bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing purslane cultivation through legume intercropping and crop rotation: a study on yield and rhizosphere bacterial communities
Authors: Carrascosa-Robles Ángel , Pascual José Antonio , Cuartero Jessica , de Santiago Ana , Petropoulos Spyridon A. , del Mar Alguacil María
Published: December 2024

Aims

Mixed cropping systems such as intercropping and crop rotation have been proven to be sustainable agronomic tools that provide agro-ecological services and improve crop yield through soil physical, chemical and biological changes in the soil. In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of different mixed cropping systems on a crop well-adapted to high temperatures and low precipitation, like purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) and to study the underlying microbial mechanisms involved.

Methods

A field experiment in a semiarid region of southern Spain was conducted to study the short-term effects of crop rotation (R) and intercropping (I) with peas or cowpeas, as well as a combination of both (IR) on purslane yield and soil quality parameters such as microbial enzymatic activity, bacterial diversity, microbial composition and functionality.

Results

All the tested treatments increased purslane yield without significant differences among each other, but only the R and IR treatments affected the rhizospheric soil properties, through the increase of the enzymatic activities and the modification of the bacterial composition and functionality, and promoted organic matter degrading bacteria such as Bacillaceae, Myxococcaceae, and Planococcaceae and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, mainly Rhizobiaceae and Beijerinckiaceae.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates how sustainable cropping practices may improve the yield of a low maintenance crop like purslane under low-maintenance conditions by improving soil fertility in semiarid areas and also provides insights into the biological mechanisms responsible for the recorded effects.
Radiation source detection for the accurate location of lymph node metastases using robotic forceps-type coincidence radiation detector
Authors: Kawamura Kazuya , Nakajima Ayano , Ito Shigeki , Takahashi Miwako , Yamaya Taiga
Published: December 2024

Purpose

We have developed a forceps-type coincidence radiation detector for supporting lymph node dissection in esophageal cancer treatment. For precise detecting, this study aims to measure the 2D point-spread function of the detector at three difference tip angles, to devise a method to determine the position of a point source using the 2D point-spread function.

Method

The 2D sensitivity distribution on the surface of the detector was investigated to assess sensitivity variation caused by differences in the relative positions of the detector and radiation source. Based on the results, we identified the peak sensitivity value and proposed a detection method using this value. We evaluated the effectiveness of the proposed method by detecting radiation source location using this simulated distribution.

Result

From the radiation sensitivity distribution measurements, we observed a gradual decrease in radiation detection sensitivity from the center toward the edges of the detector surface. Additionally, we verified that the peak sensitivity value was attainable. Through the basic verification of the detection method, we confirmed that the radiation source location could be detected within a maximum error of 1.4 mm.

Conclusion

We developed a peak value search method aimed at mitigating sensitivity variations by leveraging the sensitivity distribution across the detector surface. The proposed device is thought to be able to quantitatively evaluate the desired target assuming that the field of view could be limited to the area clamped by the detector. As a next research step, more precise search methods should be verified in an environment resembling the one of the target clinical uses.
Enhanced Wear Resistance of Gas Nitrided AISI 431 HVOF Coatings at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Hanisch Niclas , Saborowski Erik , Lindner Thomas , Preuß Bianca , Tchinou Serge , Börner Kristian , Lampke Thomas
Published: December 2024

Stainless-steel feedstocks achieve increasing importance as sustainable and cost-efficient alternative regarding thermal spraying. However, the wear resistance is often insufficient for demanding applications. Therefore, an additional surface hardening step by thermochemical processes, in particular by gas nitriding, is promising for enhancing surface functionality. The characteristic porosity of thermally sprayed coatings facilitates deep nitrogen diffusion increasing hardness and wear resistance, due to the formation of precipitates. Because nitrides are thermally stable, applications at elevated temperatures are enabled. The process combination was examined for the ferritic stainless-steel AISI 431 applied on mild steel by high-velocity oxygen fuel spraying (HVOF), followed by subsequent gas nitriding. The influence of the thermochemical treatment with respect to a variation in the nitriding potential has been determined in terms of microstructure, phase formation, hardness distribution as well as reciprocating wear resistance at room and elevated temperature. The increase in hardness over 900 HV0.01 and wear resistance with wear rates consistently lower than 1.3 × 10-4 mm3 Nm−1 can be attributed to the successful enrichment of nitrogen and the formation of mainly Fe4N precipitates at the coating’s surface. Even at 350 °C, the nitride surface layer provides better wear protection compared to the as-sprayed condition.

Graphical Abstract
Influence of Sputtering DC Sputtering Power on the Surface Evolution of Ti Thin Films: A Fractal Description
Authors: Mwema F. M. , Wambua J. M. , Jen Tien-Chien , Akinlabi E. T.
Published: December 2024

The power supplied to the target during a sputtering process affects surface evolution. As such, the influence of sputtering power on the growth of titanium (Ti) thin films was studied. The Ti thin films were deposited using a direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering system from a pure Ti target on a glass substrate at varying sputtering powers of 15% (54.12 W), 30% (109.70 W), and 50% (188.17 W) of the maximum system capacity. The thin films were then characterised for topography using atomic force microscopy (AFM), morphology using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and crystallinity using an x-ray diffractometer (XRD). Furthermore, fractal analysis based on the AFM imaging was undertaken to evaluate the growth mechanisms of the Ti thin films. The thickness, grain size, and roughness of the thin films increased with the deposition power. The samples were mostly amorphous, although at 30% and 50%, a weak peak of Ti (002) was observed via x-ray diffraction. The fractal dimension (Df) decreased with increasing power. The multifractality strength increased with increasing power. Based on the fractal study, Volmer-Weber and Stranski-Krastanov's modes describe the growth mechanism of Ti thin films deposited at varying sputtering power.
A Review Article: The Relationship Between Obesity and Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Nguyen Lily , Shanmugan Skandan
Published: December 2024

Purpose of Review

This article aims to review the recent literature assessing the relationship between obesity and colorectal carcinogenesis, the effect of obesity on the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), tools available to help augment the increased risk, and outcomes for patients who are affected by both obesity and colorectal cancer.

Recent Findings

The biochemical mechanisms contributing to CRC carcinogenesis are not well understood but are suspected to be related to adipose tissue leading to a pro-inflammatory state and changes in the gut microbiome. Individuals with obesity are at higher risk for CRC development, worse oncologic outcomes, and increased rates of post-operative complications. Bariatric surgery decreases CRC risk but results with GLP-1 agonists are heterogeneous. Prehabilitation is the only weight loss method that has been demonstrated to decrease risks of post-operative morbidity in this population.

Obesity augments CRC risk and outcomes. There are persistent knowledge gaps in etiology and epidemiology for the increased CRC risk in obese patients and more research is required to identify the therapeutic advantage of weight loss on CRC risk.
University Support and Prevention Needs for Sexual Harassment: What Do European Students and Doctoral Students Ask For?
Authors: Charlotta Löfgren , My Lilja , Mika Hagerlid , Wiebke Schoon , Irma Jakić , Cynthia Deverchin , Melina Westermann
Published: December 2024

This study explores experiences of and reflections on sexual harassment in academia among students and doctoral students from Belgium, Croatia, Germany, and Sweden. Prevalence studies show that sexual harassment is a common occurrence and has negative consequences not only on mental health in general but also on academic performance. However, little is known about what kinds of support and prevention are needed. Therefore, the aim of this study has been to develop in-depth knowledge about students’ and doctoral students’ reflections on how victims of sexual harassment in academia should be supported, and how sexual harassment in academia could be prevented. To achieve this aim, 54 individual interviews, and 6 focus group interviews with 18 participants, were conducted between 2020 and 2022 with a total of 72 participants at the bachelors, masters, doctoral level or state exam level. Based on a thematic analysis three themes emerged: (a) Information on sexual harassment, (b) Prerequisites for reporting and intervening, and (c) Support as a preventive activity. The results show an urgent need for information, since this is perceived as lacking by students and doctoral students, and suggested strategies for information provision are presented. Further, there are challenges related to reporting, and ignorance about how to intervene when sexual harassment is witnessed. Professional support is described as important, along with support from peers, mentors, family, and friends. These findings are relevant for researchers and for clinicians at university student health centres, to develop relevant preventive and supportive interventions in the context of academia.
A Kinematic Approach for Rip Current Identification from ADCP Observation Data at Haeundae Beach, Korea
Authors: Bang Inkweon , Kim KyungMan , Gu Jeong-bon , Shin Sung-min , Kim Jong Beom , Kang Boonsoon
Published: December 2024

In May 2023, direct observations of rip currents were conducted at Haeundae Beach, Korea, over a two-day period at six different stations using upward-facing Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs). The depth-averaged cross-shore velocity data were low-pass filtered with a 30-s cutoff period to eliminate wave-related motions. By applying 15-min boxcar averages, correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationship between three types of flow (cross-shore, onshore, and offshore) and three environmental factors (tide, wave, and wind). The analysis revealed that only one (R2-3) of the six stations had a high likelihood of rip current occurrence. Rip currents were defined as regions of offshore flow within the low-pass filtered time series of cross-shore velocities. For each identified rip current, three key kinematic features—maximum speed, duration, and distance—were estimated. Using specific thresholds for these features, hazardous rip currents were determined. Station R2-3 was the only station where hazardous rip currents were observed, which is consistent with the findings of the correlation analysis. Additionally, swells with a 15-s period were detected exclusively at R2-3 during the period of the hazardous rip currents, suggesting their significant role in the development of the observed rip currents. Furthermore, both Rip Index from the Rip Current Monitoring and Warning System and the CCTV Score from the Rip Current Checklist exceeded threshold values during this period, reinforcing the reliability of the method used. The potential influence of bound infragravity waves on the duration and variability of these rip currents was discussed. The rip currents observed at Haeundae Beach could be categorized as the "focused" type.
Facies-related reservoir heterogeneity of grain-supported limestones: insight from the Early Cretaceous Yamama Formation, southern Iraq
Authors: Mohammed Abbas , Velledits Felicitász
Published: December 2024

Sedimentological investigation of 150 m drill cores and well log analyses, including gamma-ray, resistivity, sonic, neutron, density logs, were conducted to constrain the impact of depositional facies on reservoir quality distribution in limestone succession of the Yamama Formation (Early Cretaceous), Nasiriya Oilfield, southern Iraq. Understanding the factors controlling reservoir heterogeneity in carbonate reservoirs is crucial for developing geological and reservoir models. Nine microfacies were identified: peloidal oncoidal grainstones-rudstones, skeletal cortoids packstones, skeletal dasyclads wackestones, pelletal packstones-grainstones, cortoidal peloidal grainstones, ooidal peloidal grainstones, skeletal grainstones, bioturbated dolomitic wackestones, and spiculitic skeletal mudstones-wackestones. The formation was deposited in open-marine shallow-water carbonate ramp, ranging from the intertidal to outer-ramp during the Berriasian-Valanginian. The depositional ramp was characterized by grainstones shoal barriers in the distal inner-ramp. Sea level fluctuations significantly influenced the vertical facies and reservoir quality distribution. The grain-supported, distal inner-ramp shoal facies formed the reservoir units, while the mud-supported, middle-outer-ramp facies are impervious units. Diagenetic processes, including dissolution of skeletal allochems, physical and chemical compaction, dolomitization, and cementation, have variably affected reservoir quality. Dissolution enhanced porosity by creating vuggs, while compaction and cementation often reduced porosity. Nevertheless, early diagenetic circumgranular calcite and small amount of scattered equant and syntaxial calcite overgrowths helped protecting the grain-supported limestones from physical compaction and thus preserved interparticle pores (≤ 22%) at depth (>3100 m). Conversely, equant calcite cement, which occurs in substantial amounts, has reduced porosity by filling the interparticle and moldic pores. Reservoir heterogeneity of the formation is attributed to depositional facies, which control the texture of the sediments, and to various types of diagenetic alterations.
More minimal non-$$\sigma $$-scattered linear orders
Authors: Shalev Roy
Published: December 2024

In a recent paper, Cummings, Eisworth and Moore gave a novel construction of minimal non-$$\sigma $$
σ
-scattered linear orders of arbitrarily large successor size. It remained open whether it is possible to construct these orders at other cardinals. Here, it is proved that in Gödel’s constructible universe, these orders exist at any regular uncountable cardinal $$\kappa $$
κ
that is not weakly compact. In fact, for any cardinal $$\kappa $$
κ
as above we obtain $$2^\kappa $$

2
κ

many such orders which are pairwise non-embeddable. At the level of $$\aleph _1$$

ℵ
1

, their work answered an old question of Baumgartner by constructing from $$\diamondsuit $$
♢
a minimal Aronszajn line that is not Souslin. Our uniform construction is based on the Brodsky–Rinot proxy principle which at the level of $$\aleph _1$$

ℵ
1

is strictly weaker than $$\diamondsuit $$
♢
.
An Investigation of Aberdeen Football Club’s Proposed Relocation from Pittodrie Stadium to the Town of Westhill
Authors: Bain Richie , James Kieran
Published: November 2024

The aim of this article is to investigate the impact of Aberdeen Football Club’s proposed relocation from Pittodrie Stadium to the environs of Westhill, almost seven miles west of the city-centre, and to assess the probability of acceptance amongst stakeholders of the football club. At the present time, writing in November 2024, it appears that the club has abandoned this plan. Instead, there is talk of a new stadium on the seafront not far from Pittodrie. However, the issues and stakeholder relationships revealed through this case remain worthy of extensive study for what they reveal about the intersection between the corporate world, the community organizations, and the hardcore supporter bases; and how each works according to a different logic and rhythm as they vie for power and ascendency. During the fieldwork, conducted in 2018-20, the opinions of shoppers in both Aberdeen and Westhill were canvassed, alongside the views of supporters from one of the popular Aberdeen FC supporters’ clubs.
The Role of Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor in Mitigating the Risk of Recurrent Miscarriages: A Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Biyun , Xu Jianying , Wei Xiangcai , Zhong Xingming
Published: December 2024

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), a pivotal hematopoietic cytokine, has been noted for its potential to bolster embryo implantation and augment endometrial receptivity. The present meta-analysis endeavors to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of G-CSF in mitigating the incidence of recurrent miscarriages, thereby enriching the clinical evidence supporting its use in treatment protocols. Our exhaustive literature search, concluded on August 25, 2024, spanned across various databases including PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Weipu, and Wanfang, to identify and analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the impact of G-CSF on recurrent miscarriage. Our review incorporated 7 RCTs. The application of G-CSF was linked to a marked reduction in the rate of miscarriage [RR = 0.48, 95% CI (0.27, 0.86), P = 0.01]. Subgroup analysis indicated that the intra-uterine infusion of G-CSF was notably effective in diminishing the miscarriage rate (RR = 0.35, 95% CI (0.18, 0.68), P = 0.002), while subcutaneous administration did not exhibit a significant impact (RR = 0.55, 95% CI (0.26, 1.20), P = 0.13). Moreover, the administration of G-CSF during the ovulatory phase was identified as particularly efficacious in reducing the miscarriage rate (RR = 0.33, 95% CI (0.18, 0.63), P < 0.001). Intrauterine administration of G-CSF, particularly during the ovulatory phase, is associated with a significant decrease in miscarriage risk and an enhancement in the likelihood of a successful pregnancy outcome in patients with a history of recurrent miscarriages. These findings highlight G-CSF’s promise as a valuable therapeutic intervention in this medical scenario.
Impact of proximity from chemical and pharmaceutical universities on startup founding: empirical evidence from the Visegrad countries
Authors: Krankovits Melinda , Kézai Petra Kinga , Szennay Áron
Published: December 2024

This paper examines the spatial distribution of chemical startups in the Visegrad Countries (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary), highlighting their potential to drive technological innovation by creating new products or services under conditions of high uncertainty. The study focuses on the proximity of these startups to medical or chemical universities and those with biotechnological research fields to better understand their geographical patterns and potential knowledge spillovers. Data were drawn from Crunchbase, a comprehensive startup database, resulting in a final sample of approximately 333 operational chemical, pharmaceutical, or biotechnological startups. Companies were identified using keyword-based searches, while startup locations and distances to the nearest medical universities were recorded. Statistical methods were applied to assess spatial patterns. Results indicate that these startups are frequently located in cities with biotechnological, chemical, or medical universities. Our findings highlight different types of startup activities and levels of financial support across the Visegrad countries, emphasising the role of chemical startups in fostering technological advancement and sustainable development.
A comparative study on Arc- and vacuum induction-melting for Ti16.6Zr16.6Hf16.6Co10Ni20Cu20 high entropy shape memory Alloy Production
Authors: Hinte Christian , Fantin Andrea , Barienti Khemais , Herbst Sebastian , Frenzel Jan , Eggeler Gunther , Maier Hans Jürgen
Published: November 2024

Arc-melting (AM) as a primary method for casting high entropy alloys (HEAs) ensures rapid alloy screening with minimal material input, high cost-effectiveness, and high cooling rates. However, the limitations of AM on a laboratory scale, particularly its constrained sample size and the necessity for remelting steps to ensure homogeneity, hampers thorough mechanical and functional testing of bulk materials. Therefore, this study features a comparative analysis between AM and vacuum induction-melting (VIM) techniques for High Entropy Shape Memory Alloys (HE-SMAs) production, focusing on the senary alloy Ti16.6Zr16.6Hf16.6Co10Ni20Cu20, known for its potential functional applications and high sensitivity to material inhomogeneity. The alloy’s composition, including high-melting point elements like Hf, Ti and Zr, makes it a well-suited candidate for assessing the capabilities of VIM in producing homogeneous bulk materials. The employment of binary pre-alloys in both AM and VIM processes reduced the necessity for remelting steps and ensured better initial quality for subsequent heat treatments. A homogenization treatment at 900 °C for 100 h of an AM-produced senary alloy showed only slight improvements compared to the same alloy produced via VIM, largely due to the slow diffusion of the larger Hf and Zr atoms from the dendrites into the solid solution. This suggests that VIM can achieve comparable levels of homogenization in substantially less time than required for AM-treated samples. The findings finally indicate that by using VIM, when combined with binary pre-alloys, one achieves more homogeneous alloys with reduced heat-treatment time, making it a viable method for HE-SMA production.
Survival of the flattest in the quasispecies model
Authors: Berger Maxime , Cerf Raphaël
Published: December 2024

Viruses present an amazing genetic variability. An ensemble of infecting viruses, also called a viral quasispecies, is a cloud of mutants centered around a specific genotype. The simplest model of evolution, whose equilibrium state is described by the quasispecies equation, is the Moran–Kingman model. For the sharp-peak landscape, we perform several exact computations and derive several exact formulas. We also obtain an exact formula for the quasispecies distribution, involving a series and the mean fitness. A very simple formula for the mean Hamming distance is derived, which is exact and does not require a specific asymptotic expansion (such as sending the length of the macromolecules to

$\infty$

or the mutation probability to 0). With the help of these formulas, we present an original proof for the well-known phenomenon of the error threshold. We recover the limiting quasispecies distribution in the long-chain regime. We try also to extend these formulas to a general fitness landscape. We obtain an equation involving the covariance of the fitness and the Hamming class number in the quasispecies distribution. Going beyond the sharp-peak landscape, we consider fitness landscapes having finitely many peaks and a plateau-type landscape. Finally, within this framework, we prove rigorously the possible occurrence of the survival of the flattest, a phenomenon which was previously discovered by Wilke et al. (Nature 412, 2001) and which has been investigated in several works (see e.g. Codoñer et al. (PLOS Pathogens2, 2006), Franklin et al. (Artificial Life25, 2019), Sardanyés et al. (J. Theoret. Biol.250, 2008), and Tejero et al. (BMC Evolutionary Biol.11, 2011)).
Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Dudley Susan E.
Published: December 2024

This special issue of the Journal of Benefit–Cost Analysis is dedicated to the memory of Jerry Ellig, a brilliant economist whose untimely death in 2021 cut short a productive and influential career in government and academia. Jerry was adept at applying economic concepts and empirical analysis to improve public policy, and he enjoyed not only studying real policy problems, but finding practical solutions to them. He was also a generous mentor, supporting and collaborating with graduate students and colleagues to publish prolifically in peer-reviewed economics, public administration, and political science journals, as well as law reviews and more popular outlets. He was a great communicator, able to take his academic work and translate it for different audiences, including through testimony, seminars, op-eds, short presentations, and classroom teaching. In addition to these immense talents, Jerry was genuinely kind and unpretentious; he wore Wal-Mart suits and garish ties. And he was laugh-out-loud funny, a master at diffusing difficult situations with a witty, but never mean, quip.
Performance enhancement in the long-wavelength low-gain region of Ti:sapphire lasers by an efficient stimulated Raman scattering process
Authors: Bai Yuntao , Ding Xin , Jiang Guoxin , Lei Peng , Xie Ying , Du Jiangeng , Sun Yang , Wu Liang , Zhang Guizhong , Yao Jianquan
Published: December 2024

We demonstrated a method to improve the output performance of a Ti:sapphire laser in the long-wavelength low-gain region with an efficient stimulated Raman scattering process. By shifting the wavelength of the high-gain-band Ti:sapphire laser to the long-wavelength low-gain region, high-performance Stokes operation was achieved in the original long-wavelength low-gain region of the Ti:sapphire laser. With the fundamental wavelength tuning from 870 to 930 nm, first-order Stokes output exceeding 2.5 W was obtained at 930–1000 nm, which was significantly higher than that directly generated by the Ti:sapphire laser, accompanied by better beam quality, shorter pulse duration and narrower linewidth. Under the pump power of 42.1 W, a maximum first-order Stokes power of 3.24 W was obtained at 960 nm, with a conversion efficiency of 7.7%. Furthermore, self-mode-locked modulations of first- and second-order Stokes generation were observed in Ti:sapphire intracavity solid Raman lasers for the first time.
Becoming Better: When and Why Positive Status Change Induces Prosocial Behavior Versus Self-Interested Behavior
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Yueqiao Qiao , Jia Ming , Ju Boyuan , Wang Xingquan
Published: December 2024

Prior research on status has focused primarily on the cognitive perspective, exploring the effects of status and offering a limited understanding of the impact of positive status change and its emotional mechanisms. This study draws upon the two-facet model of pride to examine how positive status change influences the behaviors of new status holders. Specifically, we propose that when status differentiation is low, positive status change enhances new status holders' prosocial behavior through their authentic pride, while in cases of high status differentiation, it increases their self-interested behavior through their hubristic pride. To test our hypotheses, we conducted a series of studies, including a laboratory experiment, a scenario experiment, and a time-lagged multilevel and multisource field study. Our multilevel analyses of the data provided strong support for our hypotheses. Our findings shed light on when and why positive status change triggers different behaviors among new status holders, offering important insights into the emotional mechanisms that underlie the effects of status change.
Long-term sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 two years following infection: exploring the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors
Authors: Verveen Anouk , Nugroho Fajar Agung , Bucur Ioan Gabriel , Wynberg Elke , van Willigen Hugo D.G. , Davidovich Udi , Lok Anja , Moll van Charante Eric P. , de Bree Godelieve J. , de Jong Menno D. , Kootstra Neeltje , Claassen Tom , de Jonge Marien I. , Heskes Tom , Prins Maria , Knoop Hans , Nieuwkerk Pythia T. ,   the RECoVERED Study Group
Published: December 2024

Background

Severe fatigue and cognitive complaints are frequently reported after SARS-CoV-2 infection and may be accompanied by depressive symptoms and/or limitations in physical functioning. The long-term sequelae of COVID-19 may be influenced by biomedical, psychological, and social factors, the interplay of which is largely understudied over time. We aimed to investigate how the interplay of these factors contribute to the persistence of symptoms after COVID-19.

Methods

RECoVERED, a prospective cohort study in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, enrolled participants aged⩾16 years after SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. We used a structural network analysis to assess relationships between biomedical (initial COVID-19 severity, inflammation markers), psychological (illness perceptions, coping, resilience), and social factors (loneliness, negative life events) and persistent symptoms 24 months after initial disease (severe fatigue, difficulty concentrating, depressive symptoms and limitations in physical functioning). Causal discovery, an explorative data-driven approach testing all possible associations and retaining the most likely model, was performed.

Results

Data from 235/303 participants (77.6%) who completed the month 24 study visit were analysed. The structural model revealed associations between the putative factors and outcomes. The outcomes clustered together with severe fatigue as its central point. Loneliness, fear avoidance in response to symptoms, and illness perceptions were directly linked to the outcomes. Biological (inflammatory markers) and clinical (severity of initial illness) variables were connected to the outcomes only via psychological or social variables.

Conclusions

Our findings support a model where biomedical, psychological, and social factors contribute to the development of long-term sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Identification of mobile resistome in soils exposed to different impacts in Fildes Peninsula, King George Island
Authors: Giménez Matías , Azziz Gastón , Batista Silvia
Published: December 2024

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most important global health issues identified in recent decades. Different approaches have been used to establish the presence and abundance of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGEs) in the environment. In this study, we analysed soil samples from Fildes Peninsula (King George Island, Maritime Antarctica) exposed to human and bird impacts. The objective of the work was to identify ARGEs in the samples and to evaluate whether these genes were located in plasmids using two different strategies. A metagenomic analysis was employed to identify ARGEs according to the CARD database and to determine whether they were associated with plasmidic sequences. The analysis showed that the site exposed to high anthropogenic activity had a higher number of ARGEs compared to other sites. A large percentage of those ARGEs (19.4%) was located in plasmidic contigs. We also assessed replicon mobilization using microbial communities from these soil samples as donors through an exogenous plasmid isolation method. In this case, we could recover plasmids with ARGEs in a Tcr transconjugant clone. Although they could not be fully assembled, we could detect broad host range IncP1 and IncQ plasmid sequences. Our results indicate that sewage-impacted soils could be hotspots for the spread of ARGEs into the Antarctic environment.
Meeting our students where they are: An ethics certificate program for hospital ethics committees
Authors: Pauley Mathew D. , Craig Jana M. , Bennett Alina , Villanueva Angela G. , Barks Mary Carol , May Thomas
Published: December 2024

To meet the specific education needs of ethics committee members (primarily full-time healthcare professionals), the Regional Ethics Department of Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNCAL) and Washington State University’s Elson Floyd School of Medicine have partnered to create a one-academic year Medical Ethics Certificate Program. The mission-driven nature of the KPNCAL-WSU’s Certificate Program was designed to be a low-cost, high-quality option for busy full-time practitioners who may not otherwise opt to pursue additional education.

This article discusses the specific competency-focused methodologies and pedagogies adopted, as well as how the Certificate Program made permanent changes in response to the global pandemic. This article also discusses in detail one of the Program’s signature features, its Practicum—an extensive simulated clinical ethics consultation placing students in the role of ethics consultant, facilitating a conflict between family members played by paid professional actors. This article concludes with survey data responses from Program alumni gathered as part of a quality study.
Evaluation of Pentraxin-3 levels in children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome
Authors: Gürses Dolunay , Yılmaz Münevver , Avcı Esin , Oğuz Merve , Sayın Emine , Yüksel Selçuk
Published: December 2024

Background:

Early recognition of cardiac involvement and prediction of disease prognosis are essential for the management of inflammatory diseases such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome. This study aimed to investigate the role of Pentraxin-3 levels in identifying cardiac involvement and evaluating disease severity in patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome.

Methods:

The study included 56 multisystem inflammatory syndrome patients and 26 healthy children as a control group. The multisystem inflammatory syndrome group was divided into those with cardiac involvement (n = 34) and those without (n = 22), as well as those with clinically mild-moderate (n = 30) and severe (n = 26) multisystem inflammatory syndrome. Blood samples for measurement of Pentraxin-3 levels were obtained from all patients before treatment and from the healthy controls.

Results:

In the patient group, the mean age was 8.2 ± 4 years (range: 2–17 years), and the male-to-female ratio was 1.8. In the control group, these values were 9.5 ± 3.7 years (range: 2–16 years) and 1.9, respectively (p > 0.05). Plasma Pentraxin-3 levels were significantly higher in multisystem inflammatory syndrome patients compared to controls (7.1 ± 5 ng/mL vs. 2.9 ± 2.1 ng/mL, p = 0.001). Patients with cardiac involvement had a significantly higher median Pentraxin-3 level than those without (5.8 ng/mL vs. 4.1 ng/mL, p = 0.004). Severe disease was also associated with a higher median Pentraxin-3 level compared to mild-moderate disease (6.1 ng/mL vs. 4.4 ng/mL, p = 0.001). Pentraxin-3 level was negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction and positively correlated with B-type natriuretic peptide, troponin.

Conclusion:

Elevated Pentraxin-3 levels in multisystem inflammatory syndrome patients may help predict the clinical course of the disease and cardiac involvement. However, larger-scale prospective studies are needed to further elucidate this.
Mario Bertoncini’s Musical Design Course: Between Renaissance pedagogy and contemporary research-creation
Authors: Bertolani Valentina
Published: December 2024

This article explores the Musical Design course offered at McGill University by Mario Bertoncini in 1975–6 in a collaboration between the music department and the department of mechanical engineering. Some of the students independently created a collective named Sonde (originally named MuD from the name of the course). This unique pedagogical experience, influenced by Bertoncini’s understanding of craftmanship in Renaissance workshops, will be presented as an antecedent of research-creation or artistic practice as research, a ubiquitous and vastly recognised modality of research that has been gaining more and more traction since the early 2000s.
Variability in River Width Reveals Climatic Influence on Channel Geometry
Authors: Phillips C. B. , Masteller C. C. , Blaylock J. , Van Iwaarden F. , Johnson J. P. L.
Published: November 2024

During a flood, the geometry of a river channel constrains the flows of water and sediment, however, over many floods, bankfull channel geometry evolves to reflect the longer‐term fluxes of water and sediment supplied by the catchment. Physics‐based models predict the average relationship between bankfull geometry and discharge to within an order of magnitude, however, observed variability about the prediction remains unaccounted for. We used high‐resolution topography to extract continuous measurements of bankfull width from 67 sites spanning the continental United States, yielding a reach‐scale probabilistic description of river width for each site. Within an individual reach, bankfull river width is well‐described by a lognormal distribution. Rivers that spend a greater proportion of time above bankfull are wider for the same bankfull discharge, revealing an unrecognized pathway through which climatic or engineered changes in flow frequency could alter river geometry and therefore impact aquatic habitat and flooding risk.
On the Temporal Variability of High‐Altitude Reflection Potential Structures (HARPS)
Authors: Glocer Alex , Collinson Glyn A. , Conway Rachel , Barjatya Aroh , Michell Robert , Xu Shaosui , Mitchell David , Robertson Ellen , Chornay Dennis , Khazanov George
Published: November 2024

High Altitude Reflection Potential Structures (HARPS) with typical magnitudes of a few tens of volts have been frequently detected above Earth's sunlit polar cap. They are thought to be electrostatic structures forming between 1 to several Earth radii in altitude. Previous satellite studies have been unable to probe the temporal variability of their magnitude owing to their fast motion through the region of observation. In this study, we present a 10 min time series of observations of HARPS from NASA's Endurance sounding rocket. These observations were made from a spatially localized region, enabling the first experimental investigation of the temporal variability of HARPS. The magnitude of the potential drop was found to vary unexpectedly rapidly between 15.5 and 23.7 V on a time cadence of s. We additionally find an inverse correlation between polar rain precipitating flux and reflection potential magnitude, consistent with predictions from prior theoretical work.
Effects of a Solar Flare on Global Propagation of Extremely Low Frequency Waves
Authors: Ostrowski M. , Gołkowski M. , Kubisz J. , Nieckarz Z. , Michalec A. , Mlynarczyk J. , Lichtenberger J. , Maxworth A.
Published: December 2024

Solar flares have profound impacts on the lower ionosphere and long‐distance radio propagation. Extremely low frequency (ELF: 3–3,000 Hz) waves are challenging to observe and experience unique interactions with the lower ionosphere. The primary natural sources of ELF waves are thunderstorm lightnings across the globe. Using a newly developed azimuth determination technique and improved observation hardware we show that ELF attenuation in the Earth‐Ionosphere spherical cavity decreases and propagation velocity increases under the influence of an M‐class solar flare. Using a two‐parameter model of the lower ionosphere, the observations are shown to be consistent with increased electron density and sharper gradients in the D‐region resulting from X‐ray radiation. The sharper electron density gradient is primarily responsible for the propagation velocity increase, suggesting a unique capability that ELF observations can bring to global remote sensing of the lower ionosphere under space weather perturbations.
Investigating the Spatiotemporal Development of Substorm Expansion Phase Aurora: Successive Onsets or Poleward Boundary Intensifications?
Authors: Yadav Sneha , Lyons Larry R. , Nishimura Yukitoshi , Liu Jiang , Tian Sheng , Zou Ying , Donovan Eric F.
Published: December 2024

Following the auroral substorm onset, the active aurora undergoes expansion, which can vary in spatial and temporal extent. The spatiotemporal development of the expansion phase active aurora is controlled by new auroral intensifications that often follow the initial onset. Using seven examples, we investigate the nature of these new auroral intensifications and address a question: are they new auroral onsets, that is, “successive onsets” or poleward‐boundary intensifications (PBIs) and ensuing auroral streamers? We observed events that included both types of auroral features—successive onsets and PBIs—and their combinations. For multiple‐onset substorms, successive onsets may occur eastward, westward, and poleward of the initial onset, resulting in a diverse range of expansion phase spatial extent and durations. Single‐onset substorms show only one auroral onset, but their spatiotemporal development can resemble that of multiple‐onset substorms. However, the additional activations are mainly PBIs and subsequent streamers. In some cases, PBIs undergo explosion, leading to a rapid poleward and azimuthal expansion of the aurora, resembling the auroral substorm onset. A prolonged sequence of PBIs and its longitudinal extension can contribute significantly to the spatiotemporal development of substorms expansion phase. Results suggest that post‐onset flow channels drive the spatiotemporal development of the substorm expansion phase by (a) triggering successive onsets and (b) inducing bursts of PBIs and their prolonged sequence. We speculate that post‐onset flow channels likely originate from the polar cap, but more evaluation is required. Our findings highlight the significance of examining imager data before solely relying on magnetometers to identify substorm onsets.
Categorization of Electron Isotropy Boundary Patterns: ELFIN and POES Observations
Authors: Artemyev A. V. , Sergeev V. A. , Angelopoulos V. , Zhang X.‐J. , Wilkins C.
Published: November 2024

Magnetic field‐line curvature scattering (FLCS) of energetic particles in the equatorial magnetotail results in isotropization of pitch‐angle distributions, loss‐cone filling, and precipitation above a minimum energy at a given latitude. At a fixed energy, the lowest latitude of isotropization is the isotropy boundary (IB) for that energy. Nominally, the IB (latitude) exhibits a characteristic energy dependence due to the monotonic variation of the equatorial magnetic field intensity with radial distance. Deviations from this nominal IB dispersion can occur if the radial variation (spatial or temporal) is non‐mononotic and/or if other precipitation mechanisms prevail. With its sensitive and detailed measurements of electron spectra up to relativistic energies, ELFIN's recent observations reveal a variety of electron IBe patterns near magnetic midnight which are repeatable enough to warrant classification. This study aims to categorize the various IBe patterns observed by ELFIN's high‐fidelity but short lived dataset (a few months), compare them with simultaneous nearby POES observations, which are made with a limited energy coverage and resolution but last for decades, and discuss their possible interpretation. The general agreement between ELFIN and POES IB observations indicate a relatively large‐scale nature of IBe patterns. Surprisingly, there exists a large number (up to 2/3 of all events) of non‐monotonic‐or steep/multiple‐IB patterns. This suggest an abundance of non‐trivial tail current sheet structures or a mixed contribution of two mechanisms in the vicinity of IBe in these cases.
Contribution of Anthropogenic and Lithogenic Aerosol Fe in the East China Sea
Authors: Hsieh Chih‐Chiang , Ho Tung‐Yuan
Published: December 2024

Aerosol deposition is one of the major processes providing bioavailable Fe to the surface ocean. However, the quantification of aerosol Fe flux in the surface ocean is highly challenging operationally. In this study, we measured both Fe isotopic composition and specific elemental ratios in 5 size‐fraction aerosols collected over the East China Sea (ECS) to quantify the relative contribution of lithogenic and anthropogenic aerosol Fe. Both the isotopic and elemental ratios indicate that anthropogenic aerosol Fe mainly originates from high‐temperature combustion activities with the end member of the δ56Fe to be −4.5‰. We found that the Cd/Ti ratio is a much more reliable proxy to quantify the contribution of anthropogenic aerosol Fe in coarse aerosols than δ56Fe in the ECS. Attributed to extremely high deposition velocities and high total Fe concentrations for large size aerosols, lithogenic aerosols are still the dominant dissolved aerosol Fe source in the ECS.
Influence of the Southern Hemisphere Supergyre on Antarctic Intermediate Water Properties in CMIP6 Models
Authors: Meuriot Ophélie , Lique Camille , Plancherel Yves
Published: December 2024

The supergyre in the Southern Hemisphere is thought to connect the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific subtropical gyres together. The aim of the study is to investigate whether the supergyre is identifiable in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models and in the Estimating the Circulation and Climate of the Ocean (ECCO) reanalysis and to evaluate the influence of the supergyre on the properties of Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW), the dominant water mass at intermediate depths in the Southern Hemisphere. CMIP6 models and ECCO are in agreement at the surface with supergyres connected across all basins but present some differences at depth in both position and strength. AAIW core properties (temperature and salinity) present a high degree of similarity across basins within the supergyre but not outside of it. By the end of the century, the supergyre reduces in size and intensifies at intermediate depths, and the AAIW core depth warms in all basins and freshens in the Pacific although no clear trend in salinity can be found in the Atlantic and Indian basins in the SSP5‐8.5 scenario. The high degree of similarity across basins within the supergyre is maintained in the future scenario. The results suggest that by connecting the basins together at intermediate depth, the supergyre plays a key role in circulating and homogenizing the AAIW core properties. Our results emphasize the role of the supergyre in circulating water masses at the surface and intermediate depths in CMIP6 models and hence its importance to the global circulation.
Prolonged Fluvial Activity Revealed by Mapping and Analyses of Valley Networks in the Northwestern Hellas Region, Mars
Authors: Xia Miaosen , Zhao Jiannan , Shi Yutong , Lan Qin , Wueller Lukas , Hiesinger Harald , Xiao Long
Published: November 2024

Valley networks (VNs) on Mars are crucial for understanding the Martian hydrologic and climatic history. However, the limited resolution of remote sensing data hindered the complete identification of Martian VNs, affecting our understanding of the formation and duration of VNs as well as their climatic significance. In this study, we utilized high‐resolution imaging and topographic data to conduct detailed mapping and investigations of the VNs around the northwestern margin of the Hellas basin, the largest impact basin and major sedimentary sink in the Martian southern highlands. We identified a total of 911 VNs with a cumulative length of 32,086.3 km, more than twice that of previous mapping results. Additionally, we analyzed the morphological parameters of VNs, including stream order, sinuosity, junction angle, stream slope, etc., investigated their geomorphologic characteristics, and determined their formation ages. We propose that occasional precipitation and regional groundwater fostered the formation of well‐developed VNs and a “Hellas Ocean” in the Noachian Period. The main fluvial activity occurred during ∼3.9–3.2 Ga. Subsequently, the climate transitioned from warm and semiarid to cold and arid during the Noachian‐Hesperian transition, leading to the evaporation of the “Hellas Ocean.” In the Amazonian, some small simple valleys formed during ∼2.1–1.0 Ga with the supply of meltwater associated with obliquity‐controlled glacial processes. These results reveal prolonged fluvial activity in the northwestern Hellas region with diverse water sources under changing climatic conditions, which make the region a very promising candidate for future in situ exploration missions.