bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Irrigation using slightly saline water from emerging desalination technologies as a solution to short‐term drought
Authors: Myrans Harry , Xu Shuqi , Mahani Mona E. , Crimp Steven , Torres Juan F. , Gleadow Roslyn M.
Published: September 2024

Societal Impact Statement

With global weather patterns becoming more extreme and unpredictable, sourcing reliable irrigation water is vital for improving food security and conserving drinking water in drought‐prone areas. Emerging desalination technologies, which are still in the development phase, could potentially provide large quantities of slightly saline water for irrigation. However, we must first ensure that any benefits of alleviating drought using this water outweigh the negative impacts of salt stress. We examine the viability of such a system, using Tonga as a case study, with the aim of advocating for future use of emerging desalination technologies for irrigation in low‐ and middle‐income countries.

Emerging desalination technologies have the potential to be a cheap and energy‐efficient source of irrigation water that could be used to alleviate short‐term droughts in low‐ and middle‐income countries. However, the water produced is unlikely to be completely salt‐free, potentially increasing the risk of salt stress in crops. In this review, we give an overview of the various emerging desalination technologies. We then use Tonga as a case study for assessing the viability of temporarily irrigating crops with moderately saline water (≤100 mM salt) and assess whether the benefits of alleviating drought outweigh the negative impacts of salt stress. We conclude that, in Tonga, important food security crops are likely to have higher survival and growth rates if they are provided with moderately saline water during drought, including taro, pumpkin and yam. Water derived using the new technologies would not be prohibitively expensive to produce. Moreover, it would minimise the need to divert a diminishing supply of water away from drinking to irrigation. The continued improvement of emerging desalination technologies, together with field trials, will help to optimise the use of moderately saline water for irrigation. This is likely to be especially beneficial for achieving and maintaining food security in low‐ and middle‐income countries in increasingly capricious conditions for agriculture.
Spatial variation in current and historical management of Arabica coffee across forests in its indigenous distribution
Authors: Beche Dinkissa , Tack Ayco J. M. , Ango Tola Gemechu , Nemomissa Sileshi , Lemessa Debissa , Warkineh Bikila , Hylander Kristoffer
Published: September 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Arabica coffee grows in the forests and woodlands of Ethiopia. These Arabica coffee populations contain a reservoir of the highest genetic variation of this species, which is extremely valuable from a biodiversity conservation and coffee breeding point of view. Knowledge about the distribution of these populations, including how and to what extent they have been managed by local communities now and in the past, is limited. We reveal insights into the history, distribution, and management of Arabica coffee populations in the remaining forests of Ethiopia, which is essential for developing effective conservation policies for this globally important resource.

To guide conservation of forest biodiversity in a broad sense, we need to understand the landscape‐level variation in current and historical management practices of agroforestry systems.

We collected data on coffee management practices across a large forested landscape in Ethiopia within Arabica coffee's indigenous distribution, using interviews in 11 villages and field surveys and interviews at 78 coffee sites in the forest.

There was a gradient in coffee density (higher), liana cover (lower), and canopy cover (lower) from sites with high management intensity to sites without management. Recently, management intensity has increased in the forest edges. Interviews suggest that substantial areas of currently unmanaged coffee forests are a legacy of reforestation of abandoned (semi‐) open landscapes in the late 19th century.

Despite a dynamic history of coffee cultivation across these areas, the conservation of forest biodiversity, including unmanaged populations of genetically diverse Arabica coffee, should be a priority, given the few such remaining areas in Ethiopia and elsewhere in the world.
Special issue: Middle‐class Indian students: Migration recruiters and aspirations
Authors: Cherian Anand Panamthottam , Irudaya Rajan Sebastian
Published: September 2024

This paper explores the perspectives and hopes of the Indian middle class regarding international migration, specifically focusing on educational mobility. It discusses the obstacles that students encounter in a fluctuating economy, their dependence on family resources and financial support for studying abroad, as well as the importance of social networks. Furthermore, it analyses how social media platforms aid migration and addresses the influence of privatisation and global mobility on student decision‐making. The paper also highlights Indian students' desires to embody ideal neoliberal characteristics to secure prestigious employment while fulfilling cultural expectations within middle‐class households. Additionally, it investigates how migration facilitation and migrants' actions contribute to new migration routes. The research contextualises these changes in students balancing conflicting pressures and ambitions across different locations with cosmopolitan migrant ideals at its core.
Changing patterns and determinants of China's interprovincial migration: Evidence from the 2020 census
Authors: Wen Fenghua , Yu Shujin , Liu Hui , Jiang Yating
Published: September 2024

Interprovincial migration in China has changed in recent years due to the socioeconomic transformation. Yet, less attention has been paid to the current spatial patterns of interprovincial migration, especially the spatial heterogeneity of the determinants. Based on the newly released 2020 census data, this study explored the spatial patterns and determinants of interprovincial migration in China using a spatial analysis and geographically weighted regression. The results revealed multiple trends in interprovincial migration, including flow from developing provinces in the central region to eastern and western regions and returning flow from developed to developing provinces in the central and western regions. The Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, and Pearl River Delta urban agglomerations remained centres of population inflow. Moreover, key western development areas, such as the Chengdu‐Chongqing area and Xinjiang, emerged as centres of population inflow. Economic and social development, social safety, and living environment significantly and positively affected interprovincial migration. Furthermore, significant spatial heterogeneity in factors influencing migration was detected. The findings provide a systematic understanding of China's interprovincial migration in 2020 and the spatial heterogeneity of determinants can guide the population development strategy design of governments.
The impact of gas transfer on responses to exercise training in patients with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: McCormack Ciara , Kehoe Brona , McCullagh Brian , Gaine Sean , Moyna Niall M. , Quadery Syed Rehan
Published: September 2024

Exercise training is recommended for pulmonary hypertension (PH). Post hoc analysis of the PH and Home‐Based (PHAHB) trial stratified patients into two groups based on median diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO). Patients with higher DLCO had a greater improvement in physical activity performance in response to exercise training, compared to those with lower DLCO. DLCO may be an important consideration in prescribing exercise in PH.
Re‐expansion pulmonary edema and atelectasis due to mucus plug following chest tube placement for pneumothorax
Authors: Nguyen‐Dang Nghi , Tran‐Le Quoc‐Khanh , Nguyen‐Ho Lam
Published: September 2024

Key message

Re‐expansion pulmonary edema (REPE) and mucus plug‐induced atelectasis are potential complications that clinicians should be aware of following chest tube placement for pneumothorax.
Exceptional long term response to crizotinib in ROS 1‐postive advanced non small cell lung cancer
Authors: Murali Anjali , Farsana A Anju , Subramaniam Sobha , Eapen Malini , Nair Indu R. , Pavithran Keechilat
Published: September 2024

Non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for the majority of lung cancer cases worldwide, with a significant proportion of patients harbouring actionable oncogenic alterations. Among these alterations, the ROS1 rearrangement represents a distinct subset with therapeutic implications. Here, we present the case of a 52‐year‐old man diagnosed with advanced NSCLC harbouring the ROS1 fusion gene. Despite the initial poor response to conventional chemotherapy, the patient exhibited an exceptional and sustained response to crizotinib, with a progression‐free survival of 94 months and complete metabolic response on PET scan. This case underscores the importance of molecular profiling in guiding treatment decisions and highlights the efficacy of targeted therapies for ROS1‐positive NSCLC.
Effectiveness of an Expendable Unmanned Ground Vehicle Stalling a Mechanized Infantry Company's Primary Combat Units—A Virtual Simulation Experiment
Authors: Andersson Christian A. , Halme Kasper , Laine Mia , Hulkko Ville , Virtanen Kai
Published: September 2024

Technological advancements have spurred the development of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and their innovative military applications and strategies. Such applications include expendable UGVs. However, public research concerning expendable military UGVs remains sparse. Particularly, the unclassified literature does not contain studies regarding their capabilities and effectiveness in combat. This study introduces a new low‐cost expendable UGV called Laykka. Moreover, the study presents a virtual simulation experiment to evaluate Laykkas' operational capabilities and their impact on advancing mechanized infantry units. The experiment involved armored reserve officer students assuming the roles of infantry troops forming an attacking opposing force while staff officers controlled simulated infantry troops operating the UGVs. A total of 16 battle simulations were fought. The simulated UGVs operated by a single soldier were able to stall the advancement of the mechanized infantry company's primary combat units three times out of four and a smaller force 11 out of 12 times. The best stalling effect was observed using a mix of UGVs with different module types. These modules allowed reconnaissance, loitering mine, and anti‐tank operations. The simulation experiment revealed that the UGV was an effective defensive tool due to its self‐destructive capability, causing marked battle damage, disruption, and confusion to the opposing forces.
Leveraging the Photofunctions of Transition Metal Complexes for the Design of Innovative Phototherapeutics
Authors: Lee Lawrence Cho‐Cheung , Lo Kenneth Kam‐Wing
Published: September 2024

Despite the advent of various medical interventions for cancer treatment, the disease continues to pose a formidable global health challenge, necessitating the development of new therapeutic approaches for more effective treatment outcomes. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which utilizes light to activate a photosensitizer to produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) for eradicating cancer cells, has emerged as a promising approach for cancer treatment due to its high spatiotemporal precision and minimal invasiveness. However, the widespread clinical use of PDT faces several challenges, including the inefficient production of ROS in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, the limited penetration depth of light in biological tissues, and the inadequate accumulation of photosensitizers at the tumor site. Over the past decade, there has been increasing interest in the utilization of photofunctional transition metal complexes as photosensitizers for PDT applications due to their intriguing photophysical and photochemical properties. This review provides an overview of the current design strategies used in the development of transition metal complexes as innovative phototherapeutics, aiming to address the limitations associated with PDT and achieve more effective treatment outcomes. The current challenges and future perspectives on the clinical translation of transition metal complexes are also discussed.
Identification and mapping of QTLs and their corresponding candidate genes controlling high night‐time temperature stress tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Kahlon Kaviraj S. , Rawale Kanwardeep S. , Kumar Sachin , Gill Kulvinder S.
Published: September 2024

With every 1°C rise in temperature, yields are predicted to decrease by 5%–6% for both cool and warm season crops, threatening food production, which should double by 2050 to meet the global demand. While high night‐time temperature (HNT) stress is expected to increase due to climate change, limited information is available on the genetic control of the trait, especially in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). To identify genes controlling the HNT trait, we evaluated a doubled haploid (DH) population developed from a cross between an HNT tolerant line KSG1203 and KSG0057, a selection out of a mega variety PBW343 from South East Asia that turned out to be HNT susceptible. The population, along with the parents, were evaluated under 30°C night‐time (HNT stress) keeping the daytime temperature to normal 22°C. The same daytime and 16°C night‐time temperature were used as a control. The HNT treatment negatively impacted all agronomic traits under evaluation, with a percentage reduction of 0.5%–35% for the tolerant parent, 8%–75% for the susceptible parent, and 8%–50% for the DH population. Performed using sequencing‐based genotyping, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping identified 19 QTLs on 13 wheat chromosomes explaining 9.72%–28.81% of cumulative phenotypic variance for HNT stress tolerance, along with 13 that were for traits under normal growing conditions. The size of QTL intervals ranged between 0.021 and 97.48 Mb, with the number of genes ranging between 2 and 867. A candidate gene analysis for the smallest six QTL intervals identified eight putative candidates for night‐time heat stress tolerance.
Mali
Authors: Traoré Ousmane Z. , Diarra Djénéba
Published: September 2024

The chapter documents the Malian government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and examines inclusiveness and the consideration of social inequalities. Specifically, it aims to assess the socioeconomic impact of the preventive and social protection measures on vulnerable households. Based on an analysis of national survey data from the National Institute of Statistics of Mali and World Bank, qualitative interviews, and secondary literature, we find that the government committed to curbing the spread of the virus, which had multiple effects on different population segments and economic sectors. As a result, the government put in place several socioeconomic support measures to enable affected sectors and vulnerable households to overcome the adverse effects of the pandemic and its subsequent preventive measures. However, we note that although the poor, female-headed households and rural households were the most affected in terms of loss of employment and income, and the lack of access to essential services such as drinking water, health care, and food, these vulnerable households have benefited the least from the assistance provided by government and NGOs, with a resulting exacerbation of already significant levels of inequality in Mali. According to key informants (KI), the imbalances in access to support measures were due to non-consultation of social groups and information asymmetry, which leads to poor targeting. We recommend strengthening institutions that collect data and implement social protection programmes and institutional collaboration in pandemic management.
Niger
Authors: Idrissa Rahmane
Published: September 2024

Niger’s distressed socioeconomic condition shaped its pandemic response. Restrictions due to the pandemic in urban areas had ramifications for rural areas, although many of the compensatory measures targeted the organized sector, which is urban-based. More importantly, even within sectors, sector players’ impacts and coping mechanisms differed depending on their formality and unionization status. The compliance and responsiveness of the populace centred on mistrust and proximity to the Government, with the middle classes more amenable to the pandemic measures. Contradictions in state responses shaped some of the reactions from the religious leaders and subsequently led to the relaxation of some measures. Structural biases resulted in discrimination in emergency measure application and compensatory scheme access. Negotiation and persuasion instead of coercive policies in pandemic governance and deployment of technology in the unorganized sectors are recommended as some of the solutions to the complex political economy question of pandemic management.
Nigeria
Authors: Obiakor Thelma , Iheonu Chimere , Ihezi Ezra
Published: September 2024

Although the Nigerian government responded quickly to COVID-19, the pandemic tested its capacity to manage such a large-scale economic crisis. The government hurriedly imposed the lockdown, school closures and other emergency restrictions without adequate preparation and little consultation with appropriate stakeholders. Consequently, this had a detrimental effect on the Nigerian society at large but pertinently on the nation's most vulnerable people. While the government offered support in response to the downturn in economic activity and other effects of the emergency restrictions, these support schemes were often inadequate, failing to consider the needs of the most affected and vulnerable groups. People working in the informal sector, for example, felt the immediate effect of the movement restrictions as it upended their livelihoods. Given the pre-COVID-19 conditions, with falling per capita income, high inflation, and an overdependence on oil, the pandemic has placed the nation at a critical juncture.
Ethiopia
Authors: Teshager Kassa , Cholo Tesfaye C.
Published: September 2024

The chapter shows that the government’s pandemic responses were focused on prevention. The government declared a state of emergency, postponed the national elections, mobilised resources, and made liquidity injections into the economy to control the outbreak's spread. The non-state actors donated several resources and engaged in awareness creation in collaboration with the state. However, the policy responses did not adequately tackle the impacts of the pandemic on various social groups, e.g. increased gender-based violence and early marriage of schoolgirls, more men than women losing jobs during the period due to business closure mandates and job losses were more prevalent in urban areas. Interestingly, the pandemic promoted structural changes and innovation. The chapter reflects on the gaps in social protection initiatives and recommended a strengthening and institutionalisation of existing social protection programmes to reach more people in a timely manner.
Industry in a Changing Era: Production Paradigms During the Last 50 Years
Authors: Lerch Christian , Jäger Angela
Published: September 2024

Germany has always been known for its strong industrial base. Although the process of deindustrialisation started in the 1970s, manufacturing is still considered a driver for the high innovation and competitiveness of the German economy. Nevertheless, several paradigm shifts in manufacturing have been observed since that time, changing not only the production philosophy but also predominant ways of thinking. These production paradigms are influenced not only by global events and external developments, but also by an advanced innovation and technology policy of Germany. Likewise, they are not only subject to technological innovations, as suggested, for example, by the concept of the four industrial revolutions (Industry 1.0 to 4.0). Rather, the role of humans and work in production has received increasing attention since the 1970s, and revolutionary organisational concepts have also shaped industrial development in Germany. In order to highlight these lines of development, we present in this article what we consider to be the central production paradigms over the last 50 years and highlight the major guiding issues of German manufacturing. Furthermore, we would like to give an outlook on upcoming production paradigms, as well as possible future developments in manufacturing industries.
From Niche to Mainstream: Exploring Innovation and Progress of Renewable Energy Development
Authors: Panny Julia , Held Anne , Winkler Jenny , Breitschopf Barbara , Jochem Eberhard , Walz Rainer
Published: September 2024

This article explores the evolution of research in the field of renewable energy over the past five decades, tracing its development through various phases. Initially sparked by the 1970s energy crises and growing environmental consciousness, the journey began with a focus on technological solutions for renewables. The article highlights the shift over time away from purely technology-driven research to a broader, interdisciplinary orientation. Following the first phase of exploring technology solutions, we discuss the market expansion phase of renewables, their market integration as well as the current speeding up of the transition towards a more and more renewable electricity system. We highlight the evolution of support mechanisms and concomitant scientific debate that accompanied the move from quota obligations to feed-in tariffs. With renewables now a key element in achieving climate neutrality, research has expanded to include market and system integration, the socio-economic impacts of the renewable energy expansion, and systems transformation perspectives. The article underscores the contribution of different types of institutions and players in shaping renewable energy research and policy, emphasising the increasing importance of a systemic and interdisciplinary approach to address current energy and sustainability challenges in a holistic manner.
Covariant phase space formalism for fluctuating boundaries
Authors: Adami H. , Golshani M. , Sheikh-Jabbari M. M. , Taghiloo V. , Vahidinia M. H.
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We reconsider formulating D dimensional gauge theories, with the focus on the case of gravity theories, in spacetimes with boundaries. We extend covariant phase space formalism to the cases in which boundaries are allowed to fluctuate. We analyze the symplectic form, the freedoms (ambiguities), and its conservation for this case. We show that boundary fluctuations render all the surface charges integrable. We study the algebra of charges and its central extensions, charge conservation, and fluxes. We briefly comment on memory effects and questions regarding semiclassical aspects of black holes in the fluctuating boundary setup.
Analytic bounds on late-time axion-scalar cosmologies
Authors: Shiu Gary , Tonioni Flavio , Tran Hung V.
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The cosmological dynamics of multiple scalar/pseudoscalar fields are difficult to solve, especially when the field-space metric is curved. This presents a challenge in determining whether a given model can support cosmic acceleration, without solving for the on-shell solution. In this work, we present bounds on late-time FLRW-cosmologies in classes of theories that involve arbitrary numbers of scalar and pseudoscalar fields coupled both kinetically (leading to a curved field space metric) and through scalar potentials. Such bounds are proven analytically, independently of initial conditions, with no approximation in the field equations and without referring to explicit solutions. Besides their broad applications to cosmological model building, our bounds can be applied to studying asymptotic cosmologies of certain classes of string compactifications.
New horizon symmetries, hydrodynamics, and quantum chaos
Authors: Knysh Maria , Liu Hong , Pinzani-Fokeeva Natalia
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We generalize the formulation of horizon symmetries presented in previous literature to include diffeomorphisms that can shift the location of the horizon. In the context of the AdS/CFT duality, we show that horizon symmetries can be interpreted on the boundary as emergent low-energy gauge symmetries. In particular, we identify a new class of horizon symmetries that extend the so-called shift symmetry, which was previously postulated for effective field theories of maximally chaotic systems. Additionally, we comment on the connections of horizon symmetries with bulk calculations of out-of-time-ordered correlation functions and the phenomenon of pole-skipping.
Adjacencies for recognition of digital Jordan surfaces
Authors: Šlapal Josef
Published: September 2024

For every positive integer, we introduce an adjacency in the digital space $${\mathbb {Z}}^3$$

Z

3

. Connectedness in the graph obtained is then used to define and study digital Jordan surfaces. The surfaces are acquired as polyhedral surfaces bounding the digital polyhedra that can be face-to-face tiled with digital cubes, triangular prisms, square pyramids, and tetrahedra.
Subcutaneous infliximab in Crohn’s disease patients with previous immunogenic failure of intravenous infliximab
Authors: Husman Julia , Černá Karin , Matthes Katja , Gilger Maximilian , Arsova Maia , Schmidt Alexandra , Winzer Nadia , Brosch Anna-Magdalena , Brinkmann Franz , Hampe Jochen , Zeissig Sebastian , Lukáš Milan , Schmelz Renate
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Immunogenicity is a major reason for secondary loss of response to infliximab (IFX). Recent work suggested potentially lower immunogenicity of subcutaneous (SC) compared to intravenous (IV) IFX. However, it is unknown whether re-exposure to IFX SC after secondary loss of response and immunogenicity to its intravenous formulation is safe and effective.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study conducted at two medical centers, patients with clinically (Harvey-Bradshaw Index ≥ 5) and/or biochemically (fecal calprotectin > 250 µg/g) active Crohn’s disease (CD) and previous immunogenic failure of IFX IV underwent exposure to IFX SC. Harvey-Bradshaw Index, fecal calprotectin, IFX serum concentration, and anti-drug antibodies were assessed until month 12.

Results

Twenty CD patients were included. The majority of patients (90%) had previous treatment with three or more biologics. Fifteen (75%) and ten (50%) of 20 patients continued IFX SC treatment until months 6 and 12, respectively. No immediate hypersensitivity reactions were observed. Two patients discontinued IFX SC treatment because of delayed hypersensitivity at week 2 and week 4. IFX serum concentrations increased from baseline to month 12, while anti-drug antibody levels decreased. Combined clinical and biochemical remission at month 12 was observed in seven of 20 patients (35%).

Conclusion

Subcutaneous infliximab treatment of Crohn’s disease patients with previous immunogenic failure of intravenous infliximab was well tolerated and effective in a cohort of patients with refractory Crohn’s disease.
Contactin proteins in cerebrospinal fluid show different alterations in dementias
Authors: Muqaku Besnik , Anderl-Straub Sarah , Werner Leonie , Nagl Magdalena , Otto Markus , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Oeckl Patrick
Published: September 2024

Background

The proteins contactin (CNTN) 1–6 are synaptic proteins for which there is evidence that they are dysregulated in neurodegenerative dementias. Less is known about CNTN changes and differences in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of dementias, which can provide important information about alterations of the CNTN network and be of value for differential diagnosis.

Methods

We developed a mass spectrometry-based multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method to simultaneously determine all six CNTNs in CSF samples using stable isotope-labeled standard peptides. The analytical performance of the method was evaluated for peptide stability, dilution linearity and precision. CNTNs were measured in 82 CSF samples from patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD, n = 19), behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD, n = 18), Parkinson’s disease dementia/dementia with Lewy bodies (PDD/DLB, n = 18) and non-neurodegenerative controls (n = 27) and compared with core AD biomarkers.

Results

The MRM analysis revealed down-regulation of CNTN2 (fold change (FC) = 0.77), CNTN4 (FC = 0.75) and CNTN5 (FC = 0.67) in bvFTD and CNTN3 (FC = 0.72), CNTN4 (FC = 0.75) and CNTN5 (FC = 0.73) in PDD/DLB compared to AD. CNTN levels strongly correlated with each other in controls (r = 0.73), bvFTD (r = 0.86) and PDD/DLB (r = 0.70), but the correlation was significantly lower in AD (r = 0.41). CNTNs in AD did not show correlation even with core AD biomarkers. Combined use of CNTN1-6 levels increased diagnostic performance of AD core biomarkers.

Conclusions

Our data show CNTNs differentially altered in dementias and indicate CNTN homeostasis being selectively dysregulated in AD. The combined use of CNTNs with AD core biomarkers might help to improve differential diagnosis.
The role of evaluatively conditioned stimuli in iconic memory
Authors: Clausen Alexandra E. , Kattner Florian
Published: September 2024

In the present study, an attempt was made to replicate results found about the influence of valence on prioritisation and decay in iconic memory. Hereby, the evaluative conditioning effect was used to induce valence for formerly neutral stimuli. The effect is gained by pairing neutral stimuli with either positive, negative, or neutral images in a conditioning phase. Afterwards, the conditioned stimuli acted as targets in an iconic memory test. In the iconic memory test, targets were presented together with seven other stimuli on a circular placement on the screen for a short time. A cue delayed by either 17, 68, 221, 493, or 1003 ms pointed at the target to be reported. Participants rated the targets before and after the conditioning phase. In addition, the affective and neutral images used in the pairing procedure were rated at the end of the experiment. While no significant change in rating could be observed for the conditioned targets, a significant effect of conditioned valence was still present in the response times and the accuracy of the iconic memory test. Participants reacted the quickest in response to a cue for positively conditioned targets compared to neutral or negatively conditioned targets. Accuracy was highest for positively conditioned targets and was lowest for negatively conditioned targets. Unlike in prior studies, slower decay of information in iconic memory for negative targets was not revealed. Further research should be conducted to identify reasons for this inconsistency.
Benign acute childhood myositis: a scoping review of clinical presentation and viral etiology
Authors: Majava Elli , Renko Marjo , Kuitunen Ilari
Published: September 2024

Benign acute childhood myositis is a benign phenomenon often associated with influenza in children. The aim of this scoping review was to analyze the typical clinical picture and characteristics of benign acute childhood myositis patients. Furthermore, we aimed to analyze the epidemiology and viral findings. We performed a systematic scoping review. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases in August 2023. We included observational studies that focused on children and reported at least 10 children. Our main outcome was to describe the typical clinical picture of benign acute childhood myositis patients. Furthermore, we aimed to report the typical laboratory findings and virus findings. A total of 211 studies were screened, and 22 studies were included in this review. The included studies were mainly from Europe (13 studies) and Asia (5 studies). Two studies were prospective, and the rest were retrospective. The mean age of the patients was 6.8 (CI 5.8–7.8) years. Benign acute childhood myositis appeared to be more prevalent among boys in all studies. The most prevalent symptoms were bilateral leg pain (pooled prevalence 92%), followed by fever (80%) and inability to walk (56%). Hospitalization rates varied between 4 and 100%, and the mean hospital stay was 3.6 (CI 3.3–3.9) days. Influenza B was the most common virus detected, followed by influenza A. Other reported viruses included herpes simplex, coxsackie-, enteroviruses, adeno-, respiratory syncytial, and parainfluenza viruses. All studies reported creatinine kinase levels, and the reported mean values varied between 100 and 4000 U/L, whereas only five studies reported C-reactive protein which was only slightly elevated.

Conclusion: According to a systematic assessment of published literature, benign acute childhood myositis patients were typically school-aged children, presenting with bilateral leg pain, fever, and inability to walk. Influenza A and B were the most reported viruses, but multiple other viruses have been associated with benign acute childhood myositis. These patients have high creatinine kinase values, but their hospital stay was rather short. Overall, this review provides important information for clinicians on the characteristic presentation of benign acute childhood myositis, and these findings may help to better identify these patients and reduce unnecessary tests.

What is known:• Benign acute childhood myositis has been mainly associated with influenza viruses, especially B influenza.• Typical patients have been reported to be under school-aged children, and boys have been reported to have a higher incidence.

What is new:• Many non-influenza viruses were also associated with benign acute childhood myositis, such as herpes simplex, coxsackie-, entero-, adeno-, respiratory syncytial, and parainfluenza viruses.• Typical symptoms are bilateral calf pain, fever, and inability to walk and creatine kinase levels were reposted to be increased.
Survival after surgery for lung cancer among patients with autoimmune diseases
Authors: Nagano Masaaki , Cong Yue , Nakao Keita , Kawashima Mitsuaki , Konoeda Chihiro , Sato Masaaki
Published: September 2024

Purpose

While patients with autoimmune diseases (ADs) are at high risk for developing specific malignancies, including lung cancer, ADs may protect against the development of cancer through increased immune cell activity in tumors. This study aimed to investigate whether the presence of ADs affects surgical outcomes and survival after surgery for lung cancer.

Methods

The medical records of 1236 patients who underwent surgery for non-small cell lung cancer between 2007 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Perioperative and long-term outcomes were compared between patients with and without ADs using propensity score matching.

Results

Among the included patients, 115 with ADs and 1121 without ADs underwent surgery. Using 1-to-1 propensity score matching, 114 pairs were selected. Although there were no significant differences in the perioperative outcomes of the two groups, the overall and relapse-free survival rates were significantly lower in the group with ADs than in the group without ADs.

Conclusions

Surgery for lung cancer can be performed without increasing the complications in patients with ADs. However, the long-term outcomes were significantly worse in patients with ADs than in those without ADs, suggesting that close follow-up for lung cancer and careful whole-body examination might be needed for patients with ADs.
Sensitivity of horizontal resolution and land surface model in operational WRF forecast for Online Nuclear Emergency Response System (ONERS)
Authors: Karmakar Shanu , Rajeswari J. R. , Kundu Dipan , Srinivas C. V. , Chandrasekaran S. , Venkatraman B.
Published: September 2024

Accurate Meteorological forecasts are crucial for the assessment of plume dispersion and dose prediction in nuclear power plant (NPP) sites. In this work the forecast sensitivity of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is tested by running a series of forecast simulations for horizontal resolution, and land surface models (LSM) in the context of Online Nuclear Emergency Response System (ONERS) for Indian NPP sites. 72 h forecast simulations are made for three seasons viz. summer, southeast and northeast monsoon using the Global Forecast data. Three simulation experiments, namely 2 km-NOAH, 3 km-NOAH and 3 km-NOAHMP are conducted using two different nested domain configurations (18–6–2 km and 9–3 km) and two LSM schemes (NOAH and NOAH-MP) and tested at four different NPP sites. Forecast comparison of surface winds, relative humidity, temperature, heat fluxes and planetary boundary layer heights with data from meteorological tower, radiosonde and the Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications 2 (MERRA-2) shows 3 km-NOAH is equally capable in predicting surface parameters as well as vertical profiles compared to 2 km-NOAH with marginal differences. 3 km-NOAHMP shows less mean bias and better correlation for boundary layer height and heat fluxes. Comparison of spatial flow-field with 5th generation European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) reanalysis (ERA5) data shows synoptic scale seasonal winds, sea level pressure systems and temperature hot-spots are better captured by 3 km-NOAHMP compared to 6 km coarse domain in the 18–6–2 km configuration. The daily accumulated rainfall by all simulations is overestimated compared to ERA5 data. The predictions by 3 km-NOAHMP better agree with Integrated Multi-satellite Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM-IMERGE) data whereas 2 km-NOAH predicts delayed rainfall occurrence. Dispersion simulations of hypothetical plume release from a coastal NPP site with all three forecasts properly show the influence of local scale diurnal land-sea breeze and seasonal winds on the plume movement. Therefore the 9–3 km domain with NOAHMP LSM is found to be a suitable choice for operational weather forecast in ONERS for Indian NPP sites.
Chloroplasts with clefts and holes: a reassessment of the chloroplast shape using 3D FE-SEM cellular reconstruction of two species of Chlamydomonas
Authors: Sato Naoki , Sato Mayuko , Wakazaki Mayumi , Moriyama Takashi , Hirashima Takashi , Toyooka Kiminori
Published: September 2024

Chloroplasts are usually considered spheroid organelles, but this is not the only shape of chloroplasts. The chloroplast of Chlamydomonas has been typically described as cup-shaped. However, in old studies, it was also modeled as a complex shape with “perforations” or windows. Here, we reconstructed the cellular architecture of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and C. applanata using an array tomography system installed on a field emission scanning electron microscope. C. reinhardtii chloroplasts resembled a baseball glove or a cup without a side, featuring numerous large and small holes that may facilitate the transport of metabolites and proteins produced in the Golgi apparatus fitted in the holes. In a lipid-accumulating, high-light condition, the chloroplast volume increased by filling the side cleft with an entire wall. Many accumulated large lipid droplets were accommodated within the chloroplast holes, which could have been considered as “chloroplast lipid droplets.” Mitochondrial meshworks surrounded the chloroplast. C. applanata chloroplasts appeared like a folded starfish or a cup with many side clefts and a few holes. There was a single mitochondrion or two that branched in a complex form. Tight contacts of various organelles were also found in C. applanata. These reconstructions illustrate the complexity of chloroplast shape, which necessitates a revised understanding of the localization of lipid droplets and the evolution of chloroplasts: The prevailing image of the spheroid chloroplasts that reminds us of the similarity between chloroplasts and cyanobacteria is no longer tenable.
Comparative overall survival analysis of chordomas of the base of the skull from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program between 2000 and 2020
Authors: Agner Kevin E. , Larkins Michael C.
Published: September 2024

Chordomas of the skull base are rare, slow growing, locally invasive cancers with limited long-term survival analysis reported in the literature. We seek to provide comparative survival analysis of patients on a long-term (20-year) basis using population-level data. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program was queried for cases of chordoma relegated to the base of the skull, diagnosed between 2000 and 2020. Demographic, disease, and treatment information were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards and log-rank comparisons. 630 patients with chordoma of the skull base were identified. Age ≤ 49 years at diagnosis was associated with increased five-, 10-, and 20-year overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.39, 0.33, and 0.30, respectively; p < 0.001 for all). Treatment with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy was associated with increased five-, 10-, and 20-year survival (HR = 0.71, 0.79, and 0.79, respectively; p < 0.001 for all). On univariate analysis, widowed patients had decreased survival (20-year overall survival = 34.8% [15.3%-34.8%] compared to married patients (74.4% [68.1%-80.8%]. Surgery remains the primary treatment associated with increased survival among patients with chordoma of the skull base, with adjuvant radiotherapy serving a complimentary role. Demographic factors such as marital status are also associated with changes in survival.
The regime complex for digital trade in Asia and China’s engagement
Authors: Gao Xinchuchu , Chen Xuechen
Published: September 2024

The rapid development of information and communication technologies over the past two decades has resulted in profound transformations in traditional economic and trade activities, leading to the scaling of digital trade across the Asian region and beyond. Drawing on the conceptual framework of the regime complex, this article seeks to delineate the main features of regional digital trade governance in the Asian region and China’s engagement with the regime-building process in this policy field. It demonstrates that the digital trade governance landscape in Asian countries comprises a collection of partially overlapping and nonhierarchical regimes, where different regional actors are formulating competing visions and approaches to digital trade governance. In addition, the dynamic nature of the digital trade regime complex in Asia and China’s evolving approach to digital trade governance is mutually constitutive. By selectively liberalizing in certain contexts while remaining conservative in others, China contributes to a more complex and less cohesive regional digital trade environment. China’s emphasis on standard-setting efforts and security considerations introduces additional complexities to the regime complex, potentially impeding the development of comprehensive governance regimes for digital trade in the region.
Leap, learn, earn: exploring academic risk taking and learning success across gender and socioeconomic groups
Authors: Hübner Vanessa , Pfost Maximilian
Published: September 2024

Background

The positive learning effects of academic risk taking (ART) in higher education has been discussed since the 1980s. However, this may not apply equally for all social groups. Men and women may differ in the way they use ART to construct their gender identity. Students with different socioeconomic status (SES) may differ in their ability to navigate academic risks due to differences in available cultural capital.

Aims

This study examines gender and SES disparities in ART and their impact on learning success. It explores if ART mediates and is moderated by gender and SES effects. Additionally, it assesses if ART directly predicts learning success.

Sample

A sample of N = 381 German university students was used.

Methods

Data was analyzed following a structural equation modeling approach.

Results

Men show more ART on the seminar group dimension, whereas women show more ART on the peer dimension. Being male indirectly predicts higher learning success via the seminar group dimension of ART. Furthermore, SES and gender moderate the effect between ART and learning success. Both ART dimensions directly predict students’ learning success.

Conclusions

Our research contributes to understanding the mechanisms of social disparities within higher education and offers implications for the development of inclusive teaching strategies and research on aspects of intersectionality.
Isotope characterisation of groundwater resources in uranium impacted Fazilka, Punjab
Authors: Ghosh Anushree , Pant Diksha , Kajla Manju , Mohokar Hemant , Jaryal Ajay , Keesari Tirumalesh
Published: September 2024

Groundwater is the most reliable source for freshwater supplies in India and abroad. Population rise has affected the groundwater resources both in terms of quality and quantity. Punjab, being an agrarian state, is highly dependent on groundwater resources for both irrigation and drinking purposes. Recent studies have indicated presence of uranium in groundwater especially in southwestern parts of Punjab. In this research, water samples were collected from Fazilka district of Punjab for evaluating the water quality focussing uranium and identifying source and recharge processes of groundwater. Uranium concentration was found in both shallow and deep groundwater samples. Inter-ionic correlations signify that alkalinity and electrical conductivity of the water samples control the uranium mobilization from the aquifer matrix. Isotopic systematics demonstrate that groundwater recharge is mainly through rainwater infiltration.
Striving Against Sonlessness: The Moral Uses of Medical Pluralism in Western Indian Quests for a Boy
Authors: Sandesara Utpal
Published: September 2024

Amid patriarchal conditions that render one son necessary and multiple daughters burdensome, selective abortion of female fetuses has become pervasive in India. Public responses often cast sex selection as self-evidently ignorant, cruel, and misogynistic – an obvious evil meriting denunciation and eradication. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork in Gujarat state, this article zooms out from ultrasound and abortion to survey the landscape of biomedical, herbal, and religious son production techniques surrounding them. Doing so clarifies the lived moral experience in which sex selection is embedded. Resort to multiple son production techniques is both an abstract moral indicator reflecting prevailing concerns and a pragmatic moral intervention aimed at harnessing every available means in response to those concerns. Fundamentally, people live out the multimodal quest that sometimes leads to selective abortion as aspiration – social, bodily, spiritual – toward an indispensable good, not as heartless rejection of daughters. Pluralistic son production illuminates the moral uses of medical pluralism for care-seekers, social scientists, and policymakers and practitioners. The case underscores that “complementary” therapies, rather than being just desperate behaviors, barriers to biomedical therapy, or curiosities to be integrated into care, may in fact be the clearest markers of the moral conditions in which public health problems unfold.
Unsupervised random quantum networks for PDEs
Authors: Dees Josh , Jacquier Antoine , Laizet Sylvain
Published: September 2024

Classical Physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) approximate solutions to PDEs with the help of deep neural networks trained to satisfy the differential operator and the relevant boundary conditions. We revisit this idea in the quantum computing realm, using parameterised random quantum circuits as trial solutions. We further adapt recent PINN-based techniques to our quantum setting, in particular Gaussian smoothing. Our analysis concentrates on the Poisson, the Heat and the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equations, which are ubiquitous in most areas of science. On the theoretical side, we develop a complexity analysis of this approach, and show numerically that random quantum networks can outperform more traditional quantum networks as well as random classical networks.