bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on endoparasitic copepods: Sarcotaces arcticus (Copepoda: Phylichthyid) infested dotted grouper (Epinephelus epilistictus) from the Arabian Gulf water, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ibrahim Mustafa M. , Attia Marwa M.
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to investigate the presence of Sarcotaces sp. in Epinephelus epilistictus (the dotted grouper) in Saudi Arabia. So, during our routine clinical examination of fish health conditions at Jubail province in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia (Arabian Gulf), nine grouper fish species were examined for Sarcotaces sp. (Copepoda: Phylichthyidae). Only the dotted grouper (Epinephelus epilistictus) harbored parasitic Sarcotaces spp. with an incidence of 9.06% of 1600 clinically examined fish samples. The collected Sarcotaces sp. was Sarcotaces arcticus (S. arcticus). The copepods were completely encapsulated cysts with a pyriform or pear-like shape, small to large, white-grayish, fluid-filled with thick black ink beneath the skin, or fully embedded in the muscular layer. The cysts present in the lateral aspect of trunk muscles, flank, caudal peduncle, near the anal opening, or pelvic and pectoral fin with an infestation rate (1–6 cysts) per fish. The cyst histopathology reveals the capsular layer of the cyst consisting of fibrous connective with pressure atrophy of the adjacent muscles associated with dilated blood vessels. The absence of infestation in other kinds of grouper fish species from the water of the Arabian Gulf in Jubail province may indicate parasitic host specificity and geographic locality distribution.
More time for aliens? Performance shifts lead to increased activity time budgets propelling invasion success
Authors: Ginal Philipp , Kruger Natasha , Wagener Carla , Araspin Laurie , Mokhatla Mohlamatsane , Secondi Jean , Herrel Anthony , Measey John , Rödder Dennis
Published: September 2022

In the Grinnellian niche concept, the realized niche and potential distribution is characterized as an interplay among the fundamental niche, biotic interactions and geographic accessibility. Climate is one of the main drivers for this concept and is essential to predict a taxon’s distribution. Mechanistic approaches can be useful tools, which use fitness-related aspects like locomotor performance and critical thermal limits to predict the potential distribution of an organism. These mechanistic approaches allow the inclusion key ecological processes like local adaptation and can account for thermal performance traits of different life-history stages. The African Clawed Frog,Xenopus laevis, is a highly invasive species occurring on five continents. The French population is of special interest due to an ongoing expansion for 40 years and a broad base of knowledge. We hypothesize that (1) the French population exhibits increased activity time in the invasive European range that could be devoted to fitness-relevant activity and (2) tadpoles may have less activity time available than adult frogs from the same range. We investigate how thermal performance traits translate into activity time budgets and how local adaptation and differences in the thermal responses of life-history stages may boost the EuropeanXenopusinvasion. We use a mechanistic approach based on generalized additive mixed models, where thermal performance curves were used to predict the hours of activity and to compare the potential activity time budgets for two life-history stages of native and invasive populations. Our results show that adult French frogs have more activity time available in Europe compared to South African frogs, which might be an advantage in searching for prey or escaping from predators. However, French tadpoles do not have more activity time in Europe compared to the native South African populations suggesting that tadpoles do not suffer the same strong selective pressure as adult frogs.
Wealth in Couples: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Lersch Philipp M. , Struffolino Emanuela , Vitali Agnese
Published: September 2022

The assumption that economic resources are equally shared within households has been found to be untenable for income but is still often upheld for wealth. In this introduction to the special issue “Wealth in Couples”, we argue that within-household inequality in wealth is a pertinent and under-researched area that is ripe for development. To this end, we outline the relevance of wealth for demographic research, making the distinction between individual and household wealth. Drawing on a life-course perspective, we discuss individual wealth accumulation within couples and its links to family-demographic processes, the institutional context, and norms on pooling and sharing. We conclude with a brief summary of the main findings from the special issue and highlight implications for demographic research and for future research in this field.
What are the fundamental modes of energy transfer and partitioning in the coupled Magnetosphere-Ionosphere system?
Authors: Rae Jonathan , Forsyth Colin , Dunlop Malcolm , Palmroth Minna , Lester Mark , Friedel Reiner , Reeves Geoff , Kepko Larry , Turc Lucille , Watt Clare , Hajdas Wojciech , Sarris Theodoros , Saito Yoshifumi , Santolik Ondrej , Shprits Yuri , Wang Chi , Marchaudon Aurelie , Berthomier Matthieu , Marghitu Octav , Hubert Benoit , Volwerk Martin , Kronberg Elena A. , Mann Ian , Murphy Kyle , Miles David , Yao Zhonghua , Fazakerley Andrew , Sandhu Jasmine , Allison Hayley , Shi Quanqi
Published: September 2022

The fundamental processes responsible for energy exchange between large-scale electromagnetic fields and plasma are well understood theoretically, but in practice these theories have not been tested. These processes are ubiquitous in all plasmas, especially at the interface between high and low beta plasmas in planetary magnetospheres and other magnetic environments. Although such boundaries pervade the plasma Universe, the processes responsible for the release of the stored magnetic and thermal plasma energy have not been fully identified and the importance of the relative impact of each process is unknown. Despite advances in understanding energy release through the conversion of magnetic to kinetic energy in magnetic reconnection, how the extreme pressures in the regions between stretched and more relaxed field lines in the transition region are balanced and released through adiabatic convection of plasma and fields is still a mystery. Recent theoretical advances and the predictions of large-scale instabilities must be tested. In essence, the processes responsible remain poorly understood and the problem unresolved. The aim of the White Paper submitted to ESA’s Voyage 2050 call, and the contents of this paper, is to highlight three outstanding open science questions that are of clear international interest: (i) the interplay of local and global plasma physics processes: (ii) the partitioning during energy conversion between electromagnetic and plasma energy: and (iii) what processes drive the coupling between low and high beta plasmas. We present a discussion of the new measurements and technological advances required from current state-of-the-art, and several candidate mission profiles with which these international high-priority science goals could be significantly advanced.
Polyphenols as possible alternative agents in chronic fatigue: a review
Authors: Ullah Hammad , Khan Ayesha , Riccioni Costanza , Di Minno Alessandro , Tantipongpiradet Ariyawan , Buccato Daniele Giuseppe , De Lellis Lorenza Francesca , Khan Haroon , Xiao Jianbo , Daglia Maria
Published: September 2022

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a pathological state of extreme tiredness that lasts more than six months and may possess an impact on the social, emotional, or occupational functioning of an individual. CFS is characterized by profound disabling fatigue associated with infectious, rheumatological, and neurological symptoms. The current pharmacological treatment for CFS does not offer a complete cure for the disease, and none of the available treatments show promising results. The exact mechanism of the pathogenesis of the disease is still unknown, with current suggestions indicating the overlapping roles of the immune system, central nervous system, and neuroendocrine system. However, the pathological mechanism revolves around inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. Polyphenols are the most abundant secondary metabolites of plant origin, with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and can exert protective activity against a whole range of disorders. The current review is aimed at highlighting the emerging role of polyphenols in CFS from both preclinical and clinical studies. Numerous agents of this class have shown promising results in different in vitro and in vivo models of chronic fatigue/CFS, predominantly by counteracting oxidative stress and the inflammatory cascade. The clinical data in this regard is still very limited and needs expanding through randomized, placebo-controlled studies to draw final conclusions on whether polyphenols may be a class of clinically effective nutraceuticals in patients with CFS.

Graphical abstract
Multivariate analysis identifying the main factors associated with cow productivity and welfare in tropical smallholder dairy farms in Vietnam
Authors: Bang Nguyen N. , Chanh Nguyen V. , Trach Nguyen X. , Khang Duong N. , Hayes Ben J. , Gaughan John B. , Lyons Russell E. , McNeill David M.
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to rank potential drivers of cow productivity and welfare in tropical smallholder dairy farms (SDFs) in Vietnam. Forty-one variables were collected from 32 SDFs located in four geographically diverse dairy regions, with eight SDFs per region. Twelve variables, including milk yield (MILK), percentages of milk fat (mFA), protein (mPR), dry matter (mDM), energy-corrected milk yield (ECM), heart girth (HG), body weight (BW), ECM per 100 kg BW (ECMbw), body condition score (BCS), panting score (PS), inseminations per conception (tAI), and milk electrical resistance (mRE) of cows, were fitted as outcome variables in the models. Twenty-one other variables describing farm altitude, housing condition, and diet for the cows, cow genotypes, and cow physiological stage were fitted as explanatory variables. Increased farm altitude was associated with increases in ECM and mRE and with decreases in PS and tAI (P < 0.05). Increases in roof heights and percentage of shed side open were associated with increases in ECM, mFA, and mDM (P < 0.05). Increased dry matter intake and dietary densities of dry matter and fat were associated with increased MILK, ECM, and ECMbw and decreased tAI (P < 0.05). Increased dietary lignin density was associated with increased PS. Increased genetic proportion of Brown Swiss in the herd was associated with increased MILK, ECM, and ECMbw (P < 0.05). Thus, to improve cow productivity and welfare in Vietnamese SDFs, the following interventions were identified for testing in future cause-effect experiments: increasing floor area per cow, roof heights, shed sides open, dry matter intake, dietary fat density, and the genetic proportion of Brown Swiss and decreasing dietary lignin density.
Soziale Roboter im Schweizer Gesundheitswesen – Einsatzmöglichkeiten, Chancen und Risiken aus der Sicht von potenziellen Anwendergruppen
Authors: Kramer Iris , Zigan Nicole , Tanner Alexandra , Schulze Hartmut , Schubert Maria
Published: September 2022

Dieser Beitrag der Zeitschrift Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO) berichtet und vertieft die Ergebnisse eines interprofessionellen Projektes im Auftrag der TA-SWISS (Stiftung für Technologiefolgen-Abschätzung). In dem Projekt wurde u. a. untersucht, wie soziale Roboter aus der Sicht von Gesundheitsfachpersonen und von Bewohnerinnen und Bewohnern eines Alterszentrums zukünftig in der Schweiz eingesetzt werden können und welche Chancen und Risiken sie bei diesem Einsatz sehen. Hintergrund dieser Fragestellung war, dass soziale Roboter zunehmend im Gesundheitsbereich eingesetzt werden, die Perspektiven der potenziellen Anwenderinnen und Anwender jedoch nur wenig bekannt sind. Daher wurde mit einem explorativen Studiendesign im August 2020 ein Workshop („Round Table Gesundheit“) mit 26 Teilnehmenden durchgeführt, der Roboterszenarien, vier Fokusgruppeninterviews und eine Nachbefragung beinhaltete. Es zeigte sich in der vertieften Analyse, dass sich die von den Teilnehmenden genannten Einsatzmöglichkeiten von sozialen Robotern einerseits in zwei Anwendergruppen („Patientinnen/Patienten“ und „Gesundheitsfachpersonen“) und andererseits in zwei Rollen des sozialen Roboters (persönlich zugeordnet – „persönlicher Buddy/Assistent“ und nicht persönlich zugeordnet – „hilfreicher Kollege“) einteilen liessen. Die Chancen und Risiken sozialer Roboter liessen sich in die drei Spannungsfelder „Selbstbestimmung vs. soziale Isolation“, „Entlastung vs. Belastung & Abhängigkeit“ und „Sicherheit vs. Gefahren“ kategorisieren. Von potenziellen Anwenderinnen und Anwendern werden somit vielfältige Einsatzmöglichkeiten und Chancen für soziale Roboter im Gesundheitsbereich gesehen. Gleichzeitig gilt es auch die Risiken zu berücksichtigen und zu minimieren, damit soziale Roboter zukünftig erfolgreich in der Praxis eingesetzt werden können.
Successors’ Future Training in Family Farms: The Impact of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors
Authors: Plana-Farran Manel , Arzubiaga Unai , Blanch Angel
Published: September 2022

This study examines the effects of different intrinsic and extrinsic-to-potential successors’ factors on the willingness of potential successors of family farms to continue training in the future. Building on socioemotional wealth (SEW) theory and a knowledge-based view, we consider the potential successors’ (yet students in agricultural schools) perspectives, and conceptually and empirically examine whether they believe intrinsic factors, namely, their own personal interest and willingness to create a new business, as well as extrinsic factors, namely, confidence in farm viability and the fact that they have been instituted as successors, influence their willingness to continue training in the future. Our unique data on 156 students enrolled in agricultural schools in Catalonia (Spain) reveal that while intrinsic factors increase potential successors’ tendency toward continuous training, extrinsic ones, contrary to our expectations, do not. These findings address an important practical issue in terms of family farm successors’ perceptions, offering contributions to agriculture, family business in general, and family firm succession literature in particular.
Estimating severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seroprevalence from residual clinical blood samples, January–March 2021
Authors: Graciaa Daniel S. , Verkerke Hans P. , Guarner Jeannette , Moldoveanu Ana Maria , Cheedarla Narayanaiah , Arthur Connie M. , Maier Cheryl L. , Neish Andrew , Auld Sara C. , Campbell Angie , Gandhi Neel R. , Roback John D. , Shah N. Sarita
Published: September 2022

We describe severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG seroprevalence and antigenemia among patients at a medical center in January–March 2021 using residual clinical blood samples. The overall seroprevalences were 17% by infection and 16% by vaccination. Spent or residual samples are a feasible alternative for rapidly estimating seroprevalence or monitoring trends in infection and vaccination.
Analysis of India’s Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022: Determining Potential Misuse and Possible Violations of Fundamental Rights
Authors: Yadav Vaibhav
Published: September 2022

India’s parliament has passed the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act of 2022 following a lengthy debate. Legislation is being introduced to rescind the 1920 Identification of Prisoners Act, which permitted the use of identification and investigative methods on detainees. The 2022 Act’s expanded definition of measurements includes iris and retina scans, behavioural traits like handwriting, fingerprint imprints and palm impressions (and their analysis), and physical and biological samples. When reporting measurements, the phrase “and their analysis” implies that profiles can be generated from a variety of sources of information. The Act stipulates that measurements are to be preserved in digital or electronic form for 75 years. This article intends to assess the Act’s potential misuse and possible violation of fundamental rights such as the right to equality and privacy of those covered by the Act. Additionally, the author wishes to provide a concise explanation of the Act and numerous other related issues.
The Entry of the M5S and the Reshaping of Party Politics in Italy (2008–2018)
Authors: Giannetti Daniela , Umansky Karen , Sened Itai
Published: September 2022

This article examines how challenger parties enter the political arena and the effect of this entry by looking at the Italian 5 Star Movement (Movimento 5 Stelle – M5S). We explain the M5S's entry strategy in 2013 using the spatial approach to party competition and employing expert survey data collected for each national election between 2008 and 2018. These data allow us to analyse the changing spatial configuration of Italian politics due to the increasing salience of pro/anti-EU and pro/anti-immigration dimensions. We then apply the theoretical notion of the uncovered set (UCS) to trace how the M5S's entry reshaped the overall space of party competition, causing a realignment of existing parties. This work contributes to the ongoing debate on the electoral success of challenger parties and the emerging cleavages and polarization of party systems in Western European countries.
Composting from organic municipal solid waste: a sustainable tool for the environment and to improve grape quality
Authors: Cataldo E. , Fucile M. , Mattii G. B.
Published: September 2022

Composting from organic municipal solid waste (MSW), such as a separate waste collection, is a valid tool for eliminating a considerable amount of waste that would otherwise be destined for landfills and incinerators, thus representing an effective complement to traditional forms of recycling. It allows organic substance to be recovered and reintegrated into the soil, thus preventing erosion phenomena, increasing the biological fertility of the soil and contributing significantly to the restoration of impoverished sites. Modern winegrowing must address the issue of vineyard fertility in the sustainability context. The goal of this study was to assess the advantages of distributing a sustainable product to the vineyard that can achieve vine balance (vegetative and productive equilibrium). In a Vitis vinifera L. Sangiovese cv., vineyard, four soil treatments were applied (three compost rates and a control): municipal solid waste compost (40 tons per hectare – MSW40, 15 tons per hectare – MSW15, 2.5 tons per hectare – MSW2.5), and no compost (CTRL). The vine physiology (leaf gas exchange and water potential) and berry compositions (phenolic and technological maturity) were studied during the 2018–2019 growing seasons in the Sieci area, Italy. The results of this experiment provide some general insights showing that MSW compost options can be expected to reduce water stress, balanced vine performance and provide sustainable recirculation of organic matter. MSW compost is a true agronomic and environmental resource.
Exposure to psychotropic medications and mortality in schizophrenia: a 5-year national cohort study
Authors: Lin Ji-Yu , Yeh Ling-Ling , Pan Yi-Ju
Published: September 2022

Background

Relatively few studies have explored the differential contributions of the accumulative dosage of psychotropic medications on mortality in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

We aimed to explore the effects of the exposure dosage of psychotropic medications on mortality during a follow-up period of 5 years with a national cohort of individuals with schizophrenia in 2010. Causes of death were linked through Taiwan's National Mortality Registry. The mean defined daily dose of antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and sedative-hypnotics, were calculated and survival analyses were conducted.

Results

A total of 102 964 individuals (54 151 men, 52.59%) with schizophrenia were included. Compared to patients with no exposure to antipsychotics, those with antipsychotic exposure had better survival outcomes, regardless of antipsychotic dosage. Antidepressant exposure, in low and moderate dosage, was associated with decreased all-cause mortality; exposure to mood stabilizers appeared to be associated with an increase in all-cause mortality. Although 89.7% of the patients had been prescribed sedative-hypnotics, exposure to sedative-hypnotics was associated with dose-related increased mortality risk [hazard ratio (HR) in low dose group: 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.27; HR in moderate dose: 1.32, 95% CI 1.21–1.44; HR in high dose: 1.83, 95% CI 1.67–2.01)].

Conclusions

The results indicate that in the treatment of schizophrenia, antipsychotics and antidepressants are associated with lower mortality when using adequate dosages and mood stabilizers and sedative-hypnotics with higher mortality compared with no use. Furthermore, exposure to sedative-hypnotics is associated with a dose-related increased mortality risk which warrants clinical attention and further study.
A rare coronary artery anomaly in a 14-year-old boy with sudden cardiac arrest
Authors: Ruffing Sarah , Abdul-Khaliq Hashim , Poryo Martin
Published: September 2022

Congenital coronary artery anomalies represent a rare cause for cardiac arrest in children and adults; however, most of these anomalies are asymptomatic and incidental findings. We report on a 14-year-old boy who was admitted to our hospital after cardiopulmonary resuscitation at home. Diagnostic workup including histopathology revealed parvovirus B19 in endomyocardial biopsy. Moreover, cardiac catheterisation as well as CT angiography identified an anomalous origin of the right coronary artery with an interarterial course. Since this anomalous coronary artery might have caused impaired myocardial perfusion causing cardiac arrest, surgical correction and implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator were performed. The further post-operative clinical course (7 months) has been uneventful.
A comprehensive assessment of neurocognitive and psychological functioning in adults with early-treated phenylketonuria
Authors: Clocksin Hayley E. , Abbene Emily E. , Christ Shawn
Published: September 2022

Objective:

Relative to youth with early-treated phenylketonuria (ETPKU), much less is known regarding the cognitive profile of adults with ETPKU. The present study aimed to address this gap by providing a comprehensive assessment of neuropsychological functioning among adults with ETPKU.

Method:

A sample of 40 adults with ETPKU (ages 18 – 36) and a demographically matched group of 32 healthy individuals without PKU participated. Participants completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery including the NIH Toolbox, Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence – Second Edition (WASI-II), Conners’ Continuous Performance Test (CPT-3), select subtests from the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) as well as several self-report measures of cognitive and psychoemotional functioning. Scores from these tests were combined to create cognitive composites reflecting overall task performance in the areas of verbal ability, visuospatial skills, executive functioning, motor skills, and processing speed.

Results:

No group differences were observed for full scale IQ or verbal ability. However, individuals with ETPKU demonstrated poorer performance on measures of executive functioning, processing speed, motor skills, and visuospatial skills as compared to the non-PKU group. Within the ETPKU group, recent blood phenylalanine levels (an indicator of metabolic control) were significantly correlated with performance across most cognitive domains and aspects of psychological functioning.

Conclusions:

Present findings suggest that the neuropsychological profile of adult ETPKU is characterized by circumscribed impairments in select cognitive domains. In addition, the results underscore the importance of maintaining metabolic control across the lifespan in individuals with ETPKU.
Reinventing Kant?
Authors: Shorter-Bourhanou Jameliah Inga
Published: September 2022

Immanuel Kant is often interpreted as a universal egalitarian who claims that all people, regardless of their differences, are equal. This view has been challenged by several scholars including Charles Mills and Robert Bernasconi, who note the persistent racist underpinning in Kant’s work; however, the standard reading is that Kant changed his mind about race and eventually reaffirmed his universalism. By considering Charles Mills’ notion of ‘Black Radical Kantianism’, as a way of reinventing Kant, I argue that continued engagement with Kant’s universalism must go hand in hand with recognizing his racism in order to make it truly inclusive.
Do political power shifts reduce corruption in Korean local governments?
Authors: Lee Moonsoo , Bae Hyunhoe
Published: September 2022

Previous studies have discussed the effects of electoral competition on corruption, but only a few explored the effects of political power shifts – the results of electoral competition. To fill the gap, this study tests hypotheses that three types of political power shifts (the shifts of individual local government heads, local government ruling party, and local council majority) reduce the corruption (overall, external, and internal), with a panel data set of 226 Korean local governments. The empirical study shows that only shifts in the local government head reduce internal corruption. The other dependent and independent variables do not have any significant relationships. This can be because of structural matters of Korean local politics such as strong mayor-weak council and the closed local elite networks.
Writing Yunnan into China: a case study on Li Yuanyang 李元陽 (1497–1580), a Yunnanese scholar
Authors: Xing Yuan
Published: September 2022

This article is a case study on the Yunnanese scholar Li Yuanyang under the background of the Ming's incorporating and sinicizing Yunnan, exploring how he views the Ming's actions and writes Yunnan's becoming a part of China. First, it retells Li's life experiences and examines the Yunnan native things and Chinese traditions in his writings. Then, after noting his emphasis of Yunnan's belonging to China, it concentrates on his comments on the Ming's military campaigns. As it analyzes, on the one hand, he justifies these campaigns against indigenous rebellions, on the other hand, he also criticizes unnecessary wars and some imperial officials' selfish deeds. Besides, he considers the constructing and reconstructing projects as a symbol of the central state's righteous governance, which should also bring benefit and benevolence to the indigenes. In a word, Li's case reflects the deep impact of the Ming's invasion on the local elites, as well as how they react to this.
Using Benchtop Scanning Electron Microscopy as a Valuable Imaging Tool in Various Applications
Authors: Harvey Kayleigh , Edwards Grant
Published: September 2022

Scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) are a popular analytical tool due to their high spatial resolution, large depth of field, and analytical capabilities. However, in many cases, the large-scale installation and cost of SEMs can be a barrier to entry for smaller laboratories or facilities. The introduction of a more compact benchtop SEM has changed the landscape, enabling scientists in many fields to adopt the technology and revolutionize research. Benchtop SEMs can be used in a variety of industries including materials science, pharmaceutical research, energy exploration, science education, and academia. These industries require analysis at the nanoscale for quality control, failure analysis, and R&D, for all of which the benchtop SEM is perfectly positioned to provide necessary detail. These advantages and new developments in the technology have made the benchtop SEM a widely available and well-accepted tool.
Examining the Scope of Nuclear Weapons-Related Activities Covered under the Environmental Remediation Obligation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
Authors: EVANS Christopher P.
Published: September 2022

The entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in January 2021 has sparked much discussion of the Treaty's positive obligations under Article 6. But while victim assistance under Article 6(1) has received considerable attention, the environmental remediation obligation within Article 6(2) remains underexplored. Filling this gap, this article examines a specific issue relating to environmental remediation under Article 6(2): the scope of nuclear weapons-related activities captured by the obligation imposed upon TPNW parties. Ultimately, it is revealed that significant ambiguity exists as to the scope of activities covered when applying the rules of treaty interpretation of the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. After offering some policy arguments both for and against a broad interpretation, this paper recommends that TPNW parties should begin to advance and clarify their positions on this issue in order to clearly identify the scope of Article 6(2).
The Importance of Mentoring in Space Physics: Examples From a Successful Career
Authors: Fuselier Stephen A.
Published: September 2022

Mentoring is critical for a successful career in space physics. I present here some examples of how mentoring helped me through all stages of my career. In addition, I provide some guidance on what I learned from my mentors at three stages in my career: early career, mid‐career, and advanced‐career.
Large‐Scale Drivers of Persistent Extreme Weather During Early Summer 2021 in Europe
Authors: Tuel A. , Steinfeld D. , Ali S. M. , Sprenger M. , Martius O.
Published: September 2022

The early summer of 2021 was a season of extremes across Europe. Heatwaves, droughts and wildfires hit Eastern Europe and the Baltic, while repeated extreme precipitation in Western Europe culminated in massive floods in mid‐July. The large‐scale circulation during this period was remarkably persistent, with an extremely meridionally amplified flow over Europe. Recurrent blocking over the Baltic and Rossby wave breaking in the North Atlantic led to frequent heavy precipitation in Western Europe and the Black Sea and to warm and dry conditions over Eastern Europe. These conditions persisted for a month as the blocks and wave breaking episodes strengthened one another, while three closely spaced extratropical transitions of tropical cyclones in the eastern North Atlantic led to recurrent amplification of the jet. Seasonal anomalies thus emerge from the complex interactions of individual weather events, offering an interesting storyline for climate impact assessment and a formidable challenge for (sub‐) seasonal prediction.
Geospace Concussion: Global Reversal of Ionospheric Vertical Plasma Drift in Response to a Sudden Commencement
Authors: Shi Xueling , Lin Dong , Wang Wenbin , Baker Joseph B. H. , Weygand James M. , Hartinger Michael D. , Merkin Viacheslav G. , Ruohoniemi J. Michael , Pham Kevin , Wu Haonan , Angelopoulos Vassilis , McWilliams Kathryn A. , Nishitani Nozomu , Shepherd Simon G.
Published: September 2022

An interplanetary shock can abruptly compress the magnetosphere, excite magnetospheric waves and field‐aligned currents, and cause a ground magnetic response known as a sudden commencement (SC). However, the transient (<∼1 min) response of the ionosphere‐thermosphere system during an SC has been little studied due to limited temporal resolution in previous investigations. Here, we report observations of a global reversal of ionospheric vertical plasma motion during an SC on 24 October 2011 using ∼6 s resolution Super Dual Auroral Radar Network ground scatter data. The dayside ionosphere suddenly moved downward during the magnetospheric compression due to the SC, lasting for only ∼1 min before moving upward. By contrast, the post‐midnight ionosphere briefly moved upward then moved downward during the SC. Simulations with a coupled geospace model suggest that the reversed vertical drift is caused by a global reversal of ionospheric zonal electric field induced by magnetospheric compression during the SC.
Deep Learning Provides Substantial Improvements to County‐Level Fire Weather Forecasting Over the Western United States
Authors: Son Rackhun , Ma Po‐Lun , Wang Hailong , Rasch Philp J. , Wang Shih‐Yu (Simon) , Kim Hyungjun , Jeong Jee‐Hoon , Lim Kyo‐Sun Sunny , Yoon Jin‐Ho
Published: September 2022

The recent wildfires in the western United States during 2018 and 2020 caused record‐breaking fire damage and casualties. Despite remarkable advances in fire modeling and weather forecasting, it remains challenging to anticipate catastrophic wildfire events and associated damage. One key missing component is a fire weather prediction system with sufficiently long lead time capable of providing useful regional details. Here, we develop a hybrid prediction model of wildfire danger called CFS with super resolution (CFS‐SR) as a proof of concept to fill that void. The CFS‐SR model is constructed by integrating the Climate Forecast System version 2 with a deep learning (DL) technique from Single Image Super Resolution, a method widely used in enhancing image resolution. We show that for the 2018–2019 fire season, the CFS‐SR model significantly improves accuracy in forecasting fire weather at lead times of up to 7 days with an enhanced spatial resolution up to 4 km. This level of high resolution provides county‐level fire weather forecast, making it more practical for allocating resources to mitigate wildfire danger. Our study demonstrates that a proper combination of ensemble climate predictions with DL techniques can boost predictability at finer spatial scales, increasing the utility of fire weather forecasts for practical applications.
Breast density is strongly associated with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers and pro-tumorigenic proteins in situ
Authors: Lundberg Peter , Forsgren Mikael F. , Tellman Jens , Kihlberg Johan , Rzepecka Anna , Dabrosin Charlotta
Published: September 2022

Background

High mammographic density is an independent risk factor for breast cancer by poorly understood molecular mechanisms. Women with dense breasts often undergo conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) despite its limited specificity, which may be increased by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and contrast. How these modalities are affected by breast density per se and their association with the local microenvironment are undetermined.

Methods

Healthy postmenopausal women attending mammography screen with extremely dense or entirely fatty breasts underwent multiparametric MRI for analyses of lean tissue fraction (LTF), ADC and perfusion dynamics. Microdialysis was used for extracellular proteomics in situ.

Results

Significantly increased LTF and ADC and delayed perfusion were detected in dense breasts. In total, 270 proteins were quantified, whereof 124 related to inflammation, angiogenesis, and cellular growth were significantly upregulated in dense breasts. Most of these correlated significantly with LTF, ADC and the perfusion data.

Conclusions

ADC and perfusion characteristics depend on breast density, which should be considered during the implementation of thresholds for malignant lesions. Dense and nondense breasts are two essentially different biological entities, with a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment in dense breasts. Our data reveal several novel pathways that may be explored for breast cancer prevention strategies.
Cathepsin K regulates the tumor growth and metastasis by IL-17/CTSK/EMT axis and mediates M2 macrophage polarization in castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Wu Ning , Wang YouZhi , Wang KeKe , Zhong BoQiang , Liao YiHao , Liang JiaMing , Jiang Ning
Published: September 2022

A common stage of advanced prostate cancer is castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), greater understanding of which is required in order to address and solve the clinically difficult challenge. Cathepsin K (CTSK) is a cysteine protease that usually has a strong activity of degrading extracellular matrix and is related to osteoclast-mediated bone destruction. However, the mechanism of CTSK-regulation in CRPC is still unclear to us. The current study aimed to analyze the expression of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in patient samples (from localized PC and CRPC). Interestingly, we found that CTSK to be significantly up-regulated in CRPC. Through further signal pathway enrichment analysis, we found that the IL-17 signaling pathway to be highly correlated with CTSK. The oncogenic functions of CTSK and IL-17 in CRPC were proven by a series of in vivo and in vitro experiments. Possible downstream molecules of CTSK were investigated, which could serve as control elements to regulate the expression of EMT, thereby facilitating the metastasis and excessive proliferation of PC cells. Expression of CTSK was related to high concentration of M2 tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) M2 in CRPC. A CTSK-mediated feedback circuit between TAMs and CRPC tissues was indicated in the process of transfer, proving the possibility of CTSK could be use as an available therapeutic target for CRPC.
Resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors promotes renal cancer progression through MCPIP1 tumor-suppressor downregulation and c-Met activation
Authors: Marona Paulina , Górka Judyta , Kwapisz Oliwia , Jura Jolanta , Rys Janusz , Hoffman Robert M. , Miekus Katarzyna
Published: September 2022

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the most commonly used targeted therapeutics in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC); however, drug resistance limits their utility and can lead to tumor “flare-up” and progression. In this study, we show that RCC resistance to sunitinib and sorafenib involves different mechanisms and leads to increased malignancy. Sunitinib decreased tumor growth and cell motility along with increased E-cadherin expression and secretion of the proangiogenic cytokines IL6 and IL8, which activated senescence in ccRCC cells and led to VE-cadherin phosphorylation, enhancing tumor angiogenesis. Sorafenib resistance increased the levels of mesenchymal markers and the secretion of MMP9, which cleaved VE-cadherin and disrupted endothelial cell integrity. Both sunitinib resistance and sorafenib resistance led to activation of the c-Met receptor IRAK1 and downregulation of the tumor suppressor MCPIP1, resulting in an increase in the metastasis of resistant cells, possibly due in part to enhanced vascularization of ccRCC. MCPIP1 overexpression partially overcame resistance to these drugs by decreasing micrometastasis and decreasing the expression of factors involved in tumorigenesis. In tumor samples from ccRCC patients, we observed a significant increase in the level of the c-Met receptor, IRAK1 and a decrease in MCPIP1 with respect to normal kidney tissue. Our results indicate separate novel mechanisms for sunitinib and sorafenib resistance, which both lead to MCPIP1 inhibition and ccRCC progression. The presented study suggests caution in the treatment of RCC with TKIs, which may lead to the unintended outcome of tumor progression.
Charging infrastructure access and operation to reduce the grid impacts of deep electric vehicle adoption
Authors: Powell Siobhan , Cezar Gustavo Vianna , Min Liang , Azevedo Inês M. L. , Rajagopal Ram
Published: September 2022

Electric vehicles will contribute to emissions reductions in the United States, but their charging may challenge electricity grid operations. We present a data-driven, realistic model of charging demand that captures the diverse charging behaviours of future adopters in the US Western Interconnection. We study charging control and infrastructure build-out as critical factors shaping charging load and evaluate grid impact under rapid electric vehicle adoption with a detailed economic dispatch model of 2035 generation. We find that peak net electricity demand increases by up to 25% with forecast adoption and by 50% in a stress test with full electrification. Locally optimized controls and high home charging can strain the grid. Shifting instead to uncontrolled, daytime charging can reduce storage requirements, excess non-fossil fuel generation, ramping and emissions. Our results urge policymakers to reflect generation-level impacts in utility rates and deploy charging infrastructure that promotes a shift from home to daytime charging.
A real-world comparison of tisagenlecleucel and axicabtagene ciloleucel CAR T cells in relapsed or refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Bachy Emmanuel , Le Gouill Steven , Di Blasi Roberta , Sesques Pierre , Manson Guillaume , Cartron Guillaume , Beauvais David , Roulin Louise , Gros François Xavier , Rubio Marie Thérèse , Bories Pierre , Bay Jacques Olivier , Llorente Cristina Castilla , Choquet Sylvain , Casasnovas René-Olivier , Mohty Mohamad , Guidez Stéphanie , Joris Magalie , Loschi Michaël , Carras Sylvain , Abraham Julie , Chauchet Adrien , Drieu La Rochelle Laurianne , Deau-Fischer Bénédicte , Hermine Olivier , Gastinne Thomas , Tudesq Jean Jacques , Gat Elodie , Broussais Florence , Thieblemont Catherine , Houot Roch , Morschhauser Franck
Published: September 2022

Axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) and tisagenlecleucel (tisa-cel) have both demonstrated impressive clinical activity in relapsed/refractory (R/R) diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). In this study, we analyzed the outcome of 809 patients with R/R DLBCL after two or more previous lines of treatment who had a commercial chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells order for axi-cel or tisa-cel and were registered in the retrospective French DESCAR-T registry study (NCT04328298). After 1:1 propensity score matching (n = 418), the best overall response rate/complete response rate (ORR/CRR) was 80%/60% versus 66%/42% for patients treated with axi-cel compared to tisa-cel, respectively (P < 0.001 for both ORR and CRR comparisons). After a median follow-up of 11.7 months, the 1-year progression-free survival was 46.6% for axi-cel and 33.2% for tisa-cel (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.61; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.46–0.79; P = 0.0003). Overall survival (OS) was also significantly improved after axi-cel infusion compared to after tisa-cel infusion (1-year OS 63.5% versus 48.8%; HR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.45–0.88; P = 0.0072). Similar findings were observed using the inverse probability of treatment weighting statistical approach. Grade 1–2 cytokine release syndrome was significantly more frequent with axi-cel than with tisa-cel, but no significant difference was observed for grade ≥3. Regarding immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), both grade 1–2 and grade ≥3 ICANS were significantly more frequent with axi-cel than with tisa-cel. In conclusion, our matched comparison study supports a higher efficacy and also a higher toxicity of axi-cel compared to tisa-cel in the third or more treatment line for R/R DLBCL.
A randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effects of icodextrin on left ventricular mass index in peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Cordeiro Lilian , Ishikawa Walther Yoshiharu , Andreoli Maria Claudia C. , Canziani Maria Eugenia F. , Araujo Luiza Karla R. P. , Pereira Benedito J. , Abensur Hugo , Moysés Rosa M. A. , Elias Rosilene M.
Published: September 2022

Left ventricular hypertrophy is a risk factor for cardiovascular mortality in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Because icodextrin has a greater ultrafiltration power compared with glucose-based solutions for long dwell, it could improve left ventricular mass by reducing fluid overload. This was a randomized clinical trial that included patients on PD recruited from 2 teaching hospitals, in Sao Paulo—Brazil. Patients were allocated to the control glucose group (GLU) or the intervention icodextrin (ICO) group. Clinical and cardiac magnetic resonance image (MRI) parameters were evaluated at baseline and 6 months after randomization. The primary outcome was the change in left ventricular mass adjusted by surface area (ΔLVMI), measured by cardiac MRI. A total of 22 patients completed the study (GLU, N = 12 and ICO, N = 10). Baseline characteristics such as age, sex, underlying disease, and time on dialysis were similar in both groups. At baseline, 17 patients (77.3%) presented with left ventricular hypertrophy with no difference between groups (p = 0.748). According to the total body water (TBW)/extracellular water (ECW) ratio, 36.8% and 80% of patients from GLU and ICO groups, respectively, were considered hypervolemic (p = 0.044). During follow-up, ΔLVMI was 3.9 g/m (− 10.7, 2.2) in GLU and 5.2 (− 26.8, 16.8) in ICO group (p = 0.651). ΔLVMI correlated with change in brain natriuretic peptide (r = 0.566, p = 0.044), which remained significant in a multiple regression analysis. The use of the icodextrin-based solution in prevalent patients on PD compared with a glucose-based solution was not able to improve LMV. A larger randomized trial with a longer follow-up period may be needed to show changes in LVM in this patient population.

Trial registration: this study has been registered at ReBEC (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clinicos) under the identification #RBR-2mzhmj2, available at: https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/pesquisador.
Impact of the Pacific sector sea ice loss on the sudden stratospheric warming characteristics
Authors: Zhang Jiarong , Orsolini Yvan J. , Limpasuvan Varavut , Ukita Jinro
Published: September 2022

The atmospheric response to Arctic sea ice loss remains a subject of much debate. Most studies have focused on the sea ice retreat in the Barents-Kara Seas and its troposphere-stratosphere influence. Here, we investigate the impact of large sea ice loss over the Chukchi-Bering Seas on the sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) phenomenon during the easterly phase of the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation through idealized large-ensemble experiments based on a global atmospheric model with a well-resolved stratosphere. Although culminating in autumn, the prescribed sea ice loss induces near-surface warming that persists into winter and deepens as the SSW develops. The resulting temperature contrasts foster a deep cyclonic circulation over the North Pacific, which elicits a strong upward wavenumber-2 activity into the stratosphere, reinforcing the climatological planetary wave pattern. While not affecting the SSW occurrence frequency, the amplified wave forcing in the stratosphere significantly increases the SSW duration and intensity, enhancing cold air outbreaks over the continents afterward.
FVC as an adaptive and accurate method for filtering variants from popular NGS analysis pipelines
Authors: Ren Yongyong , Kong Yan , Zhou Xiaocheng , Genchev Georgi Z. , Zhou Chao , Zhao Hongyu , Lu Hui
Published: September 2022

The quality control of variants from whole-genome sequencing data is vital in clinical diagnosis and human genetics research. However, current filtering methods (Frequency, Hard-Filter, VQSR, GARFIELD, and VEF) were developed to be utilized on particular variant callers and have certain limitations. Especially, the number of eliminated true variants far exceeds the number of removed false variants using these methods. Here, we present an adaptive method for quality control on genetic variants from different analysis pipelines, and validate it on the variants generated from four popular variant callers (GATK HaplotypeCaller, Mutect2, Varscan2, and DeepVariant). FVC consistently exhibited the best performance. It removed far more false variants than the current state-of-the-art filtering methods and recalled ~51-99% true variants filtered out by the other methods. Once trained, FVC can be conveniently integrated into a user-specific variant calling pipeline.