bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from Body Composition, Relative Dose Intensity, and Adverse Events Among Patients with Colon Cancer
Authors: Cheng En , Caan Bette J. , Cawthon Peggy M. , Evans William J. , Hellerstein Marc K. , Shankaran Mahalakshmi , Nyangau Edna , Campbell Kristin L. , Lee Catherine , Binder Alexandra M. , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Schmitz Kathryn H. , Cespedes Feliciano Elizabeth M.
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background: Despite evidence that low muscle increases the risk of chemotoxicity, most chemotherapies are dosed on body surface area without considering body composition. Among 178 patients with colon cancer, we assessed muscle and adipose tissue with multiple techniques and examined their associations with relative dose intensity (RDI) and adverse events.

Methods: We estimated 1) cross-sectional skeletal muscle area (SMA) and total adipose tissue (TAT) area at L3 from computed tomography (CT); 2) appendicular lean mass (ALM) and total body fat (TBF) mass from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA); and 3) total body skeletal muscle mass using D3-creatine (D3Cr) dilution. We standardized each measurement by its sex-specific standard deviation (SD). The primary outcome was reduced RDI (RDI <85%). The secondary outcome was the number of moderate and severe adverse events during each cycle of chemotherapy. We estimated the associations of muscle and adipose tissue measurements (per SD increase) with reduced RDI using logistic regression and adverse events using generalized estimating equations for repeated measures.

Results: Higher CT SMA and DXA ALM were significantly associated with lower risk of reduced RDI (odds ratios: 0.56 [0.38, 0.81] for CT SMA; 0.56 [0.37, 0.84] for DXA ALM). No measurements of muscle or adipose tissue were associated with adverse events.

Conclusions: More muscle was associated with improved chemotherapy completion among patients with colon cancer, whereas muscle and adipose tissue were not associated with adverse events.

Impact: Considering body composition may help personalize dosing for colon cancer chemotherapy by identifying patients at risk for poor chemotherapy outcomes.
Supplementary Figure S5 from A Phase Ib Trial of AVID200, a TGFβ 1/3 Trap, in Patients with Myelofibrosis
Authors: Mascarenhas John , Migliaccio Anna Rita , Kosiorek Heidi , Bhave Rupali , Palmer Jeanne , Kuykendall Andrew , Mesa Ruben , Rampal Raajit K. , Gerds Aaron T. , Yacoub Abdulraheem , Pettit Kristen , Talpaz Moshe , Komrokji Rami , Kremyanskaya Marina , Gonzalez Agapito , Fabris Frank , Johnson Kathryn , Dougherty Mikaela , McGovern Erin , Arango Ossa Juan , Domenico Dylan , Farnoud Noushin , Weinberg Rona Singer , Kong Amy , Najfeld Vesna , Vannucchi Alessandro Maria , Arciprete Francesca , Zingariello Maria , Falchi Mario , Salama Mohamed E. , Mead-Harvey Carolyn , Dueck Amylou , Varricchio Lilian , Hoffman Ronald
Published: August 2023

The bone marrow from patients with MF contain more CD42pos cells than patients with ET or with hematopoietic malignancies without fibrosis (normal control).
Tumor Microenvironment Modifications Induced by Afatinib in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: A Window-of-Opportunity Study (EORTC-90111–24111)
Authors: Beyaert Simon P. , Loriot Axelle E. , Huyghe Nicolas D. , Goebbels Rose-Marie , Mendola Antonella , Govaerts Anne-Sophie , Fortpied Catherine , Baldin Pamela , Licitra Lisa F. , Lalami Yassine , Clement Paul M. , Machiels Jean-Pascal H. , Schmitz Sandra
Published: August 2023

Purpose:

The EORTC-90111–24111 phase II window study evaluated afatinib versus no preoperative treatment in patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC). We investigated afatinib-induced tumor and microenvironment modifications by comparing pre- and posttreatment tumor biopsies.

Patients and Methods:

Thirty treatment-naïve patients with primary HNSCC were randomized. Twenty-five patients received afatinib for 14 days before surgery (40 mg 1×/day) and 5 patients were attributed to the control arm. Biopsies were taken at work-up and during surgery. Good quality RNA samples were used for omics analyses. The control arm was enlarged by samples coming from our previous similar window study.

Results:

IHC analyses of afatinib-treated tumor biopsies showed a decrease in pEGFR (P ≤ 0.05) and pERK (P ≤ 0.05); and an increase in CD3+ (P ≤ 0.01) and CD8+ (P ≤ 0.01) T-cell infiltration, and in CD3+ (P ≤ 0.05) T-cell density. RNA sequencing analyses of afatinib-treated tumor samples showed upregulation of inflammatory genes and increased expression scores of signatures predictive of response to programmed cell death protein 1 blockade (P ≤ 0.05). In posttreatment biopsies of afatinib-treated patients, two clusters were observed. Cluster 1 showed a higher expression of markers and gene sets implicated in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) compared with cluster 2 and controls.

Conclusions:

Short-term treatment with afatinib in primary HNSCC induces CD3+ and CD8+ tumor infiltration and, in some patients, EMT and CAF activation. These results open perspectives to overcome resistance mechanisms to anti-HER therapy and to potentiate the activity of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
The New NCI Precision Medicine Trials
Authors: Harris Lyndsay N. , Blanke Charles D. , Erba Harry P. , Ford James M. , Gray Robert J. , LeBlanc Michael L. , Hu-Lieskovan Siwen , Litzow Mark R. , Luger Selina M. , Meric-Bernstam Funda , O'Dwyer Peter J. , Othus Megan K.D. , Politi Katerina , Shepherd Lois E. , Allegra Carmen J. , Chen Helen X. , Ivy S. Percy , Korde Larissa A. , Little Richard F. , McShane Lisa M. , Moscow Jeffrey A. , Patton David R. , Thurin Magdalena , Yee Laura M. , Doroshow James H.
Published: August 2023

Basket, umbrella, and platform trial designs (master protocols) have emerged over the last decade to study precision medicine approaches in oncology. First-generation trials like NCI-MATCH (Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice) have proven the principle that studying targeted therapies on a large scale is feasible both from the laboratory and clinical perspectives. However, single-agent targeted therapies have shown limited ability to control metastatic disease, despite careful matching of drug to target. As such, newer approaches employing combinations of targeted therapy, or targeted therapy with standard therapies, need to be considered. The NCI has recently embarked on three second-generation precision medicine trials to address this need: ComboMATCH, iMATCH, and myeloMATCH. The design of these trials and necessary infrastructure are discussed in the following perspective.
Supplementary Table 2 from Telomerase Upregulation Induces Progression of Mouse BrafV600E-Driven Thyroid Cancers and Triggers Nontelomeric Effects
Authors: Landa Iñigo , Thornton Caitlin E.M. , Xu Bin , Haase Jacob , Krishnamoorthy Gnana P. , Hao Jingzhu , Knauf Jeffrey A. , Herbert Zachary T. , Martínez Paula , Blasco María A. , Ghossein Ronald , Fagin James A.
Published: August 2023

CRISPRESSO sequencing results
Supplementary Figure 1 from Telomerase Upregulation Induces Progression of Mouse BrafV600E-Driven Thyroid Cancers and Triggers Nontelomeric Effects
Authors: Landa Iñigo , Thornton Caitlin E.M. , Xu Bin , Haase Jacob , Krishnamoorthy Gnana P. , Hao Jingzhu , Knauf Jeffrey A. , Herbert Zachary T. , Martínez Paula , Blasco María A. , Ghossein Ronald , Fagin James A.
Published: August 2023

Pairwise alignment of human:mouse telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene sequences.
Supplementary Table 2 from Podoplanin Drives Amoeboid Invasion in Canine and Human Mucosal Melanoma
Authors: Shinada Masahiro , Kato Daiki , Motegi Tomoki , Tsuboi Masaya , Ikeda Namiko , Aoki Susumu , Iguchi Takaaki , Li Toshio , Kodera Yuka , Ota Ryosuke , Hashimoto Yuko , Takahashi Yosuke , Chambers James , Uchida Kazuyuki , Kato Yukinari , Nishimura Ryohei , Nakagawa Takayuki
Published: August 2023

Univariate survival analysis of dogs with mucosal melanoma.
Supplementary Figure 10 from Podoplanin Drives Amoeboid Invasion in Canine and Human Mucosal Melanoma
Authors: Shinada Masahiro , Kato Daiki , Motegi Tomoki , Tsuboi Masaya , Ikeda Namiko , Aoki Susumu , Iguchi Takaaki , Li Toshio , Kodera Yuka , Ota Ryosuke , Hashimoto Yuko , Takahashi Yosuke , Chambers James , Uchida Kazuyuki , Kato Yukinari , Nishimura Ryohei , Nakagawa Takayuki
Published: August 2023

Canine mucosal melanomas with PDPN high expression demonstrate enrichment of gene signatures associated with amoeboid invasion.
Supplementary Data Table 1 from Overlaid Transcriptional and Proteome Analyses Identify Mitotic Kinesins as Important Targets of Arylsulfonamide-Mediated RBM39 Degradation
Authors: Coomar Seemon , Mota Pedro , Penson Alexander , Schwaller Jürg , Abdel-Wahab Omar , Gillingham Dennis
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Data Table 1
Data from Telomerase Upregulation Induces Progression of Mouse BrafV600E-Driven Thyroid Cancers and Triggers Nontelomeric Effects
Authors: Landa Iñigo , Thornton Caitlin E.M. , Xu Bin , Haase Jacob , Krishnamoorthy Gnana P. , Hao Jingzhu , Knauf Jeffrey A. , Herbert Zachary T. , Martínez Paula , Blasco María A. , Ghossein Ronald , Fagin James A.
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Mutations in the promoter of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene are the paradigm of a cross-cancer alteration in a noncoding region. TERT promoter mutations (TPM) are biomarkers of poor prognosis in cancer, including thyroid tumors. TPMs enhance TERT transcription, which is otherwise silenced in adult tissues, thus reactivating a bona fide oncoprotein. To study TERT deregulation and its downstream consequences, we generated a Tert mutant promoter mouse model via CRISPR/Cas9 engineering of the murine equivalent locus (Tert−123C>T) and crossed it with thyroid-specific BrafV600E-mutant mice. We also employed an alternative model of Tert overexpression (K5-Tert). Whereas all BrafV600E animals developed well-differentiated papillary thyroid tumors, 29% and 36% of BrafV600E+Tert−123C>T and BrafV600E+K5-Tert mice progressed to poorly differentiated cancers at week 20, respectively. Tert-upregulated tumors showed increased mitosis and necrosis in areas of solid growth, and older animals displayed anaplastic-like features, that is, spindle cells and macrophage infiltration. Murine TPM increased Tert transcription in vitro and in vivo, but temporal and intratumoral heterogeneity was observed. RNA-sequencing of thyroid tumor cells showed that processes other than the canonical Tert-mediated telomere maintenance role operate in these specimens. Pathway analysis showed that MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling, as well as processes not previously associated with this tumor etiology, involving cytokine, and chemokine signaling, were overactivated. These models constitute useful preclinical tools to understand the cell-autonomous and microenvironment-related consequences of Tert-mediated progression in advanced thyroid cancers and other aggressive tumors carrying TPMs.
Implications:
Telomerase-driven cancer progression activates pathways that can be dissected and perhaps therapeutically exploited.
Data from Podoplanin Drives Amoeboid Invasion in Canine and Human Mucosal Melanoma
Authors: Shinada Masahiro , Kato Daiki , Motegi Tomoki , Tsuboi Masaya , Ikeda Namiko , Aoki Susumu , Iguchi Takaaki , Li Toshio , Kodera Yuka , Ota Ryosuke , Hashimoto Yuko , Takahashi Yosuke , Chambers James , Uchida Kazuyuki , Kato Yukinari , Nishimura Ryohei , Nakagawa Takayuki
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Mucosal melanoma metastasizes at an early stage of the disease in human and dog. We revealed that overexpression of podoplanin in tumor invasion fronts (IF) was related to poor prognosis of dogs with mucosal melanoma. Moreover, podoplanin expressed in canine mucosal melanoma cells promotes proliferation and aggressive amoeboid invasion by activating Rho-associated kinase (ROCK)-myosin light chain 2 (MLC2) signaling. PDPN-ROCK-MLC2 signaling plays a role in cell-cycle arrest and cellular senescence escape as a mechanism for regulating proliferation. Podoplanin induces amoeboid invasion in the IFs of mouse xenografted tumor tissues, similar to canine mucosal melanoma clinical samples. We further identified that podoplanin expression was related to poor prognosis of human patients with mucosal melanoma, and human mucosal melanoma with podoplanin-high expression enriched gene signatures related to amoeboid invasion, similar to canine mucosal melanoma. Overall, we propose that podoplanin promotes canine and human mucosal melanoma metastasis by inducing aggressive amoeboid invasion and naturally occurring canine mucosal melanoma can be a novel research model for podoplanin expressing human mucosal melanoma.
Implications:
Podoplanin could be a new therapeutic target to restrict the metastatic dissemination of canine and human mucosal melanoma.
Supplementary Table 6 from Integrative Prognostic Machine Learning Models in Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Hill Holly A. , Jain Preetesh , Ok Chi Young , Sasaki Koji , Chen Han , Wang Michael L. , Chen Ken
Published: August 2023

Univariate survival comparisons from features identified from XGBoost.
Data from Integrative Prognostic Machine Learning Models in Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Hill Holly A. , Jain Preetesh , Ok Chi Young , Sasaki Koji , Chen Han , Wang Michael L. , Chen Ken
Published: August 2023

Patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), an incurable B-cell malignancy, benefit from accurate pretreatment disease stratification. We curated an extensive database of 862 patients diagnosed between 2014 and 2022. A machine learning (ML) gradient-boosted model incorporated baseline features from clinicopathologic, cytogenetic, and genomic data with high predictive power discriminating between patients with indolent or responsive MCL and those with aggressive disease (AUC ROC = 0.83). In addition, we utilized the gradient-boosted framework as a robust feature selection method for multivariate logistic and survival modeling. The best ML models incorporated features from clinical and genomic data types highlighting the need for correlative molecular studies in precision oncology. As proof of concept, we launched our most accurate and practical models using an application interface, which has potential for clinical implementation. We designated the 20-feature ML model–based index the “integrative MIPI” or iMIPI and a similar 10-feature ML index the “integrative simplified MIPI” or iMIPI-s. The top 10 baseline prognostic features represented in the iMIPI-s are: lactase dehydrogenase (LDH), Ki-67%, platelet count, bone marrow involvement percentage, hemoglobin levels, the total number of observed somatic mutations, TP53 mutational status, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance level, beta-2 microglobulin, and morphology. Our findings emphasize that prognostic applications and indices should include molecular features, especially TP53 mutational status. This work demonstrates the clinical utility of complex ML models and provides further evidence for existing prognostic markers in MCL.
Significance:
Our model is the first to integrate a dynamic algorithm with multiple clinical and molecular features, allowing for accurate predictions of MCL disease outcomes in a large patient cohort.
A Case of Okur-Chung Neurodevelopmental Syndrome with a Novel, de novo Variant on the CSNK2A1 Gene in a Turkish Patient
Authors: Zhuri Drenushe , Dusenkalkan Fulya , Tunca Alparslan Guzin , Gurkan Hakan
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Okur-Chung neurodevelopmental syndrome (OCNDS; #617062) has been associated with heterozygous mutations in the CSNK2A1 gene (*115440) mapped on the chromosome’s 20p13 region. Case Presentation: The analysis was performed on a 2-year-old patient who was admitted to our genetic diseases evaluation center by his family with a complaint of hypotonia. We detected a heterozygous NM_177559.3 (CSNK2A1):c.1139_1140dupGG (p.Met381GlyfsTer32) variant in the CSNK2A1 gene from a whole-exome sequence analysis. Conclusion: The variant that we detected has not been reported in open-access databases to date, so it was evaluated as a novel likely pathogenic variant according to the ACMG-2015 criteria. No variant was detected upon segregation analysis of the patient’s parents; therefore, the related variant was evaluated as de novo. In this study, we offer the first report of a pathogenic frameshift variant in the CSNK2A1 gene that has a relationship with OCNDS.
Tradução e adaptação transcultural do Model Disability Survey (MDS) para o Brasil
Authors: Silva Érika Giovana Carvalho da , Castro Shamyr Sulyvan , Sabariego Carla , Monteiro Karolinne Souza , Lima Núbia Maria Freire Vieira
Published: August 2023

OBJETIVO: Traduzir e adaptar transculturalmente o Model Disability Survey (MDS), instrumento da Organização Mundial da Saúde que fornece informações abrangentes a respeito de deficiência/funcionalidade, para o Brasil. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo metodológico de corte transversal, realizado por meio de cinco etapas – tradução inicial, síntese das traduções, retrotradução, revisão por comitê de especialistas e pré-teste –, considerando propriedades como equivalência semântica, idiomática, experimental e conceitual. Para realização das etapas foram necessários tradutores, pesquisadores, equipe mediadora, profissionais da saúde, metodologista e especialista em idiomas. A análise estatística foi produzida a partir de frequências absolutas e relativas, medidas de tendência central e dispersão, testes de normalidade e índice de validade de conteúdo (IVC) > 0,80. RESULTADOS: O instrumento MDS apresenta 474 itens, o que gerou 1.896 análises de equivalências. Destes, 160 itens apresentaram IVC < 0,80 em pelo menos uma das quatro equivalências e necessitaram de ajustes. Após adequações e aprovação dos juízes, a versão pré-final seguiu para o pré-teste com 30 participantes, de quatro regiões do Nordeste brasileiro. Desta amostra, 83,3% são mulheres, solteiras, com idade média de 33,7 (DP 18,8) anos, autodeclaradas pretas ou pardas, trabalhadoras ativas, com escolaridade a partir do ensino técnico e que residiam com três moradores. O tempo médio das entrevistas foi de 123 minutos de duração. Foram mencionadas 127 condições de saúde, sendo as mais frequentes ansiedade e dores nas costas. As respostas foram analisadas e 63 itens foram citados como necessitando de algum ajuste, sendo dois destes encaminhados para análise pelo comitê por possuírem IVC < 0,80. O instrumento, manual e cartões de apresentação foram ajustados após um novo pré-teste. CONCLUSÕES: O MDS foi traduzido e adaptado transculturalmente para o português brasileiro e apresentou adequada validade de conteúdo.
Frieder Nake and the Ethics of Cold War Computer Art
Authors: Evans Cindy
Published: August 2023

In 1971, artist Frieder Nake denounced the production of computer art. Paradoxically, Nake, a pioneer of computer art, participated in groundbreaking exhibitions across Western and Eastern Europe in the 1960s. These shows blurred boundaries between artists and scientists to evaluate the viability of art as visual research for its aesthetic and social potential. This article reexamines Nake’s position in context, from his initial understanding of generative art’s redemptive political role and his later view post-1968, following revolutions that demonstrated computers’ entanglement with the North Atlantic capitalist military-corporate research complex.
Conceptual Bankruptcy in Comprehending and Addressing the Marine Resources Question in Tanzania: The Need for the Social Organisation
Authors: Ishengoma Nelson M.
Published: August 2023

According to the current World-Fish Centre’s estimates, all around the world, marine resources are experiencing a significant decline. Numerous political and technocratic remedies deployed to abate the problem have primarily been in vain. This analytical paper believes that this widely-acknowledged failure is due to their preoccupation with observable symptoms and not the processes and mechanisms upon which the phenomenon is elevated and resides. It is this conceptual deficiency and ill-conceptions that this paper is set to address. Therefore, the social organisation as a conceptual, diagnosing, and remedial framework is engaged and proposed in light of marine resource depletion in Tanzania. The paper argues that any intervention outside the prevailing socio-political and economic outfit (social organisation) is untenable.
Palaearctic willow-catkin sawflies: a revision of the amentorum species group of Euura (Hymenoptera, Tenthredinidae)
Authors: LISTON ANDREW , VIKBERG VELI , MUTANEN MARKO , NYMAN TOMMI , PROUS MARKO
Published: August 2023

The Euura amentorum species group is Holarctic, and in Europe it is most species-rich in the North. Their larvae develop entirely within the female catkins of Salix species: some species bore in the central stalk, whereas others live outside this and feed mainly on the developing seeds. Eight Palaearctic species are treated here as valid, and a key to these is provided. Males of five species are known. Two new species are described from northern Europe: Euura pohjola sp. n. and E. ursaminor sp. n. First records of E. itelmena (Malaise, 1931) from the West Palaearctic are presented. We propose seven new synonymies: Pontopristia montana Lindqvist, 1961 (junior secondary homonym in Euura) with Euura freyja (Liston, Taeger & Blank, 2009); Pontopristia brevilabris Malaise, 1921, Amauronematus fennicus Lindqvist, 1944, Pontopristia boreoalpina Lindqvist, 1961, Pontopristia punctulata Lindqvist, 1961, and Amauronematus pyrenaeus Lacourt, 1995 with Euura microphyes (Förster, 1854); and Pteronidea holmgreni Lindqvist, 1968 with Nematus umbratus Thomson, 1871. Lectotypes are designated for: Amauronematus fennicus Lindqvist, 1944, Nematus amentorum Förster, 1854, Nematus suavis Ruthe, 1859, Pontopristia brevilabris Malaise, 1921, Pontopristia itelmena Malaise, 1931, Pontopristia kamtchatica Malaise, 1931, Pontopristia lapponica Malaise, 1921, Pontopristia latiserra Malaise, 1921, Pontopristia romani Malaise, 1921, and Pristiphora amentorum var. nigripleuris Enslin, 1916. Many new host plant associations are recorded.
A New Species of Nazeris Fauvel from Guangdong, China (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae)
Authors: SUN WANWAN , JIANG FEIYAN , GUO JINGJING , ZHANG TIANXIN , LIU ZHIPING
Published: August 2023

A new species, Nazeris qilinshanensis Guo, Liu & Sun sp. nov. from Qilinshan, Guangdong province is described and illustrated. The external morphological characteristics and genitalia of the new species are described in detail and illustrated. The complete mitochondrial genome of N. qilinshanensis was sequenced and placed in a phylogenetic context. Phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial genomes showed that N. qilinshanensis forms a clade with Astenus lyonessius (Joy, 1908), within Lathrobiini.
The first species of Eutheimorphus Franz & Löbl in Thailand (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: August 2023

Up to date, Eutheimorphus Franz & Löbl included a sole species known from a holotype male collected in Sabah, Borneo. An occurrence of this enigmatic and extremely rare genus in Thailand is reported, and Eutheimorphus thailandicus sp. n. is described. Among diagnostic characters are unique grooves on the head and a symmetrical (in contrast to strongly asymmetrical in E. paradoxus Franz & Löbl) set of endophallic sclerites.
The Mean Wind and Potential Temperature Flux Profiles in Convective Boundary Layers
Authors: Liu Luoqin , Gadde Srinidhi N. , Stevens Richard J. A. M.
Published: August 2023

We develop innovative analytical expressions for the mean wind and potential temperature flux profiles in convective boundary layers (CBLs). CBLs are frequently observed during daytime as Earth’s surface is warmed by solar radiation. Therefore, their modeling is relevant for weather forecasting, climate modeling, and wind energy applications. For CBLs in the convective-roll-dominated regime, the mean velocity and potential temperature in the bulk region of the mixed layer are approximately uniform. We propose an analytical expression for the normalized potential temperature flux profile as a function of height, using a perturbation method approach in which we employ the horizontally homogeneous and quasi-stationary characteristics of the surface and inversion layers. The velocity profile in the mixed layer and the entrainment zone is constructed based on insights obtained from the proposed potential temperature flux profile and the convective logarithmic friction law. Combining this with the well-known Monin–Obukhov similarity theory allows us to capture the velocity profile over the entire boundary layer height. The proposed profiles agree excellently with large-eddy simulation results over the range of −L/z0 ∈ [3.6 × 102, 0.7 × 105], where L is the Obukhov length and z0 is the roughness length.
Using Object-Based Verification to Assess Improvements in Forecasts of Convective Storms between Operational HRRR Versions 3 and 4
Authors: Duda Jeffrey D. , Turner David D.
Published: August 2023

The object-based verification procedure described in a recent paper by Duda and Turner was expanded herein to compare forecasts of composite reflectivity and 6-h precipitation objects between the two most recent operational versions of the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) model, versions 3 and 4, over an expanded set of warm season cases in 2019 and 2020. In addition to analyzing all objects, a reduced set of forecast–observation object pairs was constructed by taking the best forecast match to a given observation object for the purposes of bias-reduction and unequivocal object comparison. Despite the apparent signal of improved scalar metrics such as the object-based threat score in HRRRv4 compared to HRRRv3, no statistically significant differences were found between the models. Nonetheless, many object attribute comparisons revealed indications of improved forecast performance in HRRRv4 compared to HRRRv3. For example, HRRRv4 had a reduced overforecasting bias for medium- and large-sized reflectivity objects, and all objects during the afternoon. HRRRv4 also better replicated the distribution of object complexity and aspect ratio. Results for 6-h precipitation also suggested superior performance in HRRRv4 over HRRRv3. However, HRRRv4 was worse with centroid displacement errors and more severely overforecast objects with a high maximum precipitation amount. Overall, this exercise revealed multiple forecast deficiencies in the HRRR, which enables developers to direct development efforts on detailed and specific endeavors to improve model forecasts.

Significance Statement

This work builds upon the authors’ prior work in assessing model forecast quality using an alternative verification method—object-based verification. In this paper we verified two versions of the same model (one an upgrade from the other) that were making forecasts covering the same time window, using the object-based verification method. We found that the updated model was not statistically significantly better, although there were indications it performed better in certain aspects such as capturing the change in the number of storms during the daytime. We were able to identify specific problem areas in the models, which helps us direct model developers in their efforts to further improve the model.
Bivalent Hegemony: How Hindu Nationalists Appeal to Caste-Oppressed People in Communist-Ruled Kerala
Authors: Agarwal Samantha
Published: August 2023

A recent trend has confounded observers of India's political system. Dalits—a population that has historically been deprived of vital resources and socially ostracized by upper-caste Hindus—have increasingly given their vote to the Hindu nationalist movement led by the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). Why have some members of India's most marginalized caste come to support a party that has preserved caste hierarchies and catered to the socially dominant sections of society? This article explores this question through the case of Kerala, where Dalit support for the BJP is additionally perplexing given the state's history of left-led governments that have implemented far-reaching redistributive reforms that greatly benefited Dalits. Nevertheless, in recent years the Hindu nationalists have made significant inroads among Kerala's Dalit population. Drawing on two hundred interviews and eight months of ethnography, this article identifies two major factors driving Dalits’ defection to the BJP. The first is linked to the communist parties' (CPs’) agricultural land redistribution program which, despite being the most ambitious of its kind in modern India, excluded the majority of Dalits and reinscribed caste hierarchies. The second factor is the cultural discrimination Dalits face while working in the CPs, including being grossly underrepresented in the party leadership. The BJP exploits these grievances by providing representation to Dalit cadres who are embedded in strategic majority-Dalit neighborhoods. These cadres win popular support through welfare brokering and also by constructing a new narrative that portrays the CPs as casteist and the BJP as a more socially just alternative for Kerala's Dalits. This article makes sense of these findings by drawing on Nancy Fraser's concept of bivalent oppression to advance a novel Gramscian theory of “bivalent hegemony.”
Extensions to the theorems of Pappus to determine the centroids of solids and surfaces of revolution
Authors: Cloete Trevor John
Published: August 2023

Extensions to the first and second theorems of Pappus are presented, whereby the centroid of a surface or solid of revolution can be determined using only the geometric properties of the generating plane curve or figure and the arc of revolution. The derivations are well suited to first-year-level courses in mathematics and engineering. From a didactic perspective, the resulting formulas are simple to apply, especially since the required geometric properties are typically available in standard tables of plane sections or relatively routine to derive. Furthermore, the formulas provide a general scaffold for students to attempt problems involving axisymmetric bodies while also reinforcing and embedding their knowledge of the properties of the generating plane shapes. A selection of illustrative problems is discussed that are generally regarded to be challenging for introductory mechanics courses but for which the formulas derived in this article provide straightforward solutions.
Examining the Psychometric Properties of the Motivational Scale of Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire for English Learning Among Chinese Secondary Students
Authors: Gan Zhengdong , Yuan Zheng , Schumacker Randall
Published: August 2023

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Motivational scale of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire in a sample of 656 Chinese secondary students in an English learning context. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis results suggested that a five-factor motivational structure fit the data better as opposed to the original six-factor motivational model reported by Pintrich and his colleagues. Reliability coefficients of these five motivational subscales (i.e., intrinsic value, extrinsic goal orientation, control of learning beliefs, self-efficacy for learning and performance , and test anxiety) were in the adequate to good range. All motivational subscales except test anxiety were positively correlated with metacognitive regulation and/or students’ self-rated English proficiency. The second-order CFA further provided empirical evidence to consider a common and broad motivational factor that can be inferred from the five subscales.
Imaging application of an MMP2-sensitive tumor-targeted prussian blue fluorescent nanoprobe
Authors: Zhou Xinglu , Zhang Changmei , Zhou Qiquan , Liang Jian , Zhang Xiaoyan , Shi Yujie , Zhu Jingna , Zhong Lei
Published: August 2023

In recent years, the application of nanoimaging technology on standardize tumor diagnosis has become a new research hotspot, especially nanoprobes. Our research group has synthesized a kind of nanocarrier, mPEG2000-GPLGIAGQ-DSPE, which has the characteristic of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) sensitive ability in tumor microenvironment. Meanwhile, the encapsulation method is adopted to prepare MMP2-sensitive tumor-targeted prussian blue fluorescent nanoprobe with mPEG2000-GPLGIAGQ-DSPE as the carrier. On the one hand, this novel nanoprobe not only can effectively improve the solubility of prussian blue, but is non-toxic and safe for cells. On the other hand, octapeptide (GPLGIAGQ) in mPEG2000-GPLGIAGQ-DSPE nanocarrier can specifically respond to MMP2 in tumor cells to release prussian blue, and achieve targeted intelligent imaging of tumor cells.
Towards smart tightening in aeronautical assemblies
Authors: Foissac Charly , Daidie Alain , Segonds Stéphane , Chirol Clément
Published: August 2023

Exogenous disturbances, the tolerances of bolted joints, and the large number of possible combinations and configurations make it difficult to control the preload in bolted joints. Direct measurement of joint preload is not possible without calling upon laboratory testing or instrumented fasteners. The objective of smart tightening would be to compensate for the current dispersions by detecting events occurring during the tightening process that have an impact on the final value of the preload. Since the number of possible parameters, such as coating or diameter, to be considered in the selection of a bolted joint is large, this article focuses on a precise list of the main parameters characteristic of a bolted joint and the major dispersions they induce. It is first shown that dispersions in the joint parameters interfere with the evaluation of the torque and should be limited, in order to reduce the uncertainty of the preload in the joint. It is then shown that the contact torque and the tightening coefficient are key parameters for controlling the preload installed in the coupling. To detect the contact torque and tightening coefficient, a method based on real-time measurable data obtained with an instrumented screwdriver is also presented. Thus, the smart tightening method proposed in this article guarantees better respect of the preload target and limits the risks of over or under torque.
Analysis of lubricating characteristics of high-pressure radial piston pump with thermo-elastohydrodynamic coupling
Authors: Yan Kanghao , Huang Dan
Published: August 2023

The behavior of piston-cylinder interfaces takes important influences on lubricating characteristics of the high-pressure piston pump. For the sake of revealing the lubricating characteristics of radial piston pumps, a transient thermo-elastohydrodynamic lubrication model to analyze the interface between piston and cylinder is established with considering the effects of the bushing elastic deformation, viscosity-temperature-pressure, heat conduction and piston tilting, on the basis of coupling the finite element method and finite difference method. Furthermore, the influences of design parameters (camshaft speed, inlet pressure and average clearance) on the load carrying capacity, leakage, viscous friction, and temperature rise of the friction-pair interfaces are analyzed. The results indicate that the average clearance has the most significant influence on the lubrication performance. Increasing the average clearance from 2 to 6 μm resulted in a substantial decrease in load carrying capacity by approximately 50% and friction force by approximately 65%. The temperature rise showed a significant reduction of 55%, while the leakage increased by approximately 3-fold.
Performance and exhaust emission characteristics of a CI engine fuelled with diesel-biodiesel-methane-nitromethane
Authors: Alam Md Ashfaque , Prasad Anil Kumar
Published: August 2023

In reaction to the rising expense of fossil fuels and the rise in the number of pollutants in the environment, professionals are searching for alternative, renewable fuels in order to improve the efficiency of internal combustion engines and decrease the emissions that they create. This is being done in order to improve the efficiency of internal combustion engines and reduce the emissions that they produce. This study was conducted with the intention of determining whether or not alternative fuels, such as mixtures of biodiesel, methanol, and nitro-methane, could be able to effectively replace traditional diesel in an internal combustion engine (1200 r/min to 2100 r/min). Increasing the speed of the engine was helpful in achieving the desired goal of producing a more consistent combustion product. It is possible that the indicator thermal efficiency and economic performance might be improved by increasing both the number of rotations per minute and the number of nitromethane blends that are introduced into the cylinder. It has been shown that the nitro-methane approach has tremendous promise for reducing NOx emissions. However, higher rotations per minute proved beneficial for increasing the pressure and temperature within the cylinders. At a speed of 1500 r/min, this particular engine reached its optimal compression ratio of 18:1. The ratio of nitromethane impact on NOx emissions reached 10%, and the factor that had the most influence on smoke emission for NM3 (85.0% diesel, 10.0% biodiesel, 2.0% methanol, and 3.0% nitromethane) was the engine running condition.
Are People Generous When the Financial Stakes Are High?
Authors: Dwyer Ryan J. , Brady William J. , Anderson Chris , Dunn Elizabeth W.
Published: August 2023

How generous are people when making consequential financial decisions in the real world? We took advantage of a rare opportunity to examine generosity among a diverse sample of adults who received a gift of U.S. $10,000 from a pair of wealthy donors, with nearly no strings attached. Two-hundred participants were drawn from three low-income countries (Indonesia, Brazil, and Kenya) and four high-income countries (Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States) as part of a preregistered study. On average, participants spent over $6,400 on purchases that benefited others, including nearly $1,700 on donations to charity, suggesting that humans exhibit remarkable generosity even when the stakes are high. To address whether generosity was driven by reputational concerns, we asked half the participants to share their spending decisions publicly on Twitter, whereas the other half were asked to keep their spending private. Generous spending was similar between the groups, in contrast to our preregistered hypothesis that enhancing reputational concerns would increase generosity.
Planning, ethics and infrastructural time
Authors: Durrant Daniel , Saxe Shoshanna , Siemiatycki Matti , Dean Marco
Published: August 2023

This paper shows how different properties of time and their ethical implications are reflected in the framing of debates around planning and the perceived problem of delay in the delivery of infrastructure. We examine the way in which plans can take the form of ‘time maps’ that are linear projections of a series of events. This can lead to assumptions that desired futures can only be achieved if the actions that constitute events are performed correctly often coupled with a moral imperative to such performances. It also reflects an orientation towards a more closed view of time that emphasises the significance of ordering such events within a series. This contrasts with a second, more open conception that emphasises the changing, flowing experience of time. Alfred Gell describes these interconnected perspectives as the A- and B-series qualities of time both of which are thick with ethical entanglements. Thus, we use these to set out a framework that applies deontological and consequentialist ethics to the A- and B-series and the tension between delivery and deliberation that exists in infrastructure planning policy to show how different perspectives on time raise different ethical questions.
Detecting the temporal trend of cultivated soil organic carbon content using visible near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Zayani Hayfa , Fouad Youssef , Michot Didier , Kassouk Zeineb , Lili-Chabaane Zohra , Walter Christian
Published: August 2023

Monitoring changes in soil properties is essential to ensure ecosystem function and agricultural productivity. This study evaluated the ability of visible near infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy to detect the temporal trend in soil organic carbon (SOC) content after 5 years in a 12 km2 agricultural catchment in western France. Partial least squares regression models were developed using soil samples from a local dataset collected in 2013 at two depths (198 samples at 0–15 cm and 196 samples at 15–25 cm) to predict SOC content of 111 new samples collected in 2018 at the same locations and at similar depths (0–15 cm and 15–25 cm). Two approaches, which differed in whether or not they considered the SOC content variability that can result from collecting soil samples at two depths, were applied. For both approaches, the potential benefit of “temporal spiking” was evaluated by adding 10% of 2018 samples to the 2013 dataset. The results showed that removing outliers and stratifying the calibration dataset by depth yielded the highest accuracy, with SOC RMSEP of 4.1 and 2.7 g.kg−1 for 0–15 and 15–25 cm, respectively. Moreover, temporal spiking improved five of eight predictions (stratifying or not the calibration dataset by depth, removing or not poorly predicted outliers), with increases in the ratio of performance to deviation of 0.10–0.44. Furthermore, comparing observed and predicted changes in SOC content showed that Vis-NIR spectroscopy estimated its trend over time in most cases.
Employment policy for a just transition – the example of Germany
Authors: Bosch Gerhard
Published: August 2023

The green transformation and Industry 4.0 are associated with considerable risks for workers in countries with dual labour markets such as Germany. The biggest risks are wage losses due to the involuntary transition into the precarious secondary labour market and insufficient education and training for the new ‘green’ jobs. Institutional reforms are necessary for a ‘just transition’. The ongoing reforms in Germany in education and training and wage setting show that the transition is a critical juncture in which new stakeholder constellations have the opportunity for non-path-dependent changes from a dual to an inclusive employment system with better work. The approaches adopted in recent German reforms are of overarching interest. Featuring the strongest manufacturing base in Europe, Germany is under particularly high pressure to fully embrace the green transformation and digitalisation. The country has learned from other countries and, conversely, can perhaps also help trigger a just transition in other countries.
Generalizing parametrization invariance in the calculus of variations
Authors: Dharmavaram Sanjay , Sharma Basant Lal
Published: August 2023

We revisit the notion of parametrization invariance while introducing certain weakened notions of invariance in the calculus of variations. In this work, we employ a straightforward approach in the classical setting and mostly restrict attention to functionals on one-dimensional domains. We establish a connection between parametrization invariant functionals and functionals embodying a weaker notion of invariance of their Lagrangian; we term this notion as [Formula: see text]- Lagrangian analogous to the well-known idea of null Lagrangian. However, the Euler–Lagrange operator of a [Formula: see text]-Lagrangian vanishes only along the tangential direction in the configuration space. On one-dimensional domain and for first- and second-order theories, we show that functional described by such a Lagrangian is necessarily a parametrization invariant functional modulo null Lagrangian. Keeping the motivation for partial differential equations, we also introduce and explore the notion of [Formula: see text]- Lagrangian, with an invariance complementary to the case of [Formula: see text]- Lagrangian, whose Euler–Lagrange operator vanishes along normal directions. We find that in a one-dimensional setting, every [Formula: see text]-Lagrangian is simply a null Lagrangian.
Understanding who benefits most from cognitive rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis: A secondary data analysis
Authors: Taylor LA , Mhizha-Murira JR , Law G , Evangelou N , das Nair R
Published: August 2023

Background:

Up to 70% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience cognitive difficulties. Cognitive rehabilitation is a type of therapy that helps manage cognitive problems.

Objective:

The Cognitive Rehabilitation for Attention and Memory in MS (CRAMMS) trial showed some evidence of effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation in improving cognitive function, with some participants benefitting more than others. We therefore conducted a secondary analysis of the CRAMMS data to understand who benefits most.

Methods:

We grouped baseline data into four categories of possible predictors. We used regression models to identify specific factors/characteristics that could predict the likelihood that an individual will benefit from cognitive rehabilitation.

Results:

The models predicted whether a participant improved or did not improve in neuropsychological function following cognitive rehabilitation in up to 86% of participants. Results suggest that younger participants with medium to high education, diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) who have not experienced any recent relapses, with mild to moderate cognitive difficulties were most likely to benefit from cognitive rehabilitation.

Conclusion:

We can predict which participants are most likely to demonstrate significant improvements in neuropsychological function following group-based cognitive rehabilitation. Clinically, this allows us to optimise limited neuropsychology resources by offering such cognitive rehabilitation to those most likely to benefit.
The effects of the Jigsaw method on students’ physical activity in physical education: The role of student sex and habituation
Authors: Cochon Drouet Océane , Margas Nicolas , Cece Valérian , Lentillon-Kaestner Vanessa
Published: August 2023

Jigsaw is an attractive cooperative method for implementing physical education (PE). However, Jigsaw is a demanding method for students and teachers and requires time. Thus, the time required for the implementation of Jigsaw is important with respect to its potential effects on students. Previous findings regarding the effects of Jigsaw on students’ learning in the educational field have been inconsistent, and the consequences of the method on students’ engagement remain understudied. In PE, differences between boys and girls are well known, notably with respect to their engagement in physical activity (PA). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Jigsaw on moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) in PE classes in light of student sex and habituation (through one sequence and during several sequences). Overall, 254 secondary school students participated in the study. MVPA was measured during the third and sixth lessons of three different PE sequences during a school year. Linear mixed model analyses were performed while controlling for the type of activity taught in PE and the class. The results showed that the Jigsaw condition was associated with smaller sex differences than the control condition. Moreover, differences between the two conditions decreased with habituation through one sequence in favor of Jigsaw but not through three sequences. The results suggest that Jigsaw could be used to reduce inequalities between girls and boys in PE and that long sequences based on a specific activity seem to be preferable to successive sequences involving various activities.