bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluconazole-Niosome-Laden Contact Lens: A Promising Therapeutic Approach for Prolonged Ocular Delivery and Enhanced Antifungal Activity
Authors: Yassin Ghada E. , Amer Mai A. , Mannaa Islam M. , Khalifa Maha Khalifa Ahmed
Published: July 2024

Background

Traditional routes of administration of fluconazole such as eye drops have a low therapeutic efficacy due to insufficient bioavailability.

Purpose

Herein, a fluconazole noisome-laden contact lens was prepared to control and prolong the drug release and improve its bioavailability.

Methods

Two methods have been used to prepare fluconazole niosomes: solvent injection method and thin film hydration method utilizing span 60 and cholesterol mixture. Subsequently, formulations were optimized using three factors and a two-level factorial design and were subjected to in-vitro characterization for the size of niosomes, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency percent, and cytotoxicity study. The optimized fluconazole niosomes were further entrapped in contact lenses by the soaking method and were evaluated according to in-vitro release profile, and antimicrobial activity.

Results

The results revealed that the investigated fluconazole niosomes are of nano-size ranging from 228.2 to 769.2 nm with zeta-potential values between − 18.1 and − 60.2 mV. The entrapment efficiency percentage ranged from 51.3 to 75%. Fluconazole was released from fluconazole noisome-laden contact lens and showed a prolonged release up to 48–72 h with a cumulative release of 79.62%. Statistical analysis showed that fluconazole-noisome-laden contact lenses have a significant impressive fungal adhesion reduction as compared to fluconazole-laden contact lenses.

Conclusion

Fluconazole noisome-laden contact lenses are a promising therapeutic way for effective and prolonged treatment of ocular fungal infection.
De toepassing van de Groentehapjes-in-10-stapjes-tool voor ouders van zuigelingen
Authors: ter Bogt Maud J. J. , Rutten Nickee , Gerards Sanne M. P. L. , Bessems Kathelijne M. H. H.
Published: July 2024

Samenvatting

Voldoende groenteconsumptie helpt bij het terugdringen van chronische ziekten. Helaas wordt er nog steeds beperkt groenten gegeten. Het introduceren van groenten bij zuigelingen van vier maanden stimuleert de ontwikkeling van smaakvoorkeuren. Groentehapjes-in-10-stapjes (G10) is een voorlichtingstool gericht op groente-introductie voor ouders die toegepast wordt door de Jeugdgezondheidszorg (JGZ). We hebben onderzocht hoe de tool wordt toegepast door de JGZ-professionals en ouders. In 2021 zijn tien JGZ-professionals en tien ouders geïnterviewd. JGZ-professionals gaven aan dat ze de tool aan vrijwel alle ouders gaven en dat de tool ondersteunde bij voorlichting over groente-introductie. De meeste ouders vertelden dat ze groenten introduceerden volgens de hoofdboodschappen met de materialen. JGZ-professionals gaven aan dat ze de introductie aanpasten op basis van hun eigen ervaring met groente-introductie, kenmerken van ouders (zoals cultuur) en de consultsetting (zoals tijd). Ouders vertelden dat ze de toepassing van de adviezen aanpasten aan kenmerken van hun kind, de gezinssituatie en hun interpretatie. Groentehapjes-in-10-stapjes leek een waardevol instrument voor JGZ-professionals en ouders bij het introduceren van groenten bij zuigelingen. We doen enkele aanbevelingen voor JGZ-professionals (onder andere pas Groentehapjes-in-10-stapjes toe), de tool-ontwikkelaar (bijvoorbeeld suggesties voor optimalisatie van Groentehapjes-in-10-stapjes) en onderzoek (onder meer een effectonderzoek).
The chemokine CCL14 is a potential biomarker associated with immune cell infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sun Bai-er , Yuan Zai-xin , Wang Meng-jiao , Xu Li-qin , Feng Jian , Chen Jing-jing
Published: July 2024

Background

Chemokine ligand 14, which has a C–C motif (CCL14), mediates the immunological milieu around tumors. However, its role in the progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is still unknown. Our objectives were to study the association between CCL14 and tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) as well as the predictive significance of CCL14 in LUAD.

Methods

The expression of CCL14 in LUAD was examined by using the Oncomine, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), The University of Alabama at Birmingham CANcer data analysis Portal (UALCAN), and Human Protein Atlas databases. To determine the prognostic significance of CCL14 in LUAD, researchers used the Kaplan‒Meier plotter and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA, version 2). We utilized TIMER and GEPIA2 to investigate the connection between CCL14 and TIICs. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to test for functional enrichment of genes. We used RT‒qPCR to measure CCL14 expression and Cell Counting Kit-8, Transwell, and wound healing assays to investigate the biological role of CCL14.

Results

The prognosis of patients with LUAD was worse when CCL14 expression was low. Statistical analysis revealed that CCL14 mRNA expression was significantly greater in lung epithelial cells than in LUAD cell lines in vitro. Enhancing CCL14 expression reduced cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. The results of the immune infiltration research showed that CCL14 and TIICs were positively correlated. Different immune infiltration patterns associated with CCL14 were also shown by TIIC markers. According to GSEA, histone deacetylases, G2/M checkpoints, and Notch signaling pathways were associated with low CCL14 expression.

Conclusions

CCL14 is anticipated to emerge as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target for LUAD due to its role in regulating TIICs, suggesting that it may be an antioncogene.
Cellular and molecular events in colorectal cancer: biological mechanisms, cell death pathways, drug resistance and signalling network interactions
Authors: Yan Lei , Shi Jia , Zhu Jiazuo
Published: July 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, affecting millions each year. It emerges from the colon or rectum, parts of the digestive system, and is closely linked to both genetic and environmental factors. In CRC, genetic mutations such as APC, KRAS, and TP53, along with epigenetic changes like DNA methylation and histone modifications, play crucial roles in tumor development and treatment responses. This paper delves into the complex biological underpinnings of CRC, highlighting the pivotal roles of genetic alterations, cell death pathways, and the intricate network of signaling interactions that contribute to the disease's progression. It explores the dysregulation of apoptosis, autophagy, and other cell death mechanisms, underscoring the aberrant activation of these pathways in CRC. Additionally, the paper examines how mutations in key molecular pathways, including Wnt, EGFR/MAPK, and PI3K, fuel CRC development, and how these alterations can serve as both diagnostic and prognostic markers. The dual function of autophagy in CRC, acting as a tumor suppressor or promoter depending on the context, is also scrutinized. Through a comprehensive analysis of cellular and molecular events, this research aims to deepen our understanding of CRC and pave the way for more effective diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutic strategies.
Properties of encapsulated raspberry powder and its efficacy for improving the color stability and amino acid composition of pastırma cemen pastes with different pH during long term cold-storage
Authors: Aksu Muhammet Irfan , Konar Nevzat , Turan Emre , Tamtürk Faruk , Serpen Arda
Published: July 2024

In this study, the changes in the physicochemical properties, color stability, and amino acid composition of cemen paste (CP) produced by adjusting to different pH levels (3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0) and enriched with different amounts (0%, 3%, 4% and 5%) of encapsulated raspberry powders (ERP) during 120 days of storage at 2.0 ± 0.5 °C were investigated. ERP had an important potential for use as a food ingredient with its bioactive components (total phenolic content (TPC), anthocyanin and ascorbic acid), antioxidant activity and high redness values. Essential and non-essential amino acid composition, moisture content, pH, lightness (L*), redness (a*), yellowness (b*), chroma (C*) and hue angle (o
h) values of cemen pastes (CPs) were significantly (p < 0.01) affected by initial pH of CP (I-pH), ERP levels (ERPL) and storage time (ST) parameters and all possible interactions. The inclusion of ERP contributed to the improvement of CP visual properties and color stability by increasing redness. CPs with lower I-pH values had higher a* values and higher color stability over the storage period. In general, increasing ERPL and decreasing I-pH resulted in decreased amino acid contents of CPs. In conclusion, acidification (3.0, 4.0) of I-pH of CP and using ≥ 4.00% ERP can be recommended as an effective way to provide more stable samples based on color characteristics and amino acid content.

Graphical abstract
A performance-driven framework with a system-of-systems approach for augmented asset management of railway system
Authors: Kumari Jaya , Karim Ramin , Dersin Pierre , Thaduri Adithya
Published: July 2024

The railway system is a complex technical system-of-systems (SoS). To address the complexity of the railway system, a holistic approach is needed that facilitates the development of an appropriate asset management regime. A systems-of-systems (SoS) approach considers the complex nature of the railway system, comprising interconnected subsystems like rolling stock and infrastructure. Neglecting these interdependencies risks sub-optimization of the overall system performance. Asset management of the railway system utilising a SoS approach ensures the focus of asset management on overall system requirements. The efficiency and effectiveness of the railway system is based on aspects such as availability, reliability, and safety performance. To enhance these aspects, monitoring, and improvement of key performance indicators (KPIs) emphasizing increased capacity and reduced operational costs is essential. The KPIs offer quantifiable parameters for performance optimization. Augmenting asset management through data-driven technologies can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of asset management. However, challenges persist in the implementation of data-driven solutions due to the railway system’s complexity and lack of a holistic perspective. A systematic performance-driven framework with a system-of-systems approach for augmented asset management of railway system provides handrail for the utilisation of data-driven technologies with railway system requirements at the centre while developing an asset management regime. The proposed framework aims to establish a clear relationship between system KPIs, and the performance of sub-systems and components aiding railway organizations in asset management design and implementation. This paper explains the important components of the proposed framework and demonstrates the application the framework for asset management and maintenance planning of high value components in the fleet of railway rolling stock. Adoption of the proposed framework is expected to enhance asset management through development and implementation of data-driven solutions that are aligned with system KPIs, to support asset management decision making.
The Role of Omega- 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Diabetes Mellitus Management: A Narrative Review
Authors: Bayram Sümeyra Şahin , Kızıltan Gül
Published: July 2024

Purpose of Review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic illnesses characterized by elevated levels of glucose in the bloodstream as a result of abnormalities in the generation or function of insulin. Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is an essential component of diabetes management. Dietary fats are essential in both the prevention and progression of chronic diseases. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are recognized for their advantageous impact on health. They assist in controlling blood sugar levels and lipid profile in patients with all types of diabetes. Furthermore, they reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular events and death linked to DM.

Recent Findings

After evaluating the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antilipidemic, and antidiabetic mechanisms of omega-3 fatty acid supplements, as well as the results from randomized controlled studies, it is clear that these supplements have positive effects in both preventing and treating diabetes, as well as preventing and treating complications related to diabetes, specifically cardiovascular diseases.

However, current evidence does not support the use of omega-3 supplementation in people with diabetes for the purpose of preventing or treating cardiovascular events. People with all types of diabetes are suggested to include fatty fish and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids in their diet twice a week, as is prescribed for the general population.
Die Motivation älterer Pflegefachpersonen, im Pflegeberuf zu verbleiben: eine Querschnittstudie
Authors: Lipp Iris , Hahn Sabine
Published: July 2024

Hintergrund

Der Mangel an Pflegefachkräften ist weltweit gegenwärtig. In der Schweiz sind 50 % der Pflegefachpersonen ab 50 Jahren aus dem Pflegeberuf ausgestiegen. Dadurch gehen enorme fachliche und persönliche Ressourcen verloren. Maßnahmen zur Förderung des Berufsverbleibs sind daher zentral. Obwohl international Strategien für den Personalerhalt von älteren Pflegefachpersonen beschrieben und diskutiert werden, wurde das Thema im deutschsprachigen Raum bisher nur mangelhaft untersucht.

Ziel

Ziel war es, Einflussfaktoren zu beschreiben, die Pflegefachpersonen ab 50 Jahren dazu motivieren, bis zur ordentlichen Pensionierung in der direkten Pflege im Akutspital tätig zu sein.

Methode

Es wurde eine Querschnittstudie mit einer Vollerhebung mittels eines anonymen, standardisierten Fragebogens an einer privaten Spitalgruppe in der Schweiz durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Knapp 60 % (n = 115) der 195 angefragten Pflegefachpersonen im Alter ab 50 Jahren nahmen an der Befragung teil. Die Teilnehmenden nannten 3 zentrale Motivatoren für ihren Berufsverbleib: die gute Zusammenarbeit im Pflegeteam (73,7 %, n = 73), die abwechslungsreiche und interessante Tätigkeit (70,7 %, n = 70) sowie die Freude am Pflegeberuf (68,7 %, n = 68). Es zeigte sich eine statistisch signifikante monotone Korrelation zwischen dem Gesamtscore der beruflichen Identität und der Frage zum Berufsverbleib bis zur ordentlichen Pensionierung (p < 0,001, rs = 0,367).

Schlussfolgerungen

Eine hohe berufliche Identität ist eine wichtige Grundvoraussetzung für den langfristigen Verbleib im Pflegeberuf.
Retrospective evaluation of acute kidney injury in paediatric COVID-19 patients: a tertiary referral hospital experience
Authors: Yazılıtaş Fatma , Çakıcı Evrim Kargın , Güngör Tülin , Karakaya Deniz , Çelikkaya Evra , Şen Zeynep Savaş , Gümüşer Rüveyda , Tanır Naciye Gönül , Bülbül Mehmet
Published: July 2024

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been recognised as a risk factor for acute kidney injury (AKI). Our aim was to investigate the risk factors contributing to hospitalised and outpatient paediatric COVID-19-associated AKI.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients aged 1 month to 18 years with diagnosed COVID-19-associated AKI applied to a tertiary paediatric referral hospital between March 1, 2020 and March 1, 2022.

Results

A total of 6683 patients were evaluated and 486 patients were included in the study. Acute kidney injury was observed in 3.7% of outpatients and 23.9% of hospitalised patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, on admission, a history of contact with a COVID-19 positive person (p < 0.001), age below 12 months (p = 0.004), presence of comorbidities (p < 0.001), abdominal pain (p = 0.008), anorexia (p = 0.003), dyspnoea (p = 0.005), higher lactate dehydrogenase values (p = 0.004), neutrophilia (p < 0.001), higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (p = 0.003), higher white blood cell counts (p = 0.006), elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (p = 0.002), anaemia (p = 0.015), hypoalbuminaemia (p < 0.001), hyperglycaemia (p = 0.006), and presence of proteinuria (p = 0.003) were independent predictors of AKI. Higher rates of hospitalisation (p < 0.001) and admission to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) (p < 0.001), longer length of hospitalisation (p < 0.001), and greater need for mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001) were associated with AKI.

Conclusions

This study reveals that not only hospitalised children, but also paediatric patients are at risk for AKI. The presence of comorbidities, abdominal pain, anorexia, dyspnoea, anaemia, inflammation, hypoalbuminaemia, proteinuria and history of contact with a COVID-19 positive person were the main risk factors for AKI. COVID-19-associated AKI was associated with worse outcomes.

Graphical abstract
Rank deviations for overpartitions
Authors: Lovejoy Jeremy , Osburn Robert
Published: July 2024

We prove general fomulas for the deviations of two overpartition ranks from the average. These formulas are in terms of Appell–Lerch series and sums of quotients of theta functions and can be used, among other things, to recover any of the numerous overpartition rank difference identities in the literature. We give two illustrations.
An Evaluation of Positive Psychology Primals and Implications for Psychology
Authors: Capic T. , Khor S. , Misuraca G. , Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M. , Cummins R. A.
Published: July 2024

This article describes two studies which test predictions derived from the Theory of Subjective Wellbeing Homeostasis in relation to self-report, correlational data. The theory proposes that all self-report data contain a common source of variance called Homeostatically Protected Mood (HPMood). It is therefore hypothesised that the magnitude of inter-correlations between self-report measures will diminish after their shared variance of HPMood has been removed. The first study analyses the extent to which the Primal World Beliefs (Primals) correlate with subjective wellbeing (SWB), before and after controlling for HPMood. The second study confirms the reliability of study 1 results. It also extends the analyses to examine the correlation between the brief 4-item Primals measure, and other related self-report measures, again before and after controlling for the HPMood. Analyses are based on data from approximately 1,000 participants collected at two timepoints. The hypotheses are supported, showing that both the Primals and other tested measures do not represent constructs that are independent from HPMood. This result throws doubt on the interpretation of correlations between Primals and the other self-report variables that were tested, bringing into question the validity of positive psychology overall.
Chronotopische Identitäten in Smartphone-basierten Interaktionen
Authors: Busch Florian
Published: July 2024

Vor dem Hintergrund gesteigerter Mobilität sowie der gesellschaftlich nahezu flächendeckenden Verbreitung des Smartphones geht der Beitrag der zeitlichen und räumlichen Flexibilisierung von sozialen Identitäten und situativen Kontexten in digitalen Kommunikationsalltagen nach. Mit Bezug auf das theoretische Konzept des ›Chronotopos‹ werden kommunikative Praktiken in alltäglicher Smartphone-Kommunikation in Hinblick auf ihre raumzeitliche Gebundenheit und interdiskursive Geschichte perspektiviert. Dabei wird zum einen dargestellt, wie sich unterschiedliche soziale Kontexte und Identitäten in der alltäglichen Smartphone-Kommunikation von Individuen überlagern, indem Sprecher:innen zeitgleich mit verschieden Kommunikationspartner:innen interagieren, und wie diese Überlagerung zum anderen mit einer temporalen Verdichtung mehrsprachiger Praktiken einhergeht.
The adherence of Turkish emergency departments to geriatric guideline recommendations
Authors: Çelik Şimşek , Çelik Pelin
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This study aims to determine the availability of geriatrics-friendly protocols, pieces of equipment, and physical environments alongside potential opportunities of improvement in the emergency departments of our country.

Methods

This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted between the 1st and 29th of February, in the year 2024, within the AI, AII, B group- and university hospitals in Turkey. A questionnaire form consisting of three subdivisions in which general pieces of information, information regarding appropriate personnel/management for geriatrics-friendly emergency departments, equipment/materials, and the presence of physical environments was presented online to the participants and the responses that were provided online were evaluated.

Results

The study was conducted with a total of 175 participants from hospital emergency departments. The number of hospitals with monthly older patient application amounts of 500 and above was 133 (76.0%). It was observed that personnel/management knowledge was, relative to guideline suggestions, at low levels. When the appropriateness of personnel/management knowledge and total equipment/materials were compared to hospital roles, it was determined that university hospitals adhered closest to the guideline and that inter-group differences were significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

It was determined that the compliance of emergency departments in Turkey with the criteria specified in the geriatric emergency department guidelines is at very low levels.
A comprehensive review to evaluate the synergy of intelligent food packaging with modern food technology and artificial intelligence field
Authors: Abekoon Thilina , Buthpitiya B. L. S. K. , Sajindra Hirushan , Samarakoon E. R. J. , Jayakody J. A. D. C. A. , Kantamaneni Komali , Rathnayake Upaka
Published: July 2024

This study reviews recent advancements in food science and technology, analyzing their impact on the development of intelligent food packaging within the complex food supply chain. Modern food technology has brought about intelligent food packaging, which includes sensors, indicators, data carriers, and artificial intelligence. This innovative packaging helps monitor food quality and safety. These innovations collectively aim to establish an unbroken chain of food safety, freshness, and traceability, from production to consumption. This research explores the components and technologies of intelligent food packaging, focusing on key indicators like time–temperature indicators, gas indicators, freshness indicators, and pathogen indicators to ensure optimal product quality. It further incorporates various types of sensors, including gas sensors, chemical sensors, biosensors, printed electronics, and electronic noses. It integrates data carriers such as barcodes and radio-frequency identification to enhance the complexity and functionality of this system. The review emphasizes the growing influence of artificial intelligence. It looks at new advances in artificial intelligence that are driving the development of intelligent packaging, making it better at preserving food freshness and quality. This review explores how modern food technologies, especially artificial intelligence integration, are revolutionizing intelligent packaging for food safety, quality, reduced waste, and enhanced traceability.
Fortifying crop defenses: unraveling the molecular arsenal against aphids
Authors: Yang Xiaodong , Zhang Lili , Li Yao , Liu Xiaowei , Chen Chaoyan , Deng Yizhuo , Zhou Wei , Sohail Hamza , Qiu Lei , Gu Jieni , Liu Fang , Chen Xuexin , Chen Xuehao
Published: July 2024

Aphids cause enormous financial losses to various crop plants on a global scale. Moreover, aphids are vectors for many plant viral diseases that can further hasten crop yield losses. Aphids secrete saliva during feeding that contains effectors that can regulate plants' defense responses and their underlying mechanisms. Although much research has been undertaken to determine the mechanisms contributing to plant-aphid interactions, our understanding of defense mechanisms against aphids is insufficient. The presence of piercing-sucking mouthparts in aphids makes the identification of aphid resistance more challenging, hindering our understanding of the mechanisms of plant resistance to aphids. In this article, we consolidate and assess the evidence that is currently available on plant-aphid interactions, address the gaps in our understanding, and propose new research directions. As an outcome, we present an in-depth review of the molecular mechanisms of aphid resistance in crops from five perspectives: physical protection against aphids using volatile compounds, PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI), effector-triggered immunity (ETI), plant hormone signaling and the inheritance of induced resistance through epigenetics.
Impact of Islands on Tidally Dominated River Plumes: A High‐Resolution Modeling Study
Authors: Li Xiangyu , Chrysagi Evridiki , Klingbeil Knut , Burchard Hans
Published: July 2024

When flow passes over topographic features such as headlands and islands, island wakes can arise at the lee side of the flow. Island wakes are associated with enhanced biological productivity, increased mixing, and water mass transformation. While previous studies have mainly focused on the dynamical and biological effects of island wakes in the open ocean, here we focus on a large tidally‐dominated estuary with numerous islands, aiming to investigate the impact of such wakes on the offshore transport of river plumes. To this end, we use numerical simulations with unprecedented grid resolution in the plume region and around the islands. Our study area is the Pearl River Estuary, a region where satellite images indicate that oscillating wakes occur in the lee and far downstream of the islands. We show that submesoscale island wakes are ubiquitous in the plume‐influenced region and can affect a large area around the islands as the tidal flow reverses. These strong vorticity tails correspond well with the horizontal patterns of salinity gradients and salinity mixing. Sensitivity experiments show that these flow disturbances will largely decrease after the hypothetical “removal” of the islands. Analysis based on an isohaline coordinate framework shows that the isohaline surface area is limited by the presence of islands. It is proven that this “limiting” effect of islands on the plume extension is related to the salinity mixing and the associated diahaline water exchange.
Isopycnal Shoaling Causes Interannual Variability in Oxygen on Isopycnals in the Subarctic Northeast Pacific
Authors: Cervania Ahron A. , Hamme Roberta C.
Published: July 2024

Over 60 years of oceanographic observations from Ocean Station Papa (OSP) in the northeast Pacific indicate faster dissolved oxygen loss than the global average. The greatest negative trends in oxygen concentration occur on isopycnals in the upper water column (σθ = 26.1–26.8 kg m−3, ∼110–200 m) but have considerable uncertainty due to natural variability. In this paper, we use eight Argo profiling floats equipped with optode oxygen sensors to assess the 2008–2016 interannual variability of subsurface dissolved oxygen near OSP. We developed a method using high frequency Conductivity‐Temperature‐Depth data to correct optode profiles for slow response times and used reference profiles from the OSP time series to calibrate the optodes. Response time correction markedly improves subsurface bias caused by slow optode equilibration. Our analysis indicates that episodic shoaling of isopycnals can cause rapid reduction in dissolved oxygen concentration. Changes in ventilation, horizontal mixing, and water mass age are unlikely drivers for the rapid O2 loss events examined. We link dissolved oxygen loss during shoaling events to organic matter export, due to higher concentrations of organic matter and greater respiration rates at shallower depths. Reduced net community production during the “Blob” marine heatwave may have reduced the impact of the second shoaling event examined. Natural variations in dissolved oxygen in these layers provide context for uncertainty estimates of long‐term trends and insight toward the potential for future extreme oxygen minima from the combined impact of the long‐term decline and episodic shoaling.
More Accurate Quantification of Direct Aerosol Radiative Effects Using Vertical Profiles of Single‐Scattering Albedo Derived From Tethered Balloon Observations
Authors: Guan Xu , Tian Pengfei , Wang Wenfang , Zhang Min , Song Xin , Zhang Zhida , Zhang Lei
Published: July 2024

Aerosol single‐scattering albedo (SSA) is the most critical factor for the accurately calculating of aerosol radiative effects, however, the observation of vertical profiles of SSA is difficult to realize. Current assessments of aerosol radiative effects remain uncertain because of the lack of long‐term, high‐resolution vertical profiles of SSA observations. High‐resolution SSA vertical profiles were observed in a semi‐arid region of Northwest China during winter using a tethered balloon. The observed SSA vertical profiles were used to calculate the aerosol direct radiative forcing and radiative heating rates. Significant differences in the calculated radiative forcing were found (e.g., a 48.3% relative difference for the heating effect in the atmosphere at 14:00) between the observed SSA profiles and the constant assumption with SSA = 0.90. Diurnal variations in the vertical distribution of SSA decisively influenced direct radiative forcing of aerosols. Furthermore, high‐resolution vertical profiles of absorbing aerosols and meteorological parameters provide robust observational evidence of the heating effect of an elevated absorbing aerosol layer. This study provides a more accurate calculation of aerosol radiative forcing using observed aerosol SSA profiles.
Disentangling Forced Trends in the North Atlantic Jet From Natural Variability Using Deep Learning
Authors: Hermoso Alejandro , Schemm Sebastian
Published: July 2024

Regional weather variability and extremes over Europe are strongly linked to variations in the North Atlantic jet stream, especially during the winter season. Projections of the evolution of the North Atlantic jet are essential for estimating the regional impacts of climate change. Therefore, separating forced trends in the North Atlantic jet from its natural variability is an extremely relevant task. Here, a deep learning based method, the Latent Linear Adjustment Autoencoder (LLAE), is used for this purpose on an ensemble of fully‐coupled climate simulations. The LLAE is based on a variational autoencoder and an additional linear component. The model uses detrended temperature and geopotential to predict the component of the zonal wind associated with natural variability. The residual between this prediction and the original wind field is interpreted as the forced component of the jet. The method is first tested for the geostrophic wind for which the forced trend can be obtained analytically from the difference between geostrophic wind computed from detrended and full geopotential. Despite the large variability of the total trends, the LLAE is shown to be effective in extracting the forced component of the trend for each individual ensemble member in both geostrophic and full wind fields. The LLAE‐derived forced trend shows an increase in the upper‐level zonal wind speed along a southwest–northeast oriented band over the ocean and a jet extension toward Europe. These are common characteristics over different periods and show some similarities to the upper‐level zonal wind speed trend obtained from the ERA5 reanalysis.
Characterizing Hydrated Sulfates and Altered Phases in Jezero Crater Fan and Floor Geologic Units With SHERLOC on Mars 2020
Authors: Phua Yu Yu , Ehlmann Bethany L. , Siljeström Sandra , Czaja Andrew D. , Beck Pierre , Connell Stephanie , Wiens Roger C. , Jakubek Ryan S. , Williams Rebecca M. E. , Zorzano Maria‐Paz , Minitti Michelle E. , Pascuzzo Alyssa C. , Hand Kevin P. , Bhartia Rohit , Kah Linda C. , Mandon Lucia , Razzell Hollis Joseph , Scheller Eva L. , Sharma Sunanda , Steele Andrew , Uckert Kyle , Williford Kenneth H. , Yanchilina Anastasia G.
Published: July 2024

The Mars 2020 Perseverance rover has explored fluvio‐lacustrine sedimentary rocks within Jezero crater. Prior work showed that igneous crater floor Séítah and Máaz formations have mafic mineralogy with alteration phases that indicate multiple episodes of aqueous alteration. In this work, we extend the analyses of hydration to targets in the Jezero western fan delta, using data from the SHERLOC (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals) Raman spectrometer. Spectral features, for example, sulfate and hydration peak positions and shapes, vary within, and across the crater floor and western fan. The proportion of targets with hydration associated with sulfates was approximately equal in the crater floor and the western fan. All hydrated targets in the crater floor and upper fan showed bimodal hydration peaks at ∼3,200 and ∼3,400 cm−1. The sulfate symmetric stretch at ∼1,000 cm−1 coupled with a hydration peak at ∼3,400 cm−1 indicate that MgSO4·nH2O (2 < n ≤ 5) is a likely hydration carrier phase in all units, perhaps paired with low‐hydration (n ≤ 1) amorphous Mg‐sulfates, indicated by the ∼3,200 cm−1 peak. Low‐hydration MgSO4·nH2O (n = 1–2) are more prevalent in the fan, and hydrated targets in the fan front only had one peak at ∼3,400 cm−1. While anhydrite co‐occurs with hydrated Mg‐sulfates in the crater floor and fan front, hydrated Ca‐sulfates are observed instead at the top of the upper fan. Collectively, the data imply aqueous deposition of sediments with formation of salts from high ionic strength fluids and subsequent aridity to preserve the observed hydration states.
High‐Resolution Neural Network Demonstrates Strong CO2 Source‐Sink Juxtaposition in the Coastal Zone
Authors: Duke P. J. , Hamme R. C. , Ianson D. , Landschützer P. , Swart N. C. , Covert P. A.
Published: July 2024

The role of coastal oceans in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide remains poorly quantified and understood. Here, we use a two‐step neural network approach to generate estimates from sparse observational data in the coastal Northeast Pacific Ocean at an unprecedented spatial resolution of 1/12° with coverage in the nearshore (0–25 km offshore). We compiled partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) observations as well as a range of predictor variables including satellite‐based and physical oceanographic reanalysis products. With the predictor variables representing processes affecting pCO2, we created non‐linear relationships to interpolate observations from 1998 to 2019. Compared to in situ shipboard and mooring observations, our coastal pCO2 product captures broad spatial patterns and seasonal cycle variability well. A sensitivity analysis identifies that the parameters responsible for the neural network's ability to capture regional pCO2 variability are associated with mechanistic processes, including mixed layer deepening, mesoscale eddies, and gyre upwelling. Using wind speed and atmospheric CO2, we calculated air‐sea CO2 fluxes. We report an anticorrelation between annual air‐sea CO2 flux and its seasonal amplitude with the relationship driven by circulation, opposing seasonal upwelling/relaxation versus downwelling, and the effects of winter mixing and primary productivity. We show that the inclusion of nearshore net outgassing fluxes lowers the overall regional net flux. Overall, our results suggest that the region is a net sink (−0.7 mol m−2 yr−1) for atmospheric CO2 with trends indicating increasing oceanic uptake due to strong connectivity to subsurface waters.
An Objective Detection of Separation Scenario in Tropical Cyclone Trajectories Based On Ensemble Weather Forecast Data
Authors: Oettli P. , Kotsuki S.
Published: July 2024

In ensemble weather forecast, tropical cyclone (TC) tracks sometimes group together into trajectories parting away from each other. The goal of this study is to propose an objective method, based on a robust clustering approach, to detect such separation scenarios in the Japan Meteorological Agency Meso‐scale Ensemble Prediction System (MEPS) for three TCs: “Dolphin” (2020), “Nepartak” (2021), and “Meari” (2022). Taking advantage of the independence of the density‐based spatial clustering of applications with noise algorithm to the prior choice of the number of clusters, we first describe an objective way to calculate the aggregation distance, by searching the most frequent Euclidean distance between all the tracks. The clustering is then applied to the forecasted tracks, for each initialization time of MEPS (every 6 hr). Separation scenarios exist when the number of clusters is greater than one.
Drivers of PM2.5 Episodes and Exceedance in India: A Synthesis From the COALESCE Network
Authors: Venkataraman Chandra , Anand Abhinav , Maji Sujit , Barman Neeldip , Tiwari Dewashish , Muduchuru Kaushik , Sharma Arushi , Gupta Ganesh , Bhardwaj Ankur , Haswani Diksha , Pullokaran Delwin , Yadav Kajal , Sunder Raman Ramya , Imran Mohd. , Habib Gazala , Kapoor Taveen Singh , Anurag Gupta , Sharma Renuka , Phuleria Harish C. , Qadri Adnan Mateen , Singh Gyanesh Kumar , Gupta Tarun , Dhandapani Abisheg , Kumar R. Naresh , Mukherjee Sauryadeep , Chatterjee Abhijit , Rabha Shahadev , Saikia Binoy K. , Saikia Prasenjit , Ganguly Dilip , Chaudhary Pooja , Sinha Baerbel , Roy Sayantee , Muthalagu Akila , Qureshi Asif , Lian Yang , Pandithurai Govindan , Prasad Laxmi , Murthy Sadashiva , Duhan Sandeep Singh , Laura Jitender S. , Chhangani Anil Kumar , Najar Tanveer Ahmad , Jehangir Arshid , Kesarkar Amit P. , Singh Vikas
Published: July 2024

Emission sources influencing high particulate air pollution levels and related mortality in India have been studied earlier on country‐wide and sub‐national scales. Here, we use novel data sets of emissions (for 2019) and observations created under the Carbonaceous Aerosol Emissions, Source Apportionment, and Climate Impacts network in India (Venkataraman et al., 2020, https://doi.org/10.1175/bams‐d‐19‐0030.1) in WRF‐Chem simulations to evaluate drivers of high PM2.5 levels during episodes and in airsheds with different pollution levels. We identify airsheds in “extreme” (110–140 μg/m3), “severe” (80–110 μg/m3) and “significant” (40–80 μg/m3) exceedance of the Indian annual ambient air quality standard (National Ambient Air Quality Standards [NAAQS]) of 40 μg/m3 for PM2.5. We find that primary organic matter and anthropogenic mineral matter (largely coal fly‐ash) drive high PM2.5 levels, both annually and during high PM2.5 episodes. PM2.5 episodes are driven by organic aerosol in north India (Mohali) in wintertime but are additionally influenced by mineral matter and secondary inorganics in central (Bhopal), south India (Mysuru) and eastern India (Shyamnagar). Across airsheds in exceedance of the NAAQS and during high PM2.5 episodes, primary PM2.5 emissions arise largely from the residential sector (50%–75%). Formal sector emissions (industry, thermal power and transport; 40%–55%) drive airshed and episode scale PM2.5 exceedance in northern and eastern India. Agricultural residue burning emissions predominate (50%–75%) on episode scales, both in northern and central India, but not on annual scales. Interestingly, residential sector emissions strongly influence (60%–90%) airsheds in compliance with the NAAQS (annual mean PM2.5 < 40 μg/m3), implying the need for modern residential energy transitions for the reduction of ambient air pollution across India.
Prolonged Quasi‐6‐Day Wave Activities in the Northern Hemisphere MLT Region Due To Antarctic Stratospheric Minor Warming Around September Equinox of 2013 and 2014
Authors: Qin Yusong , Gu Sheng‐Yang , Dou Xiankang , Sun Ruidi , Wei Yafei , Wang Wenxuan , Wang Dong
Published: July 2024

The geopotential height observations from the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder show that the quasi‐6‐day wave (Q6DW) events with westward zonal wavenumber 1 (W1) in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) during September 2013 and 2014 had a prolonged lifetime of ∼45–50 days and reached their maximum amplitudes after the September equinox, while the climatological Q6DW‐W1 is completely dissipated in the background atmosphere before the equinoxes. The Eliassen‐Palm flux diagnostic results indicate that Q6DW‐W1 during September 2013 and 2014 obtained an additional source at ∼60°‐80°S and ∼40–50 km as the September equinox approached, which is related to the baroclinic/barotropic instability in this region. Further investigation on the background atmosphere reveals that several stratospheric minor warming (SMW) events occurred in the Antarctic region during September 2013 and 2014 due to the enhancement of wavenumber 1 activities, accompanied by the increase in the stratospheric temperature, changes in the shape of the polar vortex and the reversal in the zonal mean circulation. The strong planetary wave breaking during the September 2013 and 2014 Antarctic SMW events significantly weakened the strength of the polar night jet (PNJ) and made its peak height descend below ∼35 km, which generated the baroclinic/barotropic instability at the new upper boundary of the PNJ (∼60°‐80°S and ∼40–50 km) by an anomalous double‐jet configuration in the background winds. This unusual instability provided additional wave source and energy for the trans‐equatorial propagation of Q6DW‐W1, which finally led to prolonged wave activities in the NH MLT region.
What Drove the GICs >10 A During the 17 March 2013 Event at Mäntsälä? A Novel Framework for Distinguishing the Magnetospheric Sources
Authors: Waghule Bhagyashree , Knipp D. J. , Gannon J. L. , Billet D. , Vines S. K. , Goldstein J.
Published: July 2024

We combine wavelet analysis and data fusion to investigate geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) on the Mäntsälä pipeline and the associated horizontal geomagnetic field, BH, variations during the late main phase of the 17 March 2013 geomagnetic storm. The wavelet analysis decomposes the GIC and BH signals at increasing “scales” to show distinct multi‐minute spectral features around the GIC spikes. Four GIC spikes >10 A occurred while the pipeline was in the dusk sector—the first sine‐wave‐like spike at ∼16 UT was “compound.” It was followed by three “self‐similar” spikes 2 hr later. The contemporaneous multi‐resolution observations from ground‐(magnetometer, SuperMAG, SuperDARN), and space‐based (AMPERE, Two Wide‐Angle Imaging Neutral‐atom Spectrometers) platforms capture multi‐scale activity to reveal two magnetospheric modes causing the spikes. The GIC at ∼16 UT occurred in two parts with the negative spike associated with a transient sub‐auroral eastward electrojet that closed a developing partial ring current loop, whereas the positive spike developed with the arrival of the associated mesoscale flow‐channel in the auroral zone. The three spikes between 18 and 19 UT were due to bursty bulk flows (BBFs). We attribute all spikes to flow‐channel injections (substorms) of varying scales. We use previously published MHD simulations of the event to substantiate our conclusions, given the dearth of timely in‐situ satellite observations. Our results show that multi‐scale magnetosphere‐ionosphere activity that drives GICs can be understood using multi‐resolution analysis. This new framework of combining wavelet analysis with multi‐platform observations opens a research avenue for GIC investigations and other space weather impacts.
Addressing the need for individual-level exposure monitoring for firefighters using silicone samplers
Authors: Bonner Emily M. , Poutasse Carolyn M. , Haddock Christopher K. , Poston Walker S. C. , Jahnke Sara A. , Tidwell Lane G. , Anderson Kim A.
Published: July 2024

Background

Firefighters are occupationally exposed to hazardous chemical mixtures. Silicone passive sampling devices capture unique exposures over time with minimal impact to the participant and allow for the analysis of a broad chemical space.

Objective

Silicone dog tags were worn by firefighters while on- and off-duty to measure individual exposures, identify potential occupational exposures, and assess their relation to occupational variables including fire response frequency, rank, and years as a firefighter.

Methods

Fifty-six firefighters were recruited from two fire departments with relatively high and low call volumes in the Kansas City metropolitan area to wear two different silicone dog tags as passive samplers while on- and off-duty. Each dog tag was worn for a cumulative 30-day exposure period. Extracts of the dog tags were analyzed with gas chromatography, mass spectrometry methods for 43 flame retardants (FRs), 21 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 42 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and 63 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Results

Ninety-two total chemicals were detected, with eight chemicals not previously reported in firefighter exposure studies. Based on the magnitude and frequency of increased exposure in on-duty dog tags, relative to paired off-duty dog tags, five PBDEs and sec-butylbenzene were identified as potential occupational exposures; sec-butylbenzene and PBDE 49 have not previously been reported in firefighter exposure studies to the authors’ knowledge. Multivariate analyses for these six compounds indicated that firefighter rank, fire response rates, and years in the fire service were poor indicators of increased occupational exposure. The greatest on-duty exposures to PBDEs were found in the low-call volume department among operational firefighters. Dog tags from firefighters at the high-call volume department accounted for 75% of PCB detections; one particular fire response may have contributed to this. Additionally, there was measurable similarity in total chemical exposure profiles between paired on- and off-duty tags for some firefighters.

Impact

This study used personal silicone passive samplers in the configuration of dog tags worn around the neck to quantify firefighter occupational exposure in on-duty samples relative to paired off-duty samples for several chemical categories: flame retardants, VOCs, and PCBs. Five PBDEs and sec-butylbenzene were identified as potential occupational exposures, however their prevalence in on-duty tags was not associated with frequency of fire responses, firefighter rank, or years the firefighter has been in the fire service. Additionally, similarity between chemical exposures in on- and off-duty tags from the same firefighter invites further investigation into individual behaviors influencing occupational and para-occupational exposures.
Increased risk of severe neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome in pregnancies with low placental ABCB1 DNA methylation
Authors: Townsel Courtney , Truax Burnley , Quaid Margaret , Covault Jonathan , Dolinoy Dana C. , Goodrich Jaclyn M.
Published: July 2024

Background

Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) is unpredictable. We assessed relationships between placental DNA methylation with in-utero opioid exposure and NOWS severity.

Methods

Secondary analysis of a prospective multicenter cohort study of pregnancies on methadone or buprenorphine, ≥34 weeks, singleton, 18 or greater. Placental biopsies were collected. Placental DNA methylation levels of ABCG1, ABCG2, CYP19A1, and HSD11B2 were quantified via pyrosequencing following bisulfite conversion. CYP19A1 mRNA levels and umbilical cord drug levels were determined by RT-qPCR and LC-MS respectively. Severe NOWS was diagnosed through Finnegan scoring. P value < 0.05 was significant.

Results

Thirty-eight dyads were included. Promoter region methylation for placental ABCB1 was lower in severe NOWS compared to non-severe NOWS (p = 0.04). Placental CYP19A1 methylation was inversely related to CYP19A1 mRNA levels and associated with umbilical cord norbuprenorphine levels (p < 0.01), but not umbilical cord methadone levels.

Discussion

Lower placental ABCB1 methylation was associated with severe NOWS. Higher placental CYP19A1 methylation correlated with higher umbilical cord norbuprenorphine levels.