bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploration of Geothermal Resources Utilizing Geophysical and Borehole Data in the Abu Gharadig Basin of Egypt’s Northern Western Desert
Authors: Elmasry Ahmed , Abdel Zaher Mohamed , Madani Ahmed , Nassar Tamer
Published: November 2022

The Abu Gharadig Basin is regarded as one of the most essential in Egypt, serving as the country’s second most important reservoir for hydrocarbon production. Our present study is focused on the investigation of geothermal resources in the Abu Gharadig Basin. Using airborne magnetic and gravity surveys, as well as temperature well records, we can identify possible geothermal sources in this region. Power spectral analysis was used on the airborne magnetic measurements to compute the Curie Point Depths (CPDs) and display the temperature gradients and heat flows regime in the study area, while on the gravity data, 3-D density inversion was used to identify the basement surface. Real data from bottom-hole temperature (BHT) logs and geological data (structural and stratigraphic data from prior studies) were used to cross-validate the geophysical maps and to ascertain the stratigraphy and structural setting beneath the study location. The depth of the basement rock, according to the studies, ranges from 4.5 to 7 km, and the CPDs run from 17 to 22 km. Furthermore, the estimated temperature gradients vary from 25 to 34 degrees Celsius per kilometer, whereas the heat flows vary from 52 to 86 mW/m2. Generally, there is a correlation between shallow curie depths, uplifts on basement rocks, and sites of high heat flow, indicating that basement rocks are primarily accountable for the geothermal potential of the basin.
Mixed finite elements for Bingham flow in a pipe
Authors: Gustafsson Tom , Lederer Philip L.
Published: November 2022

We consider mixed finite element approximations of viscous, plastic Bingham flow in a cylindrical pipe. A novel a priori and a posteriori error analysis is introduced which is based on a discrete mesh dependent norm for the normalized Lagrange multiplier. This allows proving stability for various conforming finite elements. Numerical examples are presented to support the theory and to demonstrate adaptive mesh refinement.
Predicting post-radiation genitourinary hospital admissions in patients with localised prostate cancer
Authors: David Rowan , Hiwase Mrunal , Kahokehr Arman A. , Lee Jason , Watson David I. , Leung John , O‘Callaghan Michael E.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The risk of treatment-related toxicity is important for patients with localised prostate cancer to consider when deciding between treatment options. We developed a model to predict hospitalisation for radiation-induced genitourinary toxicity based on patient characteristics.

Methods

The prospective South Australian Prostate Cancer Clinical Outcomes registry was used to identify men with localised prostate cancer who underwent curative intent external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) between 1998 and 2019. Multivariable Cox proportional regression was performed. Model discrimination, calibration, internal validation and utility were assessed using C-statistics and area under ROC, calibration plots, bootstrapping, and decision curve analysis, respectively.

Results

There were 3,243 patients treated with EBRT included, of which 644 (20%) patients had a treated-related admission. In multivariable analysis, diabetes (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.13–1.60, p < 0.001), smoking (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.40–2.12, p < 0.001), and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) without transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) (HR 7.49, 95% CI 6.18–9.08 p < 0.001) followed by BOO with TURP (HR 4.96, 95% CI 4.10–5.99 p < 0.001) were strong independent predictors of hospitalisation (censor-adjusted c-statistic = 0.80). The model was well-calibrated (AUC = 0.76). The global proportional hazards were met. In internal validation through bootstrapping, the model was reasonably discriminate at five (AUC 0.75) years after radiotherapy.

Conclusions

This is the first study to develop a predictive model for genitourinary toxicity requiring hospitalisation amongst men with prostate cancer treated with EBRT. Patients with localised prostate cancer and concurrent BOO may benefit from TURP before EBRT.
Impacts of land cover changes and global warming on climate in Colombia during ENSO events
Authors: Manciu Astrid , Rammig Anja , Krause Andreas , Quesada Benjamin Raphael
Published: November 2022

Colombia is highly vulnerable to climate change which may be intensified due to the climatic effects of regional deforestation. Here, we quantify the impact of historical (1900–2011) land cover changes (LCC) and of global warming during ENSO events (CC) on precipitation, temperature and surface energy balance components by running the Weather Research and Forecasting model WRF v3.9 at 10 km resolution. We find that historical anthropogenic CC causes a mean temperature increase of 0.77 ± 0.02 °C in Colombia, which is more pronounced in high altitudes. Precipitation is enhanced by 0.98 ± 0.30 mm/day (+ 9%), particularly over forested areas and reduced at the Pacific coast. LCC imply a reduction of precipitation particularly above the Andes (− 0.48 ± 0.10 mm/day) and Caribbean Coast (− 0.67 ± 0.12 mm/day), where LCC effects dampen CC effects by 24% and 72%, respectively. La Niña tends to intensify LCC and CC effects in the Andes but dampens them at the Coast, roughly by a factor of two compared to El Niño impacts in both regions. At the subregional level, LCC and CC can have impacts of similar magnitude on precipitation highlighting the need to precisely account for both drivers in hydroclimatic assessments. Contrary to almost all observations and similar simulations with climate models, WRF simulates a cooling bias after historical deforestation in Colombia, even with alternative WRF land surface models. We identify two main sources of biases in the default WRF parametrization to explain this inaccuracy: (1) surface shortwave radiation reflected after deforestation is overestimated; (2) associated evapotranspiration loss is underestimated. Improved model representation and validation of tropical vegetation properties are necessary to provide more robust and confident projections.
Whole-genome sequencing of artificial single-nucleotide variants induced by DNA degradation in biological crime scene traces
Authors: Schulze Johann Kristina , Bauer Hannah , Wiegand Peter , Pfeiffer Heidi , Vennemann Marielle
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study was to identify artificial single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) in degraded trace DNA samples. In a preliminary study, blood samples were stored for up to 120 days and whole-genome sequencing was performed using the Snakemake workflow dna-seq-gatk-variant-calling to identify positions that vary between the time point 0 sample and the aged samples. In a follow-up study on blood and saliva samples stored under humid and dry conditions, potential marker candidates for the estimation of the age of a blood stain (= time since deposition) were identified. Both studies show that a general decrease in the mean fragment size of the libraries over time was observed, presumably due to the formation of abasic sites during DNA degradation which are more susceptible to strand breaks by mechanical shearing of DNA. Unsurprisingly, an increase in the number of failed genotype calls (no coverage) was detected over time. Both studies indicated the presence of artificial SNVs with the majority of changes happening at guanine and cytosine positions. This confirms previous studies and can be explained by depurination through hydrolytic attacks which more likely deplete guanine while deamination leads to cytosine to thymine variants. Even complete genotype switches from homozygote 0/0 genotypes to the opposite 1/1 genotypes were observed. While positions with such drastic changes might provide suitable candidate markers for estimating short-term time since deposition (TsD), 11 markers were identified which show a slower gradual change of the relative abundance of the artificial variant in both blood and saliva samples, irrespective of storage conditions.
External quality assessment (EQA) for tumor mutational burden: results of an international IQN path feasibility pilot scheme
Authors: Esposito Abate Riziero , Cheetham Melanie H. , Fairley Jennifer A. , Pasquale Raffaella , Sacco Alessandra , Nicola Wolstenholme , Deans Zandra C. , Patton Simon J. , Normanno Nicola
Published: November 2022

Tumor mutational burden (TMB) has recently been approved as an agnostic biomarker for immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, methods for TMB testing have not yet been standardized. The International Quality Network for Pathology (IQNPath) organized a pilot external quality assessment (EQA) scheme for TMB testing. The aim of this program was the validation of the materials and the procedures for the EQA of this complex biomarker. Five formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) cell lines were selected to mimic the various TMB values observed in clinical practice. The FFPE samples were tested with the FoundationOne CDx (F1CDx) assay as the reference test and three commercially available targeted sequencing panels. Following this internal validation, the five cell lines were sent to 29 laboratories selected on the basis of a previous survey. Nineteen of the 23 laboratories that submitted results (82.6%) used targeted sequencing for TMB estimation. Only two laboratories performed whole exome sequencing (WES) and two assessed TMB by clinical exome. A high variability in the reported TMB values was observed. The variability was higher for samples with the highest TMB value according to the F1CDx test. However, good reproducibility of the TMB score was shown by laboratories using the same panel. The majority of laboratories did not indicate a TMB cut-off value for clinical interpretation. In conclusion, this pilot EQA scheme suggests that it is feasible to run such an EQA program for TMB assessment. However, the results of our pilot highlight the numerous challenges for the standardization of this test.
Unnecessary radiation exposure during diagnostic radiography in infants in a neonatal intensive care unit: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Su Yu-Tsun , Chen Yu-Shen , Yeh Lee-Ren , Chen Shu-Wen , Tsai Yu-Cheng , Wu Chien-Yi , Yang Yung-Ning , Tey Shu-Leei , Lin Chyi-Her
Published: November 2022

Unnecessary radiation exposure (URE) during radiographic examination is an issue among infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The causes of URE have not been fully explored. This study investigated the incidence and identified the causes of URE in infants during diagnostic radiography in a NICU. This was a retrospective cohort study. We retrieved and analysed requests and radiographs taken at a tertiary NICU between September and November 2018. URE was defined as the rate of discordance between requests and images taken (DisBRI) and unnecessary radiation exposure in irrelevant regions (UREIR) during radiography. We compared the rates of URE between very low-birth-weight (VLBW, birth weight < 1500 g) infants and non-VLBW infants. A total of 306 radiographs from 88 infants were taken. The means ± standard deviations (SDs) of gestational age and birth weight were 35.7 ± 3.6 weeks and 2471 ± 816 g, respectively. Each infant underwent an average of 3.5 radiographs. The DisBRI rate was 1.3% and was mostly related to poor adherence to requests. The UREIR rates in thoraco-abdominal babygrams were 89.6% for the head, 14.8% for the elbows and 18.4% for the knee and were mainly related to improper positioning of and collimation in infants while performing radiography. The UREIR rates for the head, knee and ankle were higher in VLBW infants than in non-VLBW infants (94.6% vs. 85.6%, 27.0% vs. 11.5% and 5.4% vs. 0.7%, respectively, p < 0.05).

Conclusions: URE during diagnostic radiography is common in sick infants and is mainly related to improper positioning and collimation during examinations. Adherence to protocols when performing radiographic examination or using ultrasonography may be a solution to reduce URE in infants in NICUs.

What is Known:• The risk of unnecessary radiation exposure (URE) during radiography has been a common and important issue in sick infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).• The new point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) technique decreases the need for chest films and prevents radiation exposure in neonates.

What is New:• In the NICU, URE is still a common issue in critically ill infants during radiographic examinations. The causes of URE during diagnostic radiography are mainly due to improper positioning and collimation during examinations.• The incidence of URE in irrelevant regions is higher in very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants than in non-VLBW infants.
Neolithic expansion and the 17q21.31 inversion in Iberia: an evolutionary approach to H2 haplotype distribution in the Near East and Europe
Authors: Espinosa Ibone , Alfonso-Sánchez Miguel A. , Gómez-Pérez Luis , Peña Jose A.
Published: November 2022

The chromosomal region 17q21.31 harbors a 900 kb inversion polymorphism named after the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) gene. Since no recombination occurs, two haplotypes are recognized: a directly oriented variant (H1) and an inverted variant (H2). The H2 haplotype features a distribution pattern with high frequencies in the Near East and Europe, medium levels in South Asia and North Africa, and low levels elsewhere. Studies of this genomic region are relevant owing to its likely association with numerous neurodegenerative diseases. However, the causes underlying the geographic distribution of the haplotype frequencies remain a bone of contention among researchers. With this work, we have intended to outline a plausible hypothesis on the origin of the high European H2 frequencies. To that end, we have analyzed an extensive population database (including three new Iberian populations) to explore potential clinal variations of H2 frequencies. We found a sigmoidal frequency cline with an upward trend from South Asia to Europe. The maximum value was detected in the Basques from Gipuzkoa province (0.494) with the curve’s inflection point in the Near East. From our results, we suggest that the most likely scenario for high H2 frequencies in Europe would be a founding event in the Near East during the late Paleolithic or early Neolithic. Subsequently, such H2 overrepresentation would have reached Europe with the arrival of the first Neolithic farmers. The current frequencies and geographic distribution of the 17q21.31 inversion suggest that the founding events mainly affected the H2D subhaplotype.
Utility of muscle ultrasound in nutritional assessment of children with nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Gehad Mona Hamed , Yousif Yousif Mohamed , Metwally Maha Ibrahim , AbdAllah Amany Mohammed , Elhawy Lamiaa Lotfy , El-Shal Amal S. , Abdellatif Ghada Mohammed
Published: November 2022

Background

Nutritional status assessment in children with nephrotic syndrome (NS) is critical for identifying patients who are at risk of protein-energy wasting (PEW) and for determining their nutritional needs and monitoring nutritional intervention outcomes.

Methods

In a case–control study, we enrolled 40 children (age range: 2–16 years) with NS and 40 apparently healthy children (age and sex-matched) as a control group. Anthropometric data, as well as demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, were collected. A dietary intake assessment using a 3-day food intake record was done, and the quadriceps rectus femoris thickness (QRFT) and quadriceps vastus intermedius thickness (QVIT) were assessed using B-mode ultrasound and compared between both groups.

Results

Children with NS had lower QRFT and QVIT measurements than control groups (p < 0.001). Inadequacy in protein intake occurred in 62.5% and 27.5% of the NS and control groups, respectively (p = 0.002). The thickness of the rectus and vastus muscles by ultrasound was significantly associated with the percentage of protein intake (p < 0.001). The ROC curve revealed that the best cutoff value of QRFT for the prediction of the patient at risk of malnutrition was ≤ 1.195 with an area under curve of 0.907, with p < 0.001.

Conclusion

In children with NS, skeletal muscle ultrasound is a simple and easy-to-use bedside technique for the identification of patients at risk of malnutrition.

Graphical abstract
Relapsing and refractory peritoneal dialysis peritonitis caused by Corynebacterium amycolatum
Authors: Habeeb Shameer M. , Yamin Haneen , Simkova Eva , Awad Hazem S. , Alhammadi Entesar A. , Eid Loai A. , Lone Rubina , Bitzan Martin
Published: November 2022

Background

Peritonitis is an important complication and cause of morbidity in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Corynebacterium species, often considered skin and mucosal contaminants, are a rare cause of PD-associated peritonitis and have been acknowledged in published guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of PD peritonitis only over the last decade.

Case-Diagnosis/Treatment

We present two children with difficult-to-treat episodes of PD peritonitis due to Corynebacterium amycolatum. Episodes were associated with fever, abdominal pain and cloudy dialysate, high dialysate polymorphonuclear leukocyte counts, and elevated serum C-reactive protein and procalcitonin concentrations. Symptoms persisted beyond 5 days in 4 of 5 peritonitis episodes, and peritonitis relapsed despite in vitro sensitivity of the bacterial isolates to guideline-recommended antibiotics. C. amycolatum was cultured from the PD catheter tip despite 4 weeks of intraperitoneal glycopeptide therapy and clinical peritonitis resolution suggestive of efficient biofilm formation. Our systematic literature search identified three previous (adult) case descriptions of C. amycolatum peritonitis, all with repeat episodes by the same organism. The incidence of C. amycolatum as a cause of PD peritonitis has not yet been established but is likely underreported due to challenges in species differentiation.

Conclusions

C. amycolatum is a rarely identified cause of refractory and/or relapsing PD peritonitis. Species differentiation of non-diphtheriae Corynebacterium isolates is critical, and prolonged antibiotic treatment, preferably with a glycopeptide antibiotic, is recommended, with a low threshold for PD catheter change or removal in case of repeat peritonitis.
Effect of Si and Al on Retained Austenite Stabilization during Q&P and Galvannealing Process
Authors: Wallner Matthias , Steineder Katharina , Schneider Reinhold , Sommitsch Christof
Published: November 2022

The present contribution concentrates on the different effects of Si and Al on the carbide precipitation and austenite decomposition during the Q&P-process and an additional galvannealing treatment of up to 560 °C. These effects have been investigated by dilatometry (derivation of relative length change) and differential scanning calorimetry (heat flow) during tempering. It was possible to show the beneficial effect of Si on retarding the carbide precipitation in tempered martensite and thereby the ability to stabilize higher amounts of retained austenite compared to Al. Furthermore, the effect on retained austenite decomposition during Q&P and subsequent galvannealing could be demonstrated. Here, Al has the benefit to increase the thermal stability of austenite during galvannealing.
Predictors of contact with services for mental health problems among children with comorbid long-term physical health conditions: a follow-up study
Authors: Panagi Laura , White Simon R. , Howdle Charlotte , Bennett Sophie , Heyman Isobel , Shafran Roz , Ford Tamsin
Published: November 2022

Children with long-term physical health conditions (pLTCs) are at increased risk of developing mental health comorbidities, although most do not access services for their mental health. No previous studies have examined the determinants of contact with services for mental health concerns among this group of children. This 3-year longitudinal study involved a population-based sample of children aged 5–16 years from the British Child and Adolescent Mental Health Surveys conducted in 1999 and 2004. In children with comorbid pLTCs and mental health disorders at baseline (N = 397), we examined associations between several child-, family- and service-related factors and (a) contact with primary health care, (b) contact with paediatrics and (c) contact with child and adolescent mental health services over 3-year follow-up (2002 and 2007). Separate multivariable binary logistic regressions were conducted for each service. The impact of mental health difficulties on the child and contact with the teacher predicted contact with all three services. Adolescent age, female gender, larger family size, some or marked academic difficulties, and having parents with educational qualification(s) were specific predictors of contact with primary health care. Male gender, stressful life events, and contact with primary health care were specific predictors of contact with child and adolescent mental health services. No other factors predicted contact with paediatrics. Our findings highlight the role of child-, family-, and service-related factors in accessing mental health care in children with comorbid pLTCs and mental health disorders which could inform planning and provision of services to reduce unmet mental health needs.
Visual categories and concepts in the avian brain
Authors: Pusch Roland , Clark William , Rose Jonas , Güntürkün Onur
Published: November 2022

Birds are excellent model organisms to study perceptual categorization and concept formation. The renewed focus on avian neuroscience has sparked an explosion of new data in the field. At the same time, our understanding of sensory and particularly visual structures in the avian brain has shifted fundamentally. These recent discoveries have revealed how categorization is mediated in the avian brain and has generated a theoretical framework that goes beyond the realm of birds. We review the contribution of avian categorization research—at the methodical, behavioral, and neurobiological levels. To this end, we first introduce avian categorization from a behavioral perspective and the common elements model of categorization. Second, we describe the functional and structural organization of the avian visual system, followed by an overview of recent anatomical discoveries and the new perspective on the avian ‘visual cortex’. Third, we focus on the neurocomputational basis of perceptual categorization in the bird’s visual system. Fourth, an overview of the avian prefrontal cortex and the prefrontal contribution to perceptual categorization is provided. The fifth section outlines how asymmetries of the visual system contribute to categorization. Finally, we present a mechanistic view of the neural principles of avian visual categorization and its putative extension to concept learning.
Identification of risk factors for venous thromboembolism and validation of the Khorana score in patients with advanced lung cancer: based on the multicenter, prospective Rising-VTE/NEJ037 study data
Authors: Tsubata Yukari , Kawakado Keita , Hamai Kosuke , Furuya Naoki , Yokoyama Toshihide , Saito Ryota , Nakamura Atsushi , Masuda Takeshi , Hamaguchi Megumi , Kuyama Shoichi , Honda Ryoichi , Senoo Tadashi , Nakanishi Masamoto , Hotta Takamasa , Yamasaki Masahiro , Ishikawa Nobuhisa , Fujitaka Kazunori , Kubota Tetsuya , Kobayashi Kunihiko , Isobe Takeshi
Published: November 2022

Background

Management of cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) is essential in cancer treatment selection and prognosis. However, currently, no method exists for assessing VTE risk associated with advanced lung cancer. Therefore, we assessed VTE risk, including driver gene mutation, in advanced lung cancer and performed a Khorana score validation.

Methods

The Rising-VTE/NEJ037 study was a multicenter prospective observational study that included patients with advanced lung cancer. In the Rising-VTE/NEJ037 study, the Khorana score was calculated for enrolled patients with available data on all Khorana score components. The modified Khorana score was based on the body mass index of ≥ 25 kg/m2, according to the Japanese obesity standard. A multivariate logistic regression analysis, including patient background characteristics, was performed to evaluate the presence of VTE 2 years after the lung cancer diagnosis.

Results

This study included 1008 patients with lung cancer, of whom 100 (9.9%) developed VTE. From the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, VTE risk could not be determined because both the Khorana score (0.518) and modified Khorana score (0.516) showed very low areas under the curve. The risk factors for VTE in the multivariate analysis included female sex, adenocarcinoma, performance status, N factor, lymphocyte count, platelet count, prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 and diastolic blood pressure.

Conclusion

The Khorana score, which is widely used in cancer-VTE risk assessment, was less useful for Japanese patients with advanced lung cancer. Prothrombin fragment 1 + 2, a serum marker involved in coagulation, was more suitable for risk identification.

Clinical trial information

jRCTs061180025.
Kumusha and masalads: (inter)generational foodways and urban food security in Zimbabwe
Authors: Brouwer Sara F.
Published: November 2022

Understandings of urban foodways in Zimbabwe and other African countries have been dominated by food security frameworks. The focus on material scarcity and measurable health outcomes within these frameworks has often obscured the socio-cultural dimension of foodways and the historical and political structures that have shaped, and continue to shape, everyday relationships with food among different groups of urban residents in cities. Addressing these often-overlooked aspects, this paper looks at intergenerational contestations over foodways in a midsized high-density Zimbabwean town. Presenting results of 6-months ethnographic fieldwork involving participant observation and semi-structured interviews, the paper explores meanings and practices of food in a postcolonial urban setting using three generational groups as a point of departure. These groups are youth (aged 15 to 25 years old), a post-independence generation (aged 26 to 43) and a pre-independence middle-aged generation (aged 43 to 65). Findings show that foodways of the three generations, each having experienced Zimbabwe’s (post-)colonial political economy in different ways, are negotiated through postcolonial socio-ecological relations, urban–rural connections and social hierarchies articulated through urban and rural space. The paper concludes that to understand urban food security in a postcolonial setting, urbanites’ generation-specific life experiences and intergenerational negotiations around historically situated spatial and socio-ecological relations should be considered. The findings could inform urban food security policy to make it more targeted towards the needs of different generational groups as well as more attuned to urbanites’ dynamic socio-cultural foodways and the socio-ecological relations that shape these.
Genetic and Environmental Variation in Continuous Phenotypes in the ABCD Study®
Authors: Maes Hermine H. M. , Lapato Dana M. , Schmitt J. Eric , Luciana Monica , Banich Marie T. , Bjork James M. , Hewitt John K. , Madden Pamela A. , Heath Andrew C. , Barch Deanna M. , Thompson Wes K. , Iacono William G. , Neale Michael C.
Published: November 2022

Twin studies yield valuable insights into the sources of variation, covariation and causation in human traits. The ABCD Study® (abcdstudy.org) was designed to take advantage of four universities known for their twin research, neuroimaging, population-based sampling, and expertise in genetic epidemiology so that representative twin studies could be performed. In this paper we use the twin data to: (i) provide initial estimates of heritability for the wide range of phenotypes assessed in the ABCD Study using a consistent direct variance estimation approach, assuring that both data and methodology are sound; and (ii) provide an online resource for researchers that can serve as a reference point for future behavior genetic studies of this publicly available dataset. Data were analyzed from 772 pairs of twins aged 9–10 years at study inception, with zygosity determined using genotypic data, recruited and assessed at four twin hub sites. The online tool provides twin correlations and both standardized and unstandardized estimates of additive genetic, and environmental variation for 14,500 continuously distributed phenotypic features, including: structural and functional neuroimaging, neurocognition, personality, psychopathology, substance use propensity, physical, and environmental trait variables. The estimates were obtained using an unconstrained variance approach, so they can be incorporated directly into meta-analyses without upwardly biasing aggregate estimates. The results indicated broad consistency with prior literature where available and provided novel estimates for phenotypes without prior twin studies or those assessed at different ages. Effects of site, self-identified race/ethnicity, age and sex were statistically controlled. Results from genetic modeling of all 53,172 continuous variables, including 38,672 functional MRI variables, will be accessible via the user-friendly open-access web interface we have established, and will be updated as new data are released from the ABCD Study. This paper provides an overview of the initial results from the twin study embedded within the ABCD Study, an introduction to the primary research domains in the ABCD study and twin methodology, and an evaluation of the initial findings with a focus on data quality and suitability for future behavior genetic studies using the ABCD dataset. The broad introductory material is provided in recognition of the multidisciplinary appeal of the ABCD Study. While this paper focuses on univariate analyses, we emphasize the opportunities for multivariate, developmental and causal analyses, as well as those evaluating heterogeneity by key moderators such as sex, demographic factors and genetic background.
The Jorō spider (Trichonephila clavata) in the southeastern U.S.: an opportunity for research and a call for reasonable journalism
Authors: Chuang Angela , Deitsch John F. , Nelsen David R. , Sitvarin Michael I. , Coyle David R.
Published: November 2022

Trichonephila clavata, also known as the Jorō spider, was first discovered in Georgia, USA in 2014. Its arrival from Asia and subsequent range expansion across the southeastern U.S. has received much media coverage, spanning from factual to sensational. Here, we describeT. clavata's invasion potential and known invasive range, and review its biology, dispersal abilities, potential impacts, and management strategies. As of October 2022,T. clavata's range spans at least 120,000 km2, occurring across Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee, with additional reports in Alabama, Maryland, Oklahoma, and West Virginia. Its pattern of spread suggests it is primarily driven by natural dispersal mechanisms, such as ballooning, though human-mediated transport cannot be discounted. Like other large-bodied orb-weavers,T. clavatacaptures and feeds on flying insects and potentially other small animals, and we suggest thirteen co-occurring spider species that should be monitored for competition withT. clavatafor resources and web-building sites. SinceT. clavatais spreading across both natural and urban habitats, management options are limited. Overall, very little is known about this species in its new North American range, especially its impacts within this novel ecosystem. Thus, we advise journalists and experts alike against exaggerating its potential environmental impact or uncritical acceptance of the spider as ecologically harmless. Instead,T. clavata's rapid spread should be carefully monitored, and we should take a cautious, evidence-based approach when determining next steps.
An evaluation of freshwater monitoring programs in ILTER nodes and mountain national parks: identifying key variables to monitor global change effects
Authors: Peñas Francisco J. , Álvarez-Cabria Mario , Sáinz-Bariáin Marta , Mata-Campo María Pilar , Pérez-Haase Aaron , Ventura Marc , Polo-Gómez María José , Alonso Carlos , Granados Ignacio , Morellón Mario , Pérez-Martínez Carmen , Rubio-Romero Ángel , Carrillo Presentación , Zamora-Muñoz Carmen , Valladolid-Martín María , Camarero Lluís , Gacia Esperança , Puig Mariàngels , Buchaca Teresa , Barquín José
Published: November 2022

Identifying and quantifying global change impacts on biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems is critical to promote an effective adaptation that increases the success of conservation strategies. To achieve this goal, global and regional assessment efforts require certain degree of harmonization on local monitoring programs to establish relevant comparisons at different spatio-temporal scales. Otherwise, the lack of harmonization might hinder the detection and assessment on the effects of human impacts. In this work we have compiled information on freshwater monitoring programs located in areas of intensive research and conservation interest: International Long Term Ecological Research (ILTER) nodes and mountain National Parks. We aimed at evaluating the quality and robustness of these programs to assess the impact of global change, addressing from the worldwide to the European and Spanish national scale. Results highlighted that freshwater monitoring programs lack a common strategy to monitor these ecosystems. Even at the continental and national scales, contrasting strategies and level of detail have been historically applied. Water quality, habitat and biodiversity are more commonly monitored than community structure and ecosystem functioning. Monitoring efforts on the Spanish Mountain National parks indicated differences on the targeted aquatic ecosystems. Rivers and lakes received a higher attention, while mires were rarely considered. Our results provide evidence that greater efforts should be directed towards constructing a coordinated strategy to monitor freshwater ecosystems at national, continental, and global scales. This strategy should involve a shared backbone of biophysical and biogeochemical variables for each habitat type on agreed protocols that are implemented across regions and administrative borders. Achieving this will support a substantial advance on the ecological research to further delineate proper conservation strategies to face the challenges imposed by global change.
Enhancing the 4Cs among college students of a communication skills course in Tanzania through a project-based learning model
Authors: Saimon Musa , Lavicza Zsolt , Dana-Picard Thierry
Published: November 2022

The development of technology has changed the way people communicate in academic contexts as well as working places, for example from print messages to screened messages, and from face-to-face classroom and office meetings to virtual classes and offices. This has prompted the shift from traditional teaching practices to student-centered in which students are guided by their teachers to develop skills for 21st Century careers through the Project-Based Learning model. However, in Tanzania colleges, the teaching of a Communication Skills Course perpetuates traditional teaching practices, which could reduce the chance for students to participate in global democratic activities. Consequently, the present study aimed at exploring how to enhance the 4 C’s (critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity) among the college students of the Communication Skills Course in Tanzania through the Project-Based Learning model. Qualitative participatory action research with two cycles was adopted. Data from ten students, one teacher, and the curriculum were collected through observation, document analysis, and reflective journals. Data were analyzed thematically. Findings show that current teaching practices for Communication Skills Course in Tanzania colleges hardly enhance the development of the 4 C’s among students. It was also observed that the implementation of PBL resulted in enhancing the 4 C’s among college students in Tanzania colleges. However, large class sizes, poor technological infrastructure, and lack of facilities are among the challenges experienced during the implementation of PBL in enhancing the 4Cs. The study recommends the reformation of current teaching practices, to focus on developing skills needed to cope with students’ real-life contexts, instead of focusing on content knowledge. Also, the study calls for the adoption of PBL in Tanzania colleges in teaching Communication Skills to develop necessary skills for the 21st Century. To cope with any potential challenges, the study suggests that there should be collaborative efforts among education stakeholders.
Simulation of flow and shear stress distribution on the Oceano Dunes, implications for saltation and dust emissions
Authors: Furtak-Cole E. , Gillies J. A. , Hilgendorf Z. , Walker I. J. , Nikolich G.
Published: November 2022

Wind-driven shear stresses drive saltation and dust emissions over sand dunes. However, the complex topography of coastal dunes and practical difficulties in measuring shear stresses in the presence of blowing sand make a detailed view of this important information difficult to obtain. We combine computational fluid dynamics with field instrumentation and high resolution topographic data to investigate the shear stresses resulting from on-shore winds on the ground surface for a flat sloping beach area, nebkha foredune, and transverse dune at Oceano Dunes, CA. This approach allows for paired simulations over measured and modified topographies using the same boundary condition. Shear values from scenarios that account for the effects of vegetation and aerodynamic form separately are presented. Using available dust emissions data, an accounting of the emissions from the surface was performed. Sparse vegetation on the nebkha in the foredune was found to play a significant role in modulating the shear on the surface and initial boundary layer modification of the onshore wind profile.
Extremal characteristics of conditional models
Authors: Tendijck Stan , Tawn Jonathan , Jonathan Philip
Published: November 2022

Conditionally specified models are often used to describe complex multivariate data. Such models assume implicit structures on the extremes. So far, no methodology exists for calculating extremal characteristics of conditional models since the copula and marginals are not expressed in closed forms. We consider bivariate conditional models that specify the distribution of X and the distribution of Y conditional on X. We provide tools to quantify implicit assumptions on the extremes of this class of models. In particular, these tools allow us to approximate the distribution of the tail of Y and the coefficient of asymptotic independence $$\eta$$
η
in closed forms. We apply these methods to a widely used conditional model for wave height and wave period. Moreover, we introduce a new condition on the parameter space for the conditional extremes model of Heffernan and Tawn (Journal of the Royal Statistical Society: Series B (Methodology) 66(3), 497-547, 2004), and prove that the conditional extremes model does not capture $$\eta$$
η
, when $$\eta <1$$

η
<
1

.
Phenomenology and the Digital World: Problems and Perspectives
Authors: Tagliagambe Silvano
Published: November 2022

The last years’ achievements in neuroscience are key for a philosophical analysis focused on the mind-body problem, such as the phenomenological approach.

The digital evolution, on the one hand, faces us with the interaction between the world of reality and the world of possibility. This means more than a mere coexistence between these two dimensions. Rather, a concrete feedback occurs among them, and this brings out unprecedented and unavoidable issues with regard to perceptual processes. On the other hand, the digital evolution allows for analyzing data and monitoring environmental systems, thus reasoning in a predictive way, anticipating problems, and checking ex ante their evolution and outcomes.

Neuroscience, for its part, with the experiments of Libet and their subsequent interpretations, has highlighted a consciousness of the unconscious made of ballistic and automatic processes, which constitutes the starting phase of our decisions and actions. This further confirmed that sequential and linear thinking is unable to address the brain-environment relationship that is key in understanding any cognitive process.

This analysis confirms the relevance of different aspects of Husserl’s phenomenology. There is, however, a “but,” which significantly reduces the extent of adherence to his point of view. Husserl assumed that an implicit horizon precedes or accompanies the acts of conscience. This is the material, impressional, passive, receptive, and, in some way, tacit dimension, strictly connected to the issue of genesis, i.e. the process of constitution of the analyzed entities. Thus, he drew a clear dividing line between this dimension and the phases of the self-controlling, vigilant conscience and its activity. In fact, his approach to the phenomenological problem is mainly oriented toward these phases.
Timing and mulching frequency affected the number of nests of cavity-nesting wasps that hunt for aphids in forest meadows
Authors: Georgi Maria M. , Fornoff Felix , Gärtner Stefanie M. , Neitzel Sabrina , Geist Andres , Klein Alexandra-Maria
Published: November 2022

Mulching, cutting of the vegetation without plant biomass removal, is a common alternative to mowing. The aim of our study was to find out if the mulching of forest meadows at different time points affects cavity-nesting bees and wasps. We exposed trap nests for cavity-nesting bees and wasps at 24 forest meadows in south-western Germany over 2 years and applied four experimental mulching treatments with six replicates: (i) mulching in June, (ii) mulching in September, (iii) mulching in June and September, and (iv) no mulching as control. Nests were collected throughout the growing period. The insects were sorted and analyzed according to functional groups. Mulching in June and September reduced the nest number of all cavity-nesting insects in the second but not in the first year. The separation of insects into three functional groups (bees, herbivore-hunting wasps and carnivore-hunting wasps) showed that the number of herbivore-hunting wasp nests was reduced by mulching in September in both years and by mulching in June and September in the second year. Specifically, aphid-hunting wasps were influenced by mulching in September or mulching twice in the second year. Aphid-hunting wasps likely find their larval food in the vegetation of the forest meadows, while the other studied groups likely find their main larval food in the surrounding forests and are therefore not negatively affected.

Implications for insect conservation

For maintaining the reproductive success of cavity-nesting wasps that hunt for aphids, we recommend mulching once in June rather than mulching in September or twice a year.
Global R&D Location Strategy of Multinational Enterprises: an Agent-Based Simulation Modeling Approach
Authors: Horaguchi Haruo H. , Susumago Toichiro
Published: November 2022

The global research and development (R&D) location strategy of multinational enterprises (MNEs) is examined using agent-based simulation (ABS) modeling. This study focuses on the positioning strategy of MNEs to understand the impact of their R&D location strategy. In ABS modeling, agents search for knowledge owners or universities in the global host market using Hotelling’s location model algorithm. We measure the result of increasing the number of entry agents from 2 to 121. Three types of equilibria are found in our agent-based simulation model: pure equilibrium, saturated equilibrium, and quasi-saturated equilibrium. Core locations attract MNEs, while peripheral countries in the global market are the least preferred. As a result, peripheral countries experience a paucity of foreign R&D investments. Even though emerging economies absorb foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows from MNEs, least-less developed countries (LLDC) may experience a dearth in FDI. Thus, the optimal location strategy of MNEs leads to economic disparities between the core and peripheral countries. This study suggests the need for developing official assistance to attract FDI inflows to LLDCs so that peripheral countries emerge as attractive global market destinations for MNEs.
Dreary useless centuries of happiness: Cordwainer Smith’s “Under Old Earth” as an ethical critique of our current Emotion AI goals
Authors: Curry Alba
Published: November 2022

This paper explores the ways in which Cordwainer Smith’s short story “Under Old Earth” problematizes emotions, who/what has them, and who/what is granted moral status. Most importantly, however, “Under Old Earth” questions the primacy of happiness in human society, especially where happiness is understood as the absence of other (negative) emotions. As such, “Under Old Earth” challenges the notion, widely held in contemporary ethics, that our moral obligation to one another is mediated through the goal of the attainment of happiness. Through this challenge, Smith’s short story speaks directly to the current understanding of emotion in the field of AI, and complicates what the goal of affective computing should be.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated abrogation of CD95L/CD95 signaling-induced glioma cell growth and immunosuppression increases survival in murine glioma models
Authors: Quijano-Rubio Clara , Silginer Manuela , Weller Michael
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Glioblastoma is the most common brain tumor in adults and is virtually incurable. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Over the last decade, multiple growth-promoting functions have been attributed to CD95, a prototypic death receptor well characterized as an apoptosis mediator upon CD95L engagement. Strategic targeting of non-apoptotic or apoptotic CD95 signaling may hold anti-glioblastoma potential. Due to its antithetic nature, understanding the constitutive role of CD95 signaling in glioblastoma is indispensable.

Methods

We abrogated constitutive Cd95 and Cd95l gene expression by CRISPR/Cas9 in murine glioma models and characterized the consequences of gene deletion in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Expression of canonical CD95 but not CD95L was identified in mouse glioma cells in vitro. Instead, a soluble isoform-encoding non-canonical Cd95l transcript variant was detected. In vivo, an upregulation of the membrane-bound canonical CD95L form was revealed. Cd95 or Cd95l gene deletion decreased cell growth in vitro. The growth-supporting role of constitutive CD95 signaling was validated by Cd95 re-transfection, which rescued growth. In vivo, Cd95 or Cd95l gene deletion prolonged survival involving tumor-intrinsic and immunological mechanisms in the SMA-497 model. In the GL-261 model, that expresses no CD95, only CD95L gene deletion prolonged survival, involving a tumor-intrinsic mechanism.

Conclusion

Non-canonical CD95L/CD95 interactions are growth-promoting in murine glioma models, and glioma growth and immunosuppression may be simultaneously counteracted by Cd95l gene silencing.