bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Did we find a copycat? Do as I Do in a domestic cat (Felis catus)
Authors: Fugazza Claudia , Sommese Andrea , Pogány Ákos , Miklósi Ádám
Published: September 2020

This study shows evidence of a domestic cat (Felis catus) being able to successfully learn to reproduce human-demonstrated actions based on the Do as I Do paradigm. The subject was trained to reproduce a small set of familiar actions on command “Do it!” before the study began. To test feature–contingent behavioural similarity and control for stimulus enhancement, our test consisted of a modified version of the two-action procedure, combined with the Do as I Do paradigm. Instead of showing two different actions on an object to different subjects, we applied a within-subject design and showed the two actions to the same subject in separate trials. We show evidence that a well-socialized companion cat was able to reproduce actions demonstrated by a human model by reproducing two different actions that were demonstrated on the same object. Our experiment provides the first evidence that the Do as I Do paradigm can be applied to cats, suggesting that the ability to recognize behavioural similarity may fall within the range of the socio-cognitive skills of this species. The ability of reproducing the actions of a heterospecific human model in well-socialized cats may pave the way for future studies addressing cats’ imitative skills.
A quantitative assessment of rockfall influence on forest structure in the Swiss Alps
Authors: Moos Christine , Khelidj Nora , Guisan Antoine , Lischke Heike , Randin Christophe F.
Published: September 2020

Forests below rocky cliffs often play a very important role in protecting settlements against rockfall. The structure and development of these forests are expected to be substantially affected by the disturbance of the falling rocks. Knowing about this effect is important to predict the development of protection forests and consider potential effects of the falling blocks in management strategies. The goal of this study is to quantify differences in forest structure depending on rockfall activity in four different sites in the Swiss Alps. For this, we collected data on forest structure in zones of different rockfall activity and derived rockfall impact probabilities based on rockfall simulations. We assessed whether differences in forest structure and signs of rockfall disturbance could be observed between the rockfall zones. We additionally built mixed-effects models to identify the key variables explaining the forest characteristics described by diameter (DBH) and basal area (bA). The forest structure differs between the rockfall zones, however, with varying effects amongst the sites. DBH tends to decrease with increasing rockfall activity, whereas tree density appears to be little impacted by rockfall. For most sites, the number of deposited blocks and the simulated tree impact probability have a significant effect in the models along with the species, whereas for one site, hardly any effect of rockfall was found. Our results, obtained either from direct measurements or modelling, show that rockfall can locally influence the structure of forests, whereas the influence depends on the frequency and intensity of the rockfall disturbance. Impact probabilities obtained by simulations can serve as a good proxy for rockfall disturbances.
Towards an algorithmic synthesis of thermofluid systems
Authors: Weber Jonas B. , Hartisch Michael , Herbst Alexander D. , Lorenz Ulf
Published: September 2020

Individual technical components are usually well optimized. However, the design process of entire technical systems, especially in its early stages, is still dominated by human intuition and the practical experience of engineers. In this context, our vision is the widespread availability of software tools to support the human-driven design process with the help of modern mathematical methods. As a contribution to this, we consider a selected class of technical systems, so-called thermofluid systems. From a technical point of view, these systems comprise fluid distribution as well as superimposed heat transfer. Based on models for simple fluid systems as extensively studied in literature, we develop model extensions and algorithmic methods directed towards the optimized synthesis of thermofluid systems to a practical extent. Concerning fluid systems, we propose a Branch-and-Bound framework, exploiting problem-specific characteristics. This framework is then further analyzed using the application example of booster stations for high-rise buildings. In addition, we demonstrate the application of Quantified Programs to meet possible resilience requirements with respect to the systems generated. In order to model basic thermofluid systems, we extend the existing formulation for fluid systems by including heat transfer. Since this consideration alone is not able to deal with dynamic system behavior, we face this challenge separately by providing a more sophisticated representation dealing with the temporal couplings that result from storage components. For the considered case, we further show the advantages of this special continuous-time representation compared to the more common representation using discrete time intervals.
The Role of Nutraceuticals in the Optimization of Lipid-Lowering Therapy in High-Risk Patients with Dyslipidaemia
Authors: Penson Peter E. , Banach Maciej
Published: September 2020

Purpose of Review

We aimed to summarize recent guidelines, position papers, and high-quality clinical research relating the use of nutraceuticals in the management of individuals at high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Recent Findings

It is essential that individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease receive guideline-directed evidence-based therapies to reduce their risk of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular events. Compared with conventional therapeutics, nutraceuticals have undergone relatively little investigation in randomized controlled trials. Thus, recommendations for nutraceuticals in international guidelines are rare, and nutraceuticals should not be used preferentially in place of statins. Nevertheless, recent position papers from the International Lipid Expert Panel and clinical evidence from studies of triglyceride reduction by polyunsaturated fatty acid administration demonstrate that nutraceuticals do have an important role in optimizing therapy in individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease. Roles for nutraceuticals include as follows: (1) managing residual risk associated with lipids other than low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C); (2) managing non-lipid-mediated residual risk; (3) optimizing LDL-C treatment in statin intolerance; (4) optimizing LCL-C treatment when add-on therapies for statins are not available; (5) as adjuncts to lifestyle for individuals at high lifetime risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The strength of evidence for each of these applications is variable.

In addition to guideline-directed therapeutics, nutraceuticals may have roles in optimizing preventative therapy and targeting residual risk in individuals at high risk of ASCVD. Application of Good Manufacturing Practice and randomized controlled trials when producing and evaluating nutraceuticals will expand the armoury of evidence-based agents for the prevention of ASCVD.
The role of the tumour microenvironment in the angiogenesis of pituitary tumours
Authors: Marques Pedro , Barry Sayka , Carlsen Eivind , Collier David , Ronaldson Amy , Dorward Neil , Grieve Joan , Mendoza Nigel , Nair Ramesh , Muquit Samiul , Grossman Ashley B. , Korbonits Márta
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Angiogenesis has been studied in pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNETs), but the role of the tumour microenvironment (TME) in regulating PitNET angiogenesis remains unknown. We aimed to characterise the role of TME components in determining the angiogenetic PitNET profile, focusing on immune cells and tumour-derived cytokines.

Methods

Immune cells were studied by immunohistochemistry in 24 human PitNETs (16 non-functioning-PitNETs (NF-PitNETs) and 8 somatotrophinomas): macrophages (CD68, CD163, HLA-DR), cytotoxic (CD8) and T helper (CD4) lymphocytes, regulatory T cells (FOXP3), B cells (CD20) and neutrophils (neutrophil elastase); endothelial cells were assessed with CD31. Five normal pituitaries (NP) were included for comparison. Microvessel density and vascular morphology were estimated with ImageJ. The cytokine secretome from these PitNETs were assessed on culture supernatants using a multiplex immunoassay panel.

Results

Microvessel density/area was higher in NP than PitNETs, which also had rounder and more regular vessels. NF-PitNETs had vessels of increased calibre compared to somatotrophinomas. The M2:M1 macrophage ratio correlated with microvessel area. PitNETs with more CD4+ T cells had higher microvessel area, while tumours with more FOXP3+ cells were associated with lower microvessel density. PitNETs with more B cells had rounder vessels. Of the 42 PitNET-derived cytokines studied, CCL2, CXCL10 and CX3CL1 correlated with microvessel density and vessel architecture parameters.

Conclusions

M2 macrophages appear to play a role in PitNET neovascularisation, while B, CD4+ and FOXP3+ lymphocytes, as well as non-cellular TME elements such as CCL2, CXCL10 and CX3CL1, may also modulate the angiogenesis of PitNETs.
Solid state NMR assignments of a human λ-III immunoglobulin light chain amyloid fibril
Authors: Pradhan Tejaswini , Annamalai Karthikeyan , Sarkar Riddhiman , Hegenbart Ute , Schönland Stefan , Fändrich Marcus , Reif Bernd
Published: September 2020

The aggregation of antibody light chains is linked to systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis, a disease where amyloid deposits frequently affect the heart and the kidney. We here investigate fibrils from the λ-III FOR005 light chain (LC), which is derived from an AL-patient with severe cardiac involvement. In FOR005, five residues are mutated with respect to its closest germline gene segment IGLV3-19 and IGLJ3. All mutations are located close to the complementarity determining regions (CDRs). The sequence segments responsible for the fibril formation are not yet known. We use fibrils extracted from the heart of this particular amyloidosis patient as seeds to prepare fibrils for solid-state NMR. We show that the seeds induce the formation of a specific fibril structure from the biochemically produced protein. We have assigned the fibril core region of the FOR005-derived fibrils and characterized the secondary structure propensity of the observed amino acids. As the primary structure of the aggregated patient protein is different for every AL patient, it is important to study, analyze and report a greater number of light chain sequences associated with AL amyloidosis.
Research Progress of the Antiviral Bioactivities of Natural Flavonoids
Authors: Wang Lin , Song Junke , Liu Ailin , Xiao Bin , Li Sha , Wen Zhang , Lu Yang , Du Guanhua
Published: September 2020

Flavonoids are now considered as an indispensable component in a variety of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. Most recent researches have focused on the health aspects of flavonoids for humans. Especially, different flavonoids have been investigated for their potential antiviral activities, and several natural flavonoids exhibited significant antiviral properties both in vitro and in vivo. This review provides a survey of the literature regarding the evidence for antiviral bioactivities of natural flavonoids, highlights the cellular and molecular mechanisms of natural flavonoids on viruses, and presents the details of most reported flavonoids. Meanwhile, future perspectives on therapeutic applications of flavonoids against viral infections were discussed.
Microstructural and mechanical properties of dissimilar nitinol and stainless steel wire joints produced by micro electron beam welding without filler material
Authors: Hellberg Sebastian , Hummel Joana , Krooß Philipp , Niendorf Thomas , Böhm Stefan
Published: September 2020

Nitinol is a shape memory and superelastic alloy, respectively, and stainless steels are widely used materials in medical engineering, e.g., for implants and medical instruments. However, due to its high price and poor machinability, there is a high demand for dissimilar welding of nitinol components to stainless steel. During welding of titanium-containing alloys, like nitinol, to ferrous metals like stainless steel, intermetallic phases between titanium and iron may form. These phases are brittle and lead to rapid crack formation and/or inferior mechanical properties of the joint. In this study, superelastic nitinol wires are butt-welded with stainless steel wires by means of micro electron beam welding, providing good quality weld seams. Due to a very accurate beam alignment and fast beam deflection, the composition and the level of dilution in the weld metal can be precisely controlled, resulting in a significant reduction of fraction of intermetallic phases. The experiments show that it is possible to produce sound welds without the presence of any cracks on the surface as well as in the cross sections.
Probabilistic Schubert Calculus: Asymptotics
Authors: Lerario Antonio , Mathis Léo
Published: September 2020

In the recent paper Bürgisser and Lerario (Journal für die reine und angewandte Mathematik (Crelles J), 2016) introduced a geometric framework for a probabilistic study of real Schubert Problems. They denoted by $$\delta _{k,n}$$

δ

k
,
n

the average number of projective k-planes in $${\mathbb {R}}\mathrm {P}^n$$

R

P

n

that intersect $$(k+1)(n-k)$$

(
k
+
1
)
(
n
-
k
)

many random, independent and uniformly distributed linear projective subspaces of dimension $$n-k-1$$

n
-
k
-
1

. They called $$\delta _{k,n}$$

δ

k
,
n

the expected degree of the real Grassmannian $${\mathbb {G}}(k,n)$$

G
(
k
,
n
)

and, in the case $$k=1$$

k
=
1

, they proved that: $$\begin{aligned} \delta _{1,n}= \frac{8}{3\pi ^{5/2}} \cdot \left( \frac{\pi ^2}{4}\right) ^n \cdot n^{-1/2} \left( 1+{\mathcal {O}}\left( n^{-1}\right) \right) . \end{aligned}$$

δ

1
,
n

=

8

3

π

5
/
2

·

π
2

4

n

·

n

-
1
/
2

1
+
O

n

-
1

.

Here we generalize this result and prove that for every fixed integer $$k>0$$

k
>
0

and as $$n\rightarrow \infty $$

n
→
∞

, we have $$\begin{aligned} \delta _{k,n}=a_k \cdot \left( b_k\right) ^n\cdot n^{-\frac{k(k+1)}{4}}\left( 1+{\mathcal {O}}(n^{-1})\right) \end{aligned}$$

δ

k
,
n

=

a
k

·

b
k

n

·

n

-

k
(
k
+
1
)

4

1
+
O
(

n

-
1

)

where $$a_k$$

a
k

and $$b_k$$

b
k

are some (explicit) constants, and $$a_k$$

a
k

involves an interesting integral over the space of polynomials that have all real roots. For instance: $$\begin{aligned} \delta _{2,n}= \frac{9\sqrt{3}}{2048\sqrt{2\pi }} \cdot 8^n \cdot n^{-3/2} \left( 1+{\mathcal {O}}\left( n^{-1}\right) \right) . \end{aligned}$$

δ

2
,
n

=

9

3

2048

2
π

·

8
n

·

n

-
3
/
2

1
+
O

n

-
1

.

Moreover we prove that these numbers belong to the ring of periods intoduced by Kontsevich and Zagier and give an explicit formula for $$\delta _{1,n}$$

δ

1
,
n

involving a one-dimensional integral of certain combination of Elliptic functions.
Variation in xylem characteristics of botanical races of Persea americana and their potential influence on susceptibility to the pathogen Raffaelea lauricola
Authors: Beier G. L. , Lund C. D. , Held B. W. , Ploetz R. C. , Konkol J. L. , Blanchette R. A.
Published: September 2020

Avocado (Persea americana), an important fruit crop, is under threat from an invasive disease, laurel wilt. The pathogen,Raffaelea lauricola, spreads rapidly in the xylem of infected trees and causes a lethal vascular wilt. A previous study showed that variation in susceptibility to the disease exists among different races of avocado, with the West Indian race being most susceptible. To help elucidate potential explanations for differences in susceptibility, xylem characteristics were examined for fourteen avocado cultivars from the Guatemalan, Mexican, and West Indian botanical races. Samples of each cultivar were assessed for vessel size, vessel density, vessel aggregation, and xylem-specific potential hydraulic conductivity. The West Indian race had significantly greater mean vessel diameters, mean maximum vessel diameters, and xylem-specific potential hydraulic conductivities than the Guatemalan and Mexican races (p < 0.05), which in turn did not differ for any of these variables (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences among the races for vessel aggregation or vessel density. Cultivars of the Mexican and Guatemalan races generally had smaller mean vessel diameters, mean maximum vessel diameters, and mean xylem-specific potential hydraulic conductivities than the West Indian race; however, there was considerable variation among cultivars of the Mexican race. Statistically significant differences in vessel grouping indices and vessel solitary fractions were evident among some cultivars but to lesser extents than were found for vessel size. This study indicates that larger vessel diameters and greater potential hydraulic conductivities exist in the West Indian, compared with the Guatemalan and Mexican races. We suggest that these attributes may be contributing factors in the greater susceptibility to laurel wilt that is evident in the West Indian race.
“CATHOLICOVID-19” or QUO VADIS CATHOLICA ECCLESIA: the Pandemic Seen in the Catholic Institutional Field
Authors: da Silveira Emerson Sena
Published: September 2020

The aim of this paper is to understand, in a panoramic way, the ideas that some organized groups of Catholicism have expressed about the pandemic of the new coronavirus. We shall take as material for analysis, the web official pages of the following segments: Conferência Nacional dos Bispos do Brasil (CNBB) [National Conference of Bishops of Brazil], Heralds of the Gospel and Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR), especially from the moment when the first case of the disease caused by the Sars-Cov-2 virus and the health-social-economic emergency were checked. Catholic beliefs about Covid-19 and related themes (restrictive measures, social inequalities) show an intense and internal conflict of values or worldviews and lead to inquiring about the incidences of Catholicism in the public sphere. The qualitative-exploratory hypothesis demonstrates that the advancement of the new coronavirus has accentuated tension lines existing in the Catholic Church and indicates that there is an ongoing dispute between the various official segments about the correct intonation of the Catholic voice in Brazilian society. To raise responses to the proposed problem, the paper is based on a qualitative method, namely, partial review of the bibliographic productions of the religious studies and analytical mapping of the main official positions (editorials, speeches, notes, texts) proposed by the three Catholic segments aforementioned.
Fractures’ associated mortality risk in orthogeriatric inpatients: a prospective 2-year survey
Authors: Wiedl Andreas , Förch Stefan , Fenwick Annabel , Mayr Edgar
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The most common osteoporotic fragility fractures are hip, vertebral and upper extremity fractures. An association with increased mortality is widely described with their occurrence. Fracture-specific associated death rates were determined in a 2-year follow-up for patients treated on an orthogeriatric ward. These were compared amongst each other, examined for changes with age and their impact on the relative mortality risk in relation to the corresponding population.

Methods

We assessed all patients that were treated in the course of a year on an orthogeriatric ward and suffered from the following injuries: hip (HF), vertebral (VF) and upper extremity fractures (UEF). In a 2-year follow-up it was possible to determine the month of death in the case of the patient’s decease. Pairwise comparisons of the three fracture type death rates were performed through Cox-Regression. We stratified the fracture-dependent absolute mortality and age-specific mortality risk (ASMR) for age groups 71–80, 81–90 and 91–95.

Results

Overall, we assessed 240 patients with HF, 96 with VF and 127 with UEF over the span of a year. 1- and 2-year-mortality was: HF: 29.6% a.e. 42.9%, VF: 29.2% a.e. 36.5%, UEF: 20.5% a.e 34.6%. Pairwise comparisons of these mortality values revealed no significant differences. In association with HF and VF, we observed a significant increase of 2-year mortality for the oldest compared to the youngest patients (HF: 60.4% vs. 22.5%; p = 0.028) (VF 70% vs. 14.3%; p = 0.033). The analogue comparison for UEF revealed no relevant difference in age-dependent mortality (40.9% vs. 31.1%; p = 0.784). Common for all fracture types ASMR’s were more elevated in the younger patients and decreased with higher age.

Conclusion

The fracture-related mortality in the 2-year follow-up was comparable. We observed a reduction of relative mortality risk in the oldest patients. While a direct influence of fracture on mortality must be supposed, we support the thesis of the fracture rather being an indicator of higher susceptibility of timely death.
Vertical and temporal distribution of Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae in determinate and indeterminate soybean
Authors: Reisig Dominic D. , Cook Don , Greene Jeremy K. , Caprio Michael , Gore Jeff , Musser Fred , Reay-Jones Francis
Published: September 2020

Most oviposition by Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) occurs near the top of the canopy in soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr, and larval abundance is influenced by the growth habit of plants. However, the vertical distribution of larvae within the canopy is not as well known. We evaluated the vertical distribution of H. zea larvae in determinate and indeterminate varieties, hypothesizing that larval distribution in the canopy would vary between these two growth habits and over time. We tested this hypothesis in a naturally infested replicated field experiment and two experimentally manipulated cage experiments. In the field experiment, flowering time was synchronized between the varieties by manipulating planting date, while infestation timing was manipulated in the cage experiments. Larvae were recovered using destructive sampling of individual soybean plants, and their vertical distribution by instar was recorded from three sampling points over time in each experiment. While larval population growth and development varied between the determinate and indeterminate varieties within and among experiments, we found little evidence that larvae have preference for different vertical locations in the canopy. This study lends support to the hypothesis that larval movement and location within soybean canopies do not result entirely from oviposition location and nutritional requirements.
Beyond the Map: How to Decolonize the History of US Empire
Authors: GEIDEL MOLLY
Published: September 2020

Daniel Immerwahr's How to Hide an Empire, recently published to much fanfare, takes as its starting point what Immerwahr calls a “conceptual filing error.” Born from his surprise at visiting the Philippines and encountering streets “named after US colleges” and university students speaking “virtually unaccented English,” the book contends that while most people have heard of the “big wars” the United States has waged, “the actual territory” of US empire “often slips from view.” In response to this alleged invisibility, Immerwahr has produced a new popular history of US empire, one focussed on officially annexed US colonies and military bases, as well as the states that lie beyond the “logo map” whose outlines are the continental United States (14–15). The book's first section quickly sketches the story of US westward expansion, mostly through the story of Daniel Boone, then moves on to more satisfying chapters detailing the annexation of the uninhabited Guano Islands, Puerto Rico and the Philippines, as well as the resistance to annexation in the latter two cases; the section ends by recounting World War II battles over Pacific islands. The second half of the book examines the postwar period, contending that the United States “gave up territory” in this period because it “honed an extraordinary suite of technologies,” from screw threads to synthetic rubber, that allowed it to construct a “pointillist empire” of communication and infrastructural networks (17).
Re-establishing legitimacy after stigmatization: Greenpeace in the North American North
Authors: Burke Danita Catherine
Published: September 2020

International environmental non-governmental organizations (IENGOs) have a long and checkered history of involvement and impact in, and on, the North. Using the example of Greenpeace, arguably one of the most stigmatized IENGOs in the North American North, this paper explores the questions: why are IENGOs stigmatized in the North American North and how might they overcome their stigma with local audiences? It outlines the role of moral legitimacy in stigmatization and overcoming stigma, and the challenges of (re)establishing moral legitimacy with a stigmatizing audience, in this case, Inuit in Northern Canada and Greenland.
Safety considerations during return to work in the context of stable COVID-19 epidemic control: an analysis of health screening results of all returned staff from a hospital
Authors: Duan Ping , Deng Zhi-Qing , Pan Zhen-Yu , Wang Yan-Ping
Published: September 2020

In March 2020, China had periodically controlled the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) epidemic. We reported the results of health screening for COVID-19 among returned staff of a hospital and conducted a summary analysis to provide valuable experience for curbing the COVID-19 epidemic and rebound. In total, 4729 returned staff from Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China were examined for COVID-19, and the basic information, radiology and laboratory test results were obtained and systematically analysed. Among the 4729 employees, medical staff (62.93%) and rear-service personnel (30.73%) were the majority. The results of the first physical examination showed that 4557 (96.36%) were normal, 172 (3.64%) had abnormal radiological or laboratory test results. After reexamination and evaluation, four were at high risk (asymptomatic infections) and were scheduled to transfer to a designated hospital, and three were at low risk (infectivity could not be determined) and were scheduled for home isolation observation. Close contacts were tracked and managed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in China. Asymptomatic infections are a major risk factor for returning to work. Extensive health screening combined with multiple detection methods helps to identify asymptomatic infections early, which is an important guarantee in the process of returning to work.
Isolated systemic arterial supply to normal lung – an unusual cause of extracardiac left-to-right shunt
Authors: Arvind Balaji , Gupta Saurabh Kumar , Kothari Shyam Sunder
Published: September 2020

Isolated systemic arterial supply to a normal lung, a type of bronchopulmonary vascular malformation, is a rare cause of extracardiac left-to-right shunt. We describe such a case that was successfully managed by transcatheter closure of the anomalous arterial supply to otherwise normal lung.
Street-Level Judgements about Welfare Deservingness: How Jobcentre Advisors Decide about the Individual Mix of ‘Support’ and ‘Demand’ in the Delivery of Activation Policies
Authors: Senghaas Monika
Published: September 2020

This article examines how jobcentre advisors judge the individual deservingness of their clients and investigates what role these judgements play in translating activation policies into practice. The analysis draws on qualitative data gathered in a research project on back-to-work agreements that involved several German jobcentres. It is shown that advisors vary the intensity of ‘demand’ depending on whether benefit recipients fulfil reciprocity expectations and are deemed to have control over the unemployment situation. Whether or not they choose an enabling, supporting approach, and the extent to which they do so, depends on judgements about the client’s amenability to change and the presumed outcome of labour market policy instruments. Moreover, the analysis indicates that frontline workers use experiential cues such as appearance and self-presentation in the face-to-face encounters in order to interpret the client. The findings highlight the relevance of the normative dimension of frontline work.
Situating the accountability of the UN Security Council: Between liberal-legal and political ‘styles’ of global constitutionalism?
Authors: MURPHY BEN L.
Published: September 2020

‘Accountability’ is the international legal term du jour. The concept is omnipresent in contemporary discussions about the UN Security Council in particular. From the lack of due process guarantees for individuals implicated in its counter-terrorism sanctions regime, to the (in)compatibility of Council authorized uses of force with international human rights and humanitarian law, no aspect of the Council’s recent practice has been immune from an accountability critique. Driven by the context in which it has emerged, the turn to accountability is seemingly prompted by a felt desire among international lawyers to constrain the arbitrary use of the Council’s considerable powers. However, beyond this felt desire, the concept lacks a robust theoretical foregrounding, both on its own terms and in relation to existential developments in international law. In an attempt to remedy this, this article situates the turn to accountability as a product of the broader turn to ‘constitutionalist’ thinking in international law. Specifically, it suggests that mainstream approaches resonate with a particular ‘liberal-legalist style’ of global constitutionalism. From both an etymological and epistemological perspective, however, I argue that this prevailing style offers an incomplete sense of accountability. The article introduces the dichotomy of ‘liberal-legal’ and more overtly ‘political’ styles of global constitutionalism as a heuristic device in order to offer a broader conception of accountability in the Security Council context. Political constitutionalism, I believe, offers important insights that will allow us to perceive and critique the Security Council in new ways.
Statistical Characteristics of Raindrop Size Distributions and Parameters in Central China During the Meiyu Seasons
Authors: Fu Zhikang , Dong Xiquan , Zhou Lingli , Cui Wenjun , Wang Jingyu , Wan Rong , Leng Liang , Xi Baike
Published: September 2020

The rain parameters derived from the laser OTT second‐generation Particle Size Velocity (Parsivel2), the two‐dimensional video disdrometer (2DVD), and DZZ5 tipping‐bucket rain gauge (RG) during the Integrative Monsoon Frontal Rainfall Experiment (IMFRE) in summer 2018 are compared. The total rainfall amounts observed by Parsivel, 2DVD, and RG during IMFRE were 178.07, 176.76, and 182.5 mm, while their total rainy hours were 113, 113, and 90. The mean Dm (mass‐weighted mean diameter) and LWC (liquid water content) values derived from Parsivel and 2DVD were 1.03 and 1.01 mm and 0.247 and 0.223 g m−3. The rainy samples from six Parsivel sites over the middle reaches of the Yangtze River during the 2016–2018 Meiyu seasons have been collected and analyzed. The occurrence frequencies for rain rates (RR) < 5 and >10 mm hr−1 were 83.9% and 7.4%, respectively, but they contributed 30.5% and 52.1% of the total accumulated rainfall. Compared with the results over the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the total accumulated rainfall percentages for RR < 5 mm hr−1 and RR > 10 mm hr−1 observed at XN site were higher and lower, respectively. The stratiform rain (SR) raindrop size increases with RR over both the middle and lower reaches, whereas the Nw values over the middle reaches are much higher. Opposite to the SR results, the convective rain (CR) raindrops from this study are larger, while their Nw values are similar to one another. For gamma‐type‐size distribution, the μ − λ and Z − R relations are strongly dependent on geographical location.
The Impact of Seasonal and Annual Climate Variations on the Carbon Uptake Capacity of a Deciduous Forest Within the Great Lakes Region of Canada
Authors: Beamesderfer Eric R. , Arain M. Altaf , Khomik Myroslava , Brodeur Jason J.
Published: September 2020

In eastern North America, many deciduous forest ecosystems grow at the northernmost extent of their geographical ranges, where climate change could aid or impede their growth. This region experiences frequent extreme weather conditions, allowing us to study the response of these forests to environmental conditions, reflective of future climates. Here we determined the impact of seasonal and annual climate variations and extreme weather events on the carbon (C) uptake capacity of an oak‐dominated forest in southern Ontario, Canada, from 2012 to 2016. We found that changes in meteorology during late May to mid‐July were key in determining the C sink strength of the forest, impacting the seasonal and annual variability of net ecosystem productivity (NEP). Overall, higher temperatures and dry conditions reduced ecosystem respiration (RE) much more than gross ecosystem productivity (GEP), leading to higher NEP. Variability in NEP was primarily driven by changes in RE, rather than GEP. The mean annual GEP, RE, and NEP values at our site during the study were 1,343 ± 85, 1,171 ± 139, and 206 ± 92 g C m−2 yr−1, respectively. The forest was a C sink even in years that experienced heat and water stresses. Mean annual NEP at our site was within the range of NEP (69–459 g C m−2 yr−1) observed in similar North American forests from 2012 to 2016. The growth and C sequestration capabilities of our oak‐dominated forest were not adversely impacted by changes in environmental conditions and extreme weather events experienced over the study period.
New Recommendations for a Proactive Flood Policy in India
Authors: Padma T.
Published: September 2020

As India grapples with devastating monsoon floods, a new review supports greater investment in nonstructural solutions.
Austermann Receives 2019 Jason Morgan Early Career Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: September 2020

Jacqueline Austermann received the 2019 Jason Morgan Early Career Award at AGU’s Fall Meeting 2019, held 9–13 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award is “presented annually to an early career scientist for outstanding and significant contributions to tectonophysics through a combination of research, education, and outreach activities.”
Observed Internal Tides and Near‐Inertial Waves in the Northern South China Sea: Intensified f‐Band Energy Induced by Parametric Subharmonic Instability
Authors: Shen Junqiang , Fang Wendong , Zhang Shanwu , Qiu Yun , Zhang Junpeng , Xie Xiaohui
Published: September 2020

The variations in the internal tide (IT) and near‐inertial waves (NIWs) that occurred in the summer of 2006 over the continental shelf of the northern South China Sea were observed using three bottom‐mounted moorings equipped with acoustic Doppler current profilers. Due to the strong nonlinear interaction, large portions (~40–60%) of the semidiurnal IT energy at the continental shelf were found to be incoherent; this proportion gradually increased from the shelf break to the offshore region. More importantly, our observations showed that parametric subharmonic instability (PSI) can enhance the f‐band energy in the shallow water (~100 m) on the continental shelf. Using plane‐wave fitting and the bicoherence spectrum, we confirmed that the intensified NIWs and the observed D2‐f waves are nonlinear coupled waves derived from the semidiurnal internal tidal PSI. These two subharmonic waves were observed in the near field of a strong semidiurnal IT generation site at the shelf break. By tracking the M2‐ray path, we verified that the PSI occurred in the pycnocline in the path of the reflected wave beam that was characterized by strong nonlinear instabilities and it could be modulated by mesoscale eddies in this shallow shelf water.
Anticyclonic Eddies Enhance the Winter Barrier Layer and Surface Cooling in the Bay of Bengal
Authors: He Qingyou , Zhan Haigang , Cai Shuqun
Published: September 2020

Oceanic barrier layer impedes the vertical exchanges of heat and biogeochemical substances between the mixed layer and deep ocean, playing essential roles in modulating air‐sea heat flux and oceanic biogeochemical cycles. Recent studies revealed that mesoscale eddies can modify the vertical motions of the mixed layer. But their influence on the barrier layer has not been determined. By analyzing more than a decade of in situ, satellite, and reanalysis data, this study investigated the influence of eddies on barrier layer in the Bay of Bengal. The results show that the barrier layer in anticyclonic eddies is significantly thickened in winter (by 50% on average). This thickening consists of the deepening of isothermal layer by eddy downwelling and the shoaling of mixed layer by near‐surface salinity restratification. The thickening of the barrier layer enlarges with latitude, in consistent with the reinforcement in salinity stratification and surface cooling. The thickened barrier layer impedes the upward supply of heat into the mixed layer from the below, promoting the winter surface cooling (by 0.7°C on average) and subsurface temperature inversion (by 0.6°C on average). The feature is contrary to the intuitive expectation that anticyclonic eddies possess high sea surface temperature in eddy interiors. As a consequence, both cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies result in negative sea surface temperature anomalies, indicative of a net decrease in the local sea surface temperature. These effects of eddies may be a common feature in salinity‐stratified oceans in winter and have potential implications for the local biogeochemistry and air‐sea coupled models.
Environmental Controls of Diffusive and Ebullitive Methane Emissions at a Subdaily Time Scale in the Littoral Zone of a Midlatitude Shallow Lake
Authors: Taoka T. , Iwata H. , Hirata R. , Takahashi Y. , Miyabara Y. , Itoh M.
Published: September 2020

Environmental controls on methane (CH4) emission from lakes are poorly understood at subdaily time scales due to a lack of continuous data, especially for ebullition. We used a novel technique to partition eddy covariance CH4 flux observed in the littoral zone of a midlatitude shallow lake in Japan and examined the environmental controls on diffusion and ebullitive CH4 flux separately at a subdaily time scale in different seasons. Using the high‐frequency data, we investigated how CH4 accumulation in the water and sediment layers alters the dynamics and environmental controls of fluxes. The contribution of ebullitive flux to total flux was 57% on average. Environmental controls of diffusive and ebullitive fluxes known in the literature were confirmed. We further found that the environmental controls were different in different seasons and suggested that additional consideration of CH4 accumulation could explain the variability. The transfer of accumulated dissolved CH4 from the bottom water layer to the surface in summer and the accumulation of dissolved CH4 under surface ice in winter were suggested to be important for explaining the variability of diffusive flux. In summer, a higher ebullitive flux tended to occur following triggers such as a decrease in hydrostatic pressure. In winter, the impact of triggers was not obvious, and a higher ebullitive flux tended to occur in the morning. We suggested that the low CH4 production rate in winter slowed the replenishment of bubbles in the sediment, negating the effect of triggers on ebullition.
Unique roles of rare variants in the genetics of complex diseases in humans
Authors: Momozawa Yukihide , Mizukami Keijiro
Published: September 2020

Genome-wide association studies have identified >10,000 genetic variants associated with various phenotypes and diseases. Although the majority are common variants, rare variants with >0.1% of minor allele frequency have been investigated by imputation and using disease-specific custom SNP arrays. Rare variants sequencing analysis mainly revealed have played unique roles in the genetics of complex diseases in humans due to their distinctive features, in contrast to common variants. Unique roles are hypothesis-free evidence for gene causality, a precise target of functional analysis for understanding disease mechanisms, a new favorable target for drug development, and a genetic marker with high disease risk for personalized medicine. As whole-genome sequencing continues to identify more rare variants, the roles associated with rare variants will also increase. However, a better estimation of the functional impact of rare variants across whole genome is needed to enhance their contribution to improvements in human health.
IDH1/2 mutations in acute myeloid leukemia patients and risk of coronary artery disease and cardiac dysfunction—a retrospective propensity score analysis
Authors: Kattih Badder , Shirvani Amir , Klement Piroska , Garrido Abel Martin , Gabdoulline Razif , Liebich Alessandro , Brandes Maximilian , Chaturvedi Anuhar , Seeger Timon , Thol Felicitas , Göhring Gudrun , Schlegelberger Brigitte , Geffers Robert , John David , Bavendiek Udo , Bauersachs Johann , Ganser Arnold , Heineke Joerg , Heuser Michael
Published: September 2020

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is linked to leukemia gene mutations and associates with an increased risk for coronary artery disease and poor prognosis in ischemic cardiomyopathy. Two recurrently mutated genes in CHIP and adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) encode for isocitrate dehydrogenases 1 and 2 (IDH1 and IDH2). Global expression of mutant IDH2 in transgenic mice-induced dilated cardiomyopathy and muscular dystrophy. In this retrospective observational study, we investigated whether mutant IDH1/2 predisposes to cardiovascular disease in AML patients. Among 363 AML patients, IDH1 and IDH2 mutations were detected in 26 (7.2%) and 39 patients (10.7%), respectively. Mutant IDH1 patients exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (26.1% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.002). Applying inverse probability-weighting analysis, patients with IDH1/2 mutations had a higher risk for a declining cardiac function during AML treatment compared to IDH1/2 wild type patients [left ventricular ejection fraction pretreatment compared to 10 months after diagnosis: 59.2% to 41.9% (p < 0.001) vs 58.5% to 55.4% (p = 0.27), respectively]. Mechanistically, RNA sequencing and immunostaining in hiPS-derived cardiomyocytes indicated that the oncometabolite R-2HG exacerbated doxorubicin mediated cardiotoxicity. Evaluation of IDH1/2 mutation status may therefore help identifying AML patients at risk for cardiovascular complications during cytotoxic treatment.
Novel insights into stress-induced susceptibility to influenza: corticosterone impacts interferon-β responses by Mfn2-mediated ubiquitin degradation of MAVS
Authors: Luo Zhuo , Liu Li-Fang , Jiang Ying-Nan , Tang Lu-Ping , Li Wen , Ouyang Shu-Hua , Tu Long-Fang , Wu Yan-Ping , Gong Hai-Biao , Yan Chang-Yu , Jiang Shan , Lu Yu-Hui , Liu Tongzheng , Jiang Zhenyou , Kurihara Hiroshi , Yu Yang , Yao Xin-Sheng , Li Yi-Fang , He Rong-Rong
Published: September 2020

Although stress has been known to increase the susceptibility of pathogen infection, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we reported that restraint stress dramatically enhanced the morbidity and mortality of mice infected with the influenza virus (H1N1) and obviously aggravated lung inflammation. Corticosterone (CORT), a main type of glucocorticoids in rodents, was secreted in the plasma of stressed mice. We further found that this stress hormone significantly boosted virus replication by restricting mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS) protein-transduced IFN-β production without affecting its mRNA level, while the deficiency of MAVS abrogated stress/CORT-induced viral susceptibility in mice. Mechanistically, the effect of CORT was mediated by proteasome-dependent degradation of MAVS, thereby resulting in the impediment of MAVS-transduced IFN-β generation in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, RNA-seq assay results indicated the involvement of Mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) in this process. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments indicated that Mfn2 interacted with MAVS and recruited E3 ligase SYVN1 to promote the polyubiquitination of MAVS. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments clarified an interaction between any two regions of Mfn2 (HR1), MAVS (C-terminal/TM) and SYVN1 (TM). Collectively, our findings define the Mfn2-SYVN1 axis as a new signaling cascade for proteasome-dependent degradation of MAVS and a ‘fine tuning’ of antiviral innate immunity in response to influenza infection under stress.
The influence of choline treatment on behavioral and neurochemical autistic-like phenotype in Mthfr-deficient mice
Authors: Agam Galila , Taylor Zoe , Vainer Ella , Golan Hava M.
Published: September 2020

Imbalanced one carbon metabolism and aberrant autophagy is robustly reported in patients with autism. Polymorphism in the gene methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (Mthfr), encoding for a key enzyme in this pathway is associated with an increased risk for autistic-spectrum-disorders (ASDs). Autistic-like core and associated behaviors have been described, with contribution of both maternal and offspring Mthfr+/−genotype to the different domains of behavior. Preconception and prenatal supplementation with methyl donor rich diet to human subjects and mice reduced the risk for developing autism and autistic-like behavior, respectively. Here we tested the potential of choline supplementation to Mthfr-deficient mice at young-adulthood to reduce behavioral and neurochemical changes reminiscent of autism characteristics. We show that offspring of Mthfr+/−mothers, whether wildtype or heterozygote, exhibit autistic-like behavior, altered brain p62 protein levels and LC3-II/LC3-I levels ratio, both, autophagy markers. Choline supplementation to adult offspring of Mthfr+/−mothers for 14 days counteracted characteristics related to repetitive behavior and anxiety both in males and in females and improved social behavior solely in male mice. Choline treatment also normalized deviant cortical levels of the autophagy markers measured in male mice. The results demonstrate that choline supplementation even at adulthood, not tested previously, to offspring of Mthfr-deficient mothers, attenuates the autistic-like phenotype. If this proof of concept is replicated it might promote translation of these results to treatment recommendation for children with ASDs bearing similar genetic/metabolic make-up.