bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustic and gravity waves in the ocean: a new derivation of a linear model from the compressible Euler equation
Authors: Dubois Juliette , Imperiale Sébastien , Mangeney Anne , Bouchut François , Sainte-Marie Jacques
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we construct an accurate linear model describing the propagation of both acoustic and gravity waves in water. This original model is obtained by the linearization of the compressible Euler equations, written in Lagrangian coordinates. The system is studied in the isentropic case, with a free surface, an arbitrary bathymetry, and vertical variations of the background temperature and density. We show that our model is an extension of some models from the literature to the case of a non-barotropic fluid with a variable sound speed. Other models from the literature are recovered from our model through two asymptotic analyses, one for the incompressible regime and one for the acoustic regime. We also propose a method to write the model in Eulerian coordinates. Our model includes many physical properties, such as the existence of internal gravity waves or the variation of the sound speed with depth.
Droplet impact dynamics on shallow pools
Authors: Sykes Thomas C. , Cimpeanu Radu , Fudge Ben D. , Castrejón-Pita J. Rafael , Castrejón-Pita Alfonso A.
Published: September 2023

When a fast droplet impacts a pool of the same fluid, a thin ejecta sheet that dominates the early-time dynamics emerges within the first few microseconds. Fluid and impact properties are known to affect its evolution; we experimentally reveal that the pool depth is a critical factor too. Whilst ejecta sheets can remain separate and subsequently fold inwards on deeper pools, they instead develop into outward-propagating lamellae on sufficiently shallow pools, undergoing a transition that we delineate by comprehensively varying impact inertia and pool depth. Aided by matching direct numerical simulation results, we find that this transition stems from a confinement effect of the pool base on the impact-induced pressure, which stretches the ejecta sheet to restrict flow into it from the droplet on sufficiently shallow pools. This insight is also applied to elucidate the well-known transition due to Reynolds number.
Assessment of local isotropy, energetics, and modified eddy-viscosity based modelling for particle-laden turbulent channel flows
Authors: Rohilla Naveen , Goswami Partha S.
Published: September 2023

A large number of turbulence models (stochastic and large-eddy simulation (LES) models) developed to describe the dynamics of particle-laden turbulent flows are based on the assumption of local isotropy and use the Kolmogorov constant that correlates the spectral distribution of turbulent kinetic energy with the turbulent dissipation rate. Compilation of a large number of experimental data for different flow configurations has revealed that the Kolmogorov constant is independent of Reynolds number in the limit of high Reynolds number (Sreenivasan, Phys. Fluids, vol. 7, no. 11, 1995, pp. 2778–2784). However, several numerical studies, majorly in the area of multiphase flows at low and intermediate Reynolds numbers, consider that the Kolmogorov constant remains unchanged irrespective of whether the flow is single phase or multiphase. In this article, we assess the variation of local isotropy of the fluid fluctuations with the increase in particle loading in particle-laden turbulent channel flows. We also estimate the Kolmogorov constant using second-order velocity structure functions and compensated spectra in the case of low-Reynolds-number turbulent flows. Our study reveals that the Kolmogorov constant decreases in the channel centre with an increase in the particle volume fraction for the range of Reynolds numbers investigated here. The estimated variation of the Kolmogorov constant is used to express the Smagorinsky coefficient as a function of solid loading in particle-laden flows. Then, a new modelling technique is adopted using the large-eddy simulation (LES) to predict the fluid phase statistics without solving simultaneous particle phase equations. The new methodology also helps to qualitatively understand the phenomena of drastic collapse in turbulence intensity.
Fifty years of instrumental surface mass balance observations at Vostok Station, central Antarctica
Authors: Ekaykin Alexey A. , Lipenkov Vladimir Ya. , Tebenkova Natalia A.
Published: September 2023

We present the surface mass balance (SMB) dataset from Vostok Station's accumulation stake farms which provide the longest instrumental record of its kind obtained with a uniform technique in central Antarctica over the last 53 years. The snow build-up values at individual stakes demonstrate a strong random scatter related to the interaction of wind-driven snow with snow micro-relief. Because of this depositional noise, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in individual SMB time series derived at single points (from stakes, snow pits or firn cores) is as low as 0.045. Averaging the data over the whole stake farm increases the SNR to 2.3 and thus allows us to investigate reliably the climatic variability of the SMB. Since 1970, the average snow accumulation rate at Vostok has been 22.5 ± 1.3 kg m−2 yr−1. Our data suggest an overall increase of the SMB during the observation period accompanied by a significant decadal variability. The main driver of this variability is local air temperature with an SMB temperature sensitivity of 2.4 ± 0.2 kg m−2 yr−1 K−1 (11 ± 2% K−1). A covariation between the Vostok SMB and the Southern Oscillation Index is also observed.
Not the first leech: An unusual worm from the early Silurian of Wisconsin
Authors: Braddy Simon J. , Gass Kenneth C. , Tessler Michael
Published: September 2023

An unusual worm, previously interpreted as the earliest leech, is described from the early Silurian (Llandovery, Telychian) Brandon Bridge Formation Lagerstätte (Waukesha Biota) of Wisconsin (~437 Ma). Lacking preserved internal organs, it is up to ~16 cm long, 8.2 mm wide, with ~250 annulations and a circular structure at one end, interpreted here as the broken end of a molt. It is therefore referred to Cycloneuralia incertae sedis.
Genetic risk scores associated with temperament clusters in Finnish depression patients
Authors: Salminen Simo-Pekko , Solismaa Anssi , Lyytikäinen Leo-Pekka , Paavonen Vesa , Mononen Nina , Lehtimäki Terho , Leinonen Esa , Kampman Olli
Published: September 2023

Objective:

Cloninger’s temperament dimensions have been studied widely in relation to genetics. In this study, we examined Cloninger’s temperament dimensions grouped with cluster analyses and their association with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This study included 212 genotyped Finnish patients from the Ostrobothnia Depression Study.

Methods:

The temperament clusters were analysed at baseline and at six weeks from the beginning of the depression intervention study. We selected depression-related catecholamine and serotonin genes based on a literature search, and 59 SNPs from ten different genes were analysed. The associations of single SNPs with temperament clusters were studied. Using the selected genes, genetic risk score (GRS) analyses were conducted considering appropriate confounding factors.

Results:

No single SNP had a significant association with the temperament clusters. Associations between GRSs and temperament clusters were observed in multivariate models that were significant after permutation analyses. Two SNPs from the DRD3 gene, two SNPs from the SLC6A2 gene, one SNP from the SLC6A4 gene, and one SNP from the HTR2A gene associated with the HHA/LRD/LP (high harm avoidance, low reward dependence, low persistence) cluster at baseline. Two SNPs from the HTR2A gene were associated with the HHA/LRD/LP cluster at six weeks. Two SNPs from the HTR2A gene and two SNPs from the COMT gene were associated with the HP (high persistence) cluster at six weeks.

Conclusion:

GRSs seem to associate with an individual’s temperament profile, which can be observed in the clusters used. Further research needs to be conducted on these types of clusters and their clinical applicability.
Discrete heat equation with irregular thermal conductivity and tempered distributional data
Authors: Chatzakou Marianna , Dasgupta Aparajita , Ruzhansky Michael , Tushir Abhilash
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we consider a semi-classical version of the nonhomogeneous heat equation with singular time-dependent coefficients on the lattice

$\hbar \mathbb {Z}^n$

. We establish the well-posedness of such Cauchy problems in the classical sense when regular coefficients are considered, and analyse how the notion of very weak solution adapts in such equations when distributional coefficients are regarded. We prove the well-posedness of both the classical and the very weak solution in the weighted spaces

$\ell ^{2}_{s}(\hbar \mathbb {Z}^n)$

,

$s \in \mathbb {R}$

, which is enough to prove the well-posedness in the space of tempered distributions

$\mathcal {S}'(\hbar \mathbb {Z}^n)$

. Notably, when

$s=0$

, we show that for

$\hbar \rightarrow 0$

, the classical (resp. very weak) solution of the heat equation in the Euclidean setting

$\mathbb {R}^n$

is recaptured by the classical (resp. very weak) solution of it in the semi-classical setting

$\hbar \mathbb {Z}^n$

.
Merely Means Paternalist? Prospect Theory and “Debiased” Welfare Analysis
Authors: Thoma Johanna
Published: September 2023

Behavioral welfare economics usually aims at mere means paternalism, helping agents better pursue their own goals. This paper discusses one initially promising way to inform policies addressed at agents who violate expected utility theory (EUT), namely what I call “CPT debiasing.” I argue that this approach is problematic even if we grant the normative authority of EUT, the descriptive adequacy of CPT (cumulative prospect theory), and the general acceptability of means paternalism. First, it is doubtful whether the CPT utility function measures what its proponents intend. Second, by imposing risk neutrality on agents, the approach involves a more problematic paternalism.
Demographic Regulation and the State: Centering Gender in Our Understanding of Political Order in Early Modern European States
Authors: D’ARCY MICHELLE
Published: September 2023

The literature on early modern state-building in Europe has focused on war as its main driver and therefore on states’ relationships with men. Feminist scholars have critiqued the Weberian conceptions this literature relies on as being gender biased. I suggest an alternative theoretical starting point for theories of early modern state-building: the political imperatives created by the demographic fluctuations of the Malthusian trap. Harnessing Foucault’s concept of biopower and its application to the construction of gender, I argue that population fluctuations incentivized demographic regulation, in particular of childbearing, in order to keep birth rates high and maternal and infant mortality low, implying that early modern European states were constituted through the construction and maintenance of gender regimes. I propose strategies for empirical investigation and argue that a more accurate account of early modern European state-building needs to incorporate demographic regulation and therefore requires gender to be at its center.
L'Afrique face au dilemme des deux « Chine » : analyse constructiviste de la politique étrangère à partir des cas du Niger et du Burkina Faso
Authors: Saidou Abdoul Karim
Published: September 2023

Cet article aborde les relations sino-africaines dans le cadre de l'analyse comparative des politiques étrangères. Il propose une analyse constructiviste des stratégies diplomatiques du Niger et du Burkina Faso dans leurs relations avec la RPC et Taïwan depuis les années soixante. En s'inspirant d'une démarche éclectique combinant d'une part, agents et structures et de l'autre, facteurs domestiques et facteurs systémiques, il explique les stratégies fluctuantes de reconnaissance diplomatique des deux États à l’égard des deux « Chine » par la construction sociale de l'intérêt national. Les résultats corroborent les postulats du constructivisme sur le poids des idées et des contextes dans la fabrique de l'intérêt national.
Revue historique de la gouvernance mondiale de l'environnement (1945–2022)
Authors: Beaudoin Simon
Published: September 2023

Cinquante ans après la Conférence de Stockholm de 1972, la littérature est appelée à offrir un compte rendu sur le passé et informer les décisions à venir. Dans ce contexte, le présent essai critique propose une revue historique de la gouvernance mondiale de l'environnement, couvrant la période de 1945 à 2022. Pour ce faire, il réunit les processus et évènements marquants des dernières décennies et distingue les moments clés ayant façonné la gouvernance mondiale de l'environnement. Informé par la littérature scientifique et des documents officiels, l'article expose l’émergence, la mise à l'agenda et l'institutionnalisation de plusieurs enjeux environnementaux. Il contribue ainsi à situer les développements qu'a connus la gouvernance mondiale de l'environnement et contextualiser les processus en cours. La conclusion de l’étude invite à accorder une plus grande attention aux enjeux environnementaux et à repenser la gouvernance mondiale de l'environnement au-delà des frontières, tant étatiques que disciplinaires.
Stellarator–mirror fusion–fission hybrid – a fast route to clean and safe nuclear energy
Authors: Moiseenko V.E. , Chernitskiy S.V. , Ågren O. , Garkusha I.E.
Published: September 2023

The multiple-recycle fuel cycle for uranium-238 considered here, if practically realized, can bring revolutionary changes in nuclear energy. A full use of uranium-238 implies a practically infinite resource for power generation. Besides the energy, the fuel cycle net output is only fission products, which are co-products rather than waste. For the same amount of energy produced, the amount of fission products is two orders of magnitude less compared with the amount of spent nuclear fuel generated in currently exploited nuclear energy production scenarios. Using the simplest isotope balance model, key features of the multiple-recycle fuel cycle for uranium-238 are investigated. The repetition of this cycle results in smooth transformation of the initial fuel to ‘stationary’ fuel without strong variations in the fractional isotope content. Deficit of delayed neutrons is a threat of the fuel cycle considered as well as other fuel cycles that use plutonium. It has a dramatic impact on reactor controllability and safety. A solution to this threat could be a subcritical nuclear reactor with an external neutron source. In this paper, use of a stellarator–mirror (SM) fusion–fission hybrid for the multiple-recycle fuel cycle for uranium-238 is analysed. A summary of the experimental and theoretical studies on the SM hybrid is given. Preliminary results for principal design of a SM hybrid nuclear reactor for the multiple-recycle fuel cycle for uranium-238 are presented.
Nagasawa's Maximal God and the Ontological Argument
Authors: Millican Peter
Published: September 2023

Yujin Nagasawa has recently defended two reformulated Ontological Arguments, one adapted from Anselm's ‘Classical’ version and one from Plantinga's ‘Modal’ version. This article explains in detail why both of them fail, and then goes on to present general objections to any Ontological Argument.
Claudius and the Elephants for Britain (Cassius Dio 60.21.2)
Authors: Woods David
Published: September 2023

Charles and Singleton have explained why Cassius Dio's claim (60.21.2) that elephants were among the equipment prepared for use in Britain during the Claudian invasion of a.d. 43 is probably untrue, if one assumes that by ‘elephant’ he means the animal of that name. It is argued here that the best explanation of this apparent error is that Dio preserves a reference to a type of military machine, probably a siege-tower, rather than to the animal of this name.
Barriers and Facilitators of a Community-Based, Slow-Stream Rehabilitation, Hospital-to-Home Transition Program for Older Adults: Perspectives of a Multidisciplinary Care Team
Authors: Maximos Melody , Dal Bello-Haas Vaina , Tang Ada , Stratford Paul , Kalu Michael , Virag Olivia , Kaasalainen Sharon , Gafni Amiram
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine the perspectives of support staff, health care professionals, and care coordinators working in or referring to a community-based, slow-stream rehabilitation, hospital-to-home transition program regarding gaps in services, and barriers and facilitators related to implementation and functioning of the program. This was a qualitative descriptive study. Recruitment was conducted through purposive sampling, and 23 individuals participated in a focus groups or individual semi-structured interview. Transcripts were analyzed by six researchers using inductive thematic analysis. Themes that emerged were organized based on a socio-ecological framework. Themes were categorized as: (1) macro level, meaning gaps while waiting for program, limited program capacity, and gaps in service post-program completion; (2) meso level, meaning lack of knowledge and awareness of the program, lack of specific referral process and procedures, lack of specific eligibility criteria, and need for enhanced communication among care settings; or (3) micro level, meaning services provided, program participant benefits, person-centred communication, program structure constraints, need for use of outcome measures, and follow-up or lack of follow-up. Implementation of seamless patient information sharing, documentation, use of specific referral criteria, and use of standardized outcome measures may reduce the number of unsuitable referrals and provide useful information for referral and program staff.
Understanding the leading indicators of hospital admissions from COVID-19 across successive waves in the UK
Authors: Mellor Jonathon , Overton Christopher E , Fyles Martyn , Chawner Liam , Baxter James , Baird Tarrion , Ward Thomas
Published: September 2023

Following the end of universal testing in the UK, hospital admissions are a key measure of COVID-19 pandemic pressure. Understanding leading indicators of admissions at the National Health Service (NHS) Trust, regional and national geographies help health services plan for ongoing pressures. We explored the spatio-temporal relationships of leading indicators of hospitalisations across SARS-CoV-2 waves in England. This analysis includes an evaluation of internet search volumes from Google Trends, NHS triage calls and online queries, the NHS COVID-19 app, lateral flow devices (LFDs), and the ZOE app. Data sources were analysed for their feasibility as leading indicators using Granger causality, cross-correlation, and dynamic time warping at fine spatial scales. Google Trends and NHS triages consistently temporally led admissions in most locations, with lead times ranging from 5 to 20 days, whereas an inconsistent relationship was found for the ZOE app, NHS COVID-19 app, and LFD testing, which diminished with spatial resolution, showing cross-correlation of leads between –7 and 7 days. The results indicate that novel surveillance sources can be used effectively to understand the expected healthcare burden within hospital administrative areas though the temporal and spatial heterogeneity of these relationships is a key determinant of their operational public health utility.
Associations between religious/spiritual beliefs and behaviours and dietary patterns: analysis of the parental generation in a prospective cohort study (ALSPAC) in Southwest England
Authors: Major-Smith Daniel , Morgan Jimmy , Emmett Pauline , Golding Jean , Northstone Kate
Published: September 2023

Objective:

Religious/spiritual beliefs and behaviours (RSBB) have been associated with health outcomes, with diet a potential mediator of this relationship. We therefore explored whether RSBB were associated with differences in diet.

Design:

Dietary patterns and nutrient intakes were derived from food frequency questionnaire completed by pregnant women in 1991–1992 (mean age = 28·3 years, range = 15–46) and by the mothers and partners 4 years post-partum (mothers mean age = 32·3, range = 19–49; partners mean age = 34·5, range = 18–74). RSBB exposures measured in pregnancy included religious belief, affiliation and attendance. We first explored whether RSBBs were associated with dietary patterns in confounder-adjusted linear regression models. If associations were found, we examined whether RSBB were associated with nutrient intake (linear regression) and following nutrient intake guidelines (logistic regression).

Setting:

Prospective birth cohort study in Southwest England (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children; ALSPAC).

Participants:

13 689 enrolled mothers and their associated partners.

Results:

In pregnant women, RSBB were associated with higher ‘traditional’ (i.e. ‘meat and two veg’) and lower ‘vegetarian’ dietary pattern scores. Religious attendance and non-Christian religious affiliation were associated with higher ‘health-conscious’ dietary pattern scores. Religious attendance was associated with increased micronutrient intake and following recommended micronutrient intake guidelines, with weaker effects for religious belief and affiliation. Comparable patterns were observed for mothers and partners 4 years post-partum, although associations between RSBB and nutrient intakes were weaker for partners.

Conclusions:

RSBBs are associated with broad dietary patterns and nutrient intake in this cohort. If these reflect causal relationships, diet may potentially mediate the pathway between RSBB and health.
Contextualising Statelessness: Contingent Citizenship and The Politics of (non)Recognition in Thailand
Authors: Cheva-Isarakul Janepicha
Published: September 2023

The legal evidentiary approach to “solving” statelessness can sometimes lead to the issue being framed in terms of certain groups of people not meeting objective citizenship criteria or lacking required legal documents. Building on critical interdisciplinary scholarship in anthropology, history and legal studies, this article demonstrates the “constructedness” of citizenship and statelessness through the lens of the politics of recognition and documentation. Using Thailand as a case study, I highlight how global economic, political and social contexts play a significant and dynamic role in delineating the legal line of membership. By tracing how Thai nationality has been instrumentalised by the state throughout the twentieth century, this article contextualises statelessness as a legal and social by-product of statemaking. As such, it challenges the framing of nationality as a non-discriminatory mode of recognition founded in legal objectivity and reiterates the politics of statelessness. In emphasising the fragility of citizenship when granted without genuine social, political and moral recognition, I argue that the objective of statelessness advocacy should not simply be about turning stateless persons into citizens, but rather about creating a more equitable society wherein one's rights are upheld regardless of legal status.
Effect of spray droplet spectra on control of Poa annua with pronamide
Authors: Ignes Martin , Ferguson J. Connor , Tseng Te-Ming , Stewart Barry R. , Castro Edicarlos B. , McCurdy James D.
Published: September 2023

Annual bluegrass is a troublesome weed in turfgrass, with reported resistance to at least 12 herbicide sites of action. The mitotic-inhibiting herbicide pronamide has both preemergence and postemergence activity on susceptible annual bluegrass populations. Previous studies suggest that postemergence activity may be compromised due to lack of root uptake, as well as target-site- and translocation-based mechanisms. Research was conducted to determine the effects of spray droplet spectra on spray coverage and control of annual bluegrass with pronamide, flazasulfuron, and a mixture of pronamide plus flazasulfuron. Herbicides were delivered to annual bluegrass plants having two to three leaves via five different spray spectra based on volume median diameters (VMD) of 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1,000 µm. Fluorescent tracer dye was added to each treatment solution to quantify the effects of herbicide and spray droplet spectra on herbicide deposition. In another experiment, the efficacy of 0.58, 1.16, and 2.32 kg pronamide ha−1; 0.022, 0.044, and 0.088 kg flazasulfuron ha−1, or a combination of the two, were assessed in iteration with droplet spectrum sprays of 400 and 1,000 µm on two pronamide-resistant and two pronamide-susceptible annual bluegrass populations. Spray droplet spectrum affected the deposition of pronamide and flazasulfuron, applied alone and in combination. Pronamide foliar deposition decreased with increasing droplet spectra. Pronamide efficacy was affected by droplet spectrum, with the largest (1,000 µm) exhibiting improved control. Flazasulfuron efficacy and pronamide plus flazasulfuron efficacy were not affected by droplet spectra. Pronamide plus flazasulfuron mixture controlled all four populations more effectively than pronamide alone, regardless of droplet spectra. A mixture of pronamide plus flazasulfuron applied with relatively large droplets may be optimal for annual bluegrass control, which offers valuable insights for optimizing herbicide application and combatting herbicide resistance. However, applications in this controlled-growth pot study may not mimic conditions in which thatch and turfgrass canopy limit the soil deposition of pronamide.
Evaluation of crop-topping strategies to reduce common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) seed production in potato production systems
Authors: Anderson Laura , White Scott Neil , McKenzie-Gopsill Andrew
Published: September 2023

Potato producers in Canada’s Atlantic provinces of Prince Edward Island (PE) and New Brunswick rely on photosystem II (PSII)-inhibiting herbicides to provide season-long weed control. Despite this fact, a high proportion of common lambsquarters populations in the region have been identified as resistant to this class of herbicides. Crop-topping is a late-season weed management practice that exploits the height differential between weeds and a developing crop canopy. Two field experiments were conducted in Harrington, PE, in 2020 and 2021, one each to evaluate the efficacy of a different crop-topping strategy, above-canopy mowing or wick-applied glyphosate, at two potato phenological stages, on common lambsquarters viable seed production and potato yield and quality. Mowing common lambsquarters postflowering decreased viable seed production (72% to 91%) in 2020 but increased seed production (78% to 278%) in 2021. Mowing had minimal impact on potato marketable yield across cultivars in both years. In contrast, treating common lambsquarters with wick-applied glyphosate had variable impacts on seed output in 2020 but dramatically reduced seed production (up to 95%) in 2021 when treatments were applied preflowering. Glyphosate damage to potato tubers was not influenced by timing and resulted in a 14% to 15% increase in culled tubers due to black spotting and rot. Our results highlight the importance of potato and common lambsquarters phenology when selecting a crop-topping strategy and demonstrate that above-canopy mowing and wick-applied glyphosate can be utilized for seedbank management of herbicide-resistant common lambsquarters in potato production systems.
Weed control in corn with tolpyralate and atrazine plus grass herbicides
Authors: Soltani Nader , Shropshire Christy , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: September 2023

Six field experiments were established in southwestern Ontario in 2021 and 2022 to evaluate whether the addition of a grass herbicide (acetochlor, dimethenamid-p, flufenacet, pendimethalin, pyroxasulfone, or S-metolachlor) to tolpyralate + atrazine improves late-season weed control in corn. Tolpyralate + atrazine caused 12% and 5% corn injury at 1 and 4 wk after herbicide application (WAA); corn injury was not increased with the addition of a grass herbicide. Weed interference reduced corn yield 60%. The addition of a grass herbicide to tolpyralate + atrazine did not enhance velvetleaf control. The addition of acetochlor or dimethenamid-p to tolpyralate + atrazine enhanced pigweed species control 4% 4 WAA; the addition of other grass herbicides tested did not increase pigweed species control. The addition of acetochlor enhanced common ragweed control 5% at 4 WAA, and the addition of acetochlor or dimethenamid-p enhanced common ragweed control 8% at 8 WAA; the addition of other grass herbicides did not improve common ragweed control. The addition of acetochlor to tolpyralate + atrazine enhanced common lambsquarters control up to 4%; there was no enhancement in common lambsquarters control with the addition of the other grass herbicides. Tolpyralate + atrazine controlled barnyardgrass 90% and 78% at 4 and 8 WAA, respectively; the addition of a grass herbicide enhanced barnyardgrass control 9% to 10% and 21% at 4 and 8 WAA, respectively. Tolpyralate + atrazine controlled green or giant foxtail 80% and 69% at 4 and 8 WAA, respectively; the addition of a grass herbicide enhanced foxtail species control 15% to 19% and 24% to 29% at 4 and 8 WAA, respectively. This research shows that adding a grass herbicide to tolpyralate + atrazine mixture can improve weed control efficacy, especially increased annual grass control in corn production.
A global perspective of education in weed science
Authors: Ahmad Taseer , Jabran Khawar , Cheema Zahid Ata , Bajwa Ali Ahsan , Farooq Muhammad
Published: September 2023

In modern agriculture, weed problems are predicted to worsen and become more complicated as a result of increasing invasiveness, herbicide resistance, and emphasis on high-input methods. Weeds cause huge economic yield losses that range from US$100 million to US$26 billion globally. The knowledge of weed science has offered success in the past through effective, reasonably priced, and secure technologies; specifically, synthetic herbicides to effectively control weeds in agroecosystems. Weed science is accepted and adopted by many universities with teaching, research, and/or extension programs in agriculture. Globally, approximately 7% of all the universities offering agricultural education have dedicated weed science departments focusing on weed biology, ecology, and management. Some universities also offer weed science degree programs or at least certain courses in their degrees related to associated disciplines, such as plant protection, agronomy, and ecology. Although substantial advances have been made in weed science, such as a separate weed science discipline, specialized journals, and specific weed science societies and conferences worldwide, many constraints (e.g., lack of trained weed scientists) and barriers to adoption of new weed science technologies remain. Slow modernization in weed science research and low funding has slowed the progress of this discipline. New curricula in the weed science discipline should focus on the role of biochemistry, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, and genetics in weed science research.
Clinical, morphologic and molecular heterogeneity of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Lim Yvonne X. , Mierzwa Michelle L. , Sartor Maureen A. , D’Silva Nisha J.
Published: September 2023

The incidence of human papillomavirus-positive (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is rising rapidly and has exceeded cervical cancer to become the most common HPV-induced cancer in developed countries. Since patients with HPV + OPSCC respond very favorably to standard aggressive treatment, the emphasis has changed to reducing treatment intensity. However, recent multi-center clinical trials failed to show non-inferiority of de-escalation strategies on a population basis, highlighting the need to select low-risk patients likely to respond to de-intensified treatments. In contrast, there is a substantial proportion of patients who develop recurrent disease despite aggressive therapy. This supports that HPV + OPSCC is not a homogeneous disease, but comprises distinct subtypes with clinical and biological variations. The overall goal for this review is to identify biomarkers for HPV + OPSCC that may be relevant for patient stratification for personalized treatment. We discuss HPV + OPSCC as a heterogeneous disease from multifaceted perspectives including clinical behavior, tumor morphology, and molecular phenotype. Molecular profiling from bulk tumors as well as single-cell sequencing data are discussed as potential driving factors of heterogeneity between tumor subgroups. Finally, we evaluate key challenges that may impede in-depth investigations of HPV + OPSCC heterogeneity and outline potential future directions, including a section on racial and ethnic differences.
Biological differences underlying sex and gender disparities in bladder cancer: current synopsis and future directions
Authors: Doshi Bhavisha , Athans Sarah R. , Woloszynska Anna
Published: September 2023

Sex and gender disparities in bladder cancer have long been a subject of interest to the cancer research community, wherein men have a 4 times higher incidence rate than women, and female patients often present with higher-grade disease and experience worse outcomes. Despite the known differences in disease incidence and clinical outcomes between male and female bladder cancer patients, clinical management remains the same. In this review, we critically analyze studies that report on the biological differences between men and women and evaluate how these differences contribute to sex and gender disparities in bladder cancer. Distinct characteristics of the male and female immune systems, differences in circulating hormone levels and hormone receptor expression, and different genetic and epigenetic alterations are major biological factors that all likely contribute to disparate incidence rates and outcomes for male and female bladder cancer patients. Future preclinical and clinical studies in this area should employ experimental approaches that account for and consider sex and gender disparities in bladder cancer, thereby facilitating the development of precision medicine for the effective treatment of bladder cancer in all patients.
Generation of inactivated IL2RG and RAG1 monkeys with severe combined immunodeficiency using base editing
Authors: Zheng Xiao , Huang Chunhui , Lin Yingqi , Han Bofeng , Chen Yizhi , Li Caijuan , Li Jiawei , Ding Yongyan , Song Xichen , Wang Wei , Liang Weien , Wu Jianhao , Wu Jiaxi , Gao Jiale , Wei Chengxi , Zhang Xudong , Tu Zhuchi , Yan Sen
Published: September 2023

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) encompasses a range of inherited disorders that lead to a profound deterioration of the immune system. Among the pivotal genes associated with SCID, RAG1 and IL2RG play crucial roles. IL2RG is essential for the development, differentiation, and functioning of T, B, and NK cells, while RAG1 critically contributes to adaptive immunity by facilitating V(D)J recombination during the maturation of lymphocytes. Animal models carrying mutations in these genes exhibit notable deficiencies in their immune systems. Non-human primates (NHPs) are exceptionally well-suited models for biomedical research due to their genetic and physiological similarities to humans. Cytosine base editors (CBEs) serve as powerful tools for precisely and effectively modifying single-base mutations in the genome. Their successful implementation has been demonstrated in human cells, mice, and crop species. This study outlines the creation of an immunodeficient monkey model by deactivating both the IL2RG and RAG1 genes using the CBE4max system. The base-edited monkeys exhibited a severely compromised immune system characterized by lymphopenia, atrophy of lymphoid organs, and a deficiency of mature T cells. Furthermore, these base-edited monkeys were capable of hosting and supporting the growth of human breast cancer cells, leading to tumor formation. In summary, we have successfully developed an immunodeficient monkey model with the ability to foster tumor growth using the CBE4max system. These immunodeficiency monkeys show tremendous potential as valuable tools for advancing biomedical and translational research.
Functional conservation of microbial communities determines composition predictability in anaerobic digestion
Authors: Lin Qiang , Li Lingjuan , De Vrieze Jo , Li Chaonan , Fang Xiaoyu , Li Xiangzhen
Published: September 2023

A major challenge in managing and engineering microbial communities is determining whether and how microbial community responses to environmental alterations can be predicted and explained, especially in microorganism-driven systems. We addressed this challenge by monitoring microbial community responses to the periodic addition of the same feedstock throughout anaerobic digestion, a typical microorganism-driven system where microorganisms degrade and transform the feedstock. The immediate and delayed response consortia were assemblages of microorganisms whose abundances significantly increased on the first or third day after feedstock addition. The immediate response consortia were more predictable than the delayed response consortia and showed a reproducible and predictable order-level composition across multiple feedstock additions. These results stood in both present (16 S rRNA gene) and potentially active (16 S rRNA) microbial communities and in different feedstocks with different biodegradability and were validated by simulation modeling. Despite substantial species variability, the immediate response consortia aligned well with the reproducible CH4 production, which was attributed to the conservation of expressed functions by the response consortia throughout anaerobic digestion, based on metatranscriptomic data analyses. The high species variability might be attributed to intraspecific competition and contribute to biodiversity maintenance and functional redundancy. Our results demonstrate reproducible and predictable microbial community responses and their importance in stabilizing system functions.
Ectopic callose deposition into woody biomass modulates the nano-architecture of macrofibrils
Authors: Bourdon Matthieu , Lyczakowski Jan J. , Cresswell Rosalie , Amsbury Sam , Vilaplana Francisco , Le Guen Marie-Joo , Follain Nadège , Wightman Raymond , Su Chang , Alatorre-Cobos Fulgencio , Ritter Maximilian , Liszka Aleksandra , Terrett Oliver M. , Yadav Shri Ram , Vatén Anne , Nieminen Kaisa , Eswaran Gugan , Alonso-Serra Juan , Müller Karin H. , Iuga Dinu , Miskolczi Pal Csaba , Kalmbach Lothar , Otero Sofia , Mähönen Ari Pekka , Bhalerao Rishikesh , Bulone Vincent , Mansfield Shawn D. , Hill Stefan , Burgert Ingo , Beaugrand Johnny , Benitez-Alfonso Yoselin , Dupree Ray , Dupree Paul , Helariutta Ykä
Published: September 2023

Plant biomass plays an increasingly important role in the circular bioeconomy, replacing non-renewable fossil resources. Genetic engineering of this lignocellulosic biomass could benefit biorefinery transformation chains by lowering economic and technological barriers to industrial processing. However, previous efforts have mostly targeted the major constituents of woody biomass: cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Here we report the engineering of wood structure through the introduction of callose, a polysaccharide novel to most secondary cell walls. Our multiscale analysis of genetically engineered poplar trees shows that callose deposition modulates cell wall porosity, water and lignin contents and increases the lignin–cellulose distance, ultimately resulting in substantially decreased biomass recalcitrance. We provide a model of the wood cell wall nano-architecture engineered to accommodate the hydrated callose inclusions. Ectopic polymer introduction into biomass manifests in new physico-chemical properties and offers new avenues when considering lignocellulose engineering.
Enhancing ultrafiltration membrane permeability and antifouling performance through surface patterning with features resembling feed spacers
Authors: Ibrahim Yazan , Hilal Nidal
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the potential of surface-patterned membranes in replacing the conventional feed spacer-assisted filtration process. Two types of surface patterns, namely diamond (D) and honeycomb (HC), were utilized in the fabrication of the surface-patterned membranes. These membranes showed larger effective membrane area and higher average porosity when compared to the flat PES membrane. The D-Patterned and HC-Patterned membranes achieved pure water flux of 76.6 ± 16.9 and 88.3 ± 17.4 L m−2 h−1, respectively, which was higher than the flat PES membrane with and without the use of feed spacers. Furthermore, the patterned membranes reported lower natural organic matter (NOM) fouling in short and long-term filtration experiments and higher flux recovery ratio (FRR), indicating their superior anti-fouling performance over the PES membrane when using feed spacers. Overall, the simple fabrication technique, higher permeability, and excellent anti-fouling performance of the surface-patterned membranes render them suitable for potentially replacing the current configuration used in spacer-assisted filtration processes.
Precisely patterned nanofibres made from extendable protein multiplexes
Authors: Bethel Neville P. , Borst Andrew J. , Parmeggiani Fabio , Bick Matthew J. , Brunette TJ , Nguyen Hannah , Kang Alex , Bera Asim K. , Carter Lauren , Miranda Marcos C. , Kibler Ryan D. , Lamb Mila , Li Xinting , Sankaran Banumathi , Baker David
Published: September 2023

Molecular systems with coincident cyclic and superhelical symmetry axes have considerable advantages for materials design as they can be readily lengthened or shortened by changing the length of the constituent monomers. Among proteins, alpha-helical coiled coils have such symmetric, extendable architectures, but are limited by the relatively fixed geometry and flexibility of the helical protomers. Here we describe a systematic approach to generating modular and rigid repeat protein oligomers with coincident C2 to C8 and superhelical symmetry axes that can be readily extended by repeat propagation. From these building blocks, we demonstrate that a wide range of unbounded fibres can be systematically designed by introducing hydrophilic surface patches that force staggering of the monomers; the geometry of such fibres can be precisely tuned by varying the number of repeat units in the monomer and the placement of the hydrophilic patches.
Comparative single-cell transcriptomic analysis of primate brains highlights human-specific regulatory evolution
Authors: Suresh Hamsini , Crow Megan , Jorstad Nikolas , Hodge Rebecca , Lein Ed , Dobin Alexander , Bakken Trygve , Gillis Jesse
Published: September 2023

Enhanced cognitive function in humans is hypothesized to result from cortical expansion and increased cellular diversity. However, the mechanisms that drive these phenotypic innovations remain poorly understood, in part because of the lack of high-quality cellular resolution data in human and non-human primates. Here, we take advantage of single-cell expression data from the middle temporal gyrus of five primates (human, chimp, gorilla, macaque and marmoset) to identify 57 homologous cell types and generate cell type-specific gene co-expression networks for comparative analysis. Although orthologue expression patterns are generally well conserved, we find 24% of genes with extensive differences between human and non-human primates (3,383 out of 14,131), which are also associated with multiple brain disorders. To assess the functional significance of gene expression differences in an evolutionary context, we evaluate changes in network connectivity across meta-analytic co-expression networks from 19 animals. We find that a subset of these genes has deeply conserved co-expression across all non-human animals, and strongly divergent co-expression relationships in humans (139 out of 3,383, <1% of primate orthologues). Genes with human-specific cellular expression and co-expression profiles (such as NHEJ1, GTF2H2, C2 and BBS5) typically evolve under relaxed selective constraints and may drive rapid evolutionary change in brain function.
Single-cell multi-omics identifies chronic inflammation as a driver of TP53-mutant leukemic evolution
Authors: Rodriguez-Meira Alba , Norfo Ruggiero , Wen Sean , Chédeville Agathe L. , Rahman Haseeb , O’Sullivan Jennifer , Wang Guanlin , Louka Eleni , Kretzschmar Warren W. , Paterson Aimee , Brierley Charlotte , Martin Jean-Edouard , Demeule Caroline , Bashton Matthew , Sousos Nikolaos , Moralli Daniela , Subha Meem Lamia , Carrelha Joana , Wu Bishan , Hamblin Angela , Guermouche Helene , Pasquier Florence , Marzac Christophe , Girodon François , Vainchenker William , Drummond Mark , Harrison Claire , Chapman J. Ross , Plo Isabelle , Jacobsen Sten Eirik W. , Psaila Bethan , Thongjuea Supat , Antony-Debré Iléana , Mead Adam J.
Published: September 2023

Understanding the genetic and nongenetic determinants of tumor protein 53 (TP53)-mutation-driven clonal evolution and subsequent transformation is a crucial step toward the design of rational therapeutic strategies. Here we carry out allelic resolution single-cell multi-omic analysis of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) from patients with a myeloproliferative neoplasm who transform to TP53-mutant secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML). All patients showed dominant TP53 ‘multihit’ HSPC clones at transformation, with a leukemia stem cell transcriptional signature strongly predictive of adverse outcomes in independent cohorts, across both TP53-mutant and wild-type (WT) AML. Through analysis of serial samples, antecedent TP53-heterozygous clones and in vivo perturbations, we demonstrate a hitherto unrecognized effect of chronic inflammation, which suppressed TP53 WT HSPCs while enhancing the fitness advantage of TP53-mutant cells and promoted genetic evolution. Our findings will facilitate the development of risk-stratification, early detection and treatment strategies for TP53-mutant leukemia, and are of broad relevance to other cancer types.
CA-discharge: Geo-Located Discharge Time Series for Mountainous Rivers in Central Asia
Authors: Marti Beatrice , Yakovlev Andrey , Karger Dirk Nikolaus , Ragettli Silvan , Zhumabaev Aidar , Wakil Abdul Wakil , Siegfried Tobias
Published: September 2023

We present a collection of 295 gauge locations in mountainous Central Asia with norm discharge as well as time series of river discharge from 135 of these locations collected from hydrological yearbooks in Central Asia. Time series have monthly, 10-day and daily temporal resolution and are available for different duration. A collection of third-party data allows basin characterization for all gauges. The time series data is validated using standard quality checks. Norm discharge is validated against literature values and by using a water balance approach. The novelty of the data consists in the combination of discharge time series and gauge locations for mountainous rivers in Central Asia which is not available anywhere else. The geo-located discharge time series can be used for water balance modelling and training of forecast models for river runoff in mountainous Central Asia.