bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using spatial analysis to examine inequalities and temporal trends in food retail accessibility
Authors: Needham Cindy , Strugnell Claudia , Orellana Liliana , Allender Steven , Sacks Gary , Blake Miranda R , Horta Ana 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective:
In this paper, we examined whether there are inequalities in access to food retail (by type and healthiness) across local government areas (LGA) in Greater Melbourne and by LGA grouped based on their distance from the central business district and Growth Area designation. We also examined whether these inequalities persisted over time.

Design:
This is a secondary analysis of a repeated cross-sectional census of food outlets collected at four time points (2008, 2012, 2014 and 2016) across 31 LGA. Using Geographical Information Systems, we present a spatial analysis of food retail environments in Melbourne, Australia, at these four times over eight years.

Setting:
Greater Melbourne, Australia.

Participants:
31 LGA in Greater Melbourne.

Results:
Findings show significant inequalities in access to healthy food retail persisting over time at the LGA level. Residents in lower density urban growth areas had the least access to healthy food retail. Unhealthy food retail was comparatively more accessible, with a temporal trend indicating increased accessibility over time in urban growth areas only.

Conclusion:
Accessibility to food outlets, particularly healthy food outlets and supermarkets, in Greater Melbourne is not equal. To identify and address health inequalities associated with rapid urban growth, further understanding of how people interact with the food environment needs to be explored.
Improvement of serum folate status in the US women of reproductive age with fortified iodised salt with folic acid (FISFA study)
Authors: Arynchyna-Smith Anastasia , Arynchyn Alexander N , Kancherla Vijaya , Anselmi Kenneth , Aban Inmaculada , Hoogeveen Ron C , Steffen Lyn M , Becker David J , Kulczycki Andrzej , Carlo Waldemar A , Blount Jeffrey P 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective:
Mandatory folic acid fortification of enriched grains has reduced neural tube defect prevalence in several countries. We examined salt as an additional vehicle for folic acid fortification. The primary objective was to examine the change in serum folate concentration after 1 month of consumption of fortified iodised salt with folic acid (FISFA) among women of reproductive age. The secondary objectives were to examine (1) the feasibility of implementing FISFA intervention and (2) the acceptability of FISFA.

Design:
We conducted a pre–post intervention study (January–April 2023). Participants received a FISFA saltshaker with the study salt (1 g of sodium chloride salt fortified with 100 mcg of folic acid) to use instead of regular table salt for 1 month. Serum folate was measured using the Elecsys Folate-III immunoassay method at baseline and 1-month endpoint. Change in serum folate was assessed using a two-tailed Wilcoxon signed rank test for paired samples.

Setting:
Metropolitan city, Southern USA.

Participants:
Non-pregnant, 18–40-year-old women who lived alone/with a partner.

Results:
Thirty-two eligible women consented to participate, including eleven non-Hispanic-White, eleven non-Hispanic-Black and ten Hispanic. Post-intervention, there was a significant increase in median serum folate concentration of 1·40 nmol/l (IQR 0·74–2·05; P < 0·001) from 24·08 nmol/l to 25·96 nmol/l in an analytical sample of n 29. An increase was seen in 28/29 (93 %) participants. Feasibility: 100 % study consent and compliance. FISFA acceptability: 25 d average use; 1·28 g average daily intake; 96·7 % and 90 % reported taste and colour of FISFA as highly acceptable, respectively.

Conclusions:
FISFA is an effective approach to increasing serum folate concentrations among women of reproductive age. Findings should be replicated in a larger study.
The promotion of ultra-processed foods in modern retail food outlets in rural and urban areas in Kenya
Authors: Karugu Caroline H , Agyemang Charles , Wanjohi Milkah N , Ojiambo Veronica , Mugo Sharon , Sanya Richard E , Holdworth Michelle , Laar Amos , Vandevijvere Stefanie , Asiki Gershim 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective:
To assess the availability and marketing of ultra-processed foods (UPF) in modern retail food outlets (supermarkets and minimarts) in Kenya and associated factors.

Design:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kenya from August 2021 to October 2021. Variables included the geographic location and the socio-economic status (SES) levels, the food items displayed for sale and advertised in the stores, and locations in the stores such as the entrance.

Setting:
Three counties in Kenya (Nairobi – urban, Mombasa – coastal tourist and Baringo – rural). Each county was stratified into high and low SES using national poverty indices.

Participants:
Food outlets that offered a self-service, had at least one checkout and had a minimum of two stocked aisles were assessed.

Results:
Of 115 outlets assessed, UPF occupied 33 % of the cumulative shelf space. UPF were the most advertised foods (60 %) and constituted 40 % of foods available for sale. The most commonly used promotional characters were cartoon characters (18 %). UPF were significantly more available for sale in Mombasa (urban) compared to Baringo (rural) (adjusted prevalence rate ratios (APRR): 1·13, 95 % CI 1·00, 1·26, P = 0·005). UPF advertisements were significantly higher in Mombasa ((APRR): 2·18: 1·26, 3·79, P = 0·005) compared to Baringo and Nairobi counties. There was a significantly higher rate of advertisement of UPF in larger outlets ((APRR): 1·68: 1·06, 2·67 P = 0·001) compared to smaller outlets.

Conclusions:
The high marketing and availability of UPF in modern retail outlets in Kenya calls for policies regulating unhealthy food advertisements in different settings in the country.
Critical Importance of Tree and Non‐Tree Vegetation for African Precipitation
Authors: Te Wierik S. A. , Keune J. , Miralles D. G. , Gupta J. , Artzy‐Randrup Y. A. , Cammeraat L. H. , van Loon E. E. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractVegetation is a major contributor of terrestrial evaporation and influences subsequent precipitation over land. Studies suggest that forests are crucial for moisture recycling, although the specific contribution of different vegetation to precipitation remains unclear. Using a moisture recycling approach, we investigate the contribution of transpiration from trees and non‐tree vegetation to precipitation over Africa. We use precipitation source regions from simulated atmospheric moisture trajectories, constrained by observation‐based evaporation and precipitation products, and fractional vegetation cover data. Our findings show that trees provide a higher flux to precipitation (∼777 mm year−1) than non‐tree vegetation (∼342 mm year−1). However, considering the smaller spatial extent of trees compared to non‐tree vegetation, precipitation in most watersheds effectively depends more on the latter. Overall, non‐tree vegetation appears equally important as trees in terms of volumetric contributions to precipitation, and deserves attention in further research, considering ongoing land use changes that affect the continental water cycle.
Global Marine Heatwaves Under Different Flavors of ENSO
Authors: Gregory Catherine H. , Artana Camila , Lama Skylar , León‐FonFay Dalena , Sala Jacopo , Xiao Fuan , Xu Tongtong , Capotondi Antonietta , Martinez‐Villalobos Cristian , Holbrook Neil J. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMarine heatwaves (MHWs) have caused devasting ecological and socioeconomic impacts worldwide. Understanding the connection of regional events to large‐scale climatic drivers is key for enhancing predictability and mitigating MHW impacts. Despite the reported connection between MHWs globally and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), establishing statistically significant links between different types of ENSO events and MHWs remains challenging due to the limited duration of observational data. Here, we use 10,000 years of simulations from a Linear Inverse Model (LIM) to address this issue. Our findings reveal distinct connections between MHWs and ENSO, with diverging influences from different flavors of El Niño and La Niña events. In addition, under long‐lasting El Niño conditions, the likelihood of MHWs increases by up to 12‐fold in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. This study highlights the global connections between ENSO diversity and variations in MHW events.
Source Altitude of Energetic In‐Cloud Pulses Inside Thunderstorms and Implication for the Intrinsic Brightness of Terrestrial Gamma‐Ray Flashes
Authors: Lyu Fanchao , Qin Zilong , Cummer Steven A. , Zheng Yu , Jiang Sulin , Zheng Tianxue , Liu Yan , Xu Wei , Lyu Weitao 
Published: October 2024

AbstractUpward Terrestrial Gamma‐Ray Flashes (TGFs) are mainly produced during the upward propagating negative leaders inside thunderclouds. The exact source position of TGFs, which is crucial to understanding TGF source properties, is still unclear. The link between positive energetic in‐cloud pulses (+EIPs) and TGFs provides us with a potential target to aim at. In this study, the low‐frequency radio emissions of 75 +EIPs are analyzed to retrieve the source altitudes with an improved ray theory model. Furthermore, the meteorology contexts of +EIPs derived from the ground‐based weather radars and satellite‐based infrared cloud top temperature measurements are investigated. +EIPs are produced at 8.8–13.7 km, with an average of 11.3 km inside thunderclouds, and at an average of ∼2.5 km below cloud tops. These altitudes indicate that a total number of 1.7 × 1016 to 2.6 × 1018 gamma ray photons with energy greater than 1 MeV are required for an EIP‐TGF to be measured by spaceborne detectors.
Relating Megathrust Seismogenic Behavior and Subduction Parameters via Machine Learning at Global Scale
Authors: Crisosto Lucas , Tassara Andrés 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWe investigate the relationship between the seismogenic behavior of global megathrusts and various subduction parameters. We performed a parametric approach by implementing three decision tree‐based Machine Learning (ML) algorithms to predict the b‐value of the frequency‐magnitude relationship of seismicity as a non‐linear combination of subduction variables (subducting plate age and roughness, slab dip, convergence speed and azimuth, distance to closest ridge and plate boundary). Using the Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) to interpret the ML results, we observe that plate age and subduction dip are the most influential variables. The results suggest that older, shallow‐dipping plates contribute to low b‐values, indicating higher megathrust stress. This pattern is attributed to the higher rigidity of older plates, increasing flexural strength, and generating a shallow penetration angle, increasing the frictional interplate area and intensifying the megathrust stress. These findings offer new insights into the non‐linear complexity of seismic behavior at global scale.
Synoptic Scale Controls and Aerosol Effects on Fog and Low Stratus Life Cycle Processes in the Po Valley, Italy
Authors: Pauli Eva , Cermak Jan , Bendix Jörg , Stier Philip 
Published: October 2024

AbstractFog and low stratus clouds (FLS) form as a result of complex interactions of multiple factors in the atmosphere and at the land surface and impact both the anthropogenic and natural environments. Here, we analyze the role of synoptic conditions and aerosol loading on FLS occurrence and persistence in the Po valley in northern Italy. By applying k‐means clustering to reanalysis data, we find that FLS formation in the Po valley is either based on radiative processes or moisture advection from the Mediterranean sea. Satellite‐based data on FLS persistence shows longer persistence of radiatively formed FLS events, likely due to air mass stagnation and a temperature inversion. Ground‐based aerosol optical depth observations further reveal that FLS event duration is significantly higher under high aerosol loading. The results underline the combined effect of topography, moisture advection and aerosol loading on the FLS life cycle in the Po valley.
GRACE Satellite Observations of Antarctic Bottom Water Transport Variability
Authors: Jeffree Jemma , Hogg Andrew McC. , Morrison Adele K. , Solodoch Aviv , Stewart Andrew L. , McGirr Rebecca 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAntarctic Bottom Water (AABW) formation and transport constitute a key component of the global ocean circulation. Direct observations suggest that AABW volumes and transport rates may be decreasing, but these observations are too temporally or spatially sparse to determine the cause. To address this problem, we develop a new method to reconstruct AABW transport variability using data from the GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) satellite mission. We use an ocean general circulation model to investigate the relationship between ocean bottom pressure and AABW: we calculate both of these quantities in the model, and link them using a regularized linear regression. Our reconstruction from modeled ocean bottom pressure can capture 65%–90% of modeled AABW transport variability, depending on the ocean basin. When realistic observational uncertainty values are added to the modeled ocean bottom pressure, the reconstruction can still capture 30%–80% of AABW transport variability. Using the same regression values, the reconstruction skill is within the same range in a second, independent, general circulation model. We conclude that our reconstruction method is not unique to the model in which it was developed and can be applied to GRACE satellite observations of ocean bottom pressure. These advances allow us to create the first global reconstruction of AABW transport variability over the satellite era. Our reconstruction provides information on the interannual variability of AABW transport, but more accurate observations are needed to discern AABW transport trends.
Contributions of Irrigation Modeling, Soil Moisture and Snow Data Assimilation to High‐Resolution Water Budget Estimates Over the Po Basin: Progress Towards Digital Replicas
Authors: De Lannoy Gabriëlle J. M. , Bechtold Michel , Busschaert Louise , Heyvaert Zdenko , Modanesi Sara , Dunmire Devon , Lievens Hans , Getirana Augusto , Massari Christian 
Published: October 2024

AbstractHigh‐resolution water budget estimates benefit from modeling of human water management and satellite data assimilation (DA) in river basins with a large human footprint. Utilizing the Noah‐MP land surface model with dynamic vegetation growth and river routing, in combination with an irrigation module, Sentinel‐1 backscatter and snow depth retrievals, we produce a set of 0.7‐km2water budget estimates of the Po river basin (Italy) for 2015–2023. The results demonstrate that irrigation modeling improves the seasonal soil moisture variation and summer streamflow at all gauges in the valley after withdrawal of irrigation water from the streamflow in postprocessing (12% error reduction relative to observed low summer streamflow), even if the basin‐wide irrigation amount is underestimated. Sentinel‐1 backscatter DA for soil moisture updating strongly interacts with irrigation modeling: when both are activated, the soil moisture updates are limited, and the simulated irrigation amounts are reduced. Backscatter DA systematically reduces soil moisture in the spring, which improves downstream spring streamflow. Assimilating Sentinel‐1 snow depth retrievals over the surrounding Alps and Apennines further improves spring streamflow in a complementary way (2% error reduction relative to observed high spring streamflow). Despite the seasonal improvements, irrigation modeling and Sentinel‐1 backscatter DA cannot significantly improve short‐term or interannual variations in soil moisture, irrigation modeling causes a systematically prolonged high vegetation productivity, and snow depth DA only impacts the deep snowpacks. This study helps advancing the design of digital water budget replicas for river basins.
Interaction between subventricular zone microglia and neural stem cells impacts the neurogenic response in a mouse model of cortical ischemic stroke
Authors: Nath Suvra , Martínez Santamaría Jose C. , Chu Yu-Hsuan , Choi James S. , Conforti Pasquale , Lin Jia-Di , Sankowski Roman , Amann Lukas , Galanis Christos , Wu Kexin , Deshpande Sachin S. , Vlachos Andreas , Prinz Marco , Lee Jae K. , Schachtrup Christian 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAfter a stroke, the neurogenic response from the subventricular zone (SVZ) to repair the brain is limited. Microglia, as an integral part of the distinctive SVZ microenvironment, control neural stem / precursor cell (NSPC) behavior. Here, we show that discrete stroke-associated SVZ microglial clusters negatively impact the innate neurogenic response, and we propose a repository of relevant microglia–NSPC ligand–receptor pairs. After photothrombosis, a mouse model of ischemic stroke, the altered SVZ niche environment leads to immediate activation of microglia in the niche and an abnormal neurogenic response, with cell-cycle arrest of neural stem cells and neuroblast cell death. Pharmacological restoration of the niche environment increases the SVZ-derived neurogenic repair and microglial depletion increases the formation and survival of newborn neuroblasts in the SVZ. Therefore, we propose that altered cross-communication between microglial subclusters and NSPCs regulates the extent of the innate neurogenic repair response in the SVZ after stroke.
Selective RNA pseudouridinylation in situ by circular gRNAs in designer organelles
Authors: Schartel Lukas , Jann Cosimo , Wierczeiko Anna , Butto Tamer , Mündnich Stefan , Marchand Virginie , Motorin Yuri , Helm Mark , Gerber Susanne , Lemke Edward A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractRNA modifications play a pivotal role in the regulation of RNA chemistry within cells. Several technologies have been developed with the goal of using RNA modifications to regulate cellular biochemistry selectively, but achieving selective and precise modifications remains a challenge. Here, we show that by using designer organelles, we can modify mRNA with pseudouridine in a highly selective and guide-RNA-dependent manner. We use designer organelles inspired by concepts of phase separation, a central tenet in developing artificial membraneless organelles in living mammalian cells. In addition, we use circular guide RNAs to markedly enhance the effectiveness of targeted pseudouridinylation. Our studies introduce spatial engineering through optimized RNA editing organelles (OREO) as a complementary tool for targeted RNA modification, providing new avenues to enhance RNA modification specificity.
Constitutive activation of two-component systems reveals regulatory network interactions in Streptococcus agalactiae
Authors: Claverie Cosme , Coppolino Francesco , Mazzuoli Maria-Vittoria , Guyonnet Cécile , Jacquemet Elise , Legendre Rachel , Sismeiro Odile , De Gaetano Giuseppe Valerio , Teti Giuseppe , Trieu-Cuot Patrick , Tazi Asmaa , Beninati Concetta , Firon Arnaud 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBacterial two-component systems (TCSs) are signaling modules that control physiology, adaptation, and host interactions. A typical TCS consists of a histidine kinase (HK) that activates a response regulator via phosphorylation in response to environmental signals. Here, we systematically test the effect of inactivating the conserved phosphatase activity of HKs to activate TCS signaling pathways. Transcriptome analyses of 14 HK mutants in Streptococcus agalactiae, the leading cause of neonatal meningitis, validate the conserved HK phosphatase mechanism and its role in the inhibition of TCS activity in vivo. Constitutive TCS activation, independent of environmental signals, enables high-resolution mapping of the regulons for several TCSs (e.g., SaeRS, BceRS, VncRS, DltRS, HK11030, HK02290) and reveals the functional diversity of TCS signaling pathways, ranging from highly specialized to interconnected global regulatory networks. Targeted analysis shows that the SaeRS-regulated PbsP adhesin acts as a signaling molecule to activate CovRS signaling, thereby linking the major regulators of host-pathogen interactions. Furthermore, constitutive BceRS activation reveals drug-independent activity, suggesting a role in cell envelope homeostasis beyond antimicrobial resistance. This study highlights the versatility of constitutive TCS activation, via phosphatase-deficient HKs, to uncover regulatory networks and biological processes.
Alternative sulphur metabolism in the fungal pathogen Candida parapsilosis
Authors: Lombardi Lisa , Salzberg Letal I. , Cinnéide Eoin Ó , O’Brien Caoimhe , Morio Florent , Turner Siobhán A. , Byrne Kevin P. , Butler Geraldine 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCandida parapsilosis is an opportunistic fungal pathogen commonly isolated from the environment and associated with nosocomial infection outbreaks worldwide. We describe here the construction of a large collection of gene disruptions, greatly increasing the molecular tools available for probing gene function in C. parapsilosis. We use these to identify transcription factors associated with multiple metabolic pathways, and in particular to dissect the network regulating the assimilation of sulphur. We find that, unlike in other yeasts and filamentous fungi, the transcription factor Met4 is not the main regulator of methionine synthesis. In C. parapsilosis, assimilation of inorganic sulphur (sulphate) and synthesis of cysteine and methionine is regulated by Met28, a paralog of Met4, whereas Met4 regulates expression of a wide array of transporters and enzymes involved in the assimilation of organosulfur compounds. Analysis of transcription factor binding sites suggests that Met4 is recruited by the DNA-binding protein Met32, and Met28 is recruited by Cbf1. Despite having different target genes, Met4 and Met28 have partial functional overlap, possibly because Met4 can contribute to assimilation of inorganic sulphur in the absence of Met28.
Artificial intelligence reveals past climate extremes by reconstructing historical records
Authors: Plésiat Étienne , Dunn Robert J. H. , Donat Markus G. , Kadow Christopher 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe understanding of recent climate extremes and the characterization of climate risk require examining these extremes within a historical context. However, the existing datasets of observed extremes generally exhibit spatial gaps and inaccuracies due to inadequate spatial extrapolation. This problem arises from traditional statistical methods used to account for the lack of measurements, particularly prevalent before the mid-20th century. In this work, we use artificial intelligence to reconstruct observations of European climate extremes (warm and cold days and nights) by leveraging Earth system model data from CMIP6 through transfer learning. Our method surpasses conventional statistical techniques and diffusion models, showcasing its ability to reconstruct past extreme events and reveal spatial trends across an extensive time span (1901-2018) that is not covered by most reanalysis datasets. Providing our dataset to the climate community will improve the characterization of climate extremes, resulting in better risk management and policies.