bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing the Drivers of Corporate Environmentalism in Vietnam
Authors: Malesky Edmund J. , Nguyen Quynh
Published: September 2023

What motivates private firms’ willingness to invest in green technologies and environmentally friendly operations? Some emphasize enhanced government regulation and enforcement, while others point to the greater potential of societal pressure. In this study, we use a survey experiment with more than 10,000 firms in Vietnam to test which type of stakeholder pressure has the strongest impact on domestic and foreign business leaders’ intention to invest in green operations. We find that the effectiveness of stakeholder pressure is conditioned by the firms’ target markets. Foreign investors are more susceptible than domestic firms to intensive regulatory pressure. Accounting for export orientation, however, we find that the most amenable policy targets for regulatory pressure are foreign firms aiming to sell in the Vietnamese domestic market.
Evaluation of crises suitability of food systems: a comparison of alternative protein sources
Authors: Boccardo Andrea , Hagelaar Geoffrey , Lakemond Catriona
Published: September 2023

Global crises affecting food security have kept increasing for four years in a row, with almost 350 million people expected to suffer from food insecurity in 2023, more than double the number compared to 2020. This draws attention to the importance of finding food capable to feed a population under such conditions. In this research criteria were developed to gain comparative insights into crises suitability of food system’s food security. Four principal criteria – production characteristics, intrinsic attributes, supply chain efficiency, and feasibility of conversion – were identified to encompass this crises suitability, and translated into measurable indicators tailored to protein foods. A multi criteria analysis (MCA) was developed which enabled the assessment of different alternative protein sources – insects, cultured meat, mycoproteins, algae, and plant proteins – on the basis of equal importance of the crises suitability criteria. Chicken meat, being currently the most efficient protein source in times of crisis, was used as a reference protein source. Based on the suitability criteria, insects and cultured meat resulted from the comparative study convincingly as the most suitable to replace chicken meat. Although the systems of the other alternative protein sources did not emerge as suitable options to replace chicken meat in a crisis, algae, mycoproteins, and plant proteins could support chicken meat as complementary sources of proteins if embedded in the food supply. When adopting these criteria, the type of crisis needs to be taken into account to judge the relative importance of the criteria, as a basis for decision making on the crisis suitability of food stuff’s systems. The methodology applied allowed to identify a clear distinction between crises suitability of alternative proteins systems, and has therefore potential for application to other food systems. Then, the indicators for the criteria need to be tailored towards the nature of the specific food system.
The debris-cloaking larva of Catapotia laevissima and the origin of defensive strategies in Anamorphidae and other Coccinelloidea (Coleoptera)
Authors: Arriaga-Varela Emmanuel , Leschen Richard A. B. , Tomaszewska Wioletta
Published: September 2023

Debris-cloaking, a method of concealment with material collected from the environment, has evolved repeatedly with the purpose of avoiding detection in adults or immatures of various invertebrates including beetles. Fungus beetles in the family Anamorphidae (Coccinelloidea) are small-sized spore feeders of predominantly surface-dwelling habits. Debris-cloaking has been reported only for two genera in the family and nowhere else in Coccinelloidea. Here we report debris-cloaking behaviour in larvae of the Neotropical beetle genus Catapotia, describe its larvae, and compare it to confamilials. We summarise the knowledge on the defensive mechanisms and the natural history traits for members of the coccinellid group of Coccinelloidea. Possible evolutionary origins for the defensive mechanism are reconstructed on the basis of available phylogenetic hypotheses. Groups containing species with a larger body size also have a higher number of defensive strategies in larvae and adults; these include members of Endomychidae and Coccinellidae that exhibit reflex bleeding, aposematic colouration, and gregarious behaviour. Debris-cloaking has likely evolved only once, in the comparatively small-sized Anamorphidae.
Numerical modeling of hydraulic jumps at negative steps to improve energy dissipation in stilling basins
Authors: Macián-Pérez Juan Francisco , García-Bartual Rafael , López-Jiménez P. Amparo , Vallés-Morán Francisco José
Published: September 2023

The performance of stilling basins including a negative step was analyzed addressing its effect on the energy dissipation efficiency, dimensions and structural properties of the hydraulic jump, streambed pressures and pressure fluctuations. Six different cases were simulated, considering two possible relative heights for the step and three possible Froude numbers. The results show that the step yields to lower subcritical depths, allowing smaller basin dimensions. Nevertheless, it tends to slightly increase the roller length of the jump. Concerning the relative energy dissipation, results confirm the improvement derived from the step presence. The internal flow occurring in the jump was also analyzed, and more specifically the subzones generated upstream and downstream the impingement point. The results prove the contribution of the negative step in the stabilization of hydraulic jumps in the stilling basin. In particular, a general decrease of the streambed pressure is observed. In addition, pressure fluctuations are significantly reduced due to the negative step size influence on the hydraulic jump. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques to simulate stilling basin flows and to adequately characterize the hydraulic jump performance was confirmed.
Pre-concentration of pesticides in water using isophorone diamine multiwalled carbon nanotubes-based solid-phase extraction technique and analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Sethoga L. S. , Magadzu T. , Ambushe A. A.
Published: September 2023

The existence of pesticides in water at ultra-trace levels necessitates the use of a suitable pre-concentration method for their detection. The objective of this study was to develop an ultra-synthetic adsorbent to extract chlorpyrifos (CPF) and imazalil (IMA) pesticides in water. X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirm that both oxidised and isophorone diamine multiwalled carbon nanotubes (IPD-MWCNTs) were successfully prepared with an intact structure; which was further confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) showed a high surface area of both oxidised and IPD-MWCNTs, which is linked to the formation of additional active sites. TGA further showed that the nanocomposites were highly stable within the pesticides quantification operating temperature. CPF and IMA were recovered using a low dosage of IPD-MWCNTs adsorbent (0.030 g) and eluted by a combined solvent (ethanol and chloroform (50:50, v/v)). The adsorbent was reusable over seven repeated cycles, with an acceptable percentage relative standard deviation (%RSD) ranging from 3 to 8%. The IPD-MWCNTs adsorption sites are highly stable and cannot be easily fouled, as compared to that of oxidised MWCNTs. Lower limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) for CPF (0.026 and 0.078 µg.L−1) and IMA (0.033 and 0.100 µg.L−1) were achieved. Better recoveries for both analytes at low and high concentrations (as well as in real water samples) were obtained by IPD-MWCNTs whereas a conventional adsorbent (i.e. polymeric reverse phase) can only achieve better recoveries at high concentrations.
Boil-off recovery system for natural gas stations: an approach to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases
Authors: Borges A. D. S. , Oliveira M. , Varandas B.
Published: September 2023

Improving the efficiency of energy use is of utmost importance in the context of climate change. Indeed, greater efficiency in the end-use of energy will make a significant contribution to lowering primary energy consumption and reducing CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. This paper presents an approach that enables a compact liquefied natural gas station to operate without being connected to the public electric grid. It is achieved by using the Boil-off gas generated by the vehicle supply process and feeding it to a generator which, together with a photovoltaic (PV) system, can produce electrical energy. Results from a year of trial operations at the station in Escariz, Portugal, demonstrate that it is possible to recover an average of 8.66 kg of Boil-off gas daily while generating a 345% excess of electrical energy when combined with the PV system, enabling the station to be self-sustainable in terms of electricity. Based on the experimental data and calculation methodology, the project was able to earn an estimated monthly revenue of €176.27 throughout the study period while also preventing the emission of 8549 kg of CO2 equivalent from natural gas combustion in vehicles.
Terapia del carcinoma corticosurrenalico dopo fallimento del mitotane
Authors: Grisanti Salvatore , Cremaschi Valentina , Berruti Alfredo
Published: September 2023

Sommario

Il mitotane rappresenta l’unico farmaco approvato con specifica attività citotossica sulle cellule della corticale del surrene. Viene utilizzato nella terapia medica del carcinoma corticosurrenalico (ACC) nel setting adiuvante (nei casi operati ad alto rischio di recidiva) e nel setting di malattia inoperabile/metastatica, da solo o in associazione alla chemioterapia. È utilizzato anche per il controllo della sindrome di Cushing associato alle forme ipersecernenti di ACC. Pertanto, il fallimento di mitotane si configura nella recidiva dopo chirurgia radicale, nella progressione di malattia metastatica e nel non controllo dell’ipercortisolismo. Le attuali strategie di trattamento dell’ACC nelle diverse fasi cliniche seguono le linee guida dello European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors (ENSAT). Questa rassegna riassume le possibili indicazioni di chemioterapia standard di prima linea e successive, ridefinisce il ruolo decrescente di mitotane e descrive l’attuale ruolo dell’immunoterapia e delle terapie a bersaglio molecolare.
Surfactant amplifies yield-stress effects in the capillary instability of a film coating a tube
Authors: Shemilt James D. , Horsley Alexander , Jensen Oliver E. , Thompson Alice B. , Whitfield Carl A.
Published: September 2023

To assess how the presence of surfactant in lung airways alters the flow of mucus that leads to plug formation and airway closure, we investigate the effect of insoluble surfactant on the instability of a viscoplastic liquid coating the interior of a cylindrical tube. Evolution equations for the layer thickness using thin-film and long-wave approximations are derived that incorporate yield-stress effects and capillary and Marangoni forces. Using numerical simulations and asymptotic analysis of the thin-film system, we quantify how the presence of surfactant slows growth of the Rayleigh–Plateau instability, increases the size of initial perturbation required to trigger instability and decreases the final peak height of the layer. When the surfactant strength is large, the thin-film dynamics coincide with the dynamics of a surfactant-free layer but with time slowed by a factor of four and the capillary Bingham number, a parameter proportional to the yield stress, exactly doubled. By solving the long-wave equations numerically, we quantify how increasing surfactant strength can increase the critical layer thickness for plug formation to occur and delay plugging. The previously established effect of the yield stress in suppressing plug formation (Shemilt et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 944, 2022, A22) is shown to be amplified by introducing surfactant. We discuss the implications of these results for understanding the impact of surfactant deficiency and increased mucus yield stress in obstructive lung diseases.
A self-propelling clapping body
Authors: Mahulkar Suyog V. , Arakeri Jaywant H.
Published: September 2023

We report an experimental study of the motion of a clapping body consisting of two flat plates pivoted at the leading edge by a torsion spring. Clapping motion and forward propulsion of the body are initiated by the sudden release of the plates, initially held apart at an angle

$2\theta _o$

. Results are presented for the clapping and forward motions, and for the wake flow field for 24 cases, where depth-to-length ratio (

$d^* = 1.5,1\text { and }0.5$

), spring stiffness per unit depth (

$Kt$

), body mass (

$m_b$

) and initial separation angle (

$2\theta _o = 45^{\circ }\text { and }60^{\circ }$

) are varied. The body initially accelerates rapidly forward, then slowly retards to nearly zero velocity. Whereas the acceleration phase involves a complex interaction between plate and fluid motions, the retardation phase is simply fluid dynamic drag slowing the body. The wake consists of either a single axis-switching elliptical vortex loop (for

$d^* = 1\text { and }1.5$

) or multiple vortex loops (for

$d^* = 0.5$

). The body motion is nearly independent of

$d^*$

and most affected by variation in

$\theta _o$

and

$Kt$

. Using conservation of linear momentum and conversion of spring strain energy into kinetic energy in the fluid and body, we obtain a relation for the translation velocity of the body in terms of the various parameters. Approximately 80 % of the initial stored energy is transferred to the fluid, only 20 % to the body. The experimentally obtained cost of transport lies between 2 and

$8\ \mathrm {J}\ \mathrm {kg}^{-1}\ \mathrm {m}^{-1}$

.
CLASSIFICATION OF -CATEGORICAL MONADICALLY STABLE STRUCTURES
Authors: BODOR BERTALAN
Published: September 2023

A first-order structure
$\mathfrak {A}$
is called monadically stable iff every expansion of
$\mathfrak {A}$
by unary predicates is stable. In this paper we give a classification of the class
$\mathcal {M}$
of
$\omega $
-categorical monadically stable structure in terms of their automorphism groups. We prove in turn that
$\mathcal {M}$
is the smallest class of structures which contains the one-element pure set, is closed under isomorphisms, and is closed under taking finite disjoint unions, infinite copies, and finite index first-order reducts. Using our classification we show that every structure in
$\mathcal {M}$
is first-order interdefinable with a finitely bounded homogeneous structure. We also prove that every structure in
$\mathcal {M}$
has finitely many reducts up to interdefinability, thereby confirming Thomas’ conjecture for the class
$\mathcal {M}$
.
Migration, Voices, and Methodology
Authors: Sambuco Patrizia
Published: September 2023

If the ‘colour line’ was prophetically defined as the issue of the twentieth century, in the twenty-first century the concern of many scholars is with the research methodology that the attention on the colour line has generated. Migration, postcolonial, and blackness studies focusing on Italy have all asked fundamental questions on how to reframe history, memory, and culture. Charles Burdett (2018) has posited that migration and mobility are vital for the repositioning of the discipline of Italian Studies and Modern Languages as a whole. Critics have argued that Italian Black literature is redefining Italian literature (Romeo 2017) and its reception (Patriarca 2018). Alessandra Ciucci's recent monograph The Voice of the Rural: Music, Poetry and Masculinity among Migrant Moroccan Men in Umbria (2022) and the volume The Black Mediterranean: Borders, Bodies and Citizenship (2021) edited by the Black Mediterranean Collective contribute to this discussion. Both books offer new approaches to analyse migration and deconstruct Eurocentrism. They both emphasise the migrants’ agency and theorise the researcher's position as a tool for the decolonisation of culture.
Recent metaphors of Brexit in the British press
Authors: Landmann Julia , Ganz Yannick
Published: September 2023

In the referendum of 23 June 2016, the UK's decision to leave the EU in the course of a Brexit was very close, with 51.9% (Leave) versus 48.1% (Remain). A year after the final withdrawal from the European Union, disillusionment seems to have spread in Great Britain. The focus of previous linguistic studies is mostly on the language used during the Leave and Remain campaigns. Charteris–Black (2019) is the first book-length study to provide a systematic description of the plethora of metaphors of Brexit. His analysis is based on the evaluation of a variety of data published in connection with the Brexit referendum, ranging from newspaper articles to social media posts and cartoons:

[ . . . ] once we look under the surface we find that understanding the metaphors of the Brexit debate provides rich insight into the profoundly moral outlooks that influenced both those who sought to leave the European Union and those who wished to remain in it. Members of the public, opinion formers and politicians relied on metaphor as a way of framing political issues and creating persuasive stories and allegories. Understanding these better helps us to understand not only what divided the two sides but also what both sides held in common: a belief and desire that they could improve their country. (Charteris–Black, 2019: 2)
Long-term health outcomes of Q-fever fatigue syndrome patients
Authors: Spronk Inge , Brus Iris M. , de Groot Annemieke , Tieleman Peter , Olde Loohuis Alfons G. M. , Haagsma Juanita A. , Polinder Suzanne
Published: September 2023

This study determined long-term health outcomes (≥10 years) of Q-fever fatigue syndrome (QFS). Long-term complaints, health-related quality of life (HRQL), health status, energy level, fatigue, post-exertional malaise, anxiety, and depression were assessed. Outcomes and determinants were studied for the total sample and compared among age subgroups: young (<40years), middle-aged (≥40–<65years), and older (≥65years) patients. 368 QFS patients were included. Participants reported a median number of 12.0 long-term complaints. Their HRQL (median EQ-5D-5L index: 0.63) and health status (median EQ-VAS: 50.0) were low, their level of fatigue was high, and many experienced post-exertional malaise complaints (98.9%). Young and middle-aged patients reported worse health outcomes compared with older patients, with both groups reporting a significantly worse health status, higher fatigue levels and anxiety, and more post-exertional malaise complaints and middle-aged patients having a lower HRQL and a higher depression risk. Multivariate regression analyses confirmed that older age is associated with better outcomes, except for the number of health complaints. QFS has thus a considerable impact on patients’ health more than 10 years after infection. Young and middle-aged patients experience more long-term health consequences compared with older patients. Tailored health care is recommended to provide optimalcare for each QFS patient.
Treatment of hypoplastic left heart syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Kim A. Y. , Woo W. , Saxena A. , Tanidir I. C. , Yao A. , Kurniawati Y. , Thakur V. , Shin Y. R. , Shin J. I. , Jung J. W. , Barron D. J. ,   International HLHS research network collaborators
Published: September 2023

Background:

This meta-analysis aimed to consolidate existing data from randomised controlled trials on hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Methods:

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome specific randomised controlled trials published between January 2005 and September 2021 in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were included. Regardless of clinical outcomes, we included all randomised controlled trials about hypoplastic left heart syndrome and categorised them according to their results. Two reviewers independently assessed for eligibility, relevance, and data extraction. The primary outcome was mortality after Norwood surgery. Study quality and heterogeneity were assessed. A random-effects model was used for analysis.

Results:

Of the 33 included randomised controlled trials, 21 compared right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery shunt and modified Blalock–Taussig-Thomas shunt during the Norwood procedure, and 12 regarded medication, surgical strategy, cardiopulmonary bypass tactics, and ICU management. Survival rates up to 1 year were superior in the right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery shunt group; this difference began to disappear at 3 years and remained unchanged until 6 years. The right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery shunt group had a significantly higher reintervention rate from the interstage to the 6-year follow-up period. Right ventricular function was better in the modified Blalock–Taussig-Thomas shunt group 1–3 years after the Norwood procedure, but its superiority diminished in the 6-year follow-up. Randomised controlled trials regarding medical treatment, surgical strategy during cardiopulmonary bypass, and ICU management yielded insignificant results.

Conclusions:

Although right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery shunt appeared to be superior in the early period, the two shunts applied during the Norwood procedure demonstrated comparable long-term prognosis despite high reintervention rates in right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery shunt due to pulmonary artery stenosis. For medical/perioperative management of hypoplastic left heart syndrome, further randomised controlled trials are needed to deliver specific evidence-based recommendations.
From Developing Country Leader to Flexible Negotiator: New Directions in Brazilian Trade Strategy
Authors: Schöfer Till
Published: September 2023

Brazil has changed its negotiation strategy in World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations. In the first half of the WTO era (1995–), Brazil adopted a strong developing country leadership role as coordinator and spokesperson of the G20 group of developing countries. More recently, however, this group has disappeared from the negotiation scene. This article examines how Brazil has departed from a 2000 status quo and arrived at a more flexible approach, less reliant on the industrialized-developing divide as a structuring principle of its diplomacy. Using WTO negotiation documents, trade delegate interviews, dispute settlement case law, and secondary literature, I outline the contours of new directions in Brazilian trade policy. These include joint legislative initiatives with the EU, a move towards the plurilateral level on non-traditional issues, a greater heterogeneity of dispute settlement targets, and a newly flexible handling of its rights under the WTO's special and differential treatment status. The article contributes to ongoing debates on Brazil's status in international affairs, its reliance on large coalitions, and the maintenance of followership as key directives of its foreign policy, and scholarship that sees Brazil as stuck in a ‘graduation dilemma’.
Characterization of antipsychotic utilization before clozapine initiation for individuals with schizophrenia: an innovative visualization of trajectories using French National Health Insurance data
Authors: Laforgue Edouard-Jules , Istvan Marion , Chaslerie Anicet , Artarit Pascal , Vallot Geneviève , Jolliet Pascale , Grall-Bronnec Marie , Victorri-Vigneau Caroline
Published: September 2023

Aims

Despite recommendations to initiate clozapine after two unsuccessful trials of antipsychotics, clozapine is underprescribed and initiated too late. The aim of this study was to describe different antipsychotic treatment sequences in the 36 months before the initiation of clozapine and to characterize clusters of treatment trajectories.

Methods

Using the French National Health Insurance database, a historical cohort study of the population in an area in western France was performed. The data from all new users of clozapine with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder in the period of 2017–2018 were evaluated. All outpatient reimbursements for antipsychotics during the 36 months before clozapine initiation were analysed. Successive reimbursements for identical treatments were grouped into treatment trials (TTs), and different trajectories were clustered using a state sequence analysis.

Results

The results showed 1191 TTs for 287 individuals. The mean number of TTs per individual was 3.2. Risperidone, aripiprazole and haloperidol were the main treatments delivered. The frequencies of antipsychotics used differed between monotherapies and combination therapies. A three-cluster typology was identified: one cluster (n = 133) of ‘less treated’ younger individuals with fewer TTs and shorter TT durations; a second cluster (n = 53) of ‘more treated’ individuals with higher numbers of TTs and combinations of antipsychotics; and a third cluster (n = 103) of ‘treatment-stable’ older individuals with longer TT durations.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the median number of TTs during the 36 months before clozapine prescription was higher than the two recommended. The different trajectories were associated with individual characteristics and treatment differences, suggesting that additional studies of clinical parameters are needed to understand barriers to clozapine prescription.
Konflikte zwischen Personen mit Opioidabhängigkeit und Fachpersonen im Akutspital
Authors: Jaiteh Christine , Lauener Susanne Knüppel , Fanaj Florinda , Schaub Pascale , Grossmann Florian F.
Published: September 2023

Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: Opioidabhängigkeit ist eine chronisch verlaufende Krankheit mit schweren gesundheitlichen und sozialen Folgen. Betroffene leiden oft unter chronischen Infektionskrankheiten, deren Folgen Behandlungen im Akutspital erfordern. Im Spitalalltag kommt es zwischen Patient_innen mit Opioidabhängigkeit und Fachpersonen häufig zu Konflikten. Fragestellung/Ziel: Diese Studie exploriert, in welchen Situationen und aus welchen Gründen Konflikte entstehen. Methoden: Einträge von Fachpersonen in die Patientendokumentationen wurden qualitativ in Anlehnung an die Thematische Analyse untersucht. Ergebnisse: Einträge von 177 Fällen wurden analysiert und drei Themenbereiche identifiziert. In „Unterschiedliche Prioritäten im Kontext Akutspital“ zeigte sich, dass Patient_innen und Behandlungsteams oftmals divergente Ansichten hatten, was während einer Hospitalisation wichtig ist. „Sich selbst medizieren“ gab Hinweise, dass Patient_innen unter Symptomen litten, die unzureichend behandelt waren und sich daher selbst medizierten. Dem Grundbedürfnis, „als Mensch wahrgenommen zu werden“, wurde im Akutspital nicht immer entsprochen. Schlussfolgerung: Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen Ursachen und Arten von Konflikten. Divergente Wertvorstellungen, die Minderbehandlung suchtspezifischer Symptome und von Schmerzen sowie lückenhaftes Fachwissen der Fachpersonen scheinen ebenso ursächlich zu sein wie die fehlende Umsetzung der Schadensminderung.
A Possible Cause for Preference of Super Bolt Lightning Over the Mediterranean Sea and the Altiplano
Authors: Efraim Avichay , Rosenfeld Daniel , Holzworth Robert , Thornton Joel A.
Published: September 2023

Exceptionally high‐energy lightning strokes >106 J (X1000 stronger than average) in the very low‐frequency band between 5 and 18 kHz, also known as superbolts (SB), occur mostly during winter over the North‐East Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea, and over the Altiplano in South America. Here we compare the World‐Wide Lightning Location Network database with meteorological and aerosol data to examine the causes of lightning stroke high energies. Our results show that the energy per stroke increases sharply as the distance between the cloud's charging zone (where the cloud electrification occurs) and the surface decreases. Since the charging zone occurs above the 0°C isotherm, this distance is shorter when the 0°C isotherm is closer to the surface. This occurs either due to cold air mass over the ocean during winter or high surface altitude in the Altiplano during summer thunderstorms. Stroke energy decreases with the warm phase of the cloud, as proxied by the cloud base temperature, and increases with a more developed cloud, as proxied by the cloud top temperature, but to a much lesser extent than the distance between the surface and 0°C isotherm. Aerosols play no significant role. It is hypothesized that a shorter distance between the charging zone and the ground represents less electrical resistance that allows stronger discharge currents.
Fine Seismogenic Fault Structures and Complex Rupture Characteristics of the 2022 M6.8 Luding, Sichuan Earthquake Sequence Revealed by Deep Learning and Waveform Modeling
Authors: Zhao Xu , Xiao Zhuowei , Wang Wei , Li Juan , Zhao Ming , Chen Shi , Tang Lin
Published: September 2023

An approximate 236‐year interval in major seismic activity near the southern Xianshuihe fault terminated on 5 September 2022 until a destructive M6.8 Luding earthquake. The strike‐slip mainshock, accompanied by potent normal‐faulting aftershocks, fell short of the previously anticipated M7+ event. Utilizing deep‐learning and source inversion techniques, we analyzed dense near‐field seismograms to examine detailed fault structures and rupture characteristics. Our high‐quality relocated catalog with 7,388 events revealed that the earthquake ruptured an unmapped multiscale fault network. The analysis of the mainshock and 43 ML ≥ 2.8 aftershocks suggests normal‐faulting events relate to the vertical movement of the Gongga Mountain. The sequence length, seismic gaps, and asperities derived from seismicity and waveform modeling imply that the rupture of the M6.8 quake was incomplete, indicating a high risk of a future M6+ event at the northern Moxi segment. These findings hold crucial implications for assessing future seismic hazards in this region.
Variations in Physiology and Genomic Function of Prochlorococcus Across the Eastern Indian Ocean
Authors: Jiang Siyu , Hashihama Fuminori , Liu Hongbin , Yoshitake Kazutoshi , Takami Hideto , Hamasaki Koji , Ikhsani Idha Yulia , Obata Hajime , Saito Hiroaki
Published: September 2023

The widespread distribution of Prochlorococcus can be attributed to the extensive genetic diversity that allows them to adapt to various oligotrophic environments. We investigated the adaptation of Prochlorococcus to nutrient environments in the surface eastern Indian Ocean (EIO, 16.5°N to 20°S, 88°E) in November 2018. The growth rate of the Prochlorococcus population and its response to macronutrient enrichments () and the abundance of functional gene modules related to nutrient utilization were examined by on‐deck incubation experiments and metagenomic analysis, respectively. Although the dissolved inorganic nitrogen was depleted (∼58 nM) and the Prochlorococcus populations were dominated by the high‐light‐adapted II ecotype, Prochlorococcus populations showed distinct physiological patterns, especially the response to macronutrient enrichments, indicating their adaptation to local nutrient environments. At the northernmost station in the Bay of Bengal, the significant increase in growth rate with macronutrient enrichments and the highest abundance of the phosphate starvation response two‐component regulatory system module indicated adaptation to phosphorus‐limited environments. In the southern EIO, the insignificant increase in growth rate with macronutrient enrichment and higher abundance of the iron complex transport system module suggested adaptation to iron‐limited environments. However, genomic characteristics are not always associated with physiological characteristics. The abundance of the nitrate/nitrite transport system module was higher in the southern EIO, where the growth of Prochlorococcus relied on regenerated nitrogen sources as revealed by incubation experiments. These results reflected the complexity of Prochlorococcus adaptation especially in chronically oligotrophic environments, which was better revealed by combining physiological and genomic analyses.
Identifying Robust Changes of Extreme Precipitation in Japan From Large Ensemble 5‐km‐Grid Regional Experiments for 4K Warming Scenario
Authors: Kawase H. , Nosaka M. , Watanabe S. I. , Yamamoto K. , Shimura T. , Naka Y. , Wu Y.‐H. , Okachi H. , Hoshino T. , Ito R. , Sugimoto S. , Suzuki C. , Fukui S. , Takemi T. , Ishikawa Y. , Mori N. , Nakakita E. , Yamada T. J. , Murata A. , Nakaegawa T. , Takayabu I.
Published: September 2023

To evaluate the impacts of global warming on local‐scale extreme precipitation in Japan, 720‐year ensemble dynamical downscaling is conducted by a regional climate model with a 5 km grid spacing. Our dynamical downscaling is based on the large ensemble data set called the database for Policy Decision making for Future climate change (d4PDF). Comparing the historical and 4K warming climates, the annual maximum daily and hourly precipitation are enhanced over Japan due to global warming. The increasing rate of annual maximum daily precipitation is larger over the coast of the Pacific Ocean in eastern and western Japan and the northern parts of Japan. The periods in which the extreme daily precipitation increases in each region depend on the movement of the Baiu front and the number of typhoons from June through September. The 50‐year return value of the maximum 24‐hr land precipitation within 500 km of the typhoon center is 960 mm/24hr in the 5 km experiment. This value is larger by 1.87 times than that of the 20 km experiment. The rate of future increase in the 50‐year return value related to typhoons is 1.30 relative to the present values for the 5 km experiments. The local‐scale quasi‐stationary band‐shaped precipitation system, which is called senjo‐kousuitai in Japanese, sometimes brings local‐scale heavy precipitation to Japan. The senjo‐kousuitai is well reproduced in the 5 km experiments and shows increases in frequency and intensity under the 4K warming condition. This study also discusses the application of our 5 km experiments to hydrological fields.
Control of light emission of quantum emitters coupled to silicon nanoantenna using cylindrical vector beams
Authors: Montagnac Martin , Brûlé Yoann , Cuche Aurélien , Poumirol Jean-Marie , Weber Sébastien J. , Müller Jonas , Larrieu Guilhem , Larrey Vincent , Fournel Franck , Boisron Olivier , Masenelli Bruno , Colas des Francs Gérard , Agez Gonzague , Paillard Vincent
Published: September 2023

Light emission of europium (Eu3+) ions placed in the vicinity of optically resonant nanoantennas is usually controlled by tailoring the local density of photon states (LDOS). We show that the polarization and shape of the excitation beam can also be used to manipulate light emission, as azimuthally or radially polarized cylindrical vector beam offers to spatially shape the electric and magnetic fields, in addition to the effect of silicon nanorings (Si-NRs) used as nanoantennas. The photoluminescence (PL) mappings of the Eu3+ transitions and the Si phonon mappings are strongly dependent of both the excitation beam and the Si-NR dimensions. The experimental results of Raman scattering and photoluminescence are confirmed by numerical simulations of the near-field intensity in the Si nanoantenna and in the Eu3+-doped film, respectively. The branching ratios obtained from the experimental PL maps also reveal a redistribution of the electric and magnetic emission channels. Our results show that it could be possible to spatially control both electric and magnetic dipolar emission of Eu3+ ions by switching the laser beam polarization, hence the near field at the excitation wavelength, and the electric and magnetic LDOS at the emission wavelength. This paves the way for optimized geometries taking advantage of both excitation and emission processes.
All-optical generation of static electric field in a single metal-semiconductor nanoantenna
Authors: Sun Yali , Larin Artem , Mozharov Alexey , Ageev Eduard , Pashina Olesia , Komissarenko Filipp , Mukhin Ivan , Petrov Mihail , Makarov Sergey , Belov Pavel , Zuev Dmitry
Published: September 2023

Electric field is a powerful instrument in nanoscale engineering, providing wide functionalities for control in various optical and solid-state nanodevices. The development of a single optically resonant nanostructure operating with a charge-induced electrical field is challenging, but it could be extremely useful for novel nanophotonic horizons. Here, we show a resonant metal-semiconductor nanostructure with a static electric field created at the interface between its components by charge carriers generated via femtosecond laser irradiation. We study this field experimentally, probing it by second-harmonic generation signal, which, in our system, is time-dependent and has a non-quadratic signal/excitation power dependence. The developed numerical models reveal the influence of the optically induced static electric field on the second harmonic generation signal. We also show how metal work function and silicon surface defect density for different charge carrier concentrations affect the formation of this field. We estimate the value of optically-generated static electric field in this nanoantenna to achieve ≈108V/m. These findings pave the way for the creation of nanoantenna-based optical memory, programmable logic and neuromorphic devices.
In-class transition (iCT) of proteasome inhibitor-based therapy: a community approach to multiple myeloma management
Authors: Rifkin Robert M. , Girnius Saulius K. , Noga Stephen J. , Birhiray Ruemu E. , Kambhampati Suman , Manda Sudhir , Lyons Roger M. , Yimer Habte A. , Cherepanov Dasha , Lloyd Eric , Whidden Presley , Richter Joshua
Published: September 2023

Long-term proteasome inhibitor (PI) treatment can improve multiple myeloma (MM) outcomes, but this can be difficult to achieve in clinical practice due to toxicity, comorbidities, and the burden of repeated parenteral administration. US MM-6 (NCT03173092) enrolled transplant-ineligible patients with newly diagnosed MM to receive all-oral ixazomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone (IRd; ≤39 cycles or until progression or toxicity) following three cycles of bortezomib-based induction. Primary endpoint: 2-year progression-free survival (PFS). Key secondary/exploratory endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), safety, quality of life (QoL), treatment satisfaction, and actigraphy. At datacut, in the fully accrued cohort of 140 patients, median age was 73 years with 42% aged ≥75 and 61% deemed frail; 10% of patients were ongoing on treatment. After a median follow-up of 27 months, the 2-year PFS rate was 71% (95% confidence interval: 61–78). ORR increased from 62% at the end of induction to 80% following in-class transition (iCT) to IRd for a median of 11 months. The 2-year OS rate was 86%. The overall safety profile/actigraphy levels were consistent with previous reports; QoL/treatment satisfaction scores were stable with ongoing therapy. iCT to IRd may allow prolonged PI-based therapy with promising efficacy and a tolerable safety profile, while maintaining QoL.
Years of life lost due to cancer in the United Kingdom from 1988 to 2017
Authors: Ahmad Amar S. , Offman Judith , Delon Christine , North Bernard V. , Shelton Jon , Sasieni Peter D.
Published: September 2023

Background

We investigated the application of years of life lost (YLL) in routine cancer statistics using cancer mortality data from 1988 to 2017.

Methods

Cancer mortality data for 17 cancers and all cancers in the UK from 1988 to 2017 were provided by the UK Association of Cancer Registries by sex, 5-year age group, and year. YLL, age-standardised YLL rate (ASYR) and age-standardised mortality rate (ASMR) were estimated.

Results

The annual average YLL due to cancer, in the time periods 1988–1992 and 2013–2017, were about 2.2 and 2.3 million years, corresponding to 4510 and 3823 ASYR per 100,000 years, respectively. During 2013–2017, the largest number of YLL occurred in lung, bowel and breast cancer. YLL by age groups for all cancers showed a peak between 60–64 and 75–79. The relative contributions to incidence, mortality, and YLL differ between cancers. For instance, pancreas (in women and men) made up a smaller proportion of incidence (3%) but bigger proportion of mortality (6 and 5%) and YLL (5 and 6%), whereas prostate cancer (26% of incidence) contributed 13% mortality and 9% YLL.

Conclusion

YLL is a useful measure of the impact different cancers have on society and puts a higher weight on cancer deaths in younger individuals.
Weyl nodal ring states and Landau quantization with very large magnetoresistance in square-net magnet EuGa4
Authors: Lei Shiming , Allen Kevin , Huang Jianwei , Moya Jaime M. , Wu Tsz Chun , Casas Brian , Zhang Yichen , Oh Ji Seop , Hashimoto Makoto , Lu Donghui , Denlinger Jonathan , Jozwiak Chris , Bostwick Aaron , Rotenberg Eli , Balicas Luis , Birgeneau Robert , Foster Matthew S. , Yi Ming , Sun Yan , Morosan Emilia
Published: September 2023

Magnetic topological semimetals allow for an effective control of the topological electronic states by tuning the spin configuration. Among them, Weyl nodal line semimetals are thought to have the greatest tunability, yet they are the least studied experimentally due to the scarcity of material candidates. Here, using a combination of angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and quantum oscillation measurements, together with density functional theory calculations, we identify the square-net compound EuGa4 as a magnetic Weyl nodal ring semimetal, in which the line nodes form closed rings near the Fermi level. The Weyl nodal ring states show distinct Landau quantization with clear spin splitting upon application of a magnetic field. At 2 K in a field of 14 T, the transverse magnetoresistance of EuGa4 exceeds 200,000%, which is more than two orders of magnitude larger than that of other known magnetic topological semimetals. Our theoretical model suggests that the non-saturating magnetoresistance up to 40 T arises as a consequence of the nodal ring state.
ABCC1 and glutathione metabolism limit the efficacy of BCL-2 inhibitors in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Ebner Jessica , Schmoellerl Johannes , Piontek Martin , Manhart Gabriele , Troester Selina , Carter Bing Z. , Neubauer Heidi , Moriggl Richard , Szakács Gergely , Zuber Johannes , Köcher Thomas , Andreeff Michael , Sperr Wolfgang R. , Valent Peter , Grebien Florian
Published: September 2023

The BCL-2 inhibitor Venetoclax is a promising agent for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, many patients are refractory to Venetoclax, and resistance develops quickly. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters mediate chemotherapy resistance but their role in modulating the activity of targeted small-molecule inhibitors is unclear. Using CRISPR/Cas9 screening, we find that loss of ABCC1 strongly increases the sensitivity of AML cells to Venetoclax. Genetic and pharmacologic ABCC1 inactivation potentiates the anti-leukemic effects of BCL-2 inhibitors and efficiently re-sensitizes Venetoclax-resistant leukemia cells. Conversely, ABCC1 overexpression induces resistance to BCL-2 inhibitors by reducing intracellular drug levels, and high ABCC1 levels predicts poor response to Venetoclax therapy in patients. Consistent with ABCC1-specific export of glutathionylated substrates, inhibition of glutathione metabolism increases the potency of BCL-2 inhibitors. These results identify ABCC1 and glutathione metabolism as mechanisms limiting efficacy of BCL-2 inhibitors, which may pave the way to development of more effective therapies.
Epithelial plasticity and innate immune activation promote lung tissue remodeling following respiratory viral infection
Authors: Beppu Andrew K. , Zhao Juanjuan , Yao Changfu , Carraro Gianni , Israely Edo , Coelho Anna Lucia , Drake Katherine , Hogaboam Cory M. , Parks William C. , Kolls Jay K. , Stripp Barry R.
Published: September 2023

Epithelial plasticity has been suggested in lungs of mice following genetic depletion of stem cells but is of unknown physiological relevance. Viral infection and chronic lung disease share similar pathological features of stem cell loss in alveoli, basal cell (BC) hyperplasia in small airways, and innate immune activation, that contribute to epithelial remodeling and loss of lung function. We show that a subset of distal airway secretory cells, intralobar serous (IS) cells, are activated to assume BC fates following influenza virus infection. Injury-induced hyperplastic BC (hBC) differ from pre-existing BC by high expression of IL-22Ra1 and undergo IL-22-dependent expansion for colonization of injured alveoli. Resolution of virus-elicited inflammation results in BC to IS re-differentiation in repopulated alveoli, and increased local expression of protective antimicrobial factors, but fails to restore normal alveolar epithelium responsible for gas exchange.
Ser14 phosphorylation of Bcl-xL mediates compensatory cardiac hypertrophy in male mice
Authors: Nakamura Michinari , Keller Mariko Aoyagi , Fefelova Nadezhda , Zhai Peiyong , Liu Tong , Tian Yimin , Ikeda Shohei , Del Re Dominic P. , Li Hong , Xie Lai-Hua , Sadoshima Junichi
Published: September 2023

The anti-apoptotic function of Bcl-xL in the heart during ischemia/reperfusion is diminished by K-Ras-Mst1-mediated phosphorylation of Ser14, which allows dissociation of Bcl-xL from Bax and promotes cardiomyocyte death. Here we show that Ser14 phosphorylation of Bcl-xL is also promoted by hemodynamic stress in the heart, through the H-Ras-ERK pathway. Bcl-xL Ser14 phosphorylation-resistant knock-in male mice develop less cardiac hypertrophy and exhibit contractile dysfunction and increased mortality during acute pressure overload. Bcl-xL Ser14 phosphorylation enhances the Ca2+ transient by blocking the inhibitory interaction between Bcl-xL and IP3Rs, thereby promoting Ca2+ release and activation of the calcineurin-NFAT pathway, a Ca2+-dependent mechanism that promotes cardiac hypertrophy. These results suggest that phosphorylation of Bcl-xL at Ser14 in response to acute pressure overload plays an essential role in mediating compensatory hypertrophy by inducing the release of Bcl-xL from IP3Rs, alleviating the negative constraint of Bcl-xL upon the IP3R-NFAT pathway.
Entanglement-enhanced dual-comb spectroscopy
Authors: Shi Haowei , Chen Zaijun , Fraser Scott E. , Yu Mengjie , Zhang Zheshen , Zhuang Quntao
Published: September 2023

Dual-comb interferometry harnesses the interference of two laser frequency combs to provide unprecedented capability in spectroscopy applications. In the past decade, the state-of-the-art systems have reached a point where the signal-to-noise ratio per unit acquisition time is fundamentally limited by shot noise from vacuum fluctuations. To address the issue, we propose an entanglement-enhanced dual-comb spectroscopy protocol that leverages quantum resources to significantly improve the signal-to-noise ratio performance. To analyze the performance of real systems, we develop a quantum model of dual-comb spectroscopy that takes practical noises into consideration. Based on this model, we propose quantum combs with side-band entanglement around each comb lines to suppress the shot noise in heterodyne detection. Our results show significant quantum advantages in the uW to mW power range, making this technique particularly attractive for biological and chemical sensing applications. Furthermore, the quantum comb can be engineered using nonlinear optics and promises near-term experimentation.