bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inflation with vector fields revisited: heavy entropy perturbations and primordial black holes
Authors: Chen Chong-Bin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
We revisit inflation coupled with vector fields employing kinetic coupling in the comoving gauge. It is known that there is a cumulative effect IN
2 on the curvature power spectrum. For a large number of e-foldings N, this contribution is so significant that it could violate observational constraints when the ratio of kinetic energy between the vector fields and the inflaton I is not extremely small. In this paper, we explore a regime where I ≫ 1. This regime has not been extensively explored due to the limitations of perturbative methods. We found that the entropy perturbation becomes heavy in this regime and the cumulative effect decays away on super-horizon scales. Consequently, the power spectrum retains its scale invariance in the decoupling limit. By straightforwardly integrating out the heavy modes near horizon-crossing, we derive a low-energy effective field theory describing a massless adiabatic perturbation with an imaginary speed of sound c

s

2 = -1/3. Namely, the inflation with vector fields presents a potential mechanism for generating primordial black holes.
Parametric decay of a gyrotron beam due to a rotating magnetic island in ASDEX Upgrade
Authors: Senstius M.G. , Ragona R. , Jacobsen A.S. , Rasmussen J. , Hansen S.K. , Stober J. , Salewski M. , Akers R. , Nielsen S.K. ,   the ASDEX Upgrade Team,   the MST1 Team
Published: November 2024

Abstract
We investigate parametric decay instabilities (PDIs) of electron cyclotron waves due to a rotating neoclassical tearing mode (NTM) in ASDEX Upgrade. Strong scattering characteristic of PDIs is observed in a discharge where a (2,1) NTM has been identified. By mapping out the structure of the NTM toroidally, it is possible to determine the phases of the NTM which enable the decay to occur. Signatures of PDIs are seen when the edges of the magnetic island intersect the gyrotron beam path, but not when the O-point of the magnetic island is located directly in front of the gyrotron launcher. We propose an explanation using a simplified model, which reproduces features of the scattering in 1D particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations. The simulations show that a density perturbation caused by an NTM can give rise to a lowered PDI power threshold. The threshold is lowest in an intermediate density perturbation region where certain waves excited in PDIs can become trapped. The PIC simulations show that several decay and combination events involving approximately half frequency waves produce waves slightly downshifted from the main pump frequency of 140 GHz. This is the first time PIC simulations based on experimental profiles reproduce signals close to the pump frequency, which result from interactions with half frequency waves. The numerical results support previous observations from the tokamak TEXTOR.
Impurity effects on kinetic ballooning instability in high

q

regions of tokamak plasmas
Authors: Li J. , Dong J.Q. , Liu J.Y. , Wang Z.X. , Zhang X.R. , He R. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The impurity effects on kinetic ballooning modes (KBMs) in high

q

regions of tokamak plasmas are numerically investigated, using a full gyrokinetic description for main and impurity ions. The findings indicate that the critical plasma pressure ratio

β

c

for KBM is significantly lower (higher) than the first (second) stable threshold

β

MHD

predicted by MHD theory. The KBM exhibits stronger extended instabilities for low

q

, while the instability region of KBM becomes significantly narrow for high

q

, resulting in a more concentrated instability window (localized in narrow medium-

β

region). In addition, the contributions from electromagnetic effect and Shafranov shift are identified in detail, i.e. the electromagnetic destabilizing effect is suppressed by the Shafranov shift, and strong stabilizing effect of Shafranov shift for high

β

e

or

α

on KBM is pronounced. The impurity ions with negative gradient ratio

L

e

z

have stabilizing (destabilizing) effects on KBMs for high (low)

q

. Such distinct behaviors are demonstrated to be associated with the used parameters close to the second and first unstable

α

region, i.e. the instability reduces and enhances with the increase of

α

, respectively. Significantly, the presence of impurities, regardless of the peaking directions of their density profiles, serves to stabilize KBMs and reduce the window of extended instability for high

q

region, which is in significant contrast with the results for low

q

region. Furthermore, high concentration, steep negative gradient ratio

L

ez

, and high mass numbers of impurity ions as well as large temperature gradient

η

i

and

η

e

contribute to the stabilization of KBMs and improvement of confinement in high

q

regions of tokamaks. The region of stabilizing effect of magnetic shear on KBM, is found not belonging to the conventional magnetic shear region, but shows strong sensitivity to

q

value.
Simplified agricultural water use accounting in the Colorado River Basin using OpenET
Authors: Wobus Cameron , Nash Caroline , Culp Peter , Kelly Mary , Kennedy Kelly 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Colorado River agricultural producers are facing the prospect of substantial water use reductions over the coming years in the face of overuse, drought, and the impacts of climate change. To inform management decisions and to ensure that water can be allocated efficiently and equitably, decisionmakers and stakeholders will require new methods of agricultural water use accounting (WUA) that are consistent, transparent, and fast. Here we provide estimates of agricultural water use across the entire Colorado River Basin using publicly available data from OpenET, and we demonstrate strong agreement with available WUA from the US Bureau of Reclamation. Crucially, the methods employed here allow basin-wide agricultural water accounting to be completed in a matter of hours—a process that currently takes months or even years. We demonstrate how these same data can also be used to inform water conservation strategies at the field scale, thereby synchronizing basin-scale water accounting with project-scale conservation planning. We discuss key sources of uncertainty inherent in the methodology, along with strategies for managing those uncertainties to improve agricultural water conservation planning.
The energy–population dividend: evidence from energy-specific population projections
Authors: Belmin Camille , Pichler Peter-Paul , Marois Guillaume , Pachauri Shonali , Weisz Helga 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In a climate-constrained world, understanding the energy required to achieve universal access to modern energy is critical. This requires making assumptions on future population trajectories. Although access to modern energy can affect population dynamics, this feedback has not yet been accounted for in demographic models. Access to modern energy leads to fertility declines as it reduces child mortality, improves health, increases women’s access to information, education and employment. In this paper we present a demographic model that endogenizes the effect of increased access to modern energy on population dynamics and estimates the size of this effect on total final energy use by households for the case of Zambia. To do so, we built a microsimulation model to project future population size and composition, accounting for how fertility depends on access to modern energy and education. We used these population projections to then estimate household energy demand of the Zambian population until 2070, under different scenarios. We found that in 2070, while electricity consumption is higher in a universal access scenario compared to a baseline scenario, total energy demand is 29% lower, partly due to a strong decline in the use of inefficient traditional cooking fuels. We also found that reduced population growth due to universal energy access contributes to lowering the energy demand by 56% by 2050, compared to a more limited expansion in energy access, and this contribution increases over time. Although the challenge of achieving universal access to modern energy seems daunting, our results suggest that this could have co-benefits with achieving climate goals. Our study also reveals that accounting for the energy–population dividend in energy models will scale down the currently assumed energy needs to ensure a decent life for all.
Can household water sharing advance water security? An integrative review of water entitlements and entitlement failures
Authors: Beresford Melissa , Adams Ellis , Budds Jessica , Harris Leila M , Jepson Wendy , Marley Tennille , Nguyen Chloe , Pearson Amber , Roque Anaís Delilah , Rosinger Asher Y , Shah Sameer H , Stellbauer Matthew , Wutich Amber 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
An increasing number of studies find that water sharing—the non-market transfer of privately held water between households—is a ubiquitous informal practice around the world and a primary way that households respond to water insecurity. Yet, a key question about household water sharing remains: is water sharing a viable path that can help advance household water security? Or should water sharing be understood as a symptom of water insecurity in wait for more formalized solutions? Here, we address this question by applying Sen’s entitlement framework in an integrative review of empirical scholarship on household water sharing. Our review shows that when interhousehold water sharing is governed by established and well-functioning norms it can serve as a reliable transfer entitlement that bolsters household water security. However, when water sharing occurs outside of established norms (triggered by broader entitlement failures) it is often associated with significant emotional distress that may exacerbate conditions of water insecurity. These findings suggest that stable, norm-based water sharing arrangements may offer a viable, adaptive solution to households facing water insecurity. Nevertheless, more scholarship is needed to better understand when and how norm-based water transfer entitlements fail, the capacity of water sharing practices to evolve into lasting normative entitlements, and the impact of interhousehold water sharing on intrahousehold water security.
Comparative genomics analyses reveal selection on neuronal and cuticular hydrocarbon genes is associated with aggression in ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Donaldson Mahalia L , Barkdull Megan , Moreau Corrie S 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Aggression is an essential component of survival and fitness, although the expression of aggression behaviors can also carry fitness costs. As a result, aggressive behaviors vary significantly across animals and are likely acted on by natural selection to produce this variation. Aggression, and associated traits like nestmate discrimination, both complex traits, have well studied genetic components, with links to genes involved in processes like neuronal function, metabolism, and hormone and cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) production and reception. However, whether and how natural selection acts on these genes to produce variation across species is not fully understood. Using a comparative genomics approach, we analyzed natural selection in ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) with candidate genes previously linked to these traits. We find that aggression is associated with shifts in selection intensity, including positive selection on neurotransmitter receptors, and that ants with low levels of nestmate discrimination experience positive or relaxed selection on several CHC genes. Interestingly, we find that most candidate genes analyzed experience positive selection across ants, regardless of aggression level or discrimination ability. Our results shed new light on the means by which natural selection may act to produce variation in aggression across the ants.
Health effects of repeated exposures during wildland firefighting: a data-linkage cohort study from Alberta, Canada
Authors: Cherry Nicola , Fedun Mike , Galarneau Jean-Michel , Senkevics Doryen , Zadunayski Tanis 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Very little is known about the effects on the health of work as a wildland firefighter over repeated fire seasons. In Alberta, where the fire season runs from 1 March to 31 October, the great majority of firefighters are hired seasonally. We examined whether there was a dose–response relationship between hours of firefighting and ill-health.

Methods
A cohort was established linking employment records from Alberta Wildfire to administrative health data and cancer records. The employment records contained information on each deployment for all firefighters with employment from 1998 to 2022. Health records had details of diagnoses recorded at all physician consultations for the same period. Cancer records included diagnostic information for all confirmed cancers in the province. Exposure indices (hours worked) were related to health outcomes, with relative risk estimated by multilevel Poisson regression, using data lagged by 10 years for cancer outcomes.

Results
Of 16,816 firefighters with employment records, 12,731 were matched on name, age, and sex in health records and were living in Alberta at the end of at least one fiscal year. One in three had only been employed for one fire season with 10% employed in 10 or more years. The overall mean cumulative exposure was 795 h with 568 h of sustained attack (SA). In multivariable regression, adjusted for age, sex, and inferred First Nation origin, the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia increased with hours of firefighting on foot and decreased with fighting less complex fires or holding a permanent appointment. Hours of firefighting in the year of health report were protective for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mental ill-health but the risk of injury from external causes increased with firefighting hours. The risk of COPD, pneumonia, and asthma increased with cumulative hours over multiple fire seasons of SA firefighting and decreased with cumulative hours fighting less complex fires. Risks of CVD and mental ill-health were also positively related to cumulative hours of SA. No increase in risk was found with cancer incidence (all cancers, bladder cancer, lung cancer, skin: melanoma or nonmelanoma), with exposures unlagged or lagged by 10 years.

Conclusion
Wildland firefighters were found to be at increased risk of lung conditions, both acutely in the year of firefighting and in subsequent years. No increased risk was found for cancer.
BWT construction and search at the terabase scale
Authors: Li Heng 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Motivation
Burrows–Wheeler Transform (BWT) is a common component in full-text indices. Initially developed for data compression, it is particularly powerful for encoding redundant sequences such as pangenome data. However, BWT construction is resource intensive and hard to be parallelized, and many methods for querying large full-text indices only report exact matches or their simple extensions. These limitations have hampered the biological applications of full-text indices.

Results
We developed ropebwt3 for efficient BWT construction and query. Ropebwt3 indexed 320 assembled human genomes in 65 h and indexed 7.3 terabases of commonly studied bacterial assemblies in 26 days. This was achieved using up to 170 gigabytes of memory at the peak without working disk space. Ropebwt3 can find maximal exact matches and inexact alignments under affine-gap penalties, and can retrieve similar local haplotypes matching a query sequence. It demonstrates the feasibility of full-text indexing at the terabase scale.

Availability and implementation
https://github.com/lh3/ropebwt3.
Multiparametric MRI assessment of primary tumours for predicting axillary tumour burden in women with invasive breast cancer
Authors: Kim Jin Joo , Kim Jin You , Nam Kyung Jin , Lee Kye Young , Choo Ki Seok , Kang Taewoo , Park Heeseung , Bae Seong Hwan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective
To assess the association between multiparametric MRI features of primary tumours and axillary lymph node tumour burden in women with invasive breast cancer.

Methods
In this retrospective study, women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer who underwent 3T multiparametric MRI, including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) from 2019 to 2020, were evaluated. Two radiologists reviewed T2-weighted images (T2WI) for peritumoural oedema and intratumoural necrosis and measured apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values by manually placing regions of interest within breast tumours. We also analysed quantitative kinetic features of breast cancer using computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) and clinical-pathologic characteristics. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of a high axillary nodal burden (≥3 positive nodes).

Results
In total, 301 women (mean age, 54.13 years) were evaluated. Forty-three (14.3%) had a high axillary nodal burden by surgical pathology. Multivariate analysis revealed that factors significantly associated with high axillary nodal burden included peritumoural oedema (OR: 7.970; P &lt; .001), lower tumour ADCmax (≤1.098 × 10−3 mm2/s) (OR: 6.978; P &lt; .001), larger tumour size (&gt;2 cm) (OR: 2.986; P = .046), lobular histology (OR: 12.620; P &lt; .001), and the presence of lymphovascular invasion (OR: 3.622; P = .003). CAD-derived kinetic features did not show an association with axillary nodal burden. In subgroup analysis of 238 patients with early clinically node-negative breast cancer, both peritumoural oedema (OR: 7.831; P = .002) and lower tumour ADCmax (≤1.098 × 10−3 mm2/s) (OR: 8.002; P = .002) remained significant predictors.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that peritumoural oedema as viewed in T2WI and the ADCmax value of breast cancer in DWI are valuable for predicting axillary nodal burden in women with invasive breast cancer.

Advances in knowledge
Multiparametric MRI features of a primary tumour are useful for predicting axillary nodal burden in patients with invasive breast cancer.
The specialization/collaboration paradox: Investigating specialization within child welfare as a barrier to collaboration
Authors: Steive Karin , Tham Pia , Grell Pär , Wiklund Stefan , Kåreholt Ingemar 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Existing research highlights the trend of organizing social services into specialized units, addressing specific areas such as child welfare. Further specialization within child welfare extends to target groups (youth vs child) and work task dimensions. The literature remains inconclusive about whether specialization enhances or hinders social work practice. Potential drawbacks of specialization, like gaps between services and a lack of a holistic view, are assumed to increase the need for collaboration. However, specialization might impede collaboration due to profession-specific tensions, such as differing cultures or turf issues. Empirical findings suggest challenges in collaboration both within and between specialized organizations. This study explores how various specializations in child welfare relate to social workers’ perceptions of collaboration within their workgroup, between different social service units, and with external organizations, considering factors like work demand, time spent with clients, and work experience. Analysing survey data from 2003 to 2018 with 895 social workers in Stockholm County, the present study uses generalized estimating equations to address clustering within organizations. The findings indicate a potential positive association between target group specialization and perceived collaboration functionality within the workgroup and with external organizations, challenging assumptions that specialization hinders collaboration and suggesting that target group specialization could facilitate collaboration.
Development and application of on-site multielement simultaneous rapid determination system using microdroplets and a handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer
Authors: Kato Takeshi , Ando Ryo , Takagai Yoshitaka 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
We developed an on-site system for the rapid simultaneous determination of multiple elements that integrates microdroplet technology with a handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. This system combines the concentration of heavy metals in microdroplets through homogeneous liquid–liquid extraction with the widespread application of handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The focus of our research was the analysis of heavy metals, specifically lead. Under optimal conditions, we achieved a high extraction percentage of 93.3%, and a high volume ratio of 120 times was achieved (from 23.9 to 0.200 mL). Building on these optimal conditions, we explored a mixed solution of copper and lead to facilitate the simultaneous rapid determination of multiple elements. By exposing a 200-μL microdroplet to a focused X-ray beam (9.0 mm in diameter), we confirmed a good proportional relationship for copper and lead concentrations ranging from 0.0837 to 0.126 mg/L. The determination limit (10 σ) was 0.040 mg/L for copper and 0.030 mg/L for lead. This system enables the stable evaluation of heavy metals at low concentrations (ppb level) with a straightforward operation.
The Efficacy and Safety of RNA Interference for the Treatment of Primary Hyperoxaluria: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Huyan , Zhong Hongfei , Liu Youxia , Zhang Guilian 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Primary hyperoxaluria (PH) are rare inherited disorders of liver glyoxylate metabolism. The main symptoms are related to the precipitation of calcium oxalate crystals in the urinary tract with progressive renal damage. The severity of disease can result in kidney failure and systemic oxalosis. Until recently, RNA interference (RNAi) has been demonstrated as a therapeutic avenue for PH.

Methods
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assessed the efficacy and safety of RNAi in the treatment of PH patients.

Results
The present systemic review systematically and comprehensively summarizes the pathophysiological mechanisms by which hyperoxalemia leads to kidney failure. Furthermore, we provide a detailed summary of the mechanisms of RNAi drug action in the pharmacological treatment of PH. The enrolled studies indicated that early RNAi intervention is beneficial for patients, especially in maintaining stable kidney function and reversing the effects of hyperoxaluria. Furthermore, the high-dose and long time-duration RNAi therapy may have a better clinical effect. The efficacy of RNAi combined with hemodialysis seems to be promising, and it deserves more well-designed trials with large sample sizes in the future. RNAi therapy play an important role in the treatment of PH.

Conclusion
Early RNAi intervention is beneficial for patients, especially in maintaining stable kidney function and reversing the effects of hyperoxaluria. Furthermore, the high-dose and long time-duration RNAi therapy may have a better clinical effect and acceptable safety. The efficacy of RNAi combined with hemodialysis seems to be promising in PH treatment.