNA sequence and molecular biological approaches, we found overexpression of miR-654-3p in the heart promoted the metabolic ability of the cardiomyocytes by promoting mitochondrial metabolism and mitochondrial respiration function. Our finding identified the character of miR-654-3p in protecting against MI damage by mediating pyroptosis and mitochondrial metabolism. These findings provide a new mechanism for miR-654-3p involvement in the pathogenesis of MI and reveal novel therapeutic targets.
Global groundwater warming due to climate change
Authors: Benz Susanne A. , Irvine Dylan J. , Rau Gabriel C. , Bayer Peter , Menberg Kathrin , Blum Philipp , Jamieson Rob C. , Griebler Christian , Kurylyk Barret L.
Published: June 2024

Aquifers contain the largest store of unfrozen freshwater, making groundwater critical for life on Earth. Surprisingly little is known about how groundwater responds to surface warming across spatial and temporal scales. Focusing on diffusive heat transport, we simulate current and projected groundwater temperatures at the global scale. We show that groundwater at the depth of the water table (excluding permafrost regions) is conservatively projected to warm on average by 2.1 °C between 2000 and 2100 under a medium emissions pathway. However, regional shallow groundwater warming patterns vary substantially due to spatial variability in climate change and water table depth. The lowest rates are projected in mountain regions such as the Andes or the Rocky Mountains. We illustrate that increasing groundwater temperatures influences stream thermal regimes, groundwater-dependent ecosystems, aquatic biogeochemical processes, groundwater quality and the geothermal potential. Results indicate that by 2100 following a medium emissions pathway, between 77 million and 188 million people are projected to live in areas where groundwater exceeds the highest threshold for drinking water temperatures set by any country.
Harmonizing existing climate change mitigation policy datasets with a hybrid machine learning approach
Authors: Wu Libo , Huang Zhihao , Zhang Xing , Wang Yushi
Published: June 2024

With the rapid proliferation of climate policies in both number and scope, there is an increasing demand for a global-level dataset that provides multi-indicator information on policy elements and their implementation contexts. To address this need, we developed the Global Climate Change Mitigation Policy Dataset (GCCMPD) using a semisupervised hybrid machine learning approach, drawing upon policy information from global, regional, and sector-specific sources. Differing from existing climate policy datasets, the GCCMPD covers a large range of policies, amounting to 73,625 policies of 216 entities. Through the integration of expert knowledge-based dictionary mapping, probability statistics methods, and advanced natural language processing technology, the GCCMPD offers detailed classification of multiple indicators and consistent information on sectoral policy instruments. This includes insights into objectives, target sectors, instruments, legal compulsion, administrative entities, etc. By aligning with the sector classification of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emission datasets, the GCCMPD serves to help policy-makers, researchers, and social organizations gain a deeper understanding of the similarities and distinctions among climate activities across countries, sectors, and entities.
Single-cell transcriptome atlas of testes from mice with high-fat diets
Authors: Cao Wenbin , Zhang Yulin , Qi Jia , Zhang Yanru , Ding Ruike , Meng Bin , Zhao Juan , Luo Shiwei , Shen Chong , Duan Chenjin , Qin Hongyu , Ye Yun , Liu Enqi , Qu Pengxiang
Published: June 2024

Obesity is accompanied by multiple known health risks and increased morbidity, and obese men display reduced reproductive health. However, the impact of obesity on the testes at the molecular levels remain inadequately explored. This is partially attributed to the lack of monitoring tools for tracking alterations within cell clusters in testes associated with obesity. Here, we utilized single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze over 70,000 cells from testes of obese and lean mice, and to study changes related to obesity in non-spermatogenic cells and spermatogenesis. The Testicular Library encompasses all non-spermatogenic cells and spermatogenic cells spanning from spermatogonia to spermatozoa, which will significantly aid in characterizing alterations in cellular niches and the testicular microenvironment during high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. This comprehensive dataset is indispensable for studying how HFD disrupts cell-cell communication networks within the testis and impacts alterations in the testicular microenvironment that regulate spermatogenesis. Being the inaugural dataset of single-cell RNA-seq in the testes of diet-induced obese (DIO) mice, this holds the potential to offer innovative insights and directions in the realm of single-cell transcriptomics concerning male reproductive injury associated with HFD.
Chromosome-level genome assembly of the snakefly Mongoloraphidia duomilia (Raphidioptera: Raphidiidae)
Authors: Shen Rongrong , Sylvester Terrence , Shin Na Ra , Zhan Zhihong , Jin Jianfeng , Yang Ding , McKenna Duane D. , Liu Xingyue
Published: June 2024

Raphidioptera (snakeflies) are a holometabolan order with the least species diversity but play a pivotal role in understanding the origin of complete metamorphosis. Here, we provide an annotated, chromosome-level reference genome assembly for an Asian endemic snakefly Mongoloraphidia duomilia (Yang, 1998) of the family Raphidiidae, assembled using PacBio HiFi and Hi-C data from female specimens. The resulting assembly is 653.56 Mb, of which 97.90% is anchored into 13 chromosomes. The scaffold N50 is 53.50 Mb, and BUSCO completeness is 97.80%. Repetitive elements comprise 64.31% of the genome (366.04 Mb). We identified 599 noncoding RNAs and predicted 11,141 protein-coding genes in the genome (97.70% BUSCO completeness). The new snakefly genome will facilitate comparison of genome architecture across Neuropterida and Holometabola and shed light on the ecological and evolutionary transitions between Neuropterida and Coleopterida.
A longitudinal qualitative study on physician experience in managing multimorbidity across the COVID-19 pandemic in Odisha, India
Authors: Mahapatra Pranab , Sahoo Krushna Chandra , Pati Sanghamitra
Published: June 2024

While many studies have documented adverse impact of multiple chronic conditions or multimorbidity on COVID-19 outcomes in patients, there is scarcity of report on how physicians managed these patients. We investigated the experiences and challenges of clinicians in managing patients with multimorbidity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in Odisha state, India. To understand the factors influencing illness management and the adaptive responses of physicians alongside the evolving pandemic, we followed a longitudinal qualitative study design. Twenty-three physicians comprising general practitioners, specialists, and intensivists, were telephonically interviewed in-depth. Saldana’s longitudinal qualitative data analysis method was employed for data analysis. COVID-19 pandemic initially diverted the attention of health systems, resulting in reduced care. With time, the physicians overcame fear, anxiety, and feelings of vulnerability to COVID-19 and started prioritising patients with multimorbidity for treatment and vaccination. All physicians recommended teleconsultation and digital health records to benefit chronic illness care during future public health crises. The findings underscore the transformative potential of physician resilience and adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing patients with multimorbidity, incorporating teleconsultation, and implementing digital health records in healthcare systems to enhance chronic illness care and preparedness for future public health crises.
The role of embodied cognition in action language comprehension in L1 and L2
Authors: Garello Stefana , Ferroni Francesca , Gallese Vittorio , Ardizzi Martina , Cuccio Valentina
Published: June 2024

In this study we carried out a behavioral experiment comparing action language comprehension in L1 (Italian) and L2 (English). Participants were Italian native speakers who had acquired the second language late (after the age of 10). They performed semantic judgments on L1 and L2 literal, idiomatic and metaphorical action sentences after viewing a video of a hand performing an action that was related or unrelated to the verb used in the sentence. Results showed that responses to literal and metaphorical L1 sentences were faster when the action depicted was related to the verb used rather than when the action depicted was unrelated to the verb used. No differences were found for the idiomatic condition. In L2 we found that all responses to the three conditions were facilitated when the action depicted was related to the verb used. Moreover, we found that the difference between the unrelated and the related modalities was greater in L2 than in L1 for the literal and the idiomatic condition but not for the metaphorical condition. These findings are consistent with the embodied cognition hypothesis of language comprehension.
Parallel detection of multiple biomarkers in a point-of-care-competent device for the prediction of exacerbations in chronic inflammatory lung disease
Authors: Röckendorf Niels , Ramaker Katrin , Gaede Karoline , Tappertzhofen Kristof , Lunding Lars , Wegmann Michael , Horbert Peter , Weber Karina , Frey Andreas
Published: June 2024

Sudden aggravations of chronic inflammatory airway diseases are difficult-to-foresee life-threatening episodes for which advanced prognosis-systems are highly desirable. Here we present an experimental chip-based fluidic system designed for the rapid and sensitive measurement of biomarkers prognostic for potentially imminent asthma or COPD exacerbations. As model biomarkers we chose three cytokines (interleukin-6, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor alpha), the bacterial infection marker C-reactive protein and the bacterial pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae—all relevant factors in exacerbation episodes. Assay protocols established in laboratory environments were adapted to 3D-printed fluidic devices with emphasis on short processing times, low reagent consumption and a low limit of detection in order to enable the fluidic system to be used in point-of-care settings. The final device demonstrator was validated with patient sample material for its capability to detect endogenous as well as exogenous biomarkers in parallel.
ML for fast assimilation of wall-pressure measurements from hypersonic flow over a cone
Authors: Morra Pierluigi , Meneveau Charles , Zaki Tamer A.
Published: June 2024

Data assimilation (DA) integrates experimental measurements into computational models to enable high-fidelity predictions of dynamical systems. However, the cost associated with solving this inverse problem, from measurements to the state, can be prohibitive for complex systems such as transitional hypersonic flows. We introduce an accurate and efficient deep-learning approach that alleviates this computational burden, and that enables approximately three orders of magnitude computational acceleration relative to variational techniques. Our method pivots on the deployment of a deep operator network (DeepONet) as an accurate, parsimonious and efficient meta-model of the compressible Navier–Stokes equations. The approach involves two main steps, each addressing specific challenges. Firstly, we reduce the computational load by minimizing the number of costly direct numerical simulations to construct a comprehensive dataset for effective supervised learning. This is achieved by optimally sampling the space of possible solutions. Secondly, we expedite the computation of high-dimensional assimilated solutions by deploying the DeepONet. This entails efficiently navigating the DeepONet’s approximation of the cost landscape using a gradient-free technique. We demonstrate the successful application of this method for data assimilation of wind-tunnel measurements of a Mach 6, transitional, boundary-layer flow over a 7-degree half-angle cone.