bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The connection between anemia and limitations in daily activities among older males: the critical role of dynapenia
Authors: Karismaz Abdulkadir , Soysal Pinar , Eren Rafet , Serin Istemi , Aslan Ceyda , Rahmati Masoud , Yon Dong Keon , Smith Lee
Published: October 2024

Aim

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between anemia and basic and instrumental activities of daily living in older male patients.

Methods

A total of 223 older males attending one geriatric outpatient clinic were included in this cross-sectional study. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin level below 13 g/dL. Patients’ demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and comprehensive geriatric assessment parameters were also recorded. Handgrip strength of < 27 kg for males was accepted as dynapenia. Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) questionnaires were used to evaluate functional capacity.

Results

The mean age (standard deviation) of the participants was 80.17 (7.69) years. The prevalence of patients with anemia was 43.9%. There was differences between anemic and non-anemic groups in terms of presence of diabetes mellitus (DM), congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic kidney disease (CKD), malnutrition, dynapenia, geriatric depression, BADL and IADL scores (all p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, after adjusting for all confounding variables except for dynapenia, patients with anemia were associated with reduced BADL and IADL (all p < 0.05). After adjusting for all confounding variables including dynapenia, deterioration in total BADL and IADL scores did not remain significant in the anemic group compared to the non-anemic group (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Close to one in two older outpatient men had anemia. Anemic men had a higher incidence of DM, CHF, CKD, malnutrition, geriatric depression and dynapenia. Anemia was associated with dependence in both BADL and IADL in older men. However, comorbidities, nutritional status, depressive mood and, specifically muscle strength, were important contributors to this association.
Disability trends among elderly Ukrainians in war conditions: a 10-year retrospective study
Authors: Kyrychenko Alla , Khanyukova Inna , Moroz Olena , Sirenko Oksana , Kuryata Olexandr
Published: October 2024

Aim

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in elderly are a significant problem in Ukraine. It is expected that the ongoing war will augment this problem. The study aimed to analyze the trends of disability due to NCDs s in newly-diagnosed elderly patients between 2013 and 2023.

Methods

This retrospective study included data obtained from the official document “Report on the Causes of Disability and Indications for Medical, Professional, and Social Rehabilitation” commissioned by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. The data on disability due to NCDs s were obtained from for 2013–2023.

Results

During the 2013–2021 the average number of disabled elderly patients due to NCDs per 10,000 elderly persons was significantly lower in compare with working-age. During the first year of full-scaled war the average number of disabled elderly patients due to NCDS s per 10,000 elderly persons dramatically increased by 2-fold, and in 2023 – by 2.8-fold against 2013 value (p < 0.05), while in working-age the disability rate increased significantly only in 2023 by 1.4-fold compared to the pre-war level. In 2013–2021 the main causes of disability among those related to NCDs in elderly were cardiovascular diseases, followed by cancer. In 2022 compared to the pre-war level, the indicators of disability of the elderly due to CVD increased by 1.5 times, due to cerebrovascular diseases - by 2.2 times, due to cancer - by 1.7 times, due to musculoskeletal diseases - by 2 times (p < 0.05). The most significant increase in the number of elderly people with disabilities during the full-scale war occurred due to coronary artery disease - by 55.1%, and osteoarthritis - by 83.4% from baseline in 2013. It estemated the differences in indicators of disability of elderly between regions of Ukraine, significantly higher indicators of disability of the elderly due to cardiovascular diseases, cancer, cerebrovascular diseases, musculoskeletal diseases were noted in the frontline regions.

Conclusions

Data on primary disability among elderly Ukrainians indicates a significant increase in NCDs-related disability during the war in compare with working population, especially in frontline regions and regions with a high concentration of displaced persons. In this structure of NCDs-related increasing disability, CVD, oncology and musculoskeletal diseases system prevailed.
Dynapenic abdominal obesity and activities of daily living disability among older adults residing in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Smith Lee , López Sánchez Guillermo F. , Soysal Pinar , Kostev Karel , Jacob Louis , Veronese Nicola , Tully Mark A. , Butler Laurie , Barnett Yvonne , Pizzol Damiano , Shin Jae Il , Koyanagi Ai
Published: October 2024

Background

Dynapenic abdominal obesity (DAO) may be associated with an increased risk of disability. However, to date, this has not been investigated in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), while the mediators are largely unknown.

Aims

Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between DAO and activities of daily living (ADL) disability, and to identify potential mediators among older adults from six LMICs.

Methods

Cross-sectional, nationally representative data from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health were analyzed. Data on 20,198 adults aged ≥ 60 years were analyzed [mean (SD) age 69.3 (13.1) years; 54.1% females]. Dynapenia was defined as handgrip strength of < 26 kg for men and < 16 kg for women. Abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference of > 88 cm for women and > 102 cm for men. DAO was defined as having both dynapenia and abdominal obesity. Disability was defined as severe or extreme difficulty in conducting at least one of six types of ADL. Multivariable logistic regression and mediation analysis were conducted.

Results

Compared to no dynapenia and no abdominal obesity, DAO was significantly associated with 2.08 (95%CI = 1.37–3.17) times higher odds for ADL disability Mediation analysis showed that diabetes (mediated percentage 4.7%), hypertension (7.2%), and angina (7.7%) were significant mediators in the association between DAO and ADL disability.

Conclusions

DAO was associated with increased odds for ADL disability among older adults from LMICs. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to assess temporal associations, and whether addressing or preventing DAO can impact on future occurrence of disability.
Dynamic changes in hs-CRP and risk of all-cause mortality among middle-aged and elderly adults: findings from a nationwide prospective cohort and mendelian randomization
Authors: Wang Zhonghai , Xiong Feng , Zhang Quanbo , Wang Han
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The general population experiences mortality rates that are related to high levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). We aim to assess the linkage of longitudinal trajectories in hs-CRP levels with all-cause mortality in Chinese participants.

Methods

We utilized data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The exposures were dynamic changes in the hs-CRP and cumulative hs-CRP from 2012 to 2015, and the outcome was all-cause mortality. All participants were categorized into four trajectories according to hs-CRP levels. Multivariable logistic regression analysis, adjusted for potential confounders, was employed to evaluate the relationship of different trajectories of hs-CRP with mortality risk. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) method and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) for identifying determinants of mortality risk were also employed.

Results

The study included 5,445 participants with 233 deaths observed, yielding a mortality proportion of 4.28%. Compared to individuals maintaining low, stable levels of hs-CRP (Class 1), individuals with sustained elevated levels of hs-CRP (Class 4), those experiencing a progressive rise in hs-CRP levels (Class 2), or those transitioning from elevated to reduced hs-CRP levels (Class 3) all faced a significantly heighted death risk, with adjusted Odds Ratios (ORs) ranging from 2.34 to 2.47 across models. Moreover, a non-linear relationship was found between them. Further TSMR analysis also supported these findings. SHAP showed that hs-CRP was the fifth most important determinant of mortality risk.

Conclusions

Our study shows all-cause mortality increases with dynamic changes in hs-CRP levels among middle-aged and elderly adults in China, and cumulative hs-CRP shows an L-shaped relationship with all-cause mortality.
Zur Aufhebung des Verbots regionaler Werbung für bundeweit sendende Fernsehsender
Authors: Breiderhoff Xenia Fee , Dewenter Ralf
Published: October 2024

Bundesweit sendenden Rundfunkunternehmen ist es nach dem Medienstaatsvertrag (§ 7, Absatz 11 MStV) untersagt, „nichtbundesweite Rundfunkwerbung“ zu verbreiten. Das sogenannte Verbot regionaler Werbung wurde zwar vom Europäischen Gerichtshof als europarechtswidrig erklärt (C-555/19, 03.02.2021), dennoch sind sich die deutschen Gerichte nicht einige, ob das Verbot weiterhin anzuwenden ist. Auch ist bisher keine Anpassung des nationalen Rechts erfolgt. Der vorliegende Beitrag diskutiert die möglichen Auswirkungen eines Wegfalls des Verbots. Er kommt zu dem Ergebnis, dass dadurch Effizienzen gehoben und der Wettbewerb intensiviert werden würde. Auch ist nicht damit zu rechnen, dass es zu einer Einschränkung der Vielfalt durch starke Marktaustritte der lokalen Fernsehsender käme. Vielmehr geraten bundesweite Rundfunkprogramme als auch lokale und regionale Radiosender immer mehr durch die lokale Werbung der öffentlich-rechtlichen Sender in Bedrängnis. Wir plädieren daher für eine Aufhebung des Verbots regionaler Werbung und ebenfalls für ein Werbeverbot von öffentlich-rechtlichen Programmen.
Evaluation of asphalt mixtures modified with polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Authors: Fahmy Elsayed Adel , Youssef Ahmed Mohammed , Ali Esraa Emam , Algabry Ahmed , Elbagalati Omar
Published: October 2024

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste, ubiquitous in packaging and shipping industries, offers logistical advantages through its lightweight, durable nature, fostering cost-effective transportation. However, concerns over PET’s environmental impact arise from its persistence in ecosystems and contribution to pollution, urging industries to prioritize responsible waste management and recycling strategies. Recognizing the pivotal role of the construction industry, leveraging PET recycling in asphalt mixtures presents an applicable solution to curtail the environmental footprint of PET waste. Roadway asphalt construction, a significant industry, holds substantial potential to integrate PET waste into asphalt, offering a promising avenue for sustainable waste utilization. This research investigates the integration of PET waste into Egyptian asphalt mixtures across nine distinct compositions, varying binder percentages (3.0%, 3.50%, and 4%) and PET ratios (6%, 7%, and 8%). Marshall and Hamburg Wheel Rutting tests were conducted, comparing these formulations against a control mix devoid of PET. Notably, optimal outcomes emerged from the 3% binder with 8% PET combination, exhibiting enhanced mix stability and stiffness while meeting established mix design standards, signifying promising improvements in sustainability without compromising performance metrics.
Von Frankreich lernen
Authors: Busch Nicolai
Published: October 2024

Der Beitrag beleuchtet die länderübergreifenden Entstehungs- und Ausdifferenzierungsprozesse neurechter Literaturpolitik in Deutschland und Frankreich seit den 1950er Jahren. Aus einer netzwerktheoretisch informierten Perspektive werden die kunst- und literaturpolitischen Positionen sowie die deutsch-französischen Verbindungen des neurechten Vordenkers Armin Mohler erschlossen, die in deutschen und französischen Zeitschriften der Neuen Rechten über Jahrzehnte kollektiv fortentwickelt und propagiert worden sind.
Clean vs green: the impact of reading short stories on sustainable and healthy cleaning behaviours
Authors: McIlroy Rich C. , Baden Denise A. , Brown Jeremy , Gauthier Stephanie M. , Swierczynski Janusz , Wilks Sandra A.
Published: October 2024

Fact-based information campaigns aimed at encouraging more sustainable behaviour have typically resulted in minor effects that tend not to last. Scholars in the fields of entertainment education have proposed storytelling as an alternative strategy. Most existing studies have focused on health communication, but there is increasing interest in exploring storytelling to promote pro-environmental behaviours. Our focus in this study are behaviours which have both health and environmental implications: personal cleaning, household cleaning, and laundry. In a study using both quantitative and qualitative analyses (from a survey to which 77 individuals responded), we find that messages embedded into a short story significantly changed behavioural intentions in readers across all three domains. Readers reported gaining knowledge from the stories, in terms of the specific products and practices that one could undertake and with respect to the commonly held misconception that aggressive cleaning practices in the home (e.g., high temperatures, strong chemicals) are beneficial to human health. Results have implications for interventions aimed at promoting behaviours that have joint benefits for human and environmental health.
Marital Contracts on the Fault Lines: A Liberal Inquiry
Authors: Lifshitz Shahar , Rivlin Ram
Published: October 2024

The revolution in Western family law over the past 50 years—often described as ‘liberalization’—involves a decrease in the importance of fault-based factors alongside an increase in the significance of marital contracts. While these two trends generally complement each other, they may conflict when a couple seeks to assign economic consequences to sexual fault through a contract. Should such an agreement be legally enforceable? Which aligns more with a ‘true liberal’ perspective: advocating against fault or for the use of contracts? This paper suggests a new approach that goes beyond simply determining which trend should prevail. We illustrate how the perceived conflict between proponents of sexual liberalization and proponents of contractual liberalization could be resolved by identifying the underlying reasons that motivate each ‘camp’, proposing potential legal mechanisms and specific legal contexts in which broad agreement might be reached, and explicating the multidimensionality of family law liberalization.
A model proposal for qualitative data analysis, interpretation, and reporting: contextuality, reflectivity, and narrativity
Authors: Gülpınar Mehmet Ali
Published: October 2024

Rationale:

From education to healthcare and management processes, it is important to address the experience in health within its own complexity, context, and uniqueness. At this point, qualitative studies come to the fore and this increases the need for practical guides and models for qualitative studies. Qualitative studies have a paradigm that is different from quantitative research and its paradigm ontologically, epistemologically, and methodologically. These differences are reflected in the design of the research as well as the analysis, interpretation, and reporting of qualitative data. From such a point of view, this paper first briefly outlines the design process of qualitative studies and then proposes a model for the analysis, interpretation, and reporting of qualitative data.

Conceptual/theoretical framework:

The three core concepts of the model are ‘contextuality’, ‘reflectivity’, and ‘narrativity’. Such a conceptual/theoretical framework transforms qualitative data analysis, interpretation, and reporting processes into processes that are carried out with a reflective approach within their specific contexts.

Model:

Taking this into account, by considering a contextual, reflective, and narrative approach, two frameworks, namely, the ‘Contextual (Multiple) Reading and Analysis Framework’ consisting of three stages and seven steps, and the ‘Contextual Understanding, Interpretation and Reporting Framework’ consisting of four stages, were developed. This provides a practical guide to contextual and reflective data analysis, interpretation, and reporting for the use of those conducting qualitative studies.
Athlete Portraits in News: Influence of Media Representation and Gender on Social Perception
Authors: Herrera Antonio , Sánchez-Hernández M. Dolores , Herrera M. Carmen , Expósito Francisca
Published: October 2024

Previous literature suggests that in masculinized domains, a stereotypical portrayal of women has a negative impact on society’s perception of them. However, the influence of media representation on people’s perceptions of athletes depending on their gender, as well as its possible consequences for both men and women, remains unexplored in the sports sphere. Through two experimental studies employing a scenario methodology, we aimed to address this gap in the literature: In Study 1 (N = 190), we tested the influence of the media’s representation (focused on the professional field vs. extraprofessional field) and the athlete’s gender (man vs. woman) on perceptions, and in Study 2 (N = 625), we examined the effect of gender for an athlete receiving media coverage focused on the extraprofessional field. Study 1’s results showed that when media representation was based on the professional (vs. extraprofessional) field, participants perceived the news as more credible, believed that the media valued the athlete’s capacity to a greater extent, and attributed more merit to the athlete. Moreover, Study 2, focused on an extraprofessional field, indicated that when a man athlete (vs. woman athlete) was portrayed, participants were more likely to consider the news content accurate, which, in turn, was associated with a higher attribution of competence to the athlete and a higher intention to consume sports media in the future. The study will hopefully help reduce beliefs about existing stereotypes as well as discrimination against women, whether in sports or in any other field (e.g., professionally or in education).
Tropospheric Response to Gulf Stream Intrinsic Variability: A Model Ensemble Approach
Authors: Chakravorty Soumi , Czaja Arnaud , Parfitt Rhys , Dewar William K.
Published: October 2024

The Gulf Stream's (GS) impact on the marine boundary layer (MBL) is well established, yet the mechanisms and timescales through which it affects the upper‐troposphere and contributes to precipitation are debatable. Using a high‐resolution regional atmospheric model, we shed light on the impact of ocean intrinsic variability (OIV) along GS on midlatitude‐atmosphere. Taking advantage of a 24‐member ensemble of ocean model integrations, we devised a novel experimental setup where the same weather system feels different realizations of GS sea surface temperature (SST). We introduce the “Eddy Recharge‐Frontal Lift” (ERFL) mechanism, highlighting the joint importance of synoptic variability and boundary layer processes. ERFL mechanism proposes that OIV recharges/discharges MBL with moisture and heat, while convergence associated with passing atmospheric‐fronts uplifts these MBL‐trapped anomalies to upper‐troposphere and imprints on precipitation in surprisingly short periods (a month). The impact of OIV on precipitation depends on the background mean SST.
Downstream Control on the Stability of River Bifurcations
Authors: Durante Lorenzo , Bolla Pittaluga Michele , Porcile Gaetano , Tambroni Nicoletta
Published: October 2024

River bifurcations are prevalent features in both gravel‐bed and sand‐bed fluvial systems, including braiding networks, anabranches and deltas. Therefore, gaining insight into their morphological evolution is important to understand the impact they have on the adjoining environment. While previous investigations have primarily focused on the influence on bifurcation morphodynamics by upstream channels, recent research has highlighted the importance of downstream controls. In particular, in the case of rivers, current linear stability analyses for a simple bifurcation are unable to capture the stabilizing effect of branches length unless a confluence is added downstream. In this work, we introduce a novel theoretical model that effectively accounts for the effects of downstream branch length in a single bifurcation. To substantiate our findings, a series of fully 2D numerical simulations are carried out to test different branches lengths. Results from linear stability analysis show that bifurcation stability increases as the branches length decreases. These results are confirmed by the numerical simulations, which also show that, as the branch length tends to vanish, bifurcations are invariably stable. Finally, our results interestingly reveal that when a source of asymmetry, such as a free surface gradient or channel area advantage, is present at the node, there are scenarios in which the less‐favored branch becomes dominant over the hydraulically favored branch.
Description and Evaluation of the CNRM‐Cerfacs Climate Prediction System (C3PS)
Authors: Sanchez‐Gomez E. , Séférian R. , Batté L. , Berthet S. , Cassou C. , Dewitte B. , Moine M M. P. , Msadek R. , Prodhomme C. , Santana‐Falcón Y. , Terray L. , Voldoire A.
Published: October 2024

The CNRM‐Cerfacs Climate Prediction System (C3PS) is a new research modeling tool for performing climate reanalyzes and seasonal‐to‐multiannual predictions for a wide array of Earth system variables. C3PS is based on the CNRM‐ESM2‐1 model including interactive aerosols and stratospheric chemistry schemes as well as terrestrial and marine biogeochemistry enabling a comprehensive representation of the global carbon cycle. C3PS operates through a seamless coupled initialization for the atmosphere, land, ocean, sea ice and biogeochemistry components that allows a continuum of predictions across seasonal to multiannual time‐scales. C3PS has also contributed to the Decadal Climate Prediction Project (DCPP‐A) as part of the sixth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6). Here we describe the main characteristics of this novel Earth system‐based prediction platform, including the methodological steps for obtaining initial states to produce forecasts. We evaluate the entire C3PS initialization procedure with the most up‐to‐date observations and reanalyzes over 1960–2021, and we discuss the overall performance of the system in the light of the lessons learned from previous and actual prediction platforms. Regarding the forecast skill, C3PS exhibits comparable seasonal predictive skill to other systems. At the multiannual scale, C3PS shows significant predictive skill in surface temperature during the first 2 years after initialization in several regions of the world. C3PS also exhibits potential predictive skill in Net primary production (NPP) and carbon fluxes several years in advance. This expands the possibility of applications of forecasting systems, such as the possibility of performing multiannual predictions of marine ecosystems and carbon cycle.
Torrents of Sediment-Laden Water Worsened Disastrous Libyan Floods
Authors: Cutts Elise
Published: October 2024

Drought followed by torrential rain can unleash deadly floods in arid regions, like those that affected Libya in 2023.
Paleomagnetic Secular Variations in North Greenland Around 81°N Over the Last 6,000 Years
Authors: Girard Juliette , Reilly Brendan T. , St‐Onge Guillaume , Lagroix France , Montero‐Serrano Jean‐Carlos , Stoner Joesph S. , Jennings Anne E.
Published: October 2024

We investigate full vector paleomagnetic changes recorded in high‐resolution sediments of Petermann Fjord, North Greenland, deposited over the last 6 kyr, in the context of the recent rapid changes in the geomagnetic field. A Paleomagnetic Secular Variation (PSV) stack (inclination, declination, and relative paleointensity) was reconstructed using four marine sediment cores with an independent age model constrained by seven radiocarbon ages. Magnetic investigations demonstrate that the paleomagnetic signal is carried by low coercivity ferrimagnetic minerals and is well reproduced in all cores, attesting to the quality and reliability of the paleomagnetic recording of these sediments. This signal is broadly consistent in directional changes with distant records in North America and the northern North Atlantic at centennial and millennial timescales, and has millennial scale intensity variations that are consistent with model predictions. The offset between a magnetization age determined through comparison with a northern North Atlantic PSV reference curve, GREENICE, and the radiocarbon age model indicates either a reasonable lock‐in depth of magnetization (∼11 cm from the coretop) or centennial‐scale reservoir age variation through time in the fjord. Reconstructed virtual geomagnetic pole (VGP) migration for the last 6 kyr shows that the recent migration of the magnetic North Pole is consistent with secular paleomagnetic variations on geologic timescales. Our results suggest that magnetic field intensity variations (temporal and spatial) are linked to magnetic flux lobe dynamics and influence the VGP migration.
Radiogenic Strontium‐ and Uranium‐Isotope Tracers of Water‐Rock Interactions and Hydrothermal Flow in the Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone Plateau Volcanic Field, USA
Authors: Paces James B. , Hurwitz Shaul , Harrison Lauren N. , Lowenstern Jacob B. , McCleskey R. Blaine
Published: October 2024

Natural radiogenic isotopes (primarily 87Sr/86Sr) from hot springs in the Upper Geyser Basin of the Yellowstone Plateau volcanic field and associated rocks were used to evaluate groundwater flow patterns, water‐rock reactions, and the extent of mixing between various groundwater sources. Thermal waters have very low uranium concentrations and 234U/238U activity ratios near 1.0, which limit their utility as tracers in this reducing setting. Thermal waters have higher Sr concentrations (<22 ng/g) and a wide range of 87Sr/86Sr values that vary both temporally at individual discharge sites and between adjacent springs, indicating that conduits tap different subsurface reservoirs to varying degrees. Sr from local rhyolites have 87Sr/86Sr compositions that bound the range of values observed in groundwater throughout the basin. Non‐boiling springs on the west flank of the basin discharge water with low 87Sr/86Sr consistent with flow through young volcanic rocks exposed at the surface. Boiling springs in the central basin have higher 87Sr/86Sr values reflecting interactions with older, more radiogenic volcanic rocks. Variability in upwelling thermal waters requires mixing with a low 87Sr/86Sr component derived from young lava or glacial sediments, or more likely, from deeper sources of hot groundwater circulating through buried Lava Creek Tuff having intermediate 87Sr/86Sr. Isotope data constrain basin‐wide output of thermal water to 110–140 kg·s−1. Results underscore the utility of radiogenic Sr isotopes as valuable tracers of hydrothermal flow patterns and improve the understanding of temperature‐dependent water‐rock reactions in one of the largest continental hydrothermal systems on Earth.
Rhenium Isotopes Record Oxidative Weathering Intensity in Sedimentary Rocks
Authors: Dickson A. J. , Hilton R. G. , Prytulak J. , Minisini D. , Eldrett J. S. , Dellinger M. , Stow M. , Wang W.
Published: October 2024

Oxidative weathering of organic carbon in sedimentary rocks is a major source of CO2 to the atmosphere over geological timescales, but the size of this emission pathway in Earth's past has not been directly quantified due to a lack of available proxy approaches. We have measured the rhenium isotope composition of organic‐rich rocks sampled from unweathered drill cores and weathered outcrops in south Texas, whose stratigraphic successions can be tightly correlated. Oxidative weathering of more than 90% of the organic carbon and ∼85% of the rhenium is accompanied by a shift to lower rhenium isotope compositions in the weathered outcrops. The calculated isotope composition of rhenium weathered from the initial bedrock for individual samples varies systematically by ∼0.7‰ with different fractions of rhenium loss. This variation can be empirically modeled with isotope fractionation factors of α = 1.0002–1.0008. Our results indicate that the isotope composition of rhenium delivered to the oceans can be altered by weathering intensity of rock organic matter and that the rhenium isotope composition of seawater is sensitive to past oxidative weathering and associated CO2 emissions.
Shifts in Maritime Trade Routes as a Result of Red Sea Shipping Crisis Detected in TROPOMI NO2 Data
Authors: Pseftogkas A. , Stavrakou T. , Müller J.‐F. , Koukouli M.‐E. , Balis D. , Meleti C.
Published: October 2024

Observations from space‐borne spectrometers have been lately used to quantify shipping emissions of nitrogen oxides (ΝΟΧ). Here we present a method that enhances the shipping signal of NO2 TROPOspheric MOnitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) satellite sensor observations in order to assess the impact of the Red Sea ship attacks on NO2 levels in three important shipping routes along the Red Sea, the Cape of Good Hope, and the Gibraltar Strait. Major shipping carriers, sailing usually via the Red Sea, have responded to the attacks by transiting their fleet around the African continent. The shipping signal from TROPOMI declines by ∼55% in the Red Sea and ∼15% in the Gibraltar Strait while an increase of ∼40% is found off the South African coast between January–June 2024 and the same period in 2023. These changes correlate well with vessel statistics, demonstrating the ability to track abrupt changes in NO2 shipping levels with satellite measurements.
Sedimentary 17O‐Nitrate Evidence for Phanerozoic Aridity and Humidity Oscillations in South China
Authors: Fan Wei‐Guo , Liu Xue‐Yan , Zhou Mingzhong , Song Wei , Hu Yongyun , Shen Yanan , Liu Cong‐Qiang
Published: October 2024

Climate changes are known to have been a key regulator of the biodiversity in Earth's history. However, the dry‐humid degrees and alternating patterns throughout the Phanerozoic remain largely unconstrained. In this study, we report high contents (2.4 ± 3.8 mg N kg−1) and 17O anomalies (11.0 ± 7.4‰) of nitrate (NO3−) in the early Cambrian black shale from South China, likely caused by atmospheric NO3− intrusion under dry climates that followed tectonic uplift. By developing new methods to quantify aridity indices (AI, 0.06 ± 0.08) in combination with observational data with paleoclimate models, we reconstructed the historical AI variations. Our analyses revealed three significant dry‐to‐humid transitions which include Cambrian‐Ordovician to Silurian‐Permian, Permian‐Triassic boundary to middle Triassic‐early Jurassic, and Jurassic‐Paleogene to Neogene. This study quantitatively unlocked the Phanerozoic climate changes in South China, offering important evidence for understanding the co‐evolution of ecological and climatic systems in Earth's history.
Classifying Magnetic Reconnection Regions Using k‐Means Clustering: Applications to Energy Partition
Authors: Waters Cara L. , Eastwood Jonathan P. , Fargette Naïs , Newman David L. , Goldman Martin V.
Published: October 2024

Magnetic reconnection is a fundamental plasma process which facilitates the conversion of magnetic energy to particle energies. This local process both contributes to and is affected by a larger system, being dependent on plasma conditions and transporting energy around the system, such as Earth's magnetosphere. When studying the reconnection process with in situ spacecraft data, it can be difficult to determine where spacecraft are in relation to the reconnection structure. In this work, we use k‐means clustering, an unsupervised machine learning technique, to identify regions in a 2.5‐D PIC simulation of symmetric magnetic reconnection with conditions comparable to those observed in Earth's magnetotail. This allows energy flux densities to be attributed to these regions. The ion enthalpy flux density is the most dominant form of energy flux density in the outflows, agreeing with previous studies. Poynting flux density may be dominant at some points in the outflows and is only half that of the Poynting flux density in the separatrices. The proportion of outflowing particle energy flux decreases as guide field increases. We find that k‐means is beneficial for analyzing data and comparing between simulations and in situ data. This demonstrates an approach which may be applied to large volumes of data to determine statistically different regions within phenomena in simulations and could be extended to in situ observations, applicable to future multi‐point missions.
Climatology of Orographic Precipitation Gradients Over High Mountain Asia Derived From Dynamical Downscaling
Authors: Wolvin S. , Strong C. , Rupper S. , Steenburgh W. J.
Published: October 2024

Within High Mountain Asia (HMA), the annual melting of glaciers and snowpack provides vital freshwater to populations living downstream. Precipitation over HMA can directly affect the freshwater availability in this region by altering the mass balance of glaciers and snowpack. However, available reanalyses and downscaling simulations lack the resolution required to understand important glacier‐scale variations in precipitation. This study aimed to determine the current characteristics of orographic precipitation gradients (OPG) by curve‐fitting daily precipitation as a function of elevation from a 15‐year, 4‐km grid spaced Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model simulation focused on the Himalayan, Karakoram, and Hindu‐Kush mountain ranges. To facilitate precipitation curve‐fitting, the WRF model grid points were separated into regions of similar orientation, referred to as facets. Akaike Information Criterion‐corrected values and an F‐test p‐value identified the need for a curvature term to account for a varying OPG with elevation. Regions with similar seasonal variability were found using ‐means clustering of the monthly mean OPG coefficients. The central Himalayan slope's intra‐seasonal variability of OPG depended on synoptic scale conditions, in which cyclonically‐forced heavy‐precipitation events produced strong sublinear increases in precipitation with elevation. Initial testing of precipitation estimates using monthly coefficients showed promising results in downscaling daily WRF precipitation; the daily mean absolute error at each grid point had a lower magnitude than the daily mean precipitation total, on average. Results provide a physically‐based context for machine learning algorithms being developed to predict OPG and downscale precipitation output from global climate models over HMA.
Numerical Insights Into Gobi Wind‐Blown Sand: Deriving a Saltation Flux Scheme
Authors: Zhang C. , Wang Y. , Huang N. , Dun H. C.
Published: October 2024

Dust emissions from land‐air interaction in arid and semi‐arid regions are crucial for predicting the global dust cycle. However, a comprehensive understanding of the complex physical mechanisms contributing to dust emissions from Gobi surfaces remains elusive. The expansive Gobi Desert, spanning northern China and Mongolia, significantly intensifies sandstorms in East Asia. Although researchers use models to study global dust transport, current models primarily depend on the aerodynamic roughness of the Gobi Desert. They often overlook the particle‐bed collision processes unique to the Gobi bed surface, which differ significantly from those of desert surfaces, thus compromising the accuracy of global dust cycle simulations. In this article, we establish a numerical model for drift sand in the Gobi based on existing theoretical and experimental studies. The model accurately simulates the wind‐blown sand in the Gobi and been used to investigate the saltation structure of sand transport. Simulations reveal an exponential decay of mass concentration with height, with an average attenuation rate of 0.00385 in the Gobi compared to 0.00806 in sandy deserts. The horizontal velocity of saltating particles increases with height following a power law. Through quantitative analysis of this structure, we present a saltation flux formula suitable for the Gobi.
Geologic Evolution of Imdr Regio, Venus: Insight Into the Origin of a Possible Young/Active Hot Spot
Authors: López I. , Jiménez‐Díaz A. , Martín L. , D’Incecco P. , Lang N. P. , Di Achille G.
Published: October 2024

Large topographic rises on Venus are regions thought to be formed in response to the presence of a mantle plume or mantle upwelling, equivalent to hot spots on Earth. In this work, we study the geology and evolution of one of these large topographic rises, Imdr Regio, based on geologic mapping and analysis of geophysical data of the area. Imdr Regio presents a complex structure with two very different areas: (a) an elevated southeast area that is dominated by volcanism associated with Idunn Mons, a large volcano that has been proposed as a site of recent or even active volcanism; (b) another elevated area in the northwest area that also has a large volcano (Arasy Mons), but that is dominated by volcanism and tectonic activity associated with the formation of the Olapa Chasma rift system. These two very differentiated topographically elevated areas also exhibit differences in their geology, volcanic and tectonic style, and geophysical characteristics, which leads us to suggest that more than the classic volcano‐dominated rise classification attributed to Imdr Regio the area could rather be considered as an intermediate or hybrid volcano‐rift dominated large topographic rise. The evaluation of the different genetic scenarios and its correspondence with the observed geology in the area suggests that the complex geology of Imdr Regio could be better explained if we consider models of hot spot evolution that involve the presence of several mantle plumes or secondary upwellings derived from a mantle plume emplaced at a deeper rheological boundary.
A New Approach for Prediction of Foliar Dust in a Coal Mining Region and Its Impacts on Vegetation Physiological Processes Using Multi‐Source Satellite Data Sets
Authors: Ranjan Avinash Kumar , Dash Jadunandan , Gorai Amit Kumar
Published: October 2024

Estimating foliar dust (FD) is essential in understanding the complex interaction between FD, vegetation, and the environment. The elevated FD has a significant impacts on vegetation physiological processes. The present study aims to explore the potential of multi‐sensor optical satellite data sets (e.g., Landsat‐8, 9; Sentinel‐2B, and PlanetScope) in conjunction with in situ data sets for FD estimation over the Jharsuguda coal mining region in Eastern India. The efficacy of different spectral bands and various radiometric indices (RIs) was tested using linear regression models for FD estimation. Furthermore, the study attempts to quantify the impacts of FD on vegetation's physiological processes (e.g., carbon uptake, transpiration, water use efficiency, leaf temperature) through proxy data sets. The key findings of the study uncovered sensor‐specific and common trends in vegetation spectral profiles under varying FD concentrations. A saturation threshold was observed around 50 g/m2 of FD concentration, beyond which additional FD concentration exhibited limited impact on spectral reflectance. On the other hand, the assessment of FD estimation models revealed distinct performances and shared trends across various satellite sensors. Notably, near‐infrared and shortwave infrared‐1 bands, along with certain RIs, such as the Global Environmental Monitoring Index and the Non‐Linear Index, emerged as pivotal for accurate FD estimation. Besides, the study results revealed that vegetation‐associated carbon uptake experienced a ∼2 to 3 gC reduction for every additional gram of FD per square meter. Moreover, the vegetation transpiration reduction per unit of FD ranged from approximately 0.0005 to 0.0006 mm/m2/day, highlighting a moderate impact on transpiration levels. These findings aid a significant evidence base to our understanding of FD's impact on vegetation physiological processes.
CDK4/6 inhibition initiates cell cycle arrest by nuclear translocation of RB and induces a multistep molecular response
Authors: Hong Ting , Hogger Anna C. , Wang Dongbiao , Pan Qi , Gansel Julie , Engleitner Thomas , Öllinger Rupert , Gschwend Jürgen E. , Rad Roland , Nawroth Roman
Published: October 2024

CDK4/6 inhibitors are standard of care in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Treatment regimen consists of a combination with endocrine therapy, since their therapeutic efficacy as monotherapy in most clinical trials was rather limited. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie response to therapy might allow for the development of an improved therapy design. We analyzed the response to the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib in bladder cancer cells over a 48-hour time course using RNA sequencing and identified a multi-step mechanism of response. We next translated these results to the molecular mechanism in bladder cancer cells upon PD treatment. The initial step is characterized by translocation of the RB protein into the nucleus by activation of importin α/β, a mechanism that requires the NLS sequence. In parallel, RB is proteolyzed in the cytoplasm, a process regulated by gankyrin and the SCF complex. Only hypophosphorylated RB accumulates in the nucleus, which is an essential step for an efficient therapy response by initiating G1 arrest. This might explain the poor response in RB negative or mutated patients. At later stages during therapy, increased expression of the MiT/TFE protein family leads to lysosomal biogenesis which is essential to maintain this response. Lastly, cancer cells either undergo senescence and apoptosis or develop mechanisms of resistance following CDK4/6 inhibition.
Pathogen-specific social immunity is associated with erosion of individual immune function in an ant
Authors: Masson Florent , Brown Rachael Louise , Vizueta Joel , Irvine Thea , Xiong Zijun , Romiguier Jonathan , Stroeymeyt Nathalie
Published: October 2024

Contagious diseases are a major threat to societies in which individuals live in close contact. Social insects have evolved collective defense behaviors, such as social care or isolation of infected workers, that prevent outbreaks of pathogens. It has thus been suggested that individual immunity is reduced in species with such ‘social immunity’. However, this hypothesis has not been tested functionally. Here, we characterize the immune response of the ant Lasius niger using a combination of genomic analysis, experimental infections, gene expression quantification, behavioural observations and pathogen quantifications. We uncover a striking specialization of immune responses towards different pathogens. Systemic individual immunity is effective against opportunistic bacterial infections, which are not covered by social immunity, but is not elicited upon fungal infections, which are effectively controlled by social immunity. This specialization suggests that immune layers have evolved complementary functions predicted to ensure the most cost-effective response against a wide range of pathogens.
The Dsc ubiquitin ligase complex identifies transmembrane degrons to degrade orphaned proteins at the Golgi
Authors: Weyer Yannick , Schwabl Sinead I. , Tang Xuechen , Purwar Astha , Siegmann Konstantin , Ruepp Angela , Dunzendorfer-Matt Theresia , Widerin Michael A. , Niedrist Veronika , Mutsters Noa J. M. , Tettamanti Maria G. , Weys Sabine , Sarg Bettina , Kremser Leopold , Liedl Klaus R. , Schmidt Oliver , Teis David
Published: October 2024

The Golgi apparatus is essential for protein sorting, yet its quality control mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we show that the Dsc ubiquitin ligase complex uses its rhomboid pseudo-protease subunit, Dsc2, to assess the hydrophobic length of α-helical transmembrane domains (TMDs) at the Golgi. Thereby the Dsc complex likely interacts with orphaned ER and Golgi proteins that have shorter TMDs and ubiquitinates them for targeted degradation. Some Dsc substrates will be extracted by Cdc48 for endosome and Golgi associated proteasomal degradation (EGAD), while others will undergo ESCRT dependent vacuolar degradation. Some substrates are degraded by both, EGAD- or ESCRT pathways. The accumulation of Dsc substrates entails a specific increase in glycerophospholipids with shorter and asymmetric fatty acyl chains. Hence, the Dsc complex mediates the selective degradation of orphaned proteins at the sorting center of cells, which prevents their spreading across other organelles and thereby preserves cellular membrane protein and lipid composition.
Decoding the influence of emotional and attentional states on self-control using facial analysis
Authors: Aydogan Gökhan , Kretschmer Janek , Brewer Gene , McClure Samuel M.
Published: October 2024

Self-control plays a pivotal role in pursuing long-term goals related to health and financial well-being. While ample evidence suggests that humans are prone to occasional self-control lapses, little is known about how changes in emotional and attentional states affect the ability to maintain self-control. In two studies (N1 = 109 and N2 = 90), we used emotion recognition software to decode participants’ facial expressions while manipulating their attentional and emotional states during a Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) before exerting self-control in a subsequent task. Our findings reveal dissociable roles of attention and valence in maintaining self-control, depending on the distinct demands of the task. Specifically, performance in a subsequent cognitive task was predominantly associated with changes in attentional states during the PVT rather than valence. Conversely, preferences in a subsequent social task were associated with changes in valence states during the PVT, while attention showed no effect. This dissociation between attention-invoked and emotion-invoked lapses in self-control holds significant implications for psychological and economic models of self-control, ultimately contributing to the development of policies to mitigate the detrimental consequences of individual self-control lapses.
Towards large-scale analyses of settlement patterns in urbanizing landscapes—findings of first studies for India, Egypt, and China
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Thi , Esch Thomas , Hoffmann Ellen , Zeidler Julian , Gruber Lorenz , Kaiser Dennis , Buerkert Andreas
Published: October 2024

Improved ability to assess and categorize the spatial characteristics of settlement patterns is required for a deeper understanding of how urbanization is driving land use and land cover transformation and its effects. Two approaches to the globally available settlement maps of the World Settlement Footprint 3D support a detailed assessment of spatial characteristics of settlement patterns in rural to urban landscapes and across scales: graph-based spatial network analysis and elements of fractal theory. Based on first comprehensive tests for the Punjab (India), the Nile Delta (Egypt) and the North China Plain, the results of our study suggest that the presented methods allow a quantitative and qualitative characterization and comparison of settlement patterns between different regions of the world. The approache allows to generate standardized baseline data for arbitrary regions in the world to analyze structuring principles of settlement hierarchies (e.g., self-organized fractal geometries) and their dependence on - or interaction with - cultural, political, socioeconomic, or environmental conditions.