bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning outcomes for participants in citizen science mosquito surveillance
Authors: Braz Sousa Larissa , Fricker Stephen , Webb Cameron , Baldock Katherine L , Williams Craig R
Published: September 2024

Although citizen science initiatives have been increasing globally, there is still a gap in understanding how they can result in sustainable benefits for citizen scientists. This article addresses dual goals of (i) collecting relevant data on potential vector mosquitoes and (ii) delivering learning outcomes among participants in a citizen science mosquito surveillance program. Mozzie Monitors uses an e-entomology approach to collect and identify mosquitoes of medical importance. This study used quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method approaches, comprised of before and after longitudinal surveys, in-depth interviews and descriptive assessment of mosquito attributes to assess participants’ educational gains and data collection scalability. Results showed that mosquito abundance and diversity differed in each study location, with Aedes notoscriptus (Skuse) being the most common mosquito reported in all areas. Citizen scientists were predominantly women over 50 and highly educated. The before-and-after analysis showed that participants learned how to identify the most common mosquito species after participating in the program. They also improved their technical skills in mosquito photography, increasing the rates of identifiable photos. Finally, participating in this citizen science program resulted in behavior changes, with participants starting to look for mosquito eggs and larvae in their backyards to manage mosquito populations. The mixed methods used in this research showed increased participants’ confidence, self-efficacy, and engagement throughout the trial. Overall, this study demonstrated the potential of Mozzie Monitors to contribute to the dual goals of mosquito data contribution and citizen scientists’ educational outcomes for improved public health.
NCCN guideline–concordant cancer care in sub-Saharan Africa: a population-based multicountry study of 5 cancers
Authors: Mezger Nikolaus Christian Simon , Seraphin Tobias Paul , Ballé Robert , Griesel Mirko , Joko-Fru Yvonne Walburga , Hämmerl Lucia , Feuchtner Jana , Liu Biying , Zietsman Annelle , Kamaté Bakarou , Gnangnon Freddy Houéhanou Rodrigue , Gnahatin Franck , Mboungou Dimitry Moudiongui , Assefa Mathewos , Amulen Phoebe Mary , Chesumbai Gladys , Chingonzoh Tatenda , Lorenzoni Cesaltina Feirreira , Korir Anne , Carvalho Santos Pablo S , Mezger Jörg Michael , Al-Ali Haifa Kathrin , Mikolajczyk Rafael , Parkin Donald Max , Jemal Ahmedin , Kantelhardt Eva Johanna
Published: September 2024

Background

To assess population-based quality of cancer care in sub-Saharan Africa and to identify specific gaps and joint opportunities, we assessed concordance of diagnostics and treatments with National Comprehensive Cancer Network Harmonized Guidelines for leading cancer types in 10 countries.

Methods

Adult patients with female breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and prostate cancer were randomly drawn from 11 population-based cancer registries. Guideline concordance of diagnostics and treatment was assessed using clinical records. In a subcohort of 906 patients with potentially curable cancer (stage I-III breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma [any stage]) and documentation for more than 1 month after diagnosis, we estimated factors associated with guideline-concordant treatment or minor deviations.

Results

Diagnostic information based on guidelines was complete for 1030 (31.7%) of a total of 3246 patients included. In the subcohort with curable cancer, guideline-concordant treatment was documented in 374 (41.3%, corresponding to 11.7% of 3246 patients included in the population-based cohort): aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (59.8%/9.1% population based), breast cancer (54.5%/19.0%), prostate cancer (39.0%/6.1%), colorectal cancer (33.9%/9.5%), and cervical cancer (27.8%/11.6%). Guideline-concordant treatment was most frequent in Namibia (73.1% of the curable cancer subcohort/32.8% population based) and lowest in Kampala, Uganda (13.5%/3.1%). Guideline-concordant treatment was negatively associated with poor ECOG-ACRIN performance status, locally advanced disease stage, origin from low Human Development Index countries, and a diagnosis of colorectal cancer or cervical cancer.

Conclusions

The quality of diagnostic workup and treatment showed major deficits, with considerable disparities among countries and cancer types. Improved diagnostic services are necessary to increase the share of curable cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. Treatment components within National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines for several cancers should be prioritized.
Allostatic load, genetic susceptibility, incidence risk, and all-cause mortality of colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhao Jianhui , Xue Erxu , Zhou Siyun , Zhang Meng , Sun Jing , Tan Yuqian , Li Xue
Published: September 2024

Background

Allostatic load (AL) reflects the cumulative burden of chronic stress throughout life, potentially influencing the onset and prognosis of cancer. However, the associations between AL, colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, and all-cause mortality in patients with CRC remain unclear.

Methods

We analyzed the associations between AL and CRC risk in 304 959 adults and all-cause mortality in 1794 patients with CRC from the UK Biobank, using Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

Compared with the AL level in the first quartile, individuals in the second to fourth quartiles had a respective 20%, 29%, and 43% increased risk of CRC; 15%, 24%, and 42% increased risk for colon cancer; and 30%, 38%, and 45% increased risk for rectal cancer. We identified a positive dose-gradient association of AL score with CRC risk, including colon and rectal cancer. Additionally, the association between AL and increased risk of CRC was observed across different strata of genetic susceptibility for CRC. Eliminating AL exposures could prevent nearly 39.24% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 36.16 to 42.32) of CRC events. Meanwhile, a statistically association between the AL and all-cause mortality in patients with CRC was found, with a hazard ratio of 1.71 (95% CI = 1.16 to 2.50) for the fourth quartile compared with the AL score in the first quartile, demonstrating a positive dose-response relationship.

Conclusion

High AL was associated with increased CRC risk and all-cause mortality in CRC patients. Future research should prioritize the development of cognitive or behavioral intervention strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of AL on CRC incidence and prognosis.
Histopathological response to chemotherapy and survival of mucinous type gastric cancer
Authors: Caspers Irene A , Slagter Astrid E , Vissers Pauline A J , Lopez-Yurda Martha , Beerepoot Laurens V , Ruurda Jelle P , Nieuwenhuijzen Grard A P , Gisbertz Suzanne S , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I , Hartgrink Henk H , Goudkade Danny , Kodach Liudmila L , van Sandick Johanna W , Verheij Marcel , Verhoeven Rob H A , Cats Annemieke , van Grieken Nicole C T
Published: September 2024

Background

Data on the clinicopathological characteristics of mucinous gastric cancer (muc-GC) are limited. This study compares the clinical outcome and response to chemotherapy between patients with resectable muc-GC, intestinal (int-GC), and diffuse (dif-GC) gastric cancer.

Methods

Patients from the D1/D2 study or the CRITICS trial were included in exploratory surgery-alone (SAtest) or chemotherapy test (CTtest) cohorts. Real-world data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry on patients treated between with surgery alone (SAvalidation) and receiving preoperative chemotherapy with or without postoperative treatment (CTvalidation) were used for validation. Histopathological subtypes were extracted from pathology reports filed in the Dutch Pathology Registry and correlated with tumor regression grade (TRG) and relative survival (RS).

Results

In the SAtest (n = 549) and SAvalidation (n = 8062) cohorts, muc-GC patients had a 5-year RS of 39% and 31%, similar to or slightly better than dif-GC (43% and 29%, P = .52 and P = .011), but worse than int-GC (55% and 42%, P = .11 and P < .001). In the CTtest (n = 651) and CTvalidation (n = 2889) cohorts, muc-GC showed favorable TRG (38% and 44% (near-) complete response) compared with int-GC (26% and 35%) and dif-GC (10% and 28%, P < .001 and P = .005). The 5-year RS in the CTtest and CTvalidation cohorts for muc-GC (53% and 48%) and int-GC (58% and 59%) was significantly better compared with dif-GC (35% and 38%, P = .004 and P < .001).

Conclusion

Recognizing and incorporating muc-GC into treatment decision-making of resectable GC can lead to more personalized and effective approaches, given its favorable response to preoperative chemotherapy in relation to int-GC and dif-GC and its favorable prognostic outcomes in relation to dif-GC.
Mediators of racial and ethnic inequities in clinical trial participation among patients with cancer, 2011-2023
Authors: Guadamuz Jenny S , Wang Xiaoliang , Altomare Ivy , Camelo Castillo Wendy , Sarkar Somnath , Mamtani Ronac , Calip Gregory S
Published: September 2024

Background

Although racially and ethnically minoritized populations are less likely to participate in cancer trials, it is unknown whether social determinants of health (SDOH) explain these inequities. Here we identify SDOH factors that contribute to racial and ethnic inequities in clinical trial participation among patients with 22 common cancers.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used electronic health record data (2011-2023) linked to neighborhood (US Census tract) data from multiple sources. Patients were followed from diagnosis to clinical study drug receipt (proxy for trial participation), death, or last recorded activity. Associations were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for clinical factors (year of diagnosis, age, sex, performance status, disease stage, cancer type). To elucidate which area-level SDOH underlie racial and ethnic inequities, mediation analysis was performed using nonlinear multiple additive regression tree models.

Results

This study included 250 105 patients (64.7% non-Latinx White, 8.9% non-Latinx Black, 5.2% Latinx). Black and Latinx patients were more likely to live in economically or socially marginalized areas (eg, disproportionately minoritized [measure of segregation], limited English proficiency, low vehicle ownership) than White patients. Black (3.7%; hazard ratio = 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.52 to 0.60) and Latinx patients (4.4%; hazard ratio = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.58 to 0.69) were less likely to participate in trials than White patients (6.3%). Fewer patients in economically or socially marginalized neighborhoods participated in trials. Mediators explained 62.2% (95% CI = 49.5% to 74.8%) of participation inequities between Black and White patients; area-level SDOH—including segregation (29.9%, 95% CI = 21.2% to 38.6%) and vehicle ownership (11.6%, 95% CI = 7.0% to 16.1%)—were the most important mediators. Similarly, Latinx-White participation inequities were mediated (65.1%, 95% CI = 49.8% to 80.3%) by area-level SDOH, such as segregation (39.8%, 95% CI = 28.3% to 51.3%), limited English proficiency (11.6%, 95% CI = 2.8% to 20.4%), and vehicle ownership (9.6%, 95% CI = 5.8% to 13.5%).

Conclusions

To improve racial and ethnic diversity in cancer trials, efforts to address barriers related to adverse neighborhood SDOH factors are necessary.
Sevoflurane anesthesia during late gestation induces cognitive disorder in rat offspring via the TLR4/BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway
Authors: Li Qian-Qian , Yu Qi , Liu Zhi-Yi , Zhang Qin , Li Meng-Yuan , Hu Yan
Published: September 2024

Sevoflurane (Sevo) is widely used for general anesthesia during pregnancy. Emerging evidence indicates that maternal Sevo exposure can trigger developmental neurotoxicity in the offspring. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanisms need further investigation. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats on gestational day 18 were exposed to 3.5% Sevo to induce the rat model of neurotoxicity. TAK-242, a TLR4 inhibitor, was administrated to inhibit the signaling transduction. Hippocampal tissues of rat offspring were harvested for immunohistochemical staining, TUNEL staining, Western blotting, ELISA, and measurement of oxidative stress-related markers. Serum samples were collected to evaluate lipid metabolism-associated factors. Morris water maze was implemented to test the cognitive function of offspring rats. Rat hippocampal neurons were isolated to elucidate the effect of TAK-242 on the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling in vitro. The results showed that maternal Sevo exposure during the third trimester induced neuroinflammation, lipid metabolism disturbance, and oxidative stress, and impaired the spatial learning and memory of rat offspring. Sevo upregulated TLR4 and impeded BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling transduction in the hippocampus of rat offspring; TAK-242 administration reversed these effects. In conclusion, Sevo anesthesia during late gestation impairs the learning and memory ability of rat offspring possibly by promoting neuroinflammation and disturbing lipid metabolism via the TLR4/BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway.
Democratization, Foreign Military Intervention, and Rebel Fragmentation in Civil War: Evidence from the PKK Insurgency in Turkey
Authors: Erdoğdu Ulaş
Published: September 2024

In this paper, by studying the fragmentation of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in 2004, I identify two distinct pathways to rebel fragmentation: one that is triggered by democratization in the home country (EU-anchored democratization in Turkey) and the other by the empowerment of a rival co-ethnic organization in a neighboring country through foreign military intervention (American invasion of Iraq and the empowerment of Iraqi Kurdish leadership). First, by expanding the room for nonviolent mobilization, democratization can result in an organizational fragmentation between soft-liners, who support laying down the arms, and hard-liners, who prefer the continuation of the armed insurgency under new circumstances. Second, foreign intervention in a neighboring country can radically change the distribution of power and empower an organization’s rival co-ethnic organization. This can lead some actors within the organization to rethink their alliances and advocate a better relationship with their rival co-ethnics and the intervening foreign power, resulting in organizational fragmentation over the organization’s external relationships. The paper broadly contributes to the literature on rebel fragmentation, the effects of democratization on civil war processes, international dynamics of civil wars, transborder ethnic-kin, and rebel alliances in civil wars.
Learning your place: Watsuji on education, Bildung, and negotiating tradition
Authors: Sevilla-Liu Anton
Published: September 2024

This article examines the problems and potential of Watsuji’s idea of education as ‘learning one’s place’. It begins with the theoretical foundations of this education in his view of space, time, and the practical nexus of acts, found in Ethics I. It then proceeds to his philosophy of education, first in Ethics II, and then in his heretofore under-researched book entitled Confucius. These will be connected to the contemporary discourse on Bildung and its implications for generality and agency in education. However, Watsuji’s views bear the danger of traditional conservativism and a lack of freedom conferred on the individual, whereas individual freedom is essential to Bildung theory. These problems are explored in Ethics III via the questions of whether cultural and social change are possible as well as the role of individual agency in it. These allow us to arrive at a conditional possibility for Bildung in Watsuji that tries to connect people in a general way, while maintaining various forms of individual agency.
The critical need for expert oversight of ChatGPT: Prompt engineering for safeguarding child healthcare information
Authors: Leslie-Miller Calissa J , Simon Stacey L , Dean Kelsey , Mokhallati Nadine , Cushing Christopher C
Published: September 2024

Objective

ChatGPT and other large language models have the potential to transform the health information landscape online. However, lack of domain-specific expertise and known errors in large language models raise concerns about the widespread adoption of content generated by these tools for parents making healthcare decisions for their children. The aim of this study is to determine if health-related text generated by ChatGPT under the supervision of an expert is comparable to that generated by an expert regarding persuasiveness and credibility from the perspective of a parent.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study 116 parents aged 18–65 years (M = 45.02, SD = 10.92) were asked to complete a baseline assessment of their behavioral intentions regarding pediatric healthcare topics. Subsequently, participants were asked to rate text generated by either an expert or by ChatGPT under supervision of an expert.

Results

Results indicate that prompt engineered ChatGPT is capable of impacting behavioral intentions for medication, sleep, and diet decision-making. Additionally, there was little distinction between prompt engineered ChatGPT and content experts on perceived morality, trustworthiness, expertise, accuracy, and reliance. Notably, when differences were present, prompt engineered ChatGPT was rated as higher in trustworthiness and accuracy, and participants indicated they would be more likely to rely on the information presented by prompt engineered ChatGPT compared to the expert.

Discussion

Given that parents will trust and rely on information generated by ChatGPT, it is critically important that human domain-specific expertise be applied to healthcare information that will ultimately be presented to consumers (e.g., parents).
Pharmacokinetics of nano- and microcrystal formulations of low solubility compounds after intramuscular injection to mice
Authors: Aluri Krishna C , Sigfridsson Kalle , Xue Aixiang , Ramsden Diane
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of poorly soluble compounds when administered intramuscularly (i.m.) as crystalline particles of different sizes.

Methods

Three uncharged compounds (griseofulvin, AZ’72, and AZ’07) with varying aqueous solubility were dosed to mice at 10 and 50 mg/kg as nano- and microparticle formulations. The PK of the compounds was evaluated.

Key Findings

The smaller particles of the drugs resulted in higher maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration–time profile (AUC) at 50 mg/kg. There was a dose-proportional increase in AUC but less than dose dose-proportional increase in Cmax. The evaluation at 10 mg/kg was more complex as increased exposure for nanoparticles was only observed for griseofulvin which has the highest solubility. In addition, there was an increase in half-life with an increase in dose.

Conclusions

This study highlights that general expectations based on in vitro dissolution (i.e. that smaller particles dissolve faster than larger particles when surrounded by liquid) do not always translate to in vivo and demonstrates the importance of understanding the physicochemical properties of the drug, the characteristics of the formulations and the microphysiology at the delivery site.
Continuously indexed graphical models
Authors: Waghmare Kartik G , Panaretos Victor M
Published: September 2024

Let X={Xu}u∈U be a real-valued Gaussian process indexed by a set U. We show that X can be viewed as a graphical model with an uncountably infinite graph, where each Xu is a vertex. This graph is characterized by the reproducing property of X’s covariance kernel, without restricting U to be finite or countable, allowing the modelling of stochastic processes in continuous time/space. Unlike traditional methods, this characterization is not based on zero entries of an inverse covariance, posing challenges for structure estimation. We propose a plug-in methodology that targets graph recovery up to a finite resolution and shows consistency for graphs which are sufficiently regular and that can be applied to virtually any measurement regime. Furthermore, we derive convergence rates and finite-sample guarantees for the method, and demonstrate its performance through a simulation study and two data analyses.
Outcomes related to penile prosthesis reservoir removal: a 7-year multi-institutional experience
Authors: Piraino Javier , Madison Ian , Supak Dylan , Trost Landon , Cornell Robert J , Kohler Tobias , Henry Gerard D , Loeb Aram B , Wang Run , Clavell Hernández Jonathan
Published: September 2024

Background

The 3-piece inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) is the most widely used device for erectile dysfunction refractory to medications, containing a reservoir inserted into the retropubic space (RPS) or an alternative/ectopic space (AES). Indications for removal of the reservoir include malfunction, malposition, or infection. In revision cases without infection, reservoir removal is sometimes optional.

Aim

We reviewed outcomes and complications related to reservoir removal from a large multi-institutional series.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed databases at 6 institutions over 7 years. Patients with artificial urethral sphincter, urethral sling, or mini-jupette were excluded.

Outcomes

Outcomes and complications related to IPP reservoir removal were analyzed. Data were collected, but only reservoir-related complications at surgery were included. Data were compared between the RPS and AES cohorts to evaluate differences with a χ2 test, with significance at P < .05.

Results

Of 215 cases, there were 172 RPS and 43 AES reservoirs. The mean patient age was 65.3 years. An overall 131 procedures were due to malfunction and 49 to malposition of an IPP component; 35 were secondary to infection. Among those retained (n = 44), reasons included reuse, avoiding surrounding structure damage, and difficult dissection. Among those removed (n = 171), 15 required a counterincision. To determine the statistical difference between those removed from the RPS and an AES, the χ2 test result was P = .00059, indicating a significant difference in the need for a counterincision between the groups. Complications included bladder perforation (n = 1) in the RPS group and an avulsion of the epigastric vessels requiring abdominal exploration (n = 1) in the AES group. To determine the statistical difference between RPS and AES complications, the χ2 test result was P = .365, indicating no significant difference between the groups.

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths include being a multi-institutional study with high-volume skilled implanters. Limitations include being a retrospective review, with implanters exclusively performing penoscrotal incisions and not utilizing an infrapubic approach. Last, there was a lack of long-term follow-up with these patients.

Conclusions

Removal of an IPP reservoir remains safe, with few intraoperative complications. Surgeons should be aware of the inferior epigastric vessels during removal in an AES or be willing to perform a counterincision to avoid injury to surrounding structures. Surgeons should also obtain preoperative imaging to identify the specific location of the reservoir and adjacent anatomy. This is the first multi-institutional study reviewing outcomes related to reservoir removal during IPP revision or removal surgery.
Characteristics of bird niches in a small Indian city: effect of migratory status, season, and environment variables
Authors: Mehta Kanishka , Koli Vijay Kumar , Kittur Swati , Sundar K S Gopi
Published: September 2024

Small tropical and sub-tropical cities frequently retain considerable and diverse green spaces. Such cities can house diverse bird assemblages but these species face conditions varying both spatially (habitats and human activity spread out unequally) and temporally (influx of migratory birds, seasonally varying weather). How do urban birds cope with such conditions? More specifically, do migratory species vary from resident ones in their requirements, and how do resident species deal with variations in conditions? To address these questions, we used an ordination technique, the Outlying Mean Index (OMI), to estimate niche characteristics (OMI, tolerance, and residual tolerance) of 74 resident and migratory bird species in the tourism-dominated Udaipur city, India, across three seasons during 2019–20 using 16 variables that incorporated human presence, land use and trees. OMIs indicated high residual tolerance suggesting that measured variables were inadequate to fully characterize urban bird niches. Contrary to predictions, birds grouped by feeding guilds had similar niche metrics both within and across seasons. Also contrary to predictions, migratory species had more generalized niches relative to resident species. Bird niches were most influenced by trees, effects due to other natural habitats (open areas, scrublands, wetlands) were weaker, and human-related variables (cattle, built-up area, people, vehicles) had the weakest influence. Seasonal niche characteristics computed for 41 resident species suggested that individual species coped with changing conditions differently. Conservation of bird assemblages in small cities will require preservation of city-wide habitat diversity alongside spatially restricting urbanization.
Imaging the spatial distribution of structurally diverse plant hormones
Authors: Chen Lulu , Zhang Yue , Bu Yufen , Zhou Junhui , Man Yi , Wu Xinyuan , Yang Haobo , Lin Jinxing , Wang Xiaodong , Jing Yanping
Published: September 2024

Plant hormones are essential and structurally diverse molecules that regulate various aspects of plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, the precise analysis of plant hormones in complex biological samples poses a challenge due to their low concentrations, dynamic levels, and intricate spatial distribution. Moreover, the complexity and interconnectedness of hormone signaling networks make it difficult to simultaneously trace multiple hormone spatial distributions. In this review, we provide an overview of currently recognized small-molecule plant hormones, signal peptide hormones, and plant growth regulators, along with the analytical methods employed for their analysis. We delve into the latest advancements in mass spectrometry imaging and in situ fluorescence techniques, which enable the examination of the spatial distribution of plant hormones. The advantages and disadvantages of these imaging techniques are further discussed. Finally, we propose potential avenues in imaging techniques to further enhance our understanding of plant hormone biology.
SlECA4, an epsin-like clathrin adaptor protein, improves tomato heat tolerance via clathrin-mediated endocytosis
Authors: Zhang Linyang , Zhang Ming , Yong Kang , Zhang Li , Wang Sitian , Liang Minmin , Yan Bentao , Li Haiyan , Cao Lijun , Lu Minghui
Published: September 2024

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is one of the main pathways for plant cells to internalize membrane proteins in response to changing environmental conditions. The Epsin-like Clathrin Adaptor (ECA) proteins play important roles in the assembly of the clathrin coat; however, their involvement in plant responses to heat stress remains unclear. Here we report that in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), Epsin-like Clathrin Adaptor 4 (SlECA4) expression responded to heat stress. The silencing and knockout of SlECA4 increased tomato sensitivity to heat stress while the overexpression of SlECA4 enhanced tomato tolerance to heat stress. Treatment with a CME inhibitor, ES9-17, reduced tomato heat tolerance. SlECA4 localized to the plasma membrane, the trans-Golgi network/early endosomes, and the prevacuolar compartment/late endosomes. In a SlECA4 knockout line, both CME and recycling from the trans-Golgi network/early endosomes to the plasma membrane were inhibited. These data indicate that SlECA4 is involved in CME. After heat treatment, more punctate structures of SlECA4–green fluorescent protein accumulated in tobacco leaf epidermal cells by transient expression. Furthermore, compared with wild type, the rate of CME was inhibited under heat stress in the SlECA4 knockout line. Taken together, the ECA protein SlECA4 plays a positive role in tomato tolerance to heat stress via the CME pathway.
Aberrant growth and expansion in Penium margaritaceum triggered by disruption of microtubules and the cell wall
Authors: LoRicco Josephine G , Malone Stuart , Becker Abigail , Xue Nichole , Bagdan Kaylee , Eastman Anika , Sgambettera Gabriel , Winegrad Aaron , Gibeau Benjamin , Bauer Lindsay , Epstein Ruby , Domozych David S
Published: September 2024

Penium margaritaceum, a unicellular zygnematophyte (Streptophyta), was employed to elucidate changes in cell expansion when cells were challenged with the fungal pectinolytic enzyme, pectate lyase, and/or the microtubule-disrupting agent, amiprophos-methyl (APM). Microtubule disruption by APM resulted in significant swelling at expansion zones. These swollen zones provided an easy marker for the location of expansion zones, particularly in cells with altered cell wall pectin. Short-term treatment with pectate lyase showed pectin degradation primarily at the isthmus expansion zone and two satellite bands, corresponding to the location of future expansion in daughter cells. When the homogalacturonan lattice of the cell wall was removed by treatment with pectate lyase during long treatments, cell division was maintained, but daughter cell products were considerably smaller. Treatment of cells with a mixture of both pectate lyase and APM resulted in a distinct phenotype, consisting of ‘dumbbell’-shaped cells, as APM-induced swelling occurs at the novel expansion centers exposed by pectate lyase treatment. These cells also presented other curious alterations, including an extensive, chloroplast-free cytoplasmic zone at the center of the cell, a septum containing β-glycan, arabinogalactan and homogalacturonan epitopes, unique stacks of endoplasmic reticulum, displaced Golgi bodies, and an extensive network of vacuoles. These results provide insight into the importance of cell wall integrity in defining the location of cell growth and division in P. margaritaceum. Understanding these processes in a unicellular zygnematophyte may provide insights into steps involved in the evolution of land plants.
Disrupted oxylipin biosynthesis mitigates pathogen infections and pest infestations in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
Authors: McGarry Róisín C , Lin Yen-Tung , Kaur Harmanpreet , Higgs Harrison , Arias-Gaguancela Omar , Ayre Brian G
Published: September 2024

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is the world’s most important fiber crop, critical to global textile industries and agricultural economies. However, cotton yield and harvest quality are undermined by the challenges introduced from invading pathogens and pests. Plant-synthesized oxylipins, specifically 9-hydroxy fatty acids resulting from 9-lipoxygenase activity (9-LOX), enhance the growth and development of many microbes and pests. We hypothesized that targeted disruption of 9-LOX-encoding genes in cotton could bolster crop resilience against prominent agronomic threats. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (FOV), Aphis gossypii (cotton aphid), and tobacco rattle virus induced the expression of 9-oxylipin biosynthesis genes, suggesting that the 9-LOX gene products were susceptibility factors to these stressors. Transiently disrupting the expression of the 9-LOX-encoding genes by virus-induced gene silencing significantly reduced target transcript accumulation, and this correlated with impaired progression of FOV infections and a significant decrease in the fecundity of cotton aphids. These findings emphasize that the cotton 9-LOX-derived oxylipins are leveraged by multiple pathogens and pests to enhance their virulence in cotton, and reducing the expression of 9-LOX-encoding genes can benefit cotton crop vitality.
The Concept of Transnational Law of Renewable Energy
Authors: Sourgens Frédéric G , Baldwin Edward , Banet Catherine
Published: September 2024

This chapter explores the challenges outlined by the first global stocktake under the Paris Agreement, emphasizing the need for a cooperative global effort guided by transparent norms to increase renewable energy projects significantly worldwide. It looks at the development and codification of transnational law for renewable energy through governance, financing, and legal complexities. It also highlights the importance of overcoming challenges, such as techno-nationalism and high capital costs, and describes the legal framework’s role in derisking projects. The chapter considers the changing geopolitical landscape and its impact on the global energy order and renewable energy development. It stresses the need for transnational law on renewable energy in the face of deglobalization and shifting global security, energy, and climate orders.
What Is ‘Renewable Energy’?
Authors: Sourgens Frédéric G , Baldwin Edward , Banet Catherine
Published: September 2024

This chapter reviews the definitions surrounding renewable energy, considering its position in relation to traditional energy sources like fossil fuels and nuclear energy. It discusses the role of renewable energy in reducing carbon dependency in energy generation. It also covers the regulatory implications of natural resources and land ownership, which can vary depending on the energy source. The chapter introduces solar power, wind power, and hydro power as the primary forms of renewable energy, outlining their markets and key players. It describes the diverse sizes, locations, and decentralized nature of renewable energy projects and analyses the need for energy systems and regulations to adapt to new technologies and relationships.
Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Regimes
Authors: Sourgens Frédéric G , Baldwin Edward , Banet Catherine
Published: September 2024

This chapter delves into the intersection of renewable energy projects with sustainable development and explains the rationale behind states’ support for renewable energy projects and the legal frameworks that support such projects. It connects renewable energy projects to the broader discourse on sustainable development, highlighting how they contribute to meeting current economic, social, and cultural needs without compromising the environment for future generations. It also discusses how sustainable development is intertwined with human rights law, particularly the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the U.N. Convention on the Right to Development. The chapter highlights the importance of renewable energy in addressing climate change and energy poverty globally. It also explores the role of renewable energy in enhancing energy security and how the right to development can guide the implementation of renewable energy projects in a manner that is consistent with sustainable development goals.
Human Rights, Community Development, and Renewable Energy Projects
Authors: Sourgens Frédéric G , Baldwin Edward , Banet Catherine
Published: September 2024

This chapter addresses the social and environmental impacts of renewable energy projects, focusing on project site impacts and supply chain management. It highlights the importance of community development agreements in managing project risks and discusses the environmental and human rights impacts of supply chains. It also explains the legal obligations of renewable energy companies in managing impacts, both in the host state of the project and in their home jurisdiction. The chapter explores transnational legal regimes and their role in regulating companies’ operations. It stresses the significance of obtaining a social licence to operate, as failure to do so can lead to operational challenges and legal risks.
God-Talk: an Introduction
Authors: Novak David
Published: September 2024

God-talk consists of God speaking to humans in revelation, and humans speaking to God in prayer. They are the two forms of the covenantal language spoken between God and humans in general, and specifically between God and the Jewish people. God-talk is an essential component of the languages of all historic cultures. Yet there have been attempts to dismiss God-talk from public discourse, either epistemologically by claiming it is nonsense, or psychologically by claiming it is an invented illusion. Conversely, it is argued here that Jewish God-talk (by no means uniquely) has a logic that regulates how it may and may not be intelligently spoken by its speakers; hence it is not nonsense. And it is argued here that God-talk has always been spoken in human history, that it would be unintelligible in any language whose speakers did not already intend a real referent by the name “God”; hence it is not an invented illusion. This essay is an attempt to retrieve God-talk so that it can be conducted in public discourse, even in secular space.
Martin Buber’s Small Theological–Political Tractate The Question to the Single One as a Call for Intersubjective Action
Authors: Cherniak Yael
Published: September 2024

Martin Buber saw The Question to the Single One (his small theological–political tractate) as an addition that completed his dialogical work I and Thou by broadening dialogical thought to the theological–political–social level. This article presents new findings regarding the tractate’s composition. Furthermore, it delves into the concealed depth of meaning behind Buber’s argument with Søren Kierkegaard which is revealed from within the historical context of Nazi Germany. Indeed, the work is a brave and daring call to the German Christian as a single one standing before God, rousing him to behave in the intersubjective realm according to his obligation to social–political responsibility in response to God’s command. The ethical meaning deviates here from the historical: it constitutes a timeless call for action and responsible theo-political behavior on the social–political plane, which is relevant to our time; an ethical relationship with every other person, and deciding in favor of truth, even at the cost of opposing one’s own collective.
Identifying activity induced RV periodicities and correlations using central line moments
Authors: Barnes J R , Jeffers S V , Haswell C A , Damasso M , Del Sordo F , Liebing F , Perger M , Anglada-Escudé G
Published: September 2024

The radial velocity (RV) method of exoplanet detection requires mitigation of nuisance signals arising from stellar activity. Using analytic cool and facular spot models, we explore the use of central line moments (CLMs) for recovering and monitoring rotation induced RV variability. Different spot distribution patterns, photosphere-spot contrast ratios, and the presence or absence of the convective blueshift lead to differences in CLM signals between M and G dwarfs. Harmonics of the rotation period are often recovered with the highest power in standard periodogram analyses. By contrast, we show the true stellar rotation may be more reliably recovered with string length minimization. For solar minimum activity levels, recovery of the stellar rotation signal from CLMs is found to require unfeasibly high signal-to-noise observations. The stellar rotation period can be recovered at solar maximum activity levels from CLMs for reasonable cross-correlation function (CCF) signal-to-noise ratios >1000–5000. The CLMs can be used to recover and monitor stellar activity through their mutual correlations and correlations with RV and bisector inverse span. The skewness of a CCF, a measure of asymmetry, is described by the third CLM, $M_3$. Our noise-free simulations indicate the linear RV versus $M_3$ correlation is up to 10 per cent higher than the RV versus bisector inverse span correlation. We find a corresponding ∼5 per cent increase in linear correlation for CARMENES observations of the M star, AU Mic. We also assess the effectiveness of the time derivative of the second CLM, $M_2$, for monitoring stellar activity.
Acquiring the Lefschetz thimbles: efficient evaluation of the diffraction integral for lensing in wave optics
Authors: Shi Xun
Published: September 2024

Evaluating the Kirchhoff–Fresnel diffraction integral is essential in studying wave effects in astrophysical lensing, but is often intractable because of the highly oscillatory integrand. A recent breakthrough was made by exploiting the Picard–Lefschetz theory: the integral can be performed along the ‘Lefschetz thimbles’ in the complex domain where the integrand is not oscillatory but rapidly converging. The application of this method, however, has been limited by both the unfamiliar concepts involved and the low numerical efficiency of the method used to find the Lefschetz thimbles. In this paper, we give simple examples of the Lefschetz thimbles and define the ‘flow lines’ that facilitate the understanding of the concepts. Based on this, we propose new ways to obtain the Lefschetz thimbles with high numerical efficiency, which provide an effective tool for studying wave effects in astrophysical lensing.
Simulating stellar coronal rain and slingshot prominences
Authors: Daley-Yates S , Jardine Moira M
Published: September 2024

We have numerically demonstrated that simulated cool star coronae naturally form condensations. If the star rotates slowly, with a co-rotation radius greater than the Alfvén radius (i.e. $R_{\mathrm{K}} \gt R_{\mathrm{A}}$), these condensations will form below the co-rotation radius $R_{\mathrm{K}}$ and simply fall back to the stellar surface as coronal rain. If, however, the star is more rapidly rotating, ($R_{\mathrm{K}} \lt R_{\mathrm{A}}$), not only rain will form but also ‘slingshot prominences’. In this case, condensations collect into a large mass reservoir around the co-rotation radius, from which periodic centrifugal ejections occur. In this case, some 51 per cent of the coronal mass is cold gas, either in rain or prominences. We find that 21  per cent of the mass lost by our simulated fast rotating star is cold gas. Studies of stellar mass-loss from the hot wind do not consider this component of the wind and therefore systematically underestimate mass-loss rates of these stars. Centrifugal ejections happen periodically, between every 7.5–17.5 h with masses clustering around $10^{16}$ g, These results agree well with observational statistics. Contrasting the fast and slow rotating magnetospheres, we find that there are two distinct types of solutions, high-lying and low-lying loops. Low-lying loops only produce coronal rain whereas high-lying loops produce both rain and slingshots.
Regulating star formation in a magnetized disc galaxy
Authors: Robinson Hector , Wadsley James
Published: September 2024

We use high-resolution magnetohydrodynamic simulations of isolated disc galaxies to investigate the co-evolution of magnetic fields with a self-regulated, star-forming interstellar medium (ISM). The simulations are conducted using the ramses adaptive mesh refinement code on the standard agora initial condition, with gas cooling, star formation, and feedback. We run galaxies with a variety of initial magnetic field strengths. The fields evolve and achieve approximate saturation within 500 Myr, but at different levels. The galaxies reach a quasi-steady state, with slowly declining star formation due to both gas consumption and increase in the field strength at intermediate ISM densities. We connect this behaviour to differences in the gas properties and overall structure of the galaxies. Stronger magnetic fields limit supernova bubble sizes. Different cases support the ISM using varying combinations of magnetic pressure, turbulence, and thermal energy. Initially, $\gtrsim\!\! 1\ \mu \mathrm{ G}$ magnetic fields evolve modestly and dominate support at all radii. Conversely, initially weaker fields grow through feedback and turbulence but never dominate the support. This is reflected in the stability of the gas disc. This interplay determines the overall distribution of star formation in each case. We conclude that an initially weak field can grow to produce a realistic model of a local disc galaxy, but starting with typically assumed field strengths ($\gtrsim\!\! 1\ \mu \mathrm{ G}$) will not.
Validating full-spectrum fitting with a synthetic integral-field spectroscopic observation of the Milky Way
Authors: Wang Zixian , Sharma Sanjib , Hayden Michael R , van de Sande Jesse , Bland-Hawthorn Joss , Vaughan Sam , Martig Marie , Pinna Francesca
Published: September 2024

Ongoing deep integral-field spectroscopy (IFS) observations of disc galaxies provide opportunities for comparison with the Milky Way (MW) to understand galaxy evolution. However, such comparisons are marred by many challenges such as selection effects, differences in observations and methodology, and proper validation of full-spectrum fitting methods. In this study, we present a novel code GalCraft to address these challenges by generating mock IFS data cubes of the MW using simple stellar population models and a mock MW stellar catalogue derived from E-galaxia. We use the widely adopted full-spectrum fitting code ppxf to investigate the ability to recover kinematics and stellar populations for an edge-on mock MW IFS observation. We confirm that differences in kinematics, mean age, $[\mathrm{M/H}]$, and $[\mathrm{\alpha /Fe}]$ between thin and thick discs can be distinguished. However, the age distribution is overestimated in the ranges between $2{-}4$ and $12{-}14$ Gyr compared to the expected values. This is likely due to the age spacing and degeneracy of SSP templates. We find systematic offsets in the recovered kinematics due to insufficient spectral resolution and the variation of line-of-sight velocity distribution with age and $[\mathrm{M/H}]$. With future higher resolution and multi-$[\mathrm{\alpha /Fe}]$ simple stellar population templates, GalCraft will be useful to validate key signatures such as $[\mathrm{\alpha /Fe}]$–$[\mathrm{M/H}]$ distribution at different R and $|z|$ and potentially infer radial migration and kinematic heating efficiency to study detailed chemodynamical evolution of MW-like galaxies.
The Chromosome-level Genome Provides Insights into the Evolution and Adaptation of Extreme Aggression
Authors: Liu Peng-Cheng , Wang Zi-Yin , Qi Mei , Hu Hao-Yuan
Published: September 2024

Extremely aggressive behavior, as the special pattern, is rare in most species and characteristic as contestants severely injured or killed ending the combat. Current studies of extreme aggression are mainly from the perspectives of behavioral ecology and evolution, while lacked the aspects of molecular evolutionary biology. Here, a high-quality chromosome-level genome of the parasitoid Anastatus disparis was provided, in which the males exhibit extreme mate-competition aggression. The integrated multiomics analysis highlighted that neurotransmitter dopamine overexpression, energy metabolism (especially from lipid), and antibacterial activity are likely major aspects of evolutionary formation and adaptation for extreme aggression in A. disparis. Conclusively, our study provided new perspectives for molecular evolutionary studies of extreme aggression as well as a valuable genomic resource in Hymenoptera.
Nietzschean Perspectivism: Representation and Values
Authors: Anderson R Lanier
Published: September 2024

Nietzsche’s perspectivism can fruitfully be understood as a claim that all our representations are perspectival and absolute representations are impossible. But that treatment leaves unclear another key aspect of Nietzschean perspectivism—the idea that our representations are perspectival because they are ultimately rooted in some way in our values. I motivate this latter aspect of Nietzsche’s account through an argument that relies on the contrast between Bernard Williams’s rejection of “external reasons statements” in the case of practical reasoning, and his reliance on an “absolute conception of the world” in theoretical reasoning. Nietzsche holds, by contrast, that theoretical reasoning, too, can offer only “internal,” and hence perspectival, reasons.