bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated With Smoking Cessation in Pregnancy
Authors: Faul Aru Laura , Petersen Kay Uwe , Batra Anil
Published: October 2024

Abstract: Background: Smoking during pregnancy poses a major health risk to pregnant smokers and their children. Pregnancy could be an opportune moment for cessation. Yet many smokers do not quit during pregnancy. This study aims to explore potential influencing factors for successful smoking cessation in pregnancy. Methods: Cross-sectional data was collected in an anonymous online survey (n=358). Data of n=60 women between the 24th week of pregnancy and four months postpartum was analysed. Variables showing significant differences between women who successfully quit smoking during pregnancy (“ex-smokers”, n=40) and women who were still smoking at the time of the survey (“smokers”, n=20) were included in a logistic regression to identify potentially important influencing factors. Results: Ex-smokers showed higher education levels, were employed, had a planned pregnancy, abstained from alcohol during pregnancy, and scored lower on the Fagerström test for cigarette dependence. They showed greater satisfaction with life and higher scores on the personality trait “agreeableness”. In the regression model, a planned pregnancy, alcohol abstinence and higher agreeableness scores increased the odds of being an ex-smoker. Conclusions: Planned pregnancies could be particularly suitable for smoking cessation. Alcohol should be considered, as abstinence could contribute to smoking cessation. A personality characterised by high agreeableness could be beneficial at least in addition to other factors.
Versorgungssituation von Patient_innen mit äthyltoxischer Zirrhose in Vorbereitung auf eine Lebertransplantation
Authors: Binder Annette , Fenchel Julia , Lang Immanuel , Batra Anil
Published: October 2024

Zusammenfassung: Einführung: Patient_innen mit äthyltoxischer Leberzirrhose müssen 6 Monate Abstinenz nachweisen, ehe eine Listung für eine Lebertransplantation (LTX) erfolgen kann. Während die reguläre Versorgung von Patient_innen mit alkoholbezogenen Störungen heimatnah erfolgt, findet die regelmäßige Abstinenzkontrolle vor einer LTX, teilweise auch die suchtmedizinische Behandlung aktuell an 21 deutschen LTX-Zentren statt (Stand Februar 2024). Daraus können sich zusätzliche Herausforderungen an der Schnittstelle zwischen den LTX-Zentren und dem ambulanten Versorgungssystem ergeben. Diese Erhebung soll Barrieren in der Versorgung am Zentrum und in der Zusammenarbeit mit dem Suchthilfesystem erfassen. Methodik: Die Studie nutzte 11 semi-strukturierte Interviews mit Behandler_innen verschiedener LTX-Zentren als Datenquelle. Die Auswertung erfolgte mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse. Ergebnisse: In den LTX-Zentren wurde die Vermittlung in ambulante Behandlung als Herausforderung identifiziert. Bezüglich des Suchthilfesystems wurden spezifische Barrieren wie fehlendes Verständnis für die somatische Komponente der Erkrankung bei Beratungsstellen und der Mangel an ambulanten Therapieplätzen und Versorgungsstrukturen für Patient_innen mit alkoholbezogenen Störungen und somatischen Erkrankungen benannt. Schlussfolgerung: Eine Vielzahl von Barrieren behindert die angemessene Weitervermittlung in passende suchtmedizinische Versorgungsangebote von Patient_innen mit einer äthyltoxischen Leberzirrhose in der Phase vor einer LTX. Diese sollten zur Verbesserung der Versorgung der genannten Zielgruppe adressiert werden.
Structural and Dynamical Quality Assessment of Gap‐Filled Sea Surface Temperature Products
Authors: González‐Haro Cristina , Isern‐Fontanet Jordi , Turiel Antonio , Merchant Christopher J. , Cornillon Peter
Published: October 2024

Previous studies that intercompared global Level‐4 (L4) sea surface temperature (SST) analyses were centered on the assessment of the accuracy and bias of SST by comparing them with independent near‐surface Argo profile temperature data. This type of assessment is centered on the absolute value of SST rather than on SST spatial properties (gradients), which is more relevant to the study of oceanographic features (e.g., fronts, eddies, etc.) and ocean dynamics. Here, we use, for the first time, the spectrum of singularity exponents to assess the structural and dynamical quality of different L4 gap‐filled products based on the multifractal theory of turbulence. Singularity exponents represent the geometrical projection of the turbulence cascade, and its singular spectrum can be related to the probability density function of the singularity exponents normalized by the scale. Our results reveal that the different schemes used to produce the L4 SST products generate different singularity spectra, which are then used to identify a potential loss of dynamical information or structural coherence. This new diagnostic constitutes a valuable tool to assess the structural quality of SST products and can support data satellite SST producers efforts to improve the interpolation schemes used to generate gap‐filled SST products.
Observed Correlation Between Local Topography and Passive Neutron Measurements From the Dynamic Albedo of Neutrons (DAN) Instrument on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Rover
Authors: Dibb Steven D. , Hardgrove Craig , Lightholder Jack , Heffern Lena , Ehresmann Bent
Published: October 2024

The Dynamic Albedo of Neutrons (DAN) instrument on the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover primarily measures neutrons that have undergone interactions with rocks and materials in the rover's local environment. As the rover ascends Aeolis Mons, it may encounter more extreme local topography (e.g., cliffs, gullies, canyons). We present three parts of the rover's traverse in which local topography, expressed as the average local relief relative to the rover, is moderately to strongly correlated with an increase in passive thermal neutron count rates. These increases in count rates are consistent with results from radiation transport models of the instrument's performance near simulated topographic features. Additional DAN measurements in areas of high average local relief (>0.25 m) within 5 m of the instrument could bolster this correlation. DAN's sensitivity to topography in its passive mode could be utilized as a new measurement capability and has implications for the operation of future landed missions carrying neutron spectrometers (e.g., VIPER, MoonRanger, Lunar‐VISE).
Observing the SO2 and Sulfate Aerosol Plumes From the 2022 Hunga Eruption With the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI)
Authors: Sellitto Pasquale , Siddans Richard , Belhadji Redha , Carboni Elisa , Legras Bernard , Podglajen Aurélien , Duchamp Clair , Kerridge Brian
Published: October 2024

The Hunga volcano violently erupted on 15 January 2022, producing the largest perturbation of the stratospheric aerosol layer since Pinatubo 1991, despite the initially estimated modest injection of SO2. This study presents novel SO2 and sulfate aerosol (SA) co‐retrievals from the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer, and uses them to quantify the initial progression of the Hunga plume. These observations are consistent with rapid conversion of SO2 (e‐folding time: 17.1 ± 4.3 days) to SA, with an injected burden of >1.0 Tg SO2. This points at larger SO2 injections than previously thought. A long‐lasting SA plume was observed, with two separate build‐up phases, and with a meridional dispersion of marked anomalies from the tropics to the higher southern hemispheric latitudes. A limited (∼20%) SA removal was observed after 1‐year dispersion. The total injected SA mass burden was estimated at 1.6 ± 0.5 Tg in the total atmospheric column, with a build‐up e‐folding time of about 2 months.
Modeling the Tilt of Bend‐Traversing Turbidity Currents: Implications for Sinuous Submarine Channel Development
Authors: Crisóstomo‐Figueroa Adriana , Dorrell Robert M. , Amy Lawrence , McArthur Adam D. , McCaffrey William D.
Published: October 2024

The controls on the development of submarine channel sinuosity are contested: slope gradient and Coriolis forcing have both been recognized as key governing factors: gradient via an inverse relationship (low sinuosity at high slope and vice versa), and Coriolis forcing through its effect on sedimentation patterns (reducing lateral bend migration, and hence sinuosity development, at high latitudes and/or in large channels). Using theoretical models to calculate the bulk properties of channelized turbidity currents, this study investigates the joint role of the Coriolis force and parameters including channel size, downchannel slope and turbidity current properties in the development of submarine channel sinuosity. Model validation is undertaken through the comparison of the calculated turbidity current tilting against the measured tilting of channel levees in the Northwest Atlantic Mid‐Ocean Channel; this approach is then used to evaluate the controls on channel sinuosity in nine other modern seafloor channels. The results indicate that the Coriolis force only becomes significant when the size of the channel, the slope gradient and flow conditions are within appropriate ranges instead of solely being dependent on latitude. Thus, thick and dense (≥1% bulk sediment concentration) flows traveling within steep‐gradient, small‐scale channels were shown to be relatively less susceptible to flow modification by Coriolis forcing even at high latitudes. On the other hand, thin and dilute (≪1% bulk sediment concentration) flows in shallow‐gradient, large‐scale channels showed susceptibility to Coriolis forcing at all latitudes. These results offer new insights into submarine channel evolution and intra‐channel sedimentation patterns.
Sensitivity of Simulated Arctic Ocean Salinity and Strait Transport to Interannually Variable Hydrologic Model Based Runoff
Authors: Weiss‐Gibbons Tahya , Tefs Andrew , Hu Xianmin , Stadnyk Tricia , Myers Paul G.
Published: October 2024

As the Arctic warms at an increased rate compared to the rest of the globe, freshwater runoff has been shown to be increasing into the Arctic Ocean. The effects of this contemporary increase in riverine freshwater into the Arctic Ocean are estimated from ocean model simulations, using two runoff data sets. One runoff data set is based on older climatological data, which has no inter‐annual variability after 2007 and as such does not represent the observed increases in river runoff into the Arctic. The other data set comes from a hydrological model developed for the Arctic drainage basin, which includes contemporary changes in the climate. At the Pan‐Arctic scale this new data set represents an approximately 11% increase in runoff, compared with the older climatological data. Comparing two ocean model runs forced with the different runoff data sets, overall changes in different freshwater markers across the basin were found to be between 5% and 10%, depending on the regions. The strongest increases were seen from the Siberian rivers, which in turn caused the strongest freshening in the Eastern Arctic. As the surface waters of the Arctic Ocean are sensitive to runoff, incorporating hydrological model data can help to better understand current changes and potential future impacts from increased runoff with climate change.
Observation of Electrical Alignment Signatures in an Isolated Thunderstorm by Dual‐Polarized Phased Array Weather Radar and the Relationship With Intracloud Lightning Flash Rate
Authors: Wang Shuo , Wada Yuuki , Hayashi Syugo , Ushio Tomoo , Chandrasekar V.
Published: October 2024

The electrical alignment signatures of ice crystals in the middle and upper parts of a thunderstorm have a physical connection with the strong electric fields within the cloud. By taking advantage of the high spatio‐temporal resolution of an X‐band dual‐polarized multiparameter phased array radar, this paper employs negative KDP signatures to investigate the variation of electric fields in an isolated thunderstorm within its evolution, and the relationship between the negative KDP signatures and intracloud (IC) lightning activity. The results show that the radar‐inferred strong electric fields distributed in a region of about 8.5–10 km during the developing stage, then extended from about 10 km to the cloud top during the mature stage, with an increasing IC lightning flash rate before the end of the mature stage. Subsequently, the electric fields weakened associated with a large amount of IC lightning discharges. The qualitative analysis results indicate that the evolution of the radar‐inferred electric fields associated with the upper charge regions is consistent with the electrification process in the isolated thunderstorm, inferred by the IC lighting activity. In addition, there is a tendency for the increased IC lightning rate as the decrease in average composite KDP in the middle and upper layers of the thunderstorm, with a time lag of about 5.5 min between the minimum average composite KDP and the peak IC lightning rate, while a good correlation between the negative KDP volume and the IC lightning flash rate at a lag of approximately 9 min.
Teleconnection Between Early Winter Monsoon System and Harmful Algal Blooms in Shallow Lake Taihu
Authors: Li Jingyi , Qin Boqiang , Brookes Justin D. , Shi Kun , Deng Jianming , Zhou Jian , Wu Yang
Published: October 2024

There is a long history of observation and monitoring at local scales with a focus on meteorological modulation of lakes, however, the features at the local scale are heavily influenced by large‐scale atmospheric circulation. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) in large shallow eutrophic lakes are susceptible to local meteorological conditions, but their response to climate system variability is rarely considered. This study reveals that HABs in Lake Taihu, the third largest freshwater lake in subtropical China, are promoted by the weakened East Asian monsoon system in precursory early winter, but show no response in late winter with the low temperature unfavorable for algal metabolism. The weak early winter monsoon system is characterized as the northward‐shifted polar front jet and eastward‐tilted East Asian Trough. The accompanied anomalous descending motion decelerates surface winds over the middle to lower reaches of the Yangtze River including Taihu basin by strengthening atmospheric stratification and decreasing turbulent activity in the lower troposphere. The weakened surface winds reduce sediment resuspension and improve underwater light availability in Lake Taihu, providing favorable light condition for phytoplankton growth. It is indicated that the early‐winter surface winds rather than simultaneous nutrient supply, play a dominant role on the interannual variability of algal biomass in Lake Taihu. The positive algal biomass anomaly in early winter tends to persist and promote HABs in the following warmer seasons. Our finding validates the interannual teleconnection between climate system and HAB variation in Lake Taihu, and provides insights on predicting HABs in subtropical East Asian shallow lakes.
Machine‐Learning Based Multi‐Layer Soil Moisture Forecasts—An Application Case Study of the Montana 2017 Flash Drought
Authors: Du J. , Kimball J. S. , Jencso K. , Hoylman Z. , Brust C. , Ketchum D. , Xu Y. , Lu H. , Sheffield J.
Published: October 2024

Soil moisture (SM) is an essential climate variable, governing land‐atmosphere interactions, runoff generation, and vegetation growth and productivity. Timely forecasts of SM spatial distribution and vertical profiles are needed for early detection and prediction of potential droughts. However, previous studies have primarily concentrated on historical or near real‐time soil moisture mapping, with less effort devoted to the development and integration of soil moisture forecast components within drought assessment systems. A satellite‐driven machine‐learning approach was developed in this study to build complex relationships between diversified predictor data sets and in situ multi‐layer SM measurements from the Montana Mesonet, a regionally dense environmental station network in the US upper Missouri and Columbia basins. The resulting 30‐m daily SM predictions showed strong performance against in situ SM measurements from 4‐, 8‐ and 20‐inch soil layers, and with 1‐ to 2‐week forecast lead times (R > 0.91; RMSE ≤ 0.047 cm3/cm3). The machine‐learning model was subsequently applied to the entire Montana region, and the SM deficit forecasts with both 1‐ and 2‐week lead times successfully depicted onset, progression, and termination phases of the 2017 Montana flash drought, which was not effectively identified from prevailing operational systems. The resulting system is capable of delineating local scale SM heterogeneity, and could be extended to predict other critical water cycle variables, potentially enhancing future drought forecasts through multivariate assessments and benefiting water resource management, agricultural practices, and the provision of ecosystem services.
Estimating Sediment Trap Efficiency of Flood Events During Flood Season in the Three Gorges Reservoir
Authors: Ren Shi , Gao Yu , Wang Wei‐Jie , Zhou Yinjun , Zhao Hanqing
Published: October 2024

Sediment trapping significantly influences the comprehensive benefits of reservoirs and hinders the connection between sediment and nutrients in the upstream and downstream of rivers. Quantifying the role of sediment trapping by dams is important because this operation controls fluvial geomorphology, aquatic ecology, and water quality, particularly for flood processes with highly variable inflows. This study developed a new model to calculate the sediment trap efficiency (TE) of flood events during the flood season in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) using a generalized theoretical approach. The TE of 55 flood events that occurred since the impoundment of the TGR were calculated and ranged from 16.0% to 99.8%, with a mean of 77.8%. Contrary to the previous understanding that large reservoirs have consistently large TE values based on long‐term data, our results show that large reservoirs can have a wide range of TE values during short‐term flood events. The proposed model estimates TE using three variables: inflow discharge, outflow discharge, and reservoir water level. Furthermore, the additional sedimentation risk to the TGR by optimized scheduling during the flood season is discussed. The results provide a reference for sedimentation management and optimal operation in the TGR.
Tsunami Data Assimilation Using High‐Frequency Radar‐Derived Surface Currents by Considering Beam Angle‐Dependent Measurement Error Distributions
Authors: Sahana Muhammad Irham , Fuji Ryotaro , Takahashi Tomoyuki , Hinata Hirofumi
Published: October 2024

The application of high‐frequency radar as an instrument for assimilating tsunami‐induced current fields is garnering increasing interest. The performance of surface current velocity measurements depends on the azimuthal differences between the crossing radar beams at the measurement points. This study aimed to incorporate the measurement error distributions of the east‐west and north‐south velocity components into tsunami data assimilation based on an optimal interpolation method, assuming Gaussian noise with the time‐invariant and a uniform standard deviation (STD = 5 cm/s) of radial velocity measurements. Through the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis of radar‐derived surface currents in the Kii Channel, Japan, the velocities reconstructed using higher modes (EOFs 16–274) were associated with measurement errors, portraying nonuniform distribution depending on the crossing beam angle of two radar beams. Based on independent fifteen‐time assimilation experiments for two different tsunami scenarios, for a uniform water depth of 500 m, we observed a significant improvement of up to 29% and 0.9% in the assimilation performance (on average) over the along‐coast stations for scenarios with 1‐ and 5‐m maximum initial sea surface heights, respectively. The measurement errors dependent on the crossing beam angle reduced the error‐induced tsunamis, resulting in stable assimilations, with lower STDs in the fifteen‐time assimilation performances. When the STD of Gaussian noise varies with time, it is important to consider the temporal change in the radial velocity measurement errors and/or noise‐filtering techniques, to maintain a certain level of noise intensity.
Northward Shift of Pre‐Monsoon Zonal Winds Exacerbating Heatwaves Over India
Authors: Jha R. , Mondal A. , Ghosh S. , Murtugudde R.
Published: October 2024

India has observed increasingly persistent heat extremes in recent decades. North‐Central India, a highly populated region prone to heatwaves, has experienced record maximum temperatures (48°C) during the pre‐monsoon season. While studies have shown positive trends in heatwaves due to rising air temperature, we identify a shift in pre‐monsoon mean daily maximum temperature over North‐Central India, resulting in an increase in temperature by 0.7°C post‐1998. The jump in temperature is associated with a northward migration of the subtropical westerly jet since 1998. We find that the meridional shift in the subtropical westerly jet explains more than 25% of the variability in heatwave characteristics over North‐Central India, implying that the increase in heatwaves post‐1998 is associated with a northward shift of the jet. These findings highlight that the exacerbation of heatwaves in North‐Central India is driven by atmospheric dynamical changes triggered by a regime shift, further compounded by global warming.
How Extreme Were Daily Global Temperatures in 2023 and Early 2024?
Authors: Cattiaux Julien , Ribes Aurélien , Cariou Enora
Published: October 2024

Global temperatures were exceptionally high in 2023/24. Every month from June 2023 to June 2024 set a new record, and September shattered the previous record by °C. The 2023 annual average approached °C above pre‐industrial levels. This results from both long‐term warming and internal variability, with the occurrence of an El Niño episode. However the amplitude of the 2023/24 anomalies was remarkable and surprised the scientific community. Here we analyze the rarity of 2023/24 global temperatures from a climate perspective. We show that a ‘normal’ year 2023 would have roughly equaled the previous annual record, and that the most extreme events of 2023/24 rank among the most extreme since 1940. Our analysis suggests that the 2023/24 event can be reconciled with the long‐term trend and an intense, but not implausible, peak of internal variability.
Effects of CO2 on the Nitrogen Isotopic Composition of Marine Diazotrophic Cyanobacteria
Authors: Wen Zuozhu , Jiang Ruotong , He Tianli , Browning Thomas J. , Hong Haizheng , Kao Shuh‐Ji , Terence Yang Jin‐Yu , Shi Dalin
Published: October 2024

Biological N2 fixation has been crucial for sustaining early life on Earth. Very negative δ15N values detected in Archean sediments, which are not observed in present‐day environments, have been attributed to the low efficiency of proto‐nitrogenases. Alternatively, variations in early atmospheric CO2 may also play a role. Here we examine the effects of CO2 concentrations on the biomass δ15N signatures of the diazotrophs Trichodesmium erythraeum and Crocosphaera watsonii, which utilize Mo‐Fe nitrogenase (the most common form of the enzyme). Our results show that these organisms produce biomass with δ15N values up to ∼3‰ lower under both decreased and elevated CO2 concentrations compared to modern levels (∼380 μatm). These deviations from modern CO2 levels reduce nitrogenase enzyme efficiency, leading to increased organismal isotopic fractionation during N2 fixation. This study offers an alternative explanation for the observed fluctuations in geological δ15N records and provides new insights into the past nitrogen cycle on Earth.
Predictability Limit of the 2021 Pacific Northwest Heatwave From Deep‐Learning Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Vonich P. Trent , Hakim Gregory J.
Published: October 2024

The traditional method for estimating weather forecast sensitivity to initial conditions uses adjoint models, which are limited to short lead times due to linearization around a control forecast. The advent of deep‐learning frameworks enables a new approach using backpropagation and gradient descent to iteratively optimize initial conditions, minimizing forecast errors. We apply this approach to the June 2021 Pacific Northwest heatwave using the GraphCast model, yielding over 90% reduction in 10‐day forecast errors over the Pacific Northwest. Similar improvements are found for Pangu‐Weather model forecasts initialized with the GraphCast‐derived optimal, suggesting that model error is an unimportant part of the perturbations. Eliminating small scales from the perturbations also yields similar forecast improvements. Extending the length of the optimization window, we find forecast improvement to about 23 days, suggesting atmospheric predictability at the upper end of recent estimates.
Capturing Urban Heterogeneity Enhances Tropical Cyclones Simulation in Houston
Authors: Fung K. Y. , Yang Z.‐L. , Niyogi D.
Published: October 2024

Urbanization in the coastal region has increased socioeconomic losses from landfalling tropical cyclones (TCs). Although previous studies have explored the broad impacts of urbanization on TCs, the effect of heterogeneity caused by local intra‐urban variability has not been examined. To address this gap, this study utilized the urban Local Climate Zone (LCZ) to capture the urban landscape heterogeneity and the impacts of this representation on the simulation of the post‐landfall TCs characteristics in Houston. Taking the case of two recent TCs: Hurricane Harvey (occurred in 2017) and Tropical Storm Imelda (occurred in 2019), the study evaluated the impact of urban heterogeneity on 10‐m winds, 2‐m temperature, land surface temperature, and precipitation across Houston. The consideration of intra‐urban heterogeneity using LCZ can improve the 10‐m winds, 2‐m temperature, and spatial pattern of land surface temperature. Although the cumulative rainfall remained largely similar within the experiments (with and without LCZ), incorporating intra‐urban heterogeneity notably modified the spatial structure of urban rainfall, particularly in simulating heavy rainfall hot spots. These findings are consistent for both TCs and demonstrate the positive impact of incorporating intra‐urban heterogeneity on the landfalling TC simulations over the Houston area.
Backscattering Linear Depolarization Ratio of Smoke Aerosols From Biomass Burning
Authors: Qin Zhenhai , Wang Haihui , He Aonan , Sun Yuping , Li Jingan , Zhang Yongming , Zhang Qixing
Published: October 2024

The linear depolarization ratio (LDR) of backscattering is a key parameter for distinguishing particle types. The measured LDRs of smoke in previous studies are highly variable and different from each other. Existing research on smoke aerosols considers only the internal mixing state of the black carbon (BC) particle population either by ignoring the externally mixed organic carbon (OC) particle population or by evaluating the LDR of smoke aerosols using the results of individual particles rather than the particle population. The field‐measured LDR of smoke then becomes difficult to interpret properly. The recent prescribed forest burning experiment in China showed that the LDR of freshly emitted smoke varies between 0.0% and 20.1% in wavelength (λ) of 532 nm. Electron microscopy images also showed that coated BC and pure OC exist simultaneously in biomass burning aerosols. Therefore, this study evaluates the influence of various parameters on the LDR of smoke by considering the internal and external mixing states. The calculated LDRs of the smoke aerosols were found to vary between 0.0% and 28.2% when λ is equal to 532 nm. The calculation results indicate that the LDR of smoke is slightly influenced by BC, considerably affected by the externally mixed OC, and is essentially dominated by the latter's morphology and particle size distribution. High levels and rapid changes of LDR of smoke can be well explained by nonsphericity and particle size distribution of externally mixed OC. This study advances the research on the measurement and evaluation of the LDR of smoke aerosols.
Tropical Leaf Wax n‐Alkane and n‐Alkanoic Acid Reflect δD of Precipitation During Early Stages of Leaf Growth: Insights From an Isotope Labeling Experiment
Authors: Saishree Amrita , Managave Shreyas , Yadava M. G. , Devi Salam Maheshwori , Sanyal Prasanta
Published: October 2024

The hydrogen isotopic compositions of leaf‐wax n‐alkanes (δDalk) and n‐alkanoic acids (δDacid) reflect ambient climatic conditions (including precipitation δD values, δDprecip). However, the understanding of climatic conditions of exactly which period (i.e., early or entire period of the leaf's lifespan) these biomarkers preserve is still evolving. Previous studies on the δDalk and δDacid values, done only in extra‐tropical regions, mostly indicate that δDalk values are biased toward the early growing season whereas δDacid values are not biased toward any season. To decipher the seasonal bias in δDalk and δDacid records from tropics, we conducted a long‐duration experiment wherein deciduous and evergreen species were grown using normal water (δD = −2‰) during early stages of the leaf growth and later using isotopically labeled water (δD = 1,000‰). Our experiment revealed (a) in deciduous and evergreen species, δDalk and δDacid values reflect δDprecip during early stages of the leaf growth, (b) synchronous synthesis of n‐alkanes and n‐alkanoic acids, and (c) in deciduous species, minor incorporation of the previous year's photosynthates in leaf wax pool of the current year's mature leaves. Our study suggests that δDalk and δDacid records in the tropics are biased toward the climatic conditions prevailing during early stages of leaf growth. This bias should be considered while comparing the δDprecip values generated from leaf wax proxy records and isotope‐enabled atmospheric circulation models.
Transition From Reverse to Left‐Slip on the Eastern Haiyuan Fault, NE Tibetan Plateau, From the Structure and Age of the Ganyanchi Pull‐Apart Basin
Authors: Lei Shengxue , Cowgill Eric , Weldon Ray , Ran Yongkang , Li Haiou , Li Yanbao , Cai Minggang , Xu Liangxin , Liu Baojin
Published: October 2024

Because the active, left‐slip Haiyuan fault is a first‐order structure along the NE margin of the Tibetan Plateau, its tectonic evolution provides insight into deformation processes along this margin over time. Late Cenozoic deformation in the area of the eastern Haiyuan fault initiated as thrust faulting, followed by left‐lateral strike slip displacement. However, the time of this kinematic change has been long debated. Here we use the structural evolution and the age of the Ganyanchi basin to date the onset of this kinematic transition. Seismic reflection data, integrated with published structural mapping, indicate that the basin is a pull‐apart controlled by strands of the eastern Haiyuan fault. Previously reported magnetostratigraphy of a core from the basin interior indicates deposition started at ∼2.8 Ma. However, this age likely postdates initiation of the bounding strike‐slip faults. We estimate that an additional 0.2–1.0 Myr of lateral slip occurred before the dated section formed. Thus, we find that the age of the eastern Haiyuan fault is at least ∼3.5 Ma, which is significantly older than early estimates of less than 2 Ma. Integrating our new data with prior work reveals that the kinematic change from NE‐SW shortening to left‐slip along the Haiyuan fault youngs to the east, which we interpret to result from growth of the Haiyuan strike‐slip fault via progressive lateral propagation from west to east. Miocene‐Pliocene onset of the Haiyuan strike‐slip fault coincides with initiation ages of other major strike‐slip faults in NE Tibet, likely implying that the NE margin of the Tibetan Plateau had switched to a strike‐slip dominated mode of deformation by this time.
Double-stranded vinyl polymer with transformable side chains synthesized in a metal‒organic framework
Authors: Kametani Yuki , Abe Masahiro , Mori Tomohito , Uemura Takashi
Published: October 2024

Post-polymerization modification (PPM) via active ester chemistry is a valuable method for modulating side-chain structures without altering their main-chain topology. Herein, we synthesized a double-stranded vinyl polymer with an active ester by crosslinking radical polymerization within the nanochannels of a metal‒organic framework (MOF) with a pore diameter comparable to that of the duplex. The resulting double-stranded poly(1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropyl acrylate) (DPHFIPA) was readily converted into acrylates and acrylamides with side chains derived from the nucleophile used in the PPM. This approach offers a pathway for creating double-stranded vinyl polymers with repeating units that are otherwise difficult to synthesize, even when MOF-templated polymerization is used.
Targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm with an evolutionary trained bacteriophage cocktail exploiting phage resistance trade-offs
Authors: Kunisch Fabian , Campobasso Claudia , Wagemans Jeroen , Yildirim Selma , Chan Benjamin K. , Schaudinn Christoph , Lavigne Rob , Turner Paul E. , Raschke Michael J. , Trampuz Andrej , Gonzalez Moreno Mercedes
Published: October 2024

Spread of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains threatens to render currently available antibiotics obsolete, with limited prospects for the development of new antibiotics. Lytic bacteriophages, the viruses of bacteria, represent a path to combat this threat. In vitro-directed evolution is traditionally applied to expand the bacteriophage host range or increase bacterial suppression in planktonic cultures. However, while up to 80% of human microbial infections are biofilm-associated, research towards targeted improvement of bacteriophages’ ability to combat biofilms remains scarce. This study aims at an in vitro biofilm evolution assay to improve multiple bacteriophage parameters in parallel and the optimisation of bacteriophage cocktail design by exploiting a bacterial bacteriophage resistance trade-off. The evolved bacteriophages show an expanded host spectrum, improved antimicrobial efficacy and enhanced antibiofilm performance, as assessed by isothermal microcalorimetry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Our two-phage cocktail reveals further improved antimicrobial efficacy without incurring dual-bacteriophage-resistance in treated bacteria. We anticipate this assay will allow a better understanding of phenotypic-genomic relationships in bacteriophages and enable the training of bacteriophages against other desired pathogens. This, in turn, will strengthen bacteriophage therapy as a treatment adjunct to improve clinical outcomes of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
Immune escape and attenuated severity associated with the SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.86/JN.1 lineage
Authors: Lewnard Joseph A. , Mahale Parag , Malden Debbie , Hong Vennis , Ackerson Bradley K. , Lewin Bruno J. , Link-Gelles Ruth , Feldstein Leora R. , Lipsitch Marc , Tartof Sara Y.
Published: October 2024

The SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.86 lineage, and its sublineage JN.1 in particular, achieved widespread transmission in the US during winter 2023–24. However, this surge in infections was not accompanied by COVID-19 hospitalizations and mortality commensurate with prior waves. To understand shifts in COVID-19 epidemiology associated with JN.1 emergence, we compared characteristics and clinical outcomes of time-matched cases infected with BA.2.86 lineages (predominantly representing JN.1) versus co-circulating XBB-derived lineages in December, 2023 and January, 2024. Cases infected with BA.2.86 lineages received greater numbers of COVID-19 vaccine doses, including XBB.1.5-targeted boosters, in comparison to cases infected with XBB-derived lineages. Additionally, cases infected with BA.2.86 lineages experienced greater numbers of documented prior SARS-CoV-2 infections. Cases infected with BA.2.86 lineages also experienced lower risk of progression to severe clinical outcomes requiring emergency department consultations or hospital admission. Sensitivity analyses suggested under-ascertainment of prior infections could not explain this apparent attenuation of severity. Our findings implicate escape from immunity acquired from prior vaccination or infection in the emergence of the JN.1 lineage and suggest infections with this lineage are less likely to experience clinically-severe disease. Monitoring of immune escape and clinical severity in emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants remains a priority to inform responses.
Giant magnetocaloric effect in a rare-earth-free layered coordination polymer at liquid hydrogen temperatures
Authors: Levinsky J. J. B. , Beckmann B. , Gottschall T. , Koch D. , Ahmadi M. , Gutfleisch O. , Blake G. R.
Published: October 2024

Magnetic refrigeration, which utilizes the magnetocaloric effect, can provide a viable alternative to the ubiquitous vapor compression or Joule-Thompson expansion methods of refrigeration. For applications such as hydrogen gas liquefaction, the development of magnetocaloric materials that perform well in moderate magnetic fields without using rare-earth elements is highly desirable. Here we present a thorough investigation of the structural and magnetocaloric properties of a novel layered organic-inorganic hybrid coordination polymer Co4(OH)6(SO4)2[enH2] (enH2 = ethylenediammonium). Heat capacity, magnetometry and direct adiabatic temperature change measurements using pulsed magnetic fields reveal a field-dependent ferromagnetic second-order phase transition at 10 K <$${T}_{C}$$

T

C

 < 15 K. Near the hydrogen liquefaction temperature and in a magnetic field change of 1 T, a large maximum value of the magnetic entropy change, $$\Delta {S}_{M}^{{Pk}}$$
Δ

S

M

P
k

 = − 6.31 J kg−1 K−1, and an adiabatic temperature change, $$\Delta {T}_{{{\rm{ad}}}}$$
Δ

T

ad

 = 1.98 K, are observed. These values are exceptional for rare-earth-free materials and competitive with many rare-earth-containing alloys that have been proposed for magnetic cooling around the hydrogen liquefaction range.
Genomic variation of European beech reveals signals of local adaptation despite high levels of phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Lazic Desanka , Geßner Cornelia , Liepe Katharina J. , Lesur-Kupin Isabelle , Mader Malte , Blanc-Jolivet Céline , Gömöry Dušan , Liesebach Mirko , González-Martínez Santiago C. , Fladung Matthias , Degen Bernd , Müller Niels A.
Published: October 2024

Local adaptation is key for ecotypic differentiation and species evolution. Understanding underlying genomic patterns can allow the prediction of future maladaptation and ecosystem stability. Here, we report the whole-genome resequencing of 874 individuals from 100 range-wide populations of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), an important forest tree species in Europe. We show that genetic variation closely mirrors geography with a clear pattern of isolation-by-distance. Genome-wide analyses for genotype-environment associations (GEAs) identify relatively few potentially adaptive variants after correcting for an overwhelming signal of statistically significant but non-causal GEAs. We characterize the single high confidence genomic region and pinpoint a candidate gene possibly involved in winter temperature adaptation via modulation of spring phenology. Surprisingly, allelic variation at this locus does not result in any apparent fitness differences in a common garden. More generally, reciprocal transplant experiments across large climate distances suggest extensive phenotypic plasticity. Nevertheless, we find indications of polygenic adaptation which may be essential in natural ecosystems. This polygenic signal exhibits broad- and fine-scale variation across the landscape, highlighting the relevance of spatial resolution. In summary, our results emphasize the importance, but also exemplify the complexity, of employing natural genetic variation for forest conservation under climate change.
Single-cell transcriptomes identify patient-tailored therapies for selective co-inhibition of cancer clones
Authors: Ianevski Aleksandr , Nader Kristen , Driva Kyriaki , Senkowski Wojciech , Bulanova Daria , Moyano-Galceran Lidia , Ruokoranta Tanja , Kuusanmäki Heikki , Ikonen Nemo , Sergeev Philipp , Vähä-Koskela Markus , Giri Anil K. , Vähärautio Anna , Kontro Mika , Porkka Kimmo , Pitkänen Esa , Heckman Caroline A. , Wennerberg Krister , Aittokallio Tero
Published: October 2024

Intratumoral cellular heterogeneity necessitates multi-targeting therapies for improved clinical benefits in advanced malignancies. However, systematic identification of patient-specific treatments that selectively co-inhibit cancerous cell populations poses a combinatorial challenge, since the number of possible drug-dose combinations vastly exceeds what could be tested in patient cells. Here, we describe a machine learning approach, scTherapy, which leverages single-cell transcriptomic profiles to prioritize multi-targeting treatment options for individual patients with hematological cancers or solid tumors. Patient-specific treatments reveal a wide spectrum of co-inhibitors of multiple biological pathways predicted for primary cells from heterogenous cohorts of patients with acute myeloid leukemia and high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, each with unique resistance patterns and synergy mechanisms. Experimental validations confirm that 96% of the multi-targeting treatments exhibit selective efficacy or synergy, and 83% demonstrate low toxicity to normal cells, highlighting their potential for therapeutic efficacy and safety. In a pan-cancer analysis across five cancer types, 25% of the predicted treatments are shared among the patients of the same tumor type, while 19% of the treatments are patient-specific. Our approach provides a widely-applicable strategy to identify personalized treatment regimens that selectively co-inhibit malignant cells and avoid inhibition of non-cancerous cells, thereby increasing their likelihood for clinical success.
Developmental assembly of multi-component polymer systems through interconnected synthetic gene networks in vitro
Authors: Sorrentino Daniela , Ranallo Simona , Ricci Francesco , Franco Elisa
Published: October 2024

Living cells regulate the dynamics of developmental events through interconnected signaling systems that activate and deactivate inert precursors. This suggests that similarly, synthetic biomaterials could be designed to develop over time by using chemical reaction networks to regulate the availability of assembling components. Here we demonstrate how the sequential activation or deactivation of distinct DNA building blocks can be modularly coordinated to form distinct populations of self-assembling polymers using a transcriptional signaling cascade of synthetic genes. Our building blocks are DNA tiles that polymerize into nanotubes, and whose assembly can be controlled by RNA molecules produced by synthetic genes that target the tile interaction domains. To achieve different RNA production rates, we use a strategy based on promoter “nicking” and strand displacement. By changing the way the genes are cascaded and the RNA levels, we demonstrate that we can obtain spatially and temporally different outcomes in nanotube assembly, including random DNA polymers, block polymers, and as well as distinct autonomous formation and dissolution of distinct polymer populations. Our work demonstrates a way to construct autonomous supramolecular materials whose properties depend on the timing of molecular instructions for self-assembly, and can be immediately extended to a variety of other nucleic acid circuits and assemblies.
Fire weakens land carbon sinks before 1.5 °C
Authors: Burton Chantelle A. , Kelley Douglas I. , Burke Eleanor , Mathison Camilla , Jones Chris D. , Betts Richard A. , Robertson Eddy , Teixeira João C. M. , Cardoso Manoel , Anderson Liana O.
Published: October 2024

To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, the Paris Agreement committed countries to pursue efforts to limit global warming to 1.5 °C by urgently reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the Paris temperature ambitions and remaining carbon budgets mostly use models that lack feedback among fire, vegetation and carbon, which are essential for understanding the future resilience of ecosystems. Here we use a coupled fire–vegetation model to explore regional impacts and feedbacks across global warming levels. We address whether the 1.5 °C goal is consistent with avoiding significant ecosystem changes when considering shifts in fire regimes. We find that the global warming level at which fire began to impact global carbon storage significantly was 1.07 °C (0.8–1.34 °C) above pre-industrial levels and conclude that fire is already playing a major role in decreasing the effectiveness of land carbon sinks. We estimate that considering fire reduces the remaining carbon budget by 25 Gt CO2 (~5%) for limiting temperature rise to 1.5 °C and 64 GtCO2 (~5%) for 2.0 °C compared to previous estimates. Whereas limiting warming to 1.5 °C is still essential for avoiding the worst impacts of climate change, in many cases, we are already reaching the point of significant change in ecosystems rich in carbon and biodiversity.
Structure-function analysis of time-resolved immunological phases in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASH) comparing the NIF mouse model to human MASH
Authors: Schmidt-Christensen Anja , Eriksson Gustaw , Laprade William M. , Pirzamanbein Behnaz , Hörnberg Maria , Linde Kajsa , Nilsson Julia , Skarsfeldt Mark , Leeming Diana J. , Mokso Rajmund , Verezhak Mariana , Dahl Anders , Dahl Vedrana , Önnerhag Kristina , Oghazi Massoud Rezaee , Mayans Sofia , Holmberg Dan
Published: October 2024

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a common but frequently unrecognized complication of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The association between these conditions is multifaceted and involves complex interactions between metabolic, inflammatory, and genetic factors. Here we assess the underlying structural and molecular processes focusing on the immunological phase of MASH in the nonobese inflammation and fibrosis (NIF) mouse model and compare it to the human disease as well as other murine models. Histopathology together with synchrotron-radiation-based x-ray micro-computed tomography (SRµCT) was used to investigate structural changes within the hepatic sinusoids network in the NIF mouse in comparison to patients with different severities of MASH. A time-course, bulk RNA-sequencing analysis of liver tissue from NIF mice was performed to identify the dynamics of key processes associated with the pathogenesis. Transcriptomics profiling of the NIF mouse revealed a gradual transition from an initially reactive inflammatory response to a regenerative, pro-fibrotic inflammatory response suggesting new avenues for treatment strategies that focus on immunological targets. Despite the lack of metabolic stress induced liver phenotype, a large similarity between the NIF mouse and the immunological phase of human MASH was detected. The translational value was further supported by the comparative analyses with MASH patients and additional animal models. Finally, the impact of diets known to induce metabolic stress, was explored in the NIF mouse. An obesogenic diet was found to induce key physiological, metabolic, and histologic changes akin to those observed in human MASH.