bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scheduling a single machine with multiple due dates per job
Authors: Kühn Raphael , Weiß Christian , Ackermann Heiner , Heydrich Sandy
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we consider single-machine scheduling with multiple due dates per job. This is motivated by several industrial applications, where it is not important by how much we miss a due date. Instead the relevant objective is to minimize the number of missed due dates. Typically, this situation emerges whenever fixed delivery appointments are chosen in advance, such as in the production of individualized pharmaceuticals or when customers can only receive goods at certain days in the week, due to constraints in their warehouse operation. We compare this previously unexplored problem with classical due date scheduling, for which it is a generalization. We show that single-machine scheduling with multiple due dates is NP-hard in the strong sense if processing times are job dependent. If processing times are equal for all jobs, then single-machine scheduling with multiple due dates is at least as hard as the long-standing open problem of weighted tardiness with equal processing times and release dates $$1 \mid r_j, p_j = p \mid \sum w_j T_j$$

1
∣

r
j

,

p
j

=
p
∣
∑

w
j

T
j

. Finally, we focus on the case of equal processing times and provide several polynomially solvable special cases as well as an exact branch-and-bound algorithm and heuristics for the general case. Experiments show that our branch-and-bound algorithm compares well to modern exact methods to solve problem $$1 \mid r_j, p_j = p \mid \sum w_{j} T_{j}$$

1
∣

r
j

,

p
j

=
p
∣
∑

w
j

T
j

.
Full wavefield modeling and dispersion characteristics of underwater MASW
Authors: Tran Quoc Kinh , Lin Chih-Ping , Pan Ernian , Wu Tsai-Jung , Nirwal Sonal
Published: October 2024

The underwater multichannel analysis of surface wave (UMASW) is becoming an essential tool for surveying subbottom shear wave velocity. Current practice is limited to interpretation based on the fundamental mode. This paper investigates the full dynamic response of the underwater-multilayered structure under two different types of sources (impact and explosion). Fundamental solutions in the transformed domain, after applying both Fourier transform and Fourier–Bessel transform, are derived utilizing the global stiffness matrix method, analogous to a 1-D finite element approach. Solutions in the physical domain are then obtained using the fast and accurate Fourier series and Fourier–Bessel series approach proposed in this paper. The most attractive feature of this novel approach is that the expansion coefficients (or Love numbers) can be pre-calculated, saved, and repeatedly used for other field points. Through numerical analyses, we quantitatively investigate the effect of the water depth and source/receiver types/locations on different wave features (i.e., Scholte, fast-guided, and acoustic modes) from different perspectives (i.e., dispersion curve, Green’s function, frequency-velocity spectrum (FVS), and waveform). We find that (1) unlike the impact source, stronger acoustic waves can be produced by the explosive source, which sometimes causes difficulty in identifying the Scholte waves. (2) The acoustic and interface-guided waves exhibit distinct behaviors depending on the source and receiver locations. Scholte waves and fast-guided waves are weakened when the source and receivers are elevated far from the water/soil interface. Moreover, (3) the response of the Scholte wave can be enhanced by muting the direct acoustic waves. However, (4) the fast-guided wave may also arise in underwater surveys when the Vs of the underlying half-space is much higher than those of the upper layers, exerting a significant influence on the shallow water scenarios and posing challenges for correct mode identification. With the ability to model the entire wavefield (or FVS) that takes into account all propagation modes and the actual survey configuration, inversion can be performed by fitting the entire FVS. This approach eliminates the need to pick dispersion curves and provides a more accurate and stronger model constraint.
The implementability of liberalism
Authors: Hermida-Rivera Héctor
Published: October 2024

This note shows that under the unrestricted domain, there exists a choice liberal and Nash implementable social choice rule if and only if there are at least three players and the outcome set is at least twice as large as the player set. A social choice rule is choice liberal if and only if for every player, there exists at least one pair of outcomes such that if this player strictly prefers one over the other, the one he prefers is socially desirable and the other one is not. A social choice rule is Nash implementable if and only if there exists a mechanism such that at every preference profile, the set of Nash equilibrium outcomes coincides with the set of socially desirable ones. The proof constructs an intuitive Nash implementing mechanism.
Black Women in Medical Education Publishing: Bibliometric and Testimonio Accounts Using Intersectionality Methodology
Authors: Seide Witzard , Maggio Lauren A. , Artino Anthony R. , Leroux Todd , Konopasky Abigail
Published: October 2024

Background

Black women in academic medicine experience racial and gender discrimination, all while being tasked with improving a flawed system. Representation of Black women in medicine remains low, yet they bear the burden of fostering diversity and mentoring trainees, exacerbating their minority tax and emotional labor, and negatively impacting career progression.

Objective

To complement qualitative accounts of Black women authors in the medical education literature with a quantitative account of their representation. We used statistical modeling to estimate the representation of Black women authors in medical education publishing as compared to other groups.

Design

An intersectional methodology employing bibliometric analysis and testimonio reflection.

Subjects

US-based authors of journal articles published in medical education journals between 2000 and 2020.

Main Measures

Author race was determined using a probability-based algorithm incorporating US Census data, and author gender was ascribed using Social Security Administration records. We conducted two negative binomial generalized linear models by first and last author publications. Metadata for each article was retrieved from Web of Science and PubMed to include author names, country of institutional affiliation, and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). Results were contextualized via the “testimonio” account of a Black woman author.

Key Results

Of 21,945 unique authors, Black women (and other racially minoritized groups) published far fewer first and last author papers than white women and men. In addition, major MeSH terms used by Black women authors reveal little overlap with highly ranked medical education topics. The testimonio further narrated struggles with belonging and racial identity.

Conclusion

This study revealed that Black women are underrepresented in medical education publishing. We believe that dismantling oppressive structures in the publishing ecosystem and the field is imperative for achieving equity. Additionally, further experiential accounts are needed to contextualize this quantitative account and understand underrepresentation in medical education publishing.
Sexismus im Fußball
Authors: Herrmann Ina , Müller Elena
Published: October 2024

Diskriminierende Praktiken im Kontext Fußball stellen ein strukturelles und entsprechend gesellschaftlich relevantes Problem dar. Darüber hinaus haben jene Praktiken – wie die im Rahmen des vorliegenden Beitrags dargestellten sexistischen Äußerungen innerhalb und im direkten Umfeld von Fußballstadien – erhebliche Auswirkungen auf die Sozialisation von Kindern und Jugendlichen. Entsprechend wird der Fokus zunächst auf die theoretischen Annahmen von Sozialisation am Beispiel der Ausführungen Berger und Luckmanns gerichtet, um darauf basierend exemplarische, bei der Meldestelle für Diskriminierung im Fußball (MeDiF NRW) eingegangene Äußerungen und Situationsbeschreibungen zu beleuchten. Abschließend werden Beispiele für konkrete Handlungsempfehlungen sowie bereits laufende Projekte gegen Diskriminierungen im Fußball skizziert.
Anticipating return migration to Ukraine: participatory foresight with Ukrainians displaced to Spain
Authors: Udovyk Oksana , M-Domènech Ruth
Published: October 2024

In the context of the ongoing Russian invasion and the uncertainties surrounding the potential return migration of millions of displaced Ukrainians, this study explores the future of (return) migration through an innovative and inclusive participatory foresight approach, engaging 20 displaced Ukrainians residing in Valencia, Spain, from May to December 2023. The foresight process included workshops, discussions via online messaging groups, interviews, participatory observations, and culminated in an open art exhibition. Through this process, we conducted a collective horizon scanning, identifying weak signals and emerging trends, followed by an examination of critical uncertainties, which led to the development of four distinct scenarios: Exhaustion Return, Energetic Return, Virtual Return, and Disconnection. The insights derived from this foresight exercise hold practical relevance for both Ukrainian and EU migration policymakers, emphasizing the importance of lived experiences in shaping anticipatory migration policies. This study also offers theoretical contributions by applying participatory foresight to the field of return migration, challenging established knowledge paradigms, and fostering a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of migration dynamics and their broader implications.
Direct numerical simulation of turbulent, generalized Couette–Poiseuille flow
Authors: Zhang Y. , Pullin D.I. , Cheng W. , Luo X.
Published: October 2024

We present direct numerical simulation (DNS) and modelling of incompressible, turbulent, generalized Couette–Poiseuille flow. A particular example is specified by spherical coordinates

$(Re,\theta,\phi )$

, where

$Re = 6000$

is a global Reynolds number,

$\phi$

denotes the angle between the moving plate, velocity-difference vector and the volume-flow vector and

$\tan \theta$

specifies the ratio of the mean volume-flow speed to the plate speed. The limits

$\phi \to 0^\circ$

and

$\phi \to 90^\circ$

give alignment and orthogonality, respectively, while

$\theta \to 0^\circ,\ \theta \to 90^\circ$

correspond respectively to pure Couette flow in the

$x$

direction and pure Poiseuille flow at angle

$\phi$

to the

$x$

axis. Competition between the Couette-flow shear and the forced volume flow produces a mean-velocity profile with directional twist between the confining walls. Resultant mean-speed profiles relative to each wall generally show a log-like region. An empirical flow model is constructed based on component log and log-wake velocity profiles relative to the two walls. This gives predictions of four independent components of shear stress and also mean-velocity profiles as functions of

$(Re,\theta,\phi )$

. The model captures DNS results including the mean-flow twist. Premultiplied energy spectra are obtained for symmetric flows with

$\phi =90^\circ$

. With increasing

$\theta$

, the energy peak gradually moves in the direction of increasing

$k_x$

and decreasing

$k_z$

. Rotation of the energy spectrum produced by the faster moving velocity near the wall is also observed. Rapid weakening of a spike maxima in the Couette-type flow regime indicates attenuation of large-scale roll structures, which is also shown in the

$Q$

-criterion visualization of a three-dimensional time-averaged flow.
Escrevivência as a Theory of Diasporic Narrative Heritage
Authors: Mullaney William
Published: October 2024

This article studies a theoretical term for diasporic cultural production proposed by the contemporary Black Brazilian writer Conceição Evaristo—escrevivência. Evaristo’s first novel, Becos da Memória ([2006] 2017)—semiautobiographical remembrances of a midcentury favela community during its eviction—exemplifies escrevivência as a theory of the transmission of a culture of resistance to imposed dispossession. The term has been cited in a proliferation of antiracist critiques and studies on marginal subjects in Brazil. My argument is that escrevivência is crucial for Brazilian decolonial thought, given the temporally recursive frame it enunciates, which opens the present and future to prior articulations of Black culture in Brazil. I make three approaches to Becos within escrevivência’s temporal frame, examining literary anteriority (the influence of Carolina Maria de Jesus’s works), narrated marginality (polyphony, embodiment, domestic labor, minor literature), and cultural heritage (the instantiation and circulation of Black language).
The effects of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in patients at risk of cardiovascular disease: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis
Authors: Esmaeilnejad Maryam , Rasaei Niloufar , Goudarzi Kian , Behrouz Dehkordi Zahra , Dolatshahi Sina , Salehi Omran Hossein , Amirani Niusha , Ashtary-Larky Damoon , Shimi Ghazaleh , Asbaghi Omid
Published: October 2024

The present systematic review and meta-analysis sought to evaluate the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in patients at risk of CVD. Relevant studies were obtained by searching the PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases (from inception to January 2023). Weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% CI were pooled using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis and publication bias were reported using standard methods. A pooled analysis of 14 randomised controlled trials (RCT) with 17 effect sizes revealed that CLA supplementation led to significant reductions in body weight (WMD: −0·72 kg, 95% CI: −1·11, −0·33, P < 0·001), BMI (WMD: −0·22 kg/m2, 95% CI: −0·44, −0·00, P = 0·037) and body fat percentage (BFP) (WMD: −1·32 %, 95% CI: −2·24, −0·40, P = 0·005). However, there was no effect on lipid profile and blood pressure in comparison with the control group. In conclusion, CLA supplementation may yield a small but significant beneficial effect on anthropometric indices in patients at risk of CVD. Moreover, CLA seems not to have adverse effects on lipid profiles and blood pressure in patients at risk of CVD. It should be noted that the favourable effects of CLA supplementation on anthropometric variables were small and may not reach clinical importance.
Derived functors and Hilbert polynomials over regular local rings
Authors: Puthenpurakal Tony J.
Published: October 2024

Let $(A,\mathfrak{m})$ be a regular local ring of dimension $d \geq 1$, I an $\mathfrak{m}$-primary ideal. Let N be a nonzero finitely generated A-module. Consider the functions
\begin{equation*}
t^I(N, n) = \sum_{i = 0}^{d}\ell(\text{Tor}^A_i(N, A/I^n)) \ \text{and}\ e^I(N, n) = \sum_{i = 0}^{d}\ell(\text{Ext}_A^i(N, A/I^n))
\end{equation*}

of polynomial type and let their degrees be $t^I(N) $ and $e^I(N)$. We prove that $t^I(N) = e^I(N) = \max\{\dim N, d -1 \}$. A crucial ingredient in the proof is that $D^b(A)_f$, the bounded derived category of A with finite length cohomology, has no proper thick subcategories.
Host and habitat shape ectoparasite diversity on Mastomys natalensis and Mastomys coucha (Muridae)
Authors: Little Alyssa J. , Matthee Conrad A. , Ueckermann Eddie A. , Horak Ivan G. , Hui Cang , Matthee Sonja
Published: October 2024

Mastomys natalensis and M. coucha are commensal rodent species endemic to Africa. A recent taxonomic revision within Mastomys leaves the parasite–host list of M. natalensis questionable and that of M. coucha incomplete. The current study aimed to develop a better understanding of the ectoparasite diversity associated with the 2 distinct but closely related rodent species and to explore the influence of host and habitat type on ectoparasite infestations. Between 2014 and 2020, 590 rodents were trapped in 3 habitat types (village, agriculture and natural) across a wildlife-human/domestic animal interface. In total 48 epifaunistic species (45 ectoparasitic and 3 predatory) represented by 29 genera from 4 taxonomic groups (fleas, lice, mites and ticks) were recorded. Only 50% of the epifauna were shared between the 2 rodent species, with mites the most speciose taxon in both host species. The abundance of epifaunistic individuals, and also those of mites and fleas, were significantly higher on male M. natalensis, while ticks were significantly higher on reproductively active M. natalensis. For both rodent species, infestations by most epifaunistic taxa (on M. natalensis) and some taxa (on M. coucha) were significantly lower in the village as opposed to the less disturbed agricultural and natural habitat types. The study highlights the importance of host life history, even in closely related rodent species, in shaping parasite profiles and a loss of parasite diversity in more extreme anthropogenic habitats.
The City, the Neighborhood, and the Street: Toward a Global Urban Labor History?
Authors: Vergara Ángela
Published: October 2024

Labor scholars have increasingly recognized the need to look beyond the workplace and explore where and how workers lived, socialized, shopped, or protested. The six books reviewed in this essay contribute to understanding how modern cities shaped the process of working-class formation as well as workers’ identity, experiences, and economic and material conditions. From different standpoints, these urban and labor histories of Paris, Mexico City, Miami, Port Said, Montevideo, and Santiago, Chile, demonstrate the impact of urban modernization, industrial capitalism, and migration on working families. By bringing together books from different regions and historiographical traditions, this essay also reflects on the possibilities and challenges of writing a global labor urban history.
Higher left ventricular stroke volume is associated with aortic dilatation in repaired tetralogy of Fallot patients
Authors: Kawasaki Yuki , Takajo Daiji , Gupta Pooja , Aggarwal Sanjeev
Published: October 2024

Aortic root dilation has been reported commonly after repair of tetralogy of Fallot. However, the rate and risk factors of progression of the dilation are not fully understood. This is a single-centre, retrospective study to assess the rate and factors associated with progressive dilatation of the aortic root in repaired tetralogy of Fallot patients using cardiac MRI. The presence of the significant aortic dilation and the progression of dilation between initial and follow-up cardiac MRI were examined. The study cohort comprised 72 patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot. The median age at the initial cardiac MRI scan was 19.6 (interquartile range: 14.6–31) years, and the median follow-up interval was 4.3 (2.9–5.7) years. Median dimension of ascending aorta at initial and follow-up cardiac MRI was 27.0 (22.3–31.0) mm and 29.2 (25.0–32.1) mm, respectively. Significant aortic dilation (the percentage predicted ascending aorta ≥150%) was observed in 11 (15.2%) patients at the initial cardiac MRI and 24 (33.3%) at the follow-up cardiac MRI. The significant aortic dilation at follow-up cardiac MRI was associated with increased indexed left ventricular stroke volume (odds ratio 1.062, p = 0.023). Thirteen patients demonstrated the significant progressive dilation of aorta between initial and follow-up cardiac MRI. The progressive dilation was associated with left ventricular ejection fraction at initial cardiac MRI (odds ratio 1.135, p = 0.048). In patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot, aortic dilation is common and progresses over time. Cardiac MRI is a valuable tool for identifying individuals at risk for progressive aortic dilation.
Exploring the interplay between emotional attitudes towards diabetes, eating behaviour and glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Koller Olívia Garbin , Andrade Tamires Freire de Carvalho Santana , Machado Antônio Bonfada Collares , Polet Jessica Pinto , Riboldi Bárbara Pelicioli , Rodrigues Cíntia Corte Real , de Almeida Jussara Carnevale
Published: October 2024

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the association between emotional attitudes towards diabetes, eating behaviour styles and glycaemic control in outpatients with type 2 diabetes.

Design:

Observational study.

Setting:

Endocrinology Division of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Participants:

Ninety-one outpatients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Baseline assessments included data on clinical parameters, lifestyle factors, laboratory results, eating behaviour styles and emotional attitudes. All patients received nutritional counseling following diabetes recommendations. A follow-up visit was scheduled approximately 90 days later to evaluate changes in weight, medication dosages and glycated Hb (HbA1c) values. Patients were categorised based on their emotional attitude scores towards diabetes (positive or negative), and their characteristics were compared using appropriate statistical tests.

Results:

At baseline, no differences were observed in the proportion of patients with good glycaemic control, eating behaviour styles and emotional attitudes. However, patients with a positive attitude towards the disease exhibited a significantly better response in glycaemic control compared with the reference group (OR = 3·47; 95 % CI = 1·12, 10·75), after adjusting for diabetes duration, sex and medication effect score. However, when BMI was included in the model, the association did not reach statistical significance. Therefore, these results should be interpreted with caution.

Conclusions:

Patients with a positive attitude towards diabetes showed a greater reduction in HbA1c levels following nutritional counseling. However, baseline BMI could be a potential confounding factor.
Communion supports dignity for older adults with serious cancer: Quantitative findings from dignity therapy intervention
Authors: Koch Mary Kate , Maggiore Sophia , Bylund Carma L. , Chochinov Harvey Max , Kittlelson Sheri , Wilkie Diana , Bluck Susan
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Patient dignity is a key concern during end-of-life care. Dignity Therapy is a person-centered intervention that has been found to support patient dignity interviews focused on narrating patients’ life stories and legacies. However, mechanisms that may affect utility of the Dignity Therapy have been little studied. In this study, we evaluate whether the extent to which patients are more communal in their interviews acts as a mechanism for increased patient dignity.

Methods

We analyzed the written transcripts from Dignity Therapy interviews with 203 patients with cancer over the age of 55 receiving outpatient palliative care (M = 65.80 years; SD = 7.45 years, Range = 55–88 years; 66% women). Interviews followed core questions asking patients about their life story and legacy. We used content-coding to evaluate the level of communion narrated in each interview, and mediation analyses to determine whether communion affected dignity impact.

Results

Mediation analyses indicated that the extent to which patients narrated communion in their interview had a significant direct effect on post-test Dignity Impact. Communion partially mediated the effect of pre-test on post-test Dignity Impact. For both the life story and legacy segments of the session, narrating communion had a direct effect on post-test Dignity Impact.

Significance of results

Narrating communion serves as a mechanism for enhancing patient dignity during Dignity Therapy. Providers may consider explicitly guiding patients to engage in, elaborate on, communal narration to enhance therapeutic utility. In addition, encouraging patients with advanced illness to positively reflect on relationships in life may improve patient dignity outcomes in palliative and end-of-life care.
Worldwide Rocket Launch Emissions 2019: An Inventory for Use in Global Models
Authors: Brown Tyler F. M. , Bannister Michele T. , Revell Laura E. , Sukhodolov Timofei , Rozanov Eugene
Published: October 2024

The rate of rocket launches is accelerating, driven by the rapid global development of the space industry. Rocket launches emit gases and particulates into the stratosphere, where they impact the ozone layer via radiative and chemical processes. We create a three‐dimensional per‐vehicle inventory of stratospheric emissions, accounting for flight profiles and all major fuel types in active use (solid, kerosene, cryogenic and hypergolic). In 2019, stratospheric (15–50 km) rocket launch emissions were 5.82 Gg , 6.38 Gg O, 0.28 Gg black carbon, 0.22 Gg nitrogen oxides, 0.50 Gg reactive chlorine and 0.91 Gg particulate alumina. The geographic locations of launch sites are preserved in the inventory, which covers all active launch sites in 2019. We also report the emissions data from contemporary vehicles that were not launched in 2019, so that users have freedom to construct their own launch activity scenarios. A subset of the inventory—stratospheric emissions for successful launches in 2019—is freely available and formatted for direct use in global chemistry‐climate or Earth system models.
Advancing Subseasonal Surface Air Temperature and Heat Wave Prediction Skill in China by Incorporating Scale Interaction in a Deep Learning Model
Authors: Xie Jiehong , Hsu Pang‐Chi , Hu Yamin , Zhang Hualong , Ye Mengxi
Published: October 2024

Accurate subseasonal predictions of high surface air temperature (SAT) and heat wave events 10–30 days in advance are crucial for mitigating the risks of extreme weather; however, they pose a challenge for current operational models. In this study, we trained a convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based deep learning model to exploit the modulations in China's SAT by precursor signals across different timescales to improve predictions of future SAT and heat wave events. This CNN model demonstrated superior capability in capturing the evolution of SAT anomalies and the occurrence of heat wave events with forecast lead times beyond 20 days, compared with that of the operational models of the China Meteorological Administration and European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts. Explainability analysis highlighted that subseasonal SAT predictability in China is driven primarily by large‐scale intraseasonal perturbations from both lower‐ and higher‐latitude regions of Eurasia and interannual variability.
Paleomagnetic Field Variability and Revised Chronostratigraphy of Bering Sea (IODP Expedition 323) Deep‐Sea Sediments During MIS 6–7 (130–144 ka)
Authors: Lund Steve , Mortazavi Emily , Stoner Joe , Okada Makoto
Published: October 2024

We have developed replicate paleomagnetic secular variation (PSV) records for MIS 6–7 (130–244 ka) from IODP Ex. 3 23 Sites 1,343, 1,344, and 1,345 (Bering Sea). We can correlate the PSV at all three sites and identify 90 inclination features and 64 declination features. We have developed relative paleointensity records for all three sites by normalizing the demagnetized natural remanence to magnetic susceptibility. Paleointensity highs/lows can be tied to the PISO‐1500 global oxygen‐isotope‐dated paleointensity record. This provides a significant increase in chronostratigraphic resolution for these sites. Only one excursion is recorded in the MIS 6–7 sediments of the Bering Sea—the Iceland Basin Excursion (∼196 ± 3 ka). Replicate records of the inclinations and declinations both flip quickly to reversed polarity directions, stay there for several hundred years and then flip quickly back to normal polarity directions. However, the inclination flips occur without significant declinations changes and visa versa. A statistical PSV study was carried out by averaging the data in 3 ky and 9 ky windows. There is a distinctive bimodal pattern to the angular dispersions with most time spent with low angular dispersion values (∼10°–15°), but there is an interval of more than 30 ky (185–220 ka) with angular dispersions averaging two to three times higher amplitudes (∼25°–35°). This interval also has low paleointensities and the Iceland Basin Excursion. This same, coupled pattern of high angular dispersion, low paleointensity, and excursions is noted synchronously in the central North Atlantic Ocean and may indicate a global pattern to the geomagnetic field.
Examining Tropical Convection Features at Storm‐Resolving Scales Over the Maritime Continent Region
Authors: Huang Xingying , Gettelman Andrew , Medeiros Brian , Skamarock William C.
Published: October 2024

Global Storm Resolving Models (GSRMs) provide a way to understand weather and climate events across scales for better‐informed climate impacts. In this work, we apply the recently developed and validated CAM (Community Atmosphere Model)—MPAS (Model for Prediction Across Scales) modeling framework, based on the open‐source Community Earth System Model (CESM2), to examine the tropical convection features at the storm resolving scale over the Maritime Continent region at 3 km horizontal spacing. We target two global numerical experiments during the winter season of 2018 for comparison with observation in the region. We focus on the investigation of the representations of the convective systems, precipitation statistics, and tropical cyclone behaviors. We found that regional‐refined experiments show more accurate precipitation distributions, diurnal cycles, and better agreement with observations for tropical cyclone features in terms of intensity and strength statistics. We expect the exploration of this work will further advance the development and use of the storm‐resolving model in precipitation predictions across scales.
The Global Atmospheric Energy Cycle in TaiESM1: Present and Future
Authors: Wang Chia‐Chi , Lee Wei‐Liang , Hsu Huang‐Hsiung , Kuo Wei‐Chen , Lin Yu‐Shen
Published: October 2024

The Lorenz Energy Cycle (LEC) in the Taiwan Earth System Model Version 1 (TaiESM1) historical simulation is calculated and compared with ERA5 to evaluate the model performance from the thermodynamic aspect. The future change of LEC is accessed by comparing the SSP5‐8.5 and historical simulations in TaiESM1. TaiESM1 reasonably simulates the global mean, seasonal cycle, and spatial patterns of the energy reservoirs with larger values in the mean energy components and smaller in the eddy energy components. The energy cycle in TaiESM1 is about 35%–45% stronger than ERA5, except from December to February. The impact of global warming on the LEC is different at the vertical levels. The influence of meridional temperature gradient change is the dominant factor in the intensity of the energy cycle, and the change in static stability only contributes to the lower troposphere. Lifting the tropopause in the tropics increases the meridional temperature gradient and produces more zonal mean potential energy (PM) in the upper troposphere. PM is the primary driver of the LEC and leads to a more active energy cycle in the upper troposphere. As the tropical tropospheric depth increases and the mid‐latitude eddy activities become more active, more (less) energy is stored in the upper (lower) troposphere, and the energy conversion processes tend to become stronger (weaker) in the upper (lower) troposphere.
Characterization of Medusavirus encoded histones reveals nucleosome-like structures and a unique linker histone
Authors: Toner Chelsea M. , Hoitsma Nicole M. , Weerawarana Sashi , Luger Karolin
Published: October 2024

The organization of DNA into nucleosomes is a ubiquitous and ancestral feature that was once thought to be exclusive to the eukaryotic domain of life. Intriguingly, several representatives of the Nucleocytoplasmic Large DNA Viruses (NCLDV) encode histone-like proteins that in Melbournevirus were shown to form nucleosome-like particles. Medusavirus medusae (MM), a distantly related giant virus, encodes all four core histone proteins and, unique amongst most giant viruses, a putative acidic protein with two domains resembling eukaryotic linker histone H1. Here, we report the structure of nucleosomes assembled with MM histones and highlight similarities and differences with eukaryotic and Melbournevirus nucleosomes. Our structure provides insight into how variations in histone tail and loop lengths are accommodated within the context of the nucleosome. We show that MM-histones assemble into tri-nucleosome arrays, and that the putative linker histone H1 does not function in chromatin compaction. These findings expand our limited understanding of chromatin organization by virus-encoded histones.
Global influence of soil texture on ecosystem water limitation
Authors: Wankmüller F. J. P. , Delval L. , Lehmann P. , Baur M. J. , Cecere A. , Wolf S. , Or D. , Javaux M. , Carminati A.
Published: October 2024

Low soil moisture and high vapour pressure deficit (VPD) cause plant water stress and lead to a variety of drought responses, including a reduction in transpiration and photosynthesis1,2. When soils dry below critical soil moisture thresholds, ecosystems transition from energy to water limitation as stomata close to alleviate water stress3,4. However, the mechanisms behind these thresholds remain poorly defined at the ecosystem scale. Here, by analysing observations of critical soil moisture thresholds globally, we show the prominent role of soil texture in modulating the onset of ecosystem water limitation through the soil hydraulic conductivity curve, whose steepness increases with sand fraction. This clarifies how ecosystem sensitivity to VPD versus soil moisture is shaped by soil texture, with ecosystems in sandy soils being relatively more sensitive to soil drying, whereas ecosystems in clayey soils are relatively more sensitive to VPD. For the same reason, plants in sandy soils have limited potential to adjust to water limitations, which has an impact on how climate change affects terrestrial ecosystems. In summary, although vegetation–atmosphere exchanges are driven by atmospheric conditions and mediated by plant adjustments, their fate is ultimately dependent on the soil.
Modeling of methane emissions from waste disposal sites at selected Egyptian governorates and potential energy production from waste-to-energy projects
Authors: Mohamed Naguib Mohamed Khafagy Shady , El Sammak Amr , Emara Karim
Published: October 2024

Waste and energy sectors have significant contributions to the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused primarily by the population expansion. Waste-to-Energy (WtE) is introduced to address the issue raised by both sectors simultaneously through utilization of the potential energy stored in municipal solid waste (MSW) as well as offsetting GHG emissions. Limited research have been conducted in Egypt to assess the current situation of MSW management and associated methane emissions. The current study focused on estimating the baseline methane emissions for six Egyptian governorates and determining the energy production potential from WtE projects. To achieve this aim, three scenarios have been assessed: Baseline, Landfill Gas to Energy (LFGE), and Incineration scenarios. Key results revealed that a total of 3.7 million tonnes of methane would be emitted from all studied governorates generated over 50 years. Incineration also found to be more favorable in all governorates in terms of energy production, quantity of avoided GHG emissions, and in terms of economic viability over LFGE. Implementing incineration in all governorates would generate about 5.6 TWh energy annually and could avoid about 5 Mt CO2 eq annually in comparison to LFGE that would generate about 0.6 TWh annually and could avoid about 2.5 Mt CO2 eq annually. In terms of economic viability of WtE projects, while they were generally not economically viable under the assumptions made in the current study, incineration technology deemed promising, but policy adjustments, such as competitive Feed-in Tariff (FiT) rates and the inclusion of gate fees, are necessary. Specific minimum gate fees and FiT were identified for each governorate, providing essential guidance for decision makers to ensure the viability of WtE implementation. This study would support the decision makers in assessing technically and financially feasible options for WtE technologies in the selected governorates.
The association between county-level premature cardiovascular mortality related to cardio-kidney-metabolic disease and the social determinants of health in the US.
Authors: Cotton Antoinette , Salerno Pedro R V O , Deo Salil V , Virani Salim , Nasir Khurram , Neeland Ian , Rajagopalan Sanjay , Sattar Naveed , Al-Kindi Sadeer , Elgudin Yakov E
Published: October 2024

Cardio-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is defined by the American Heart Association as the intersection between metabolic, renal and cardiovascular disease. Understanding the contemporary estimates of CKM related mortality and recent trends in the US is essential for developing targeted public interventions. We collected state-level and county-level CKM-associated age-adjusted premature cardiovascular mortality (aaCVM) (2010–2019) rates from the CDC Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER). We linked the county-level aaCVM with a multi-component social deprivation metric: the Social Deprivation Index (SDI: range 0–100) and grouped them as follows: I: 0–25, II: 26–50, III: 51–75, and IV: 76–100. We conducted pair-wise comparison of aaCVM between SDI groups with the multiplicity adjusted Wilcoxon test; we compared aaCVM in men versus women, metropolitan versus nonmetropolitan counties, and non-hispanic white versus non-hispanic black residents. In 3101 analyzed counties in the US, the median CKM associated aaCVM was 61 [interquartile range (IQR): 45, 82]/100 000. Mississippi (99/100 000) and Minnesota (33/100 000) had the highest and lowest values respectively. CKM associated aaMR increased across SDI groups [I – 45 (IQR: 36, 55)/100 000, II- 61 (IQR: 49, 77)/100 000, III- 77 (IQR: 61, 94)/100 000, IV- 89 (IQR: 70, 110)/100 000; all pair-wise p-values < 0.001]. Men had higher rates [85 (64, 91)/100 000] than women [41 (28, 58)/100 000](p-value < 0.001), metropolitan counties [54 (40, 72)/100 000] had lower rates than non-metropolitan counties [66 (49, 90)/100 000](p-value < 0.001), and non-Hispanic Black [110 (86, 137)/100 000] had higher aaMR than non-Hispanic White residents [59 (44, 78)/100 000](p-value < 0.001). In the US, CKM mortality remains high and disproportionately occurs in more socially deprived counties and non-metropolitan counties. Our inability to reduce CKM mortality rates over the study period highlights the need for targeted policy interventions to curb the ongoing high burden.
Isolation, characterization, and assessment of Bacillus rugosus potential as a new probiotic for aquaculture applications
Authors: Shokrak Nermeen M. , Khairi Nabilah , Hazrin-Chong Nur Hazlin , Mohamed Radi A. , Abdella Bahaa
Published: October 2024

Aquaculture is an important component of the world food supply and a significant source of protein. However, this industry faces numerous problems. Including poor fish feed digestion and uneconomic nutrient utilization. This can result in unsatisfactory growth rates and poor stock performance. Utilizing probiotics, which are beneficial microbes that can enhance digestive systems and general fish health, is one possible way to address these issues. This study was designed to identify and evaluate a novel strain of Bacillus as a promising probiotic. The strain of Bacillus rugosus that was examined and coded NM007 showed promising probiotic characteristics that could help fish digest and utilize their feed more efficiently, reduce feed waste, and improve their digestive systems. B. rugosus NM007 exhibited the ability to produce digestive enzymes like protease, amylase, and lipase, which are the main digestive enzymes. It showed strong auto-aggregation activity and co-aggregation activity with Aeromonas sp. and Streptococcus sp. It also demonstrated tolerance to the presence of bile salt, acidic pH, and salinity up to 60 ppt. The sensitivity analysis towards antibiotics, hemolytic activity and the safety assessment on Nile tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) confirmed the safety of this isolate. Based on the findings of this investigation and the isolate’s characterization, Bacillus rugosus NM007 could serve as a new promising probiotic bacterium for aquaculture.
Effect of glycerin on the physical properties of polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate blend
Authors: Fahmy Ahmed , Badry Rania , Khafagy Rasha M. , Ibrahim Medhat A.
Published: October 2024

Because of the abundance of sodium resources, sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) offer a promising alternative electrochemical energy storage solution. One of the current roadblocks to the development of NIBs technology is a lack of electrode materials capable of reversibly storing/releasing sodium ions for a sufficiently long time. Thus, this work aims to study, theoretically, the effect of glycerin incorporation on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/sodium alginate (Na Alg) blend as electrode materials for NIBs. The electronic, thermal, and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) descriptors of polymer electrolytes based on a blend of PVA and Na Alg and glycerin are the main topics of this work. These properties are examined here using semi-empirical methods and the density functional theory (DFT). Bandgap energy (Eg) is examined because the structural analysis reveals details regarding the interactions between PVA/Na Alg and glycerin. The findings indicate that the addition of glycerin caused the Eg value to drop to 0.2814 eV. The molecular electrostatic potential surface, or MESP, shows the electron-rich and deficit regions throughout the electrolyte system as well as the distribution of molecular charges. Thermal parameters that are studied include enthalpy (H), entropy (ΔS), heat capacity (Cp), Gibbs’ free energy (G), and heat of formation. Additionally, the study examines several QSAR descriptors, such as total dipole moment (TDM), total energy (E), ionization potential (IP), Log P, and Polarizability. The results show that H, ΔS, Cp, G, and TDM increased with increasing temperature and glycerin content. Meanwhile, heat of formation, IP, and E decreased, improving reactivity and polarizability. Additionally, the cell voltage increased to 2.488 V due to glycerin addition. The overall DFT and PM6 calculations of cost-effective PVA/Na Alg based glycerin electrolytes indicate that they can partially replace lithium-ion batteries due to their multifunctionality, but requires further improvement and investigations.
Modelling post-chemotherapy stem cell dynamics in the bone marrow niche of AML patients
Authors: Zhu Chenxu , Stiehl Thomas
Published: October 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a stem cell-driven malignancy of the blood forming (hematopoietic) system. Despite of high dose chemotherapy with toxic side effects, many patients eventually relapse. The “7+3 regimen”, which consists of 7 days of cytarabine in combination with daunorubicin during the first 3 days, is a widely used therapy protocol. Since peripheral blood cells are easily accessible to longitudinal sampling, significant research efforts have been undertaken to characterize and reduce adverse effects on circulating blood cells. However, much less is known about the impact of the 7+3 regimen on human hematopoietic stem cells and their physiological micro-environments, the so-called stem cell niches. One reason for this is the technical inability to observe human stem cells in vivo and the discomfort related to bone marrow biopsies. To better understand the treatment effects on human stem cells, we consider a mechanistic mathematical model of the stem cell niche before, during and after chemotherapy. The model accounts for different maturation stages of leukemic and hematopoietic cells and considers key processes such as cell proliferation, self-renewal, differentiation and therapy-induced cell death. In the model, hematopoietic (HSCs) and leukemic stem cells (LSCs) compete for a joint niche and respond to both systemic and niche-derived signals. We relate the model to clinical trial data from literature which longitudinally quantifies the counts of hematopoietic stem like (CD34+CD38-ALDH+) cells at diagnosis and after therapy. The proposed model can capture the clinically observed interindividual heterogeneity and reproduce the non-monotonous dynamics of the hematopoietic stem like cells observed in relapsing patients. Our model allows to simulate different scenarios proposed in literature such as therapy-related impairment of the stem cell niche or niche-mediated resistance. Model simulations suggest that during the post-therapy phase a more than 10-fold increase of hematopoietic stem-like cell proliferation rates is required to recapitulate the measured cell dynamics in patients achieving complete remission. We fit the model to data of 7 individual patients and simulate variations of the treatment protocol. These simulations are in line with the clinical finding that G-CSF priming can improve the treatment outcome. Furthermore, our model suggests that a decline of HSC counts during remission might serve as an indication for salvage therapy in patients lacking MRD (minimal residual disease) markers.
Genome-wide association study (GWAS) analyses of early anatomical changes in rose adventitious root formation
Authors: Wamhoff David , Marxen Annina , Acharya Bhawana , Grzelak Monika , Debener Thomas , Winkelmann Traud
Published: October 2024

Adventitious root (AR) formation is a genetically complex trait with high genotypic variability. Therefore, only a limited range of cultivars are currently propagated by cuttings in rose. In this study, we analysed the anatomy of in vitro shoots, the early formation of root primordia (RP) and the formation of ARs in a diverse set of 106 rose genotypes. Correlation analysis indicated that the growth in shoot diameter and the vasculature dimensions after 1 week of rooting contributed to successful AR formation. Using phenotypic data for genome-wide association studies (GWAS) analyses, nine significantly associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genomic regions contributing to various RP and AR formation traits were identified. The contribution of genomic regions to trait variation was notably greater for traits associated with earlier processes than for traits associated with later developmental stages. The combination of RP and AR data allowed the detection of regions by GWAS that contain factors that potentially limit RP emergence. Homologues of 47 genes known to be involved in AR formation from the literature could be assigned to the identified peaks. Further studies are needed to investigate the suitability of SNPs exhibiting strong effects as allele-specific PCR markers for use in breeding.